Brenda's East Tennessee Homes Blog

Home With Acreage - Now With New Options to Buy

2014-04-03T11:41:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago I posted a new listing at 507 Brandi Lane in Blaine, TN. We have had many calls on it and each call did not realize it would come with 12.76 acres to maintain. (and to get a loan on) This week we decided to split it out and now we offer 3 options for buying. The options are as follows:

All 12.76 Acres with home, garage/workshop and shed offered at $235,000.
5.54 Acres with home, garage/workshop and shed offered at $185,000
7.22 acres raw land offered at $55,000 ( great price at under $8K and acre)

Add caption

Land lays gradually rolling to top where mountain views are all around.

The Life of a Real Estate Agent

2014-03-21T00:38:00.000-04:00

Here is an blog post I wrote in 2010 but never published. Now as I am well into my 7th year as a Realtor I sometimes ask myself the some of the same questions. Would it be better to have a job with regular hours and benefits? A regular paycheck each week I could count on ?

I am a real estate agent. I work with buyers and sellers. I also deal with some folks who seem to think I do this just because I love to drive them around all day and look at houses and I love it so much I will do it for days and days even though they can't buy a home or have no intentions of buying a home. They just love to look at houses and see how they are decorated and dream. They think Realtors® are rich or that we get paid just for driving them around.
Before I became a Realtor® and I am a Realtor® not just an agent (there is a difference) I'm not exactly sure what I thought about real estate agents other than I don't think it was good. I know I didn't trust them. Don't really know why but I just didn't. Right there with lawyers and used car salesmen.

So why in the world would I conscientiously decide to become a real estate agent? Sometimes I still wonder??? Actually I became a Realtor® because of my feelings and beliefs about them. I wanted to provide a service for buyers and sellers and be someone who was trustworthy, honest and would serve them with the highest ethics. I wanted to make a difference.

I am now in my 4th year of real estate and while I love helping buyers with this exciting and monumental step in their lives I still have days I want to give up and find a normal job with regular hours and a paycheck every week and vacations and other benefits that companies provide for their employees.

Home With Acreage In The Country With Easy Commute

2014-02-20T12:55:00.004-05:00

Last week I had the pleasure of listing a wonderful property for a couple who I met several years ago my first year in real estate. I must say they are some of the nicest folks I know. When I first met the woman she promised I was her Realtor® for life. She has kept that promise for almost 7 years now and 3 property sales so far. This will be #4. They bought a home late last year and had one to sell but did not have to sell to buy so they bought, took their time moving and then before they listed they wanted to ensure their old home was ready for new owners so everything is in tip top shape and all someone will need to do is roll their moving truck up to the door and move in.
This property is located in the small town of Blaine which is in Grainger County, Tennessee. It is located at 507 Brandi Lane approximately 1 mile off US Hwy 11W, Rutledge Pike and less than 15 miles from I-40 making it an easy commute to Downtown Knoxville. It is also conveniently located for a quick drive to Jefferson, Sevier, Hamblen and Union Counties.


507 Brandi Lane, Blaine, TN 37709 $245,000 MLS # 874878

Brought to you by Brenda Jolly of Slyman Real Estate, 150 Center Park Dr Suite 200 , Knoxville, TN 37922

This home sits on 12.76 acres near the end of a dead end road. Ideal for anyone who might want a small farm. Bring your horses, chickens, and cattle. There's plenty of room to grow a garden. There is a fenced area adjacent to the front porch where pets can go outside without supervision. Wildlife is abundant and deer can be seen often. Front porch perfect for rocking chairs with views of the countryside. Recent survey (2009) shows neighboring fence on property and is in process of being moved over as can be seen if you walk the acreage. From the pinnacle of the acreage panoramic views of House Mountain, the Clinch Mountains and the Smokies. There is 1,267 feet of road frontage and the entire 12.76 plat is made up of 2 lots, #18 and #19 lot. (lot#18 is 7.22 and lot# 19 is 5.54 acres). You could build a second home or put a double wide with a permanent foundation on lot #18 as an option.

