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2019 Knoxville Holiday Shopping Guide

Giving from the Heart in Knoxville

‘Tis the season to shop local and support Knoxville small business

Here at HMG, we believe the holiday season should be about giving back and giving thanks with gifts that come from the heart. And close to our heart is shopping local by supporting small businesses based right here in Knoxville. Here are a few of our favorite places to pick up unique gifts in 2019:

Knoxville Soap Candle & Gifts

714 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
@knoxvillegifts

Knoxville Soap, Candle & Gifts features over 40 local vendors that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. As a premier artisan gift shop specializing in locally handcrafted gifts and merchandise, they have one of Knoxville’s largest selections of handmade jewelry. Their soaps are all-natural, biodegradable, and handcrafted in Tennessee—and as an added bonus, complimentary gift wrapping if offered year-round.

Rala

112 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
@shoprala

Got an art lover in your life? Rala is an inventive retail space that provides a venue for modern goods and gifts made with love by artists from around the corner and across the world. Rala features original art, letterpress prints, and a unique and diverse collection of greeting cards along with contemporary jewelry and accessories, specializing in creative gifts for creative people.

Little Sister’s

5311 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37912

For your zen friends, we recommend Little Sister’s Gifts. This one-stop hippy shop carries metaphysical supplies, crystals, sage and incense, fantasy, fairies, curiosities, teas, tye-dye shirts, and hemp jewelry. Owner Tia Long is known to go out of her way to help you find just what you’re looking for. And as an added bonus, Harb’s Pizza and Lost and Found Records are within walking distance.

Earth To Old City

22 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
@earthtooldcity

Locally-owned and operated for over 20 years in downtown Knoxville, Earth to Old City specializes in unique gifts from local vendors, as well as vendors from around the world! Choose from luxurious bath bombs and botanical body lotions to unique home décor and impressive 3D cards you’ll want to keep on display. Plus their collection of funny socks makes perfect stocking stuffers!

Mast General Store

402 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
@mastgeneralstore

More than just a store, Mast General has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. The original Mast General Store opened in 1883 in the rural community of Valle Crucis, North Carolina. Over the years, Mast has grown and expanded, taking over a historical landmark in Knoxville. Located in heart of Gay Street, Mast has been a vital part of our downtown community since 2006 and themselves carrying a little bit of everything. You’ll find fun gifts for the whole family at the Mast General Store.

Still need more local shopping ideas?

Check out the Knox News Blog: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/business/2019/12/04/shopping-made-easy-when-you-buy-knoxville-stores/4204882002/ And the Knoxville Mom’s Blog: https://knoxvillemoms.com/knoxville-holiday-shopping-guide/

Giving Back to the Community

Looking for other ways to give back to the community this holiday season? Consider a donation to a local non-profit in the name of a friend or family member. We highly recommend supporting The Wesley House. Wesley House was started in 1907 to provide care and support to the children of working parents. Today their programming focuses on two populations of greatest need within our community: children and senior citizens.

Stay Connected

Follow the Shop Small Knoxville Retail Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/ShopSmallKnoxville to stay in the loop with local shopping finds for the 2019 holiday season, and be sure to share your favorites with us on Facebook or Instagram by tagging @hollimccraygroup. From our house to yours, we wish you peace and joy this holiday season!

4 Budget-Friendly Home Improvement Ideas

Written By: Holli McCray | 5 Minute Read

Make these simple and affordable home improvements now to help boost the value and appeal of your home!

Even if you don’t plan to sell your home anytime soon, The Holli McCray Home Marketing Group always recommends staying current with home updates and improvements. These 4 budget-friendly “DIY” home improvement ideas will not only boost the appearance and appeal of your home, but they can also help your home sell faster when it comes time to put it on the market. Here are a few tips to get you started…

1. Add A Backsplash

It’s incredible how much a new backsplash can change the look and feel of a kitchen. Many DIY backsplashes even have adhesive backings to make it easier than ever to add this upgrade to your kitchen. The Spruce has some helpful hacks to get you started!

