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6 Tips For Choosing The Right Neighborhood

Choosing the right neighborhood for YOU!

There are many factors to consider when buying a home, and the neighborhood it’s in is at the top of that list. Lifestyle can dictate some of your specific criteria, such as choosing a highly-rated school district or having access to a community pool. In general, your lifestyle requirements are helpful in identifying the type of Knoxville neighborhood you will want to buy a home in and live happily ever after.

Crime & Neighborhood Statistics

Living in a safe neighborhood is of the utmost importance to most buyers, especially those with children. Investigate the crime rates in the areas you are considering, and be sure to drive by at night to see what the vibe is like. Social media is also a great place to get more information about crime in an area. Many cities have pages/accounts where people post crimes and disturbances that occur throughout that city. While theft, burglary, or vandalism can occur anywhere, today’s technology makes it fairly easy to see how common these types of activity are to determine whether a certain neighborhood is right for you. No matter what the crime rate is in a given area, it’s always a good idea to drive through the entire neighborhood of any home you are interested in.

Proximity To Work

The location of your workplace also plays a role in choosing a neighborhood to buy a home. How far is the commute in the morning and after work? Will you be going with or against the flow of traffic? It pays to drive your intended route one or two times at peak traffic times so you know what you’ll be up against. Public transportation may also be an option, so be sure to look into bus and commuter train routes that are in close proximity to where you plan to live.

School District

Whether you have children or not, a neighborhood with a good school district is important because it impacts the resale of the homes in that community. Using a site like Great Schools can be helpful to research area schools to see what the school zoning is for various neighborhoods and confirm whether or not a certain home falls within your desired school zone. KGIS is also a great tool that lists the school zones for any address within Knox County.

Access to Amenities

One of the most important things to consider when buying a home is how close it is to certain things. Is the neighborhood close to hospitals, grocery stores, ball fields, parks, and/or bodies of water? Does the neighborhood have its own amenities such as a community pool, clubhouse, workout facility, and/ or walking trails? Make a list of the amenities that are most important to you and ensure that whichever home you choose to buy, the neighborhood is relatively close to those things.

The Neighbors

In our last blog, we discussed how neighbors can affect the sale of your home. The same can be said for the impact neighbors can have on your quality of life after you buy a new home. Take note of the condition of neighborhood homes. Are they clean and well-kept or are they visible eyesores? Ideally, you want a good curb appeal to be consistent throughout the neighborhood. It also pays to drive by on weekend nights to see if the noise levels are under control. Lastly, pay close attention to how close the houses are to each other. Make sure the proximity of the home you’re considering to the neighbors is acceptable, especially from the backyard.

Knoxville Subdivisions

There are many great neighborhoods in the Knoxville area. Explore some of our favorite subdivisions here, and don’t hesitate to call or text our buyer team anytime at (865) 335-0542 if you need more details on a certain neighborhood. We can also schedule a private showing on any of the homes that interest you. If you just need more information, our buyer team can provide you with past sales, neighborhood restrictions, HOA fees, community lifestyle, and proximity to major landmarks for just about any neighborhood in the area.

Are The Neighbors Affecting The Sale Of Your Home?

Your neighbors can sometimes make or break a deal on your home…

It’s official! The “for sale” sign has been placed in your front yard and you’re ready for showings to start. You’ve taken all the steps to get your home “market-ready” and it’s looking great. Curb appeal? Check! Repairs and new paint? Check! But wait—there may be one factor that you haven’t considered: The neighbors….. The way your neighbors behave could have a serious impact on your home sale. Why? Buyers know that once they purchase, your neighbors become their neighbors. If you didn’t already address any potential neighbor situations before you put your home on the market, it’s time to assess the situation and take the appropriate actions if needed.

