Real Estate & Murfreesboro TN Homes For Sale

Nashville Roofing - When The Home Inspection Says Uh-Oh!

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:10:16 -0800

The real estate market in Murfreesboro TN and Nashville has taken a dramatic upturn and homes are now selling! In fact, we actually have a shortage of inventory in many price points in the Murfreesboro TN real estate market! Listings are now selling - and many Murfreesboro TN homes are selling for list price!

Fast forward - You've listed your home and accepted a binding contract, and all things are moving forward toward closing. But then...the home inspection uncovers that the roof needs further inspection! Closing is fast approaching, as the homeowner you are stressed this may kill the deal and the buyer is uneasy with this huge big ticket item! Well I have good news! Contact MidSouth Construction and request that one of their qualified staff come out to inspect your roof.

MidSouth Construction is an A rated BBB licensed general contractor that specializes in storm damage and roof repairs. They are qualified to determine IF the home inspector is correct and the extent of damage, if any, on the roof. They may be able to certify that the roof does not have legitimate damage and soothe the concerns of your buyer. If the inspection does show that the roof does have damage, then MidSouth Construction is more than qualified to handle the crisis! Their staff of licensed insurance adjusters can facilitate the claims process and assure the claim is maximized and paid correctly. They can help speed the insurance claim process along and meet onsite with the insurance company's adjuster. Once a determination is made that the roof will be covered by insurance, MidSouth Construction will be able to move forward on having the roof replaced!

Best of all, once the insurance paperwork is received, a roof can often be replaced in a matter of days - not weeks! MidSouth Construction can ensure that the roof is replaced in time for closing and will work with the insurance company to secure payment. This is a huge burden off the shoulders of the current homeowner as well as the potential buyer and future homeowner. MidSouth Construction handles all of the paperwork from beginning to end!

Discovering that your roof has issues with a big ticket item like a roof can be stressful. MidSouth Construction is here to assist you with making sure that the stress is minimized and your closing stays on track! If you believe your home may have a potential roof issue, then be proactive and contact MidSouth Construction NOW for a free, no obligation roof inspection! You will either have the peace of mind to know that your roof has been inspected and passed with no problems prior to your home inspection, OR be able to market your home with a new roof installed or scheduled to be installed! Either way, the situation is a win-win!

Contact MidSouth Construction today for all of your Nashville roofing contractor questions!

Murfreesboro Roofing Contractor

Gallatin Roofing Contractor

Mt. Juliet Roofing Contractor

Hendersonville Roofing Contractor

Nashville Roofing Contractor - Google Places Reviews

Nashville Roofing Repair

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Wells Fargo Won't Endorse Insurance Claim Check As AGREED To! HELP!

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:26:32 -0800

I hope that someone here has a contact for Wells Fargo or some advise on how to proceed! An offer was submitted on a Wells Fargo FHA short sale in November. The home was damaged by a major hail storm after the home was appraised and listed as an approved short sale. The current seller has homeowners insurance. Part of the offer was the condition that the roof be replaced per insurance company allowance with the buyer paying for the seller's deductible.

The offer was accepted by the seller, Wells Fargo and approved by HUD. The insurance company inspected the roof and agreed it needed to be replaced and issued a check payable to Wells and the seller.

We are ready to close…except Wells Fargo will NOT endorse the insurance claims check so the roof can be replaced. I am depending on the listing agent who has told me he has been attempting to get Wells to endorse this check since early December!!

We will have no choice but to give up and purchase another home if this is not resolved within the next week. The home would then go to foreclosure since the sellers are way past the date for the FHA pre foreclosure deadline. It seems absolutely ridiculous that even Wells Fargo accepted the offer and everything is a go but because of their constantly passing the buck and not knowing "who" would be the right person to approve or endorse the check that this home may be foreclosed on.

I appreciate all comments and help!!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Be grateful for today. We may not have tomorrow

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:58:25 -0800

This isn't my usual blog but I felt I needed to write something. Six weeks ago I was finishing up my morning devotion and writing in my gratitude journal how grateful i was for my four amazing children when my phone rang. The call was not about real estate as I had expected. It was a call that has changed my life forever and made me realize how fragile our lives are.

My beautiful daughter Ashlee hit black ice driving to work and her car was thrown into a tree. She was life flighted to the trauma center at Vanderbilt with extensive injuries. In the blink of an eye everything I had thought was important for the day, week and even months ahead changed. The drive to the hospital was the longest drive of my life. I had no idea if I would arrive to be told my daughter was dead or alive but I knew it was going to be serious no matter what. When I finally arrived at the hospital we received frightening and very sad news. My precious daughter was unconscious with life threatening injuries. She has a broken neck, back, pelvis, shoulder, collar bones, ribs, wrist and arms, two collapsed lungs, shattered kidney, lacerated liver, and brain bruising. But she was alive!

The condition on the car makes it impossible to believe anyone survived that crash. In addition to being crushed, it was soaked in gasoline but did not catch fire. It is remarkable that her body absorbed such trauma and was in a car with glass and metal flying everywhere but received NOT one cut to her beautiful face. Angels surely were around her during the horrible crash. Ashlee is our miracle.

After being unresponsive for days that stretched into weeks, she is now awake! We have rejoiced over her blinking her eyes and following intermittent commands. We were beyond excited when she puckered her lips for a kiss one day when I told her how much I loved her. We have had heart wrenching days of wondering when and if she would regain consciousness and many sleepless nights being kept awake by the sound of the ventilator.

But Ashlee is a true miracle and a testament to the power of prayer. Ashlee is fully awake and communicates with us extremely well. She still has a trachetomy tube and a neck collar but her recovery is remarkable. She has several weeks to go before her broken bones are healed enough for her to begin rehab to walk again. But she WILL walk! God surely has a plan for her to have spared her from such a tramatic wreck and also speed her recovery like he has. As horrible as this has been I still believe God is good and has a great plan for Ashlee. Whenever God brings us to something he will always help us through it.

My real estate career has been temporarily on hold as I have shifted into being a full time mom once again! We are looking at many months ahead for recovery so i will be working to reach a happy medium of still selling real estate but also caring for my daughter. I just know that great things are in store for Ashlee and myself! Please pray for Ashlee's full recovery and strength during what will be a long painful road to get there.

And be grateful for every minute that you have with your loved ones. Each day is a gift that most of us take for granted.

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Selling Your Murfreesboro TN Home? Make Sure It Is Easy To Show!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:39:25 -0800

Showing Murfreesboro TN homes to buyers has always been something I really enjoy! Some agents prefer to focus on listings and work with sellers, but I have always enjoyed working with both. Working on both sides of the fence lets me see things from both perspectives. I use this insight when marketing my listings and it helps ensure I do everything possible to get my listings sold! One of the most important steps to selling your Murfreesboro TN home is to make sure other real estate agents can show it to potential buyera! If you want to sell your home you have to show your home!

I have been was working with a wonderful couple who will be buying their first home. This isn’t my first rodeo so I know the drill when it comes to working with first time buyers! We started the home buying process getting preapproved and establishing a price range and cash needed for closing. As with most first time home buyers, it was difficult to come up with the exact type of home that they want. We can discuss style, floor plan, community, developments, and the age of homes over and over. But, in reality many first time home buyers don’t really know exactly what they want in their first home. They need to take some time to go look at homes and communities before they are ready to make a decision.

Before we started our home buying journey, we were able to determine that for many reasons, they wanted new construction. Their search for a home doesn’t stay within one city and they were flexible with location so that made our search a little more extensive. We started our search with a list of homes that they had found on the internet. I am reminded that as a listing agent getting internet exposure for my listings is crucial! I also added a few homes to the list that I felt were good matches for this couple that they had not seen online. Once again, I am reminded that as a buyer’s agent I have a responsibility to assist my clients in finding their dream home! That means doing some homework and footwork on my end!

Since we were looking at new construction, you would think that showing these homes would be extremely easy! After all, there shouldn’t be any appointments required, the homes are already “show ready” and there are no pets that need to be removed or home owners that may have plans to work around.

