Here are a few tips to help you select the right agent to sell your home.

Ask for referrals and do your research. Ask neighbors, co-workers, and friends who they have previously used. They will give an honest assessment of their experiences. Also, be sure to do your own research, so that you choose a agent that specializes in the area / type of property where you are selling your home. The National Association of Realtors has a national directory of all registered REALTORS®, its a good place to start your research. But, also be sure to utilize Google, Twitter, and Facebook. With as prevalent as social media is now, social media can be a great research tool to hear what past customers think.

Talk to a few agents. Take the time to talk to a few agents. Ask tough questions so that you can make sure you are confident you’ve selected the right agent to sell your home. How will they market your home to potential buyer? What makes them best suited to sell your home? How well do they know the area?

Select the best agent for the job and sign a contract that fits your needs. Once you’ve selected an agent, you will sign a listing agreement. The realtor you select will probably ask for a specific amount of time before the listing agreement expires. The amount of time they will ask for depends on the type of home and the price of the home. Certain types of property take longer to sell. The listing agreement will also specify the compensation the realtor will receive. Still, as the seller you have every right to negotiate compensation and the length of the contract.

Are you thinking about selling your West Knoxville or Farragut home? Please let me know if there is any way that I can assist you in the process. You can give me a call at 865-696-9002 or send an email to Rick@TheBigOrangePress.Com.

9109 Hailes Abbey Lane, Knoxville, TN 37922
Price: $549,900
Details: 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths
Age: 11 Years Old
Square Feet: 3,673
Details: This Whittington Creek home for sale has a great open floor plan with lots of great custom details. On the main level there are beautiful hardwood floors. The kitchen has granite counter-tops, tile back-splash, and opens up into an eat-in area. The master bedroom has vaulted ceilings, crown molding, and a large bathroom. With many upgrades and neutral paint throughout, this home has a great deal to offer buyers who are looking for a home that is move in ready.

1924 Chiswick Road, Knoxville, TN 37922
Price: $534,900
Details: 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths
Age: 11 Years Old
Square Feet: 3,997
Details: This West Knoxville home for sale is move-in ready with neutral paint and many upgrades throughout.  The main level is open and has hardwood floors. The kitchen has lots of counter-space and granite counter-tops. The master suite is large with plenty of space and has an upgraded bathroom. With lots of space and pristine condition, this home is worth looking at if you are wanting a like-new home in West Knoxville.

1606 Kilmer Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922
Price: $524,900
Details: 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths
Age: 14 Years Old
Square Feet: 3,872
Details: This West Knoxville home for sale has been kept in great condition and has a great open floor plan on the main level. The kitchen has beautiful granite counter-top and white cabinets, along with a large bar area. The master suite is located on the main floor and has a huge bathroom. With a great floor plan and many upgrades, this home is worth looking at if you are wanting to live in the Whittington Creek neighborhood.

Do you love any of these Whittington Creek homes for sale? Please let me know if there is anyway that I can assist you in your home search. Also, be sure to check out the links below to see other homes for sale in Whittington Creek neighborhood. And, be sure to give me a call at 865-696-9002 or send an email to Rick@TheBigOrangePress.Com, if there is anyway I can assist you.

1. How long has your home been on the market? If your home is fairly new to the market, you may not want to accept the first offer that you receive, unless of course, it is a good offer. Yet, if you home has been on the market for a long time and hasn’t been having a lot of showings or receiving a lot of offers, any offer you receive you may want to seriously consider.
2. How quickly do you need to sell? If time is not on your side, it could be hard to turn down an offer. If you’ve already moved, you are probably anxious to sell your home as quickly as possible. You don’t want to accept a terribly low offer that leaves you bringing money to closing. Yet, it may be worth considering a slightly lower offer than your asking price, if that offer leaves you walking away from the home in decent shape.
3. Are the terms agreeable? Is the buyer offering a low price for your West Knoxville home? Are they asking for closing costs as well? Make sure all terms of the offer are reasonable.  If not, it may not be the right offer for you.

When it comes to deciding what offers you should and shouldn’t accept on your West Knoxville or Farragut home, it is truly a personal choice. Only you know your circumstances and what situation will be best for you. If you are considering selling your home, it is important to figure out what bottom line you are hoping to get out of the sale. That way, when it comes to accepting or declining offers, you know what exactly will meet your expectations and what will not.

Are you considering selling your West Knoxville home? Please let me know if there is anyway that I can assist you, you can give me a call at 865-696-9002 or send an email to Rick@TheBigOrangePress.Com. I’d love to assist you in anyway that I can.

Here are a few things to consider putting on your West Knoxville or Farragut home “wish list”:

Location: Quite possibly the biggest factor when choosing a home. What do you want to be close to? What area of town suits you the best? Determine you value most about your homes location. Some prefer a neighborhood that is close to everything while others would rather be away from the crowds and hubbub of living near the busy parts of town.