And backsplashes aren’t just for kitchens! Consider adding a backsplash in the bathrooms to dress them up a bit. 4 inches is the standard height of a bathroom sink backsplash, but some may be much taller. Adding a backsplash behind the bathroom sink is a simple way to add color, texture and more visual interest into a room that may otherwise be overlooked! The Home Depot is here with some tips to make this bathroom backsplash project as easy as possible.

2. Re-Caulk & Clean Grout In The Wet Areas

DO NOT overlook the potentially grimy caulk and grout around your home even if it seems like a daunting task to refresh it. It’s not that difficult! You might be accustomed to what it looks like, but it may be a turnoff to those who visit your home. Start by cleaning the grout and then add straight, clean lines of caulk around the tub and sink. This task does require some elbow grease, but it’s simple, affordable, and you’ll be amazed at what a big difference this can make to the overall look and feel of your home for just a few dollars. The Coupon Project tells you how to re-grout a shower for under $50.

3. Add Extra Outdoor Seating

Create an outdoor seating area by adding a table and chairs to your deck, patio, front porch, or fire pit area. This creates an illusion of more space and brings the eye to an area where future potential buyers can picture themselves entertaining family and friends. Peruse Knoxville Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or a local consignment/thrift store before buying new furniture. You’d be surprised at how many budget-friendly furniture options are out there and they can make SUCH a big difference in your outdoor space.

4. Paint Trim & Baseboards

We came across this helpful article by DIY Decor Mom on painting the trim and baseboards around the home. This small project can make a HUGE difference in the look of your home, giving it the appearance of a lighter and brighter space. If you aren’t sure which color to choose, we generally recommend using a bright white with most homes.

The best part about this project? All it takes is some time, a few rolls of painter’s tape and a gallon or two of semi-gloss paint!

If you’ve been working hard to update your Knoxville area home and are curious if now may be the right time sell hit, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

How to Decide What Home Repairs Should Fall to the Seller

Written by: Natalie Jones / homeownerbliss.info

Buying a house is a complicated decision, and once you’ve settled on “the one” and are wrapping things up, sometimes there is a hiccup. If there are repairs to be made or maintenance concerns, how do you determine what you should plan on handling yourself, and what falls to the seller? And what about the costs involved?

Start with a Professional Inspection

Right off the bat, one home repair-related expense that falls to the home buyer is an inspection. The cost of a home inspection is based on the size of the home and how long it takes, but it generally will fall in the $278 – $390 range. A small, new house will likely be less than an older, larger house. Typically, the inspection is arranged during contract negotiations.

Along with the many other expenses involved with buying a house, it can be tempting to skip a home inspection. However, there are plenty of good reasons to invest in a professional inspection when you’re buying a house. It’s a chance to ensure the home is up to par, examining the structure and functional elements so you don’t have any unpleasant surprises when you move in. It’s also a chance to back out of the deal if there is something beyond your expectations, and an opportunity to reopen negotiations with the seller.

What if Problems Are Found?

No house is perfect, and it’s not unusual for a home inspection to reveal issues. What then? The home inspection report will indicate what items need immediate repair, and what is less critical. It also might recommend contacting a licensed contractor to examine something specific.

Regarding negotiations, consider what issues are safety concerns and what constitutes cosmetic issues. For instance, you’ll probably need to replace broken doorknobs yourself (you can find new knobs at Home Depot for less than $10), while a termite problem is more serious.

If there is a problem, you should carefully weigh what you would be comfortable asking the seller to fix on your behalf. Think in terms of what is normal wear and tear, and keep in mind you aren’t likely to get those fixed. Instead, focus on repair requests for things like safety issues and structural defects. Sometimes a seller will insist on selling the home “as is.” This means that if you purchase the home, you’ll be responsible for all necessary repairs, including for major fixes such as infestations, roof issues, and mold problems.

In a seller’s market, you shouldn’t be surprised to see all requests rejected, but they might be more readily received if you frame the repairs as an investment opportunity on the seller’s part. You can also ask to get repairs credited off the purchase price. You also might be able to get a home warranty with the purchase.

Plan Ahead

In anticipation of putting a home on the market, professional home sellers and real estate agents often recommend an inspection to help set sellers up for success. It’s a chance for homeowners to avoid deals being delayed, unanticipated expenses, or closings falling through at the last minute.