Our first showings were for homes that were in a development that has a model home. Even though these homes are located several streets apart and several blocks away from the model home, they are not on sentrilocks or combo locks. We were required to go to the model home and pick up the keys to each home and then return the keys. While this was inconvenient, it was really frustrating when we arrived and the model home was CLOSED with a note on the door that the agent was out showing homes! Once again, I am reminded that as a listing agent I have the responsibility to make my listings easy to show!

After changing our schedule and working around this change in plans, we went to an area where an independent builder had some new homes listed that were on combination locks. We were able to view the one home we originally planned to see. But, as with many new buyers, they also wanted to look at the home next door that wasn’t on our list. The showing center didn’t have instructions for this home and we were asked to contact the agent. Luckily, we were able to reach the agent and were able to view this home. Once again, I am reminded that as a listing agent it is so important to have my listings set-up with the showing service so that they are easy to show!

We had originally marked off one development from our list of homes to preview. After being in the area, the couple decided that they did like the community and would like to view these homes. The MLS sheet indicated that I needed to contact the listing agent for appointments. I hate to think negatively but I knew before I dialed the number that she would not answer. I dialed...and got her voice mail! I left a message and then dialed the office. The receptionist was very apologetic but had no idea what the combination was to show this home. We peeked in the windows and the buyers were interested in this home. After waiting a while with no return phone call, we had to leave and move on to the next homes. Again, I am reminded that as a listing agent I have a responsibility to my clients to make sure that my listings easy to show! While it would have been great if we had tried to reach the listing agent the day before and schedule an appointment, in the real world of showing new construction this just doesn’t always happen!

Finally, we went to a wonderful new home that was available to show anytime that was on an old fashioned combo lock. We scheduled a showing and got the combination to the lock with no problems. The problem was that the lock was old and wouldn’t work! We tried and tried to get the lock to release but it was frozen in place. Again, I am reminded that as a listing agent I have a responsibility to my clients to make sure that my listings are easy to show! Malfunctions can happen anytime. But, when you put an ancient combination lock on the home, the odds of it not working are dramatically increased!

The day ended on a positive note. The buyer’s viewed enough homes that they decided they are ready to go forward with making an offer on one that they loved. Who knows if they would have liked one of the homes we were unable to view more than they one they selected. Once again, I am reminded that as a listing agent I have a responsibility to make sure that my listings are easy to show!

If you are thinking of selling your Murfreesboro TN home, or are interested in buying Murfreesboro TN real estate, please call me today at 615-566-3789 or email me at sherri@sherriwellborn.com! I would love to help you buy or sell your next home!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Do You Want Cheese With That Whine?

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:24:30 -0800

Seems that times are hard for so many people right now. A negative outlook on the future is becoming the norm in our society. I too am guilty of whinning about the way things are, or what my "problems" right now. The true reality is, I am very blessed and so thankful for my family, my clients, my career, and my life! This blog post was such a wake up call for me that I wanted to share it with you! Have a GREAT day and be GRATEFUL!

Via Gary Woltal - Assoc. Broker REALTOR® SFR Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):

People complaining about anything and everything in life can be a natural some days. Face it if you are alive as Norman Vincent Peale quipped once, you will have problems. BUT incessant going on and on about something to everyone around you is downright annoying. THEY have their own concerns to deal with. Get it off your chest once and for all and STOP WHINING. The way I handle this myself and suggest you do for yourself is turn it around and COUNT your blessings and think this: IT IS ALWAYS RELATIVE to another's WORSE than yours situation.

Keep that in mind. Some graphics to go with this thought.

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Has Professionalism & Courtesy Been Lost In The Sea of Foreclosed Listings?

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:52:00 -0800

I’m beginning to wonder if the days of being courteous and professional in our industry are gone. The market is tough and it has become tougher to close real estate transactions in our competitive market. So many good agents have given up and gone into other industries. For those that remain, I have to wonder if this never ending down housing market has caused a permanent change in some agent’s attitude?

I had a potential offer on a foreclosed home. I wanted to speak with the listing agent over the weekend to see if they were working any other offers and find out how quickly the bank was responding to offers. Unfortunately, the agent did not list their cell number anywhere on the listing, the MLS roster, or yard sign. That’s a sure sign that they do NOT want to be bothered outside of normal office hours.

So, I waited until this morning and called his office. Naturally, he was not in as early as ten on a Monday morning, so they directed me to his voice mail where I left a message. I stated that I had an offer to submit and needed to know the best way to get the offer to him, via fax, email, or in person. I also stated that I wanted to confirm that he wasn’t working any other offers.

By 1:00 and no response, I decided to go ahead and get the offer submitted. I contacted his office and got the fax number. The offer was faxed and I got a confirmation that the fax was successful. Then I sent a PDF file to his email address on the MLS roster.

After I googled his name, I found his cell number on his website that stated he specialized in working with banks and was an REO listing specialist. Surprisingly enough, he didn’t answer his cell so I left a message that I had already left a message on his office phone and wanted to let him know I had faxed over the offer and sent a PDF file to his email address. I asked for him to confirm that he got the offer and let me know if I needed to submit the offer to a different number or email.

By 8:00 PM I still have not gotten a response. I reluctantly dialed his cell number and amazingly enough he answered! His tone of voice indicated that he was not very receptive to me calling his cell number in the evening. When I asked him to confirm that he had received my offer, he asked me what house I was talking about and gave no recollection of knowing my name or that I had called, faxed, and emailed him multiple times today. When I told him which home, he wanted to know how much the offer was for. I’m assuming that even though this home has been on the market for over three months that he must have received multiple offers today which was why he was confused and needed to know which offer was mine. When I stated the amount, he responded with a flat tone and short answer of, “oh yeah, I got it.” I tried to stay upbeat and asked if he had any idea how long it would take to get a response from the bank. His reply...”I’m sure it will just be rejected tomorrow.” Nothing else was said and no additional information, guidance, thank you for your offer, sorry I didn’t get back with you earlier, nothing. I thanked him for his time and asked him to please let me know even if the bank didn’t counter.

What happened to the courtesy of returning a phone call about one of your listings? What happened to the courtesy of confirming that an offer has been received? What happened to the courtesy of just being polite? Isn’t the goal to get the listing SOLD? At this point I get the feeling that he won’t even send our offer to the bank but has decided on his own that it should be rejected.

Bank owned properties should still be represented by agents adequately. Whether they are bank owned or individually owned, listing agents should be available to answer questions about their listings! That means providing a cell number and answering phone calls on the weekends. In the minimum, it means returning phone calls during the business week! Lastly, agents submitting offers deserve the courtesy of a phone call or email to confirm that their offer has been received.

The market may have changed to support more foreclosures and short sales and agents that specialize in these type of properties. Hopefully, the lack of professionalism and courtesy that I have received from more than one of these type of agents it not the wave of the future. The housing market and the way agents do business with the large number of REOs and short sales will always change. But, I sincerely hope that courtesy and professionalism between agents will always remain as a part of this industry and will never go out of style.

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Murfreesboro Real Estate Is Trending Up - It's The Little Things That Make Me Notice!

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:20:06 -0800

Sometimes it’s the little things that matter the most. The Murfreesboro TN Real Estate Market is trending up and it is the tiny changes that I experience each day that confirm this belief. There are no sky rocketing home prices or major economic events that has caused the change. It is the little things that indicate the Murfreesboro real estate market is changing. We have experienced a down real estate market - for a long, long time. This has caused many buyers to become professional fence sitters. But little changes are taking place each day in our market. Buyers who fail to notice these changes will miss out on the home buying opportunity of a lifetime and may find that life on the fence isn't so grand!

Market reports, statistics, data, data, data...they all show a trend that the Murfreesboro TN homes market is trending up. The newest reports released from the Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors show that 260 homes were closed during October 2011 in Rutherford County with an average sales price of $172,499. This is a nice increase compared to October 2010 that indicated Rutherford County had 218 closed home sales with an average sales price of $167,109. Little changes, but a big impact on buyers who keep waiting and waiting for prices to get lower or seller’s to become more desperate. The home sales trend is now moving in favor of the sellers! Some areas are even in a seller’s market because of low inventory!

