Are you considering moving to Music City? Nashville, Tennessee, has become one of the hottest real estate markets in the United States, with its vibrant music scene, booming job market, and Southern charm. But finding your dream home in Nashville can be overwhelming with so many options to choose from. Here are 10 tips to help you navigate the Nashville real estate market and find the perfect home for you and your family.

Define Your Dream Home: Before you start your home search, make a list of your must-haves and deal-breakers. Consider factors such as location, size, layout, amenities, and budget. This will help you narrow down your search and focus on properties that meet your criteria.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: Knowing your budget upfront is crucial in a competitive real estate market like Nashville. Get pre-approved for a mortgage so you have a clear understanding of how much home you can afford. This will also make your offer more attractive to sellers.

Hire a Local Real Estate Agent: Working with a local real estate agent who knows the Nashville market well can be a game-changer. They can provide valuable insights, guide you through the home buying process, and help you find hidden gems that may not be listed online.

Research Nashville Neighborhoods: Nashville has many diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and amenities. Research different neighborhoods to find the one that fits your lifestyle and preferences. Consider factors such as safety, schools, proximity to amenities, and commuting distance to work.

Attend Open Houses and Tours: Nashville has a robust real estate market, and attending open houses and home tours can give you a firsthand look at the properties available. Take notes, ask questions, and compare different homes to help you make informed decisions.

Consider Resale Value: Even if you plan to stay in your dream home for a long time, it's important to consider the resale value. Look for properties in desirable neighborhoods with good school districts, low crime rates, and potential for appreciation in value over time.

Don't Overlook Fixer-Uppers: Nashville's real estate market can be competitive, and fixer-upper properties can be a more affordable option. Look beyond cosmetic flaws and consider the potential for improvement and equity gain with some TLC.

Get a Home Inspection: Before making an offer, always get a professional home inspection. It can uncover hidden issues such as structural problems, plumbing or electrical issues, or pest infestations, which can save you from costly repairs down the road.

Consider Commute Time: Nashville's traffic can be challenging, so consider the commute time to your work, schools, and other amenities when choosing a location. A long commute can affect your quality of life, so strike a balance between the location and lifestyle you desire.

Stay Flexible: The Nashville real estate market can be competitive, and your dream home may not come on the market right away. Be patient and stay flexible, be prepared to compromise on some of your wish list items, and keep an open mind as you search for your perfect home.

In conclusion, finding your dream home in Nashville requires careful planning, research, and the help of a local real estate agent. Define your priorities, get pre-approved for a mortgage, research neighborhoods, attend open houses, and consider resale value. Don't overlook fixer-uppers, get a home inspection, and consider commute time. Stay flexible and be patient. With the right approach, you can find your perfect home in the vibrant city of Nashville. Happy house hunting!

This week, we're exploring the top three steakhouses in Nashville, TN. Whether you're looking to impress clients, celebrate a special occasion, or simply indulge in a delicious meal, these three restaurants are sure to impress.

1. Kayne Prime: With a sleek, modern interior and an impressive selection of steaks, Kayne Prime is a top pick for discerning diners. The menu features a variety of cuts, from the classic filet mignon to the more adventurous Wagyu ribeye. For an unforgettable experience, try the A5 Japanese Wagyu, which is renowned for its intense marbling and buttery texture. Don't miss the inventive sides, such as truffle mac and cheese and roasted bone marrow.
2. The Southern Steak & Oyster: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, The Southern Steak & Oyster offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, along with some of the best steaks in the city. The menu highlights local ingredients and features unique cuts like the bavette steak and the dry-aged bone-in New York strip. Be sure to start with the signature oysters, which are served raw, grilled, or fried.
3. Bourbon Steak: Nestled in the lobby of the luxurious JW Marriott hotel, Bourbon Steak offers a sophisticated dining experience that combines classic steakhouse fare with modern touches. The menu features a range of cuts, including a 30-day dry-aged ribeye and a succulent Wagyu skirt steak. Don't miss the impressive selection of sides, which includes everything from crispy brussels sprouts to truffle mashed potatoes.

