The Holli McCray Group Wins Best Realtor Category

The Holli McCray Group - News Sentinel Best of Knoxville 2016

 

We are extremely pleased to announce that The Holli McCray Group has been voted #1 in the Best Realtor category for the News Sentinel Best of Knoxville for 2016!  We would like to thank all of those who voted for us.  It is truly an honor to be recognized for our hard work and commitment to providing our clients with the highest level of service possible.

The Holli McCray Group remains committed to providing excellent customer service for our clients.  This includes proper guidance through the real estate sales process and providing relevant marketing for today’s world.  Our purpose is to serve our community by helping people sell their homes for the highest price possible in the shortest amount of time or buy the right home for the right price. 

You can contact The Holli McCray Group by email or feel free to give us a call at (865) 291-0355

 

7 Tailgating Tips for Vols Football Games

Maximize Your Tennessee Football Experience!

Tennessee Football Tailgates - The Holli McCray Group

 

It’s well known that Knoxville is a HUGE college football town! We live, eat, and breathe UT football in the fall; orange runs through our blood.  If you plan on attending a game at Neyland Stadium this season, brush up on the latest fan policies and tailgating tips below…

 

  • If preparation and planning aren’t your things, consider hiring a company such as Tailgate Tennessee to take the guesswork out of tailgating so you don’t need to deal with the details!  Just show up and have fun.  Pretty easy right?
  • Wear orange!  Obviously…..
  • Dial in your game day food plan.  Pinterest has some excellent tailgating recipes that will please the entire crowd.  Get inspired and create a tasty game day menu from pulled pork to smoked ribs.
  • Bring the right gear. A pop-up tent, generators, extension cords, chairs, grill, smoker, coolers, sunscreen…  Make a list beforehand so you don’t forget anything.  Once you’re there, it’s hard to leave, especially if it’s close to game time.
  • PARKING IS AN ISSUE!  Get to the stadium, find your spot, and set up early.  Spaces fill up fast.  If you plan on hosting a tailgate, then we recommend getting to campus at least 4 hours before kickoff. 
  • Prepare appropriately for the weather. You’re going to be there for a while, so check the forecast for later in the day, so you’re not freezing your butt off in the 4th quarter…
  • Tailgating often means drinking alcohol.  Exercise common sense if you’re drinking…stay hydrated, get some food in your stomach, and ALWAYS select a designated driver BEFORE the festivities begin.  There are also PLENTY of Uber drivers available after the game. 

 

Note the new bag policy at Neyland Stadium:

Fans are allowed to bring only one clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one-gallon, transparent, resealable plastic storage bag per person inside Neyland Stadium.  Fans will also be allowed a small clutch purse not to exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches.  No other bags will be permitted inside Neyland Stadium. All items, including clear bags and clutch purses, are subject to search at the gates. No items can be left or stored at the gates.  We heard that HoundDogs of Knoxville has them!

Click here to get a full breakdown of Neyland Stadium rules…

State & National Parks Near Knoxville, TN

6 Beautiful Parks Close to Knoxville, TN

Parks Near Knoxville TN

One of the main reasons many people move to Knoxville from other places is so that they can take advantage of the breathtaking outdoors that East Tennessee offers.  Living in Knoxville means access to 4,500 acres of green and open spaces and a short drive to many state and national parks. These are a few of our favorite places to visit:

Seven Islands State Birding Park 

Located just 19 miles east of Knoxville along the French Broad River in Knox County, Seven Islands State Birding Park is a premier birding destination with more than 180 species of birds sighted. This wildlife refuge offers views of the Smokey Mountains and eight miles of natural trails for hikers. Paddlers and anglers will appreciate the canoe/kayak launch, providing access to the French Broad River.

 

Norris Dam State Park

Miles of Norris Lake shoreline allow for fishing, paddling, and hiking. The state park also features sporting amenities, a swimming pool, and activities for the family. In the spring, check out the guided wildflower hikes! 

 

Big Ridge State Park

Just a 30-minute drive from Knoxville, this heavily forested park sits on over 3,600 acres in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley range. Hiking trails for all levels, a sandy beach, and various sports offerings make it easy to please children and adults alike.

 

Cherokee National Forest

Camping, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking are among the outdoor activities at this 650,000-acre national forest located just 50 miles southeast of Knoxville. Gold pan in the summer or snowshoe in the winter; there’s something for everyone all year-round. Also note that the Cherokee National Forest is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.

 

Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

Drive an hour from downtown Knoxville, and you’ll find yourself in the largest National Historic park in the county! Covering 21,000 acres, this scenic destination offers picnic areas, running/biking/horseback riding trails, and is also rich in Native American history. Everyone will love the famed mile-long tunnel through a mountain. 

 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.  This is America’s most visited national park!

