Jolynna's Blog

The Basics: 2009 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:12:24 -0500

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers.

Here is more information about how the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.

Who Qualifies?

First-time home buyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

To qualify as a "first-time home buyer" the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Will the Credit Be?

The maximum allowable credit for home buyers is $8,000. Each home buyer's tax credit is determined by two factors:

The price of the home-the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.

The buyer's income-single buyers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000-may receive the maximum tax credit.

If the Buyer(s)' Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income-over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three-year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.

What is a Short Sale?

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:45:45 -0500

What is a short sale? A real estate short sale is when a home owner sells their property for less than what they owe on the mortgage, and the lender gives their permission to do this. Short sales are becoming more popular in areas or circumstances where the seller owes more than the home will likely sell for and the seller does not have the financial means to make up the difference. The seller should retain the services of a REALTOR with knowledge and experience in short sale transactions. The REALTOR gets written permission from the seller to negotiate on the sellers behalf directly with the mortgage company. The lender often allows the REALTOR fees and closing costs to be deducted if the seller does not have the financial means to do so. Offers to purchase are then presented to the mortgage holder and typically to any PMI company insuring the loan.

If you are selling your home as part of a short sale transaction, make sure to negotiate for a release and full satisfaction of the mortgage from your lender. Depending on the laws of your state and your individual circumstances, lenders may be able to wait a year or two for you to improve your financial situation, and then file a deficiency judgment against you to try and recover the money that you still owe them. The only way for you to avoid this risk is to have the lender not only release the mortgage lien, but also agree in writing to a full satisfaction of the mortgage. You should be aware that short sales are best left as a last resort when there is no other viable option to sell your home and foreclosure may be in the future. You must be able to prove that you lack the financial resources to sell your home by more traditional means.

Also read the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, and be aware the I.R.S. could consider debt forgiveness as income. The advice of an attorney and a CPA is highly recommended.

Short sales negatively impact your credit and your ability to purchase another home. While preferable to a foreclosure, it is still not an option for a homeowner to seek lightly. A professional REALTOR can counsel you on your options and help you choose the right course of action for your situation.

If you would like the counsel of a REALTOR regarding the steps to take to sell your property on a short sale, please call Jolynna McCune with GROOME & CO REALTORS at 901-649-0221. All consultations are confidential.

If you are attempting to buy a home on a short sale, try to make sure the deal is closeable. Have your REALTOR verify the status of the sellers relationship and history of discussions with their lender regarding the likelihood of allowing a short sale. Many short sale listings are not closeable deals because the lender won't allow it, yet many weeks or months can be wasted in waiting it out.

How does a foreclosure differ from a short sale?

In a foreclosure the sellers have lost ownership of the property through a legal process and is being sold by the bank, mortgage holder or in some instances the PMI company or guarantor of the loan. In a short sale the homeowner may still reside in the home and is still the legal owner of record. To purchase a foreclosure from a lender, a buyer must have strong financing from a reputable lender who funds loan directly (NOT mortgage brokers in most cases) or proof of cash funds prior to submission of an offer. Also, in most cases, the homes need at least some repair and the seller will generally not be willing to pay for those repairs. Therefore, the buyer must have available funds to repair the home after closing. In some cases, the lender for the buyer may require repairs to be done prior to closing to obtain the loan. This is typically true for FHA financing or other financing where buyer's down payment is minimal. In such instances a buyer is better to look for homes with very minimal damage or needed repair. If the terms of the offer allow, the buyer may have the home inspected within a short time frame after the offer is accepted to determine if the buyer would like to proceed with the sale.

Please give me a call or reply to this post to receive a weekly list of foreclosures in the area.

Other types of foreclosures are HUD homes or VA owned properties. These are homes that the department of housing and urban development or veterans affairs own. On HUD homes the process is more like an auction, where the seller allows the home to be shown by any REALTOR to prospective buyers. After the property has been available for a short period of time, the bid period ends and HUD reviews the offers. They will often accept one of the offers at that time. If HUD deems the offers too low, it will remain on the market and will be open to daily bids until a satisfactory offer arrives. A listing of HUD homes can be found on www.hud.gov and follow the links to Tennessee properties. GROOME & CO is registered with HUD and we will be happy to show you properties of interest.

There are many bargains in today's market for a buyer. Short sales, bank foreclosures, government foreclosures and relocation/corporate owned homes. However, do not overlook extremely motivated sellers with homes in excellent condition. In many instances a great home priced very well with excellent care and maintenance or numerous upgrades can be a better deal than that low priced foreclosure that needs tens of thousands in work ( which will typically have to be done with your cash rather than financed in the loan ). Have the guidance of a REALTOR to help you find the right deal for your circumstances. If time is not a concern then a short sale offer may be right for you. However, if you need a specific closing date or do not have large cash reserves for repairs and updates needed in a distressed property then a well priced traditional sale with a highly motivated seller may be the best route.