As Forbes explains, a pre-inspection is essentially a good-will gesture on the part of the seller, suggesting transparency and peace of mind to the buyer. What’s more, it provides the opportunity to make repairs ahead of listing the home, and can also spotlight recent upgrades.

Another key method for showcasing a property’s features is home staging, and professional home sellers and real estate agents are turning to pros for staging more than ever. It’s a chance to give sellers a leg up in a competitive housing marketplace, and often can result in quicker, smoother sales.

A professional home stager knows how to use art, furniture, window treatments, lighting, area rugs, and greenery to bring out the best in a house. They can create a look that appeals to a wide variety of palates, enhance traffic flow, and show a house’s best features while downplaying its faults.

Navigating a home purchase is challenging, and home repairs can derail things quickly. A professional inspection can help you decide how to proceed. Ensure you find a dream home to keep you safe and happy, rather than a money pit.

Holding An Effective Yard Sale

Make sure your yard sale is a successful one…

Yard/Garage sales are a necessary evil for most of us. While it’s generally a great feeling to purge your house (and your life) of items you don’t want/need any longer, the preparation that goes into a yard sale can be daunting. That said, if you’re going to make the effort to move things out the garage, attic, and closets, then it’s important to do everything you can to make sure you don’t have to put them back! Here are a few tips we’ve compiled from those who have held successful (and profitable) yard sales.

Advertising:

Like most things in 2019, promoting your yard sale online is essential. Sites like Craigslist and yardsalesearch.com, and gsalr.com are great resources for getting the word out.

We also highly recommend using social media to promote your yard sale…

Create a new event on Facebook and invite all of your Facebook friends.
Post a short video that previews some of the items you plan to sell on Facebook and Instagram.
Post a tweet with the time and date of yard sale. Include a photo with some of the items that you plan to sell
Pro Tip! If you only have a few things to sell, try and sell them on Facebook Marketplace before committing your weekend to full-blown yard sale.

Signage:

This where we see a lot of folks fall short… Strategically placed legible signs are essential to capturing any drive-by traffic. Signs should be placed at the entrances to neighborhoods, all surrounding main roads, and at the actual location of the yard sale. We recommend using professional-looking signs that you can buy a Lowe’s, Home Depot or online. If you’re on a limited budget, you can make your own signs, but make sure the verbiage is as bold as possible. Don’t forget to include the date, time(s), and the address of the yard sale. On the day of the sale, double-check all of the signs to make sure they didn’t go missing or have been damaged. Be prepared to put out new signs if necessary.

Pricing:

Before your yard sale, do your best to disconnect with the emotions and sentimental value of everything you’re selling. Price all items to sell and be prepared to negotiate. Remember, the main reason for having a yard sale is to get rid of stuff.

Donate:

We always recommend donating whatever you don’t sell at the yard sale. Unfortunately, this won’t put extra money in your pocket, but it will give you a nice tax write off and likely help others :-).

We hope these tips help you prepare for your next yard sale. We always recommend that our clients consider a yard sale as part of their moving process, especially if they have a lot of stuff they don’t want to take to their new home. It’s a great way to limit the number of boxes that need to be packed and can definitely help provide extra money for moving costs!

HMG – One of the top-selling real estate teams in the country for 2018

We’re so excited to announce that HMG was, once again, one of the top-selling real estate teams in the country last year! Every year, RealTrends compiles “The Thousand” report that ranks the top estate teams and agents in the United States. This year, we made the top 250 based on the number of closings/sides we completed in 2018. We’re so, so grateful to our staff, real estate agents, and clients for being part of our success last year.

To see this complete list, check out the complete report on the RealTrends website…

The 5 Best Trails to Hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Visit the Smoky Mountains and experience some of the best hiking trails in the country!

Knoxville is just an hour away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in America! The sprawling ridges and forests, beautiful vegetation, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views make it an amazing place to visit time and time again. Spring, summer, and fall are all good times to hit the trails with your family or favorite hiking buddies. There are so many hiking trails to accommodate every experience level, but here are a few of our favorites…

Middle Prong Trail

Interested in seeing waterfalls and some history? Middle Prong Trail might be for you, located in Tremont near Townsend. It passes three major waterfalls, numerous smaller falls, cataracts, and cascades. The trail spans 8.3 miles roundtrip with a total elevation gain of 1140 feet. The highest elevation is 3046 feet with a trail difficulty rating of strenuous. While it looks to be a gravel road, Middle Prong Trail was a railroad bed used to haul logs out of the area. Part of the trail passes through the former site of a lumber camp community called Tremont, which was one of the last areas in the park to be logged. This is a very popular hike and one of our favorites!

