Last minute shopping tips!

For those of you who don't know me well, I always seek enduring quality, but at a value price. Not that there's a thing wrong with the "big box" stores like Walmart or Big Lots or Home Depot or Costco, but there are high quality deals to be found if you are creative. All that said, this Friday is Christmas Day. Unless you have the heart of Scrooge or the Grinch, you probably have a desire to give to others.

Aldi - You have seen me blog about Aldi. Started in Germany, they have been called "the world's best grocery chain" - they are famous for high quality, no coupons, and if you are unsatisfied with any food item, they will replace it *and* give you your money back. Don't pass up their bargain isle - with super deals on clothing, small appliance, last minute gifts. And you won't go further in debit for your Christmas shopping, since they take cash or debit card only. Read more at http://www.businessinsider.com/why-aldi-is-so-cheap-2015-4

Goodwill - There are 35 Goodwill stores in Middle Tennessee. For the location nearest you, visit http://giveit2goodwill.org/locations. They are all having their weekly SUPER SALE tomorrow (every Wednesday) - one of their clothing tag colors is available at 99 CENTS PER ITEM, and no sales tax is charged. Some items still have their retail tag, and others are lightly used. If you want a perfect presentation, take them the dry cleaners and they will fold them for perfect presentation as a gift!

And don't forget these other favorite bargain locations in otherwise pricey Franklin:
Habitat for Humanity "Restore" - home furnishings at 1725 Columbia Ave
Graceworks - boutique clothing and home furnishings at 104 Southeast Parkway (near Mack Hatcher)
ThriftSmart - pre-owned clothing and home furnishings 454 Downs Blvd in Franklin

May you have a wonderful Christmas, and be able to give thoughtful gifts as a reminder of the only gift that matters.

Bill Munson - don't hesitate to reach me with your additional ideas at bill.munson@kw.com

Pie in the Sky? or Boots on the Ground

We are fortunate in the current housing market - particularly in Middle Tennessee. Nashville now has (earned) the reputation of being The "It" City - the place to move. And we are seeing over 1000 new families a month here in Music City. In my nearby hometown of Franklin (less than 20 miles south of Nashville), we have the distinction of being the 14th fastest growing city in the United States.

That's good news for you if you're looking to Sell your Home - whether to downsize now that your children have moved away, or to take your new-found equity and move to a larger home for your growing family. But how do you price your home to take advantage of this fast-paced market?

It's unsettling to consider, but Buyers (and not you) determine the price of your home - even in a hot market. So consider this well - why do you want to sell? Are you "fishing" for the absolute highest price? Or do you need to sell more quickly to take advantage of this productive market? Remember, if your objective is to buy another home with those proceeds, sooner is better in a robust housing market. If a $300K home goes up $30,000 this year (a 10% gain), that $400K home goes up $40,000 (a similar 10%). So once you decide to Buy, it is better to move sooner than wait for the "absolute highest offer".

Yes, neighborhood matters. (You've heard it said: Location - location - location.) But at the end of the day it's Price that sells homes - particularly those in your neighborhood and nearby community. Often it's "price per square foot" that even gets a Buyer through your front door.

It doesn't cost you anything for a professional Realtor - yes, as a real estate professional I'd be happy to help you with this step at no charge or obligation - to show you what comparative houses have sold for in your area, as well as how long it took for them to sell. Then you will have the realistic information to make an Informed Decision... (you can reach me anytime at http://billmunson.kwrealty.com or bill.munson@kw.com)

If you are motivated to get an excellent price for your home, I have the tools at my fingertips and can help. Where do you prefer to spend your time? Do you want to spend the next several months Fishing? Or Moving and Unpacking in your new home?

P.S. Remember how I said that Buyers determine your home's price? Well here's the Really Good News - if you price your home right, you may experience what several Sellers are now experiencing - multiple offers at list price or higher! How's that for an incentive to list your home at the right price in the first place?

my travel tip - airport parking - best deal going

For those of you who prefer to burn your money, you may not be interested – lol

I hesitate to share this information with you, because you'll take my parking spot!