Sunday I received a call from a gentleman inquiring about a listing they had been interested in for a few weeks but didn’t feel an urgency to make an offer. Sorry, but that home is now under contract! The buyers were very disappointed and asked me to please let them know if the contract fell through. The contract appears solid so it looks like this couple missed out on a great deal and a great home that he said was perfect for them. They have almost 50% to put down, but just couldn’t make a decision to submit an offer.

Monday I received a call from an out of town buyer who had been watching a home online for TWO years! She had just sold her home and will be moving to the area soon and felt like this was the home she would want to make an offer on when she comes to town next week. Unfortunately, the seller’s received two offers over the weekend! The Purchase Agreement was made binding on Monday and they accepted a backup offer if the first deal falls through. Needless to say, the buyer was shocked and very disappointed.

I had an investor who was interested in a foreclosed listing that had been on the market for some time. We had looked at the home twice and there was a lot of potential there. But, like with the other buyers there was this false sense of security that the market was slow and the home will be waiting whenever he decided to make an offer. That home went pending last week as well.

The market reports show the Murfreesboro Real Estate market is changing. The data confirms that Murfreesboro TN homes are selling in larger volume and for higher prices. But, it’s the little things that make me realize that potential buyers really need to act now! Real estate in Murfreesboro is selling! The phone calls that I receive almost daily confirm that our market is changing.

If you are considering selling your Murfreesboro TN home, or would like to buy real estate in Murfreesboro TN or the surrounding areas, please contact me at 615-566-3789. Visit us online and sign up for the Market Insider report at SellMurfreesboroTNhomes.com!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Elevator Speech - Why You Should Use Sherri Wellborn To Sell or Buy Your Murfreesboro TN Home

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:14:03 -0700

My elevator speech and video:

There is nothing more important than family and a comfortable home that provides stability and a source of happiness for them.

Hi, I’m Sherri Wellborn with Keller Williams Realty in Murfreesboro TN. My business is helping families buy houses that will become THEIR homes and selling homes that families have invested in emotionally & financially.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, you need a knowledge realtor who will listen to your needs and and protect YOUR investments.

Let me help you use the proven power of technology to get the results YOU want. I understand that it takes more than just using technology to have successful real estate closings & satisfied clients! That’s why I believe in providing good old fashion customer service and am committed to taking care of YOUR family the same way I would my own.

When its time for your family to move, call Sherri Wellborn with Keller Williams at 615-566-3789. There IS a Difference!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Murfreesboro TN Roof Repairs - Better Business Bureau Warns Against Storm Chasers

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:53:44 -0700

The Better Business Bureau is warning Murfreesboro TN home owners and business owners to proceed with caution!

Homeowners should be wary of “storm chasers” that swarm on vulnerable homeowners after a major storm hits an area. Some of the individuals knocking on your Murfreesboro TN or Tullahoma TN doors are legitimate businesses offering their services to home owners in need. But, others are only looking to make a quick buck. Worst of all, when there are problems down the road with a leaky roof that was improperly installed, the contractor will be long gone with the homeowners insurance claim money in hand.

Homeowners should be very careful when selecting a contractor to handle storm damage. Storm damage claims can be very complex and involve many items besides the roof. MidSouth Construction specializes in storm damage restoration! They are an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau with an A rating! Their staff includes license general contractors and licensed insurance adjusters. Their home base is in Nashville Tennessee with a new office in Knoxville. The storm chasers will come and go but MidSouth Construction is here to stay!

If you think your commercial property or home in the Middle Tennessee area has suffered storm damage, contact MidSouth Construction for a FREE roof inspection. They will work WITH your insurance adjuster to make sure that you are protected and your claim is maximized with your best interest!

The BBB encourages Murfreesboro TN homeowners to check out any contractor before you hire them! MidSouth Construction highly agrees and encourages homeowners to check their status with the BBB! We are proud of our workmanship, work ethics, and reputation! We understand that homeowners have concerns with so many storm chaser companies knocking. We want to earn your respect and your business!

To schedule your FREE no obligation inspection for hail storm damage, contact MidSouth Construction at 615-566-3789! MidSouth Construction is YOUR BBB accredited LOCAL general contractor!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Murfreesboro TN Roof Repair - Major Hail Storm Hits Again - Damages Roofs & Homes

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:57:01 -0700

If you live in Murfreesboro Tennessee then you are aware that portions of the city were pounded by a major hail storm on October 18, 2011 which resulted in severe damage to a number of Murfreesboro TN homes.

Hail damage may not be visible to the naked eye but can lead to some major problems later. If you live in Huntington, Northwoods, The Hamptons, downtown Murfreesboro, Mitchell-Neilson area, or close to Riverdale High School, it is quite possible that you have extensive storm damage to your home. You may need roof repair or an entire roof replacement completed.

If you would like a free roof inspection to determine if your home has storm damage and need to file an insurance claim, you should contact a local general contractor who specializes in storm repair. They will act as your advocate and make sure that your best interests are protected when negotiating with your insurance company. A qualified contractor will be able to honestly assess the damage and advise you if a claim needs to be filed with your insurance company. Here are some things to remember when selecting a contractor:

Hire a local company that specializes in storm damage. Make sure that they are a legitimate business with an office in the MidSouth area. There are many storm chasing companies that prey on homeowners after major storms.

Make sure that they are based in Tennessee with a permanent brick and mortar location in the Nashville area. Confirm that they manage their business from inside the State of Tennessee and not from some out of state location that only directs activities from a fancy office in another state.

Last, make sure they are a member of the Better Business Bureau. This is critical when selecting a general contractor to complete your storm restoration work. The construction industry is full of individuals who will claim that they will fix your damages. Few of these individuals stand behind their work and maintain the level of customer satisfaction that is required to be a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.

Don’t fall victim to the storm chasing companies that claim to be “local” in order to win your business and your insurance claim. They often fail to follow through with quality workmanship and finalizing the important details! Your contractor needs to work with your insurance adjuster to make sure that your entire claim is covered! Your contractor needs to know what to look for when inspecting for hail storm damage. Many want the quick dollar made in replacing roofs. But, you also need to inspect your decks and fences, pool covers, mailboxes, gable vents, exterior lights, copper bay windows, box vents, air conditioning units. windows and doors, siding, gutters, downspouts, flashing and facia. A storm damage claim can be time intensive and complex.

You need to trust a company that has a solid reputation that will be here with you for the long haul! Protect your home and protect your investment! Don’t trust just anyone with your Murfreesboro roof repair and hail storm damage repair needs! Make sure and trust a local, reputable licensed general contractor and licensed insurance adjuster!

MidSouth Construction is a residential and commercial remodeler based in Nashville that services Middle Tennessee and also has a new office in Knoxville. Their primary focus is restoration work on homes that have been damaged by passing storms. They work closely with all major insurance carriers to insurance that you get everything you deserve out of your claim with your insurance provider without all the hassle. They are members of the Better Business Bureau and their staff includes licensed insurance adjusters, as well as a LEED AP accredited owner for all your GREEN construction needs.

If you think your Murfreesboro TN home may have hail storm repair needs, contact MidSouth Construction at 615-566-3789 to schedule your FREE roof inspection!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

STAGING SMALL SPACES. PART 3--FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:48:13 -0700

This is a great post from Janet Jones, a home stager in Hawaii! She makes it so simple to understand how important furniture placement is when selling your home. Sometimes buyers just don't like your space and don't really know why. It may be something as simple as the way you have your furniture arranged! If you are thinking of buying a Murfreesboro TN home, and would like to discuss staging your home for space, please call me at 615-566-3789! The Murfreesboro TN real estate market is in recovery! Now is a great time to buy your first home or get your current home price positioned, staged and SOLD! You can always visit us online at SherriWellborn.com!

Via Janet Jones, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii Home Staging/Interior Redesign (Just Your Style Interiors, LLC):

STAGING SMALL SPACES. PART 3--FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT

I think the operative sentence for decorating small spaces would be "less is more". The second bedroom of this 950 square foot, 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo that I have been blogging about definitely did not follow this rule. This post is not about how to arrange furniture. It is simply a look at how the present furniture arrangement works against this small space. Consider these when your home is up for sale.

