With the current economy a lot of potential home buyers are looking at the prospects of finding the cheapest place to live. The east and west coast areas are more expensive considering living costs and home prices. The most affordable and even cheap areas to live in can be found in the mid-western states. The mid-west areas are beautiful and rich in culture. The cheapest cities in the United States can be places like Nebraska, Michigan, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Ohio, Minnesota, Cleveland, Oklahoma and St. Paul. These are just some of the cheapest places to live.

In most of these cities an average mortgage can vary from $150,000 and more. The rental properties range from $400 and up for a standard apartment of two bedrooms. It is true that the average salaries here are not as high as in other parts of the country, but living costs in the mid-west are far lower.  As Forbes writer Francesca Levy points out: “Just because you can get by on the cheap doesn’t mean these places are backwaters.” One can add that some of the most expensive cities in the world are not necessarily the best places to live in.

“Cheapest Places to Live “top ten list offers some great places to live in. Nashville, Tennessee is listed in the 5^th place. Most Americans consider Nashville as a great place to live in and even to stay there for a holiday. This music city is certainly a top spot for American culture and entertainment. Austin, Texas in 10th place is a popular place to live in. Austin has become one of the nations leading hot spots for the high-tech industry so not only is the cost of living low – the job prospects are great and getting better every day.

To find a “cheaper” place is ideal for retirement, first time homebuyers, anyone who has a tight budget or who wants to live financially more comfortable on an average income.

AFFORDABLE PLACES TO LIVE 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

Top 10 Ways to Beat the Sluggish Housing Market-Tips for Nashville Home Sellers and Home Buyers is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

An article by Patrick Rucker WASHINGTON (Reuters) reports sales of previously owned U.S. homes rose 5.5 percent last month, the biggest gain since July 2003, and the inventory of unsold homes fell, a hopeful sign for the housing market. The article also states that The National Association of Realtors said on Friday that sales of existing homes rose to a 5.18 million-unit annual rate from the 4.91 million unit pace set in August.

Economists had expected sales to rise to only a 4.93 million unit rate. It was the first time the sales pace had risen above its year ago level in nearly three years, a sign the market could be stabilizing. The surprisingly large jump in sales pushed the inventory of unsold homes down by 1.6 percent to 4.27 million, or a 9.9 months’ supply at the current pace, the lowest since February. “We’re not out of the woods yet by any means when it comes to falling house prices and our fundamental problem of an oversupply of homes, but we’re getting near to the bottom every day,” said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino. Home prices, however, showed no signs of escaping their long, deep slide and economists said the number of homes on the market would likely have to fall further before they do. The median national home price declined 9 percent from a year ago to $191,600, the lowest level since April 2004. “As the median price continues to decline, seeking out that new equilibrium level, demand is — slowly and hesitantly — moving back into the market,” said Lindsey Piegza, an economic analyst at FTN Financial in New York. A Reuters poll taken October 21-24 found economists expect prices to continue to fall through next year. The median forecast from the survey was for a 15 percent drop this year and a 6.4 percent fall in 2009. Economists expect prices to turn up in 2010, but by a meager 1 percent. ‘VULTURE INVESTORS’ Rising U.S. mortgage defaults have sent credit markets into a tailspin, threatening economies worldwide. A majority of economists polled said finding a floor for house prices is an essential condition for ending the financial crisis. In order for prices to recover, the glut of unsold homes needs to be whittled down further, analysts said. “Most, if not all, the rise in sales is due to vulture investors buying cheap foreclosed homes, but all sales reduce inventory,” said Ian Shepherdson, the chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics in Valhalla, New York. “If this continues, people will stop expecting further price falls and activity will start to recover.” Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the Realtors’ trade group, also pointed to a rise in foreclosure and other ‘distress’ sales in regions hard-hit by the housing downturn. “In some regions, the lower prices are seeing buyers return to the marketplace,” he said. “This was a nice jump and hopefully this trend can continue because the first step to stabilizing the market is an increase in home sales.”

