Don't Get Thunder-Struck This Spring

March, April, and May are Tennessee’s three leading months for tornados.  Severe spring storms can disrupt life in a community by destroying property, dropping trees across roadways, and robbing stores of the electricity necessary for selling essentials to people who need them in the wake fresh storm damage.  The National Weather Service recommends having a family game plan so that everyone knows what to do in response to different types of severe weather events.  Additionally, it is recommended you keep an Emergency Kit on hand. Below is an example:

Emergency Kit

-Water, one gallon per person

-Nonperishable food

-Flashlight

-Battery powered radio

-Extra batteries

-First aid kit

-7 day medicine supply

-Copies of personal documents

-Cellphone with chargers

-Emergency contacts

-Cash

 

Planning ahead for responding to severe weather can eliminate delay and confusion when spring storms strike.

Email: SOLD@WelcomeHomeMiddleTN.com

Twitter: @SoldByRyun

It's a Perfect Time to Sell Your Home

In December, Nashville area home sales increased by almost 14% from the same month in the previous year.  Here's a Nashville Business Journal article with more detail. The average sales price increased by 5.5% versus a year ago, and the total number of homes for sale at the end of the month was 10% lower than the previous year.

What do all of these numbers mean to you?

An increased number of homes sold at a higher average price.  This combined with fewer total homes currently for sale, are a recipe for an impending home sales rush.  With consistent mortgage rates in the 5% range right now is an absolutely terrific time to sell your home in Middle Tennessee.

I'd love to discuss how to ready your home to maximize selling price.  Contact me anytime.

Email: SOLD@WelcomeHomeMiddleTN.com
Twitter: @SoldByRyun

 

Are Realtors On The Endangered Species List?

The internet has made it much easier for consumers to access information and research items for sale.  There is no denying that "middle-men/women" such as: Realtors, Travel Agents, Car Dealers, and various Retailers have to work harder (and smarter) than ever before to suit the needs of clients and earn business. As it pertains to real-estate, this begs the question, "Are Realtors even necessary in the 21st Century?"

Spoiler Alert:  I'm a Realtor and my answer is a resounding YES!!  Let me explain why.

A few months ago Lydia Depillis wrote a great piece for the Washington Post addressing this issue.  I've come to a similar conclusion.  Real estate web tools give buyers and sellers more and better ability than ever before to make informed decisions.  That said, a home remains that largest single investment most families will ever make.  Constant changes in financial requirements for lenders are creating a moving target for people trying to buy or sell real estate.  I recommend utilizing someone who makes a career of staying on top of laws and trends and knows exactly what's happening with real estate in your area. 

Never use a Realtor who isn't providing value which at least meets (preferably exceeds) what she/he is being compensated.  How do you accomplish this? One word: INTERVIEW.  I recommend sitting down with multiple Realtors before choosing one.  Make them compete for and follow through on the commitments they make to earn your business.  You'll know in only a few minutes if you're dealing with a professional or not.

If you're ready to buy or sell a home, I'd love the opportunity to earn your business.
E-mail: SOLD@WelcomeHomeMiddleTN.com
Twitter:@SoldByRyun

Don't Want To Pay A Realtor To Sell Your Home?

I recommend using a professional Realtor to help sell your home for several reasons which I'll outline in my next post.  That said, some people really want to sell their home unassisted.  If that's something you're considering, here are three tips;

1. You only get one chance to make a first impression.  Potential buyers will take your home off their list in seconds if they don't like what they see when they walk through the front door.  Pretend to be a buyer and walk into your home from outside.  What needs to be staged, changed, moved, trashed, painted, fixed, etc.
2. It's no longer your home, it's now a "product".  Once you put your home on the market you have to change the way you see it.  Potential buyers don't know about the many memories you've made under that roof and will not be factoring your toil and pride into their offer.
3. Most buyers will be working with a Realtor.  You need to market to them.

I can help you with #3.  There are over 10,000 licensed real estate agent in Middle Tennessee assisting buyers in finding homes by utilizing the MLS search tool.  They can bring shoppers through your door quickly.  I have a flat fee option to get your home listed on the MLS without you having to pay a percentage of your selling price. Contact me if you're interested in discussing this option.

Email:  SOLD@WelcomeHomeMiddleTN.com
Twitter: @SoldByRyun

Does Zillow have a clue what your home is worth?

How much is your home worth? It's worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. That may sound glib, but it's true.  So how do you determine what someone is willing to pay for your home? Keep reading...

Researchers tell us that over 90% of home searches begin online. Realtors and dot coms alike are constantly looking for ways to fill needs for home buyers and sellers utilizing online technology. Seattle based Zillow is among the most successful real estate websites going right now. They've done an excellent job positioning their website to appear at or near the top of most search engines.

As Zillow has grown, so have the number of services they offer. Many take advantage of Zillow's Zestimate feature which will give an estimated selling price for most any address. Are Zestimate's accurate?  According to this investigative study, perhaps not as accurate as you'd assume.

So how can you get the best estimate of your home's value?  A Realtor will access up to the minute sales data for homes comparable to yours which have actually sold recently.  This will give you a realistic range of price that real buyers are paying for similar homes in your immediate area. Ultimately the asking price for your home is your decision.  A Realtor will help you determine the price point which will fetch the highest price, most quickly.  Your Realtor will additionally market your home to drive potential buyers through your door.

I'd love to help you determine what the market says your home is worth.  Contact me;
Email: SOLD@WelcomeHomeMiddleTN.com
Twitter: @SoldByRyun 

Bolting From the Burbs

In recent years growing commute times from home to work have started driving families back into cities.  Click here to see AOL story on this topic. We discuss this issue in my home from time to time as what was once an easy 20 minute commute to work has grown to 40+ minutes over the last few years. (60+ minutes if, heaven forbid, it's raining during drive time.)

As families move back into large cities, they are dealing with the issues which originally attracted them to suburbs, namely quality of schools.  In Metro Nashville an approach to improving education is occurring in the form of charter schools.  Click here for Tennessean article about Charter Schools.  In a charter school format tax dollars, which would normally go to the local public school system, instead go to a for profit charter school.  The idea is that a charter school must be successful to turn a profit and thus stay open; will find creative ways to teach kids more effectively. There are plenty of people who think charter schools are a bad idea for a variety of reasons. In Metro Nashville the early testing results for charter schools look extremely promising.  Only time will tell for certain if they are able to adequately overcome the issues which have driven families toward the suburbs in recent decades.

Whether you want to live in the city, suburbs, or middle of nowhere; I can help you find the place that is perfect for you and your family.  Let's talk!

Twitter: @SoldByRyun
Email: SOLD@WelcomeHomeMiddleTN.com

iHeart Spring Hill

Money Magazine/CNN have placed Spring Hill on their list of Best Places to Live. See Money/CNN Story I've lived in Spring Hill for over a decade and I agree.  Spring Hill is a place populated by people who care. We care about our kids having a safe environment and quality places to learn.  We care about planning for the next decade of growth in our town to ensure Spring Hill becomes an even better place to Live, Work, and Play. Ultimately care about each other.  When tragedy or illness strikes Spring Hill is a community that quickly comes together, shoulders load, and faces the challenge in unison. 

I love all of Middle Tennessee.  I'm extremely proud to call Spring Hill home.  Contact me if you'd like to learn more about living in Spring Hill or any other place in Middle Tennessee. Ryun's Website

Email:  SOLD@WelcomeHomeMiddleTN.com
Twitter: @SoldByRyun