Alum Cave

Alum Cave is located at Newfound Gap Road with a roundtrip length of 4.6 miles or 5.1 miles if you continue to LeConte Lodge. It should take 3-4 hours to complete. The highest elevation peaks at 4955 feet with a moderate difficulty rating. This one may not be as family-friendly due to the plant and tree roots along the hike, plus a few steep sections. Also worth noting, Alum Cave is not a cave, but rather a jutting ledge of black slate formed over the trail to make it appear like a cave. The name Alum Cave comes from the deposits of alum found along the “cave” walls. Plan ahead and arrive early if you want to tackle this hike–it’s very popular and parking can be tough despite two lots to accommodate visitors.

Andrews Bald

This hike is on the shorter side, 3.5 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 899 feet. Get started at Andrews Bald from Clingmans Dome via the Forney Ridge Trail. The highest elevation here is 6310 feet. Andrews Bald Hiking Trail is somewhat strenuous due to the rocky terrain but is a perfect hike for fit families. Plan on about 3 hours total for this hike and prepare to see some of the most outstanding views in the Smokies. Hiking in the Smokys calls this hike, “one of the best”!

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in the Smokies and you should try to view them after long periods of rain for the best experience. Aim for first thing in the morning or in the later afternoon to take the best photos. The hike spans 5.4 miles roundtrip, with a total elevation gain of 1685 feet and highest elevation of 4285 feet. This is a moderately difficult hike with switchbacks and rocky sections. Access the trailhead just outside of Gatlinburg. Warning: Avoid climbing on the rocks near the waterfall due to slipping hazards caused by mist and algae.

Chimney Tops

Enjoy panoramic views and a cascading stream when you hike Chimney Tops Trail. The roundtrip hike of 3.3 miles is short and sweet, with the highest elevation peaking at 4753 feet. This moderately rated trail is located near Gatlinburg between the lower tunnel and “the loop” on Newfound Gap Road. The 2016 wildfire closed this trail for about a year, but it has since been reopened with a newly constructed observation point. The hike is steep and many hikers do not reach the top, but the first part of the trail isn’t too bad. The elevation gain of 1487 feet (960 feet in the last mile) can be compared to the rate of elevation gain found on some of the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado. Watch a video of Chimney Tops Trail here.

Ready to take a drive from Knoxville and head into the Smokies for a hike? For the full list of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including kid-friendly hikes and additional hikes that include waterfalls, visit https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/hiking.htm.

2019 Tax Filing Tips for Homeowners

What to know when filing your tax return this year…

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law in late December of 2017. This tax reform bill is the most significant tax change in the United States in over 30 years. As the 2019 tax filing season is in full swing, take a few minutes to educate yourself on what has changed, and how it will impact your tax return.

From new tax brackets to changes in deductions and credits, there’s a lot of new information to absorb. Here are some helpful tips for homeowners on these tax changes and how they may impact your return.

Standard Deduction Changes

One of the biggest changes brought on by theTax Cuts and Jobs Act is with the standard deduction, which has nearly doubled. A “tax deduction” is any item that can reduce your taxable income. According to the Motley Fool, “Before the increase, about 70% of U.S. households used the standard deduction, but now it is estimated that roughly 95% of households will use it.” This means that unless your itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction, you should stick with the standard deduction.

Here are the standard deduction amounts for the 2018 and 2019 tax years:

Mortgage Interest

Yes, the mortgage interest deduction still exists under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, but there’s a chance it may not be as valuable as it was before.

Homeowners are allowed to deduct the interest they pay on as much as $750,000 of qualified personal residence debt on a first and/or second home. This has been reduced from the former limit of $1 million in mortgage principal plus up to $100,000 in home equity debt.

