Posts Tagged ‘Chattanooga Homes’

Real Estate Update for Chattanooga Home Sellers and Buyers

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

2009 was a rough stretch for many Chattanooga home sellers and buyers, but new reports hint at possible stabilization in the housing market that may prove beneficial for everyone. As 2009 rolled to a close and 2010 opened into a new year, economic and real estate reports poured out good news, but bad news wasn’t far behind. For each positive note, there is always that unavoidable “but”:

  • Mortgage rates are holding steady below 5%, thanks to government intervention. Thanks to the low rates, more people are buying and refinancing. However, the downside is that banks are more reluctant to refinance or loan. This leaves many, who want to buy a Chattanooga home, with the inability to do so. Ironic that, in a buyer’s market, it’s the banks with all the selling power.

The other “but” is that the Federal Reserve program providing the low mortgage rates is set to expire in March. Rates could very well double shortly after, which is highly likely to drop the number of interested buyers. A drop in buyer numbers will only further shift the supply/demand ratio.

  • As of December 10, 2009, the number of foreclosures in a month had dropped 16%, nationwide. The home buyer tax credit expansion, foreclosure prevention programs and loan modification programs have helped, as well as state mandated financing programs. As great as that is, there were still over 300,000 foreclosures in November, 2009, which is 18% higher than November, 2008.
  • Home prices are “firming,” showing improvement over five consecutive months. Although the rise is considered mild, fewer homeowners are underwater, where they owe more mortgage than their house is worth. Because housing prices are improving, home sellers are more confident in the listing prices they’ve set.

However, many – who are currently unemployed – have ARM mortgages that will be resetting shortly. While they can afford their current mortgages, many won’t be able to afford a higher one. This could bring another round of foreclosures and another drop in housing prices.

What does all this mean for Chattanooga home buyers and sellers? As Ben Franklin put it, “nothing in this world is certain, except death and taxes.” However, there is also the famous “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” 2010 could be rocky, but, if you’re careful and do your research, you’ll find smooth sailing ahead.

If you’re trying to buy or sell a home, I can help. Call me at 423-488-1882 or email me at travis@travisclosehomes.com for more information.

Keyword/Tag:  Chattanooga home

Links:

Federal Reserve program providing the low mortgage rates

http://www.denverpost.com/money/ci_13406176#ixzz0ZgwC4xj6

number of foreclosures in a month

http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/10/real_estate/Novermber_foreclosure_report/index.htm

Fewer homeowners are underwater

http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/06/real_estate/underwater_mortgages_decrease/index.htm?postversion=2009110910

es’ <s@</ will be a real estate recovery in 2010.

If you’re struggling to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 423-488-1882 or email me at travis@travisclosehomes.com for more information.

Keyword/Tag:  Signal Mountain real estate

Links:

Realty Check

http://www.cnbc.com/id/34110130

Existing home sales

http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2009/11/hopeful_leading

Housing Predictor

http://www.housingpredictor.com/better.html

=MsoNo< ig@</yle=’font-size:12.0pt;font-family:”Times New Roman”,”serif”; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri’>http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/MoneyInYour20s/9waysToBuildAKillerCreditScore.aspx

Improve your credit score:

http://www.myfico.com/CreditEducation/ImproveYourScore.aspx

Credit-to-debt ratio:

http://michaelbluejay.com/house/debt-ratio.html

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How to Improve the Insulation of Your Chattanooga Home

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

We’re all looking for ways to cut costs in our Chattanooga homes.  One of the most efficient ways to save money is to insulate.  There are two simple ways to insulate your home that you may not have thought of before.  Here is the low down on each of them:

Add Weatherstripping

You may be familiar with weatherstripping on your car, but have you ever thought about weather-stripping your house?  It comes in many different sizes, so you can easily choose the right kind for your Chattanooga homes.  Pre-weather stripped doors are now sold in many home improvement stores.

When choosing which weather stripping to buy, consider the amount of friction that it will need to stand up to.  It would be better to use vinyl weatherstripping in high traffic areas. You could use felt weather stripping to protect areas that don’t get a lot of wear and tear.