Allow Adequate Space Between Furniture. If all the furniture pieces are sandwiched against each other and/or the walls, the space will appear small and cramped. Look at this photo and you will see that each piece along the window wall abuts the side wall and each other. This wall reminds me of a size 12 woman squeezed into a pair of size 8 jeans. (Is that possible?) This is a simple indication that there is either too much furniture in the area or the furniture is too large. The easiest solution is to remove or move something. Because this room is so small, removal is the best option.

Positioning Casegoods. This next one could well get you flunked out of design school--placing the front of one casegood facing the side of another one. You can see in the photo below how awkward this arrangement actually is. Casegoods should wrap a corner or abut, but never cross over each other. All this does is make the room feel smaller and communicate the lack of space.

Make the View Accessible. If at all possible, avoid placing large pieces of furniture in front of windows--especially if the window has a view. In this room there is an expansive view of the mountains (hard to see through the bamboo blinds--which probably couldn't be raised because the furniture is in the way!). Since this is a great selling feature of this unit, prospective buyers should be able to walk right up to that window and say, "Wow, great view". Blocking access to this feature will not help to get this condo sold quickly. In almost all cases keeping the furniture away from the windows helps the room appear larger because you see out the window past the walls of the room.

Clear The Floorspace. Ask yourself if every piece of furniture in the room is essential to selling your home. You may have a cocktail table--or in this case two rattan baskets acting as one--but are they essential? No, they actually take up valuable walking space. Staging is not about showcasing the furnishings, it's about highlighting the space.

The "After". In my "after" rendering only the essential furniture remains. The walkway to the window has been cleared so sellers can enjoy the view. The two large casegoods have been removed and replaced with one appropriate to the scale of the room. One rattan basket has been repositioned as a side table (the existing wall-mounted fixture makes this possible.) With this furniture arrangement buyers can also more easily imagine this room as a bedroom--mentally replacing the love seat with a bed, and the two side tables with night stands. The space feels much larger, open and inviting.

Buyers don't like spaces for subtle reasons they can't explain. It often comes down to elements like these--furniture arrangement, focal points, barriers. To give yourself the best chance to sell you home quickly and for the most money, consult with a professional home stager in your area. Our expertise is in "seeing" these details and resolving them. We create spaces buyers love and want to live in.

For further discussion on these issues, please see the other two posts in this series: Staging Small Spaces. Part 1--Focal Points and Staging Small Spaces. Part 2--Invisible Barriers.

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Murfreesboro TN - It's always a great time to buy a HOUSE you will call HOME!

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:55:57 -0700

If you are stuck on the fence trying to decide if now is the best time to buy, I have one question for you. Are you buying a house to live in that will be a home, or are you buying a house as an investment? While I believe that now is a great time to buy for either scenario, the argument is even stronger for individuals and families serching for a home.

If you are interested in buying a house strictly as an investment, then now may or may not be the best time to purchase a home. However, many experts are suggesting that real estate is a great investment in today’s retirement plan. The expected return on a home purchased as an investment today that will be sold in ten years can be greater than the expected return on stocks and bonds. There is no guarantee on any investment, but real estate investments do look appealing in the current market.

No one really knows what the future holds for the housing market. Prices may continue to drop, although I really believe they have hit the bottom and are trending up. However, even IF prices do drop slightly, this isn’t a huge factor if you are purchasing a home to live in for several years. Your monthly housing expense will be lower if you purchase a new home over renting a comparable home.

Our current real estate market is truly historical and is referred to as the Golden Era of Homeownership by the National Association of Realtors. Home prices have never been more affordable! There are some GREAT deals on Murfreesboro Tennessee homes for sale right now. Not only are home prices reflecting historical affordability, the mortgage rates are also at all time lows! Never before have mortgage rates been as low as they are today. Add the historically low home prices with the historically low mortgage rates and you have the ultimate opportunity for purchasing a new home.

Right now the current real estate market in Murfreesboro Tennessee favors buyers. Potential home buyers have a large selection of homes to choose from. However, inventory of available homes has dropped and home sales are up. Less supply and more demand means home prices will trend up. The market is changing!

If you are searching for a new Murfreesboro TN home and find one that you like, I encourage you to act now and make an offer! History tells us that homes will appreciate in value over time. Home prices have taken a substantial drop in value, but now appear to be stabilized and ready to make a steady upward movement. By buying now, you will take advantage of a larger selection of homes, lower home prices, and lock in a low fixed rate mortgage. And even if home prices dropped slightly in the future, you have still secured a place to call home!

A comfortable home provides a great source of happiness for you and your family!

Low home prices, low mortgage rates, AND a tax deduction every year for interest paid on your mortgage! Those are three great reasons that should encourage you to consider buying a new home now!

When you work with a knowledgeable Realtor who is committed to protecting your investments, much of the stress associated with buying a home can be alleviated. Don’t let purchasing a new home or investing in real estate scare you! Work with a Realtor who can show you the market statistics, pricing trends, inventory of homes and rate of absorption. Use this information to make a wise & financially sound decision.

It’s always a great time to purchase a house that you love and will call home!

If you are ready to buy or sell a Murfreesboro TN home, please contact me at 615-566-3789! Let me help you use the proven power of technology to get the results YOU want!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

One Never Knows....

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 05:30:41 -0700

When you are purchasing a new home, having a home inspection done by a qualified home inspector is a MUST! Even new construction homes can have issues that were missed by the builder and codes inspector! Look at this example of a huge problem discovered by Michael Thornton a home inspector in Brentwood Tennessee.

For your protection, always get a home inspection! If you are searching for a new Murfreesboro TN home, please visit me online at SherriWellborn.com or contact me today at 615-566-3789!

Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297 (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):

One Never Knows...
     One never knows what they will find when inspecting new construction properties in Nashville, TN. The other day, I came across this rather “unusual” venting system for the gas water heater.
     Now I know that the "codes" officials never miss things important things such as this, how dare!! And we all know that a mechanical inspection is done before the gas meter is set, so how did this make it past the all seeing, scrutinizing eye of the codes inspector? A CO had been issued, so where did the system fail?
     It does make one wonder about the QC and "Codes" process though. Like, how did the mechanical contractor fail to install the vent pipe? Where was the project super? How could he have missed this? Good argument for not being able to see the obvious.
     When I see stuff like this, it really gives me a lot of faith in our codes inspectors and builders. This is the main reason that I tell everybody that they need to get new properties inspected.

For all your inspection needs in the Brentwood, Franklin & Nashville TN real estate markets

Call us today:

Complete Home Inspections, inc.

The guys with the hats...

615.661.0297

Brentwood, TN

Scan the QR code below for business card info

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Murfreesboro TN - If You Want To SELL Your Home Your Must SHOW Your Home!

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:13:38 -0700

Dear Mr. Seller,

I really wanted to show your home to my clients. It was the number one home on our list. Your agent did a wonderful job with the pictures and description. It seemed to have everything my clients were looking for, and they were very pleased with the list price. We were a little concerned over why your home has not sold - it looks too good to be true!

I contacted your agent and discussed your listing before scheduling an appointment. He stated that there were no pending offers and that he could get this closed quickly. We even discussed the items that you would not leave with the home and that the list price was fairly firm. My clients had no intention of low balling the list price and already felt like it was priced to sell. I stated that I would like to set up a showing for this afternoon or tomorrow, and he informed me that your home was "very easy to show" and just call the showing center.

After my phone call with your agent, I immediately contacted the showing center and was told that your listing was “appointment required” and not a courtesy call. No problem. I requested a showing for late this afternoon, which gave you at least seven hours to prepare. We could easily have bumped that out even further if you needed more time or even waited until tomorrow. The showing center just called back and informed me that you did not want any showings and did not offer any date or time that would be convenient for you. You just simply declined all showings.

I called your agent to give him the news and see if he had any insight on what was going on. He wasn't available so I left a detailed message. I haven’t heard back from him yet and can only imagine that he is trying to figure this out as well. He’s put a lot of work into getting your home marketed so that buyers will schedule showings...and buy your home! I’m sure he is as frustrated as we are and understands that you have ultimate control over the showings.

I really hope you sell your home Mr. Seller. But, it looks like you aren't very interested in selling. The market is tough Mr. Seller and I had a buyer who was prequalified and ready to close quickly. Perhaps the reason your home hasn't sold is because you don't approve showings!

You can’t sell your home if you won’t show your home. We will be moving on to the other homes on our list.

Regards,

Sherri Wellborn

Keller Williams Realty

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Through the eyes of a home stager; a property transformation, no furniture rental required

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:04:21 -0700

I loved this example of what effective home staging can do for your home! This room was literally transformed by Karen Otto, a very talented home stager in Plano TX. This shows how staging can take a room that is already great and turn it into an absolute show stopper. This was completed using the home owners OWN FURNISHINGS by using the power of the "swap" technique! As a members of the Association of Staging Professionals AND a realtor, I can assure you that staging WILL help sell your home in a shorter amount of time with a higher net to you!

When you are ready to have your home staged, price positioned, marketed and SOLD contact Sherri Wellborn at 615-566-3789 or visit us online at www.SherriWellborn.com!

Via Karen Otto, Home Stager, Plano, TX 469)964-0516 www.homestarstaging.com (Home Star Staging):

Today's client had completed some of the staging recommendations we had discussed during our 2 hour home staging consultation on Monday. In fact when he called to confirm further home staging services for his Mckinney, TX home with Home Star Staging he asked if I could reduce the rate based on the amount of work he did. From what he told me, I was able to estimate an hour less of time to complete our portion of it. I was very happy that he felt motivated and empowered to do some of the work prior to our staging appointment and he, as many home sellers are today, was on a budget.

Using almost 95% of the seller's own furnishings (no furniture rental required!), Home Star Staging offset those items with a few budget friendly accessories from our inventory. He kindly left us to our work today and when he came home he returned to a very different house!

After taking a tour of his newly transformed home he admitted that before I came he thought,

" I didn't know what else you could really do since I'd already done a lot."

With our team we actually did a lot MORE than he realized we could or would. It was a classic furniture and decor swap from different rooms of the house.

After seeing the transformation my client said,

"Now I know you know what you're doing and why staging is important!".

That just made my day!

I explained to him that I understood his feelings and I was grateful that he called us back. During the staging consultation I try to provide every detail I can to help a client stage a home themselves if they choose however once we're onsite to complete the plan, staging can evolve and becomes an organic process, and often things will change from what was originally planned. The work he had done was great, but it was not staging.

Seeing a home through the eyes of a home stager is much different than someone who is not and even with recommendations to work from it often takes the skill and talent of a professional to do the job right.

As I was about to leave one final question came from my client, he wanted to know once he moved if we could come and do this at his new place...of course!!

***************************************************

Selling a home in North Texas? Exceptional Home Staging services for Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Carrollton,TX and surrounding cities.

Affordable pre-list home staging property consultations

Affordable post list "trouble shooting" property consultations - no matter how long a home has been on the market there are always ways to improve the chance of sale

Owner occupied property staging (utilizing owner supplied furniture & accessories or including some of our own inventory)

Vacant & investment property staging (Full and partial rental furniture packages, accessories and staging services)

Is your office interested in hosting a home staging class or presentation? Just ask! Contact Karen at 496-964-0516 or Karen@homestarstaging.com

Interested in learning how to start a successful home staging business in TX, OK or NW LA? I can help! I'm a course trainer for the Staging and Redesign team!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Murfreesboro TN Homes For Sale - Where Have All The Buyers Gone?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:53:09 -0700

Murfreesboro TN home prices are down. Mortgages rates have never been lower. More and more financial experts are saying BUY NOW!

Trulia - Rent vs. Buy Index - BUY in the Murfreesboro TN area!

FORBES MAGAZINE - BUYERS DO BETTER THAN RENTERS!

CBS Money Magazine - NOW is a Good Time to Buy!

CNN Money - Rent vs. Buy? BUYING WINS!

But the Murfreesboro TN real estate market is still a buyer's market in most areas as many people are opting to rent instead of buy! Maybe Peter, Paul and Mary should record "Where have all the buyer’s gone?"

Fear is keeping many buyers from taking the steps to become home owners. They are accepting their role as renters and waiting, and waiting, and waiting. They are scared of their future employment, scared of another recession, scared to make a mortgage commitment, and scared home prices will continue to drop.

These are legitimate concerns. However, I encourage people to look past these fears which are not facts, but false beliefs. For most people, their monthly budget has to include a housing expense. After all, we have to live somewhere whether we rent or own! Right now, real estate in Murfreesboro TN favors buying over renting. Your monthly housing expense will be lower if you purchase your own home vs. renting.

According to CNN Money Magazine, it makes more financial sense to buy if their rent to buy formula is15 or below. The basic formula takes the purchase price and divides it by the estimated annual rent of a similar home. All homes are unique, but in most portions of Murfreesboro, this rate is closer to 10! You can read more and see examples in my former blog posts about the Murfreesboro TN Real Estate Market Recovery and The Golden Era of Homeownership.

I've referenced articles where experts and financial wizards make a strong case for buying a home now. Here are my top financial reasons why renters should get over their fear and purchase a new home:

You will never be debt free if you always rent! You will always have a monthly housing expense (debt) unless you purchase your own home. Even though the market may go up and down, if you buy a home, you will eventually be debt free...which is a great goal for retirement!

Your monthly payment including taxes and insurance will be LESS! In most cases, if you buy your own home instead of rent in Murfreesboro your monthly payment will be less. See an earlier blog I wrote which gave some examples for homes in the $250,000-$275,00000 range. In addition, you will have a locked in payment with no worries over future rent increases. For more information and examples of rent vs. buying real estate in Murfreesboro TN, read my blog Crazy Like A Fox!

You will lock in your monthly housing expense! Your principal and interest will never go up. You have complete control over your monthly housing expense for years to come! According to one study renters are living beyond their means! In 1960 only 24% of renters exceeded the recommended maximum of 30% of their pretax income for rent. Compare that to 2009 when 25% of renters paid MORE THAN HALF of their income toward rent and utilities! Rent has continued to increase since that time and continues to rise with the greater demand for rental homes. The threat of rising home prices, mortgage rates, or rent rates are all eliminated when you purchase your own home.

For home buyers willing to look past their fears, it can be a great time to buy a Murfreesboro home! Don't miss out on this Golden Era of Homeownership! The next song you hear may be, "Where Have All The Houses Gone!"

When you are ready to start the search for your new home, please contact Sherri Wellborn with Keller Williams at 615-566-3789! Don’t let fear hold you back!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Murfreesboro TN Real Estate Market is BACK - Buy Your New Home NOW!

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:23:23 -0700

Murfreesboro TN Homes Inventory is Down and Sales Are Up! It’s been a long four years. But make no mistake, the Murfreesboro TN Real Estate market is in recovery! There are three factors that are fueling this recovery and laying the foundation for home prices to start trending up.

The first is that our housing inventory has dwindled. Gone is the glutton of spec homes available from builders. New homes are becoming uncommon unless a buyer wishes to custom build. There are currently 106 new homes listed for sale in the Murfreesboro city limits and many of those listings are for homes "to be built" but are not under construction. Existing homes listed for sale have also decreased. In September 2010 there were 970 homes for sale, compared to September 2011 there were only 853. That is a reduction in inventory of almost 13%. Real estate prices have always been driven by supply vs. demand. Fewer homes means rising prices and more competition between buyers for the premium listings.

Second, the dramatic drop in home prices has made homes more affordable than ever before. Murfreesboro TN homes have already experienced the worst drop in value. The average closed price for a home in the Murfreesboro city limits in September 2007 was $197,179 compared to $158,533 in September 2011. While there is no guarantee that home prices will not drop further, they simply can’t go much lower. No one knows the exact bottom of the real estate market, but it certainly appears that we are close to it with the current prices.

This chart shows that the active inventory is at its lowest in five years. However, the number of home closed has increased. This will support home prices trending upward.

Third, home mortgage rates have never been lower. Mortgage rates are below 4% for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage and have been 3.25 for a 15 year fixed rate loan! The housing market has never experienced rates this low. Add the historically low rates with the historically low home prices and you have the ultimate opportunity for home buyers. The National Association of Realtors calls this the Golden Era of Homeownership.