Particularly when you are headed out of town for more than 2 days, this is the absolute best deal around for airport parking. You’ve heard of “Park & Fly” hotels? Usually you have to pay for an overnight stay, then they shuttle you to the airport the next AM. This is also better than Groupon, LivingSocial or whatever - since you are guaranteed a parking spot. 

http://airportparkinginc.com

We just arranged a last minute flight to visit my Mom and my brother’s family. Depart 4PM Friday, return 11PM Sunday. Airport parking places charge 3 24-hour days for that. Figure at least $10 per day plus tax. You will give the driver a tip anyway. So $35-40 for 3 days.

I just booked the same parking, at the Radisson Hotel (5 minute hotel shuttle to the airport), for less than $13, tax and fees included. Of course we’ll tip the driver for helping with bags.

$13 versus $35 ??? That’s no contest in my book. Treatment is no different. Nashville options are Marriott or Radisson – depending on who has space for your nights away.

When I used to travel weekly for business, I always looked for ways to save my company money. I figured if I saved on parking, airfare and meals, I could stay in a more comfortable bed !!! I didn’t know about this option (probably just started) until the last year or two of my work flights.

Enjoy! Comment if you want more ideas on how we save money. Remember, you can only spend a dollar once - and your vehicle doesn't care how much you spend on parking!

I'm looking to buy a house, so "Who Moved My Cheese?"

Welcome to the new reality - at least in our local Tennessee mortgage market. Lenders are the "life blood" of real estate. We also know that at the end of the day, Lenders profit with the lion's share of every real estate transaction - when financing is involved. That even at current low interest rates, your amount borrowed over 10, 15 or 30 years ends up costing you many times the principal balance in interest payments over the life of your mortgage loan.

So enter "New Rules" - that hold Lenders more accountable to disclose (and re-disclose, if necessary) anything that would significantly affect your expected APR (of course, "annual percentage rate") while a house is under contract. New rules, that require you as borrower to provide information earlier in the real estate transaction. And new rules, that require those of us who are professional realtors to set realistic closing timeframes - which means to allow 45 to 60 days for many Lenders.

I look forward to helping you with your real estate needs. With decades of experience as a project manager, I will help you manage to the new mandated lead times. Also count on me to point you toward Lenders who understand these new requirements - and will help you navigate this brave new lending world. This change takes affect October 3 - be ready. And yes, our Tennessee real estate forms will change to accommodate the new requirements.

(For more info, read Dr. Spencer Johnson's book: "Who Moved My Cheese?")

---

Bill Munson – Franklin / Nashville

Realtor, IT Executive, Educator, Community Developer

"Helping you to be a good steward of God’s gifts – your home and your children."

615-480-2955 direct / 615-778-1818 office / billmunson.kwrealty.com

Ahhh...kayaking with dolphins at Hilton Head Island

Sounds like we missed lots of rain back in Nashville last week. Good thing, as our plantings certainly needed it... At the same time, my wife Sue and I headed off in our convertible to enjoy a week of the sun and surf at our Hilton Head vacation home. Nice to be a block and a half from the ocean...!

We also got the chance to launch our new kayak on the intercoastal waterway, and spent 3 of the days exploring the sights. Sue had taken video of at least 3 pair of dolphins playing near our boat late in the day Wednesday, but technology failed to record it properly. (With all the bright sun, it's tough to see how the camera is really operating...oh well.)

We'll have to retake the dolphin video next trip. In the meantime, we can replay that previous day's video in our memories!

Want to spend the week of 4th of July at Hilton Head?

We can help you make that happen. We have a 1200 sq ft villa two rows back from the Atlantic Ocean - and it's available this coming week! Easier for those of you who will already have Friday July 3 off. About as far as Gulf Shores is from Nashville - 7-1/2 hours drive time through Atlanta.

Our villa is about the size of 4 traditional hotel rooms. Two pools serve the 43 villas on property, and our own private beach gate puts you a 5-7 minute walk to a less crowded stretch of ocean beach sand.

First $700 takes it. We can do that via PayPal or a Money Order if you are local. We do ask that you pay our $98 housekeeping fee which provides bed linens and towels for up to 6 adults, and South Carolina requires we collect 11% tax.

More information at http://hiltonhead.craigslist.org/vac/5092921583.html

This Shark will help you take a bite out of your mortgage!

I have met very few business people who don't find "Shark Tank" fascinating. Who hasn't tried to get someone else to embrace one of their ideas? Even tougher to get someone you don't know as well to invest in your concept.