Ways Neighbors Can Sabotage Your Home Sale

No one wants to live next to a noisy neighbor. If you have a neighbor that is always playing loud music, hosting parties, and causing a nuisance, you could have a serious issue at hand. Buyers can be very responsive to this, and that type of behavior could chase them away. It’s not uncommon for potential buyers to drive by on evenings and weekends to see what the neighborhood vibe is like at different times.

Neighbors with a messy or poorly maintained yard can also cause distress to potential buyers. Nobody wants to live next door to a home with overgrown landscaping and weeds everywhere. Many times this is the result of an absent neighbor, who could potentially be as dangerous as the dirty ones if they are away for months. Leaving the house for an extended period of time can cause the grass to get high, infestations and other issues. Imagine if the sprinkler system started leaking, the owner couldn’t be reached, and it caused a flood on adjacent properties? Yikes!

How to Prevent Your Neighbors from Derailing Your Home Sale

A sensitive approach is necessary when dealing with neighbors whether you are selling your home or not, but if it is on the market, then exercise even more caution. You don’t want any retaliation or resentment to escalate the situation and create a worse scenario that could impact your open houses, showings and ultimately the sales price of your home. Noisy neighbors that argue on the lawn, fight, or have teenage children that like to party can be hard to deal with and difficult to approach during such volatile situations. Depending on the laws in your state or community, you can report certain incidents to the authorities so proper action can be taken.

Messy neighbors? The approach may depend on the size of the mess. If the mess is an issue of public safety, qualifies as a code violation, or goes against HOA rules, you can report the situation to the proper outlets. With the Knoxville city limits, visit the City of Knoxville Neighborhood Codes Enforcement Page to learn more about codes violations regarding dilapidated buildings, dirty or overgrown lots, illegal dumping and abandoned vehicles.

A face-to-face conversation may be in order if the mess doesn’t qualify as a public nuisance. Stop by and explain to your neighbor that it would mean a lot if they could address the mess at least while the home is on the market. During your conversation, make sure you are polite and reasonable. Of course, if you find the situation to be uncomfortable or unsafe, then it may be better to step back and re-think the approach for another day.

It’s rare to live next door to the perfect neighbor (and if you do—consider yourself very lucky). In day-to-day life, you may be willing to overlook certain things, but when it comes to finances and the sale of your home, sometimes the situation calls for a remedy. We have a team of experienced listing advisors that are available to help guide you through any potential neighbor issues BEFORE selling your home so that you have the best chance to sell it for the highest price possible in the shortest amount of time. Contact us today for a consultation!

Home Improvements That Can Help Sell Your Home

Are you ready to take the next step and sell your home?

There are many things to consider when putting your home on the market, one of them being home improvements and upgrades. Sellers often ask us what home improvements they should do to help get top-dollar for their home. From small updates to major projects, knowing where to allocate your time and money to attract the right buyers is crucial, so that you can sell your home for the most money in the shortest amount of time.

It’s the Little Things

Before buyers even come to see your home, they get their first impressions from the listing photos. Making small changes to the home’s interior can help bring about a more clean and cohesive look. Consider having your home professionally cleaned before the photos are taken. Get rid of faded curtains and/or broken blinds for an instant refresher that won’t break the bank. Replace dated fixtures and appliances to provide a more updated look to the house. Potential buyers can be easily turned off by small details. Some buyers may even assume that since the little things around the home weren’t taken care of, then it’s likely there are issues with some of the bigger items such as the roof, HVAC system, and plumbing.

Paint, Paint, Paint

Painting is a relatively inexpensive way to improve the look of your home. Freshly-painted walls with neutral colors will definitely help to enhance the overall appearance of the house. Painting is generally a MUST if there are bright or bold colors that may not be attractive to most buyers. Keeping a neutral color palette is essential so that potential buyers can picture themselves and their own furnishings in the home. These colors also tend to make rooms look more spacious. If the home’s exterior is faded, consider a pressure washing or a fresh coat of paint. Be sure to stick to neutral color combinations outside as well to maximize curb appeal.

Major Projects: Worth it or Not?