No matter which of these steakhouses you choose, you're in for a truly unforgettable meal. We hope you enjoy exploring Nashville's vibrant culinary scene, and we look forward to bringing you more recommendations in the future.

Holiday decorating is in full swing, and as homeowners deck their halls, they may want to also use the festivities as an excuse to inspect several out-of-sight areas of their home.

Groundworks, a basement and foundations firm, offers up tips to spot needed repairs in the home while also hanging your holiday decor. Here are the top seven home issues they suggest looking for:

Electrical Outlets

Is a plug no longer working? Outdoor outlets are exposed to the elements and can become damaged. A ground fault circuit interrupter may have been tripped. Take precautions if you find any loose connections or exposed wiring.

Circuit Breakers

While installing an outdoor light display, homeowners may discover problems with the home’s electrical system or circuit breaker box. “Some homeowners may only check out their electrical panel if they accidentally throw a breaker,” GroundWorks says. “However, proactive homeowners may want to look at their breaker box before installing holiday lights. You may discover that you need a diagram of which circuits are connected to which outlets or appliances. This can help you avoid overloading a single circuit.” LED Christmas lights tend to use less electricity and may help avoid blown fuses.

Overgrown Shrubs

Plants should be about two feet from your house to protect your foundation. Tend to any overgrown plants while hanging holiday lights, or make a note on your calendar to do so in March or April. “If you have overgrown evergreens, you can also give them a light trim around the holidays and use that greenery for home decorations,” Groundworks says.

The Roof or Gutters

If you’re on a ladder to hang Christmas lights, be sure to take a look at the roof and gutters. Are the gutters clogged? Is rainwater pooling right next to the foundation? Are any shingles missing on your roof? Spot existing damage and avoid creating more problems by using light clips on the edge of your gutter while hanging Christmas lights, GroundWorks suggests.

Chimney

Take a close look at the chimney. Does it look like it’s tilting or starting to separate from the house? This could be a sign of foundation issues. To test it, Groundworks suggests, hold a string with a small weight from the top edge of the house. The string will always fall straight down. Compare that to the structure to determine whether there is a tilt to any portion of the home, including the chimney. A tilting chimney may show a visible gap where it is pulling away from the remainder of the house, Groundworks says. A foundation expert may need to identify the problems and explore the best ways to fix them.

Pest Damage

You may also spot damage from pests. “Along the eaves, you could find woodpecker holes or wasp nests,” Groundworks says. “Where the house meets the ground, you could find signs of termites or ants.”

Siding Damage or Wood Rot

Look for any signs of deterioration, damage, or wood rot on your siding or window frames. If you find any, your home could be vulnerable to water damage. “In the warmer months, your home could be unprotected from heavy rains, resulting in flooding or moisture in your basement or crawl space,” Groundworks warns. “As the weather turns cold, the damaged siding could allow water inside the walls, cracking the concrete when it freezes.”

Shared via NAR Magazine

We’re in the ultimate sellers’ market right now. If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling, you have a huge advantage in today’s housing market. High buyer demand paired with very few houses for sale makes this the optimal time to sell for those who are ready to do so. Whatever the move you want to make looks like, here’s an overview of what’s creating the prime opportunity to sell this summer.

High Buyer Demand

Demand is strong, and buyers are actively searching for homes to purchase. In the Realtors Confidence Index Survey published monthly by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer traffic is considered “very strong” in almost every state. Homebuyers aren’t just great in number right now – they’re also determined to find their dream home. NAR shows the average home for sale today receives five offers from hopeful buyers. These increasingly frequent bidding wars can drive up the price of your house, which is why high demand from competitive homebuyers is such a win for this summer’s sellers.

Low Inventory of Houses for Sale

Purchaser demand is so high, the market is running out of available homes for sale. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:

“For most sellers listing sooner rather than later could really pay off with less competition from other sellers and potentially a higher sales price… They’ll also avoid some big unknowns lurking later in the year, namely another possible surge in COVID cases, rising interest rates and the potential for more sellers to enter the market.”