One of my favorites among the "Sharks" is Barbara Corcoran, who definitely has scratched and clawed her way to become a real estate expert. So here is some well-considered advice from Barbara:

http://mortgage.livesmarterjournal.com/lp5/indexmortgage.html

Enjoy reading this as you relax a bit this Memorial Day weekend. And even though we had a dip in the temperatures the last few days, know that the housing market in Middle Tennessee is *hot hot hot*. Let me know how I might help you understand it better.

bill.munson@kw.com 615-480-2955

What Henry Ford did for the automobile industry...

Henry Ford revolutionized the automobile industry by introducing factory efficiencies. Needless to say, it was far less productive to manufacture a car one at a time, by hand.

It shouldn't surprise us that a century later, a similar productivity improvement is revolutionizing the building industry. We are in process of creating a new commercial property in Nashville, and are already taking advantage of this trend. These techniques also apply to single-family homes.

Interested in these benefits?

·         Increased productivity and higher quality

·         Less material and labor waste

·         Paying less over time on the construction loan ;o)

·         Getting to your conventional loan quicker

I'll let the article speak for itself...
http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/morning_call/2015/05/golden-constructions-use-of-prefab-techniques.html

Thought about taking an offshore mission trip?

We know there are challenges around the world - and much of it is due to lack of faith in a Living, Loving God. At the same time, it's far to easy to ignore the challenges in our own neighborhood, our community and our region. Some we see every day and become numb to, and many we don't because they are hidden from our daily commute.

For those of you who aren't aware, there is significant poverty in this country, in Tennessee, in Williamson County (considered by many to be the wealthiest county in the entire country). Of course some of it is among people who have grown up with low expectations of themselves, and high expectations of a terribly inefficient social system. As a professional realtor, I also see a "hidden poverty" among people who have purchased a home beyond their means, and struggle to live there. And we would be deaf not to hear of people who decide every day which bills to pay, whether to buy groceries or needed medications, etc.

You will hear some who criticize those they see as rich, expecting the government to exact much of that wealth to fund social programs. Of course, that same government has challenges providing programs to those in need without corresponding accountability.

I'd encourage you to become familiar with a friend and neighbor of mine, Chris Whitney (pastor of Nashville Family Church) and his 5-year ministry ( www.onegenaway.com ). "One Gen Away" stands for his vision that in one generation, we can eliminate racism, denominationalism and poverty in America. Strong words. Want to see how he is making it happen?

I'd encourage you to join us in Nashville this coming Saturday, May 9. This service project will change your perspective. At a minimum, Chris and his ministry will have 2 large trucks (one a full-tractor trailer) on-site at 1034 West Eastland Ave, Nashville 37206 (near Aldi/Kroger on Gallatin Ave, just north of Five Points East Nashville).

Starting at 8AM with prayer and perspective, those who volunteer will spend about 2 hours bagging wide variety of groceries. At the same time, people in need of groceries start to queue up to receive groceries. Around 10AM, volunteers "shop" with those who need food to fill a cart full of groceries to feed these families, and will "deliver" the groceries to the trunks of their cars. Volunteers who are also in need themselves can participate in the Food Giveaway.

It is an amazing sight to see. While I have included a picture from our May 2 Food Giveaway here, you can't truly appreciate this outpouring of service without participating. Hope to see you there!

Jam-packed full of Free Ideas...

Free advice... how I can help you with the roof over your head?

Those of you who read my blog regularly (thank you!) know that I am a professional Realtor in Middle Tennessee with a wide variety of practical real estate buying and selling experiences, both good ones and painful ones. You’ll also quickly note that my blogs are not simply cut-and-paste from somebody else’s ideas. Most importantly, you’ll observe I have gained vital, first-hand knowledge through each of these practical, personal experiences. I get great satisfaction from truly helping people, providing my lessons learned from these diverse experiences, and I can help you buy a home or sell the one you own.

Do you like where you live, but are tired of paying rent?

