ICON in the Gulch is one of the hottest properties for sale in the Nashville real estate market with 420 condo/lofts ranging from $219,900 to $1.2 million.

The ICON is located at 12th Avenue South.  It  boasts amenities such as a fully equipped fitness center, 2 rooftop pools and convenient covered parking.  Walk to The Station Inn to hear some of the best bluegrass music around, eat fresh seafood at Watermark and shop for fresh whole organic food at The Turnip Truck.  Dry cleaning,  market and coffee shops are conveniently located street level.

West End Lofts located at 117 30th Avenue are urban lofts with exposed ductwork, open floor plans, 19 ‘ high ceilings and oversized windows.  Close to Vanderbilt University, Baptist and St. Thomas hospitals and close to the 440 interstate.  The West End lofts are also close to many delicious restuarants such as Stoney River, The Tin Roof and Maggianos.  

Call Mark Haining (615) 496-8885 for all the latest in Nashville lofts and Middle Tennessee real estate.

What Recession?

Nashville real estate agents  are a little busier than they have been the last 3 years. “I’m actually working 10-12 hours a day again” one Village Real Estate agent recently told me.  Another quipped ”I’ve actually been thinking of bringing on an assistant”.  New construction is certainly not booming, thought here in Tune Town it could be characterized as “solid”. Sellers are in fact in their third month of home sales prices increasing (source: Greater Nashville Association of Realtors).  So what might be the reason for the recent upswing? I think it’s good prices and historically low interest rates. Buyers, who in the past might have been sticking their toe in the the buying pool, are now jumping in head first. Home mortgage rates are prompting Sellers to price homes correctly so eager pre-approved home buyers can snap them up. Currently home loans are more affordable than anytime in recent history

Fed Moves To Lower Rates

The Federal Reserve plans to buy $400 billion in long-term Treasury securities by June 30 in an attempt to drive down longer-term interest rates and pump up the economy. The central bank also will keep the key Fed funds rate between 0 percent and 0.25 percent, probably through June 2013, and buy mortgage-backed securities to keep mortgage rates low.

Fixed-rate mortgages changed very little this past week amid sluggish economic, mixed housing data, and ongoing concerns over the European debt markets. The 30-year fixed remained unchanged at 4.09 percent, the lowest since Freddie Mac started tracking the statistic in 1970, while the 15-year fixed dropped a single basis point to 3.29 percent, marking a new record low.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

[SOURCES: USA Today; Information, Inc.]

If you’re considering selling and you’d like to get an idea of what your home might bring and how long it will take to sell, email me: mh@realtracs.com.

Mark

Music City Lifestyles

Take heart Nashvillians! We’re on the rebound in our climbing Nashville real estate market.

In today’s uncertain economic climate, home values are always on owners minds. As realtors we are challenged to get Nashville buyers and sellers educated about our great city.  The plights of California, Nevada, Florida, and the other markets, unfortunately get all too much attention . It’s often difficult to get local consumers focused our actual numbers and not the overall national landscape reported by the CNN’S and the multitude of media outlets that consumers are exposed to daily. Below is a list of cities that are trending counter what the national news services are announcing and blogging about. Nashville in fact is among a small group of cities that are headed in the right direction.

Inman News identifies 10 markets where real estate agents are faring well despite the economic and housing downturn, based on total sales, median price, and license and Realtor group membership data.

The 10 markets are:
Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, Wash.
Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, Colo.
Salt Lake City, Utah
San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas
Pittsburgh, PA
Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas
Kansas City Mo.-Kan.
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Texas
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, Tenn.

Average sales volume in these markets ranges from $599,171 (Nashville) to $1.54 million (Seattle) and sales per Realtor ranging from 3.2 (Austin) to 8.3 (Fort Worth). The median sales price edged up in seven of the markets in May from the prior year, and the three markets where prices did not rise managed to escape double-digit declines. From June 2010 to May 2011, the median sales prices ranged from $107,250 (Pittsburgh) to $302,000 (Seattle). These markets all have populations topping 1 million and unemployment rates that are generally better than the national rate.

[SOURCES: Inman News; Information, Inc.]

If you truly want an accurate look at the value of your own residence just give me a call. It’s likely that your home in now worth a little more than you might have expected. Home prices in Nashville real estate have been increasing for 4 straight months and the trend is showing signs of continuing.

Mark

     Selecting the  right company to transact a real estate sale is almost as important as finding the perfect home. Contracts sometimes don’t close on time due to errors or slowness in response to time sensitive documentation. Amanda Vaughn at Commerce Title and Escrow is, as far this Nashville real estate agent is concerned, one of the best in the business. Here’s a letter from one of her recent clients that had a small but significant issue come up prior to closing.

165 Salient Lane
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Commerce Title and Escrow, LLC
1812 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203

August 17, 2011

To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to thank Amanda Vaughn for the outstanding Escrow and Closing service that she provided us with when we closed on our home on Salient Lane. Her assistance went far above the normal type of customer service that is usually given.

Ms. Vaughn was very careful with all of our documentation and paid attention to detail in an absolutely amazing way. We moved to TN from another state and relied on her heavily to make sure that the title of our new home was properly secured. We purchased our home from a huge national building group, but when they did not want to provide Ms. Vaughn with a particular piece of information that she knew was pertinent to securing a clear title for us, she communicated with the builder in a very clear, open and precise way. Her persistence paid off for us; the builder claimed that they had never provided that specific piece of documentation and did not want to submit it. When Amanda insisted that she would not recommend that we close without it, they did finally provide it for us. We are absolutely certain that even if no one else on our neighborhood has a free and clear title to their home, we know that we do!

In addition to all of that, she was incredible about answering any questions, whether by phone or email, in an immediate and complete way. In my business, our policy was to return all calls or emails within the business day. That, in our opinion, was providing exemplary client services. Amanda, however, returned all of our calls and emails usually within an hour despite a very busy and demanding job. She was always pleasant, friendly and professional.

My husband and I commend Amanda Vaughn on her outstanding service to us, and highly recommend her to anyone in need of an Escrow and Closing agent. Please feel free to contact me at 502.386.4644 or marthambryce@yahoo.com if you would like any additional information.

Sincerely,

Martha M. Bryce

Nashville real estate is on the rise again. Prices are attractive and low mortgage rates are making a home purchase a smart choice. If you’e in the market and you purchase, consider Commerce Title and Escrow when choosing a closing company.

Mark Haining

Music City Lifestyles

On the corner of Blair Boulevard and 21st, slightly hidden by the Mapco gas station sits Browns Diner.  Nestled right in Hillsboro Village.   Nashvillians have frequented this authentic watering hole long before anyone ever thought of golden arches or drive trough taco stands. No frills here: what you smell is what you get. Brown’s features an array of beer, both domestic and imported. And an unapologeticly  concise menu: mainly hamburgers. Yup and you can have them most any way you want…as long as you like them off the griddle. Did I mention the french fries? Hot, crispy, and right out of the deep fry. Your cholesterol’s jaw will drop just walking in the door.  And when you do decide to take the plunge, make sure you use the original front entrance. Like an old train car, the original building is long and narrow. You practically have to take a seat at the bar (if you can find one) just to get inside. The employees seem to be woven into the fabric of this venerable establishment. Service is simple and sincere, and a sense of humor on the customers part is a given. Think you might want to bring the whole family? No worries! Adjacent to the bar is a dinning hall area that has larger tables and chairs and booths so even the hungry younger ones will have a place to enjoy Brown’s old school fare.

Brown’s features local singers, songwriters and musicians that appear almost nightly on their smaller than a postage stamp band stand. On any given night you might hear anyone from the next Taylor Swift hoping to be discovered, to a grizzled old guitar playing veteran just singin’ for his supper.

If you’re looking for food that Grandma used to make, in a casual, throw back environment, then Brown’s Diner is your next stop.

Brown‘sDinerTavern * 2102 BlairBoulevard, Nashville, TN 37212-4902

(615) 269-5509 ‎

What a perfect  day for a ball game…hot dogs and fireworks…what is more American!

Happy Birthday Sweet Liberty!

1. Substantial Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code allows homeowners to deduct the interest paid on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the upfront expenses involved in a home purchase.

2. Cyclical Home Value Appreciation. Residential homes have historically shown long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are often experienced, existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Economic indicators predict that the number of U.S. households is expected to increase15 percent over the next 10 years. The result will be an expected high demand for housing, the majority of it will be purchased, rather than leases or rented.

