A homeowner can improve the home’s curb appeal and save money in the process. Before you start, the most exciting and important part is to take a “before” photo. You will be surprised once you see how your plants can change and grow.

• Plan your bedding on paper. This can come in handy when you buy and place your plants;
• Make a note of how much sun the specific area get and where does the area face;
• Discuss the plants you have in mind with the local nursery. They can tell you which plants will thrive in this area;
• Drive through your neighborhood and get ideas from other gardens;
• Visit more than one nursery and look around for ideas;
• Decide what is the focal point of your garden;
• Play around with flower of different colors e.g. azaleas, daffodils, hydrangea, roses and many more;
• Make sure to read the tags when you buy plants;
• Allow enough space for your plants. We sometimes forget that the little plants grow big. If the tag tells you the plant will grow 2 meters, allow the space;
• When buying the plants for the landscape ensure they are native to the climate and location;
• Make sure that the soil is right for the plants and know when to water the plants. Some plants need watering more often than others.
• Read the planting instructions and follow the directions when you start planting.

Your landscape can be time consuming at first, but the reward will be great. The landscape will give your home a new curb appeal which can add to the value of the property. Plan your garden with care. Remember to take some “after” photos. You will be so proud of what you accomplished.

CREATE A NEW FRONT YARD is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Lending costs are about to increase. The government proposed tightening lending standards, which created quite a stir. The Quality Residential Mortgage (QRM) feels strongly that standards must be raised. It will cost a home buyer more to borrow in order to buy a home.

The J.P. Morgan brand is used by the investment banking as well as the asset management, private banking, private wealth management and treasury & securities services divisions. J. P. Morgan issued a complete study called the Report on Securitized Products. According to this research mortgage rates could increase by 3%.  J.P. Morgan said: “…in this new world of higher capital requirements, mortgage rates would need to rise by more than 300 basis points (3%) from current levels…” He also added that the banks could be satisfied with a smaller return.  He said: “This is not to say that the new capital requirements will necessarily drive interest rates 3% higher…the mortgage rate impact could be anywhere from 1% to 3% higher.”

If one assumes that the interest rates can increase by 2%, it would bring the rate to 6.5%. Due to an increased interest rate of 2%, a mortgagor will pay $90,200 more on a mortgage of $200,000 over a period of 30 years.

Many potential home buyers are struggling to qualify for home loans due to the tightening of lending standards. It is difficult to take advantage of the low interest rates and low home prices. To prove sufficient income and steady employment became more demanding. Small bank account deposits and new credit cards have to be explained and assets must be verified. Tight home loan credit affects home sales as well as household finances. In future it will be a challenge to obtain a home loan as the standards to qualify for such a loan are about to tighten even more.

DO NOT WASTE TIME IF YOU WANT TO BUY A HOME is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

When a seller and a buyer come to an agreement a “purchase and sale” contract outline the terms and conditions involving the finances and the property. The very fundamental function of the contract is to state that the seller is selling the house and the purchaser wants to own the house. The basic information that the agreement contains is buyer and seller details as well as the property description. The agreement specifies the financial terms agreed upon e.g. down payment, real estate commissions and the loan amount. This document is where the parties state that the seller can sell the property and the property can be transferred to the buyer.

It is possible that the seller can exclude a certain item from the sale e.g. an old chandelier that has been in the family for decades. The parties can negotiate the option of the seller replacing the chandelier with a standard light fixture. This must be in writing on the contract. It is good to be very specific about what is included and what is excluded when entering into an agreement. Usually all personal property that is not attached to the immovable property is excluded. This can be kitchen equipment, furniture, clothing, art and ornaments. The categories for included or excluded items are:

• Fixtures: These are the objects that are included in the sale without mentioning it on the agreement e.g. doors, the roof, flooring, bathroom rails and mirrors that are affixed.
• Chattels: This is the property that is not attached to the property e.g. ornaments, furniture and all personal belongings. Garden ornaments and/or features can be included in the sale. Make sure it is clearly stated in writing.

Buying a home is exciting. An eager seller can promise that some of the ornaments or garden features are included. Promises in some cases are easily forgotten once you start packing and cleaning up. It is always better to have it in writing and let your Real Estate Agent assist you.

