Brentwood TN January Market Report - 01/31/10 09:38 PM

Brentwood TN January Market Report The chart below represents the Listings and Home Sales for January 2010. Brentwood spans the border of Davidson and Williamson Counties.  The chart below represents both counties of Brentwood sales and listings.  What I find very encouraging is the combined 46 sales and pending in the luxury market between $500,000 and $1 Million (20% of the total listed in those groups).
 
Data for closed sales for January 2009 is below the chart.  The great story in the January 2010 chart is the great numbers for pending sales.

 
Brentwood Home Sales for January … (3 comments)

Speechless Sunday - Snow in Franklin - 01/31/10 07:04 PM
It snows in Franklin (near Nashville), but it a day or two it will seem like spring again.
 

 
 

Click the buttons below to find Homes for Sale in Franklin, Nashville, Brentwood. Feel free to search and register on my website to find homes in the Nashville area.  Including Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Nolensville,  and all of Middle Tennessee.
 
 
… (5 comments)

Craigs List Rental Scam - Remedies for the Scammed - 01/31/10 06:49 PM


Craigslist Rental Scam If you are a renter out there you may have already been taken-in by the rental property "too good to be true" SCAM.  You may have either sent a certified check of a modest amount as a deposit to hold a house for you. Or you were directed to a website that appeared to be a valid credit company to print your credit report but found yourself sending them your credit card information and social security number. I wrote a post months ago and reposted it this week after a second victim within a couple of days … (0 comments)

Driving in the Ice and Snow - 01/31/10 06:12 PM

This is perhaps a bit late and hopefully will not be needed again this season, but never the less, here are a few tips about driving in the snow.  Let's try this in a do's and don'ts format.If the roads are covered with snow and ice: Don't leave your house if you don't HAVE to go anywhere But if you do before you start out: Brush your car clean, scrape the ice off the windows Make sure your wipers are free of ice and working Make sure your windshield washer is full and works Make your cell call before you leave Once … (0 comments)

The View of Carnton Plantation - 01/31/10 05:02 PM
The View of Carnton Plantation - from my back yard.
Every couple of years we get a decent  snow fall here in Franklin Tennessee.  Just across the pond in my back yard you can see the snow covered roof of the old Carnton Plantation house.  
The historic house was used as a hospital for after the Battle of Franklin (November 30, 1864).  The McGavock family and Franklin citizens led by Carrie McGavock, buried the 1750 dead Confederates on their property and saw to it records were kept and most of the names and graves were marked.
The McGavock Confederate … (2 comments)

The Good Cup - Coffee House Review - 01/29/10 09:33 PM

The Good Cup - Coffee House Review A Coffee House at the Crossroads of Franklin and Brentwood
It's cold and snowy here in Franklin (Tennessee) today, so if you are looking for a good place for a good cup of  coffee to warm you this weekend, look no further than The Good Cup.Located on Hillsboro Road where Franklin meets Brentwood  north west corner of the city, it is a great place for just good coffee and friendly baristas. It is a warm and cozy spot with a daily supply of home made cookies and treats to go with the tasty brew. … (6 comments)

December Housing Sale News from NAR - 01/29/10 12:46 AM

Home Sales in December 2009 More Repeat Buyers and Median Sales Price Rise See the NAR January 25, 2010 Article
 

Median home prices (+1.5%) and sales (+15%) increased over December 2008.  The percentage of repeat buyers increased (+5%). That all by itself that sounds like pretty good news.Looking at percentages repeat buyers taking a bigger share of the pie would naturally take away from the percentage of first timers. So the percentage of first time buyers decreased from November 2009.  It is also likely that many first timer buyers took care of business before the first deadline.Overall, the credits … (3 comments)

Craigs List rental Scam - Strikes Again - 01/28/10 05:49 PM

Scammers Strike Again  
I post this a while back and lately it seems to be epidemic around here and nationally.  My reason for reposting my own blog is that I received a call today.  I person told me, "I read your blog, but it was too late, I already filled out the Credit Report form and gave them my Credit Card information.  What do I do now?"  
I really had no idea what to tell him he should do.  I told him call the credit card company and tell them your story to see what they advise.  Whether … (7 comments)

I Can't Sell Your House - It's Nasty - 01/26/10 12:39 PM
I couldn't resist reposting this from Larry Brewer.
Via Larry Brewer (Keller Williams ):
 I hate to say this, but your home is in no condition to be shown to buyers. First of all, the bathrooms have mold in the toilets. and the tubs look like they have been cleaned on a yearly basis. The kitchen is a mess. Why don't you start by throwing away everything in the fridge and then cleaning it. The pantry is a disaster, empty it and start over. The kitchen floors have something really sticky on it. It feels like an old movie theater, and smells like it … (2 comments)

Web Leads Aren't Automatic - 01/25/10 02:52 PM
 Web Leads Aren't Automatic People can visit your web on their own, they can search for houses, they can even register.  But at some point in this process you have to PICK UP THE PHONE AND MAKE A CALL!  Oh, excuse me, was I yelling?  Sometimes you need to yell to be heard.  Why do people spend so much time, effort and money to get found on the web and then do nothing to capture the lead? I have my site set up to text me whenever a visitor registers.  If it is a reasonable time of day or night they will … (11 comments)

Franklin Neighborhood Home Sales History - 01/22/10 10:36 PM
 
Franklin Neighborhood Home Sales History Is this your Franklin Neighborhood?  
  
 
 
Do you know how your neighborhood has performed over the past 5 years?  A house is the largest investment most people make yet they take more time studying the stocks they buy.  If you would look at a 5 year prospectus before buying stocks, why not before you buy your house.  
Aren't you curious about which neighborhood this chart represents?  How about looking at your neighborhoods chart.  
If you are interested in selling or buying, call me and let me work up your neighborhood.
… (3 comments)

Signs of Spring in Nashville (the Real Estate Market) - 01/22/10 09:13 PM

Better Signs of the Times in Nashville Including Franklin and Brentwood and Spring Hill Tennessee  
Well, not exactly signs of Spring, but signs that the real estate market is improving in the Nashville area. Clients sent me a list of 6 houses they want to see tomorrow and I had the tell them sorry, 3 of these houses are under contract.  

I can't remember when 50% of a buyers list was already off the market.  Coincidence or a good sign?
 
Click the city below to find your next house


 
… (2 comments)

High End Real Estate is Moving in Franklin TN - 01/20/10 11:12 PM
Star siting in Franklin Tennessee,
re-posted from Linda Seaton
Via ----The Linda Seaton Team---- Your Real Estate Advocate (Keller Williams - Franklin, TN):
Kenny Chesney has purchased a new home in Franklin, Tennessee!  The $9.2MM home is absolutely stunning. Kenny can enjoy a drink next to the infinity edge pool overlooking the gorgeous Tennessee hills.  Built by Jimmy Franks, this home is the one of the most over the top masterpieces around.  Composed of stone, antique brick, a clay tile roof  and fabulous architectural detail, it boasts wonderfully large entertainment areas.  Want to see more?  Click on the infinity pool.  There is currently … (3 comments)

What's so SPECIAL about GMAIL? - 01/20/10 10:41 PM
Anybody that is serious about blogging, social media, or web design should start with Google.  As Elayna posts below, it is where she begins her classes.  
It is a necessary prerequisite for everything that follows.
Via Elayna Fernandez - Marketing Expert - Naples FL (Designed 2 Impress, Inc.):
On the first day of class, my Social Media and Blogging students learn they cannot make it through the first day or move on to the second class without first signing up to Gmail to get a built-in Google account. I bring it up on my E-mail Marketing, Web Design and even Intro to … (4 comments)

FHA Announces Policy Changes to Address Risk and Strengthen Finances - 01/20/10 06:42 PM
Lee Barroll with First Community Home Loans posted this link, I think it is good information about FHA Policy Changes.
Via Lee Barroll (First Community Mortgage, Inc):
New Measures Will Help FHA Better Manage Risk, While Maintaining Support for the Housing Market and Access for Underserved Communities.  FHA Announces Policy Changes to Address Risk and Strengthen Finances.  Interesting changes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  For more infromation call Lee Barroll @ 615-243-1301.
You can reach me me at 615-243-1301 or lee.barroll@fcmhomeloans.com.  And subscribe to my blog if you like what you see.
… (1 comments)

Franklin TN Neighborhoods, Falcon Creek and Fieldstone Farms - 01/17/10 11:42 PM
Two great Franklin TN neighborhoods for people looking for 3 to 4 bedrooms from 1200 to 2400 square feet.  Falcon Creek is largely a 3 or 4 bedroom community with most of its homes under 2400 square feet.  
Fieldstone Farms has a wider range and varied offering from town homes, to zero lot lines and  sections that offer homes up to 4500 feet.  But for comparison purposes to Falcon Creek the chart below represents similarly sized homes in Fieldstone Farms.  Homes larger than 2300 square feet were not included in the chart.  The homes in these two groups are very similar … (4 comments)

Text $10 to Haiti; Money and Prayers are in Need - 01/14/10 11:18 PM
Text $10 to Haiti; Money and Prayers are in Need

 
From your mobile phone you can dial 90999 and type in the text Haiti (H A I T I).
When you do this $10 will be added to your phone bill and sent for relief to the earthquake victims.  Your prayers and money are in great need there.
Some Carriers have waived their text charges to facilitate this service.  If you are looking for a way to help, it doesn't take a minute.  I know there will be an extra collection at church Sunday, but if you want to … (5 comments)