The Motley Fool notes that “the deduction for interest on home equity debt has technically been eliminated for the 2018 tax year and beyond. However, if the home equity loan was used to substantially improve the home, the debt is considered a qualified residence loan and can, therefore, be included in the $750,000 cap.”

State Income Tax or State Sales Tax

The IRS gives taxpayers the choice to claim either their state and local income tax or their state and local sales tax as an itemized deduction. Naturally, if your state doesn’t have an income tax, the sales tax deduction is the way to go. On the other hand, if your state does have an income tax, then deducting that will generally save you more money than deducting sales tax.

Tennessee has no income tax, but does have a “hall tax” — that is, a 6% tax on interest and dividends, which is specifically allowed by the state constitution. Tennessee also has a minimum sales tax of 7% but can be as high as 10% depending on the county (i.e. Knox County is 9.25%).

Use the IRS calculator to help easily determine your sales tax deduction, as you do not necessarily need to retain every single receipt from the year.

Capital Gains

There is good news for those of you who sold your primary residence in 2018 and owned it for at least 2 of the last 5 years. You are exempt from paying capitals gains if the net gain was less than $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married & filing jointly)! Check out the article for more details…

Property Taxes

Property taxes paid on homes, cars, boats, airplanes or other personal property can be counted towards itemized deductions. This deduction and the deduction for income or sales tax are collectively known as the SALT deduction — that is, the “state and local taxes” deduction.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act limits the total amount of state and local taxes you can deduct — including property taxes and sales/income tax — to $10,000 per year. So if you live in a high-tax state or simply own some valuable property that you pay tax on, this could significantly limit your ability to deduct these expenses.

Tax Brackets

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also updates tax brackets. Here’s a look at what’s shifted, courtesy of H&R Block:

Overall, the actual numbers inside of these ranges have shifted. The tax brackets for 2018 are slightly broader, and rates are slightly lower. H&R Block notes that the new tax brackets mean that most taxpayers will pay less tax. That said, we always urge our clients to speak with an accountant to get a full understanding of their options for capital gains before filing their tax returns.

For the bigger picture and everything that has changed with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we recommend a deeper dive into any of these helpful articles:

https://www.fool.com/taxes/2019/01/13/your-2019-guide-to-tax-deductions.aspx

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2019-guide-tax-deductions-155000172.html

https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/irs/tax-reform/new-tax-brackets/

Buying An Existing Home Versus Building A Home

Does buying an existing home or building a new one better fit your needs?

If you’re thinking about buying a home, then this question may have crossed your mind. Before answering, make sure to consider the pros and cons of building a new home versus purchasing an existing to determine which one fits your needs and budget. From up-front costs to resale, timeframes, and affordability, there are many factors to consider.

BUILDING A NEW HOME

Primary Costs

In Knox County, the average cost for a new home was $327,202 with a price-per-square-foot of $129. This is well above the national average. Based on a recent report from the National Association of Home Builders, the average cost for a new home was $237,760 with a price-per-square-foot of $118.

Building a new home will also cost you time. Based on the size and floor plan of the home, construction can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months. You may also encounter delays along the way that can push back your move-in date. If your timeframe to move is strict, then building a home is likely not the best option for you.

Hidden Costs

New construction buyers must also pay for:

The land to build on
Obtaining building permits
Excavation (especially if the land has not yet been developed)
Impact & construction loan fees
Overage costs related to changes in building materials and/or changes to finishes you make along the way

As a rule of thumb, you will pay more to build a home versus buying an existing one…

Maintenance

One of the primary benefits of building a home is that it is completely move-in ready on the day you move in. Appliances, systems, and the roof will all be new and under warranty. You should not have any significant costs or repairs for several years. In Knox County, builders must provide a comprehensive 1-year warranty on the homes they sell. This means that if you experience any issues with your home, the builder is required to address them.

Value Appreciation & Availability

While every real estate market is different, newer homes tend to sell faster than older ones. There are numerous reasons for this, but as a general rule of thumb, the newer the home, the fewer improvements or updates it needs. Hence it is more desirable to home buyers.