GET WHAT WAS AGREED UPON is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Brace yourself for these great events coming soon to Nashville:

• From the third week of November through Christmas week, Gaylord Opryland Hotel is host to “A Country Christmas” which includes viewing their spectacular holiday lights, Louise Mandrel Christmas Dinner Party, Radio City Rocket’s Christmas Spectacular, and ICE! Taking a General Jackson Holiday Cruise and browsing through the Treasures for the Holidays Craft Show. It is four weeks of non-stop holiday fun!
• Nearly 2 million Christmas Lights and Nativities draw visitors from near and far to see this annual spectacular site of Nashville Christmas Lights. Viewing the magnificent display is an annual tradition among locals and another favorite add on is taking a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride (Magnolia Portico) to enjoy the decorations and lights even more.
• The Ryman Auditorium on the 23^rd of November.  Kid Rock Tickets are available now!
• The Ryman Auditorium on the 26^th of November. Grand Ole Opry with Keith Urban.
• The Ryman Auditorium on the 27^th of November. Daniel Toshmight possibly be the most offensive.comedian in the business today; which hasn’t stopped him from having one of the most popular shows on Comedy Central, or selling out stand-up concert dates around the country. While his television show is full of hilarious jokes making fun of nearly every race, sexual orientation, species, religion, occupation, age group, social issue, and government on the planet, his stand-up focuses on every day issues that most people won’t admit to thinking about. With the third season of Tosh.0 in full swing, Daniel Tosh has a number of tour dates in 2011 on the Tosh Tour on Ice.

A great book to help us deal with complaints: In his book, Gary vay.ner.chuk , Gary makes the strong case that our culture has reverted back to a similar relationship oriented society that our grandparents would recognize – one of politeness, civility and caring. A society where there is nowhere to hide if you upset a customer or a client.… or in very recent case of a law suit brought over real estate zebra stripes,  how our society can quickly take sides becoming an ad hoc judge and jury. Examples from: Virtual in; AgentGenis and Tech Savvy, feelings and ego’s got bruised in some discussions see Inman among the many who had opinions and weren’t afraid to share them. Daniel has graciously offered to settle rather than waste time and energy and in doing so won the higher ground of public sentiment. The lesson here is you must look at the big picture before you react to a complaint or negative feedback – that’s where Gary’s book will help you understand just how powerful this Web 2.0 really is!

SIX WEEKS AND FIVE DAYS TO GO! is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Each year a new wave of first time home buyers hits the trail in search of their humble abode. Eager buyers must understand the true value of home ownership. There are advantages to buying a home and there is the matter of timing, which can have a lot to do with the housing market and related financing programs.
What to consider when deciding on buying a home vs. renting according to an article by Dr Sharon L Bender

• Buying a home means garnering equity, if the owner keeps the house long enough to overcome the initial cost of its purchase, that is. That can be one of the most surprising matters associated with home ownership.
• Buying a home brings a sense of pride and accomplishment. Buying a home is also an opportunity to express more freely your personal taste, as long as the neighbours don’t have to view your idea of a decent-looking sculpture in your front yard every time they pull out of their driveway. Not only is there more freedom with home ownership, but there is likely more space than one would find in a rented apartment.
• Buying a home brings a realization that you are part of a more permanent community in which you might be a contributor to the well being of others around you. In a rented home or apartment one might feel less involved and temporary when we humans tend to be territorial, inherently needing to claim a piece of ground as our own with its sense of permanence. We think about raising children and providing them with “roots” that grow in a yard rather than on a crowded balcony.
• When owning a home, each monthly payment is like putting money into a savings account rather than giving it to the landlord when renting. Each time the mortgage is paid a percentage goes toward your “equity.” This is indeed like having money in the bank as it is something you can draw upon later if needed. Whereas rental rates increase yearly, the principle on your mortgage is going down with each payment. Plus as the housing market grows, so do the valuations of homes.

Buying a home brings a sense of accomplishment, but “nothing happens unless first a dream!”