3. Historical Equity. Money paid as rent or towards a lease is money that you’ll say goodbye to forever. Mortgage payments on the other hand accumulate as equity toward the ultimate ownership of what might be your largest investment: your home.

4. Savings When Selling. Gaining equity in your home has built in savings potential. When you sell your home, the tax code allows that you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as a gain! That’s right. No capital gains. Always see the tax code and consult a qualified tax advisor.

5. Lifestyle Predictability. Rents can go up and leases have to be renewed and renegotiated. Your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. Property taxes and insurance costs might increase, but the costs of your home will not vary.

6. Personal Freedom. I OWN my home! Paint the walls, change the fence, fix up the extra room, run a home business, the choices are as endless as your imagination. Did I mention get that puppy you’ve always wanted? You can be your own interior designer and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

7. Long Term Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

You may find other reasons that home ownership is right for you. Often affordability is a question in potential buyers minds. How do I know if I can afford a home? Here’s a great first step: To calculate whether buying is the best financial option for you, use the “Buy vs. Rent” calculator at www.GinnieMae.gov.

If you’d like to stick your toe in the water before jumping right in, call me. I’ve helped a lot of first time buyers get started in the Nashville Real Estate  home ownership process. The advice and the introduction to a qualified home mortgage lender is absolutely free. Mark Haining 616 496-8885.

Happy home owning!

Parkside Builders have put a lot of thought and action into “green living”.  The neighborhood is strategically positioned near the brand new Mt. Juliet shopping center that has just about everything a person needs – food, shopping, restaurants and entertainment.  Just up the street is a new Loews Home center and a Super Wal-Mart. The interstate is close by to save time on your commute so you can spend more time with your family.  How would you like to get to Nashville international Airport in less than 10 minutes? The Villages at Providence is that close. Our neighbors enjoy wide sidewalks and walking paths that weave through the gorgeous streets and landscapes. They’re perfect for taking a morning jog or and evening stroll.  If you love the water, you’ll be happy to know that the Providence swimming pool complex is hop, skip and jump away!

What I like most about Parkside Homes are the distinctive exteriors with the rich colors you get to choose from.   Parkside homes come with features most home builders make you pay for like Energy Star constructions standards, interior drywall detailing, beautiful kitchen cabinetry, tech shield roof decking and irrigation built into the lunch landscaping.  Personalize your home with a large selection of optional features.  Choose from layouts that span from 1517 square feet to 3319 square feet.  We feature two styles of homes: Our Parkside Series features Granite countertops and stainless appliances, hardwood floors, upgraded ceiling and floor moldings and some of the prettiest bathrooms you’ll ever see! Our Cute Cottage homes are slightly smaller in square footage, and can be upgraded with many custom choices. Almost all of our homes have front porches and courtyards.  If you are searching for a new home in Mt. Juliet, Parkside just might be the place to live.

Models are open Friday, Saturday, and Monday 11-6. Sunday’s hours are 1-6. For more information on these properties or any other Nashville real estate home, call Mark Haining, 615 496-8885

2.  Hiring the wrong Realtor.  Many sellers list with the real estate agent who agrees to list their home for the highest price.  What many home owners don’t realize is agents may tell you what you want to hear and list your home for more than the market will bring so they can stick their sign in your lawn.  This does bring in business for the agent and will cost you time in selling your home.   The longer their sign sits in your lawn, the more time they have to reel in business.  You need to choose an experienced agent with a great marketing plan to sell your home for market value.  This will result in the minimum amount of hassles while selling your home in less time and a higher price at the negotiating table.

3.  Over-improving your home before you sell it.  Yes, it’s great to improve upon your home before you sell it, but some sellers spend thousands of dollars doing the wrong upgrades thinking they will recoup the cost.  Consult with an experienced Nashville real estate agent before you spend the money.  Now if you upgrade your home because you like it and are going to live in it for a while that’s a different story.

4.  Failing to prepare the home for market.  A home that is not well maintained or clean is a red flag to buyers.  Buyers think there may be hidden defects that will show up down the road that will increase their cost of ownership.  Sellers are smart to do any necessary  work ahead of time.

5.  Not taking the first offer seriously.  Home sellers think the first offer is that of many more to come and may want to hold out for a higher price.  This is especially true when an offer comes in as soon as the home is put on the market.  A smart real estate agent knows that  the first buyer is most often the best.  Many times sellers who have rejected the first offer have had to accept less money down the road.