Due to the rising costs of materials and lower profit margins for builders, it is harder to find/build new homes at lower price points. You also need to find land (or a lot) in an area or neighborhood that you want to live in. In more urban or populated areas, this can be quite challenging. The land you buy must also be an adequate size to fit the house you want to build. You may also have neighborhood restrictions you must adhere to. In some cases, the Homeowner’s Associations must approve your plans before construction can begin.

BUYING AN EXISTING HOME

Upfront Costs

In 2018, the average sales price of an existing home in Knox County was $241,853 with a price-per-square-foot of $111. You’ll notice that this is much higher than the average price-per-square-foot of new homes at $129.

Maintenance

Depending on the age and condition, there can be major replacements and many repairs required with older homes. It is far more challenging to get a truly “move-in ready” home when you are buying an existing one.

Value Appreciation & Availability

In general, it is easier to gauge the value of an existing home because there are more comparable homes that have recently sold. Existing homeowners gain appreciation from an improving housing market, but also on certain improvements they make (i.e. replacing the roof, finishing the basement, updating the kitchen).

No matter what price point you’re buying in, you should have some existing home options to choose from. Also, you likely won’t have to worry about adhering to neighborhood restrictions because the home already meets those guidelines.

WHAT’S THE VERDICT?

There are many pros and cons for both building a new home and buying an existing home. The right decision will depend on your budget, personal preferences, and timeframes for moving.

Existing home buyers are not only fortunate enough to avoid lengthy construction timeframes, but they also enjoy the advantage of having more control over when they move. On the flip side, existing home buyers will likely have to settle on things that are not on their house wish list. In general, they must also be okay with older systems and appliances that will need replacement sooner than in new construction homes. Those who have very specific wants and needs should strongly consider building a home.

Ready to purchase your own Knoxville area home? HMG will be your guide through the process. Check out the current homes for sale in Knoxville!

2018 Knoxville Holiday Shopping Guide

Shop Local: The Guide to 2018 Holiday Shopping in Knoxville

‘Tis the season to shop local and support Knoxville small business

It’s that time of year again, the holiday season is officially upon us! This is a friendly reminder that the holidays ARE NOT a time to stress out or go into debt trying to please other people with expensive gifts. The holiday season should be a time of giving back and giving thanks with thoughtful gifts that come from the heart.

As we see a surge in Small Business Saturday participation and also momentum behind the #GivingTuesday movement, November is a big month for giving back on a local level. What better way to give back to the community and to your loved ones than by shopping local in Knoxville this holiday season.

Here are a few of our favorite places to curate gifts for everyone on your list:

Market Square Holiday Market: Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37901

Get all the festive feels at the Market Square Holiday Market in downtown Knoxville. Happening on the December Saturdays before Christmas each year (December 1, 2018 – December 22, 2018, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM) Buy from local artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers to knock out your holiday gift-giving list. From farm-grown greenery for decorating to hand-crafted gifts, you’ll love the community feel and selection of local gifts. For more details, visit: https://www.visitknoxville.com/event/market-square-holiday-market/7060/

The Southern Market: 5400 Homberg Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919

The Southern Market Unique Interior Shops is a premier design marketplace with 40+ shops comprised of local merchants and artists all under one roof. They feature stylish interiors, gifts, and boutique fashions that your family and friends will love. Friendly warning that you’ll probably leave with a gift for yourself… because you deserve it! Visit https://southernmarketshops.com to learn more and stay up-to-date with holiday events and fun finds on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSouthernMarket/

Ironic Decor & Gift: 5054 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

With new arrivals coming in daily, this is a great spot to score unique finds for everyone on your “nice list” this year. Ironic Decor and Gift is a boutique store with fun home decor, jewelry, accessories, and much more! Drop by and catch the vibe at https://www.shopironicknox.com and follow along with #ShopIronicKnox on Instagram

CH Interiors & Gifts: 12556 Kingston Pike, Knoxville TN 37934

This local gift shop is known for its unique offerings and personal customer service. Each item is hand-picked by their family for yours. Check out the wide selection of seasonal home decor, candles, florals, greeting cards, jewelry, lighting, beauty products, books, gourmet foods, and so much more. They can also create custom gift baskets for an extra special holiday gift. New merchandise arrives weekly, so remember to add this to your Knoxville local holiday shopping list. Learn more about interiors & gifts to warm the heart and home https://www.chinteriorsandgifts.com

Shift the Holiday Shopping Routine this Year

Do things differently this year and focus on gifts from the heart that are sourced locally. There are hundreds of small businesses in the Knoxville area filled with thoughtful gifts perfect for friends and family. Be sure to check with your favorite local retailers for Small Business Saturday specials on Saturday, November 24, the day after Black Friday.