There is a detached 1500 Sq Ft garage / workshop. It has 12 ft ceilings, a 10 and an 8 ft garage door with openers on the front side and a 10 ft roll up door on the back as well as 2 entry doors. There is additional storage space in a separate 12X16 ft storage shed with a lean to shelter for your tractor. The home is approximately 1352 Sq Ft with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a huge living room with woodburning fireplace, large eat in kitchen as well as a separate dining room. Suffer from allergies? No carpet here to aggravate those allergies. Laminate installed in living room and bedrooms in 2006 when home was extensively remodeled. There is a stone fireplace, faux wood blinds throughout, new kitchen cabinets and counter tops, ceiling fans in all bedrooms, livingroom and dining room, a DSC Alarm system. Water heater was replaced in 2009. New Pella double hung vinyl windows which have a transferable warranty were added in 2010. Extra insulation under the floors was added in 2013. Interior was painted in 2013 and exterior in 2012. Smooth top range and side by side refrigerator will convey with home. The home is on a crawlspace with stone veneer. According to a previous listing the home structure was moved to this property from another location but the home is a stick built home. Tax records show the home as being built in 1998 but seller believes it may have been built earlier based on the styling of the character of the home.

If you would like more information about this property or would like to view it you may contact Brenda Jolly anytime. If you are working with a buyers agent you may have your agent contact me or my office to set up a showing.

Brenda Jolly
Slyman Real Estate

Direct: 865-898-7896

Email: bgj31054@bellsouth.net
Office: 865-862-6161

Images of East Tennessee - Great Smoky Mountain National Park

2014-02-05T16:28:00.002-05:00

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cade's Cove

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Clingman's Dome

Photo's by Brenda Jolly 2013

Real Estate Glossary

2013-12-29T00:25:00.002-05:00

Listing Agreement: A contract between seller and Real Estate Broker spelling out the terms of the listing. It should include a list date and a expiration date and compensation agreement. It will also include an Agency Agreement.

Comparative Market Analysis or CMA: An examination of the prices at which similar properties in the same area recently sold. Real estate agents may prepare a comparative market analysis for their clients to help them determine a price to list when selling a home or a price to offer when buying a home. Since no two properties are identical, agents make adjustments for the differences between the sold properties and the one that is about to be purchased or listed to determine a fair offer or sale price.

Absorption Rate: The rate at which available homes are sold in a specific real estate market during a given time period. It is calculated by dividing the total number of available homes by the average number of sales per month. The figure shows how many months it will take to exhaust the supply of homes on the market. A high absorption rate may indicate that the supply of available homes will shrink rapidly, increasing the odds that a homeowner will sell a piece of property in a shorter period of time.

Average Days on Market or DOM: The number of days a listing is active in a multiple listing service before it is entered into "pending" status. Pending status is when an offer has been accepted by the seller but the transaction is not yet closed. Many agents refer to "average days on market," which is derived by adding all the days on market of each listing and dividing by the number of listings. In a buyer's market, the DOM are generally higher because inventory takes longer to sell. In a seller's market, the DOM are fewer.

Realtor Commission: This is a percentage or an amount that you and the real estate agent/broker agree on when the property is listed and that you agree to pay when your property is sold. There is no set percentage. All commissions are negotiable. Your listing agent will then share a percentage of that to a cooperating agent should another agent bring a buyer.

Binding Agreement Date: This refers to the date when an offer to buy is accepted and all parties (Buyers and Sellers) have signed and accepted the price and terms of an offer to buy.

Buyers Representation Agreement: This is an agreement between a buyer and an agent/broker in which the buyer is agreeing to work exclusively with a particular agent/broker. In order to have a Buyers Representation Agreement the buyer and the agent must have a written agreement. Once a buyer enters into a Buyers Rep Agreement they are agreeing to let their agent schedule all showings for them and they are agreeing to pay the agent at closing whether through the cooperating commission paid by seller or out of pocket. Depending on what is agreed to in the agreement the buyer may owe their agent additional commission should the cooperating commission be less than that agreed upon to pay. This agreement serves both the buyer and the agent in that it obligates both buyer and agent to certain due diligence behaviors and loyalty in the transaction. If the buyer goe to an open house or calls another agent about a property other than their agent they should let other agents they come in contact with know that they are in a Buyers Rep Agreement with another agent and provide their agents name. Should a buyer use another agent when they are under a Buyers Agreement they may wind up paying their agent at closing out of their pocket as well as the agent with whom they did not have the agreement . Buyers should always be aware of what they are signing and they should always get a copy of everything they sign.

