tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83635081845962519362024-02-19T22:45:55.426-08:00Moving ThoughtsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363508184596251936.post-25054777386524501502014-11-11T10:55:00.001-08:002014-11-11T11:09:06.904-08:00THE SMART WAY TO LOOK AT HOME IMPROVEMENTS<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .5in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> What home improvements really pay off when the time comes to sell your house? That’s an important question for any homeowner contemplating moving or remodeling. And the only possible answer is a somewhat complicated one.<br /><br /> That answer starts with the fact that really major improvements – room additions, total replacements of kitchens and baths, etc., -- rarely pay off fully in the near term. It ends with the fact that small and relatively inexpensive changes can pay off in a big way in making your home attractive to buyers if your decision is to move now. <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/which-home-improvements-pay-off">Click here</a> for a great article from Kathy McCleary at HGTV regarding costs and payoffs.<br /><br /> It’s a simple fact, consistently confirmed across America over a very long period of time, that even the most appropriate major improvements are unlikely to return their full cost if a house is sold within two or three years.<br /><br /> Does that mean that major home improvements are always a bad </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">idea? Absolutely not. It does mean, though, that if your present house falls seriously short of meeting your family’s needs you need to think twice – and think carefully – before deciding to undertake a major renovation. Viewed strictly in investment terms, major improvements rarely make as much sense as selling your present home and buying one that’s carefully selected to provide you with what you want.<br /><br /> Even if you have a special and strong attachment to the house you’re in and feel certain that you could be happy in it for a long time if<br />only it had more bedrooms and baths, for example, there are a few basic rules that you ought to keep in mind.<br /><br /> Probably the most basic rule of all, in this regard, is the one that says you should never –unless you absolutely don’t care at all about eventual resale value – improve a house to the point where its desired sales price would be more than 20 percent higher than the most expensive of the other houses in the immediate neighborhood.<br /><br /> Try to raise the value of your house too high, that is, and surrounding properties will pull it down.<br /><br /> Here are some other rules worth remembering:<br /><br /> Never rearrange the interior of your house in a way that reduces the total number of bedrooms to less than three.<br /><br /> Never add a third bathroom to a two-bath house unless you don’t care about ever recouping your investment.<br /><br /> Swimming pools rarely return what you spend to install them. Ditto for sun rooms – and finished basements.<br /><br /> If you decide to do what’s usually the smart thing and move rather than improve, it’s often the smaller, relatively inexpensive improvements that turn out to be most worth doing. <br /><br /> The cost of replacing a discolored toilet bow, making sure all the <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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windows work or getting rid of dead trees and shrubs in trivial compared with adding a bathroom, but such things can have a big and very positive impact on prospective buyers. A good broker can help you decide which expenditures make sense and which don’t, and can save you a lot of money in the process. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com01104 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA36.211607 -86.31813399999998610.434601 -127.62672799999999 61.988613 -45.009539999999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363508184596251936.post-14323139253105195612014-11-04T07:07:00.003-08:002014-11-04T07:07:46.162-08:00REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY - THE BASICS<div align="center" class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; tab-stops: .75in center 3.0in right 6.0in; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.century21.com/real-estate-agent/profile/anita-tate-10941243" target="_blank"><b>Anita Tate, Broker</b></a></td></tr>
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When buying your first home, one of the stumbling blocks you may experience is understanding some of the real estate terminology. If real estate terms are not be part of your day to day vocabulary, then they may seem strange or even confusing. So learning a few key terms in advance may reduce some of your stress of your home buying process. In the following transaction scenario, a brief definition is given for real estate terms you will encounter. If you want to learn more, just click on the link for a more detailed explanation.<br />
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For example, many buyers confuse the terms <b><a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=broker">broker</a> </b>and<b> <a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=agent">agent or salesperson</a></b>. A broker is a properly licensed individual, or corporation, who serves as a special agent in the purchase and sale of real estate, a salesperson is an individual employed or associated by written agreement by the broker as an independent contractor. The salesperson facilitates the purchase or sale of real estate.<br />
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Once you decide to purchase, a salesperson will prepare a <a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=sales-contract"><b>sales contract</b></a><br />
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to present to the seller along with your <a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=earnest-money"><b>earnest money</b></a> deposit. The sales contract is the document through which the seller agrees to give possession and title of property to the buyer upon full payment of the purchase price and performance of agreed-upon conditions. The earnest money is a buyer’s partial payment, as a show of good faith, to make the contract binding. Often, the earnest money is held in an escrow<b> </b>account. <b><a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=escrow" target="_blank">Escrow</a> </b>is the process by which money is held by a disinterested party until the terms of the escrow instructions are fulfilled. <br />