While there’s no tried-and-true formula to guarantee that any home improvement will yield a higher selling price, there are definitely some that will help sell a house more than others. For instance, if the roof is leaking this could potentially lead to more issues during the home inspection, so take care of it before that “for sale” sign hits the front yard. On the flip side, adding a new media room, steam shower, or a pool may not be as prudent when considering your return on investment. Certain upgrades such as a new HVAC unit conditioning can add a lot of value and appeal. In Knoxville, temperatures can get up into the ‘90s, so many home buyers would prefer having an HVAC system is in good working order. Other upgrades that typically yield a positive return for sellers are minor updates to the kitchen (example: adding new countertops), adding new bathroom fixtures and installing new flooring. As a general rule of thumb, away from major upgrades that are deemed more of an “option” than a “must” when selling your home.

According to Remodeling Magazine, you’re less likely to recoup your investment in a full kitchen remodel than you are on basic home maintenance such as new siding. That said, homes with updated kitchens typically sell faster and for more money than comparable homes that do not have updated kitchens. If you do opt to remodel, whether you plan to sell your home or not, make sure the style and finishes you select match the rest of the home. Again, keeping the overall look somewhat neutral can help command a higher price at the time of the sale.

HGTV points out that, “What you’ll get back on your investment depends on the value of your house, the value of houses in your immediate neighborhood, the housing market where you live, how soon you sell after making improvements, and the quality of the project itself. Installing a $10,000 stove in a $200,000 house, for example, ‘just doesn’t compute.’” Before making the decision to any major home improvement, carefully consider whether it’s a necessity. Is it something that will actually increase the value and overall desirability of your home? Don’t go overboard!!

Go Green!

Many of today’s home listings highlight green and eco-friendly features because sustainability is becoming more important to home buyers. Which of these types of improvements will help sell your house? One of the most effective improvements to make is adding energy-efficient windows, which could help recoup up to 70% of the cost when selling a house. Other popular green features that are desirable to buyers include programmable smart thermostats, energy-efficient water heaters, high-efficiency appliances and landscaping with native plants that are easy to maintain, which also help improve curb appeal.

In today’s market, especially in the Knoxville area, buyers will pay a much higher price, even over the list price in some cases, to purchase a home that is updated and considered move-in ready. We strongly recommend discussing any potential improvements or home staging ideas with your real estate agent before making any final decisions. The Holli McCray Home Marketing Group listing team is always available to answer any questions you may have about what improvements to make to help sell your house. Contact us today!

Will Knoxville New Construction Save The Day?

….We Think Yes!

In our recent New Construction Update for Knoxville, TN, we noted that there is potential for an upcoming shift in the real estate market. There are also many questions surrounding this shift, but looking ahead to find answers is what will determine which Knoxville builders and developers will survive in this evolving market. The challenges ahead stem from low inventory (see graph below), climbing interest rates, affordability and other factors, all of which could hinder buyers from being able to purchase a home.

Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon. As Inman points out, new construction may just save the day. Builder confidence is higher than ever, and in February, housing starts as well as new home sales were growing. This is a good sign, and could help alleviate the challenges of low-inventory real estate markets by giving buyers the option to buy a new home versus an existing one.

Some notable facts about new construction from Inman:

New builds typically represent about 10 percent of the market, which is a relatively small portion
The median price of a new home is higher than that of an existing home
New home starts soared during the housing boom, but flattened over the past few years, and have not yet fully recovered.
All around the country, questions of who should build, where they should build and what type of housing they should build has been discussed in neighborhood councils and has made it onto a few city ballots during recent elections.
Rising costs of land, labor and materials may hurt new construction ventures, especially in lower price points where there is the most demand.
The search for affordable housing is already pushing many potential buyers out of major metropolitan areas.