 

For a comprehensive list of all Knoxville-area parks,visit: http://www.visitknoxville.com/things-to-do/parks/  

6 Landscaping Tips to Boost Curb Appeal

6 Things You Can Do To Make People Fall In Love With Your Home!

 

You’ve heard it before:  You only have one chance to make a great first impression! This is especially important when selling your home.  Put yourself in the mind of a potential buyer: How will they feel the first time they pull up to your home?  Does it scream “Buy me!” or “Drive on by?”  The appearance of your landscaping should not be overlooked when placing that “For Sale” sign in your yard.  A well-kept lot with neat landscaping goes a long way with buyers. It shows that you care about the property and have taken good care of it.  Here are a few tips to help keep your yard looking its best without breaking the bank…

1. Keep it neat! 

Mow, trim, and cut should be your three buzzwords here.  A little bit of yard maintenance goes a long way.  If you can’t handle the maintenance yourself, consider hiring a landscaping company to avoid the perils of a scraggly and overgrown yard.  On the same note, be sure that bikes, toys, trash cans, garden tools, etc. are all stashed out of sight.

2. Plant native plants. 

Add some new life to your yard with native plants.  They’re aesthetically pleasing, practical, and ecologically valuable for landscaping.  Native plants are the hardiest plants.  Learn more about plants native to the Knoxville area at: http://www.se-eppc.org/pubs/east.pdf 

3. Define borders and add mulch. 

Clean edges trick the eye into thinking that the entire landscape is neat and well-kept.  Outlining the border of a garden bed with spray chalk, followed by the use of a mattock or pulaski to chip away any encroaching lawn will help create a well-defined area.  Afterward, add a layer of mulch to refine the look!  It will help keep the weeds at bay while your home is on the market, AND will even out the overall landscaping look. 

4. Get rid of the dead weight. 

This goes along with number our first point but deserves its own mention.  Be absolutely sure to remove all dead or dying shrubs and perennials.  If there was any sign of disease or infestation in your landscaping, dispose of these items in black trash bags; DO NOT compost them with other yard waste. 

5. Inspect sprinklers and irrigation. 

You can have the most beautiful yard on the block, but if it’s not watered correctly then what’s the point? Be sure your sprinkler system and timers are working. It’s the least you can do for your landscaping!  This inspection should be one you perform each spring/summer. 

6. Light it up! 

Remember, buyers might do a drive-by in the evening.  Consider adding some landscape lighting to boost curb appeal and add value to your home.  Solar pathway lighting and accent lighting that highlights landscaping features are both relatively simple ways to step it up in the yard department. 
If you’re considering selling your home and need some advice on getting it ready to put on the market, don’t hesitate to contact us for a no-obligation home evaluation.  You can also visit our website to get a free online home value estimate.

 

The Holli McCray Group on WOKI & WIVK in Knoxville

The Holli McCray Group is Endorsed on the Radio!

 

You may have heard Holli McCray’s name on the radio.  That’s because Holli McCray and The Holli McCray Group are the real estate agents who are endorsed by Phil Williams and Hallerin Hilton Hill on NewsTalk 98.7 | WOKI.  They are also endorsed by Andy & Alison on 107.7 | WIVK.  The reason these reputable radio personalities have agreed to talk about HMG on the air is because we are the top selling real estate team in the Knoxville area and we deliver results.  Phil, Hallerin, Andy and Alison have brought up countless stories of our happy clients who have sold their homes fast and for top-dollar.

To find out if The Holli McCray Group is the right real estate team for you, contact us today!  You can also check out our website to find out how much your home is worth or to see what homes are currently for sale in the Knoxville area.


The Benefits of Having a Basement

5 Reasons to Buy a Home With a Basement

Benefits of Basement Homes

If you’re thinking about buying a home with a basement in the Knoxville area, you’re in luck!  Homes with basements are very common in this area and area available in all price ranges.  That said, the question you need to ask yourself before considering a home with a basement is whether or not you need one.  While basement square footage is less expensive than “above grade” square footage,  it is still an added cost.  Make sure you have a reason for purchasing the basement space before you make an offer on home that has a basement.  Below are 5 benefits to having a basement to help you decide if you actually need or want one!

1.  Storage:  Basements (both finished and unfinished) make great storage areas.  It allows you to keep the garage (and your home) less cluttered.

2.  Privacy:  Basement rec rooms, playrooms or media rooms make great places for kids to play away from the adults, relax and watch a movie without distractions or shoot a game of pool. 

3.  Separate Living Quarters:  If the basement includes a bedroom, bathroom and possibly a kitchenette, it can make a great separate living space for a friend or family member.  Some people even rent out their basements if it has its own exterior door. 

4.  Accessibility of Major Systems:  Typically, basement homes give you easier access to to pipes, wires and ducts than homes  on slabs or crawl spaces.  Basements are an ideal location for water heaters, water pressure tanks, water softeners and furnaces as well.  Having basement access to all of these items makes repairs/remodeling cheaper and easier.