Clean and dry the area before applying the weatherstripping in one long strip.  When installing the weatherstripping to doors, make sure that the edges compress slightly when closing the door.  Install around each of the windows and doors to your house.  It will keep the cold air out, and help improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Insulate Your Water Heater

Another way to conserve energy is to insulate your water heater.  A water heater jacket is one of the most inexpensive ways to protect from heat loss.  Look for an insulating jacket that has a rating of at least R-8.  You can buy them pre-cut for easy installation.  Most water heater jackets are held in place with belts provided in the installation kit.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions before you set the temperature on the water heater.  A temperature setting that’s too high can cause the wiring to overheat.

These insulation tips are easy to do in your spare time.  You can save a lot of money on your utility bills by preventing energy loss and insulating your Chattanooga homes.

Want to buy a well-insulated, energy-efficient home?  I can help.  Call me today at 423-488-1882 or email me at tclose@realtycenter.com .

Keyword/Tag: Chattanooga homes

Links:

Weatherstripping: http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11280

Vinyl weatherstripping:

http://www.hometips.com/diy-how-to/weatherstripping-tubular-vinyl.html

Water heater jacket:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=Improve/HomeEnergyEfficient.html

Chattanooga insulation Unlimited:

http://www.insulationunlimited.com/

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Owning Chattanooga Homes – Has the American Dream Died?

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Some people who are supposedly “in the know” believe the American dream of owning a home has died.  They spout “facts” that say home ownership – not just for Chattanooga homes, but also across the nation – is no longer on the minds of the majority of Americans.

 

Additionally, according to some of these individuals, suburban sprawl is the reason for:

  • the housing bubble burst,
  • the break down of social mores,
  • global warming (due to commutes, of course)
  • and more.

 

It’s amazing that the nation’s suburbs can cause so many problems, isn’t it?

 

Is the American dream of home ownership really dead? The number of people buying Chattanooga homes versus renting them points to a definitive… maybe. However, in newspapers and on the Internet, we’re seeing tons of “if you can’t sell your home, rent it out” information. We’re seeing potential homebuyers being told that renting may be the best option. Why?

 

The economy, of course. While there are plenty of want-to-be homeowners, those same people choose to rent rather than own for a wide variety of reasons. The main reason, however, is that they think it will be cheaper.

 

When you first think of buying a home, it sounds like an overwhelming prospect with lots of money involved. However, while the down payment is much more than it would be for a rental property, it’s time to really look at the cost. Instead of example numbers, let me point you to Money-Zine.com’s Rent vs. Buy a Home calculator.

 

Now, before you start plugging in numbers, remember that the national average for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is around 4.5% – 5%. The national averages for mortgage rates in general range from 3% to 5.5%. Of course, every situation is different, but think about it and really do your research before you decide whether to rent or buy one of our Chattanooga homes. Don’t just assume it’s better to rent; renting may not be the cheap option you think it is.

 

If you’d like to find your piece of the American dream, I can help. Call me at 423-488-1882 or email me at travis@travisclosehomes.com for more information.

 

Keyword/Tag:  Chattanooga homes

 

Links:

Suburban sprawl:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suburban_sprawl

 

Rent vs Buy a Home Calculator

http://www.money-zine.com/Calculators/Mortgage-Calculators/Rent-vs.-Buy-a-Home-Calculator/

 

Renting may not be the cheap option

http://customsites.yahoo.com/financiallyfit/finance/article-107589-2419-0-why-rent-when-you-can-buy

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Chattanooga Home Care – 3 Fall Maintenance Projects

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

The last vestiges of summer have faded away, the leaves are turning into a brilliant array of color and the temperatures are dropping. All this glorious change means the holidays are coming, but it also means it’s time, once again, to look over your Chattanooga home.

 

With temperatures dropping and leaves falling, there are plenty of things to add to your “to do” list. Just in case your list is empty, here are a few “to do’s” to get you started on your fall Chattanooga home care:

 

  • Sealing Your Driveway – If you have a blacktop driveway, you probably already know it isn’t going to be smooth forever. The asphalt cracks, the color fades and the asphalt sags to create potholes. As winter rolls around and snow begins to fall, you’ll probably be putting down salt, which will further break down your driveway. Sealing it now, either by hiring a company to do it or sealing it yourself, can help keep your driveway smooth and beautiful.

