1. Check out your waterworks. Use the sporadic downpours to see if your gutters are properly functioning. Are the gutters functioning like the should be or are they clogged with leaves and debris? When the water leaves the downspouts, is it moving away from the house? You want to ensure that the water is moving away from your home, and not saturating your foundation.
2. Do a walk-through of alarms. Take the time to check the functionality of your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Check to see each one is working and change the batteries. Important tasks like these are important and very easy to forget.
3. Go looking for leaks. With mother nature’s help, a rainy day is a great time to make sure there are no leaks in your house. Go up to the attic and look for any potential leaks. If you find one, trace the droplet up to the source to see the point of origination.
4. Maintain your refrigerator. Make sure the seals on your refrigerator are airtight. You can test this by closing a dollar bill in the door. If you are able to easily pull it out, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced. Also, take the time to vacuum out the back of your refrigerator if it has coils on the back. It should be done twice a year and will make your refrigerator run more efficiently.
5. Organize your warranties and take inventory of your belongings. Organize all appliance warranties and take note of any maintenance that needs to be done. [The maintenance can me done on the next day you're stuck inside due to mother nature!] By doing the required maintenance, you will keep the appliances in better working order, giving them a longer lifetime. Also, use this time to take inventory of you belongings. Consider using an inventory program. If for any reason you have to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance, it will make the process easier.

Whether you are prepping to sell your West Knoxville home or if you just want to do some routine maintenance on your home, a rainy day in Knoxville is the perfect time to do it. What maintenance will you be doing on the next rainy day?

List Price: $159,900

Details: 4 Bedroom, 3 Baths

This Lakeshire home for sale has recently undergone many renovations, making it move-in ready for any buyer looking for home in West Knoxville. There are beautiful hardwood floors and neutral paint throughout the home. The kitchen is nice and open, with beautiful new cabinets and countertops. There are also new stainless steal appliances. The master suite has connected bathroom and a huge custom built walk-in closet. This home for sale in Lakeshire also recently got a new roof, siding, along with new doors and windows.

Residents of the Lakeshire neighborhood will enjoy its beautiful wooded lots and spacious,  private backyards. This West Knoxville neighborhood is convenient to many locations and offers affordable 3 and 4 bedroom homes. There are no homeowner’s association fees for this West Knoxville neighborhood. Residents of this subdivision attend A.L. Lotts Elementary, West Valley Middle School, and Bearden High School, which are all part of the Knox County School System.

Residents of this subdivision enjoy a great location in Knoxville. They conveniently to the Northshore Town Center, where there is currently being a Target and Publix put in. There is also a Kroger and quite a few restaurants in the Northshore Town Center area.

Does this West Knoxville home for sale interest you? Please let me know if there is anyway that I can assist you in your West Knoxville home search, feel free to give me a call at 865-696-9002, or send an email to Rick@TheBigOrangePress.Com. Also, be sure to check out the links below to see more homes for sale in the Lakeshire Subdivision.

Disclaimer: This property is listed by April Lester of Realty 1 – 865-376-1211. Information for this post was gathered from the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors MLS. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

So what makes this such a strong selling point for your West Knoxville home? Think about it. The kitchen is essentially the heart of every home. It is where meals are cooked and families come together to eat and share their day. When entertaining guests the kitchen is one area of the home guests are likely to see. And, in many new floor plans the kitchen is one of the main focal points of the home, opening up into family rooms and other areas of the house, making it an area where entertaining  guests happens.

Wondering how you can make your kitchen a strong selling point of your West Knoxville home?

Do your research. You want to have a great kitchen for your price range. Spending costless dollars on an upgraded kitchen is great, but if it increases the price of your home significantly compared to others in your West Knoxville neighborhood, it could have a hard time selling. Check out MLS listings, open houses, or talk to a realtor in your area to see what these homes have to offer. What upgrades do they have? What upgrades don’t they have?

Match the competition. By doing research of homes prices in your West Knoxville neighborhood, you will learn what upgrades you do and don’t need to make. Do they have upgraded appliances? What type of cabinets and countertops do they have? Or, does you kitchen just need some de-cluttering and a fresh coat of paint? Figure out what changes you need to make and find the most cost effective way to make the changes. And, you may be able to do some of the work yourself.

The key to achieving a great kitchen is know your market and make the necessary changes. Spending the time and the money making the necessary upgrades can make all the difference in selling your West Knoxville home. Please let me know if there is any information I can provide about selling your West Knoxville home, you can give me a call at 865-696-9002 or shoot me an email. What are you doing to make your West Knoxville home more marketable?

• A well-maintained yard is a crucial and easy fix. Take care of the little aspects that make a difference: mowing and edging you yard, trimming the hedges, pulling weeds, and making sure your grass is well watered.
• A fresh paint job can make all the difference. Look for peeling or chipped paint on the outside of your house. Are doorway and windows free of chipped paint? Touching up a little paint on the outside of your home can make all the difference in how you home looks.
• Simple touches like flowers can make your West Knoxville home all the more inviting. During the spring and summer months, consider planting or potting flowers around your house, to make it look more inviting.
• Cracks in the foundation can make your home look significantly less desirable. Is the walkway up to your house cracked and old looking? Does the foundation look like it is crumpling? Consider filling them in before putting your house on the market.
• Little details like inspecting your gutters can make a difference. Are they clean? Are they aligned? Buyers will notice key details when visiting your house.
• Keep the outside of your house free of clutter. Park your boat or RV elsewhere while your house is on the market. Also, keep your front porch and yard free of children’s toys, debris or other clutter.

There is a lot of preparation that comes with selling your West Knoxville home. If there is anything I can do to help make this process easier, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 865-696-9002 or send me an email.  Are you considering selling your West Knoxville home? What are you doing to make it market ready?

