BUYER RESOURCES ARTICLES

The trends for buying and selling homes in 2024 indicate a housing market that may be more favorable for buyers than in recent years but with several complexities and uncertainties. Expert realtor Susan Gregory has some of the key trends to keep an eye on this year. Mortgage Rates Experts predict a general trend of…

If you’re in the market for luxury homes for sale in Nashville, you’ll want to look at the subdivisions The Reserve at Raintree Forest and Sinatra. Properties in these neighborhoods are highly anticipated and selling fast. Here’s what you need to know about these new communities.   All You Need to Know About The Reserve…

The housing market has changed dramatically since 2021 as the Federal Reserve has increased interest rates to curb inflation. With the Federal Reserve increasing rates by only .25 percent during its last change and Federal Fund interest rates reaching the target of 4.5-4.75 percent, experts believe the housing market will level off. The Nashville housing…

Buying a new construction home and buying an existing home each come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two depends on your preferences, budget, and specific circumstances. Here are some pros and cons of each option. Buying New Construction Pros Customization: Depending on what point you purchase the home,…

How can I save on closing costs? Studies show that the closing costs, which can average 2 to 3 percent of a total home purchase price, are often more costly than many buyers expect. But there are some ways to save: * Negotiate with the seller to pay all or part of the closing costs.…

What are the pros and cons of adding on or buying new? Before making a choice between adding on to an existing home or buying a larger one, consider these questions: * How much money is available, either from cash reserves or through a home improvement loan, to remodel your current house? * How much…

The secret is out. What Nashvillians have known for decades has leaked in the past few years…Middle Tennessee is a great place to live! The variety of industries and job opportunities coupled with the pleasant weather and Southern charm make Nashville and the surrounding areas an idyllic place to work, play and live, whether as…

Do I need a home inspection? Yes. Buying a home “as is” is a risky proposition. Major repairs on homes can amount to thousands of dollars. Plumbing, electrical and roof problems represent significant and complex systems that are expensive to fix. How do I find a home inspector? Your realty agent is one source. But…

If you check out any current list of the fastest growing cities in the US, you’ll find that Nashville usually ranks in the Top 10. If you’re one of the people relocating to Nashville, you may wonder whether it’s better to buy or rent.    It’s a big decision, and we’re providing some questions to…

If you’re shopping for land for sale in Brentwood, Tennessee, 0 Waterfall Road is a must-see. The property includes nearly 100 acres of stunning wooded rolling hills. You’ll live among some of Tennessee’s most beautiful landscapes. It will feel like country living, but you’re within minutes of Cool Springs and not far from downtown Nashville.…

Susan Gregory is a real estate agent with more than 22 years of experience helping buyers and sellers throughout the greater Nashville area. As such, she’s seen some incredible homes with picturesque views of Tennessee’s stunning countryside alongside modern city homes ideal for more compact living.  Having seen so much of Nashville, she shares some…

Can you buy homes below market? While a typical buyer may look at five to 10 homes before making an offer, an investor who makes bargain buys usually goes through many more. Most experts agree it takes a lot of determination to find a real “bargain.” There are a number of ways to buy a…

While many real estate professionals talk about the benefits of a move-in ready home, few talk about the perks of purchasing land. Owning a plot of land offers a wealth of opportunities to build the home you’ve always wanted. You’ll get to pick out every detail of your home from paint colors to countertops and…

Are taxes on second homes deductible? Mortgage interest and property taxes are deductible on a second home if you itemize. Check with your accountant or tax adviser for specifics. Do all loans require impound accounts? If you are taking out a FHA or VA loan, the lender can require an impound account to pay real…

What is the return on new versus previously owned homes? Buying into a new-home community may seem riskier than purchasing a house in an established neighborhood, but any increase in home value depends upon the same factors: quality of the neighborhood, growth in the local housing market and the state of the overall economy.  One…

Even in a booming seller’s market like we have in Middle Tennessee, there are a few things sellers can and should consider doing when listing their home for sale. Today, we have top realtor Susan Gregory sharing some of these top tricks and tips for listing your home. First Impressions Make or Break Sales Everyone…

Where do I get information on IRS publications? The Internal Revenue Service publishes a number of real estate publications. They are listed by number: * 521 “Moving Expenses” * 523 “Selling Your Home” * 527 “Residential Rental Property” * 534 “Depreciation” * 541 “Tax Information on Partnerships” * 551 “Basis of Assets” * 555 “Federal…

Buying and selling a new construction home is unique, and generally leaves room for buyers to put their finishing touches on the home. Builders need a realtor who knows how to highlight a house before it becomes a home and buyers need help envisioning the work-in-progress and how life will look living there. Working with…

As Nashville grows by leaps and bounds, lots of new homes are being built.    If you’re considering a move to or within the Nashville area, you may be wondering if a new construction home is a good choice.   As with all things, purchasing a newly built house has its pros and cons.   …

An escrow is a legal agreement in which a third party controls money or assets until the other two parties have met specific conditions for the assets to be used. These accounts serve to protect buyers and sellers in financial transactions.  Escrow is a risk reduction method and provides parties involved peace of mind that…

How much does my real estate agent need to know? Real estate agents would say that the more you tell them, the better they can negotiate on your behalf. However, the degree of trust you have with an agent may depend upon their legal obligation. Agents working for buyers have three possible choices: They can…

Can I use an agent for a new home? Yes, however buyers should be aware of the differences inherent in working with sales agents who are employed by the developer/builder, rather than traditional real estate agents. Builders commonly require that an outside agent be present, and sign in, the first time a prospective purchaser visits…