Sales jumped 16.8 percent in the West, while rising 4.4 percent in the Midwest and 2.2 percent in the South. In the Northeast, sales fell 1.2 percent. Sales of single-family homes, which represent the lion’s share of the market, rose 6.2 percent. Sales of condominiums held steady. “We’re still struggling with falling home prices and we will for a while, but we’re forming a bottom here,” said Bob Walters, chief economist at Quicken Loans in Livonia, Michigan. (Additional reporting by Pedro Nicolaci da DaCosta, Ellen Freilich and Nick Olivari in New York; Polling by Bangalore polling unit; Editing by Andrea Ricci)

Click here to read the aforementioned article in its entirity.

This article was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Nashville Tennessee REALTOR with Rochford Realty & Construction Company 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, Downtown, Historic Areas, Spring Hill, and Thompson Station Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Nashville Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit http://www.JoAnnestaler.com/.

Review Williamson County Tennessee Home Sale Statistics for 2008

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MLS Market Snapshot: Get this week’s Nashville TN market conditions 

National Home Sales See Biggest Gain Since July 2003-Middle TN Housing Market Steady is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Searching for that perfect home in Nashville or the Middle TN area?  Before you can love a home you have to like the neighborhood.  Many times buyers have a good idea of the home they are looking for but haven’t given the neighborhood much thought. I recently came across an interesting article on FrontDoor.com outling 5 steps to choosing your perfect neighborhood that I thought might be helpful to buyers out there. 

The FrontDoor.com article titled How to Choose a Neighborhood, 5 steps to finding a place where you belong gives some great tips for choosing the Nashville community that is right for you.  I’ve provided the article’s highlights below.  Click here to read the FrontDoor.com article in full. 

STEP 1 — Profile Your Perfect Neighborhood

• Do you have children or are you planning to have children anytime soon?
• What type of home do you want…single-family home or a condo, townhouse?
• How far are you willing to commute?
• Do you want to be in a historic neighborhood or a new development?
• What is your current community lacking? 

STEP 2 — Zero In on the Area

This is where a good realtor can really help to narrow the search by educating you on the areas that best match your list of wants and don’t wants that you came up with in Step 1.  My expert local knowledge of the Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin Tennessee area should be invaluable to you, not just in terms of real estate, but also schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more. Click here to read detailed descriptions of many Middle Tennessee neighborhoods. 

STEP 3 — Get the Suspects

With your area of Middle TN in mind, start digging up information. Find interesting neighborhoods online, ask real estate agents for recommendations and compile all the background information you can, including:

• School information
• Crime statistics
• Parks and recreation
• Neighborhood associations
• Tourist attractions

STEP 4 — Find the Clues

Once you’ve done the background research, visit neighborhoods that made the preliminary grade in person. There’s no better way to paint a real picture of life in the neighborhood. Use your senses to get a complete picture of the prospective community.

Sights:

• Remember your first impression. You’ll want to feel good about where you call home, and impress buyers when you’re ready to move on.
• Visualize yourself in the neighborhood.You’ll enjoy the neighborhood more if it’s easy to do what you like.
• Observe the neighborhood at different times of the day. Driving through will help you get a snapshot of life in the community — good and bad.
• Make sure the local schools make the grade even if you don’t have kids. It will be easier to sell your house later if the schools are nice.
• Look for warning signs. Be on the lookout for signs that the neighborhood is in trouble.

Sounds:

• Stop and listen. Bird and nature sounds are generally pleasant, but what about noise from the highway, airport, hospital, train tracks or nearby clubs and bars? It’s not very relaxing to listen to trains screech by during your morning coffee — especially not every morning.

Smells:

• Specifically, are there any? Take a big whiff of the air, and ask around if you smell any bad odors.

Taste:

• Ask yourself if the neighborhood matches your taste in a living environment

STEP 5 — Close the Case

You’ve chosen your Middle TN neighborhoods. Now for the hard part: finding a house you love. Now, make sure to:

• Find out how much house you can afford. 
• Draw up your vision of home. It worked for your neighborhood — now make your list of wants and don’t wants for your home!