If you are interested in buying a short sale or need the counsel of a REALTOR regarding the steps to take to sell your property on a short sale, please give me a call! 901-649-0221

FIVE QUICK TIPS TO IMPROVE THE DESIRABILITY OF YOUR HOME

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:33:56 -0500

FIVE QUICK TIPS TO IMPROVE THE DESIRABILITY OF YOUR HOME

1. TOUCH IT UP:

A finished, flawless paint job can enormously increase the value and attractiveness of your home! Spend some time checking the exterior and interior surfaces - as well as fences, banisters etc. - and touch up any chipped or peeling paint.

2. BAKE, BAKE, BAKE:

Research has shown that potential buyers are greatly influenced not only by the appearance of a house, but by its scent as well! Baking cookies or pastry before an open house or showing will fill your home with a warm, welcoming and comforting aroma that is irresistible to buyers!

3. TOUCH OF COLOR:

In addition to providing a delightful and aromatic scent, fresh flowers brighten up your home and appeal to the buyer's sense of aesthetics. Add a few arrangements in different rooms to add some color and cheer!

4. MIRROR IMAGE:

Mirrors have long been used to give the impression of extra spaciousness in a home. Adding a few mirrors to different areas of the house - including hallways and bonus rooms - will make the house appear roomy and bright.

5. LANDSCAPE LUXURY:

Paying special attention to your landscaping is absolutely crucial during the selling process. Keep your lawn freshly mowed, flowerbeds free of weeds, and add some additional outdoor lighting to brighten up the pathways.

Moving Forward - 5 Ways to Take the Lead in your Life/Career

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:36:04 -0500

I read this article on my RISMEDIA feed this morning. Sometimes we can get so stuck in our lives and unable to move ahead towards better things. I like this guy's advice and am considering buying the book. Has anyone read it?

‘Moving Forward' - 5 Ways to Take the Lead in Your Life, Career

By Chris McNamara

RISMEDIA, August 2, 2008-(MCT)-Dave Pelzer, an acclaimed author of life-guidance books, demands that readers accept themselves as they are and-as the very bland title reads-move forward.

The past should remain there, in the past, if the future is to be enjoyed. Here are five of Pelzer's suggestions on taking the lead in your life and career:

1. Let it go. Too many of us cling to negative events that happened 5, 10, 20 years ago. We paralyze ourselves when we can't simply let it go, and begin living life now.
2. How we feel about ourselves-our esteem-affects every aspect of our lives. Crucial is trusting ourselves to create our own, best outcomes in any situation.
3. When facing great challenges, the immediate goal is to merely get through them. To do this: (1) Don't become overwhelmed. (2) Do what you can, as much as you can. (3) Keep your focus on the now.
4. Optimism-the belief that things can get better-is the first step toward redemption when we are wallowing in misery.
5. "I believe that no matter how many mistakes we've made; how badly we've really, really screwed up; how old, worn out, or dejected we've become; as long as there is true, steadfast ambition, all of us have an opportunity for greatness."

For further information, read "Moving Forward: Taking the Lead in Your Life," by Dave Pelzer (Center Street, $22.99)

Tennessee Tax Free Weekend

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:14:44 -0500

Well it's that back to school time of year again and I wanted to post a reminder to everyone that this weekend, August 1st through 3rd, is Tennessee's tax free weekend. A few of the exempt items include computers (up to $1500), clothing and school supplies among other things. For a complete list of what's exempt, check out this site. http://tn.gov/revenue/salestaxholiday Happy back-to-school shopping!

If Prices are Falling, Why Shouldn't I Wait?

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:48:45 -0500

From Hopoffthefence.com:

If prices are falling, why shouldn't I wait?

It today's market, prices are right, rates are low, and there are plenty of homes from which to choose. But no one knows when that will change. So if you're waiting it out hoping prices will fall even lower, consider that you might be disappointed when the market picks up again (and it always does) and you're still on the fence watching opportunity pass you by. And even if prices do fall lower, there's no guarantee that mortgage interest rates will be at the same level they are today.

In today's market with increased inventory, sellers are pricing their homes to compete. When the economy improves and more consumers begin looking for homes, prices will rise again.
There is a lot of "pent-up demand" in the market today. Millions of jobs have been created nationwide, yet the number of new households created is much lower. People who really want to make a move are waiting until they feel conditions are more favorable.
Waiting for housing prices to hit bottom is never a sound strategy. No one can predict precisely when prices will bottom out. In fact, the bottom is not usually evident until prices have started to move up again.
While waiting for housing prices to fall even further, many consumers forget the role that mortgage interest rates play in determining what they end up paying for their home. So while prices might fall further, interest rates could rise and negate any savings from a lower purchase price. If you purchase a home for $150,000 at today's rate of 6.4%, your monthly payment will be $1,043 (not including property taxes or insurance). Assuming you wait and the price on that home drops to $145,000 but interest rates have gone up to 7%, your monthly payment would be $23 more each month despite the lower purchase price. Instead of saving money you end up paying $8,280 more over the life of the mortgage. Currently, mortgage rates are near historic lows, but there's no guarantee how long they'll be there. Celia Chen of Moody's Economy.com predicts rates will hit 7 percent in mid-2009.