Condos, Lofts or Townhouses in Nashville - 01/13/10 10:29 PM
Condos, Lofts or Townhouses are the perfect solution for people that want to own their own place without tying themselves down to the maintenance and yard work that comes with a single family home.  The time may be perfect to get a great deal in some of these Condos.  But buying into these communities don't come without risks.  
Before you buy in these communities it is important to research a few things:
the percentage of owner occupied to investor owned (some lenders prefer majority or better ownership ratios)  the financial stability and records of the Condo Association the Association's maintenance plan … (5 comments)

Winter Wonder Land - Speechless Sunday - 01/10/10 01:06 PM
Whenever I think we are having a cold winter, here in Franklin TN., I break out these photos from our lake cottage in Upstate NY.  When I look at this picture suddenly it doesn't feel quite so cold here.  I am not sure what month this photo was taken in, but it could have been anywhere from October to April on Oneida Lake NY.
This photo is one reason I live in Franklin TN and visit NY in the SUMMER!

 
 
… (6 comments)

Ready for Winter to Pass in Franklin - 01/10/10 11:20 AM
Winter in Franklin TN doesn't last long, but being an original snow-belter (upstate New York) I have come to appreciate the brief mild winters in the Nashville area.  This week we will have most of the harshness of old man winter pass and soon it will be Spring and Downtown Franklin will have its annual Spring Festival.  But the weather doesn't stop the Franklin folks from having fun and festivals.  Pictured below is a costumed resident from the October Pumpkin Fest.  Franklin also has a Dickens of a Christmas to help pass the colder months.
 
You can see this Halloween … (1 comments)

Brentmeade in Brentwood Tennessee - 01/07/10 03:57 PM
Brentmeade in Brentwood is a great neighborhood with large lots and custom homes.  Its convenient location, just off Concord Rd, makes it an easy shot to I-65 and just 15 minutes from Nashville and 10 minutes from Cool Springs Shopping and Galleria Mall.  
The neighborhood is in the Williamson County Schools; Edmondson Elementary, Brentwood Middle and Brentwood High Schools; and walking trails wind through the area leading to parks, the library, and the YMCA.
… (1 comments)

Water Water Everywhere... - 01/07/10 09:52 AM
Michael Thornton of Complete Home Inspections wrote this blog.  If you are selling or listing a vacant house you may want to read this.
Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):
Water Water Everywhere... 
Like the line from the "Rime of the Ancient Mariner", water water everywhere is not what one wants to see in their listed property. Nor does the home inspector! But this is what happened earlier today.
It is not unusual for real estate agents to turn the heat down to conserve on energy costs especially in an unoccupied property. However it is … (4 comments)

Franklin TN - Just the Best Little City in Tennessee - 01/05/10 11:49 PM
The collage below are links to just a few reasons I love Franklin Tennessee.  Click the photos to follow links to learn why Franklin is Tennessee's #1 Small Town.  Each photo links to one of the many events Franklin residents look forward to each year.
I hope you enjoy the links as much as I enjoyed being at these events.

 
If you are thinking about moving to the Nashville area, check out the links to Homes for Sale in Franklin
… (6 comments)

When all you want to do is search for Homes for Sale in Brentwood TN - 01/03/10 04:23 PM
When all you really want to do is look at a map and see where all the homes for sale are, just click on the sign to Brentwood TN and find all the available homes for sale.
 
Follow the sign to the map and you can:1) Mouse over any listing and click.2) Move or change the size of the mapped area3) Change the search options ie. price, number of bedrooms
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
… (3 comments)

Speechless Sunday - Left me speechless too. - 01/03/10 03:37 PM
Speechless Sunday.  My daughters new shoes, left me speechless too.
I think this post is more for the women, they seem to get the shoes "I have to have them" thing better than guys.  If you get tired looking at the shoes, click the photo for the link to let your fingers do the walking for Homes for Sale in Franklin TN.

… (2 comments)

Franklin TN Map to Homes for Sale - 01/01/10 10:20 PM
When all you really want to do is look at a map and see where all the homes for sale are, just click on the sign to Franklin TN and find all the available homes for sale. Follow the sign to the map and you can: 1) Mouse over any listing and click. 2) Move or change the size of the mapped area 3) Change the search options ie. price, number of bedrooms
  … (4 comments)

Happy New Year - 01/01/10 05:35 PM
No key words or tags, no pep talks or motivations, no list of resolutions or remembrances, no politics, religion or even real estate news.
Just blessings to you and wishes for love, health and prosperity in the year and decade ahead of us.
Tidings of Comfort and Joy and enjoy the video (if you like James Taylor as I do)

 
 
… (3 comments)