Have you ever wondered whether you could own the roof over your head? It costs you nothing for me to help you. For example, I work with professional lenders who will help you improve your credit standing. Particularly for first-time home buyers, they have have access to programs where you can own a home for little or no down payment. Your monthly costs are typically far less than your rent payments. (Think of it this way - your landlord is paying the property expenses, plus expects to make a hefty profit every month for his/her trouble, plus gets yearly tax-time benefits, plus benefits from the increasing equity of the property - and all that comes out of your rent check.) I can also help you attend a free workshop (a full-day or two evening sessions) to help you understand what the home buying process looks like – with no obligation on your part. These valuable ideas cost you nothing.

Ready to buy?

Since it’s become a more competitive and aggressive market, we will need to be better prepared before we start looking at homes. Let’s talk about what that looks like. By the way, did you know that the Buyer doesn’t pay the commission on a real estate transaction? Most often the Seller pays for that part of the transaction. Can I reduce the commission by not working through a Realtor? If you are working with a good and professional Realtor, you’ll find that you actually get a better deal, because that Realtor becomes your shrewd business partner, negotiator and advocate.

Are you happy with the home you live in?

That makes me smile, especially for those of you that I have helped in any way with that home purchase. Here’s where I can help you *for free*. Did you know that there are things you can do  to improve your home ownership experience? You wouldn’t drive your car for years without taking it to a mechanic. It’s often referred to as “Total Cost of Ownership”, and there are ways to keep those costs reasonable and manageable. In the same way, resources like home inspectors, stagers and warranties aren’t just for buying and selling. It doesn’t cost you a dime to have the benefit of their knowledge – and while you may not plan to sell your home for several years, you can benefit from their advice, enjoy the improvements now, and not pay for their services a second time later (when you do determine it's time to sell).

Thinking it’s about time to sell?

More free counsel from my experience – there’s more than just worrying about making sure your home looks good to prospective Buyers. Are you ready for your next home? Do you really know what you want to afford, and what you can afford to pay? That’s a great time to do a “dry run” – again no cost involved – about what the home selling process looks like. Do you have a termite contract in place? Lenders most often won’t allow your Buyer to buy without a clear termite letter. Do you know whether there are any major systems that may fail an inspection? It’s a good idea to take stock of what you have – before you think about advertising your home for sale!

Ready to sell? Or need to sell?

Have you ever worked with a Realtor who suddenly insists that you need to do a bunch of upgrades to get top dollar for your home? Believe it or not, that is often not the best approach. It’s important to understand the question before you try to answer it. What is a Buyer looking for? They want the right home, for the right price. That means they may *or may not* want to pay for the upgrades you are about to purchase. I can help a Buyer get those upgrades as part of their purchase price, and at the same time not have it be a huge chore and cost for you as a Seller. Fresh paint? Yes. Replace perfectly good carpet with new hardwood flooring? No. New kitchen cabinet knobs? Yes. Replace your countertops with new granite? No. Professional pictures? Yes.  You get the idea – provided the items are in good repair (see previous paragraph), this is all about how your home is presented and marketed to prospective Buyers.

Want more uncommon ideas?

Let’s grab coffee or a bite to eat or sit on a park bench on a sunny day and discuss – you can reach me anytime direct at 615-480-2955 or e-mail me at bill.munson@kw.com. Count on me for creative, realistic and *productive* ideas!

Tired of Renting? Don't miss this FREE resource coming April 18!

Check out http://www.hbeicalendar.thda.org for more locations and times. This 8-hour workshop is offered for low or no cost, in one or two convenient sessions. It will help us work together to find a great home that fits your needs!

Franklin
Date	Saturday April 18, 2015
Time	9:00 AM  - 4:00 PM
Contact	Stephen Murray snmurray@charter.net
Description	Realizing the American Dream approved course taught at 129 West Fowlkes Street, Franklin, TN 37064. Attendees must preregister by calling Stephen Murray at 615-790-5556 or 865-617-2390 or by email at snmurray@charter.net. In conjunction with the class one-on-one pre-purchase counseling is conducted but may be prior to the class or after the class. There is no fee for attending this course, certficates will be given out at the end of the course.

“Required Home Buyers Education for many lenders/programs. You will learn about the entire home buying process from start to finish. How to shop for a home, a lender, a loan product, insurance agent and closing attorney. You will also learn why good credit is important and how to develop a budget/spending plan. This is an eight hour class, and we provide all materials.”

Homeowners - ever wish you owned a dump truck?