You've Found The Perfect Property...Now What? Part 1

2013-12-18T16:41:00.000-05:00

You've found that perfect home....now what? Once the offer is negotiated and you have a binding contract your next step will be to employe a good home inspector to inspect the home and tell you what you can expect as the new home owner and also let you know if there is anything going on with the home that could have an adverse affect on the value of the home. He will look at the electrical and plumbing, walls, windows, roofing, in the rafters and the crawl space areas. The reason for this is to make sure there are no major problems going on that the seller may not have disclosed and maybe not even been aware of themselves. Sometimes some of these repairs can be negotiated to be fixed prior to closing and sometimes repairs are not an option and you as a buyer have to make a decision whether to accept the home as is with the knowledge that you will have to make certain repairs yourself after closing or make he decision to withdraw from the contract and ask for your earnest money back and find something else. Keep in mind, unless required by the lender in order to fund the loan the seller is under no obligation to make the repairs. The home inspection as with all inspection are for the buyers benefit so that they are making an informed decision in the buying process. Next up...Making an Offer.

Days To Remember

2013-12-18T15:56:00.000-05:00

Everyone has days in their life that are life altering, days that make such an impression you never forget them. It may be a happy event, a shocking event or something tragic but none he less something about it causes it to be more prominent a memory in your mind. Not an ordinary day. November 22, 1963 was such a day. Most people can tell you about that day in their lives. What they were doing, the emotions of the day. 9/11/2001 was another such day. The day Dale Earnhardt died was another. All these days impacted so many lives as well as the closest family members in a way that they would never forget the memories. While these days are associated with tragedy not all days that we remember so vividly are. Other days that many people remember are the birth of a child, a wedding day, the day you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior as well as others. Sometimes it is even an otherwise seemingly ordinary day but something about it causes it to be a special memory.

Why do some days and events leave such vivid memories? I don't think this is an question that really has an answer. The human mind is so complex one can never know what triggers these memories.

I for example have a vivid memory from my childhood where I couldn't have been more than a toddler and it involves a house where we lived and the memory of brushing our teeth on the back porch because we did not have an indoor bathroom back then. Another memory that has molded who I am today is when I was little we went to visit our great grandparents one time and my great grandfather was ill. I did not give him a hug and kiss when we left because I was so shy and backward and that was the last time I saw him alive. I always felt sad because it would have been so easy to have given him that hug and kiss. It was my loss. Because of that situation I make it a point to always make sure the people I love know it.

Camping in late October

2013-10-26T00:52:00.001-04:00

Here we are camping at the lake on a cold October weekend. Temperatures are in the 30's. Seems just last week it was warm and sunny and in the 80's . Gotta love East Tennessee weather . Flannel sheets on the bed and fleece pjs to keep me warm. Molly our little Boston is snuggled in her bed under the dining table. I'm sure she would love it if she could sleep at the foot of our bed but my allergies won't allow it. I'm not the sleep with your dog type either. Sorry dog lovers. Just not my style.

In the morning the plan is to have breakfast and them sit outside and enjoy sitting by a cozy campfire and relax. Can't wait! We haven't had a campfire in a long time. Seems we never have time for fun stuff and relaxing anymore.

Time to get some sleep.... More to come soon.

The Pout Pout Fish and The Big Big Dark (Song) - Gordon True

2013-09-13T16:03:00.000-04:00

The Pout Pout Fish in the Big Big Dark written by Deborah Deisen, illust...

2013-09-13T15:56:00.001-04:00

2013-04-25T16:17:00.000-04:00

Realtor.com Reports:
The Existing-Home Sales data measures sales and prices of existing single-family homes for the nation overall, and gives breakdowns for the West, Midwest, South, and Northeast regions of the country. These figures include condos and co-ops, in addition to single-family homes.