Click here to read FrontDoor.com’s How to Choose a Neighborhood 5 steps to finding a place where you belong

This information was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Nashville Tennessee REALTOR with Rochford Realty & Construction Company 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, Downtown, Historic Areas, Spring Hill, and Thompson Station Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Nashville Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit www.JoAnneStaler.com.

Click here to speak to JoAnne directly and start finding your perfect Nashville neighborhood and home today.

Read about Nashville communities here to help decide which one you might prefer.

Access my real estate map here to locate Middle TN communities that may house your perfect neighborhood.

Five Steps to Choosing Your Perfect Middle TN Neighborhood is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

You will know you are home as soon as you enter this fabulous renovated condo located in the booming community of Bellevue TN.  Located at 404 Post Creek Road in the Post House development near shopping, restaurants, I-40 and minutes from downtown Nashville.

The spacious open floor plan is ideal for easy entertaining and is complimented with a fireplace, built-ins and architectural detatailing such as molding and trimwork.

 Sleek black appliances, crisp white cabinetry and under cabinet lighting make this updated kitchen attractive in both form and function.

Features iof this 3 bedroom, two bathroom Bellevue condo for sale include upscale hardwood and tile flooring, new paint in soothing neutral tones, soft new carpet,  wood blinds for privacy, and new modern fixtures. Plus the Washer, Dryer, Microwave & Refrigerator remain to make this home truly ready to move right into.

Click here to see more photographs of 404 Post Creek Road and find out additional information.

This Bellevue condo for sale was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Bellevue Tennessee REALTOR with Rochford Realty & Construction Company 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, Downtown, Historic Areas, Spring Hill, and Thompson Station Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Nashville Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit www.JoAnneStaler.com

See whats going on in the area.  Fun and interesting things to do in Bellevue and Middle TN!

Search the Nashville MLS for Residential Homes and Condos.

Magnificent Renovation Makes this Nashville TN Condo Move-in Ready is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

 You will know you are home when you walk into this comfortable and charming three bedroom brick ranch home for sale in Nashville Tennessee. Located on an acre-plus lot in the sought after neighborhood of West Meade,this home immediately welcomes you with its treed setting and flexible single level floorplan. 

From the spacious Den with its all brick fireplace to the adjacent bright white Kitchen with eat-in area, to the formal Living and Dining Rooms with gleaming hardwood floors, you find the room arrangement perfect for both casual and formal entertaining.

 Enjoy relaxing on your patio which is completely privacy fenced and offers a great view of the huge backyard. Just bring your furniture and starting enjoying your new home right away! More details can be found at www.750Brookhollow.com.

Obtain School information for public, private, and charter schools in this area of Nashville TN!

 See what homes are selling for in this neighborhood or your own.

Search all Residental Homes, Condos, Lots and Land, as well as Multi-Unit Residential properties for sale in Nashville TN.

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

Click here to speak to JoAnne directly.

One Level Brick Home for Sale Nestled in a Park-like Setting located in Nashville is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

The Nashville City Paper reports two Nashville Tennessee high schools — Hume-Fogg and Martin Luther King Jr. academic magnet high schools — are making national lists of top public high schools.  According to the Nashville City Paper article last fall, MLK and Hume-Fog were ranked 23 and 24, respectively, on Newsweek magazine’s list of 1,300 American schools.  Nashville Board of Education member Steve Glover said that while he wants to see increased academic expectations of students at zoned schools increase, MLK and Hume-Fogg may play a role in keeping some kids in public rather than private schools.  Students at Hume-Fogg and MLK must meet academic requirements to qualify for attendance. There still are more qualifying students than there are seats at the schools, so a lottery is held to determine who can attend.Click here to read this Nashville City Paper article in its entirity.

According to MLK’s website Martin Luther King Academic Magnet is also honored by U.S. News and World Report as a gold medal award-winning high school and The Siemens Foundation, in association with the College Board, has designated Martin Luther King Academic Magnet as a top performing high school in Advanced Placement science and math courses.  