NAR also reveals that unsold inventory sits at a 2.4-months’ supply at the current sales pace. This is far lower than the historical norm of a 6.0-months’ supply. Homes are essentially selling as fast as they’re hitting the market. Below is a graph of the existing inventory of single-family homes for sale:

At the same time, homebuilders are increasing construction this year, but they can’t keep up with the growing demand. While reporting on the inventory of newly constructed homes, the U.S. Census Bureau notes:

“The seasonally‐adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of April was 316,000. This represents a supply of 4.4 months at the current sales rate.”

What Does This Mean for You? 

If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market, don’t wait. A seller will always negotiate the best deal when demand is high and supply is low. That’s exactly what’s happening in the real estate market today.

Bottom Line

As vaccine rollouts progress and we continue to see the economy recover, more houses will come to the market. Don’t wait for the competition in your neighborhood to increase. If you’re ready to make a move, now is the time to sell. Contact us today to get your house listed at this optimal moment in time.

Today’s housing market is full of unprecedented opportunities. High buyer demand paired with record-low housing inventory is creating the ultimate sellers’ market, which means it’s a fantastic time to sell your house. However, that doesn’t mean sellers are guaranteed success no matter what. There are still some key things to know so you can avoid costly mistakes and win big when you make a move.

1. Price Your House Right

When inventory is low, like it is in the current market, it’s common to think buyers will pay whatever we ask when setting a listing price. Believe it or not, that’s not always true. Even in a sellers’ market, listing your house for the right price will maximize the number of buyers that see your house. This creates the best environment for bidding wars, which in turn are more likely to increase the final sale price. A real estate professional is the best person to help you set the best price for your house so you can achieve your financial goals.

2. Keep Your Emotions in Check

Today, homeowners are living in their houses for a longer period of time. Since 1985, the average time a homeowner owned their home, or their tenure, has increased from 5 to 10 years (See graph below):

This is several years longer than what used to be the historical norm. The side effect, however, is when you stay in one place for so long, you may get even more emotionally attached to your space. If it’s the first home you purchased or the house where your children grew up, it very likely means something extra special to you. Every room has memories, and it’s hard to detach from that sentimental value.

For some homeowners, that connection makes it even harder to separate the emotional value of the house from the fair market price. That’s why you need a real estate professional to help you with the negotiations along the way.

3. Stage Your House Properly

We’re generally quite proud of our décor and how we’ve customized our houses to make them our own unique homes. However, not all buyers will feel the same way about your design and personal touches. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you stage your house with the buyer in mind.

Buyers want to envision themselves in the space so it truly feels like it could be their own. They need to see themselves inside with their furniture and keepsakes – not your pictures and decorations. Stage, clean, and declutter so they can visualize their own dreams as they walk through each room. A real estate professional can help you with tips to get your home ready to stage and sell.

Bottom Line

Today’s sellers’ market might be your best chance to make a move. If you’re considering selling your house, reach out to a local real estate professional to help you navigate through the process and prioritize these key elements.

TIPS FOR STORING WINE AT HOME

If you are a big wine connoisseur or just saving a few bottles to crack open on special occasions, it’s important to understand how best to store them safely until you’re ready to partake. Follow the guidelines below!

Temperature

To ensure each wine bottle maintains the proper flavor and aroma, storing it at the correct temperature is essential. Regardless if it is red, white, or sparkling, storing your bottles at 53°F to 57°F is most ideal. Keeping your bottles in a room where the temperature is much warmer than that may cause the flavor to become flat. Keep your wine in the dark and away from direct UV rays as much as you can to protect the wine’s flavor.

Moisture

Controlling the humidity in the room is important if you plan to store bottles for more than a couple of years. The ideal humidity for storage is between 50 to 75 percent and anything below that could cause the corks to dry out, letting air seep into the bottle.

Positioning

Generally, it is advised to store wine bottles on their sides. This allows the wine to stay up against the cork which should aid in keeping it from drying out. However, if you don’t plan to store the wine for long or if the bottle has a screw top or plastic cork, this is not required for safe storage.