6. Not knowing your obligations or rights.  A contract to sell your home is a legally binding, complex document.  Improperly written, it can allow the buyer to void the sale and/or cost you thousands of dollars.  An experienced Nashville, TN real estate agent will know all of the ins and outs and will fully explain the contract to you.

Questions?  Call Nashville Realtor Mark Haining @ 615.496.8885 today.

When selling your home, you want the property to have great curb appeal.  It needs to look good walking up the sidewalk, into the house, in the cupboards and in the closets and attic.  A well cared for home is the impression you want the buyers to get. 

The first three to four weeks of the listing is when your home gets the most activity.  There are buyers that haven’t found a house just waiting for a new listing to hit the market. Don’t blow it by not having it in tip top shape.  The worst mistake a seller can make is to say well lets just list it and see what happens, if it doesn’t sell then we will fix it up.     The first few weeks are also when the home will sell for the most amount of money.  The longer it sits on the market, the less it will sell for.  After the initial surge of interest, the only other people who will look at it then will be new buyers to the market. 

The competition these days is pretty fierce.  Homes for sale in Nashville are in an abundance.  If a buyer has a choice between a home he needs to fix up and one he doesn’t, he will chose the latter. 

Curb Appeal

So many times when an agent pulls up to a house the buyer will take one look and say I don’t like the way it looks, I don’t want to see it.  That can be pretty frustrating to an agent and very hard to overcome.  So be sure all your shrubs are trimmed to window height and  low tree branches are pruned.  Weed the flower beds and plant a few flats of flowers if you can.  A well manicured home is very inviting.  Be sure there is no peeling paint on the windows and front door.  Give it a coat of paint is possible to make it look new.  Make sure the mail box is clean and looks good, sweep the front steps and porch is you have one, and  get a nice welcome mat for the front door. 

The Inside

Wash your windows, the window sills and air out your home.  If you have animals, make sure it doesn’t smell like it!  Wash and wax your hardwood floors and get your carpets cleaned.  If your walls need a fresh coat of paint, by all means do it.  Stay away from any bright and loud colors.  Neutrals may seem boring to you, but to a home buyer they are perfect.  Make sure all your light bulbs are bright and  working and keep your drapes and blinds open.  Buyers like bright and cheery rooms.

Go through your closets and drawers.  Remove all clutter, box it up and store it somewhere.  Even your off season clothes should be packed away.  The closets and storage space will look bigger if they have space and are not filled to the gills with junk or clutter.  You will have to pack everything up anyway.  This is a good head start and will help sell the house.

Make sure you don’t have too much furniture in any one room.  It will make it look smaller.  Keep only your best pieces  in the house.  Hide all cords, especially around the television, stereo and computer areas.  If you need to rent a small storage space do it for a couple months.

Clean your kitchen as if a health inspector is coming!   Make sure the oven is clean inside and out.  Change the drip pans on the stove.  Clean the outside and inside of the cabinets and again remove all clutter and unnecessary appliances. 

Bathtubs and sinks should be sparkling.  Recaulk if necessary and clean all grout.  Fix all drippy faucets.  Place fresh clean towels in the bathroom and put in some air freshener to make it smell nice.

Show Time

When it’s time to show the home, before you leave make sure all the  beds are made, opent he drapes and blinds  if its daytime, or lights on if it’s night, also turn on the patio and pool lights.  Pick up all the toys and put them away.  Close all cabinets and turn on some soft music.  Open all the doors between the rooms for an inviting feel.  Pick up all newspaper and take the trash out.

When you leave for the day, leave the house as if it’s going to be shown.  I know it’s a hassle, but you may get a last minute showing and you want to be ready.

Go The Extra Mile

I like to have my clients get a pre-inspection if possible.  Yes, it’s typically the buyer’s responsibility, but if you are proactive your home will sell faster and it will save time between contract negotiation and final settlement.  It will also give you a heads up on any problems and give you time to repair them if necessary at a reasonable rate.

Please be reasonable and flexible with your showing times.  Agree to put a lock box on your door.  It makes it so much easier for everyone.

Some of these suggestions may seem like common sense and they are, but you’d be surprised at how many home sellers don’t prepare their home.  Go the extra mile.  In the Nashville real estate market you want to have an edge on the competition.