Home Type: Are you looking for a condo, town home, or single family home? Condos can be great for people wanting to avoid outdoor maintenance, but can lack the privacy and space of single family homes. What is right for one buyer, can be totally wrong for another.

Neighborhood: West Knoxville and Farragut have many neighborhoods to choose from. Are you looking to have a community pool and club house? Are you looking to live in a maintenance free neighborhood? Are you looking to live near the water? Or, are you looking for a place with a bit more privacy? With so many diverse neighborhoods in West Knoxville and Farragut, there is sure to be something that suits your needs.

Home Style / Condition: Are you looking for new construction or an older home with character? Some people want a home they can move into with minimal changes while don’t mind fixing things up a bit. Also, consider what style of home you want, do you want something with an open floor plan or do you want a traditional ranch home?

Features: When looking at homes in West Knoxville and Farragut, consider what features you can live with and what you can’t live without. Do you need a certain number of bathrooms or bedrooms? What kind of kitchen do you want?

Choosing the perfect West Knoxville or Farragut home is a fun and exciting process and making a “wish list” can make the whole process easier, that way you don’t waste time looking at homes that you would not want to purchase. Please let me know if there is anyway I can assist you on you home search, you can give me a call at 865-696-9002 or send an email to Rick@TheBigOrangePress.Com. Also, be sure to check out my home search page to see what homes are currently on the market in West Knoxville and Farragut. What’s on you home “wish list”?

Start by looking at the big picture.  When you repaint the exterior of your home, you’re not starting with a clean slate, the paint colors your choose will need to match the existing part of the home that will remain unchanged like the roof or brick or stone accents on the exterior of your home.

Then, pick a color that will cover a majority of your home’s exterior, called the field. The color your choose to cover to field will make up a majority of what people see when they look at your home. Light colors can make your home look large, but can also make your home look flimsy. Dark colors can make your home look smaller, but give a more solid appearance.

Next, pick the trim color. A well chosen trim color can accent a well chosen color for the field or it can cause stark contrast. Generally, trim colors should be lighter than the color you choose for the field. You should also paint gutters and other similar elements the same color at the trim to make them be less visible on your West Knoxville home.

Finally, you pick the accent color, which is meant to make certain aspects of your West Knoxville home pop. Things like the shutters and front door.

Don’t for get to consider the style of your home and the neighborhood you live in. There can be a time and a place for different place colors, but sometimes a bright pink door just isn’t suited certain styles and neighborhoods.

Are you considering selling your West Knoxville home? Please let me know if there is anyway that I can assist you, you can give me a call or send me an email.

In fact, housing affordability has never been this high since the National Association of Realtors began keeping track of it in 1970.   In January, NAR’s housing affordability index rose to 206.1. The figure is based on the median home price, median family income, and the average mortgage interest rate. High figures indicate that housing affordability is high, while low figures show that housing affordability is low. This would be the first time that the index has broken the 200 mark. This means that most people who are considering buying a home have double the income to purchase a median priced home.

In the current West Knoxville real estate market, with housing affordability at record highs, if you have been considering buying a home in West Knoxville or in the Farragut, this year is a great time to finally do it. Housing affordability is expected to remain high throughout this year.  Mortgage interest rates are also expected to remain at record lows throughout the rest  year, not to mention there are many great real estate deal in the West Knoxville real estate market.

Have you been considering buying a home in West Knoxville or the Farragut area? Please let me know if there is anyway that I can assist you in your West Knoxville or Farragut home search, you can give me a call at 865-696-9002 or send an email to Rick@TheBigOrangePress.Com. Also, be sure to check out my West Knoxville and Farragut Home Search Page, to see what homes are currently for sale in the area.

Knoxville home sales are on the rise, which could help stabilize prices. In a recent article in The Knoxville News Sentinel, it was reported that area home sales have been on the rise this year. This year home sales have seen the strongest first quarter since 2008, with 2,313 homes selling in the first quarter, according to data from the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors MLS. And, this is only the second time since 2006 that home sales have increased in the first quarter from one year to the next. With this data, it is hard to say what home prices will do, however, with home prices being historically low now, it is a great time to take advantage of it.

Knoxville was named the Best Place for Jobs This Spring. With many area employers looking to hire this spring, many residents may be inspired to finally buy a home. Whether they were waiting on getting more stable income before purchasing or are moving here from other parts of the country, with area’s economy seeing growth, more home purchases could result, which could help stabilize prices.

There will never be a perfect time to buy a home. With home prices still historically low and mortgage interest rates historically low as well, now is a good time to buy a home and its hard to say what will happen in the future. Regardless of what the market does, all buyers inevitably wonder if it is the “right” or “best” time to buy a home. Its more important to ask yourself if it is the best time for you. If you’re planning on staying in the area, have stable income, and are sick of renting, it may very well be.