By this point you know I am about way more than just buying and selling homes. God has put a roof over your head, but He expects you to keep it going.

Everybody's moved leaves or yard and garden debris on a tarp to get it to the street. Here's a new tool/trick in my bag. Wish you had a dump truck once in awhile? Here's a handy contraption so you don't have to break your back with a shovel. Those of us over age 50 will *truly* appreciate it. Not bad for about $35 at Harbor Freight - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSLLb4Q8gsw

And just so you know, 27 bags of good top soil (1 cu ft each) cost about $135 plus tax here in Middle Tennessee. That compares to the same amount in bulk = $35. And that much top soil weighs over A TON (more when it's wet).

An idea for those of you who don't have a pickup truck. If you have a friend who does, offer to buy this tool for them. Don't forget to ask for a 20% coupon (if you ask at the store, they'll probably just ring it up that way). Guess what? You win by making your job super easy, and your friend wins too.

Buying that plus a tank of gas makes for quick, easier work and a happy friend!

Helping Buyers - before you want to buy!

Ever thought of owning your own home? Looking to move to a larger home? I'd like to help you.

No, we're not going house shopping - yet. There's no cost or obligation for us to sit down, talk about what you'd like (someday or soon) for you or your family, and come up with a plan. There are lots of good programs to help you afford a home you can be proud of.

You'll quickly realize that I have assembled a team of professionals - willing lenders, inspectors, home repair professionals, warranty experts, and so forth. Especially when you're buying a home, most often their expertise costs you nothing. You may have heard (or experienced) that home buying can be a painful process - I pride myself on making it both easier and enjoyable!

I don't know your faith, but I do know that God provides for your needs - including the roof over your head. I am simply here to help. Interested? Let's talk. Worst case is, we will both learn something. Best case is, you will be able to afford a wonderful place you can truly call "home".

(You can reach or text me directly at 615-480-2955, or email me at bill.munson@kw.com)

Fresh Idea to Spruce Up Your Home for Spring (or for Sale!)

Most of us know that fresh paint is the least expensive way to make our house feel more like home! Even quicker, fresh trim makes your existing walls look like new. And nothing makes your trim "pop" like high-gloss paint.

I thought you might like these tips from our personal experience today. It's tough - even for "professionals" - to get best results with high-gloss paint. Here's how we can do what even the pros shy away from!

Tips for Painting with High-Gloss Latex

High-gloss latex paint creates a durable, scrub-able surface when properly applied to walls, trim work and furniture. The high-sheen finish allows more light to bounce around your room, brightening it. Despite the many advantages to high-gloss latex, it can be very difficult to apply correctly. Even experienced painters often prefer semi-gloss paint because of the exacting requirements of high-gloss latex. However, if you are determined to use a high-gloss finish, patience and special care throughout the process ensure a beautiful finished product.

Prep Work Is Key

Before you begin painting with high-gloss latex, you must prepare your surfaces carefully. Scrape any loose paint or wallpaper and sand down rough spots using a fine-grit sandpaper. Fill holes with an appropriate fill -- wood filler for wooden walls or furniture, drywall compound for drywall or plaster walls -- and sand the area smooth. Wash surfaces with a mixture of 1/2 cup of ammonia to 1 gallon of water. Caulk any cracks between woodwork and walls with a paintable caulk. Hand-sand the sheen from a very glossy surface needing repainting.

Select the Right Applicator

Brushes and rollers are not created equal, even among their peers. When painting with high-gloss latex, use the highest quality applicators available, as there is no room for error with this sheen of paint. Brushes are the most difficult to use for applying high-gloss latex, but if your project demands it, select a brush with synthetic bristles that have exploded tips. Select a synthetic roller cover with a 3/8-inch nap. Foam rollers are also excellent for high-gloss latex -- they don't leave brush marks and can fit into much tighter spots than traditional rollers.

Primer

Primer is an absolute necessity when working with high-gloss latex. Many homeowners are confused about how to choose primer for their projects and many omit it all together. Primer is designed to grab both the new paint and the surface where it is being applied, bonding the two surfaces firmly. When using high-gloss latex, an oil-based primer is your best friend, especially if you are painting over an old oil-based paint job. In fact, your latex paint won't stick well otherwise. Apply the primer of your choice according to package directions, and allow it to dry completely before checking once more for imperfections in the surface. Paint cannot fix surface problems; it only serves to amplify them.