Click here to see the complete list of Newsweek’s 1,300 Top American High Schools

Read more about Nashville Tennessee’s Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School

Click here to find out more information on Nashville Tennessee’s Martin Luther King Academic Magnet 

Your personalized guide to schools in your area! Obtain School information for public, private, and charter schools nationwide by clicking here.

This information was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Nashville Tennessee REALTOR with Rochford Realty & Construction Company 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, Downtown, Historic Areas, Spring Hill, and Thompson Station Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Nashville Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Nashville MLS visit www.JoAnneStaler.com

Nashville TN Magnet Schools Make National Lists of Top Public High Schools is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

The Nashville City Paper reports Mayor Karl Dean is authorizing the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency to take the lead on redevelopment of Downtown Nashville’s Riverfront along both banks of the Cumberland River.  According to the Nashville City Paper Mayor Dean routinely tells visitors to Nashville that in three to four years, the downtown riverfront will look completely different and it will become the centerpiece of the city.  Dean said it was too early in the process to convey a long-term vision for the riverfront, but he added the key is to make it more accessible.  “I think it needs to be the center of the city that we’re all focused on,” Dean said. “It will be an area that will attract people downtown. There are a variety of development possibilities on both sides of the river that will unfold over time.

A statement from the mayor’s office said “the plan envisions a redeveloped waterfront as a recreational, environmental, and economic development asset, and includes such public features as new parkland and play spaces, greenways, boardwalks, piers and docking facilities, integrated with significant mixed-use development.” 

MDHA oversees Nashville’s redevelopment districts, which among other things, provide tax incentives to encourage developers to invest in an area.  “I’m deeply grateful to Mayor Dean for placing the Cumberland River among his priorities,” Jameson said. “Redeveloping the waterfront, and the East Bank in particular, will provide the city with wonderful new parks, recreational opportunities, and much-needed business expansion potential, while simultaneously addressing one of Nashville’s most environmentally and aesthetically challenged areas. In a word, this is huge and we should all be grateful to this administration.”

Click here to read this Nashville City Paper article in full.

Middle Tennessee is on the move!  See more Middle Tennessee Community Growth and Development stories.

View all Downtown Nashville real estate for sale.

 This information is brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Nashville Tennessee REALTOR with Rochford Realty & Construction Company 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, Downtown, Historic Areas, Spring Hill, and Thompson Station Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Nashville Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit www.joannestaler.com.

Downtown Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment led by MDHA is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

404 Trace Court offers all the character of an old Craftsman Style Bungalow with the low maintenance aspect of a new construction home at a new low price of $169,900!  Built in 2002 this home’s appeal begins with the rocking chair wrap-around front porch and continues inside with the warm soft colors, new neutral carpet and open floorplan.   A popular feature of this floorplan is the main level master bedroom which boasts a large closet and lush bath with double vanity sinks. The home’s main living areas are completely open, allowing for gracious entertaining and comfortable everyday activities which easily extend to the large porch or patio for welcoming friends and neighbors.

You’ll know you’re home the minute you arrive at this charming three bedroom, two and one half bathroom home in Bellevue’s most popular Lexington Point subdivision which has a lovely park and playground.  Located in Bellevue Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville, Lexington Point has all the conveniences of the city yet is secluded enough to provide a cohesive, neighborly atmosphere.  And what a great place to live– sidewalks connect to Lexington Point to Riverwalk and Boone Trace and the playground and soccer field are right around the corner.  

Click here for more information and photographs of this home for sale in Bellevue Tennessee.

This home is listed for sale by JoAnne Staler, Bellevue Tennessee 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, Downtown, Historic Areas, Spring Hill, and Thompson Station Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Nashville Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit www.JoanneStaler.com.

For more information on Bellevue Tennessee click here.

Click here to see what homes are selling for in Bellevue TN or in your own neighborhood.

New Low Price on Craftsman Style Home for Sale in Lexington Point Bellevue TN is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate