Lenoir City Real Estate News

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first.

Change the locks

Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your home. Changing the locks can be a DIY project, or you can call in a locksmith for a little extra money.

Steam clean the carpets

It’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness. Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens. It’s pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner—your local grocery store may have them available.

Call an exterminator

Prior to move-in, you probably haven’t spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking. Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home.

Clean out the kitchen

If the previous occupants wanted to skip on some of their cleaning duties when they moved out, the kitchen is where they probably cut corners. Wipe down the inside of cabinets, clean out the refrigerator, clean the oven, and clean in the nooks and crannies underneath the appliances.

Posted by Tonya Bledsoe on March 13th, 2020 7:20 PM

Refinancing your mortgage is something most homeowners consider at least once throughout the lifespan of their home loan. It allows you to pay off your previous loan by applying for a new one that has better financial advantages. While there are many good reasons to refinance, here are five common ones.

  • Scoring a lower interest rate. The number one reason homeowners decide to refinance is to secure a lower interest rate on their mortgage. Not only does this save you money in the long run and decrease your monthly payment, but you can start building equity in your home sooner.
  • Using an improved credit score. Even if interest rates have not dropped in the market, if you’ve improved your credit score over the last few years, you may be able to reduce your mortgage rate.
  • Shortening the loan’s term. If interest rates are decreasing, there is a chance you may be able to get a shorter loan term with little to no change in your monthly payment, allowing you to pay off your loan sooner.
  • Switching from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate. If you chose an adjustable-rate mortgage with great introductory rates when you initially financed your home, that rate may increase significantly over the years. By switching to a fixed rate while interest rates are low, you can protect yourself from future increases.
  • Cashing out home equity. If there is a big purchase or payment on the horizon, such as funding a wedding or going back to school, your best option may be to use the equity you’ve built in your home to borrow money at a lower cost.
Posted by Tonya Bledsoe on March 13th, 2020 7:19 PM

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, the negotiation part of the transaction can be a little daunting and stressful. However, it is necessary to ensure you are getting the best possible deal for your money. So, what should you negotiate when buying a home?

  1. Closing costs. Your closing costs are determined by a variety of factors, but you can expect it to be between 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Ask the seller to cover some or all of the closing costs upfront or request a closing credit that can be used to make specific updates and fixes to the home.
  2. Furnishings. Love how the seller has furnished and decorated the home? Buyers often negotiate keeping couches, fixtures, landscaping items, patio furniture, appliances, and more. And many sellers agree, wanting to make the home more appealing.
  3. Inspection and closing timing. Buyer offers that include a quick inspection and close timeline are often more attractive to sellers who have been going through the process for far too long. Just ensure you allow yourself ample time to get your financing in place and complete proper, thorough inspections.
  4. Home warranty. Sellers will often agree to pay the premium on the home warranty at closing and then hand it off to the new homeowner, who is responsible for the deductible on any future claims.
  5. Repairs. Your inspection may uncover small or large repairs needed to bring the home up to standard. You can negotiate to have these items fixed before closing or ask for a price reduction to cover the costs.
Posted by Tonya Bledsoe on March 13th, 2020 7:07 PM

Outdated kitchen. Overrun backyard. Unusable basement space. If you have a home renovation project on the mind, the first thing you have to consider is how you are going to finance it. Here are the most common options to make your dreams become a reality.

Cash. Paying in cash is the most straightforward financing option, just save until you have enough money to cover the expenses. This will help eliminate spending outside your budget; however, it can also extend your timeline.

Mortgage Refinance. If you’ve been making payments on your home for a few years and your interest rate is higher than current market rates, you may be eligible for a mortgage refinance, reducing your payments and freeing up some money.

Cash-Out Refinance. You can tap into your home equity and borrow up to 80 percent of your home’s value to pay off your current mortgage plus take out more cash to cover the renovations. This option is encouraged only when you’re making improvements that will increase the value of your home, as it can add a lot of interest and fees.

Home Equity. Getting a home equity line of credit allows you to borrow money against the value of your home. You receive usually up to 80 percent of your home’s value, minus the amount of your loan.

Retirement Funds. Homeowners can consider pulling money from a 401K or IRA account, even though they aren’t specifically meant to cover a home renovation. This option might incur additional penalties or tax payments, but may be worth it when making improvements that will benefit them financially in the long run.

Posted by Tonya Bledsoe on February 14th, 2020 8:52 PM

Tips For Selling Your Home

Are you thinking about putting your house on the market? It is certainly a good time to sell and it is a seller’s market. It’s a great opportunity to get the most out of your home. One thing some sellers do not realize is that it seems like the buyers are paying top dollar but they are also picky about what they are purchasing. Buyers are willing to wait on that perfect home. The following items are a few tips that you may want to consider before listing your home:

  1. Thoroughly clean your home and don’t forget the windows, mirrors and ceiling fan blades. Clean your carpet and rugs. Make sure your hardwood is looking its best. If you’re too busy, hire someone to deep clean, it will pay off in the end.

  2. Declutter your home, you may need to remove some of your larger furniture, too much furniture can make your rooms look smaller. Don’t forget to organize your closet, the buyers will be looking in here as well and they will always be looking for extra closet space.

  3. Repaint your walls to a neutral color. Remove most of your wall hangings and repair the holes, the buyers will expect this to be done. This is a great time to remove your personal photos, the buyers need to feel themselves living here not envision how your family is living here.

  4. If you have a room that is not being used then turn it into an office or guest bedroom, this may just be the extra room they are looking for.

  5. Bake some cookies or burn a candle prior to your showing. Don’t cook foods that don’t smell good such as bacon or fish and will linger during your showing.

  6. Pay extra attention to your bathroom. Buy some plush towels and wash cloths, add matching bath mats and decorate with some spa
    1. essentials. Don’t forget to lower the toilet lid prior to your showing.

    2. Open all the windows to let the light in and show off those clean windows. Most people prefer light and bright rooms instead of dark rooms.

    3. Whatever you do don’t forget about the outside. It is so important to have good curb appeal, without it the buyers may pass you up.

Posted in:General
Posted by Tonya Bledsoe on May 9th, 2017 9:21 AM