Curious About Home Values?

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:56:54 -0500

When you buy a home you go through the moving process and the hassles and feel like settling in forever. Right? As time goes by, your family size changes, your income has changes, or your personal preferences change. Some people stay put for 5, 10, or 15 years. Others seem always interested in "What's Next?" Now there is a way that you can relax and enjoy your home and all the good times while keeping an eye on the neighborhood real estate activity, too.

Whether you are ready to move or are just curious about home values and activity in the area, I can help you keep up to date. We'll keep you posted on activity in your own backyard as well as showing you monthly home sales in your area.

You don't have to be ready to move to be ready to hear the latest news about who's moving and what their home sold for. My complimentary Home Sales Alert will show up like clockwork. By being informed you can avoid having a mistaken impression of market value. That way you can sell or buy at the right time for your personal needs. Just email me to register, or visit my website at jolynnashomes.com and click on subscribe. If you need more information or want to visit, just give a call.

From RISMedia - Prevent Stress and Create New Options in Your Life

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:49:09 -0500

I thought this was a good article I read this morning from RISMEDIA, and wanted to repost it here to share. I think most of us are used to stress as a way of life, and this is a simple approach to reducing some of it.

Would you like to find control buttons to reverse your stress overload? If so, you might want to try a new technique of seeing how many good options you can invent.

You might invent a new way to approach housework, a relationship problem, or a project at work.

For example, let's say you hate grocery shopping. You go every Friday night, and it's a pain to start every weekend this way.

What if you decided, instead, to shop every third Saturday morning?

Also, what if you treated yourself to breakfast at a good restaurant before going to the grocery store?

Or, you might decide to exercise a new option by setting limits with your grown children. You might say, "I love keeping the grandkids, but I don't want to baby-sit every single Saturday."

These messages are part of Judi Light Hopson's podcasts, pinpointing the 12 areas of inventing stress management options.

Consider a business owner we'll call Alicia. Alicia knew something had to change when she yelled at her daughter-in-law a couple of weeks ago.

Alicia returned to her office one afternoon after lunch. Her 3-year-old granddaughter was sitting behind her desk.

"My daughter-in-law, who'd gone shopping, had left the child with my assistant," Alicia says, rolling her eyes. "Since I was going to participate in a major conference call, I had to literally park my granddaughter in the restroom with my assistant, so I could focus on the callers," Alicia reports.

If people, pressures, the clock, or random mishaps are running over your boundaries, start to think of ways to turn the tide.

Could you do things differently? Could you state a limit with someone? Could you ask a favor of a friend to reduce your stress?

We advised Alicia that her daughter-in-law might be overwhelmed herself. We encouraged the two of them to talk, and Alicia reports that her stress is now under control.

"I've offered to baby-sit every other Saturday for six hours," says Alicia. "My poor daughter-in-law has four kids and never gets a break.

"By giving her the option of leaving the four kids with me, two Saturdays a month, she can make plans to get her hair done or run errands."

In your circle, make an enjoyable game out of inventing new options to curb stress. See how many problems and sticky issues you can find solutions to.

Ron, a policeman whom we've known for years, says he loves the create-an-option game. "Any thinking adult or older child can create new ways of making stress go down," says Ron.

"My kids came up with our new housecleaning attack plan. We turn on rock music and all work together like mad for an hour two or three times a week."

A doctor we'll call Charles said his father-in-law had a heart attack the day before his daughter's wedding. "We exercised the best option we could think of," says Charles.

"We sent the limo carrying the bride and groom from the reception to the hospital for a visit with my father-in-law-and then on to the airport."

Charles said his father-in-law was thrilled. "The bride and groom hitting the hospital in full wedding attire made the local newspapers."

Just visit www.jemsprepare.com and click on the Wellness Cafe icon at the top of homepage. Scroll down to the heading of Work/Life Leadership to listen, download, and share the information freely with others.

Judi Hopson and Emma Hopson are authors of a stress management book for paramedics, firefighters and police, "Burnout To Balance: EMS Stress." Ted Hagen is a family psychologist.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: [1]

Amazing Story....

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:15:53 -0500

A friend of mine sent me this forwarded email and I wanted to repost it here because it meant a lot to me when I read it this morning. I don't usually even read all the "forwards" I get, but for some reason felt compelled to open this one. There is a link to the short video clip at the bottom and I invite you all to watch it. What an incredible show of love, faith and committment. How much better would this world be if we all aspired to such greatness and strength of character?

A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?' The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes'

For those who didn't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island

Father and son went on to complete the race together. View this here:

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

Tips for Easy Summer Home Care

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:15:12 -0500

While summertime offers us a great opportunity to make the most of our sunny Saturdays, you might find yourself with some extra free time. What to do? Why not take a little time each weekend to give your beautiful new home a little extra care? One of the best things about owning a home is the pride and satisfaction derived from making it look as beautiful as possible!

Here is a list of some practical summer to-do's that will help to keep your home and garden in wonderful shape.

1. Keep it green: Harsh summer heat can up the ante when it comes to caring for your lawn. Make sure to keep it watered and fertilized!

2. Fire it up: Get a head start for the upcoming winter and clean out your wood-burning fireplace and chimney. You'll have one less winter task to attend to!

3. Carpet care: Now's the perfect time to have your carpets professionally cleaned, which will protect your carpet and make it last even longer. Want to save a few bucks? Rent a quality carpet cleaner and do it yourself!

4. Touch-ups: Inspect your home - inside and out - and touch up any paint where necessary. This can be done quickly and easily, and will prevent future peeling!

5. Lock and key: Check all of the locks on your windows and doors and ensure that everything is working properly. Being proactive about safety is always a smart move!

6. Oil it: Anything squeaking? Add a squirt of WD-40 or similar product to door, cabinet and window hinges to keep them in top repair.

7. Park the car: If your garage is filling up with an abundance of stored items, take a day to reorganize and get rid of unwanted clutter. Give your unneeded items to charity, or have a fun summer yard sale!

Or....forget all of the above and head to the beach! :)

~ Jolynna

Optimism is the Key to Success

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:41:33 -0500

I just wanted to send a quick word of encouragement out to all of you homeowners trying to sell in a tough market. I know that sometimes the home doesn't sell as quickly as you may have hoped, but don't get discouraged!

For every property that is for sale, the perfect buyer is out there somewhere. Your perfect buyer is out there too - perhaps they just haven't yet had the opportunity to see your beautiful home!

A wise man once said, "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." I find this to be excellent advice. Take some time to view your home as a buyer might, and then make any changes you think might be beneficial to improve the desirability and value. You already know that you have a wonderful home - let's make sure that the buyers know it too!

The key to success is remaining optimistic - your house will sell; sometimes, these things just take time! So keep up that cheerful and confident demeanor, and I'm sure that we'll see results before you know it!Best of luck!

Welcome Home Memphis - Homeownership Assistance Program

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:35:42 -0500

I wanted to post this great information from the MAAR site about assistance programs through Welcome Home Memphis.

"Welcome Home Memphis"!

Initiated through a joint partnership of MAAR and the City of Memphis, "Welcome Home Memphis" was created to identify, develop, advocate and promote homeownership assistance programs that are available for low- to moderate-income families.

Consisting of a comprehensive resource guide, an education program, and a public service awareness campaign, "Welcome Home Memphis" is designed to serve both the public and the real estate professional.

The online resource guide provides comprehensive information on the home buying process and affordable housing programs and services available to prospective homebuyers and current homeowners.

The education certification program provides training for REALTORS^® in the areas of affordable financing, down payment assistance, credit, qualifying for a mortgage, predatory lending, home maintenance and repairs, and foreclosure prevention.

REALTORS^® understand the unique issues and challenges families face in finding a place to call home. Through continuing education, they can help open the doors to housing opportunity for people at all income levels in the Memphis area. Courses will be added throughout the year, so be sure to check the Web site frequently for updates.

Click on the link at the top to go to this site and find out more.

Collierville 4th of July Celebration!

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:22:45 -0500

Independence Day Celebration!

July 3rd, 2008

H.W. Cox Park

In Honor and Celebration of our Veterans there will be a Veterans Hospitality Pavilion. The Veterans Hospitality Pavilion will be a cool zone for all Veterans and their family. Senior Citizens are also welcome in the Pavilion to cool off during the festivities. There will also be a time during the schedule of events where our Veterans will be honored from the stage.

Schedule of Events

6:00 p.m. - Event Kickoff

6:00 - 7:00 - Country Grammar

7:00 - 7:05 - Mayor and BMA

7:05 - 7:10 - Special Military Tribute

7:10 - 8:20 - The Soulsations

8:20 - 8:30 - Veterans Recognition

8:30 - 8:45-Collierville Baptist Men's Ensemble

8:45 - 9:45 - AIMS Gang

9:45 p.m. - FIREWORKS

Bring your family and friends to enjoy live entertainment, food, children's activities and a spectacular fireworks show.

DON'T FORGET YOUR LAWNCHAIRS

Event Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Decorating Ideas for Boys' Rooms

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:50:55 -0500

If you have a room that requires a masculine touch, don't fret. Decorating a boy's room is not as intimidating as it may seem. In fact, there are a number of ways that you can turn your little man's room into a space that he treasures.

Bedding Basics

Many young boys love sports, which means bedding that features a football, basketball, baseball, hockey or racing design may be a winner when it comes to decorating. If your youngster isn't exactly a sports fanatic, ask him about his favorite colors and find a way to work them into the bedding theme. If necessary, you can always choose solid colors that work well together and still give your little boy a perfect space.

Phone Favorites

If your youngster wants a phone in his room, look for something that speaks volumes about his personality. Perhaps a helmet phone, car-shaped phone or even a character phone would be the perfect choice. Whatever it is, make sure that it reflects his own personal taste and is a phone that he will enjoy using.

This 'n That

Every little boy loves something, right? Does he love model airplanes or cars? What about trading cards or sports? Find out what he likes and incorporate it into the room. You can place shelves on the walls, which will accommodate his action figures, comic books, sports memorabilia, etc. If he collects autographs, display some of his favorites in a frame and hang them on the wall.

Wow His Walls

If you're looking for the perfect wall coloring, simply ask your little one what he favors in terms of paint color. In addition to a wide selection of wallpaper and/or borders, your local home improvement store will offer a choice of paint options that you can use to create a customized space for the No. 1 boy in your life.

You can always repaint the room a more neutral tone, such as beige, if you later decide to sell your home. While it's true that neutral shades are more attractive to potential homebuyers, the most important thing for now is to give your little man a space that's all his own.

Adding the Finishing Touches

When all is said and done, the wall color has been chosen, the bedding has been bought and the major details have been selected, it's time to think about adding the finishing touches. Accent rugs, table lamps, decorative throws, clocks, posters and framed photos will complete a look that your little one is sure to love. Now that you know how to decorate your little boy's room, don't forget to let him help with the item and color selection. After all, it's his room and he will thank you for it.

I'm in Your Neighborhood

Decorating Ideas for Girls' Rooms

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:03:07 -0500

If you have a room that requires a feminine touch, don't fret. Decorating a girl's room is not as intimidating as it may seem. In fact, there are a number of ways that you can turn the bedroom of your little princess into her very own fairytale retreat.

Bedding Basics

Every little girl wants a beautifully decorated bed, which means colorful bedding is a must. Whether it's her favorite cartoon character or color choice, the right comforter and matching accent pillows can go a long way in making your little one's room a truly customized space.

Finding a Fantastic Phone

Giving your little girl a telephone of her very own is a terrific way to let her enjoy a little extra privacy. Choosing the right phone for a girl's room is as simple as learning her favorite color and style. If you are decorating the room with a specific color theme, it may be a good idea to choose a phone that matches the decor. If your little one favors a specific cartoon character, look for a phone that depicts that image. Of course now most kids, including mine, all want their own cell phones.

Colorful Additions

All children love color and when it comes to decorating, nothing achieves the task better than flowers. If your little girl loves flowers, consider adding some framed artwork featuring various blooms in a fun pattern, or plant some flowers in a colorful pot that your little one can watch grow in her very own room.

Wow Her Walls

If your little girl has a favorite color, consider adding it to her wall coloring. You can always repaint the room a more neutral tone, such as beige, if you decide to sell the home in the future. While it's true that neutral shades are more attractive to potential homebuyers, the most important thing for now is to give your little girl a space that's all her own.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Once you've painted a room and added the bedding, along with several other accents, it's time to finish the project with a few last minute touches that will make your little girl's room a palace fit for a princess. Accent rugs, her favorite stuffed animals placed on the bed and a display shelf for her dolls or other collectibles are a few of the items that she's sure to love. Don't forget to include some colorful pens, stationary, some stickers and matching envelopes for her to write letters to friends and family.

Now that you know how to decorate your little girl's room, don't forget to let her help with the item and color selections. After all, it's her room and she will thank you for it. Have fun!

Backyard Summer Entertainment Ideas

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:49:06 -0500

When it comes to entertaining outdoors, there's no place quite like your very own backyard. Many families enjoy the warm summer weather by spending as much time outside as possible, and one way of doing that is by making it a fun place to be.

Get Out Your Grill

The smell of a freshly grilled hot dog or hamburger... the unmistakable taste of a meal that's been prepared outdoors... the excitement of getting together with family and friends for a barbecue... these are all things that you are sure to enjoy and, if you really want to get things cooking, you will get out your grill and cook up something that your entire family will love.

A cookout is a fantastic idea for summer entertainment, which means it is perfect for both small and large groups. Whether you prefer a quiet dinner with your family or you want to make your outdoor grilling adventure into a party by inviting your friends from the neighborhood, outdoor grilling is a fun way to make use of the summer heat.

Host a Pool Party

If you have a pool in your backyard, there's no better time than summer to put it to use. When the sun comes out and the temperature heats up, a pool party is the perfect way to spend the day cooling down. Before you start picking out your swimsuit, make sure that the pool is properly cleaned and ready for guests. In addition, make sure that there are flotation units for those who need a little help in the water and towels for everyone to dry off when they step out.

Hosting a pool party also means having something to eat and drink for your guests. Whether you've planned lunch or just a light snack for everyone, make sure that you have something on hand to curb those cravings. If you're inviting children over for a pool party for the youngsters, make sure that you have their parents' permission beforehand.

Sports Fun

Believe it or not, many homeowners enjoy setting up a backyard sporting event and inviting everyone to join in. Whether it's volleyball, horseshoes or just a friendly game of basketball, there's no better court than home court. If you plan to create a sporty atmosphere, make sure that you have plenty of water on hand for everyone to drink. It's also important to refrain from playing when the sun is at its peak, which is typically in the early to mid-afternoon hours. Instead, wait until it cools down before heating up your backyard with some friendly sporting competition.

Have fun!

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How to Make the 4th of July Fun for Kids

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:35:48 -0500

Every year, the Fourth of July holiday honors the birth of our nation. Independence Day, as it's also known, is a special day for every American and time for celebration. Both children and adults enjoy a variety of traditions that have grown to become popular pastimes for all. If you want to see a big smile on the face of your little ones this July 4, consider the following ways to make it a kid-friendly kind of fun.

Host a Cookout

One of the most popular traditions to enjoy over the Fourth of July holiday is a cookout with family and friends. Get out the grill, grab some hotdogs and hamburgers and get cooking. Children love cookouts and they also love playing outdoors. If you can find a way to combine both by hosting a cookout and inviting some of the other children in the neighborhood, along with family and friends, you will have a happy Fourth of July and so will your kids.

Take a Trip

Speaking of traditions, the July 4 holiday is one of the most popular times of the year for travel. If you really want to make this holiday fun for your kids, take them on a vacation. Whether it's an amusement park, a weekend of camping, or a few days at the beach, make sure that you choose something that's fun for everyone.

Take in a Fireworks Display

If your neighborhood or city is hosting a display of fireworks, take your child to see the show. Make sure that you watch the kids closely, especially in large crowds, and take the camera to capture some of the colorful displays that only a Fourth of July fireworks show can create.

Plan a Pool Party

If you have a pool in your backyard, the Fourth of July holiday is the perfect time to spend some time splashing around. With temperatures heating up, the cool water is sure to cool you down. Children love to spend an afternoon playing in the pool, but make sure that you get permission from all parents whose children you plan to invite to the party. Additionally, make sure that an adult is present to supervise the children at all times.

Have a Birthday Party

Because July 4 is a celebration of our nation's birth, it would be the perfect day for a birthday party. All children love a birthday party complete with balloons, decorations and, of course, cake and ice cream.

Now that you know how to make the Fourth of July holiday fun for kids, make sure to take the time to enjoy the celebration yourself. After all, that's what a holiday is all about.

Cut Your Cooling Costs This Summer

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:01:15 -0500

Money-Saving Tips

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable in the summer, there are a number of ways to accomplish your goal without breaking a sweat over your cooling costs. Believe it or not, the price of heating and/or cooling a home often accounts for more than 50 percent of a homeowner's energy bill. What does this mean for you? As a budget conscious individual, it's time to cut your cooling costs with these money-saving tips.

Sunblock

When the sun is up, consider pulling your shades down. Close your curtains, blinds or whatever window treatments you use to keep the sun's rays from heating up your home. This will help to keep the interior of your home cool, which can help to cut your energy costs by not making your air conditioner work harder simply because the sun is causing excess heat. Solar screens for your windows and a radiant paint barrier for your attic are effective ways to block much of the sun's UV rays.

Coolness Counts

If you use an air conditioner to cool your home, make sure that you adjust the temperature when you leave the house. Otherwise, you are just wasting energy on a home when no one is there. Additionally, you can also turn the unit down at night when the temperatures typically tend to cool off. This is true whether you are using a window unit for an individual room or a central system that's used to cool the entire home.

Maintaining Your Cooling Unit

It's important to clean your filters and/or replace them as recommended by the manufacturer. In addition to possibly resulting in dust and other allergens being circulated into the air, neglecting your filters could prevent the cool air from properly getting into your home. Have your air ductwork inspected on a regular basis for leaks and clogs to insure your system operates at peak performance.

Keep the Air Moving

Not every summer day is a hot one, which means you can often take advantage of the temperatures by using a standard fan instead of your air conditioner. The latter uses a great deal more energy than a fan, so consider your needs on a daily basis when choosing how to cool your home. You can install a ceiling fan for added air circulation, or you can use a standard rotating fan.

Cut Back on Cooking

Your kitchen oven can heat up your home in a hurry, which can make your air conditioner work harder to keep your house cool. This, in turn, results in higher cooling costs. Instead of using the oven, consider popping something in the microwave or on the outdoor grill for a change. While this may not be possible every day, it's certainly something to consider on those sweltering summer afternoons.

http://www.jolynnashomes.com

Beautifully Crafted - Builder's Personal Home

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:15:30 -0500

Just listed! Builder's personal home with attention to every detail and tons of upgrades and amenities! 4 bedrooms, (2 down) and 3 full baths. Very open and spacious floorplan features expansive hearth room with built-in tv nook and surround sound. Kitchen is chef's dream with granite counters, large butcher block island with shelves and wine cabinet, tumbled tile backspash, GE Profile double convection ovens, gas cooktop, Bosch diswasher, glazed solid maple cabinets and walk-in pantry. Dining room features beautiful custom trayed celing with heavy crown molding and celing medallion. Formal living room with built-ins and marble surround gas fireplace. Master suite is private, with bayed sitting area, double vanity, walk-in shower with massaging back jets, separate whirlpool tub (6 ft.) with decorative tile surround and step up. Game room has custom media center wtih space for oversized televesion and equipment cabinet. Surround sound. Wet bar has mini-fridge, sink and granite counters. 10 ft. smooth celings downstairs and 9 ft. smooth up. Designer lighting fixtures throughout, central vac, cedar lined storage closet, alarm system, extra insulation, lush landscaping and fully irrigated both front and back. Covered rear porch and extra-large patio overlook lovely back yard...one of largest in neighborhood. Home is directly across from community pool! Must see! owner/agent

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http://www.jolynnashomes.com

Vacation at Home in Collierville this Summer!

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:02:05 -0500

Your family will LOVE the fabulous backyard with covered arbor overlooking the pool! As nice inside as it is out, this home is spacious and bright and perfect for a large family. Located in sought-after Crosswinds, within walking distance to first-rate elementary school. Home features 4 large bedrooms, 3.5 baths, plus bonus room, elegant two-story foyer with balcony, formal dining room and lots of crown molding throughout. The family room is spacious with a vaulted ceiling, balcony overlook and vented fireplace. Luxury master suite features his/hers walk-in closets, dual vanities with knee space and romantic jacuzzi tub for two! Keep cool this summer in the FABULOUS in-ground pool surrounded by lush landscaping and beautiful arbor with dual ceiling fans. Call today to see! Motivated sellers. http://www.jolynnashomes.com

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Land, Location and Luxury in Piperton!

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:47:15 -0500

Situated on a lovely, treed 1.5 acre lot, this very special custom home truly has it all! From the soaring two-story foyer with gorgeous curved staircase to the huge vaulted gathering room with cedar beams and stone fireplace. And the kitchen is every chef's DREAM with miles of granite, large center island, custom cabinetry, and a wrap-around bar that opens to a light and airy breakfast room with a curved wall of windows. The master suite is truly impressive with his/hers closets, raised whirlpool tub with decorative columns and a massive walk-through shower with designer tile. And you will love spending cool evenings relaxing on the covered patio in front of an outdoor stone fireplace. To view more photos and additional information on the property, please visit my website at http://www.jolynnashomes.com.

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Elegant Executive Home in Hartwell

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:40:51 -0500

Elegant new home in beautiful Hartwell, located just north of Poplar Ave. off Shea Rd. and surrounded by a greenbelt and walking trails. Quality built by Dogwood Investment Co. with over 4200 square feet of complete luxury. Home features 4 spacious bedrooms, 51/2 baths, a master suite with large custom closets, walk-through shower with dual heads and his/hers vanities with granite. Kitchen features center island, tons of solid maple custom cabinets, granite surfaces, large wrap around breakfast bar, double ovens, gas cooktop, and walk in pantry. Kitchen opens to huge vaulted hearth room with marble fireplace flanked by built-ins. The two-story entry is ultra-elegant and expansive with curved staircase, arches and columns. Level two includes over-sized rec-room with media center and wet bar, hobby room, two bedrooms, each with private bath, custom built-ins and large walk-in closets. Builder has several other lots and plans available for custom building. Call or come see today! For more information visit my website at http://www.joynnashomes.com

7 Tips for Buying your First Home

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:28:13 -0500

Now that you've made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order! Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement. With the knowledge that you gain through individual research and the help of your REALTOR®, you will soon begin to feel like a seasoned house hunter.

Tip # 1: Do Your Homework

Did you know that there are a number of incentives available to first-time home buyers? Everything from a 3-5 percent down payment and interest rates as low as 5.75 percent are just a few of the ways that lenders help to make the dream of home ownership into a reality for many. An FHA loan, for instance, is especially appealing to first-time home buyers. The best way to find out what's available, in terms of down payment requirements and interest rates, is to do your homework by comparing offerings from various lenders.

Tip # 2: Save Money

Although many loans are geared toward offering lower down payments to first-time home buyers, it's important to save as much money as possible so that you will have enough to provide an earnest money deposit (if applicable), pay for closing costs and still have the funds to furnish and decorate your new home.