 

  • Winterizing Your Sprinklers – Sprinkler systems do wonders in keeping your lawn green. However, leaving water in the system over the winter can cause a big, expensive mess, especially if the pipes aren’t buried below frost level. If you don’t feel comfortable winterizing the sprinkler system yourself, you can hire a professional for under $500.

 

  • Cleaning Gutters and Roofs – Everybody knows that fall brings leaves that fill your gutters and cover your roof. If you haven’t been on the roof of your house lately, now’s the time to do it. You want to make sure all the debris is gone before the snow hits, so the strength of your roof isn’t tested further. For that matter, now is a great time to install gutter guards; you’ll never have to clean your gutters again!

 

Preparing your Chattanooga home for the winter can be a tedious process, but the money you’ll save with proper maintenance will put a smile on your face.

 

If you’re looking for a home to call your own, I can help. Call me at 423-488-1882 or email me at tclose@realtycenter.com for more information.

 

Keyword/Tag:  Chattanooga home

 

Links:

Sealing it yourself

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=LawnGarden/SealDvWay.html#term

 

Winterizing the sprinkler system

http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/a_603-Tips_for_Winterizing_Your_Sprinkler_System

 

Gutter guards

http://www.askthebuilder.com/Gutter_Guard_Test_Results.shtml

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6 Ways to Tell if You Need to Paint Before Putting Up Your Chattanooga Home for Sale

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

If you’re putting up your Chattanooga home for sale, it may be time to bring out the brush and spackle.  This doesn’t just mean on the outside, but everywhere.  If you’re not sure whether you need to do it, here are a few ways to tell:

 

1.  Peeling exterior – You may be used to the home and not see the peeling paint, but, as any real estate agent will tell you, curb appeal is very important.  If buyers don’t like the way your home looks on the outside, they very seldom go inside.  If the paint is peeling, it’s time to redo it.

 

2.  Eye-catching colors – While you may enjoy your robin’s egg blue house with canary yellow shutters, buyers may not.  A Chattanooga home for sale needs to be painted in a way that the buyers can see themselves living in it.  If your house is painted in unusually eye-catching colors, you need to repaint in neutral tones.  Stick with neutral colors for interior painting also.

 

3.  Peeling/stained shed – If you have a wooden shed on your property, you might need to repaint it or even replace it.  Exposed wood under the paint is a major detractor and an eyesore.  It may not matter to you, but it will matter to the buyer.

 

4.  Cracks in the walls – If the interior of your home has little cracks, seal the drywall with spackling and repaint.  Though small, the cracks will be seen as a negative, even if the rest of the house is well cared for.

 

5.  Cracked tiles or water spots on the ceiling – Who looks up at the ceiling anymore?  The buyer will and will see that unsightly stain in the corner that you haven’t noticed for years.

 

6.  Artistic inspiration – If you’re an artist and you found the need to express yourself on the walls, you might consider repainting.  Ask your real estate agent before hand; some forms of expression may sell better than others.  It might be slightly painful, so it’s okay if you let someone else do it.

 

When you have a Chattanooga home for sale you have to be honest with yourself.  Look at the house with fresh eyes and in a buyer’s point of view.  If something stands out, it probably needs to be fixed. 

 

If you’re thinking of selling your home, I’d be happy to give you suggestions on how to make it sparkle so it will sell faster and for more money.  Call me today at 423-488-1882 or email me at travis@travisclosehomes.com for more information.

 

Keyword: Chattanooga home for sale

 

Links:

Curb appeal

http://www.hgtv.com/curb-appeal/show/index.html

 

Neutral tones

http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Paint_Color_Selection-Painting-A1873.html

 

Seal the drywall

http://www.drywallschool.com/crack.htm

 

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Is There a Chattanooga Home for Sale Your Pet Will Love?