With buying season upon us, The Holli McCray Group is here to help builders and developers overcome the challenges stemming from low inventory and affordability. Our team has hundreds for home buyers looking for their perfect home, but have not yet found it. What better way to solve this problem that with the purchase of a brand new home from a trusted Knoxville builder endorsed by the Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville (HBAGK). Based on all of the information we have seen recently, this is a fantastic time to be building new homes!

Learn more about our new construction strategic alliance program for builders and developers in the Knoxville area. Schedule a time to speak with our New Construction Specialist, Darryl Dardar, who has an impressive resume working with both builders and developers to effectively sell their properties.

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How To Sell A Home With Pets

4 Tips for Selling a Home With Pets

We love our furry family members, and apparently so doesn’t the rest of the country. Recent surveys by the Humane Society of the United States show that approximately 79.7 million households in the U.S. own pets. Are you one of them? If so, it may take a few extra steps before selling your home, but the payoff will be well worth it. Your Mission: Eliminate any and all evidence that a pet lives in the home for open houses, showings and listing photos.

Start Outside

The inside of your home may be top of mind when trying to keep everything looking presentable for potential buyers, but don’t forget the outside! Dog owners — you know what we’re talking about! Be sure all evidence of the dog is gone. That means picking up all dog waste (yes, even at the very back of your property line). The last thing anyone wants is a big mess on their shoes while touring your home. Also, remember to collect any dog toys, water bowls, leashes, and even consider moving an outdoor doghouse into storage temporarily.

If You Can Smell It, You Can’t Sell It

Let’s talk pet odor. There is nothing that can kill a showing faster than the smell of a cat litter box, wet dog, or pet dander. Addressing the odors from pets is essential to selling your home in the least amount of time for the most money. Masking pet odor with an air freshener, essential oils or candles is a band-aid is typically not a great solution. It’s time to call in the professionals for a deep cleaning if the pet smell is coming from carpets or furniture. If you’re unable to find a temporary spot to keep your feline when potential buyers are visiting, clean the litter box prior to a showing and dispose of the waste in an outdoor trash receptacle to manage the odor.

Hide the Evidence

Family pets leave a trail of evidence in their wake. Eliminating pet hair and dander from furnishings, upholstery and carpets before a showing or open house is key. Run the vacuum over every single surface with pet hair. Additionally, put your pet’s belongings away. That means food bowls, beds/furniture, toys and leashes. Also consider that your pet may have done damage to the home, so fixing such items is paramount. Inspect doors for scratches and, of course, carpet stains which fall into the “odor” category above. For more tips on keeping your home clean with pets, you may also enjoy these tips from Martha Stewart. (http://www.marthastewart.com/894553/clean-house-tips-pet-owners#396448)

Relocating your pet during a showing is the ideal situation. Contact a local pet boarding facility before you put your home on the market to determine if that will be a good fit for you and your pet. Or, contact a neighbor or friend/family member to see if they can keep your pet during showings when possible. If you must keep an animal in the home while potential buyers are present, be sure it’s safely confined to an area where it cannot escape or make contact with the people coming in and out of your home. A pet crate in the garage works well, or a dog run in the backyard if it still allows for the property to be viewed completely. Whatever location you choose, try to make your pet as comfortable as possible to minimize stress and anxiety.

Insurance

It doesn’t hurt to double check your homeowner’s insurance policy and be sure there is adequate coverage in case of an accidental dog bite or injury while someone is touring your home. Believe it or not, this DOES happen from time to time.

Thinking about selling your home in the Knoxville, TN area? The expert staff at The Holli McCray Group is always available to answer questions you may have about getting your home ready to put on the market. Feel free to contact us directly or or find out what your home is worth today.

New Construction Market Update for Knoxville, TN

where does new construction go from here…

The residential new construction real estate market is great now, right? Buyers are abundant and many builders can’t build ’em fast enough. Sound familiar? While the underlying financial circumstances are different than the housing bubble we experienced before 2007, many believe a shift in the real estate market may be just ahead. What did you learn from the previous housing market shift and what are you doing differently this time?