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After the buyer and seller have signed the contract, the buyer must obtain a <a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=note"><b>mortgage note</b></a> by presenting the contract to a mortgage lender. The note is the buyer’s promise to pay the purchase price of the real estate in addition to a stated interest rate over a specified period of time. A mortgage lender places a lien on the property. Depending on the state, the document may be called a <b><a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=deed-of-trust" target="_blank">deed of trust</a></b> or a <b><a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=mortgage">mortgage</a></b>, this secures the mortgage note. <br />
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The buyer pays <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><b>interest </b></a>money to the lender exchange for the use of money borrowed. Interest is usually referred to as APR or annual percentage rate. Interest is paid on the <a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=principal"><b>principle</b></a>, the capital sum the buyer owes. Interest payments may be disguised in the form of <a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=point"><b>points</b></a>. Points are an up-front cost which may be paid by either the buyer or seller or both in conventional loans.<br />
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In general, there are two types of conventional loans that a buyer can obtain. A<b> <a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=fixed-rate-mortgage">fixed rate loan</a></b> has the same rate of interest for the life of the loan, usually 14 to 30 years. An <a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=adjustable-rate-mortgage-arm"><b>adjustable rate loan</b></a> or adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) provides a discounted initial rate, which changes after a set period of time. The rate can’t exceed the interest rate cap or ceiling allowed on such loans for any one adjustment period. Some ARMs have a lifetime cap on interest. The buyer makes the loan and interest payments to the lender through <a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=amortization" target="_blank"><b>amortization</b></a>, the systematic payment and retirement of debt over a set period of time. <br />
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Once the contract has been signed and a mortgage note obtained, the buyer and seller must legally close the real estate transaction. The closing is a meeting where the buyer, seller and their attorneys review, sign and exchange the final documents. At the <a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=closing" target="_blank"><b>closing</b></a>, the buyer receives the appraisal report, an estimate of the property’s value with the appraiser’s signature, certification and sporting documents. The buyer also receives the title and the deed. The title shows evidence of the buyer’s ownership of the property while the deed legally transfers the title from the seller to the buyer. The final document the buyer receives at closing is a <a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary#term=title-insurance" target="_blank"><b>title insurance</b></a> policy, insurance against the loss of the title if it’s found to be imperfect.<br />
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The typical real estate transaction may take anywhere from four to twelve <br />
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weeks. Though the process may be a bit difficult at times, listen to and rely on your agent to guide you through. And anytime you don't understand a real estate term, ask you agent or<b> <a href="http://www.century21.com/glossary" target="_blank">click here for a real estate glossary</a></b>. A basic understanding of real estate terminology and the chronology of the transaction will help you to buy your first home with confidence.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com01104 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA36.211607 -86.31813399999998610.4374115 -127.62672799999999 61.985802500000005 -45.009539999999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363508184596251936.post-12252626908338520322014-10-24T14:03:00.003-07:002014-10-27T10:07:40.326-07:00ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT YOUR "DREAM HOME"?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you thinking about buying a home and want it to be your "dream home"? Let's think about your dream home, the financial impact, and your best path to one of the largest financial obligations that you will ever make. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Be practical:</u> </b>Remember that “the perfect home” may not be available. So develop some search criteria. Make a list of the features most important to you and your lifestyle, prioritize your list and decided where you can be flexible. Then find a home that offers your "must have" features. Remember that compromise is a virtue! Paint, appliances and landscaping are items that you can take on one at a time as DIY projects. A little sweat along the way can turn into a good amount of equity when you are ready to sell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Be budget wise:</u></b> When you get pre-approved for a loan, you
may be surprised by the amount for which you qualify. Be careful that you
aren’t stretching to the last penny allowed by the lender. Be sure that you
work with an amount that you feel comfortable spending every month. Taking on a
mortgage that stresses your budget can cause you unnecessary stress in your
relationships at home and work. So take an honest look at your budget.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBEazqikkZiCZhpJSQyPGGpzU-HQeWl79veiJtas6DJXV2xGa49AOCfVc68xhwRorB6_jcM66tITrOoZvTwyktG3ZOynMzROVPkOOuS3FFd9VXUjoRNdqkxaZjgXtqzigKy6NL663TmDi/s1600/piggy+bank.gif" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBEazqikkZiCZhpJSQyPGGpzU-HQeWl79veiJtas6DJXV2xGa49AOCfVc68xhwRorB6_jcM66tITrOoZvTwyktG3ZOynMzROVPkOOuS3FFd9VXUjoRNdqkxaZjgXtqzigKy6NL663TmDi/s1600/piggy+bank.gif" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Be selective:</u> </b>When you buy a home, you are truly “putting down roots”. Unlike renting, your contract isn’t short term. Usually buyers go with a 30 year mortgage. According to a recent article, <a href="http://www.zillow.com/research/buy-rent-breakeven-2014-q1-6774/" target="_blank">“Buy or Rent”</a>, published by Zillow, the average time to break even in highly populated areas, is a little over two years. In less populated areas, the break even point may be closer to 4 years. So buy where you are prepared to stay for a while. Buy a home that will be easy to maintain. Remember to consider the upkeep - utilities, repairs and general improvements. Then keep it maintained. Doing a little work as you go will have you prepared when you are ready to sell.