5. Hobbies:  A basement provides many people with the needed space to partake in things they love to do such as woodworking, brewing beer, yoga or holding the monthly card game. 

There are definitely more benefits to owning a home with a basement.  The question is whether or not they are a priority to you!  Should you decide that now is the time to buy a basement home or would like more information on whether or not a home with a basement is a good investment, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

[wnt_grid keyid=”1″ title=”Homes for Sale With Basements” maptype=”disabled” ownertype=”all” paginated=”true” sortoptions=”true” maxresults=”10″ search_mode=”form” primarysearchtype=”active” searchtype=”city” state=”TN” single_family=”y” min_price=”0″ max_price=”1000000000″ listing_status=”Active” has_basement=”Y” city=”Knoxville” /]

Why Live in a Ranch Style Home…

The Benefits of a Living in a Ranch

 

We’re sure you’ve heard the term, “ranch-style home” before.  For those who don’t what this means, the term is used to describe a one-level single-family home that typically has a covered front porch and possibly a basement.  This type of home is very common in the Knoxville area, and for good reason.  There are many benefits to a ranch-style home.  Here are a few that we thought were the most notable….

  • No Stairs – The convenience of having your living area, kitchen, and bedrooms all on the same level is an important feature for many people.  This is especially true for people who struggle with going up and down stairs every day such as those who are elderly or disabled. 
  • More Energy Efficient – One-level homes typically cost less to heat and cool than homes with 2 or more stories.  Most single-story homes only require one HVAC unit.  Larger homes with multiple stories need a separate unit for each floor.   It’s also generally easier to moderate the temperature inside a one-level house as opposed to a home with 2 or more stories.
  • Safer for Kids – We’ve all heard of or seen situations where kids get hurt playing on stairs.  When you live in a one-level home, you don’t have to worry about this!
  • Better for Resale – On average, ranch-style homes sell for a higher price per square foot and in a shorter amount of time in the Knoxville area.  The same holds true with basement ranch homes.  It’s clear that there is a huge demand for one-level living in our area.  Buying a ranch-style home will give you an advantage when it comes time to sell it down the road.

If you’re curious about what ranch-style homes are for sale in the Knoxville area, view current listings on the market. 

 

 

Easter Egg Hunts in Knoxville TN

2016 Easter Egg Hunts in the Knoxville Area

 

Knoxville Area Easter Egg Hunts

Easter is just around the corner!  As a courtesy to our clients who are new to the Knoxville TN area, we post a list of Easter Egg Hunts that are available to the public.  Click on the links below to get the details about each event.   HAPPY EASTER!!

As always, if you are relocating to the Knoxville area or are just curious about what’s for sale, visit our website to search homes for sale in the Knoxville area.  If you’re considering selling your home, use our home valuation tool get the value of your home online in just minutes. 

 

8 Things To Do Before You Pack!

ways to make your move less stressful…

 

So your house is sold and the closing date is set.  Now it’s time to coordinate your move!  While this is typically a stressful part of the home selling process, the right preparation goes a long way to making your move as smooth as possible.  Here are some key items to address before you even think about packing any boxes…

 

1. GET ORGANIZED

Create a “master list” of everything that needs to be done before, during, and after the move to make sure you don’t miss a beat.

2. FIND A MOVING COMPANY

If you’re using a moving service, get estimates from a minimum of three companies.  We’ll be happy to provide you with some referrals if you don’t know any good moving companies in the area

3. DE-CLUTTER

Try to get your house organized and de-cluttered so it will be easier to pack when the times comes.

4. PURGE

Get rid of the things that no longer serve you. Take an inventory of your belongings and determine what you want to keep. Donate, sell, or trash the unwanted items.  Some organizations like KARM will even come to your house and pick up any large items you want to donate.

5. NOTIFY

Notify the post office, banks, credit card companies, utility companies, past employers (for tax return purposes), subscriptions, family and friends, etc. of the address change and estimated move-out date.  Schedule utilities and installation appointments at your new home BEFORE you move into your new place.

6. FIND RELOCATION RESOURCES

If you’re moving to the Knoxville area, contact us and request a relocation package.  It will give you a good start towards understanding what’s available and where things are.

7. EMBRACE THE CLOUD

Moving is the perfect time to make sure all of your computer and electronic devices are properly backed-up in case anything gets lost or damaged during the move. Use a cloud-based system (i.e. Dropbox or iCloud) or a portable hard drive to backup all of your files.

8. VISUALIZE YOUR NEW HOME

When the going gets tough and the move gets tricky, remember to take a deep breath. Before you know it, you’ll be sleeping soundly in your beautiful new home!

Professional Consultations
Guidance You Can Trust
Proven Results