Buying a Foreclosure Foreclosed and foreclosing properties dominate many of today’s U.S. real estate markets—more than four years after the sharpest observers saw the market shift coming, and more than two years after the reality hit home for millions of American home owners. The recent Keller Williams Distressed Property Buying Survey unearthed great information about where the opportunities are, how big they are, and how smart, capable buyers are leveraging the current market. First-time home buyers make up almost half of all buyers of bank-owned foreclosures and soon-to-be foreclosed short sale properties. They’re followed closely by investors seeking rental properties, and a third important group—homeowners who find they can move up to a bigger or better home they previously could n... 07/05/2012

Court Side: The Great Promise—and Limits—of the Supreme Court’s Sackett Decision Your Victory on the NFIP Reauthorization On July 5, 2012, in Breaking News, Law & Policy, by Stacey Moncrieff More Sharing ServicesShare|Share on facebookShare on google_plusone_shareShare on googleShare on twitter   A message from NAR President Moe Veissi: YOU DID IT! Late last week Congress finally acted on one of your key legislative priorities, a five-year reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Even better news, we just received word that the president is expected to sign it into law tomorrow, Friday, July 6, 2012. All the D.C. pundits said  nothing would be accomplished in an election year!  You just proved them wrong because you didn’t give up, and now you have the victory to ... 07/05/2012

Let's take a look at a pretty active subdivision in west Knoxville, Whittington Creek, and see what's been happening since the last time we visited.       As you may recall, Whittington Creek is 8 neighborhoods in one subdivision. The boulevard has sidewalks on both sides of the street, with benches available should you want to stop and rest, or just take in the beauty of the area. This is a pretty active subdivision, with tennis courts, swimming pool, a club house, and much more. Living in Whittington Creek is a lifestyle.       On to June home sales in Whittington Creek. There are 21* properties on the market, 3 properties in Pending status, and 4 closed home sales for June. Here is a breakdown of the properties on the market:   Average list price: $705,821 Most expensive: $1,465,000 ... 07/02/2012

I don't often visit a subdivision that has both single family homes and condos, but today we will be doing just that. Let's head out to Glenview Knoxville TN, and see what's happening on the home sales scene.     But, first a little about the neighborhood. Located off  Piney Grove Church Road, Glenview is near Middlebrook Pike, which gives you easy access to downtown, north to West Town Mall, and plenty of eateries along Kingston Pike. Many of the homes are 2-story, or spilt levels, built within the last 10-15 years. The added bonus is that this is a closed neighborhood, just one way in and out.       There are currently 3 homes on the market*, and there were 4 home sales in May. One on market condo is currently in pending status.    Average price (single family): $203,650 Most expensiv... 06/14/2012

When people I meet find out that I'm a real estate professional, one of the questions I almost always get is , "Seriously, how is the real estate market in Knoxville?"   Well, seriously, yes, things are getting better. Good enough that Knoxville made the National Association of Home Builders improving markets monthly list. The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement from their respective troughs in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least six consecutive months. This month’s IMI showed some considerable shifting of markets on and off the list, with 52 metros holding on to their spots, 48 slipping from the list and 28 being added. Notable new entrants to the improving list in June include Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Grand Junction, Colo.; Fargo, N.D.; Knoxv... 06/13/2012

Please join me as I host an Open House Sunday June 10 at 2004 Grenada Blvd., Knoxville TN, from 2-4 pm.   Located in the Foxfire subdivision, near the junction of Ebenezer Road and Northshore Road, you will be close to schools, shopping, commuting, and entertainment. This lovely 4 bedroom home sits on nearly 3/4 acres.   You won't want to miss this Open House Sunday June 10 at 2004 Grenada Blvd, Knoxville TN from 2 -4 pm.   If you would like a private showing, just drop me a note.   Listed by Gail Finley of Coldwell Banker Wallace & Wallace 06/08/2012

Today, I'd like to visit Gallaher Station Knoxville TN. Located off S. Gallaher View Road near the junction of Westland Drive, living in Gallaher Station is ideally located for shopping, commuting, and much, much more.     Many of the houses are two-story, and most are less than 15 years old. This is a great family oriented neighborhood.       There are 4 properties on the market, and 2 closed home sales in May.   Average list price: $188,675.00 Least expensive: $164,900.00 Most expensive: $199,900.00 Median price: $199,450.00       Home Sales at Gallaher Station had slowed down the past couple of years, but look as if they are on a strong track so far this year.     In fact, the average price of home sales are heading back up this year in this subdivision, which is good news for seller... 06/07/2012

