Moving day can be filled with anxiety but not if you prepare​ ahead of time and that includes the much loved family pet.  A local move can be much easier since at least you can keep your same veterinarian and local pet retailers.  An interstate move can be a bit more challenging ​but again preparation …

As we discussed in Part 1, there are great financial benefits to Nashville, but there is also no shortage of things to do … If you’re looking for fun and opportunities to socialize in your retirement, Nashville is a great place for you. The city boasts recreational activities geared specifically for seniors, including attractions that …

If you’re thinking of retiring soon, the first thing you should do is congratulate yourself on reaching this important and exciting life milestone. You now have an opportunity to let your relaxation be your top priority, and after a lifetime of work, that’s something to take pride in. Once you’re done reveling in the glory …

If you are thinking about buying a new home, spring is a great time to do it. School will be letting out soon and you want to get settled before the next school year starts again in the fall. When selling, you want to make sure you make an excellent first impression as potential buyers …

Homeowners are always asking “When should I file a claim?” or “Should I file a claim?” Do you ever feel confused by the finer points of homeowners insurance (or any other insurance-related topic?) You’re not alone. Homeowners are always asking me should I file a claim? After talking with Jennifer Bourne at Martin & Zerfoss …

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the temperatures are now fully in the Spring zone! If you like to spend time outdoors, now is the time to get your outdoor living space in order.  Whether you have a large formal space or a small cozy nook, there are a few things that …

As we are into the New Year, some clients have been inquiring about the following ‘hot’ trends. New colors and projects like backsplashes are trending as a focal point and stretching from counter to ceiling. Kitchens are anchored with floating shelves and range hoods for a very clean line look.  Yep, color is back in …

As spring approaches, many people begin to think about some simple projects that can be done to improve their homes. Whether you are thinking about moving and want to make a good first impression on perspective buyers or just want to freshen up the house for your own enjoyment, there are quite a few small …

With the wild weather swings from frigid wind chills to tornado warnings we have had in Middle Tennessee in the past few weeks, it brings to mind things we need to do to protect our families from extreme conditions. You may have taken precautions to keep your pipes from freezing or made sure you didn’t …

Now that the holidays are over you may be getting ready to start your search for a new home or just trying to make your current space better serve your family’s needs. After the holidays, many are trying to find “homes” for all of the new gifts received and put away decorations.  This process can …

Middle Tennessee has experienced a mild winter so far, but as temperatures drop below freezing later this winter, it’s always a good idea to be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to protecting your home from frozen water pipes, which can lead to busted water pipes if not handled correctly. Sub-freezing temperatures are coming …

As 2018 is wrapping up, I hope that you are able to look back on the year and be thankful for all of your blessings, I know I am! I am also excited to move forward into 2019 because I believe it will be a great year filled with new opportunities. The Nashville area continues to grow by …

Holidays are always a great way to showcase your home. I recently had a great conversation with Jamie Watford Owner/President of JW Nash & Co. Interior Decorator & Certified Home Stager and she suggested the following: Red and green has always been favorites. Gold, silver, rose-gold tones have been very popular and pair well with …

Most  everybody I meet ask me “How’s the Real Estate market?” or “What are rates doing now?” Well, I recently had a conversation with a good friend in the mortgage business, David Zopt with Guaranteed Rate. David recently had the pleasure of hearing from the National Association of Realtors chief economist Lawrence Yun, William Strauss …

Fall provides ample opportunities to make your home look more cozy and inviting from the outside, which will increase the buyer traffic if your home is on the market. If you have deciduous trees, you’re already ahead of the game when it comes to “decorating” your property, but there are several other things you can …

Nashville – the home of country music, boot-scootin’ and Southern accents, right? Well, yes, but even a quick visit to the area will demonstrate that there’s so much more in the city to be discovered and enjoyed. With a booming job market, a lively craft brewery scene and an ever-growing list of delicious new restaurants …

Thanks to 24-hour cable channels that focus on home improvements, it should be no surprise that Americans reportedly spent $180 billion in upgrades on their homes in the last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While there are plenty of upgrades that will make your home stand out and more appealing, it’s also important to know …

If you are close to or have already reached retirement age, the topic of downsizing your home has probably come up in discussions with your peers and/or your family. Retirement does not automatically mean it’s time to downsize, but I have many clients who have come to me around that time to start the discussion. …