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Some pet owners love their pets like children and, if you’re one of them, you’ll be understandably concerned about choosing a Chattanooga home for sale that your pet would be comfortable in.  There are definite ways to make sure you get just that; here are just a few of them:

 

1.  The features of the home are particularly important.  Before you go shopping for a pet friendly house, make a list of things your pet likes.  Also make a list of things your pet might destroy.  For instance, many cat owners find their pets ripping up the carpet.  A home with wood floors might be ideal.  If you have a dog, it’s probably important to have a fenced yard.  Many things are easy to overlook, but you’ll be sure to consider them if you make a list first.

 

2.  The home’s layout might be hard on your pet.  If you have an older pet who has a hard time climbing stairs, a Chattanooga home for sale with one story would be better than a two-story home.  Low windows or window ledges are perfect for cats, as well as an out of sight place to store a litter box.  In addition, remember your pet’s size.  The larger the animal, the more yard or bigger space you might need.

 

3.  The Home Owner Association (HOA) may not allow pets, and those that do allow pets usually have pet restrictions.  Before deciding on a home, make sure that the HOA allows your particular pet.  Don’t take it for granted!  You may end up with severe penalties.

 

4.  County and City code restrictions may also be an issue.  Several cities also have restrictions on the number of pets, the species and the type.  The pit bull ban is a very good example. 

 

5.  A pet friendly neighborhood is the best place for you and your pet.  Look around the neighborhood and see if the neighbors are walking their dogs or have cats sleeping in windows.  Consider if the way they seem to take care of their pets is similar to yours.  If it isn’t, you might want to find another Chattanooga home for sale.

 

If you’re looking for a home that’s perfect for you and your pet, I can help.  Call me today at 423-488-1882 or email me at travis@travisclosehomes.com for more information.

 

Keyword:  Chattanooga home for sale

 

Links:

Pet friendly house

http://www.petfriendlyhouse.com/

 

pet restrictions

http://doglaw.hugpug.com/doglaw_006.html

 

pet friendly neighborhood

http://www.housepetscomic.com/2008/08/29/its-a-pet-friendly-neighborhood/

 

 

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Weekend Green Projects for Your Chattanooga Home

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

Are you looking for something to do around your Chattanooga home this weekend that will also help the environment? Why not do a quick green renovation at home. Incorporating green products and practices in your home save our natural resources and are better for your health. Here are a few simple projects you can work on this weekend.

  1. Floors. You can easily replace the floor in a room during a weekend. Bamboo and cork floors are excellent environmentally-friendly choices because they are renewable sources. They come in a variety of colors and styles so you can find something that will match your current décor.
  2. Paint. Painting a room is a quick and easy way to change its look. However, traditional paint is loaded with toxic fumes that can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma. When you paint your next room, choose a paint that contains less or no amounts of dangerous chemicals. Your room will look just as good, and your lungs will be happier.
  3. Windows. If you still have old, single pane windows in your Chattanooga home, it’s time to replace them with double pane energy efficient windows. These newer windows will lower your energy consumption by keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.  Additionally, you may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency of up to $1500 if you purchase Energy Star windows in 2009 or 2010.   
  4. Insulation. A well insulated home saves you money and cuts back on the amount of energy you use. Make sure you have adequate insulation in your attic. Check your doors and windows for cracks and leaks that allow air to escape. Seal them with caulk or weather stripping.  The Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency applies to Energy Star insulation as well.

Are you looking for a green Chattanooga home? I specialize in green homes and would be happy to help you find the one that fits your budget and needs. Call me today at 423-488-1882 or email me at travis@travisclosehomes.com .

KEYWORD: Chattanooga home

LINKS:

  1. How to install cork floors. – http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,1550493,00.html
  2. Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency -  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits
  3.  Energy Star insulation – http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#c2

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Are You Protected for the Move to Your New Chattanooga Home?

Monday, June 15th, 2009

There are many items you own that never move from the spot you placed them when you brought them home. Some of these objects are very large like televisions or cabinets. Other belongings are lighter but extremely delicate. Valuable items can either be very expensive or just full of sentimental value. How do you protect them from possible damage or loss during a move to your new Chattanooga home?