Nothing happens unless first a dream… is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Famous quote by Dr. Seuss: Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.  There is so much to do and to remember when you move to another home. Questions to ask will be:

• Did I change my Council Tax details? Notify the Council what date you are moving out of your old property and when you will be moving into your new one. This will ensure that the Council bills you correctly.
• If you receive benefits, have you told your benefit provider?
• Do you need a new doctor or dentist? You may need to register with a new doctor’s surgery or dentist.
• Have you redirected your post to your new address?
• Have you told the utility providers?
• Have you updated your driving license and vehicle registration documentation?
• Have you updated your details on the Electoral Register?
• Your TV license will only cover your current home, so you need to transfer it to your new address.

Information to obtain on your new area will be:

• future planning developments
• council tax bands and charges
• local jobs and careers information
• school admission information
• local parks and recreation areas
• sports facilities
• arts and leisure events and facilities
• facilities for young people

Music City  will give you all the information on Nashville attractions, from the Parthenon , the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium to Nashville Farmers Market.

Nashville Shores features fall packages that includes:

Smile, because it happened! is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

RE/MAX VOTED NUMBER 1 BY TENNESSEE READERS – Readers of the Greater Nashville House & Home & Garden magazine have voted RE/MAX of Tennessee as their favorite Realty Company for 2010.

Nashville, Tennessee

The prize is awarded following a ballot of readers.

Bob C. Sutton, Regional Director and Vice President of RE/MAX of Kentucky/Tennessee Inc said: “We could not be more proud of our RE/MAX Offices. RE/MAX Broker/Owners and Sales are the most experienced and educated professionals in the industry.” 

“Their dedication to providing exceptional service and expertise allows them to continue to produce outstanding results.  We congratulate them on this award and are extremely happy that consumers recognize the value of dealing with an experienced RE/MAX Professional” he added.

RE/MAX has a thriving network of 69 offices all across Tennessee and continues to look for new ways to serve Tennessee Home Buyers.

RE/MAX of Tennessee voted Number 1 is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

10 Most Desirable Features in New Homes

A new RISMedia article by Steve Kerch (“Top 10 Must-Have Features in Today’s New Homes”) summarizes consumer reports recently released at the National Association of Home Builders Show. One survey, by AVID Ratings Co., solicited home buyer preferences, revealing “10 ‘must’ features in new homes”:

1. Large kitchens, with an island
2. Granite countertops
3. Energy-efficient appliances, high-efficiency insulation and high window efficiency
4. Home office/study
5. Main-floor master suite
6. Outdoor living room
7. Master suite soaker tubs
8. Stone and brick exteriors
9. Community landscaping, with walking paths and playgrounds
10. Two-car garages

It’s an interesting article, worth reading in its entirety, HERE.

Must-Have Features in New Nashville TN Homes is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

According to the National Assoc. of Home Builders, 59% of Builders are downsizing. They are building smaller, ‘greener’ homes. Watch the following video for more details…

Builders Downsize the Dream Home JoAnne Staler Nashville REALTOR is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

October 2008

	Closings	Median Price	Average Price	DOM
Residential	195	$      362,350	$        440,270	80
Condominium	18	$      232,250	$        228,173	98

October 2007

	Closings	Median Price	Average Price	DOM
Residential	256	$      385,225	$       451,472	58
Condominium	33	$      197,655	$       231,030	53

October 2006

	Closings	Median Price	Average Price	DOM
Residential	427	$      375,000	$        455,567	51
Condominium	58	$      185,500	$        205,317	40

October 2005

	Closings	Median Price	Average Price	DOM
Residential	412	$      285,000	$        363,267	53
Condominium	36	$      139,845	$        163,679	47

 For additional information on Home Sales in Williamson County Tennessee contact JoAnne Staler, Williamson County  REALTOR with Rochford Realty & Construction Company.  JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to buyers and sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Williamson County, Green Hills, Belle Meade, Bellevue, Forest Hills, Oak Hill, Vanderbilt, Belmont, Midtown Nashville, Downtown Nashville, Historic Areas, Spring Hill, and Thompson Station Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Williamson County Tennessee, let a Top Selling Williamson County Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Williamson County Tennessee MLS visit www.JoAnneStaler.com.

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Williamson County Tennessee Home Sale Statistics October 2008 JoAnne Staler REALTOR is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate