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3 Smart Home Improvement Projects

Written By: Holli McCray

Most people take on home improvement projects for 2 reasons… The first is to improve their living situation. This can be something as simple as painting a few walls to as extensive as adding on an addition to accommodate more living or working space. The other motivation behind most home improvement projects is to improve the resale value of one’s home. A smart investment in updating and remodeling a home can yield thousands in additional profit at the closing table.

That said, it’s important to make sure that the improvements you’re making to your home fit the current trends buyers are looking for when purchasing a home. New home improvement trends occur every few years… Knowing these trends cannot only create a wonderful space for you to enjoy but can also put your home at the top of buyers’ lists when it comes time to sell.

Finish and Remodel The Basement

Livable basement space is in high demand these days. A space for the kids to play away from the adults, a quiet place for a home office, or a dark spot to watch a family movie are all high on many homebuyers’ “wish lists”. When finishing/remodeling your basement, the added value, and benefit typically outweigh the costs to complete. Before you get started, make sure that your basement is encapsulated and/or sealed before adding any drywall to avoid any moisture buildup that could result in mold growth.

Other things to consider are replacing the electric wiring and ensuring that it is up to date. Adding a light neutral paint color can bring a bright and spacious feel. Use light fixtures that match the rest of the home. Designer carpet squares, stained concrete, and engineered hardwood are all in demand right now and can offer a high-end elegant look for your basement.

Basement remodel projects can take months to complete, but it adds an unbeatable resale value and provides countless options for enjoyment inside your home.

Update and Maintain Your HVAC

HVAC is your home’s heating, cooling, and ventilation system. When done correctly, it keeps your home’s interior temperature at an efficient and accurate level. It will also keep from paying unnecessary utility costs to properly heat and cool the home. When it comes to selling your home, a new and/or properly maintained HVAC system will provide reassurance to the buyer that they won’t be inheriting any expensive issues when they move in. The problem is that most people don’t check on these issues, and it causes the HVAC system to deteriorate faster and not work properly. That said, if you have a system that is more than ten years old, we highly recommend upgrading your HVAC to a new more efficient system.

When it comes to your home’s ductwork, having it cleaned routinely can not only improve the longevity of your system, you will also have cleaner air running through your home. For those who have allergies, this should absolutely be part of your home maintenance plan.

If you do decide to install a new system, choose one with a high energy-efficient rating, confirm it’s the right size, and add a heat pump. If you choose a unit that is too tiny, it will have to work harder to reach the right temperature, which will reduce the life of the unit and cause frustration when your home isn’t remaining at the desired temperature. Additionally, units that are too large will cause you to have higher utility costs that are not necessary.

From a resale standpoint, homebuyers may not notice a new cabinet, but they will notice an old HVAC system, and it can cost you top-dollar. While being a more expensive project, installing a new HVAC system generally adds substantial value to a home.

Proper Insulation

Insulation is a crucial component for every house. Adding the proper insulation remains one of the best and easiest home improvement projects that homeowners should complete to add value and quality to their home. Though the costs of proper insulation have risen recently, it will save you loads of money in reduced energy costs. In a single year, you can save hundreds of dollars in utility expenses!

There are many different areas of a house to insulate properly though the most common are the basement, exterior doors, and attic. Pay close attention to the R-value of your insulation. The R-value is how much your insulation will resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the more effective the insulation. Foam insulation is also recommended, especially in attics because it is very energy efficient and is water-resistant if you happen to have any moisture in the attic. For those who have stone and mortar walls (particularly in the basement), polyurethane foam is best on these types of surfaces.

When you go to sell your home, make sure to mention that you have energy-efficient insulation installed in the marketing. This will not only make your home more appealing to homebuyers but will also help them justify paying a higher price.

If you need help completing any home improvement projects, don’t hesitate to contact us. Over the years, we have vetted dozens of contractors, so we can recommend a reliable company to work with.

And if you need some guidance on what home improvement projects make sense for your home in today’s market, we’re happy to help! We can provide some ideas that will improve your home’s resale value even if you aren’t planning to sell right now.

Insights Into the Local Real Estate Market | An Interview With Jody Neubauer

Written By: Sarah Koenig Wagner

Jody Neubauer | Holli McCray Home Marketing Group — Jody Neubauer – Listing Coordinator

Jody Neubauer has been part of Holli McCray’s team since the early days when they were operating out of the back room of the Keller Williams building in Bearden. He transitioned to the real estate industry in 2012 from a restaurant management role. And with him, he brought an abundance of skills that have proven to be invaluable to the growth of HMG. I was able to speak with Holli and she had this to say about Jody… “I will forever be grateful to Jody for taking the risk of leaving a stable job to come work with us when there was very little to guaranty at the time”… “He’s been such a huge reason for our success over the years. His loyalty, consistency, expertise, and contagious personality have been integral in building the culture of our firm”, said McCray.

I recently interviewed Jody who offered some interesting insights about himself, his job, and the Knoxville real estate market…

Sarah: Hi Jody! Thank you for sitting down with us for a little real estate Q&A. Before we get started, can you tell us what you do for the Holli McCray Home Marketing Group Real Estate Team? How long have you been with HMG and why do you like working there?

Jody: Hello. My name is Jody Neubauer and I’m a “Listing Team Coordinator”. I’ve been with Holli McCray since 2012. My major task is to research values of homes in the area, lead generation (reaching out to past and new clients, both buyers and sellers), addressing incoming calls, maintaining contracts and inventory, and conducting follow up. There are so many reasons I like work here. The main reasons I’ve stayed with Holli McCray is that I love the team collaboration, the people, the transparency in how we conduct business, our respect and support for each other and our clients. We are all leaders on the team and are consistently voted the number one team in the area. We know what we’re doing and we love doing it together.

Sarah: Are you from the Knoxville area originally? What made you choose Knoxville for your home?

Jody: I’m from South Texas originally, the Rio Grande Valley area. My step-father worked for the FAA and transferred our family to Knoxville in 1984. My parents eventually left, but I chose to stay here. When I got married, my wife and I moved to Nashville, but I really missed the outdoors and activities that Knoxville had to offer, so we moved back. Knoxville is a perfect fit for me, not too small, not too big. There’s been a lot of growth in the area, but it hasn’t lost its character. The people are real nice—it’s an ideal location for a family. The change of seasons is beautiful and there are so many outdoor activities you can do here.

Sarah: In the last six months, the world, in general, has changed drastically due to COVID. How has the real estate market been affected? What are the biggest changes you’ve seen?

Jody: The real estate market itself hasn’t been compounded by Covid locally, but what I have seen is the cost of goods increasing, construction supplies are harder to come by, and there have been delays in shipping those materials. Agents have always been able to work remotely and continue to offer virtual tours. Our listings are always available on our website, so you can preview photos from the comfort of your own safe space. We always work with the buyer or seller’s comfort level, so in-person visits can also be arranged using masks and distancing. The pandemic has altered how we conduct business but hasn’t stopped us from doing it. Overall real estate inventory is trending downward across the country (meaning there’s not a large number of homes on the market), but we continue to deal with moves that are necessary due to job transfers, deaths, divorces, etc.

Sarah: How are home values determined ultimately determined? What aspects are most important to home appraisers? What are the automatic deal breakers? Can you walk us through the process step by step?

Jody: Several factors come into play. There’s a difference between what I do and what appraisers do. Appraisers look at upgrades compared to other homes to determine values. What I’m looking at is the marketability of the house. So I’m looking at things from a buyer’s perspective, influenced by demand. I start my research at the subdivision level, including a two-mile radius surrounding the property, and zip codes. Home values are continuing to increase due to high demand and low inventory. Bad locations are always deal-breakers, and foreclosures in the area can also bring values down. It’s like they say “location, location, location” really does matter.

Sarah: What can a seller to do boost their home values?

Jody: In this market, you really don’t have to do much, but if you really want to boost your value right off the bat, it’s always curb appeal. First impressions really do make a difference and get you the biggest bang for your buck. Upgrades are important but modest—you don’t want to overshoot your neighborhood. Keeping your home clean and well maintained is more important than staging or decorating.

Sarah: Do you think now is a good time to buy or sell your home? Why or why not?

Jody: NOW is the best time to sell your home. With inventory so low, you have very little competition. For buyers, interest rates are low right now which can also be a plus. But if you’re in the position to sell now, I definitely recommend you do that and rent short-term while you’re looking for your new home.

Sarah: What advice would you give to a first-time home buyer or seller looking to make a move in the year ahead?

Jody: Your first step should be meeting with the HMG team and setting up a game plan. HMG can walk you through the process and hold your hand. We know every house and every client has different needs. Don’t spend money before you know you need to. Our agents can keep an eye out on inventory and let you know when’s the best time to make a move. We have two teams, listing partners and buying agents, that can work for you simultaneously, saving you time and money. Our agents can also be on the lookout for your ideal home before it comes to the market.

Sarah: Are there any specific areas in Knoxville you feel are outstanding opportunities?

Jody: Investment properties are harder to find right now, there are not too many opportunities for flippers at the moment. Mountain properties, just outside of Knoxville, are exploding in the market due to the pandemic and the desire for social distancing. Buyers are paying top dollar for these properties and choosing to rent them out year-round. South Knoxville used to be a harder area to sell, however, it’s been recently revitalized with bike trails, movie theatres, and small businesses. Downtown has also seen big changes within the last five years adding revitalized shops and restaurants. I would consider both South Knoxville and Downtown as up and coming areas.

Sarah: In conclusion, is there anything you could share with our HMG blog readers to give them an inside scoop on Knoxville’s real estate market?

Jody: Knoxville has seen incredible changes in the last ten years. We have fantastic breweries and restaurants that have made Knoxville home. We used to be referred to as the “chain-capital of the world, but now it’s great to see so many local businesses on the rise. Knoxville is known for its Southern hospitality—we have a little bit of something for everybody. It’s a great town for investing in—we have the University, affordable housing, mild seasons, and lots of outdoor activities. Knoxville was also voted one of the “top ten great places to retire”, and in my opinion, I can’t say enough about the area—it’s just a fun place to live!

Sarah: Thanks again Jody, for taking the time to answer our questions!

Jody: Absolutely!

Avoiding Homelessness

“I want to sell my home, but I have nowhere to go!” This is a common scenario that we run into with our clients these days. Due to the shortage of available homes on the market, many people are having trouble identifying a home they would like to move into once they sell their current home. As a result, they are hesitant to put their homes on the market until they find their next home first.

But what happens when a client finds the right home but needs to sell their current home in order to buy the new one?! Most home sellers are unwilling to accept a contract that is contingent upon the successful sale of their of the buyer’s home unless the house is officially on the market, or even better yet, already under contract. So how do our clients pull this off without putting themselves in a position of being homeless?

We’ve come up with a strategy that has helped many of our sellers go after a home that is right for them as soon as it hits the market without having to list their home first. By implementing this selling strategy, we can effectively have a client’s home on the market within 24 hours of them giving us the “green light” with our full marketing campaign in place. Normally, the process of correctly putting a home on the market can take up to 2 weeks, but by being proactive, we can cut that timeframe down to just one day. This allows our sellers to wait to put their homes on the market without losing the ability to put a competitive offer on a new home.

If you’re in this situation and would like to discuss things further, fill out the form below. We will reach out to you and come up with a plan that not only allows you to seamlessly move from one house to the next but also meets your other goals from selling your current home.

Getting To Know Knoxville – A Quick Introduction

Written By: Holli McCray

Getting to know Knoxville by its seasons…

A common question we receive from prospective homebuyers coming from other parts of the country is, “What’s the weather like in Knoxville?” Whether you’re new to the area or considering a move to Knoxville, this brief guide will help you know what to expect…

Living in Knoxville offers residents a diverse suburban feel with numerous local restaurants, boutique shops, and an abundance of parks—which are both family and pet-friendly. Let’s also not forget that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about an hour away! Not only is the cost of living quite affordable, but there’s also no state income tax and relatively low property taxes. Did you know Knoxville is more likely to experience an earthquake than a tornado? Not to fear though, the city’s risk for either is actually quite low. In fact, Knoxville experiences very few natural disasters compared to many other parts of the country…

The City of Knoxville is located along the Tennessee River in East Tennessee. Situated in the Great Appalachian Valley—known locally as the Tennessee Valley—it’s about halfway between the Great Smoky Mountains to the east and the Cumberland Plateau to the west. Both mountain ranges affect Knoxville’s weather by slowing and weakening cold winter air from the north and tempering hot summer winds from the west and south.

SUMMER

Knoxville’s summer weather is generally hot and muggy with highs in the upper-80s and lows in the upper-60s. The Sun is nice and bright so don’t forget to pack along a good hat and sunscreen. Sudden thunderstorms are common but provide relief on extremely warm days. If you’re looking for more excitement than lounging by the pool, Knoxville features several attractions that are worth the visit. The Knoxville Museum of Art provides a cool space to learn about the art and artists of East Tennessee. Take a stroll through the exhibitions or participate in educational programming designed for your little ones—best of all, admission is always free. Knoxville is also known as a city for live music lovers. With frequent summer concerts and live music offered around the city, there’s plenty of local talent to discover.

FALL

Fall in Knoxville is one of our favorite seasons. September is usually still quite warm, but temperatures typically cool down into the 70s in October and 60s in November. With crisp evenings that generally get down into the 40s, it’s time to bring out those jackets, boots, and your favorite pair of jeans and get outside to enjoy the amazing foliage in and around the city. We highly recommend taking a drive or hike through the nearby Smoky Mountains to enjoy brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. It won’t take long to realize how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the country. Then make your way back into the city to partake in adult beverage at one the many local breweries—they’re sure to warm you from the inside out. But don’t forget to save room on your calendar for the many family-friendly fall festivals happening around town.

WINTER

Winter is obviously the coldest season in Knoxville with average temps in the 50s with low temps getting down into the 20s some days. In addition to rain, we receive approximately 6 inches of snow annually, though it rarely stays on the ground for more than a few days. That said, you’ll want to accessorize with hats, scarves, and a nice warm coat. Sports fans get their chance to root for the Knoxville Ice Bears or Tennessee Vols basketball teams. Theatre fans enjoy taking in the shows at the historic Tennessee Theatre. Winter also brings a host of festive holiday events and markets, making downtown Knoxville come alive.

SPRING

Spring in Knoxville ushers in the sounds of local birds and the sweet fragrance of blossoming flowers. High temps range in the 60s and 70s with lows in the 40s and 50s. April is our wettest month of the year, so you’ll want to keep a light raincoat and umbrella close at hand. The Ijams Nature Center is a great place for the whole family to take a leisurely hike and explore. This picturesque urban green space provides engaging experiences and the perfect way to learn about the nature surrounding Knoxville. And speaking of nature, the Knoxville Zoo inspires action for wildlife and wild places. Not only is spring the perfect time to visit the Zoo, but you’re also guaranteed to learn something pretty cool.

As you can see, Knoxville offers 4 very distinct seasons! Aside from it being a city that is seeing tremendous growth as well as being an affordable place to live, the 4 seasons are a major reason why so many people are moving to Knoxville. If you’re looking for the latest weather forecast, click here.

HMG Ranked One of the Top Real Estate Teams in the Nation

The Holli McCray Home Marketing Group is excited to announce that RealTrends has, once again, ranked us as one of the top real estate teams in both Tennessee and the nation! The RealTrends “The Thousand” annual rankings report compiles sales and transaction data from real estate firms across the country to determine the top-performing agents/teams. RealTrends is a well-respected organization within the real estate industry. They maintain a strong grasp on areas such as the direction of the real estate market, real estate firm valuations, as well as mergers and acquisitions within the industry.

In their 2020 report that was released in June, HMG was ranked #54 in the nation out of thousands of real estate teams in their “Large Teams” category. This ranking is based on the number of homes we sold in 2019.

RealTrends also released its 2020 “America’s Best” rankings that break down agent/team performance by state. HMG was ranked #2 in Tennessee within the “Large Teams” category for both total sales volume ($113,524,786.71) and the total number of homes we sold (446) in 2019.

We would also like to announce our top 5 HMG agents through the second quarter of 2020. We’re so, so proud of their performances, especially in what has been an especially challenging environment these past 5 months…

Gardening For Home & Lifestyle

Gardening for Home & Lifestyle

Written By: Holli McCray

Spring has sprung in Knoxville, which means it time to get out those gloves, trowels, rakes, and wheelbarrows! Getting outside and planting a garden is a fantastic way to get away from all the struggle and negativity in the world right now. If you’re like me and don’t have much of a “green thumb”, we provided some tips and ideas below on how to get started…

Deciding which type of garden you want to grow depends on the lifestyle you want to live. Some gardens require daily work, whereas others can be quite low maintenance. Regardless of the garden you choose, proper preparation is the key to success.

Essential Tools

Before jumping into your Spring gardening routine, you’ll want to stock up on a few tools of the trade. While gardening can be a wonderful hobby, it can quickly turn into a painful experience without the right pair of gloves. Look for gloves that fit well, are water-resistant, and breathable. You’ll also want to pick up a hand trowel which is perfect for transplanting plants and flowers or taking out those pesky weeds. If you have large trees in your yard, you know how handy a rake can be for whisking away leaves and debris.

For moving around soil, compost, or anything heavy, a wheelbarrow is worth the investment. And let’s not forget your watering can—so many sizes, shapes, and styles to choose from, it will be hard to pick just one. According to Garden Design, there are 12 essential gardening tools you’ll want to keep in your shed year-round.

Gardening like a Native

April is our traditional planting season here in Knoxville, and we are strong advocates for going native. Using native plants in landscaping is not a new concept. Native plants tend to thrive in their natural environment. They work well with pollinators in the area, provide food or shelter to local wildlife, and bring biodiversity back to areas that need it. You may think Elderberries are only found at IKEA, but they are actually native to the Knoxville area. Not only do they have lovely white flowers, but their dark purple berries can also be made into jellies and wines. Plant this shrub in the shade and watch it thrive. Virginia Bluebells are not just for Virginians! This classic Midwest foliage features light pink bud clusters that open up into light blue trumpet-shaped flowers.

And if you’re butterfly fans like us, you can’t go wrong with Milkweed. While its name is less than desirable, these green leaves are the only leaves a Monarch caterpillar will eat. The brilliant orange flowers attract Monarch butterflies who deposit their eggs on the underside of the leaves. Pick and choose your favorite native plants at Stanley’s Greenhouse, an award-winning family-owned and operated greenhouse and garden center located right here in Knoxville.

Gardening Like a Chef

Herbs have been used for centuries around the world. Herbalists treasure the healing qualities of certain flowers, leaves, and roots, whereas cooks love the unique flavors that herbs can add to their favorite dishes. An “herb” is considered any plant that is considered useful—but it’s not all about function, some gardeners have grown herbs simply because they are beautiful. Most herbs thrive in typical garden soil with good drainage. They can become stressed in a windy or exposed location, so planting herbs near your home or next to other buildings or walls can increase your chances for success. Basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, and sage can all be sown with a seed-starting tray and are considered easy to grow.

These herb gardening tips from Better Homes & Gardens are sure to make beginning a breeze.

Gardening for the Future

Did you know the two biggest users of water in your home are toilets and landscaping? Now more than ever, being water-wise is not only smart for your wallet, it’s doing your part for the planet.

One of the easiest ways to lower your water usage is to collect rainwater. Rainwater is the best choice for your plants and can be collected in barrels or cisterns. Using your downspouts (aka rain gutters), a 1,000 square foot roof can yield 625 gallons of water from just one inch of rain. Installing a drip system and/or using a soaker hose can ensure that the water you do use is getting where you need it and not rolling down your sidewalk or driveway. Another great way to be water-wise is by making smart choices with your landscaping.

Using larger pavers or stepping stones can be strategically placed to reduce green space thoughtfully. In addition, using mulch on top of your soil can add interest to your landscape and cut back on unwanted weeds. Check out additional ways to be water-wise with these tips from The Spruce.

Gardening without a Green Thumb

Worried that your thumb isn’t quite green enough to pull off a Spring garden? Have no fear! Good Housekeeping has compiled a list of 30 gorgeous indoor plants that are almost impossible to kill. Having plants inside your home is not only beautiful to look at, but they also help purify the air you breathe. Some of our favorites include “Mother-in-law’s Tongue” which can go for a month without water, “Philodendrons” which prefer low light and need little water, “Ponytail Palms” which thrive in a sunny window, and “Aloe” which loves indirect light and a good soak every week or two.

What I Learned About The SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Paycheck Protection Program

I was able to talk with the Small Business Administration (SBA) about the recently updated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). These programs provide cash flow to help businesses retain employees and cover expenses during the uncertain times caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Even if your business is in good shape financially, it may be worth applying as a safety net. The terms are quite favorable. In fact, PPP loans are forgivable as long as you meet the guidelines, which seem quite manageable.

To learn more about these programs or to submit an application, visit https://sba.gov

PPP Application

PPP Details

Honoring Earth Day With Eco-Friendly Choices At Home

Written By: Holli McCray

Honoring Earth Day With Eco-Friendly Choices At Home

Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a day of education that is focused on environmental issues. Every year on April 22, when Earth Day is celebrated, people around the world mobilize to call for greater protection for our planet. Now a global celebration, it is sometimes extended into Earth Week, a full seven days of events focused on green living. This year, Earth Day will celebrate its 50^th anniversary with the theme of climate action. Climate change is a challenge that faces the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable. That said, there’s so much you can do to help protect and restore our planet. Here are a few ways you can make eco-friendly choices in your own home…

Saving Water

One of the easiest changes you can make at home is saving water. Your momma probably told you a hundred times, but you know what—she was right! Turning off the water when you brush your teeth can save up to 200 gallons of water per month. The average American washes his or her hands nearly 9 times per day. If you follow guidelines to scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, you could save at least 6 gallons per day by turning off the tap while you scrub. Did you know a bath typically uses up to 30 gallons of water? However, a five-minute shower will use only 10-25 gallons depending on the efficiency of the showerhead. We love these shower timers from Dretec that remind you when it’s time to turn the water off.

Saving Energy

Did you know you can light your home using the same amount of light for less money? An average household dedicates about 5% of its energy budget to lighting. Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the easiest and fastest ways to cut your energy bills. By replacing your bulbs with models that have earned an Energy Star rating (for example – LED lighting), you shave hundreds off of your electricity bill each year! Find out which bulbs are right for you with this guide.

Another more comprehensive way to save energy at home is by installing solar panels. Solar panels provide completely clean electricity that can also produce extra energy that you can sell back to your local utility company. Solar panels are considered a long-term investment, generally taking around 20 years to break even depending on where you live. However, it is not just a monetary investment – it’s an opportunity to make a real difference. Since there are so many solar panel installation companies to choose from, we recommend perusing online reviews to see what other solar panel installers have to say. To see some of the latest innovations in solar energy, check out what Tesla is offering.

Going Green in the Home

Using harsh chemicals to clean your home can be very destructive to the environment. It can be easy to forget that all drains eventually lead to somewhere. Today, there are many eco-friendly cleaners available on the market. Did you know that most of the time, natural, eco-friendly simple cleaning products (and their ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, water, or Borax) can handle most of your household cleaning needs AND save you money? T his article from Hip2Save shares some surprising news about top-selling cleaners and their eco-friendly counterparts.

Another way to make smart choices at home is to choose recycled products such as recycled paper towels and toilet paper. Whenever you notice that there is a recycled option available to buy, it’s worth purchasing. Buying recycled-content paper and products help “close the recycling loop.” By purchasing products with recycled content you prevent those materials from ending up in a landfill and do your part to maintain consumer demand for recyclables, ensuring the continuation of recycling programs. You can read more about Knoxville’s recycling programs here. So the next time you go shopping, remember to bring your bags with you and use your consumer power to make greener choices.

Going Green in the Garden

Composting may seem like a dirty word, but it’s easier than you might think. Composting not only reduces trash in landfills but also improves your backyard at home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow.” That means bigger produce, prettier flowers, and a healthier garden can come at no extra cost to you once you start saving your family’s scraps and turning them into “plant food.” This guide from Good Housekeeping walks you through the composting process.

Plant a Tree

Trees give off oxygen that we need to breathe. They reduce the amount of stormwater runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding. Many species of wildlife depend on trees for their habitat. They also provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals. The best time of year to plant trees in your yard is Fall and early Spring. If you are planting in the late spring (after Earth Day) or summer, we recommend planting in a pot where you can tend it, and plant it in the ground the following fall. Here’s a step-by-step guide for planting trees.

Since 2007, the Tennessee Tree Project has helped reforest our great state by facilitating the planting of 637,100 native trees in Tennessee. Each year they host a community tree planting event called Tennessee Tree Day.

Going Beyond Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

It’s going to take all of us working together to make a real difference for our planet. But making little changes every day can add up and have a positive impact. Take the next step to get involved by finding an Earth Day event near you and participating in Earth Hour.

6 Decorating Tips for Your Home in 2020

Written By: Holli McCray

Here’s to new living spaces in 2020!

It’s a new year, which means new opportunities to design and decorate your living space the way you want to live. Many people relish the idea of decorating, while others dread the very thought. Whether you’re the proud owner of a new home or looking to spruce up your forever home, you’ll want to avoid these common design mistakes.

Sentimental Décor

Everyone loves their grandma, but maybe not her outdated collection of figurines. Not only is sentimental décor a pain to dust, it typically adds clutter to the room which can add unwanted stress to your life, so ditch the kitsch. According to organizing guru, KonMari, keep only the items that bring you joy.

Displaying Art

If you’re an art lover, you know, there’s no such thing as too much. But practically speaking, too much art and/or family photos on display can crowd a room. We believe in keeping family at the center of every home, so save your table space and opt for a gallery wall (or two). Displaying your favorite photos or artworks on a gallery wall instead allows you to switch them out whenever you’d like. The experts at HGTV suggest organizing the rest of your photos in albums by decade or event and keep them nicely arranged on a bookshelf.

Dried Flower Arrangements

Years ago, dried flower arrangements used to be a lot more common. But if you ask a design expert like Nate Berkus, “how exactly do you clean them?” Instead of collecting dust and aggravating allergies, opt for house plants and fresh flowers. Adding a little green can also clear toxins in the air and bring a space to life.

According to Rutgers, studies have shown that fresh flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and a long-term positive effect on moods. Study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious, and agitated after receiving flowers. Flowers also create intimate connections. Giving and receiving flowers creates positive contact between family and friends. (Hint: Remember this tip for Valentine’s Day!)

Matchy Matchy

Too much of a good thing, can be a bad thing. According to Young House Love, Ideally, you want a room to “coordinate” but not “match.” Rooms that coordinate have varied textures, prints, materials, and tones that work together and appear balanced and cohesive. Rooms that look collected over time (and feature a variety of tones, textures, and materials) always look eons more stylish than rooms that look like they could have been purchased all at once from one store.

Dark Walls

If you’ve been on Pinterest lately, you know that dark walls are in. Kitchens, dining rooms, powder rooms, and more are enrobed in rich shades from gray to navy to black. You may even be tempted to paint an accent wall to change things up, but we’d like to caution you against going too dark. According to Country Living, deeper hues, while warm and cozy, can have the unwanted effect of making a room feel small or cave-like. Dark colors can also heat up quickly in the sun—and that sunlight can cause fast fading. Plus, they’re pretty unforgiving when it comes to imperfections (meaning you’re going to see every lap mark and drywall chip) which can be difficult to touch up or paint over if you eventually decide you want to lighten up again.

Outdated Kitchen

Don’t let your rooms feel dated by hanging onto dated (or even worse, damaged) cabinet hardware. Make small changes like switching the hardware on your kitchen or bath cabinets for a big impact. Kitchen cabinet hardware affects the look and feel of not just your kitchen cabinets, but the entire room. The shape of and finish on your pulls, knobs, and handles can put the final touch on your kitchen design. The very same cabinet might have a vintage feel with porcelain knobs, or a contemporary look with brushed nickel pulls. You can give your kitchen a very personalized treatment with something custom, like artistic glass knobs, or handworked metal in oil-rubbed bronze. Think of the hardware like jewelry for your cabinets. Let it speak for your style – be that contemporary, modern, vintage or traditional. Check out some of Bob Villa’s favorite examples here.

The most important thing to remember about designing and decorating your home is to remain true to you. Fads and trends may be hip, but you’re the one who’s going to have to live with it. That said, we are always here to help you with decisions about updating your home and how it can affect its resale value. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out to us!

Turning Your Home Into A Short-Term Rental

Written By: Holli McCray

The Benefits of Owning Rental Properties

Did you know that Airbnb is active in more than 65,000 cities around the world with upwards of 4 million listings? Homeowners around the world are experiencing huge success with short-term rentals, and the same is true for the greater Knoxville area. If you’re thinking about turning your home into a short-term rental, here are a few things you should consider first…

Preparing your home:

Clean sheets, towels, and toilet paper are must-haves, but to score the highest ratings, you’ll need to go above and beyond those basics. Consider installing a keyless lock to make check-in easier. This also provides an added level of security because you can keep track of when people go in and out of the house.

Include additional appliances such as a microwave, toaster, and coffee maker along with all of the kitchen essentials (silverware, basic cooking utensils, pots, pans, plates, and bowls).

Make sure to have a comfortable main living area with comfortable seating and a TV with either an active cable subscription (or streaming service) as well as a DVD player.

We recommend using durable furniture to furnish the house. You can find some great stuff on clearance at your local wholesale furniture store and online at places like Facebook Marketplace.

High-speed WIFI that guests can access is a must! In today’s day and age, having “good WIFI” is one of the most essential amenities for guests.

Include a guest book, and encourage reviews online for future guests to see. It’s also nice to leave behind a binder with key phone numbers, local restaurants or favorite to-go menus, and suggestions for what to do around town. Travel Advisor’s Knoxville List is a great place to start!

Keep in mind that the more effort you put into your space to make it as clean, beautiful, functional, and comfortable as possible, and the more time you allot to being available to respond to your guests’ inquiries, the better your reviews and ratings will be. You’ll also have the opportunity to make more money by being able to charge higher rents! People will generally pay a little more for a space they know is clean and comfortable with the proper amenities.

Finally, make sure you haven’t forgotten to do anything by following Home Away’s step-by-step checklist.

How much will I make?

You may be wondering if all this work is worth it. Your true earning potential depends upon how much you charge for your space, and how often you can rent it out. Keep in mind that if you’re renting out a room in your house, your roles, responsibilities, and expenses will be much different than if you need to furnish, and perform upkeep on an entire home. Both of which are ultimately dependent upon how much time and money you can spend on furnishing and maintaining your home.

For short-term rentals of entire homes, condos, or townhouses, we strongly recommend hiring a cleaning crew that can get things ready between guests. We found a fantastic resource online that includes dozens of cleaning checklists templates for short-term rentals.

It’s also a good idea to have an established relationship with a reliable handyman who can take care of any repairs in a timely fashion in between guests.

Airbnb’s metrics can show how your nightly prices compare to other homes in the area, or when you might want to consider lowering (or raising) your prices depending on the day of the week or expected surges in demand. You can also set minimums for the number of nights people can stay at your Airbnb—a weeklong minimum, for example, helps offset the cost of turning over the house.

If you decide to manage your short-term rental outside of an online resource such as Airbnb or Vrbo, we recommend using a service such as PayPal, Quickbooks or Venmo to collect payments. Cash or personal checks from people you do not know is generally not a good idea.

Taking the Leap

Think you’re ready to list? First, decide which site is best for you by comparing contracts, fees, and insurance guarantees. In addition, don’t forget to obtain all permits and licenses prior to listing your property. The City of Knoxville’s Short Term Rental (STR) ordinance went into effect in January 2018. STRs include listings booked through online platforms, such as Airbnb and Home Away, by which people rent out part or all of their property for short periods of time. You must complete the city’s application to obtain the proper permit to begin using your property as a short-term rental.

Thinking Bigger Picture?

We firmly believe that real estate is one of the best ways to build your wealth. If you’re considering buying an investment property or turning your existing home into a short-term rental and purchasing a new primary residence, check out what’s currently available on the market. We also have an expert staff on hand to answer any questions you may have about short-term investment properties, so you can confirm that you’re making the right decisions…