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cGGOAnnHnWQHBofngWqY27PruuryuwDPZxAcOjIuhUW8AJZLYiCyPLAeYQQSPPCdS9YkMqInR85XdKMBXYJT2YIih1O_r2FwKd7i5U4yyfgUkblRAtT6KGeSXU3TdqoSnol-Va60552v/s1600/Female+agent+with+sold+sign..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cGGOAnnHnWQHBofngWqY27PruuryuwDPZxAcOjIuhUW8AJZLYiCyPLAeYQQSPPCdS9YkMqInR85XdKMBXYJT2YIih1O_r2FwKd7i5U4yyfgUkblRAtT6KGeSXU3TdqoSnol-Va60552v/s1600/Female+agent+with+sold+sign..jpg" height="132" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Be an investor:</u></b> Realize that most Americans will buy more than one home during their lifetime. And the average turnaround time is only seven years. So buy the home that is comfortable for your budget and set time frames to trade up. Keep your eyes on the ball and you can “buy-up” to your dream home and be proud of your path as well. </span><br />
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By Anita Tate,
Century 21 West Main Realty & Auction</div>
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As temperatures drop
and there are more dreary days than sunny, it’s natural for sellers begin to
worry about selling their home during the winter months. To avoid the fears of
your house staying on the market too long, here are a few tips that can make your
home welcoming and appealing to buyers. </div>
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<b>Up Front:</b> No matter
the season, the first thing that prospective buyers see is the front of your
house. So rake the leaves, sweep the drive, and trim those bushes! Taming the
shrubbery is a must to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Overgrown shrubbery
will actually make your house appear smaller. All bushes should be trimmed well
below the bottom ledge of your windows. You have nothing to hide!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjp-igrNPOyniy1Q8c7ivUmQevrms2GdkV48Asc66x1ki2UfYyJVe7KCJ7TNHWASX-_HC81-Jn1GPDm-BG2vySrDturNPKgFLmd9A_FUwN1c1-jTssnl2RJXqEvKBV-LEEcM17N9zF2Gt/s1600/hellebore+in+the+snow+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjp-igrNPOyniy1Q8c7ivUmQevrms2GdkV48Asc66x1ki2UfYyJVe7KCJ7TNHWASX-_HC81-Jn1GPDm-BG2vySrDturNPKgFLmd9A_FUwN1c1-jTssnl2RJXqEvKBV-LEEcM17N9zF2Gt/s1600/hellebore+in+the+snow+75.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/video/hellebores-video/index.html" target="_blank"><i>Helleborus blooming in the snow</i></a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Burst
of Color:</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Winter doesn’t have to be drab. You can make your yard “pop” with
various shades of green and textures of plants. You can create a dramatic
effect with plants like helleborus and </span><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/cyclamen/index.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"><i>cyclamen </i></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">that offer bright displays of color all winter.
Pansies are favorites in climates that have fewer days of freezing. Color is
unexpected in the winter. It will show buyers that you care and will set your
home apart from other sellers who didn’t go for the extra effort and the small
expense.</span></div>
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<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-size: 11pt;">The Welcoming
Entrance:</b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Take a moment to stand
at your front door as if it were your first visit. Look at the door, the
hardware, and the welcome mat. For a low cost, you can make a huge difference.
Paint the door in a glossy, bold color. Get new hardware or just polish and
shine the old. Be sure to include your door knocker, lock-set, light fixtures, house numbers and mailbox. Replace your welcome
mat with a new sea grass or coir mat and place potted plants on
the landing. This small effort will do worlds to tell your buyers that they are
import, they are expected and they are welcome. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">All of these
improvements can be accomplished in little more than a weekend, but what a
difference they will make. Tidy, colorful and fresh vs. drab – you have greatly
improved your odds over your competition. Selling in winter could be to your
advantage! </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com01104 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA36.211607 -86.31813399999998610.6895725 -127.62672799999999 61.733641500000004 -45.009539999999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363508184596251936.post-67905919503482408902014-10-08T12:16:00.000-07:002014-10-08T12:16:05.094-07:00HOME SWEET HOME...WHAT'S YOUR STYLE?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>A guide to America’s Most common Home Styles<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Anita Tate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Styles of houses vary across the
country. From the New England Cape Cod
to the Victorians of San Francisco, the choices are almost endless. Knowing which style you prefer is one of the basic
elements in your hunt for the perfect home. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Following is a quick guide to help you
recognize and use the professional terms for many of the most prevalent house
styles:</span></div>
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<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>Ranch</u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">these long, low houses rank among the most
popular types <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UtukIxyrjEepHK4sPg853iHm5q9VNun_oDsaHdeVOibr-SND29UQM4A756wpQiYDuzkLcOuZdPsMh3LvRbIdN8Oi-X15AyOD0hE6q0gtAPB7kgmcfw92kUR3Pn5hixCu-Nu2cJe4qd1D/s1600/Ranch+Style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UtukIxyrjEepHK4sPg853iHm5q9VNun_oDsaHdeVOibr-SND29UQM4A756wpQiYDuzkLcOuZdPsMh3LvRbIdN8Oi-X15AyOD0hE6q0gtAPB7kgmcfw92kUR3Pn5hixCu-Nu2cJe4qd1D/s1600/Ranch+Style.jpg" height="150" width="320" /></a></div>
in the country.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The ranch,
which developed from early homes in the West and Southwest, is one-story with a
low pitched room.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The raised ranch,
which is also common is the U.S.. has two levels, each accessible from the
home’s entry foyer, which features staircases to both upper and lower levels.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>Cape