These three factors are beginning to lure home buyers off the fence. As buyers begin to close on the remaining inventory and become homeowners, the prices will slowly begin to rise again. According to the latest market reports I compiled for various areas, such as Bradford Place and Regency Park zoned for Oakland High School in Murfreesboro TN, and Westfork Subdivision in Smyrna TN, we have several communities that are already in a seller’s market! While the home prices are lower than they were a few years back, the supply of homes is less than 6 months which determines that area is in a seller’s market and home price will be trending up!

This information is especially important for home owners that wish to sell their current home and move up into a more expensive home. They can capitalize on the sell of their existing home and purchase the home of their dreams which may be in a more depressed buyer’s market. If you would like to know what the supply of homes is for YOUR specific neighborhood, just give me a call!

Don’t buy expecting home prices to sky rocket and make huge returns on your purchase in the short term. Those days are gone for now. Keep in mind that your monthly budget includes a housing expense and your expenses will be lower by purchasing a home regardless of how much home prices increase. Read my blog You’d Be Crazy - LIKE A FOX - To Buy A Home Now! This blog discusses information from sources like CNN Money Magazine that confirms it is cheaper to BUY than rent! Your monthly housing expense will be lower if you purchase your own home. In addition, you will get the benefit of a tax deduction, and the high probability of building a steady increase in long term equity.

Most importantly, appreciate that you will be buying a house that will be your own; a house that will be your home.

Your story begins at home.

If you’re ready to begin your story, please contact me at 615-566-3789 or visit me online at SherriWellborn.com or SoldonTN.com today!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

ON SALE! Great Custom Home in Breckenridge, Murfreesboro TN - 5 BRs!

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:07:41 -0700

SELLER IS READY TO SELL!

LOCATED IN BRECKENRIDGE!

ALL Siegel School Zone

3 BRs ON MAIN LEVEL - 5 BRS TOTAL

Well maintained home in prestigious Breckenridge! Zoned ALL Siegel Schools! This lovely custom home has approximately 3300 sq ft on the first floor! with 3 BRs down and 2 up.

When you first arrive at this home you will be impressed with the thick lush yard which is easily maintained with the irrigation system that the seller has installed. The mature landscaping and spacious deck work together to form a backyard space that is as relaxing as it is stunning. There is an invisible fence system installed and the home comes complete with two collars and the invisible fence components.

Step inside the oversized foyer and you will notice that the gleaming hardwood floors that great you are extended throughout the entire first floor common areas. To the left is an impressive formal dining room with soaring vaulted ceilings. The spacious living room is cozy yet impressive and easily accommodates large scale furniture.

The kitchen is massive and has what seems like unlimited cabinet space. This is the central hub of the home and the breakfast room and den or hearthroom are all open and connected to the cook's kitchen. The Florida room is accessible through this area or the master suite and is the perfect place to unwind or watch a movie. The surround sound system and television, as well as all furniture in the Florida room even remains with the home!

The master suite has its own sitting area that overlooks the stunning backyard and is also adjacent to the Florida room. The master bath has a seperate shower and whirlpool tub along with double vanities. You will love coming home to rejuvenate in this lovely space.

Two additional bedrooms are also located on the main level and feature Jack and Jill baths. The bedrooms also make great office space if you work from home.

Upstairs are two huge bedrooms, each with its own private bath. One even has a custom window seat with storage and a built-in desk/storage unit. The second bedroom features charming white wainscoating.

You will love the convenience of having a walk-in attic in this home. No more struggling to get seasonal items in and out of storage! This space is also large enough that it could possibly even been finished off for additional living area.

If is extremely hard to find a home of this quality with three bedrooms on the main living area. It is located in one of the the most highly sought developments in Murfreesboro and is almost within walkkng distance of all three Siegel schools. The seller is motivated and this has is priced aggressively and is listed THOUSANDS below recent appraisal for a quick sale. Don't miss out on this great deal! on a niche piece of real estate in Murfreesboro TN. Homes in Murfreesboro TN area easy to find. Homes in Murfreesboro TN like this one are RARE!

Overview

Maps Photos Features Description

Video

Neighborhood

$379,900

Main Features

5 Bedrooms
4 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 4388 sqft

Location

1619 Greenway Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
USA

Sherri Wellborn

Keller Williams
(615) 566-3789
sherri@sherriwellborn.com
http://www.SherriWellborn.com

Listed by: Sherri Wellborn, Keller Williams Realty

Our recent listings

OPEN HOUSE SUN. OCT 2ND 2-4
5 BR Custom in ALL Siegel School Zone - 3 BRs Down!

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Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Laugh Your Stress Away - The Road To Better Health Start With A Laugh

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:42:38 -0700

Stress can be a serious threat to our health. The current real estate market is stressful for agents, home buyers and sellers. We get stressed over keeping a deal together, working with a difficult person who is key to the transaction, or maybe we just aren’t feeling well which causes stress.

We all know that stress isn’t good for us, but it seems to be a part of life! But, did you know that something as simple as laughing can be your first line of defense against stress?!

There was a compelling study conducted that compared the effects of self-selected humor on patients for 30 minutes a day for a year, compared to a control group that did not. The study concluded that laughter can reduce cardiovascular disease and increase good cholesterol while reducing stress hormones.

There are many unknown benefits to the simple act of laughing! Laughter can:

Reduce Tension: Laughing increases circulation which forces our muscles to relax and reduces stress. It’s hard to stay stressed or worried when you are laughing!

Promotes Positive Thoughts: We all know about the power of positive thinking! Laughing causes us to release negative thoughts and force our minds to become more positive.

Help Us Cope: How many times have you been at the breaking point but a good laugh brought you back from the edge?! When all else fails, try laughing! It can also help you connect with people so the next time you are in a difficult situation with someone, try to find something amusing to laugh about.

Reduce Cortisol: Laughing reduces the stress hormones in our body. Havig high cortisol levels can cause weight gain as well as long term health problems Try laughing yourself thin!

Improve Circulation: Blood vessels expand and contract when we are laughing. this helps prevent long term heart problems and improve circulation.

Reduce Cholesterol: The study mentioned above showed that people who watched funny movies 30 minutes a day improved their good cholesterol and reduced their bad!

Burn Calories and Tighten Yours Abs: Who says exercise isn’t FUN! Laughing burns 50 calories every 15 minutes! It also causes us to engage those core muscles which leads to a toned mid section! Next time you want to skip your workout, just opt for watching a funny movie that makes you laugh!

Natural Antidepressant: Laughing improves our mood naturally. When we laugh with friends or even clients it causes us to build stronger relationships which have been proven to be beneficial to our long term physical as well as mental health!

If you’ve had a rough day, go home and watch a funny movie! Spend time with your family and friends telling funny stories. Find the humorous side of life! Life is too LONG to be stressed and unhappy! And, life is far too short not to enjoy every minute we have been blessed with! The next time you have a tough deal weighing you down, just remember to laugh your stress away!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Murfreesboro TN Main Street Market - Locally Grown Organic Produce & Baked Goods

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 09:32:49 -0700

Main Street Market occurs every Saturday morning from 8 am til noon on the historic square in downtown Murfreesboro TN. Vendors and farmers transform the square into a wonderland of locally grown vegetables, fresh cut flowers, raw honey, delicious jams, jellies, and apple butters, not to mention nutritious organic breads and baked goods! The Market is a mecca for individuals searching for quality organic food and locally grown produce.

Main Street Market runs from June through the end of October. It is becoming an extremely popular place for individuals and families of all ages, including a few well trained dogs! The prices are very reasonable and the quality is outstanding.

If you haven’t purchased your pumpkins yet for fall decorating, there were some amazing ones at the Market that were priced at $3 and $4!! Blankenships was offering mix and match any five for $20 and the selection was impressive. We saw everything from the bumpy versions, and multi-color gourds, to the traditional carving pumpkin.

The Nashville Jam Company had a booth with samples of their Strawberry and Peach Chipotle Jams that were out of this world! These jams aren’t just for toast! They have a whole page of recipes on their website and I was told that their dressing made with the Strawberry Chipotle was awesome! I came home with three jars...and a loaf of organic whole grain bread from WildFlours.org! Breakfast in the morning will be delicious & healthy!