Are you still on the fence about purchasing West Knoxville home? Please let me know if there is anyway that I can assist you in your home search, you can give me a call at 865-696-9002 or send an email to Rick@TheBigOrangePress.Com. Also, be sure to check out my home search page, to see what home are currently for sale in the area.

It will take place on Thursday evenings during this spring and summer, sponsored by the City of Knoxville, WDVX, and Stellar Visions and Sound. It is meant to draw a family atmosphere and celebrate local and regional musicians. The series kicks off on Thursday, April 26th with a concert by the Grassroots Gringos, a local Knoxville bluegrass band.  More dates and performances are expected to be announced soon.

One of the reasons cited for Sundown in the City’s cancellation is that the event had outgrown its location in recent years. When the series was started 15 years ago, it was started to bring people downtown. In recent years, the event had drawn crowds of more that 12,000 people.

In addition to the Market Square Concert Series, on Tuesday nights Market Square will all be home to Jazz on the Square, which was started last summer. Starting on May 1st, local jazz musicians will take the stage every Tuesday night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to these summer concerts, Market Square also has “Shakespeare in the Square” and “Movies In the Square.”

While Sundown in the City was a popular event for Knoxville residents, these concerts will offer a more family friendly environment for people to explore all that downtown has to offer. Downtown Knoxville is home to many restaurants and unique shopping locations.

What do you think of this new event? Will it successfully replace Sundown in the City?

12823 Stahl Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934
Price: $474,900
Details: 4 Bedroom, 3 Full Bats, 2 Half Baths
Age: 10 Years Old
Square Feet: 3,789
Highlights: This Farragut home for sale has been kept in immaculate condition. With beautiful hardwood and tile floors on the main, along with an open floor plan. The kitchen is large with center island, an eat-in area and lots of cabinet space. In addition, this home for sale has a large master suite with hardwood floors and large bathroom. This home is also located on a corner lot and has a private backyard with large screened in porch. If you’re looking for a home that’s been kept in great condition, this home is worth taking a look at.

721 Brochardt Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37934
Price: $474,500
Details: 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths
Age: 7 Years Old
Square Feet: 4,196
Highlights: This Farragut home for sale has a great floor plan and beautiful views of the mountains.  The main level has an open floor plan, two staircases, and hardwood floors throughout. The kitchen has lots of space with bar area and as well as an eat-in area. This Farragut home for sale has many upgrades for buyers looking in the West Knoxville area.

516 Brochardt Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37934
Price: $384,900
Details: 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths
Age: 7 Years Old
Square Feet: 3,045
Details: This home for sale in Fox Run is a foreclosure that is in great condition and move-in ready. With beautiful hardwoods on the main level and neutral paint throughout, this home has a great deal to offer. The master suite is large with and has a very spacious bathroom. The kitchen has lots of room and opens up into the main level. If you’re looking for a great deal in in West Knoxville, this is worth checking out.

Do you love any of these Farragut homes for sale? Please let me know if there is anyway that I can assist you in your home search. Also, be sure to check out the links below to see other homes for sale in this West Knoxville neighborhood. And, be sure to give me a call at 865-696-9002 or send an email to Rick@TheBigOrangePress.Com, if there is anyway I can assist you.

Disclaimer: Information for this post was gathered from the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors MLS. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

The cost of owning a home is more than just the purchase price. While owning a home comes with many tax benefits and it currently costs less to own a home in West Knoxville than it does to rent, homeownership can come with its own share of costs. You will want to make sure you are prepared for for all costs associated with owning your first home. Be sure to check how much property taxes are, if there are any homeowners association dues, and how much utilities run. Also, be prepared for any unanticipated repairs.

There are programs for first time home buyer’s in Tennessee. With the help of Tennessee Housing Development Agency [THDA], you could purchase your first West Knoxville home with no money down. THDA offers programs for first time home buyers to either help cover closing costs or help with the down payment. If you are considering buying a home in West Knoxville for the first time, their programs are definitely worth checking out.

Know the pros and the cons of buying a foreclosure or short sale. While short sale and foreclosures in Knoxville offer many great deals, you want to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Be sure you know what it means to buy a home in “as is” condition and that you get the home inspected so you truly know what you are getting yourself into.

You are buying for the right reasons. There is no denying now is a great time to buy a home. But, you will want to make sure you are doing it because it is the right time for you.

Do you have questions about buying your first home? Please let me know if there is anyway that I can assist you in your home search, you can give me a call at 865-696-9002 or send an email to Rick@TheBigOrangePress.Com. Also, be sure to check out my home search page to see what is currently available in the West Knoxville real estate market.