Thin Coats

Thin coats are key to success with high-gloss latex. Using your applicator of choice, apply a thin coat of paint to the surface. Watch your own work carefully, being sure to clean up any drips before they have a chance to become tacky. Any bubbles or drips created out of negligence must be sanded and painted again. It is vital that you allow the first coat to dry fully before applying the second one. This may take 24 to 36 hours, depending on the paint and its additives; check the paint can for cure times. Apply the second coat only once you are certain the first is dry. Two coats of paint should be sufficient for most colors, but if you still can see brush strokes, apply a very thin third coat.

Bill Munson, Realtor - (615)480-2955 direct

"housevana.com" A sensible way to buy your next house...???

By now, you probably have seen a "Carvana" commercial - how you can shop for and buy a car simply by browsing the internet ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=wToxrHzVpxU ). So, why not apply the same approach to buying a home?

Some obvious differences should make you think twice:

SURPRISES. New houses are not built in a factory like most cars are (although I can share some innovative ideas that may surprise you...!) Even though a new house has a "new car smell", consistent quality and managing surprises should be one of your foremost concerns.

ASSET VALUE. Cars, while an asset, are a depreciating asset at best and are considered personal property. They can be easily bought and sold with a one page title. Homes are real property, and prior ownership of the land, the buildings and improvements can become a significant issue. While there is no guarantee that a house will increase in value, it is likely one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime, and deserves professional advice. Importantly for the home Buyer, did you know that using a professional Realtor does not increase your cost of buying (or leasing) the home?

PREPARATION. Got a job? Most often you can find a dealer who will sell you a car - if you are willing to make the payments. Your credit-worthiness may determine where and how you can buy that car. With a home purchase, it is important to know your credit-worthiness (not just your FICO score), BEFORE you go to Open Houses or start shopping with a professional Realtor. When you start shopping, you will probably see a house that you can envision being your family's home - and what a disappointment it will be to delay that home purchase because of credit snags.

MSRP. Unlike the car industry with consistent products, there is no reliable reference that you can use to determine a home's "ideal" value. By definition, every real property is not movable - the combination of building and land is unique. There is no "Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price" on real estate. Two houses next door to each other may have unique property value based on location, condition, features etc. Also, not all builders or home sellers are equally motivated. As with any negotiation, it is imperative that you have a negotiator that is working for you who is aware of the unique circumstances of each home situation.

INTERNET. There is more data on the internet than ever. However, a small portion of that actually represents information. For examples, houses that show as being available for sale on the internet may already be under contract or even sold. By the same token, properties that show as not available may simply not be picked up yet by some of the more popular fishing sites - Trulia, Zillow, Realtor.com, etc. Also, property descriptions are often outdated or outright wrong - square footage, number of bedrooms or bathrooms, etc. Think of the internet like a store's catalog - many items may be out of stock, delayed in shipment, descriptions may be inaccurate, etc.

I could go on, but you get the idea. Get to know a good Realtor. One who will consistently represent your best interests. Before, during and after you list your home. Before, during and after you purchase your new home. Someone who cares about you and your family, more than a commission check. (Yes, there are commissions, but they should be earned.)

We know everybody needs a roof over their family's heads. Call or contact me if I can help you in this lifelong process.

Can your home keep a secret?

If you already own your home, I'd like to help you find out surprises *before* you ever consider selling it - so you can reap the benefits while you live there, as well as when you decide to sell.

And if you are thinking about buying a home - either today or someday - it's helpful to "interview" a home inspector so you can rely on their assessment. You know you will want to engage an inspector for which you will pay a fee - I want that to be your money well spent.

Regardless, here's a nugget of solid gold advice. If you already subscribe to Netflix, queue it up on your TV or tablet for a binge watch like my wife Sue and I did on this icy day. No Netflix? You can still get this valuable information by simply clicking this link:

http://www.hgtv.ca/holmesinspection/video/video.html?v=1358462435

All of this is precisely why I'd like to sit down with you over coffee and help you get the most value for your home - whether Buying or Selling. I always want that conversation to be free to you - and you will be surprised what we can learn together!