As you begin the search for your next home you will want to give a lot of thought to schools and neighborhoods before deciding on a particular area. You will want to start thinking about your favorite home style, floor plan, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, etc… — WAIT! Why go through all the stress …

Hear me out… I like watching HGTV in my down time just like the next guy and sometimes we have it on in the office, but I’ve had some people come to me with some pretty unrealistic expectations about the home-buying process that can usually be attributed to one or both of the homebuyer’s penchants …

I hear it all the time: “But Zillow (or Trulia, etc.) says my home is worth $ (fill in the blank), but you’re telling me it’s worth this?” These nationwide real estate databases are a great starting point, but you need to know the facts before you put all your stock in a “zestimate.” Websites …

What impact does the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to raise the fed funds rate have on mortgage rates? Don’t panic. It’s not too late to get a rate. Here’s the good news. The fed funds rate only has a direct impact on prime rate-based mortgage products as well as adjustable rate mortgages (ARM’s).  These loan …

Keeping your home in tip-top shape sometimes requires more exstensive work than you can manage. Sure, you can watch a YouTube video to learn how to unclog a toilet, but some projects extend the reach of your skills, patience, and any YouTube instructional video. When you know your home project is out of your skill …

Sound impossible?  It clearly isn’t.  I am always amazed how make little changes using color and greenery can make such a significant difference in the look of a home.  Apparently, there are lots of places to look for ideas.  Magazines are a great source of ideas.   One thing to keep in mind is to have a budget for …

Even though there are more buyers wanting homes in our market, the home still has to be of value in the mind of the purchaser. We hear talk everyday about our market being a “Sellers” market. While that is mostly true, mortgage ​interest ​rates are slowly ​increasing. This will limit the amount of buying power for some buyers as …

Are you wanting to move up in size to accommodate your growing family or maybe downsize?​ You may be tired of paying high rents and are looking as a first time home buyer? Knowing your needs are ​and what your five year plan is will determine whether you should purchase a home at this time. For instance, are …

Open houses are designed so that as many people as possible get to see your home at one time. An open house can actually be an introduction of your listing to the housing market. Although fewer than 1% of houses sell at an open house, It’s the best way to introduce your home to the market. Rule …

The children are finished with college and seem settled in their lives and now, it is time to think about the rest of your life. Where you want to live? Clearly it is a great time to think of the house you want to live in as you move toward retirement. Thinking ahead tells you …

Making your home attractive to prospective buyers can be a daunting task. All those items that make the home “yours,” such as  your personal items, need to be stored away as you neutralize your home prior to selling. The prospective buyer needs to imagine their own photos and furniture in your house. Personal items such as …

For most people,​ the largest financial ​investment ever mad​e is ​the purchase of their ​home. Usually, ​​the things you need​ today in your home ​will change through the coming years.​ T​hinking through what you need if you are ​building a home today that you plan to stay in through the coming years is a challenge. There will be …

Recently, I met some friends who have lived in the same home for 30 years. I actually think it’s neat that they are still in the same home. Some of my friends have parents who have moved to senior living communities and they purchased the parents’ home and are living in their childhood home with their growing families.  I am sure …

Is it time? You and your family are in the market for a new home.  What exactly is that going to look like? There are certain questions you can ask yourself to know what that home should be and what your priorities are. ​A good place to begin the process is in the bedroom area.  Everyone usually …

By JAROD TANKSLEY Now that we are in the cold months of winter, there are a few simple steps you can take now that will keep your home nice and cozy and shield you from the bitter cold. INSULATION There are many areas of your home that could have been neglected when your home was …

There are really many different styles of home decorating. It is not a one-size fits all art. The traditionalists usually have the cozy, comfy & warm decor where those who prefer the contemporary are more into clean lines and minimal furniture. But there are always a few who combine both. It has been said that color trends come …

There are really many different styles of home decorating. It is not a one-size fits all art. The traditionalists usually have the cozy, comfy & warm decor where those who prefer the contemporary are more into clean lines and minimal furniture. But there are always a few who combine both. It has been said that color trends come …

To many people the outside appearance of their home is not important.  However research has shown the curb appeal of your home is the most important feature of your home. Clearly the appearance of your home from the curb is often why someone wants to see the inside of your home. Apparently it is also …