Today we face some different challenges

Housing inventories continue to diminish, especially for entry-level homes. Distressed properties are at their lowest levels in years. Home values continue to increase at an average of 5% or better annually *(1). However, affordability, as a percentage of income, has remained flat *(2) since 2009 in part due to persistently low mortgage rates *(3) and flat wage growth *(4). Student debt also plays a role in the purchasing power of millennials (a huge segment of the future home buying market). *(5)

Think about those facts for just a minute. Do you think mortgage rates are going to stay at these historically low rates? Will wages suddenly begin growing at the rate needed to keep up with the increasing costs of living? Are housing prices going to continue increasing due to the short supply in the market, thus making affordability even more of an issue? How will the ever-tightening appraisal process affect that increase? Will the student debt of your future customers suddenly disappear? While you can’t predict the future, can you see the possibility of another shift in the market?

How you prepare now will determine how well your business survives

Will you do what you’ve always done because it worked in the past or will you be forward-thinking and plan for the long-term success of your business? We certainly don’t have all of the answers, but we do have a wealth of ideas and resources. We offer different ways of looking at the home building industry and ways to better prepare for the future with fewer risks, less volatility, and greater opportunity. We are looking for a few developers, real estate investors, builders, and banks to create something unique with us as strategic partners. There are no obligations on your part to see if we should work together. What we can promise is an open-minded discussion about the future and how to prepare. Let’s schedule a time to simply have a conversation.

*1. Home prices for 2016 increased 5% year over year from 2015 but showing signs of regressing back to the long-term average of 4%. – Source NAR
*2. Housing affordability has historically averaged around 21.6% of income but has dropped to 15% or below since 2009. – Source NAR
*3. Mortgage rates have historically averaged 8.2% since 1972 with rates averaging well below 5% since January 2011 and averaging 3.65% for 2016. – Source Freddie Mac
*4. Middle-class wages are stagnant—Middle-wage workers’ hourly wage is up 6% since 1979, low-wage workers’ wages are down 5%, while those with very high wages saw a 41% increase. – Source EPI
*5. Student loan debt has increased from 0.3 trillion in 2003 (representing 13.63% of total debt) to 1.3 trillion in 2016 (representing 36.11% of total debt) – Source Federal Reserve Bank of New York

7 Tax Benefits for Homeowners

7 Important Tax Benefits from Owning a Home…

If you bought your first home this year, then good news! Owning a home affords you many tax breaks that were not available to you as a renter. For those who have been reaping the tax benefits of home ownership for years, it’s still a good idea to educate yourself on changes to tax codes that may help fatten your annual return, or just brush-up on existing tax breaks that you may have missed. Here are the 7 most common tax breaks that every homeowner should know about.

1. Home Mortgage Interest Deduction

This is one of the biggest tax breaks for homeowners and has historically used to encourage Americans to buy homes. Currently, homeowners who itemize their taxes can deduct the value of their interest payments on up to $1 million of mortgage debt. In order to be eligible, you must itemize on Schedule A of your tax return. You should receive a Form 1098 shortly after the tax year ends from your loan provider, which will show the amount of interest you paid for the year. (Side Note: The US government will pay 25% of the interest on your behalf if you’re a part of the 25% tax bracket)

2. Mortgage Interest Credit

The mortgage interest credit was designed to help make home ownership for low-income individuals more affordable. In order to get this credit, you must contact the appropriate government agency about acquiring a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) before getting a mortgage. If you itemize your deductions, you must reduce your home mortgage interest deduction by the amount of the mortgage interest credit you claim. HMG is happy to answer any questions about this or put you in touch with one of our partners who can also help.