Tip # 3: Get Your Credit Profile in Order

When you apply for a loan, the lender will access a copy of your credit report and will use the information to determine your creditworthiness and/or interest rate. This means that you will want to make sure that the information contained in your credit report is accurate and up-to-date. You can do this by requesting a copy of your file from each of the three major credit reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

In addition to past credit history, lenders will also look at your current debt ratio in order to determine whether or not you can afford the home. This means that you may want to consider paying down some of your existing credit card debt and avoid taking on any new debt before applying for a mortgage.

Tip # 4: Start Your Search

With the World Wide Web being what it is today, it's no surprise that many potential home buyers start their search online. A Realtor's Web site is designed to not only list real estate, but also to educate a buyer as they move through the process of searching for a new home. In addition, the internet offers a way for consumers to browse through color photos and virtual tours, both interior and exterior, along with information pertaining to the homes themselves. The convenience of being able to find a home that you like without having to wait is just one of the many benefits to shopping for a house online. When you are finally ready to meet with a REALTOR®, you will already have one or more prospects in mind.

Tip # 5: Have Patience

Perhaps you will find the perfect house this week, or maybe it will take a little longer. Some buyers find exactly what they are looking for right away, while others have to do a little more searching to find their dream home. As a first-time home buyer, it's a good idea to begin the process with an understanding that good things really do come to those who wait. You may see a number of homes, take numerous photos and may even make an offer or two, but patience may very well be the key to finding your new home.

Tip # 6: Take Notes

If you see a lot of homes, it will be impossible to remember the features of each. For this reason, you should consider taking a notebook and writing down each unique or defining aspect that you like or dislike about a particular house. This information, along with any photos that you take, will help you greatly when it's time to make a choice.

Tip # 7: Don't Settle

A home is a big investment and it could, quite possibly, be the largest you will ever make. For this reason, along with the fact that you will be living in the home every day, make sure that you get what you want. There could be an instance where you need to make some type of compromise, but you may want to avoid choosing something just because it's within your price range or you feel as though it's your only option. New houses are placed on the market every day and, as a buyer, the next one listed may just be your dream home.

Survival of the fittest in today's market?

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:20:42 -0500

I received a question in response to an article I posted on ezine recently that I thought was interesting. I wanted to share it here and get your thoughts as well. The questions was:

"Hi Jolynna,

I was reading your Ezine Article entitled "Beware of Dog! (Selling a Home with Pets)"

It seems like with the booming house market in the recent years more and more real estate agents have cropped up. Do you think that the way the economy is headed some of the less "serious" real estate agents will be forced to find other careers? Do you feel that some of the more seasoned real estate agents will be forced to change their marketing habits?"

I thought this was a good question and my response was definitely "yes". Tough markets can make or break agents and it's pretty much survival of the fittest...and the most prepared...and those agents with a real committment to this industry. I love real estate and therefore am very dedicated to my clients and my business. But I will confess, I have to work much harder right now than in days past. But I think all in all, that is making me a better agent in the long run.

Many Thanks,

How Much House You Can Afford

Jolynna McCune, Affiliate Broker (Groome & Co. REALTORS) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:40:59 -0500

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the affordability of a house and, as a potential homebuyer, it's important that you know what type of mortgage payments are within your budget.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

As a homebuyer, your first consideration will be the amount of your monthly mortgage payments. If you owe a lot of debt, lenders may consider you to be a high credit risk, which makes debt-to-income ratio a leading factor in determining how much of a house you can afford.

Most lenders will discount any loans that you will have paid off within one year when determining how much of a home you can afford. As a general rule, your mortgage payment should not exceed 25-30 percent of your monthly take-home pay.

Loan Term

Although you will end up paying more interest in the long run, you will find that you can afford a more expensive house if you request a loan term of 25-30 years, compared to a shorter term of 15 years.

Interest Rates

When you look at an interest rate, all you see is a number. Hopefully, it's a single digit that's comparable with current market rates. Most homebuyers already know that their interest rate affects their monthly payment which, in turn, is determined by the borrower's income. Lower interest rates mean that you can afford a larger principal loan amount, which means a more expensive house.

Credit History

Because your past credit history will play a large role in determining your interest rates, it will also impact the affordability of a house. For instance, a buyer who pays six percent interest will save a considerable amount of money over a buyer who pays eight percent interest on their home loan. It may not seem like much now but, when averaged over time, the savings could be tremendous.

Down Payment Amount

Believe it or not, the amount of your down payment will not only show the lender how serious you are about buying a home, but it will also affect your ability to afford a particular house. For instance, if you were to qualify for a home loan of $200,000, but your dream home was currently listed for $250,000, a down payment in the amount of $50,000 would get you into the home.

The above scenario is just an example, but it does show how a down payment can affect the price of the home that you are able to afford. Some lenders may only require a five percent down payment, but you are free to pay as much above that as you wish. A larger down payment can also reduce the principal loan amount, which thereby reduces the monthly mortgage payments.

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