Cod</u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">this compact
story-and-a-half house is small and symmetrical with a central entrance and a
step, gable roof.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Brick, wood or
aluminum siding are the materials most commonly seen.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>Georgian</u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Popular in New England, the Georgian has a
very formal appearance with two or three stories and classic lines. Usually
built of red brick, the rectangular house has thin columns alongside the entry,
and multi-paned windows above the door and throughout the house.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Two large chimneys rise high above the roof
at each end.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>Tudor</u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">modeled after the English country
cottage.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Tudor styling features
trademark dark-wood timbering set against light-colored stucco that highlights
the top half of the house and frames the numerous windows.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The bottom half of the house is often made of
brick.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>Queen
Anne/Victorian</u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Developed from styles originated in Great <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyFfQ5XFID-FsyRpP390dP7AzDzv_O9W12Mr2jSDsI4Z6u0tdCLerVgwf14ohISRcPGsOBnm3OJ8LeyozWQNvLm1XWd-FxruIY8fBphck-HylsdMo3FdZeuu9dEExsDMO0lyI89vbHMIS/s1600/Queen+Anne+in+Lebanon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyFfQ5XFID-FsyRpP390dP7AzDzv_O9W12Mr2jSDsI4Z6u0tdCLerVgwf14ohISRcPGsOBnm3OJ8LeyozWQNvLm1XWd-FxruIY8fBphck-HylsdMo3FdZeuu9dEExsDMO0lyI89vbHMIS/s1600/Queen+Anne+in+Lebanon.jpg" height="196" width="200" /></a></div>
Britain, these homes are
usually two-story frame with large rooms, high ceilings and porches along the
front and sometimes sides of the house.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Peaked roofs and ornamental wood trim, many times referred to as
“gingerbread,” decorate these elaborate homes.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>Pueblo/Santa
Fe Style</u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – Popular in the Southwest, these
homes are either frame or adobe brick with a stucco exterior.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The flat rood has protruding, rounded beams
called vigas.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">One or two story, the
homes feature covered/enclosed patios and an abundance of tile.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>Dutch
Colonial</u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – the Dutch Colonial has two or
tow-and-one-half stories covered by a gambrel roof (having two lopes on each
side, with the lower slope steeper than the upper, flatter slope) and eaves
that flare outward.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">This style is
traditionally make of brick or shingles.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>New
England Colonial</u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – This two-and-one-half story early
American style is box like with a gable roof.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The traditional material is narrow clapboard siding and a shingle
roof.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The small-pane, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH27-7eUSPK8GRmQKhe1KCKsU9yY2C2TSHeR4Wr_WVQVFXJVuXM-vLek1JiMmIpSljO_Pf9HLCTBoOLMnUo6dwPn1XqRdh6qbeVB1a9RWJPZrGLfDQeP1vym1ret8Ws9zkuvx_ypY4HRzq/s1600/Southern+Colonial+in+Louden+TN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH27-7eUSPK8GRmQKhe1KCKsU9yY2C2TSHeR4Wr_WVQVFXJVuXM-vLek1JiMmIpSljO_Pf9HLCTBoOLMnUo6dwPn1XqRdh6qbeVB1a9RWJPZrGLfDQeP1vym1ret8Ws9zkuvx_ypY4HRzq/s1600/Southern+Colonial+in+Louden+TN.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></a></div>
double-hung
windows usually have working wood shutters.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>Southern
Colonial</u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> –this large, two-to-three-story frame
house </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">is world famous for its large front columns and wide porches.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>Split-levels</u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">:
Split-level houses have one living level about half a floor above the other
living level.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">When this type of home is
built on three different levels, it is called a tri-level. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">These are just a few of the many styles of homes available across the </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0471250368/ref=rdr_ext_tmb" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1xJKtQY_yMIl1Kq6S9rfI5dW21aN1CiINjsQMdTjpXz5yUBAMFXDE0JVW7MvPv55l-W16tAbZTmvTvn6cHpFR1oFobuWZC-AoXH39gq8rEQY6BAIcnagDzzL7Azmagidl0DNcajSoWqz/s1600/What+Style+Is+It.png" height="200" width="94" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">
country - some are more prominent in different areas than others. Knowing home style terms will help you zero in on the type of house that will fill your needs and suit your taste. For a more in depth look at architectural styles the history and functionality, read <u>"What Style Is It?"</u>, by John Poppeliers and Allen Chambers. It's a quick read and a great reference book. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com01104 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA36.211607 -86.31813399999998610.434597 -127.62672799999999 61.988617000000005 -45.009539999999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363508184596251936.post-12141830087545857472014-09-30T13:32:00.000-07:002014-09-30T13:46:28.923-07:00HOW TO SPOT A GOOD BUY<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">By Anita Tate, Century 21 West Main Realty & Auction</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Beauty
is in the eye of the beholder,so how do you know that <b>you have spotted a good buy</b>? Features that attract one
home-buyer may repel another.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"> However,
the one feature of interest to every home-buyer is price. Getting the most home for your money is
paramount. The real problem is figuring
out whether that fixer-upper on one street is a better buy th</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;">an the home in
next-to-new condition two blocks away.