My daughter and I enjoyed the brisk morning browsing the various booths and sampling whole grain muffins, bread and scones. We also came home with some fresh purple peppers to eat! It was a wonderful way to spend a fall Saturday morning together.

Shop the Main Street Market for local venders with fresh products! And, when you are ready to buy or sell Murfreesboro TN real estate, call your local Realtor, Sherri Wellborn!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

You Would Be CRAZY To Buy A Murfreesboro TN Home In THIS Market!

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 08:06:22 -0700

The Murfreesboro Tennessee homes and real estate market has taken a hit! Home prices have declined along with the number of homes sold. Foreclosures and short sales have pulled the market down and negatively impacted the overall value of homes in the area.

Sounds bleak I know. Add everything together and it is easy to see why people that qualify to buy a home are choosing to rent and afraid to invest in home ownership. I’ve even heard people tell say that you’d have to be crazy to buy a home in the current market! And, I absolutely AGREE!

Crazy Like a Fox!

I believe that our current Murfreesboro TN real estate market is at the prime time for individuals to purchase their first home, or consider selling and moving up to their dream home. Let me give you my top five reasons why NOW is the best time to buy a new home. Hopefully, you too will be saying WOW when you see some of these history making facts in writing!

Home affordability is at an all time high! The National Association of Realtors began tracking home affordability in 1970. According to NAR, homes have never been as affordable as they are today! That's over 31 years of statistics! NAR refers to this as the Golden Era of Home Ownership WOW!

Mortgage rates are at all time lows! That’s right...ALL TIME LOWS! We got numb to hearing interest rates were at 20 year lows, then 30, then 40, 50 and finally 60! But currently, they are at ALL TIME LOWS! WOW!

Need more WOW factors?

Read this article from CBS Money Watch: Why the Time to Buy Real Estate Is Now! They describe our current market as a “once in a generation buyer’s market.” WOW!

Our housing prices have already taken the worst decline. Home prices have dropped to prices we saw five or even ten years ago in some areas. But, income hasn’t dropped at those rates. Look at this chart from Realtor.org - In 2008 the median price home was $196,600 with a 6.15% interest rate, monthly P&I payment $958, income $46,000 a year to qualify. Compare that to August 2011, the median price home was $168,400, 4.69% interest rate, monthly P&I payment of $698, annual income only $33,500 to qualify! Interest rates have dropped even lower to 3.75 in Sept/Oct making monthly payments and income requirements even lower! WOW!

Think I’m biased because I’m a Realtor?

According to Trulia, it is now cheaper to BUY vs. Rent in most parts of the country! Check out this Rent vs. Buy graph!

CNN Money Magazine published an article “How to Calculate If You Should Rent or Buy” which discussed how the dramatic drop in home prices had changed the equation of renting vs. buying. Their basic formula was take the estimated purchase price and divide it by the annual rent of a similar home. Anything below a 15 indicates that you “should start looking for homes” according to CNN Money Magazine!

This home is a nice home that might be something a first time home buyer would be interest in but not sure if they should rent of buy.

It is located in Battleground in North Murfreesboro available for rent.

Listing Broker: Stones River Real Estate Services

Monthly Rent 1,025 or $12,300 per year

This is a very similar home in Battleground for sale.

Listing Broker: Exit Realty Bob Lamb & Associates

Amenities are similar but it has charm that shows it was loved & maintained by the previous owner. It includes a privacy fence and extensive landscaping.

ASKING PRICE: $119,900

If you take the FULL list price (which is highly unusual in this market) and divide it by the annual rent you get 9.74!

Remember anything under 15 and CNN Money Magazine suggested you...START LOOKING FOR HOMES! WOW!

Trulia, CNN Money Magazine, CBS Market Watch, National Association of Realtors.... They all agree that NOW is the time to buy a new home! WOW!

There are many financial reasons to buy a new home now! But most importantly, appreciate that you will be buying a house that will be your own; a house that will be your home.

Your story begins at home.

If you’re ready to begin your story, please contact me at 615-566-3789 or visit me online at SherriWellborn.com or SoldonTN.com today!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Selling Your Murfreesboro TN Home? Smells Happen! That's What FeBreeze Is For!

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 07:24:15 -0700

A SWEET Smelling home leads to...

The Sweet Smell of Success With A Contract and...

The Sweet Smell of Money when your home closes!

If you are considering selling your Murfreesboro Tennessee home, NEVER underestimate the power of smell!

Your NET PROFIT from the sale of your home is DIRECTLY impacted by the smell of your home!

We live in our homes and become “immune” to their smell. But, potential buyers will notice your home’s unique scent as soon as they enter.

The second a potential buyer walks through the door into your home, they begin to form a crucial emotional connection. Your home should “welcome” them with a fresh, clean scent.

Smells Happen

That’s What Febreeze Is For!

CARPET - Carpet can trap dirt and odors that make your whole house smell! Most carpets need to be steam cleaned to remove stains AND odors before listing your home for sale!

Put a dryer sheet inside your vacuum bag. It will smell great as you vacuum and transmit fresh scent all through your home!

GARBAGE DISPOSALS - Never underestimate the strong odor that can come from your kitchen sink! Clean the rubber splash guard with bleach. Fill the disposal to the top with ice cubes and then let the disposal run until the cubes are crushed. Fill the sink with hot soapy water and release this into the drain (without the disposal running!) Finally, run an orange or lemon peel through the disposal for a fresh citrus smell!

Hang a car air freshener in the laundry room where smells can accumulate!

CIGARETTE SMOKE - If you are a smoker, trust me when I tell you this without even stepping foot inside your home...it smells! The majority of buyers today will not even consider buying a home that smells of cigarettes. And, the few that will, are going to significantly reduce the price in order to compensate them for the time and effort it will take to remove the smell. Invest in having the smoke odor removed before you place your home on the market and DON’T smoke inside your home!

Place a bowl of white vinegar in a smelly room.

The smell will disappear in 48 hours!

PETS - I love pets! I have two dogs and a cat...and they all smell! Make sure you keep your pets bathed regularly while your home is for sale. Wash all pet bedding and spray fabrics with a Febreeze type product daily. Make sure to keep them brushed to prevent shedding which also causes trapped odors in carpeting and fabrics.

The fragrance industry generates multibillions in annual sales. Smells have a HUGE impact on emotions and buyers generally buy with emotion.

AIR FRESHENERS - Use wisely! A few strategically placed fresh scented plug-in air fresheners can really add a nice smell to your home. But, don’t go over board and DON’T use heavy floral scents! Select a fresh linen or vanilla scent.

Excessive use of fragrances can also be a negative smell!

CLEAN - Start with a deep clean! Then clean again! Investing some elbow grease into a squeeky clean home will be the best investment you make for maximizing your net profit! Don’t forget to clean those windows inside and out!

A fresh smelling home will draw buyers in and appeal to their emotions. It will also send a signal that you take pride in your home and it is well maintained. If you just hate to clean, then invest in a professional cleaning service to complete this much needed task! You will MORE than recoup the cost of this service in the sales price of your home!

Dab vanilla aroma oil on light bulbs. When you turn on lamps for a showing the gentle scent will be released into the air.

COOKING SMELLS - When it comes time to sell your home, think twice before cooking! The smell of a warm apple pie or fresh baked cookies will release a pleasant aroma and put buyers into a nostalgic mood which can help them make an emotional connection to your home. If you aren’t a Julia Childs in the kitchen, just boil some stick cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg and a few whole cloves in a pot of water and let it steep. Voila! You have now convinced the buyers that someone just finished baking a fresh apple pie! But remember, most cooking smells can be a real no-no and need to be avoided. And, please just say NO to fish while your home is for sale!

If you are thinking about selling your Murfreesboro Tennessee home, please contact me at 615-566-3789! I would love to get your home positioned, staged, sold, and closed! You can always visit me online at SherriWellborn.com or SoldonTN.com.

Don’t forget - Smells Sell!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

A Tutorial On How NOT To Take Pictures of Your Listings! These Pics Cost The Seller A Showing!