Looking for other ways to give back to the community this holiday season? Consider a donation to a local non-profit in the name of your friend or family member. We also invite you to join us on #GivingTuesday, November 27, 2018, by donating to Knoxville’s The Wesley House through the fundraiser which will be on our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/hollimccraygroup

Connect with the Shop Small Knoxville Retail Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/ShopSmallKnoxville to stay in the loop with local shopping finds for the 2018 holiday season, and be sure to share your favorite finds with us on Facebook or Instagram by tagging @hollimccraygroup. Happy Holidays!

Owning A Home With A Pool

Owning a Home with a Swimming Pool: What You Need to Know

Have you ever thought about owning a home with a pool? They add a certain level of luxury and fun to the home, while also contributing to the home’s overall appeal. If you have considered owning a home with a pool, you should know the benefits of owning one and how to take care of it. Take a moment to learn the benefits of owning a home with a swimming pool, so you can “dive in” and take advantage of having your very own backyard resort!

An Easy Staycation

Taking a dip in the privacy of your own backyard pool at any time during the day or night gives you the convenience and flexibility of enjoying it on your own time, and terms. Forget the expense and hassle of the country club, community pool or a friend’s pool by having your own summer paradise without setting foot outside of your backyard. It’s the ultimate staycation! Not only are you saving money on a pool membership, but you can also customize the pool area to your tastes and create the ultimate backyard escape that meets your lifestyle.

Step-up Your Fitness Game

During the summer months, a swimming pool can provide a refreshing way to exercise without leaving the house and dealing with the gym. From swimming laps to aqua therapy, which has shown helpful for ailments such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, spending time in the pool is a simple, low-impact way to expend energy and burn calories.

The Value of a Swimming Pool

Owning a home with a swimming pool can help add to the overall appeal of your home when it comes time to sell, especially with buyers specifically looking for a home with a pool. If you live in a neighborhood where most of the homes have a pool, not having one could be detrimental to its resale value. That said, pools generally DO NOT contribute much, if at all, to your overall home value.

While the pool may not be appealing to all types of homebuyers, many families with kids or grandkids will be attracted to the prospect of a built-in entertainment feature. Kids can enjoy countless hours swimming with friends, so you can spend your time getting things done around the home and yard.

Keeping It Clean: Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips

Owning a swimming pool is one thing, but taking care of it is another. It’s crucial to keep up with routine care and maintenance to maximize its life and maintain a healthy swimming environment. If you know time is an issue, there are many local Knoxville area pool companies to help you with upkeep and seasonal maintenance. Here are some basic pool maintenance tips…

Clean your pool walls and tiles on a regular basis: Algae, mineral build-up and sunscreen can give your pool an unsightly appearance. Use a thick-bristled brush to remove any build-up.
Check your pool walls for cracks or tears: Cracks or tears in your pool can cause major problems that include higher water bills. They can also result in higher water bills because you’ll be refilling your pool on a regular basis. Inspect your pool for cracks and contact a pool maintenance company if you notice them.
Check your pool filter: When your filter is dirty, it causes your pool to be dirty. Use a hose to spray down a dirty filter. To remove oils and grease, which are sometimes not visible to the naked eye, soak your filter in a filter cleaner for 24 hours. Make sure to backwash your pool on regular basis as well.
Remove debris from your strainer basket: This will help maximize your pool filter’s ability to function.
Test your chlorine or salt levels: Check the chemical levels in your pool daily to make sure it is safe to swim. You also want to prevent unsightly (and possibly unhealthy) algae from growing.
Get a pool thermometer: This will make sure the water is at a suitable temperature to swim.
Winterization: During the winter months, it’s extremely important your pool is set up to endure the colder temperatures. Contact your local pool company to find out how best to winterize your specific type of pool for the winter.

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