That’s why knowing what to look for <u>before</u> you buy can save you
time, energy and money down the line.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 150%;"> The
first step is figuring out what kind of house you need. A good buy is only a good buy if it meets
your current and future living requirements.
Before shopping for a home, decide how much space you and your family
require. How many bedrooms,
bathrooms? Is a family room
necessary? Do you need a layout that
will accommodate a lot of entertaining?
Do you prefer a spacious or compact work space in the kitchen? If you have small children, <a href="http://www.webmd.com/parenting/childproof-home" target="_blank">can the house easily be childproofed</a>?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 150%;"> Evaluate
the front and back yards. Is there
enough space to accommodate your children?
Do you want a park-like or garden setting? Do you enjoy yard work and gardening, or do
you want a low-maintenance yard? Take
into consideration the cost of extensive landscaping and upkeep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTyTzcf8AdKVkaaFXygbP5OkIA6vF4HeJ1yDXx926Aeh_7E0djppPS8s1dvTKXPBtmjj9dvmMjzihsoaR9vpF6TSO1lToNxty_nknySXPPsEne_StGhyphenhypheneyOm6NaIlLaH54muFpbJ0otXm/s1600/Remodeling-Your-Home-For-Less-Money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"> Next,
determine how much work is required to make the house you are considering
livable. Make an honest assessment of
your fix-it abilities. How much </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTyTzcf8AdKVkaaFXygbP5OkIA6vF4HeJ1yDXx926Aeh_7E0djppPS8s1dvTKXPBtmjj9dvmMjzihsoaR9vpF6TSO1lToNxty_nknySXPPsEne_StGhyphenhypheneyOm6NaIlLaH54muFpbJ0otXm/s1600/Remodeling-Your-Home-For-Less-Money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTyTzcf8AdKVkaaFXygbP5OkIA6vF4HeJ1yDXx926Aeh_7E0djppPS8s1dvTKXPBtmjj9dvmMjzihsoaR9vpF6TSO1lToNxty_nknySXPPsEne_StGhyphenhypheneyOm6NaIlLaH54muFpbJ0otXm/s1600/Remodeling-Your-Home-For-Less-Money.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;">work are
you willing </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">to do or pay someone else to do?
Do you have basic decorating, carpentry and plumbing skills? If you plan to learn as you go, make sure you
have accurately determined what you are getting into. Ask an experienced friend, family member or
your real estate agent for their opinion, and be sure to consider how much
remodeling inconvenience the rest of the family can handle.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 150%;"> Unless
you are ready and able to tackle a major remodel, look for a house or
condominium that needs <u>only cosmetic improvements</u>. These include painting, wallpapering and
replacing items like flooring, window treatments, bathroom and kitchen
fixtures, light fixtures, cabinet and interior door hardware and
appliances. Remember that even these
simple changes can be costly if you have to make many of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 150%;"> Beware
of improvements that seem easy enough at first glance buy may turn into major
headaches and require a lot of money once you’ve moved in. Remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, changes to
the floor plan, room additions and redesigned landscaping are examples of
seemingly minor changes that can easily eat away the money you thought you
saved by selecting a so-called “bargain priced” home. Of course, you may be perfectly willing to
spend whatever money is needed to customize the house to match your tastes and
needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 150%;">Make sure major systems in the house
are in good working condition. The
furnace, air-conditioning and plumbing should be up to date, since repairs can
be costly. Your agent can arrange to
have a professional inspector determine whether the electrical wiring and any
room additions are to code. Local
utilities often offer free or low-cost inspections to tell you if the house is
energy-efficient.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 150%;"> Look
for a house with universally popular selling points. If you’re impressed, the next buyer down the
line is bound to be, too. For example, a
roomy, modern east-to-clean kitchen is the best selling point a home can
have. A house with only one bathroom is
less desirable than a house with two or more.
Many buyers expect at least three bedrooms, with a master bedroom that
offers a feeling of privacy. Lots of
storage space and closets, especially walk-in closets, will be a real selling
point. Family rooms or “great rooms”
also are desirable. On closer
examination, a house that looks like a bargain may lack some of these key
features. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 150%;"> Don’t
forget the old adage: location,
location, location. Unless you’re
looking for a fixer-upper, the house should be in a condition that is
comparable to other homes in the neighborhood.
Avoid buying the biggest or fanciest home on the block. Consider the amount of traffic or noise. Homes located in a quiet area away from a
busy street will command a higher price.