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 06:39:44 -0700

When I list a Murfreesboro TN home for sale the first step of my marketing plan is to take lots of great quality images! The cornerstone to an effective internet marketing campaign is great photographs!

But, not all real estate agents put as much effort into photographing their listings. There are always posts on Active Rain that complain about real estate agents who don’t take pictures of their listings! Lack of photographs has always been a major pet peeve of mine too! I usually assume the house must be a complete mess if the agent didn’t want to showcase any pictures, but we all know that sometimes it’s just because the listing agent is lazy.

But, what about those listings you come across that have pictures that make you wonder...WHAT was the agent thinking!? I’ve been searching for a home for some new clients. They are in the upper end price range for the area so I would expect that the listings would all be marketed extremely well with lots of great photographs and virtual tours. If I were a seller in ANY price range I would expect my agent to provide attractive images on the internet. Imagine my surprise when I came across this great listing today:

This is a slightly blurry shot of the formal dining room! I especially like the angle that the agent used in this room. It really makes it easy to see the size of this room and the features such as hardwood flooring, trim and windows.

How about this close up of a picture window that “only needs to be trimmed out” that was chosen to be photographed as a selling point. If you were a potential buyer, would this picture help you get a feel for the master bedroom? Help you envision the size, or see ANY potential at all with this space?

Or then there is this wonderful picture of a room that needs a little work but all you can see is a blank wall and some clutter!

And my all time favorite, this wonderful candid shot of...well, I’m not sure, but it looks like an open electrical box in the garage or basement. That is certainly unique to a high end home and needs to be spotlighted with a yellow tinted picture!

So there you have it folks! The next time you read a blog post that is complaining because the listing agent didn’t take pictures, send them to this post! In this case, the sellers would have been better off if their agent hadn't posted ANY pictures! We will definitely not be scheduling a showing for this special home!

If you are thinking of selling your Murfreesboro TN home, or have real estate in the Nashville Tennessee area you would like to sell, please contact me today at 615-566-3789! I can promise you that a high quality video and digital library will be created that accurately showcases your home’s BEST features!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Murfreesboro TN Oakland High School - International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:55:37 -0700

Oakland High School is the home of the Patriots and located in Murfreesboro Tennessee. There are approximately 1630 students in grades 9 - 12 who attend Oakland High School making it one of the largest in Tennessee. Students living in the northeast and eastern portion of Rutherford County, including Lascassas, Milton and Kittrell attend Oakland High School. My two oldest children graduated from Oakland High School and I was very pleased with the administration and educational programs there. To determine if a specific home is zoned for Oakland High School you can visit the Rutherford County School Zone data base by clicking the highlighted link.

Oakland High School is extremely proud to be an International Baccalaureate Program school since 2008. There are only ten schools in the State of Tennessee that have been certified to offer the International Baccaaureate Program! Oakland High School is very proud of their success in bringing this program to Rutherford County high school students.

The IB Program is a two year rigorous academic program that allows students to graduate with the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The IB Program is an academically challenging program that provides a balanced educational experience, facilitates cultural mobility, and promotes international understanding. It prepares students for a successful university life and a successful future. This prestigious program has gained the respect and recognition from the world’s most elite universities. Students who graduate with the IB Diploma have a greater chance of college acceptance than those students who apply with a general diploma. In addition, they may receive college credits and scholarships at major universities.

Oakland High School students in the IB Program study six courses at a higher level. Students are required to complete an extended essay which some describe as a mini doctorate at the student’s level. The program encourages the students to be creative and use critical thinking in applying their theory of knowledge.

Students in the program must complete a written examination at the end of the program. Those who gain at least 24 points will be awarded the International Baccalaureate Diploma. For more information on the International Baccalaureate Program please visit their website and watch the video below:

Oakland High School is the home of The Patriots! They are proud of their athletes and have won many awards as a result of their spectacular performance. Some of their sports awards received by the Oakland High School sports programs are:

2011 Region 4 Boys Tennis Champions

2011 District 7 Boys Tennis Champions

2010 Sub-State Girls Soccer Champions

2010 Region 4 Girls soccer Champions

2010 District 7 Girls Tennis Champions

2009 Mid State Champions Boys Cross Counry

2008 Class 5A State Champion Football Team

Oakland High School offers a wide range of sports for both boys and girls.

BOYS SPORTS

GIRLS SPORTS

Baseball

Basketball

Bowling

CLICK THE SPORT

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Tennessee Department of Education Report Card for 2010 rated Oakland High School in Good Standing and a Safe School. The graduation rate was 91% and the students to teacher ratio was 17.9. They received an A grade in the TCAP Writing Achievement Test. For a complete TDOE report for Oakland High School please visit the Tennessee Report Card website.

If you have a Murfreesboro Tennessee home to sell located in the Oakland School zone, please contact me today at 615-566-3789! I would love to show you my approach to getting your home positioned, staged, marketed, and SOLD! Your home will receive maximum internet exposure including real videos and syndication to hundreds of websites!

If you would like to buy a Murfreesboro Tennessee home in the Oakland School Zone, you can start your search by visiting my website, SoldonTN.com. You can also go directly to my home search page SellMurfreesboroTNHomes.com and search by SCHOOL ZONE! Just enter Oakland in the school field and every home currently active in the MLS will be available to you!

FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office

Five Savvy Charlotte Home Buyer Tips

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 06:47:53 -0700

Debe Maxwell posted these great tips for home buyers in Charlotte. But these tips apply to buyers looking to purchase Murfreesboro Tennessee homes too! Follow these five tips when searching for a new house to call home and it will make the home buying process smooth sailing!

Working with a knowledgeable realtor can mke the home buying process much easier & save you thousands of dollars in the negotiation process or correctly writing the Purchase and Sale Agreement! If you are ready to start the process to buy a new Murfreesboro Tennessee home, please contact me today at 615-566-3789!

Via Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (iCharlotteRealEstate.com Savvy + Company Real Estate):

How to be a Savvy Charlotte Home Buyer

Today, buying a Charlotte home can be both easier and more difficult than in years past. Yes, it IS a buyer’s market, which implies that prices are lower, but it also means there is a large supply of homes for sale that you have to wade through to find your dream home. Purchasing a home is a lot simpler when you know how to be a savvy Charlotte home buyer.

Follow these five Charlotte home buyer tips to purchase the home of your dreams with less hassle and at a great price:

List your Charlotte home before searching for another home. Contingent Contracts, based upon the sale of your existing home, further complicate the buying process, greatly reducing your negotiating power and the chance of getting a good deal. Sellers are often unwilling to give any concessions, whether in price, Closing costs or leaving behind items that you request if they have to wait for you to sell your home.

Get pre-approved for a loan FIRST.   Sellers prefer to negotiate with buyers who are pre-approved for a loan large enough to purchase their home. The pre-approval may save you money because you’re able to leverage and negotiate a lower price. Additionally, you’ll save time by looking exclusively at homes within your price range.

Ignore easy-to-change design issues. If the shag carpeting isn’t your style, you can easily change it after purchasing the home. Don’t like wallpaper? No big deal–remove it after you own the home. Envision what the home can look like with your personal touch.

Get a professional home inspection by a licensed inspector. Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make, so be sure the structure is in good condition. During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes a thorough, unbiased look at the property.  The home inspection contingency is one which you do want to include in your Contract.

Make a serious offer. Listen to the price guidance your real estate agent provides and make an Offer that won’t offend the seller. Most sellers expect an offer lower than the asking price, but they don’t want to feel insulted. You’ll get much closer to what you want to pay for the house if you treat the seller like you want to be treated – with respect and courtesy.

If you’re ready to buy a Charlotte home, let me help you get it at the best price and with as little hassle as possible. Give me a call today or email me at Debe@DebeMaxwell.com to get started.

Read more: http://www.icharlotterealestate.com/how-to-be-a-savvy-charlotte-home-buyer/#ixzz1ZmTqc2Y6

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FIND ME ONLINE:

Please visit: SOLDONTN & SherriWellborn.com

Keller Williams Realty

450 Saint Andrews Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615-566-3789 CELL

615-895-8000 Office