Here's my weekly round-up of West Knoxville happenings.   Let's start off with the April Home Sales for a newer subdivision, The Woods at West Valley. (and example of a home at The Woods at West Valley is to your left)   And we'll follow that up with the April Home Sales for an older, established subdivision, Gulfwood.   I'll round that all up with Chiara's Top 5 Tips to Selling your West Knoxville Home. Yes, some of the usual tips are there, like having good curb appeal. There are also a couple of tips that may get overlooked, like fixing the simple things. One of the things I've been hearing lately from potential sellers, relates to overpricing their homes because they have heard "the market in west Knoxville TN is not that bad."  There is a reason homes are selling in west Knoxville ... 05/24/2012

I have a couple of neighborhood market reports from the Hardin Valley area of West Knoxville to share with you. Nora's Path is a relatively small neighborhood, and a fairly new neighborhood. So, it's not often a home goes on the market, but when it does, you'll want to see it pretty quickly. Home sales in Campbell Creek are a hoppin'! Building is still going on. If you want to live in a neighborhood that is quiet, but close to it all, Campbell Creek may be for you. I decided to start a new series, called the Best of West Knoxville. For the first issue, we have AgriFeed Pet Supply. Check it out! Hope everyone is having a fabulous Mother's Day! Men are what their mothers made them. --Ralph Waldo Emerson 05/12/2012

There is an article over at US News, that is of great interest to buyers, highlighting some of the rules of home buying.       Yes, some of these rules have changed during the downturn, but some did not, and now we are seeing some of the "old" rules come back. It all depends on your locality. Here in Knoxville, we are experiencing multiple offers on some properties, particularly when properties are priced right.       I think these "rules" are also important for potential sellers to read, so they know what they will be facing. So, here are my top 5 rules of home buying:       1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Talk to your preferred lender and know how much house you can afford. Too often, home buyers surprised that they do not qualify to buy as much house as they thought.  To strength... 05/04/2012

One of the aspects of being a REALTOR® is helping my investment buyers find the right house to add to their portfolio. Even better is finding the right house after searching high and low.       With that, I am very pleased to say that Chiara has thrilled buyers in Knoxville, TN. Their perfect investment house was found in Hunting Hills West subdivision.     You may be searching high and low for the perfect house to add to your investments, but I promise you it is out there! And when we find it, there is no greater pleasure, for me, than being able to hand you the KEY!     What Erin had to say about her experience can be read here. If you are thinking about purchasing investment properties in Knoxville TN, give me a call at (865) 388-1311 today.   04/19/2012

I am hosting an Open House Sunday March 25 at 9600 Vermillion Rd Knoxville TN from 2 - 4 pm. Located in Augusta Hills subdivision off Bluegrass Road, this cape cod style home has it all, starting with location! Augusta Hills is convenient to commuting, shopping, dining and is a wonderful family friendly neighborhood. Situation on a corner lot, 9600 Vermillion Rd is a 1-owner home, with mountain views, and offered at $239,900.     Please join me at the Open House Sunday March 25 at 9600 Vermillion Rd Knoxville TN.   If you would like a private showing, drop me a line! 03/22/2012

Tennessee (TN) Residential Flat Fee Listing Starting at $99.00 with For Sale by Owner Right to Sale -6914 Apollo Drive, Knoxville - MLS #793784 Overview Maps Photos Description $149,900 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms1 Bathroom1 Partial BathroomInterior: 2,346 sqftLot: 1.30 acre(s) Location 6914 Apollo DriveKnoxville, TN 37921USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Company Owners - Ralph & Martha Howard RDH Services, LLC dba The Home Buyers Realty(888) 932-0506BuyWiseTN@comcast.nethttp://www.TNDirectRealty.com Listed by: RDH Services, LLC - A TN Discount Flat Fee Real Estate Company Our recent listings Tennessee (TN) Residential Flat Fee Listing Starting at $99.00 with For Sale by Owner Right to Sale -7805 Chest... 03/17/2012