Make sure the schools in your district have a reputation for quality
education and safety. Nearby
supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants and theaters also will make a location
more desirable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 150%;"> Good
community facilities also add appeal; pools, athletic fields, community
centers, libraries and hospitals all add to a neighborhood’s value and
desirability. Transportation needs also
should be considered. Is local public
transit available? How long are typical
commutes to places of current and potential employment? Are there several alternate route? How close is a major airport? All of these can affect a home’s pricing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 150%;"> Consider
the cost of living in a home. It’s
important to consider not only purchase price but the monthly cost of living in
a home. Estimate your utility and
maintenance costs. For example, will the
house need to be painted on a regular basis and will you need to spend money
maintaining a swimming pool? Ask your
agent about the property tax rate and whether increases are anticipated. Will you have to pay special assessments for
a homeowner’s association? Consider the
point in the life cycle of major household systems, such as the furnace, air
conditioning, roof and kitchen appliances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-wZeGWqZBPYSNFqSNSbKAYmW5byPcyF3p7KDcVFnBlt_kL5NQA_N7HMr32YFMKL_AgeBFsygLeq2cA_ZcvVr87UtX5IzvtWudACeoDi_bxe3LifSJWpCcrUo6POSF1nRtzXMF9L434Iz/s1600/moving+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-wZeGWqZBPYSNFqSNSbKAYmW5byPcyF3p7KDcVFnBlt_kL5NQA_N7HMr32YFMKL_AgeBFsygLeq2cA_ZcvVr87UtX5IzvtWudACeoDi_bxe3LifSJWpCcrUo6POSF1nRtzXMF9L434Iz/s1600/moving+in.jpg" height="133" title="" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> You
can find a bargain! Your first step
should be to seek out a knowledgeable real estate agent with experience in the
market areas where you wish to purchase a home.
Your agent can help you locate those properties that truly are
“bargains” and help find the home that most closely matches your desires and
needs.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11104 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA36.211607 -86.31813399999998610.434576500000002 -127.62672799999999 61.988637499999996 -45.009539999999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363508184596251936.post-83020539684598702822014-09-23T09:22:00.000-07:002014-09-23T09:58:49.861-07:00Can Moving Be Stress Free?<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can Moving Be Stress Free?</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Anita Tate, Century 21 West Main Realty & Auction</span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdJNgT5nYQMoisM_17qaCJRflncRheDa2JDpf53MzML_k21vxcK0_yQ_lCNjjjUUzMUViSg4LzWzIXi2jVpVQFCwYB_G65xKGWIJHkLG1lP-gQ3I8MNquL5UMghDjTjuCzXd_ULymedQT/s1600/Anita+Tate+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdJNgT5nYQMoisM_17qaCJRflncRheDa2JDpf53MzML_k21vxcK0_yQ_lCNjjjUUzMUViSg4LzWzIXi2jVpVQFCwYB_G65xKGWIJHkLG1lP-gQ3I8MNquL5UMghDjTjuCzXd_ULymedQT/s1600/Anita+Tate+Picture.jpg" height="200" width="154" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Moving and stress free are not terms normally found in the same sentence. But in my 20 years of selling real estate, I have found that there are "moving best practices". With a little preparation, you can dramatically reduce your level of stress. The following are a few best practices that have worked for my clients. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"> </span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Look at all the alternatives: hiring a
moving company, for example, versus renting a truck and doing it yourself. Whichever alternative makes most sense for
you, get bids from more than one vendor.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">A few days before the moving company is
scheduled to arrive or you’re supposed to pick up your rental truck, call to
confirm that everything is on track to happen when it’s supposed to.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Prepare your change of address cards in
advance and send them out as soon as it’s appropriate to do so. The post office, utilities, companies and
people you do business with, city hall, friends, relatives – all should be
notified of your move.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSijjwprl1ItJAmFOMk3ZdZqtHsK_-2uYOzmZ-UOQmONF8d_7HjgdpD7dE3XWsDbQu3vqYip7876Yxkc8Utn8rM5MpBTfDjQRBdiL33PaCweyhUs7j80PEHNySBJrASNxyMDF6E5Fj047Q/s1600/Family+moving+in+with+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Moving Best Practices" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSijjwprl1ItJAmFOMk3ZdZqtHsK_-2uYOzmZ-UOQmONF8d_7HjgdpD7dE3XWsDbQu3vqYip7876Yxkc8Utn8rM5MpBTfDjQRBdiL33PaCweyhUs7j80PEHNySBJrASNxyMDF6E5Fj047Q/s1600/Family+moving+in+with+boxes.jpg" height="133" title="Can Moving Be Stress Free:" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.c21westmain.com/" target="_blank">Plan, Plan, Plan!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Get an early start on packing by
concentrating on seldom-used items first.
Each box should have its contents and the room those contents belong in
written on it clearly. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Take a hard look at things you seldom
or never use and throw away as many of them as you can. The more you throw away, the less you’ll have
to move. Every item you throw away is
one less item to clutter up you new home.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Use your extra towels and linens to
protect breakables. When your supply of
these things is exhausted, crumpled newspaper makes an excellent
substitute. Write “Fragile” on all
appropriate boxes.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Put your valuables (such as jewelry)
and important documents (birth certificates, car titles, etc.) aside in some
safe place where they won’t be misplaced.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">When the house is empty, go back for a
thorough final inspection. Check
closets, crawl spaces, basement, attic, out-of-the-way nooks and crannies of
all kinds. Have a second person make the
same inspection separately.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Clean your new home thoroughly before
moving in. It’s infinitely easier that
way.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Decide in advance where you want the
heavy furniture. Changing your mind
after the movers have departed is no fun – especially for your back!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Locate all fuses, circuit breakers, and
water/gas and electrical valves. Record
the meter readings and check the smoke detectors.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">List the phone numbers of the local
police and fire stations, doctors, nearby hospitals, etc. Put a copy of your list near each phone.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Above
all, plan, plan, plan and plan some more. Make a schedule you can live with,
and then stick to it. Preparation and
forethought will help you to keep everything under control and finish the move
with your sanity and your nervous system intact. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com01104 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA36.211607 -86.31813399999998610.300603500000001 -127.80250899999999 62.1226105 -44.833758999999986tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363508184596251936.post-30555898490607694392014-09-22T09:54:00.001-07:002014-09-22T09:56:39.973-07:00HOME IMPROVEMENTS - CONSIDER THE PAYOFF<div align="center" class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .5in center 3.0in right 6.0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HOME IMPROVEMENTS - CONSIDER THE PAYOFF<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .5in center 3.0in right 6.0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Anita Tate, Century 21 West Main Realty & Auction</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Before you jump in too fast on home improvements, consider the payoff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> It's an important question for any
homeowner contemplating moving or remodeling.