3. Mortgage Points Deduction

A home mortgage point is equal to one percent of the amount of your loan. So, if you have a $100,000 home loan, one point is the equivalent of $1,000. The home mortgage industry uses two types of points: origination points and discount points. Origination points typically go directly to for the loan originator, while discount points are a type of prepaid interest that are often fully deductible. There are many requirements which must be met in order to deduct points. You can deduct the points in full in the year you pay them if you meet the following requirements:

Your primary residence secures your loan
Paying points is an established business practice in the area where the loan was made.
The points paid weren’t more than the amount generally charged in that area.
You use the cash method of accounting. This means you report income in the year you receive it and deduct expenses in the year you pay them.
The points paid weren’t for items that are usually listed separately on the settlement sheet such as appraisal fees, inspection fees, title fees, attorney fees, and property taxes.
The funds you provided at or before closing, including any points the seller paid, were at least as much as the points charged. You can’t have borrowed the funds from your lender or mortgage broker in order to pay the points.
You use your loan to buy or build your primary residence.
The points were computed as a percentage of the principal amount of the mortgage.
The amount is clearly stated on your settlement/closing statement.

For more on this topic, visit the IRS Tax Topics Page (504).

4. Property Tax Deduction

The property tax deduction reduces your taxable income. Your tax benefit varies depending on your taxable income, the amount of your property taxes and your filing status. You may be able to deduct up to 100% of your property taxes up to $10,000.

5. Home Energy Tax Credits

A tax credit reduces the amount of tax owed, so it’s different from a tax deduction, rebate, or refund. Energy.gov points out that the clock ran out in 2016 on several federal tax credits for homeowners who made energy upgrades during the year. However, solar credits are good through 2019 and then are reduced each year through the end of 2021. You can claim these credits by filing Form 5695 with your tax return.

The Residential Energy Efficiency Property Credit: Equipment that qualifies includes solar, wind, and geothermal in your principal residence and a second home. But fuel-cell equipment qualifies only if installed in your principal residence. According to TurboTax, the credit is equal to 30% of the cost, including installation. There is no upper limit on the amount of the credit for solar, wind and geothermal equipment, but the maximum tax credit for fuel cells is $500 for each half-kilowatt of power capacity, or $1000 for each kilowatt. For example, a fuel cell with a 5 kW capacity would qualify for 5 x $1000 = $5000 tax credit.

Non-business Energy Property Credit: Claim a tax credit for 10% of the cost of qualified energy efficiency improvements and 100% of residential energy property costs. Limits apply.

6. Home Improvement Tax Breaks

Those hammer and nails will finally pay off, because improvements made to your home can lend themselves to tax breaks! Just be sure you keep the receipts and track the cost of major improvements so you can prove the costs you claim. Using a home equity loan or other loan secured by your home to finance improvements? That loan will qualify for the same mortgage interest deductions as your primary mortgage. Another reason to track capital improvements is for resale value. When and if your home sells for more than you paid for it, that extra money could be taxable income depending on various factors. Home improvements can help lower taxes by increasing your tax basis.

7. Tax-Free IRA Withdrawals

Did you know that IRA withdrawal penalties don’t apply to first-time homeowners? They define a first-time homeowner as someone who has not owned a home within the span of 2 years. First-time buyers are able to withdraw up to $10,000 ($20,000 for a married couple) from an IRA to purchase or build a home. (Side Note: The $10,000 limit is for a lifetime. Also, the government can still tax this money according to your tax bracket, so even though there is no penalty it should still be a last resort.)

Thinking about buying or selling a home in 2017? Our expert staff is always available to answer questions you may have about homes in the Knoxville, TN area. Feel free to contact us directly or start your home search with us here!

Understanding Closing Costs Involved with Buying or Selling a Home

….so what’s your bottom line?

Closing costs are big part of buying or selling a home. Each side of the transaction has its own set of costs, so it’s very important to know what they are in order to make a calculated estimate as to how much money you’re going to make from the sale of your home or how much money you need to purchase your dream home.