·         Beg, borrow, or buy bubble wrap. It protects your valuables better than just paper. However, when paper will do, go to news outlets and ask for old papers you can get either at a great discount or for free for wrapping.

·         Use old carpet or moving pads to protect your furniture. Even if items are unlikely to break outside of a catastrophe, they can still get scuffed or bruised. Padding protects your wood furniture from dings and your cloth furnishings from tears or rips.

·         Get Insured. Yes, you can get moving insurance, and if you have valuables you can’t afford to replace, it is well worth the expense. With many televisions costing upwards of a thousand dollars apiece, it’s a good idea to make sure that if the unspeakable does happen you can replace them.  While some things can’t be replaced, at least you won’t be without both the item and the money it was worth if you have your things insured. Accidents happen whether you hire professionals or move your possessions yourself.  So, having insurance is the smart way to go when moving to your new Chattanooga home.

Don’t forget to protect your most valuable possession—yourself. When moving heavy objects, use care and lift properly to avoid hurting your back or pulling muscles. Keep small children out of the way of traffic.  Board your pets, or get a friend to pet sit, to ensure their safety on a hectic moving day.

If you would like more moving tips, subscribe to this blog.  It’s easy and free.

KEYWORDS: Chattanooga home

LINKS:

loss during a move: http://www.frontdoor.com/Move/How-to-Handle-Loss-or-Damage-During-a-Move/994

bubble wrap: http://tinyurl.com/dn39te

moving insurance: http://moving.about.com/od/hiringamovingcompany/a/insurance.htm

 

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How To Add Value To Your Chattanooga Real Estate

Monday, March 16th, 2009

You may be wondering how to get the best price for your Chattanooga home.  Good preparation and a little hard work is the key to getting the most money when selling your home.  Here are a few tried and true improvements you should make before you list your home:

·         Revamp the exterior of your Chattanooga real estate.  Pretend that you’re a potential buyer and take a critical look at the outside of your home.  Could it use a new coat of paint?  Perhaps the current paint scheme makes it look out-dated and old-fashioned.  Painting and adding new light fixtures and railings can immediately improve your home’s value.

·         Look to the landscaping.  Trim any trees or bushes that obscure the view of your home from the curb.  Highlight the best view of your home, making sure the lawn is mowed and any flowerbeds are neat and tidy.

·         Update the home’s interior.  A light neutral paint color will make your home look bigger and more inviting to a buyer.  Remove unnecessary furniture to help open up the rooms.  Take down any personal photos you have up.  You want the buyer to be able to picture themselves living there. 

·         De-clutter and organize.  Clear off every flat surface in your home.  Sort through all of your belongings.  Pack away what you don’t use often; consider it pre-moving.  Neatly stack and arrange your storage items, buyers prefer clean and orderly homes.  You’ll want to remember to include the kitchen and bathrooms in the process.  An entire house can be dismissed because of cluttered, out-dated kitchens and bathrooms.

·         Do some light remodeling.  The number one place that you’ll recoup your investment is the kitchen, followed closely by the bathroom.  New kitchen cabinets, fixtures, and appliances can improve the value of your home quickly.  In the bathroom, new tiling and fixtures can add a completely new dimension.

You can quickly improve the value of your Chattanooga home by using these suggestions. 

If you like these tips on improving the value of your home, subscribe to my blog.  Each week, you’ll automatically receive new tips like these in your email inbox.  And, it doesn’t cost a thing.

KEYWORD:  Chattanooga real estate

LINKS:

Paint: http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/sherwin_williams_products/exterior_house_paint/paints/

 

De-clutter:  http://top7business.com/?Top-7-Steps-to-De-Clutter-Your-Home-for-Sale&id=1323

 

Light remodeling: http://www.squidoo.com/bathroom-bath-lighting

 

My website: www.TravisCloseHomes.com

 

Travis Close

Prudential Realtycenter.com

1315 Taft Highway

Signal Mountain, TN 37377

Office 423-886-2601

Cell 423-488-1882

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