And the only possible answer is a somewhat complicated one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> That answer starts with the fact that
really major improvements – room additions, total replacements of kitchens and
baths, etc., -- rarely pay off fully in the near term. It ends with the fact that small and relatively
inexpensive changes can pay off in a big way in making your home attractive to
buyers if your decision is to move now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .5in center 3.0in right 6.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
a simple fact, consistently confirmed across America over a very long period of
time, that even the most appropriate major improvements are unlikely to return
their full cost if a house is sold within two or three years. A look at statistics gathered for <a href="http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2014/" target="_blank">Cost vs. Value - 2014</a> confirms that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG9bH6Prs0Lnfk0bL7SCJ2KHcqhDr8wPn7-QJPN4Vv8oQCuIJ3SQ8SHAx0ryTeEFkIiiqIKhaRkQNKu5qBUSHKd26WFnMXmC9MFVKhMXOvTyapeA1WeLv423uKza6vie-52NaZJVpZRbb/s1600/House+Plans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG9bH6Prs0Lnfk0bL7SCJ2KHcqhDr8wPn7-QJPN4Vv8oQCuIJ3SQ8SHAx0ryTeEFkIiiqIKhaRkQNKu5qBUSHKd26WFnMXmC9MFVKhMXOvTyapeA1WeLv423uKza6vie-52NaZJVpZRbb/s1600/House+Plans.jpg" height="161" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Does
that mean that major home improvements are always a bad idea? Absolutely not. It does mean, though, that if your present
house falls seriously short of meeting your family’s needs you need to think
twice – and think carefully – before deciding to undertake a major
renovation. Viewed strictly in
investment terms, major improvements rarely make as much sense as selling your
present home and buying one that’s carefully selected to provide you with what
you want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Even if you have a special and strong
attachment to the house you’re in and feel certain that you could be happy in
it for a long time if only it had more bedrooms and baths, for example, there
are a few basic rules that you ought to keep in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .5in center 3.0in right 6.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Probably
the most basic rule of all, in this regard, is the one that says you should
never –unless you absolutely don’t care at all about eventual resale value –
improve a house to the point where its desired sales price would be more than
20 percent higher than the most expensive of the other houses in the immediate
neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .5in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Try to raise the value of your house
too high, that is, and surrounding properties will pull it down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .5in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Here are some other rules worth
remembering:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .5in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Never rearrange the interior of your
house in a way that reduces the total number of bedrooms to less than three.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .5in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Never add a third bathroom to a
two-bath house unless you don’t care about ever recouping your investment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Swimming pools rarely return what you
spend to install them. Ditto for sun
rooms – and finished basements.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIb5nfEvJEzVU-_VMKrzOetw9IdPLAKEs_bu_eRcovi7t2W7sXb5zvajxYA1PaV6p-ZhEa_9ocIBVsl35YnpcT153uQF2_vgA6BMd5mpz3HK3DtPbuJYsoB5rDHmUyRuYojT3nDE2Bs-0/s1600/Home+Improvement+-+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIb5nfEvJEzVU-_VMKrzOetw9IdPLAKEs_bu_eRcovi7t2W7sXb5zvajxYA1PaV6p-ZhEa_9ocIBVsl35YnpcT153uQF2_vgA6BMd5mpz3HK3DtPbuJYsoB5rDHmUyRuYojT3nDE2Bs-0/s1600/Home+Improvement+-+painting.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"> If you decide to do what’s usually the
smart thing and move rather than improve, it's often the smaller, relatively inexpensive improvements that turn out to be most worth doing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"> The cost of replacing a discolored
toilet bow, making sure all the windows work or getting rid of dead trees and
shrubs in trivial compared with adding a bathroom, but such things can have a
big and very positive impact on prospective buyers. A good broker can help you decide which
expenditures make sense and which don’t, and can save you a lot of money in the
process. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363508184596251936.post-64972522194019591112014-09-22T07:46:00.000-07:002014-09-22T07:46:13.164-07:00It's time to vote!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkAeaDnHWf3nWOhtrvFIRYBpVYutFQUsZG4kHuuWPcgCUHCrMaqsTDvwSVf5h6aw8-2JGn3fI_tzYYMipsyc0Wiw81IpaNxn2nsUgr_omBnHm5whQQugImawH0YH8qZTjAEcvKivQ-HSh/s1600/Vote+Anita+-+Thanks+w-o+link.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkAeaDnHWf3nWOhtrvFIRYBpVYutFQUsZG4kHuuWPcgCUHCrMaqsTDvwSVf5h6aw8-2JGn3fI_tzYYMipsyc0Wiw81IpaNxn2nsUgr_omBnHm5whQQugImawH0YH8qZTjAEcvKivQ-HSh/s1600/Vote+Anita+-+Thanks+w-o+link.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://armsemtar.realtracs.com/MemberAccess/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fMemberAccess%2fPoll%2fPollList.aspx" target="_blank">Click here to VOTE!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363508184596251936.post-43214110582287196512014-09-09T10:28:00.000-07:002014-09-09T11:22:45.855-07:00HOW TO DETERMINE THE PRICE OF YOUR HOME<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .75in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Anita Tate, Century 21 West Main Realty & Auction</span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .75in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJ7VG93b5UYOzsm98_4UA16YgQw_93JnvOMVNnzllB7CnW62ZTbxsLtWrmbegt2mNh8jTseldM4YSFmfKZXcwUh7UKw47E0e0mj20GMxYuOeAAUbp25eOFsKW5CONnV8k0H1qkDPWPEeB/s1600/Anita+Tate+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJ7VG93b5UYOzsm98_4UA16YgQw_93JnvOMVNnzllB7CnW62ZTbxsLtWrmbegt2mNh8jTseldM4YSFmfKZXcwUh7UKw47E0e0mj20GMxYuOeAAUbp25eOFsKW5CONnV8k0H1qkDPWPEeB/s1600/Anita+Tate+Picture.jpg" height="200" width="154" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anita Tate, Realtor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .75in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Why </i>is it<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>that some homes sit on