Buying a Home:

Aside from your down payment, closing costs are fees associated with your home purchase and home loan typically payable at or before the closing. The amount you’ll spend on closing costs can be a surprising aspect of buying a home if you aren’t prepared. They can affect your budget, so it’s a good idea to know what they are before making an offer on a home.

So just how much are closing costs? As a rule of thumb, closing costs to buy a home can run between 2 and 5 percent of the purchase price. The wide range varies depending on where you live, the price of the property you purchase and the type of loan you choose. The following is a list of common closing costs. You may not see all of them in your transaction and/or there may be additional fees not reflected below, but this list covers the vast majority of the types of fees you can expect. Always check with your lender and closing agency you’re working with prior to your closing to confirm exactly how much your closing costs will be.

Loan Application Fee
Appraisal Fee (sometimes payable prior to closing)
Attorney Fee
Escrow Fee
Courier Fee
Credit Report Fee
Escrow Deposit for Property Taxes
FHA Up-Front Mortgage Insurance Premium if you have an FHA loan
Flood Determination or Life of Loan Coverage
Home Inspection (generally payable prior to closing)
Homeowners Insurance
Lender’s Policy Title Insurance
Lead-Based Paint Inspection
Loan Discount Points
Owner’s Policy Title Insurance
Loan Origination Fee
Pest Inspection (sometimes payable prior to closing)
Prepaid Interest
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Property Tax Escrow
Recording Fees
Survey Fee
Title Company Title Search Fee
Transfer Taxes
Underwriting Fee
VA Funding Fee (if you have a VA loan)
Pro-Rated Property Taxes (based on the closing date)

Selling a Home:

It’s important to have a basic understanding of the costs associated with selling your home as well. Knowing these costs will allow you to come up with an accurate estimate of how much you will actually make from the sale of your home. Here is a list of costs you may need to account for:

Mortgage Balance(s) (call your lender for the payoff)
Realtor Commission
Buyer Closing Costs Paid for by the Seller
Outstanding HOA Dues or Assessments
Pro-Rated Property Taxes (based on your closing date)
Title or Attorney Closing/Settlement Fees (contact the closing agent for this figure)
Pre-Paid Home Warranty for the Buyer
Outstanding Invoices to Contractors for Repairs
Outstanding Liens or Judgments Attached to Your Home

Our expert staff is always available to answer any questions related to closing costs from buying our selling a home. Before making a decision on whether or make or accept an offer, we can help you put together a preliminary “net sheet” that will give a solid estimate as to what your closing costs will be.

5 Winter Home Maintenance Tips

is your home prepared for the upcoming winter months?

The colder temperatures this past weekend reminded us that winter is coming! Whether you’re a fan of those crisp and cool East Tennessee mornings or not, being prepared is important. I posted a few winter home maintenance tips below that I thought you could all benefit from.

Clean the Fireplace

Everyone loves to cozy up next to a warm fire on a cold winter evening. It’s also relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain your fireplace. Cleaning the fireplace is essential before you start using it this fall and winter. After a particularly cold winter, there’s a good chance that creosote (an extremely flammable oil produced by coal or wood ash smoke) will build up on the interior of the chimney. If it’s not removed, it can catch fire when you light your fireplace. To get your fireplace fire-ready, hire a chimney sweep to get rid of the creosote and other build-up.

Inspect Your Roof

Your roof endures the brunt of the wintry conditions. Ensure that you check your roof regularly for any signs of damage and don’t leave the repairs for later! Harsh weather conditions can cause your roof tiles to break and create exposed areas where leaks and holes can form. Water leaks can cause extensive damage, especially if they aren’t addressed right away! Have a roofing professional check your roof if you notice any signs of damage and let them perform the necessary repairs sooner rather than later.

Service Your Heating System

Cold temperatures cause the heating system to work overtime in the winter. Have your heating system checked by a professional if you hear strange noises coming from the vents, or if you suddenly notice cold spots in parts of your home. This could indicate a problem with the ventilation. Don’t wait for the heating system to totally breakdown before you have it serviced. It’s always a good idea to have a heating professional perform regular maintenance on your system to keep it in proper working order.