Latest News

WASHINGTON (April 22, 2013) –– Existing-home sales eased in March from inventory constraints, which continued to pressure home prices, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Read the entire press release
View supplemental market data (Excel: 15KB)

Next release: Existing-Home Sales for April is scheduled for May 23, 2013

Overview

Current sales rates, actual totals and median prices by month going back 12 months. Annual totals for three years. Includes all existing-home sales — single-family, condos and co-ops — rolled into monthly and annual totals. This file contains figures for the nation and four regions. It does not contain breakouts.
Existing-Home Sales Overview Chart for Printing (PDF: 46KB)
Existing-Home Sales Overview Chart for Database Work (MS Excel: 36KB)
Map of Existing-Home Sales Regions

Breakouts of Single-family, Condo and Co-op

Figures for the nation only — includes total existing-home sales, single-family sales and condo/co-op sales — seasonally adjusted and actual. Months supply by category also included. Median and average sales prices for all existing-home sales, for single-family sales and for condo-co-op sales.
Total Sales With Breakouts of Single-family and Condo/Co-op for Printing (PDF: 35KB)
Total Sales With Breakouts of Single-family and Condo/Co-op Spreadsheet for Database Work (MS Excel: 35KB)

Single-Family Existing-Home Sales and Prices

Current single-family existing-home sales rates, actual totals and median prices by month for 12 months. Annual totals for three years. Figures for the nation and four regions.
Single-Family Only for Printing (PDF: 45KB)
Single-Family Only Spreadsheet for Database Work (MS Excel: 37KB)
Map of Existing-Home Sales Regions

Condo and Co-op Sales and Prices

Current condo and co-op sales rates, actual totals and median prices by month for 12 months. Annual totals for three years. Figures for the nation and four regions.
Condo/Co-op Only for Printing (PDF: 45KB)
Condo/Co-op Spreadsheet for Database Work (MS Excel: 36KB)
Map of Existing-Home Sales Regions

Seasonally-Adjusted Historical Files

Each February, NAR Research incorporates a normal review of seasonal activity factors and fine-tunes historic data for the past three years based on the most recent findings. Revisions have been made to monthly seasonally adjusted annual sales rates for 2010 through 2012, as well as the inventory month's supply data; most revisions are minor with little or no impact on previous characterizations of the overall market. There are no revisions to monthly home prices (single family and condo) or to raw inventory data (beyond normal prior-month revisions).
Seasonally-Adjusted Historical Files (MS Excel: 28 KB)

Historical Data

To purchase historic information, e-mail your request to data@realtors.org. An NAR Research representative will get back to you shortly.

2013-04-25T15:36:00.000-04:00

Brenda Jolly | Slyman Real Estate | (865) 862-6161

980 Sencebaugh Dr, Sevierville, TN

3BR/2.0BA Single Family

offered at $179,900

Year Built	1974
Sq Footage	2,417
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2.0
Floors	1
Parking	1 Garage - Attached
Lot Size	274,428 sq ft

description

Your own private retreat. Chalet style home on wooded acreage near the Smokies. Listen to the stream as you relax on the wraparound deck. Home features wood burning fireplace, barnwood accented walls and built-ins, exposed wood beams. Home has 3 bedrooms and an office or bonus room,lots of closet storage. Recently updated, newly painted and move in ready. Woodstove and workshop area in unf basement. 1 year home warranty provided by sellers at closing.

see additional photos below

property features

- Fireplace
- Ceiling fans
- Deck

- Lawn

- Patio

- Vaulted Ceilings

additional photos

At Creek

Winter view

Fall

Fall View From Balcony

Beamed Ceilings

Workshop Area in Basement

Office View

Basement with Wood Stove

Nights on the Private Deck

Contact info:

Brenda Jolly

Slyman Real Estate

(865) 862-6161

Posted: March 10, 2013

Live Near the Lake

2012-12-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

Build your dream home on this affordable lot in established lakeside subdivision. Rio Vista located in Friendsville features many homes with different styling unlike many of the cookie cutter subdivisions. Each home reflects it's owners unique personality and individuality. Be a part of this lakeside community and build your home on this .54 acre lot suitable for a basement home. This is a corner lot which fronts Rio Drive and Little Vista. Seller is motivated and would also consider trade for another suitable property. Walking distance to the lake. One of the best things I have noticed about this community is the wooded lots with established plantings and trees provide such beautiful surroundings. A parklike setting with hills and valleys.