Timing

Not all wine is designed to have a long shelf life or be aged. Make sure you know what the winemaker’s intention was for that particular bottle. It is always better to open it a little early and enjoy it!

Although currently dimly lit and a little rough on the eyes, your unfinished basement still has a lot of potentials. With just a little love and the help of the following ideas, you can spice it up in no time and get some great use out of the space.

>Add a pop of color. Give your basement a whole different look without a big renovation by adding some color to space. Consider painting and sealing the floors, opening up the room by painting the rafters white or a light color, or creating a bold accent wall.

>Divide the space. Want to make your basement a multi-use room? Partition out the area by installing an inexpensive curtain system. This can be done either with a curtain track or a simple wire, some hooks, and curtains will suffice.

>Add foam mats. Whether you’d like to use the basement as a home gym to get a quick workout in or a place for the kids to play and rough house, adding some foam mats into the mix is a great and easy solution. They come in various colors and can quickly be picked up and tucked away if need be.

>Use a large rug. As an alternative to adding mats, find a large, eye-catching rug to be used as a focal point, and furnish the area around it.

>Add lighting. Basements often offer very little built-in lighting and few outlets around the room. Consider stringing café lighting across space from the rafters to give a nice ambiance and glow without any difficult electrical work.

© Visual Generation - AdobeStock

Competition is fierce among house hunters. For buyers in San Jose, Calif., San Francisco, and Raleigh, N.C., they should be ready to face the most competition in the nation, according to new research by LendingTree.

LendingTree ranked the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S. based on the competitiveness of their housing markets. They factored in the average down payment percentage, the share of home buyers who have credit scores above 720, and the share of home buyers who shop around for a mortgage before looking for a house. All of these categories—down payment, credit scores, and being mortgage ready—can help home buyers be in a stronger position to succeed in the heated housing market, too, the study notes.

For example, the average down payment percentage in the top 11 most competitive metros is 21%—showing that buyers are coming ready to make their offers stand out.  Currently, Nashville is tied at #18 along with Hartford, CT and Pittsburgh, PA according to Lending Tree.

The real estate market is expected to do very well in 2021, with mortgage rates that are hovering at historic lows and forecasted by experts to remain favorable throughout the year. One challenge to the housing industry, however, is the lack of homes available for sale today. Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their Existing Home Sales Report, which shows that the inventory of homes for sale is currently at an all-time low. The report explains:

“Total housing inventory at the end of December totaled 1.07 million units, down 16.4% from November and down 23% from one year ago (1.39 million). Unsold inventory sits at an all-time low 1.9-month supply at the current sales pace, down from 2.3 months in November and down from the 3.0-month figure recorded in December 2019. NAR first began tracking the single-family home supply in 1982.”

(See graph below):

What Does This Mean for You?

If You’re a Buyer:

Be patient during your home search. It may take time to find a home you love. Once you do, however, be ready to move forward quickly. Get pre-approved for a mortgage, be prepared to make a competitive offer from the start, and know that a shortage in inventory could mean you’ll enter a bidding war. Calculate just how far you’re willing to go to secure a home and lean on your real estate professional as an expert guide along the way. The good news is, more inventory is likely headed to the market soon, Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, notes:

“To their credit, homebuilders and construction companies have increased efforts to build, with housing starts hitting an annual rate of near 1.7 million in December, with more focus on single-family homes…However, it will take vigorous new home construction in 2021 and in 2022 to adequately furnish the market to properly meet the demand.”

If You’re a Seller:

Realize that, in some ways, you’re in the driver’s seat. When there’s a shortage of an item at the same time there’s a strong demand for it, the seller is in a good position to negotiate the best possible terms. Whether it’s the price, moving date, possible repairs, or anything else, you’ll be able to request more from a potential purchaser at a time like this – especially if you have multiple interested buyers. Don’t be unreasonable, but understand you probably have the upper hand.

Bottom Line

The housing market will remain strong throughout 2021. Know what that means for you, whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both.

Despite Uncertain Times, 2020 Housing Market Thrived