Check Your Insulation

Attic insulation protects your ceilings from air leakage and makes sure your home doesn’t lose heat. If your insulation is worn from years of weather or pest infestations, the heating system is working double time to counter cold air coming from the attic. You could also be spending a lot more money heating your home than you should be. Installing insulation yourself can present numerous hazards, so allow a qualified and experienced professional with the correct safety equipment to properly install new insulation and keep your ceiling intact. Do not cut corners here!

Be Prepared for Snow

The snow may not be here yet, but snow and ice build-up can be dangerous. Make sure your household has all the necessities to help prevent any dangers this coming winter. For your safety, and for the safety of your family members and neighbors, it is important to have a snow shovel and salt ready to remove any ice or snow on your walkways. Also, make sure your flashlights are working, your mobile devices are charged and you have a backup heating source in case your power is lost due to snowy or icy conditions.

All of us at HMG wish you a fabulous holiday season! And as always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need us.

5 Fun Things To Do This Fall Around Knoxville – 2016

Fall Activities, Knoxville, TN

The Starbucks Pumpkin Latte is on sale, and so ends the summer months….. So to see you through to the winter, we have found some of the best local, fall-inspired events happening during the months of October and November. This year’s events are pretty awesome, which means cramming more fun into fewer weekends, so be ready!

General admission: adults $11, ages 10 and under $8, ages under 2 are free. Add $7 to each admission to include the pumpkin patch. Last tickets are sold one hour prior to closing.

Challenge your family and friends to not one but TWO Corn Mazes! They are packed with twists and turns for plenty of opportunities to get lost. The Big Maze is for those who want a real challenge but for the little ones: The kiddie maze will make them happy!

General admission: $10 plus tax (includes all activities and pumpkin). 2 and under free with paid adult.

Ballinger Farm has so many activities to keep the kids entertained! With a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayride, petting zoo, jumping pillow just to mention a few, it will sure to keep the family amused for a wonderful day out.

#3) Freaky Friday Fright Night | Mayor Bob Leonard Park | 301 Watt Rd. Baseball Field 1 Farragut, TN 37934 | Friday, 10/28/16 5:00PM – 7:00PM | http://www.townoffarragut.org/calendar.aspx?eid=10657

General admission: 12 and under free. Costumes required. Free but donations recommended for Ronald McDonald House.

Kids 12 and under are invited to “trick or treat” at the park and they are sure to get some delicious treats. Local non-profit groups, businesses, and Town committees will be on hand to entertain with spooky games as well as cookie decorating. The event is free but donations are recommended.

General admission: $9/person, under 4 are free. Free parking. $2 off admission for zoo members.

BOO! at the Zoo is Knoxville’s largest Halloween event featuring 12 nights of safe and not-too-scary Halloween fun perfect for the kids. A Halloween tradition in Knoxville for the past 30 years, BOO! at the Zoo is a family event worth going to! With loads of activities including trick-or-treating, where the little ones can fill their bag with goodies as they make their way through the zoo. Each night there will be a variety of entertainment including dancing with some of your favorite characters in the Chick-fil-A Monster Mash Tent, the Zoo Boo Choo Choo, and the only “haunted” carousel in East Tennessee, the Scary-Go-Round! Make sure you book your tickets!

#5) Friendly Farm Fall Fun Fest | 1302 Blockhouse Rd, Maryville, TN | (865) 982-7255 | http://www.kornkrazyfun.com/

General admission: Adults $10 and ages 2-12 $7.50. (Pony rides are extra.)

The Friendly Farm owners are all about farming, animals, and kids by providing some great activities to keep the children entertained! So come along to Friendly Farm and spend some fun family time.

As always, if you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the Knoxville area, don’t hesitate to contact us! You can also check out what’s for sale in the Knoxville area or find out what your home is worth on our website!