Facebook Friend or Foe

2010-12-07T01:27:00.000-05:00

Whether you like it or not as of July 2010 statistics indicated that over 500,000 people use Facebook all over the world. Such growth since February 2004 is unbelievable. The social application has created friendships between hundreds of users who friend each other, chat, play games and participate and interact with others through pages created by users. You may hate it when your friends send you "virtual gifts", Farmville invitations, Wheel of Fortune, Mafia Wars and so on. How about when your wall is loaded up with Yo'ville, Frontierville, Farmville, and now Cityville. Then you see someone has made a page that they don't care about your farm, your fish, your cafe or your Mafia. Hey you guys, don't you know if you don't want to see it just BLOCK the application! Simple solution.

Personally I think these games are fine. Great for relieving some stress. That's what they are for....to have fun with! If you have friends that you know don't like them don't post on their walls. Friends if I post on your wall and you don't like my game, don't delete me, block the game. I don't mind the games if I play them, what I don't care for is when users THINK others are interested that they clipped their toenails today or their dog threw up on the rug. WHO CARES??? Oh brother! Let's see what they're saying now...."Getting ready to do some unpacking...." Who cares! "I hate my XXXX job at XXXX" Then get another one, at least you have a job!

Think before you vent for the world to see!

Sometimes you may be frustrated and want to blow off some steam. Cell phones make it so easy to vent your anger on the world wide web via facebook within seconds. Even at work. People, think about what you are saying before you post it for everyone to see. Don't go posting stuff that can come back and BITE you in the butt! Did you know many employers look you up on facebook before they consider offering you a job or a promotion? And once you get that job..... Don't go trashing your employer for everyone to see! If you don't like your job don't belittle your employer on the internet. It can and will be used against you. Granted we do have freedom of speech....but your employer also has freedom to hire and fire at will and many times without cause, so don't give them a reason!

Facebook can be a good thing. Ever wonder what happened to your best friend in 5th grade? Old friends find each other and catch up. Families and friends can stay in touch. Friends band together and pray for those in need and offer words of encouragement. You can see your baby nieces and nephews as they grow up through photo sharing. I have heard of users who have found lost relatives and reconnected. How wonderful is that? And how fun to have everyone wish you a Happy Birthday! Everyone loves to feel SPECIAL.

Whether you like it or not facebook is here. How you use it is up to you.

Old Barns

2010-12-06T23:54:00.000-05:00

Being a Realtor® I spend a great deal of time in my car. Over the past few years I have come to realize that I love seeing the old barns scattered throughout the East Tennessee area. Each barn is different. Some of them are very simple structures built only to serve a purpose and some are have very unique features and are very beautiful. Some are bare rustic wood and some are painted different colors that brighten up the countryside. Each barn has character and is beautiful in a a rustic sort of way. Although I have seen hundreds of beautiful barns I have not always been able to just conveniently pull over and take a picture of them. Here are some of the barns that I have been able to capture along the way. Hope you like them too!

Corryton, TN

Spring Rain Corryton, TN

Bluebird Skies Luttrell, TN

Horse on a Rainy Day Corryton, TN

South Knoxville Barn in Spring

Summer at Turner Hollow Maynardville, TN

My How Time Flies

2009-08-18T08:06:00.003-04:00

Seems like yesterday that the government announced the $8000 tax credit for 1st time home buyers who want to take the plunge into home ownership. What a great incentive for home ownership. Hurray for the those folks who have taken advantage of it so far. I wish I could have qualified. I can think of many things I could use $8000 for these days. Like a fun camping trip in October and a vacation to Florida in the spring.