What happened to spring? I think it passed us by. This near 80 degree weather is fabulous! So, what can you do this weekend, besides yard work? Let's see what's on tap for some Weekend Fun, Knoxville Style!   For you Girl Scout Cookie lovers, you won't want to miss Cookies and Cocktails Friday night at the Emporium on N Gay Street at 6 pm.   Chefs from area restaurants are asked to put a new spin on an old favorite. Sweet or savory, chefs may use any of the eight varieties of Girl Scout cookies to create and serve up their signature item of choice. Enjoy cocktails while listening to live music from Old City Buskers.   You will have to register here.       The 18th Annual Women Today show will be at the Knoxville Convention Center, Friday through Sunday March 16-18). A lot will be going ... 03/15/2012

Knoxville TN real estate is hopping! Attending an open house event is a great way to see some of the homes on the market without any pressure. Please join me as I host an Open House on March 11, 2012 at 1340 Pershing Hill Lane Knoxville TN from 2-4 pm.   Featured in a commercial for Fine Living Network and DIY Network, this home is elegance itself. I'm not going to share any of the interior with you in this post, you will have to come experience this homes' magnificence for yourself on Sunday March 11 between 2 and 4 pm.       You will find Pershing Hill Lane is just west of Morrell Road along Northshore Dr. A very convenient neighborhood for shopping, dining, and commuting. So, join me as I host an Open House Sunday March 11, 2012 at 1340 Pershing Hill Lane, Knoxville TN.       If you ... 03/08/2012

The time has come to get back to Weekend Fun, Knoxville Style! Not that there hasn't been anything going on. As you know, I like to highlight the extra special events for the weekend, and some of the events that are sometimes easily missed. This week, we have a couple of exciting events that may interest you, so let's get ready for some Weekend Fun, Knoxville Style! First up, is the FIRST Robotics Competition, held at the Knoxville Convention Center, March 1-3. This event is free to the public. Watch area school teams, mentored by professional engineers, compete against each other with the robots they built from limited resources.   If you enjoy your time with your pet, you will love Mardi Growl 2012 on Saturday, March 3. There is a Costume Parade for dogs, and other festivities on Mark... 03/01/2012

Knoxville Home for Sale in Cherokee Hills Custom built one owner home on a 3.39 acre wooded lot end of a Cul-De-Sac in the Cherokee Hills subdivision of Knoxville. Built in 1995, this traditional home features the Stephen Fuller plan. This Cherokee Hills home features a two story entry, a formal Living Room, and Dining Room with a trey ceiling and library paneling. The home's huge Great Room open to the light and bright Kitchen with an eat-in area, island, desk, new dishwasher an hardwood floors. There are 3 gas fireplaces in this fantastic Knoxville Home. Add to all of that a wet bar, full bath, huge recreation room and an exercise/dark room downstairs in this custom Knoxville home. The Master Bedroom offers a sitting room and fireplace! Large Master Bath with whirlpool tub, a separate... 03/01/2012

I am hosting an Open House Sunday February 19 at 9600 Vermilion Road Knoxville TN, and I hope you will join me there! Situated in Augusta Hills subdivision off of Bluegrass Road, this home comes complete with some magnificent mountain views that photos alone can never truly capture. This corner lot home has had only 1 owner, who meticulously maintained this cape cod style home. So, come join me at the Open House Sunday February 19 at 9600 Vermilion Road Knoxville TN! If you can't attend this Open House, call me at 865-388-1311 or drop me a note to schedule a showing today. Property listed by Gail Finley, Coldwell Banker Wallace & Wallace 02/16/2012

Luxury Homes in Knoxville, Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee is one of those places that is difficult to leave once you’ve had a taste of the good life. Ask one of the many alumni from the University of Tennessee Knoxville who stayed in town post-graduation; it’s the perfect place to discover luxury homes and lay down roots! 

 The city is divided into the downtown area, and from there, North Knoxville, South Knoxville, East Knoxville, and West Knoxville. While there aren’t necessarily that many luxury homes in the downtown area, the Old City and Gay Street offer a nice mix of residential and commercial properties. For those specifically searching for luxury homes in Knoxville, there are a variety of great neighborhoods from which buyers can choose in the four areas outside downtown.   

... 01/31/2012

Yesterday, my young first time home buyer went to closing. Of course, I was there with him, and everything went smoothly. Chiara Petro has a very happy first time home buyer in Knoxville TN! There were some pitfalls along the way, and things that tried to get his closing off track, but the team we had put together (from loan officer to the title company, and myself as the puppet master) for him worked tirelessly and seamlessly to get everything done in less than 30 days.  Chiara Petro has a very happy first time home buyer in Knoxville TN. 01/28/2012