Thinking of Buying? Lowering Your Interest Rate? Thought you'd be interested...

We know the Fed has held interest rates low. The primary driver has been to spur interest in the housing market and investment.

And chief economists agree - 2015 is expected to be a pretty good year for real estate. I hope you'll appreciate this article: www.realtor.com/news/2015-buy-now-feds-patience-ends

You don't have to look far to see how real estate is performing in Middle Tennessee. My focus is in Williamson and Davidson Counties (Franklin, Brentwood, Nashville), and everywhere you turn you will see newly constructed or rehabilitated homes. It's nice to see people taking pride in their communities, and Nashville area is a great place to live!

These observations substantiate the focus points in the article:

1) Home sales will increase - especially in Nashville (the new "IT" city)
2) Prices will increase - they already have by over 10%
3) Mortgage rates will increase - the Fed won't stand still

If you're thinking about buying, let's talk. I'd like to help you position yourself - that is, familiarize you with the key elements of the buying process - long before you decide to buy. Know that I will do my best to help you, whether you decide to have me represent you in a real estate transaction or not.

(Don't forget. If you're looking to keep your payments low, consider refinancing your home mortgage *before* the Fed raises rates...)

Home Sweet Home - Time for a Make-up Consultation?

I hope you had a great Christmas and meaningful time with family. In January we did experience the parting of Sue's Dad - of course that's easier to bear when we have an eternal perspective. Thanks to so many of you who walked through this with us.

It's nice not to think about the prospect of buying or selling your home. After all, it is our "nest", right? But that's precisely the *best time* to review the "state of your home", reap the benefits now, and get the most for your home at the point you do consider selling it. In my previous blog, we just discussed how you can efficiently engage a Home Inspector to upgrade the quality of your nest and eliminate surprises, both now and in the future.

Let's talk about the value of a Home Stager - when you are neither Selling nor Buying. Would you build a house without a blueprint? No. Can you imagine a Hollywood actor or newscaster appearing in public without a make-up artist or a little plastic surgical help? Of course not.

Once you own a home, it's highly tempting to try to make-up your home yourself...to buy furnishings, even rooms full of furniture or artwork, along the way as they catch your eye. Well, nobody enjoys finding new accessories any better than my wife and I do. How tough can that be?

Have a plan. The first value that a professional Home Stager can bring is a clear concept - a blueprint of the best ways you can use every inch of your floor plan, as well as the value of the landscape leading to your home's doors. It's not about adding furniture you don't own, at a price you didn't anticipate. A great stager can be part of your home's financial plan.

See the potential in what you already own. Whether you already have a little or a lot, expect a great stager to notice the pieces that can bring focus to every room. Ever heard the words "Feng Shui"? Just as there are items in your wardrobe that look best on you for different occasions, the rooms in your home have different functions - family gatherings, a quiet retreat, a place to get your business done efficiently, an entertainment center, room for your hobbies, etc. Sometimes it helps to have a trusted friend bring perspective, advice and encouragement.

Furniture and furnishings are not a Wall Street investment that appreciates. Instead, they are daily amenities that *you* appreciate. They make four walls feel like a home. Even your favorite chair or desk can bring more enjoyment by moving them to a (slightly) different spot in your castle!

You've probably heard both of these words: de-clutter and de-personalize. These are used by home stagers when you determine to sell your home. Both words are intimidating. My house is my home, right? Lived in. Reflects my personality. You're not here to visit my house, right?

Remember: Staging is not about getting rid of the items you love. It's understanding how to showcase your favorite pieces to your best benefit. It's also about finding an effective place for the items you need, but don't want in your living space daily. That's the value of a having and following a plan.

So what's the big idea? Why wait to spend urgent money with a Home Stager just to ready your home for a Buyer? Instead, consider making a well-considered investment in Enjoying Your Home now - whether you've just purchased it or have lived in it for several years and through changes in your family's needs. Then at the same time, you will be prepared to get the best price for your home when you do decide to enjoy a future home.

More coming... count on my next blog to discuss the value of engaging with a Real Estate professional throughout the life of your home - and not just when you're looking to sell it.

(A reminder. This blog is original content from between my ears. I'd appreciate your comments on these ideas. If these inspire other topics of interest, let me know that too!)