It is sad though that many will be disappointed who will not qualify because they are waiting until the last minute and time is not on their side. There is only 105 days left in which to get
pre-approved for a loan , find the perfect property, negotiate an offer, process the loan, have all inspections, make any necessary repairs, surveys, title work and get it closed on or before the 30Th of November. With loan processors taking sometimes twice the time it used to to get the loan through underwriting and to the title company. If you are buying a bank owned home, a short sale or a home that is being handled by a relocation company prepare for a longer negotiation and many times a longer wait to closing.

If you want to take advantage of the tax credit before it is too late contact me now. I will help you find a great mortgage person (one who has provided exceptional service to past clients) to get prequalified, find that great house for your needs and get you to closing in time to qualifty for the $8000.

Brenda Jolly
Southland GMAC Real Estate
Office: 865-687-6657
Agent Direct Line: 865-898-7896
Email: brenda@knoxvillefindahome.com

Search Homes NOW: www.brendajolly.net or www.homesforsaleknox.com

New Listing. Douglas Lakefront Acreage

2009-03-31T21:51:00.004-04:00

Re-Listed at $99,000.
~~First Time On the Market!~~

This wooded 5.3 acre lot is on Brightstone Point on beautiful Douglas Lake in the Muddy Creek area. One of the favorite fisheries of anglers in Tennessee and some of the most beautiful waters around. Located in Jefferson County but just minutes away from the Sevier County line. Convenient to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Dollywood, Pigeon Forge and Newport. Build your home or home away from home, either way you will love living on the lake in East Tennessee. Offered at $250,000. MLS # 658341

Directions: From Knoxville, I-40E to Exit 407, right on TN-66, left on US-411, left on Fain Rd. Once on Fain Rd pavement will turn to gravel road which is Brightstone Way, follow Brightstone Way to property on left. Sign on property.

Brenda Jolly

Slyman Real Estate

150 Center Park Dr Suite 200

Knoxville, TN 37922

Office: 865-862-6161

Agent: 865-898-7896

January Closings Single Family Homes- Knoxville, TN

2009-02-24T23:53:00.010-05:00

If you wonder how home sales for January 2009 compare to a year ago here are the numbers. I compared all single family homes that closed from Jan 1,2008 - Jan 31,2008 to those that closed during the same period this year.
January 2008 / January 2009

Total Homes Closed: 291 / 204

Avg List Price: $195,242 / $202,558

Avg Sold Price : $189,052 / $192,568

% Sale Price/List Price: 96.8 / 95.0

# of Closings that were
Bank Owned/
Foreclosed Properties: 38 / 50

Currently as of today, there are 3644 single family homes For Sale on the Knoxville MLS in Knox County and 491 properties that are Pending Do Not Show waiting to close and another 176 that are pending Continue to Show indicating there is an accepted offer on the property but contingencies still need to be cleared. Currently of the 3644 single family homes on the market, 221 of them are foreclosures as best as I can tell.
If you would like more information about real estate in Knoxville or the surrounding counties of East TN visit my website at http://www.brendajolly.net/ or send me an email at brenda@knoxvillefindahome.com

Brenda Jolly

Southland GMAC

200 Midlake Dr Suite C

Knoxville, TN 37918

Office: 865-687-6657

Agent: 865-898-7896

Take a Break and Go Fishing!

2009-02-20T22:53:00.005-05:00

Last Friday we (me and my husband) decided to take a much needed break from work since the weather was cooperating and so we hooked up the boat and off we went to the lake for what we hoped would be a successful day of not only fishing but actually catching fish......As we launched at Cove Creek on Norris Lake in Andersonville it was so nice as we cruised the lake looking for a good spot to try out luck. We just never could quite find that right spot. This is the hardest lake I have ever tried to catch fish in. We just cannot seem to find the right pattern. Although I love being on the lake whether I am catching fish or not it would sure be nice to at least catch on to what we are doing wrong and luck up on a good fishing spot every once in a while so we don't feel like total losers! Sometimes it seems like the fish know when we are coming and they all go into hiding until we give up and pull out. We used to fish more at Douglas and Fort Loudon (much easier fisheries) and really did pretty good most of the time. If anyone can give me any hints on how to catch the fish in Norris Lake I would be so happy. At least when we go fishing at Norris we have a nice picnic on the boat and enjoy each others company for the day. No TV and no Internet.