Buying a Home in Knoxville TN

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.

If you’re interested in searching for a home in the Knoxville area with a pool, click here!

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.

State & National Parks Near Knoxville, TN

6 Beautiful Parks Close to Knoxville, TN

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

Seven Islands State Birding Park

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

http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/seven-islands

Norris Dam State Park

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

http://www.visitknoxville.com/listings/norris-dam-state-park/998/

Big Ridge State Park

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

http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/big-ridge

Cherokee National Forest

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee

Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

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

http://www.10best.com/destinations/tennessee/knoxville/newport/attractions/cumberland-gap-national-historical-park/

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

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

The Benefits of Having a Basement

5 Reasons to Buy a Home With a Basement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Why Live in a Ranch Style Home…

The Benefits of a Living in a Ranch

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

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

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

8 Things To Do Before You Pack!

ways to make your move less stressful…

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

1. GET ORGANIZED

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

2. FIND A MOVING COMPANY

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

3. DE-CLUTTER

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

4. PURGE

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

5. NOTIFY

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

6. FIND RELOCATION RESOURCES

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

7. EMBRACE THE CLOUD

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

8. VISUALIZE YOUR NEW HOME

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