the market for a year while others sell like hot cakes? Frustrated sellers will blame a bad market,
while a good real estate professional will tell you that many times, a slow sale
is often attributed to the listing price.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If a home is overpriced, buyers
will stay away. But, if the price is
competitive with similar homes in the area and “shows” better than the
competition, it will have a better chance of being sold quickly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .75in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">The secret is perfecting a
technique that’s as American as apple pie: <u>comparative shopping</u>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Although comparing houses with
different styles, square-footages and locations is challenging, real estate
professionals still feel it’s one of the best methods to use when determining a
home’s market value.</span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .75in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .75in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">A responsible real estate agent
will effectively evaluate a home’s worth through a process known as Comparative
Marketing Analysis (CMA). Taking a look
at assets, such as a swimming pool, bigger than normal living spaces, a
fantastic view, adjacent city parks and other attractions, the agent will begin
to compare your home with similar properties, called “comparables,” that have
sold in the area within the last six months.
Typically, the agent is able to recommend a realistic price range that
will ensure you top dollar.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">However, factors such as the
amount of time needed to sell your home can alter the agent’s price
recommendation dramatically.</span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Typically,
people should check with real estate offices in the community to determine the
typical duration that listings are on the market. Sales associates will explain that the
marketing “norms” vary with prices and properties. Based on this criteria, the agent feels
confident that he or she will be able to sell it for a price that both you and
the buyer will be happy with. However,
if you’re under time constraints because of unexpected job changes or moving
agreements </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">you've</span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> made on another property, this will narrow your chances of
selling the home for top dollar in the market.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .75in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .75in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Assuming you have sufficient time
to market the home, here are a few small steps you and your agent can take to
finding the right price for your property.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .75in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The best comparisons can be made
with similar homes that have been sold within the last 45 days as opposed to
the standard six months. Any longer and
other factors, such as the economy, could cloud your view of how much your home
is really worth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .75in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: .75in center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another good benchmark is to
review the selling prices of homes that have just been sold and are pending
closes. Most MLS services provide
information on deals pending that most real estate agents should be able to
share with you.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoFooter">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzKt8gOQmf53rxXt8BiIe4iFzHvsjrJKTHTxnhqOQk2Uzw3wSAE0g0ObKjtCzZsLnD2KzxEb9ZNd1ANgaNMBMR9q_XgVd6DqdDQs5wr4POf0vgiPl938YSiPK5uwujUTlMpIX46Ru2CDd/s1600/Female+agent+with+sold+sign..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzKt8gOQmf53rxXt8BiIe4iFzHvsjrJKTHTxnhqOQk2Uzw3wSAE0g0ObKjtCzZsLnD2KzxEb9ZNd1ANgaNMBMR9q_XgVd6DqdDQs5wr4POf0vgiPl938YSiPK5uwujUTlMpIX46Ru2CDd/s1600/Female+agent+with+sold+sign..jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">A good rule of thumb before
setting a price is to make 20 comparisons of comparable properties within a
one-mile radius of your house. Once
completed you can feel comfortable that the price </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">you've</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"> picked is a good gauge
of the home’s worth and won’t discourage qualified buyers.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Being open and honest about what
you see as the home’s greatest strengths and biggest weaknesses will also help
an agent get a better feel for how to best evaluate (or assess) and market your
home. Think of your home as if <u>you</u>
were the buyer. If your home is listed
at the right price, you’re well on your way to a speedy and fruitful sale. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com01104 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA36.211607 -86.31813399999998610.6895725 -127.62672799999999 61.733641500000004 -45.009539999999987