Pros of Buying a Condo in West Knoxville

• Condominiums offer many amenities. Many condos offer swimming pools, fitness centers and other facilities for residents.
• You do not have to worry about maintenance of common areas. In many condos, the common areas are maintained for you. So, there will be no worrying about cutting the grass. Residents pay a monthly or yearly homeowner’s association dues that covers the maintenance of these areas.
• Security. In a condo, you are much closer to neighbors. You may share common hallways or common walls.

Cons of Buying a Condo in West Knoxville

• Storage can be limited. You may have a storage locker or closet space, but most condos lack an attic for storage.
• Outdoor space. Condos typically have a smaller backyard or outdoor area compared to single family homes. They may lack the privacy of a single family home.
• Reserve funds and homeowner’s association fees. As a resident of a condominium, you are required to pay certain fees that your might not necessarily agree with. These funds may go into a savings account for future repairs or may go towards the cost of future repairs. Regardless, of how you feel about these fees, you are still required to pay for them.
• Condo Rules and Restrictions. Prior to moving into a condo, you will want to make sure you are familiar with the restrictions of the complex. Everything from how you dispose of you trash, the type of family pet you are allowed to have, or painting regulations can be dictated by these restrictions.

Buying a condo in West Knoxville can be a great decision for some and not such a great decision for other. Prior to buying a condo, you will want to make sure it suits you lifestyle. Is buying a condo a good idea or bad idea? Let me know if there is anything I can assist you with, give me a call at 865-696-9002 or shoot me an email.

So what are they predicting for 2012?

Fannie Mae economists recently predicted that home sales will increase 3.5% this year to 4.74 million home sales, in a recent news release. The release cites employment growth and housing affordability as key reasons for the predicted growth. Though, the first six months of the year are predicted to be slower than the last six months of the year, and consumer confidence will be greatly driven by political uncertainty, with the upcoming presidential election. The report also predicts a larger increase in home sale for 2013, with sales up 5% to nearly 5 million. Refinance originations are expected to drop to $540 billion from $894 billion, while, purchase mortgage originations are expected to increase. Fannie Mae also predicted a 2.3% growth in the overall economy this year.

Freddie Mac predicts positive outlook for this year as well in a recent report. In the recent report, Freddie Mac’s U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook, it predicts that homes sale will increase 2 to 5% over the next year. The report predicts an increase of 2.1% of growth in the overall economy during the first quarter of 2012. The growth in the economy and with mortgage rates expected to remain low, an increase in home sales is expected, according to the report.

Another report release by CoreLogic, also predicts growth in the housing sector also. The  2012 MarketPulse Report predicts with housing sales up 12% in November 2011 compared to those of January 2011 and new single family home construction up by 15% in November 2011 compared to those of January 2011, the report says that conditions improving at the end of the year open up positive opportunities this year. The report also predicts a housing market turn around with increased job growth, record home price lows, and low mortgage interest rates.

What do you think of these statistics? Will the Knoxville real estate market see growth in 2012?

List Price: $264,900

Details: 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

With beautiful hardwood floors on the main level and lots of upgrades, this Williford home for sale is a great find. The kitchen has beautiful granite counter tops and dark wood cabinets. The kitchen also has new black appliances and opens up into a kitchen eat-in area. With high 9 foot ceilings and adjoining great room and dining room, the lower level has a great spacious layout. The master suite is roomy, with trey ceilings and a large attached bath. New front-loading washer and dryer also stay with this house. For anyone looking for a home that is like new, this West Knoxville home is worth considering.

The Williford Subdivision is a small, relatively new neighborhood that is composed of 52 homes. Residents of this West Knoxville neighborhood attend Blue Grass Elementary, West Valley Middle School, and Bearden High School, which are all part of the Knox County School System. Williford is located off of Bluegrass Road, near I-140 and Ebenezer Road, making it close to many West Knoxville locations. Residents of Williford are about 10 to 15 minutes away from Turkey Creek and about 15 minutes away from West Town Mall.

Does this West Knoxville home for sale interest you? Please let me know if there is anyway that I can assist you in your West Knoxville home search, feel free to give me a call at 865-696-9002, or send an email to Rick@TheBigOrangePress.Com. Also, be sure to check out the links below to see more homes for sale in the Williford Subdivision.

DISCLAIMER: This property is listed by Jenny Snodgrass of Alliance Sotheby’s International – 865-256-2726. Information for this post was gathered from the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors MLS. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

According to results of the poll, 3 out of 4 people, including both people who rent and own their homes, support tax incentives for people who own their homes. These results were found to be true for people of all political backgrounds, including 84% of Democrats, 71% of Republicans, and 71% of Independents. These same people would strongly oppose measures that impede people from obtaining mortgages or limiting tax breaks for those people who own homes.

The poll also showed that two out of three people believed that the government should help home buyers afford 30-year or fixed rate mortgages. Also, it showed 73% of people support the mortgage interest rate tax deduction, including 77% of  Republicans, 71% of Democrats, and 71% of Independents. And, 68% of those same people, would not vote for a presidential candidate that was wanting to eliminate those deductions, including 69% of Independents and 68% of Democrats and Republicans.

The poll also found that a 96% of homeowners are happy with the fact they bought a home and 74% said that despite the real estate market turmoil, they believe buying a home is still a worthy investment. Also, 78% of respondents said that owning a home is important to them and 74% would advise a friend or family member to purchase a home. The full results of the poll can be viewed here.

So what does this mean for those wanting to buy or sell a home in Knoxville? With such an overwhelming of Americans still placing importance on homeownership and predictions of market growth [Fannie Mae economists are recently predicted home sales to grow 3.5% this year], hopefully this year will show some stabilization and growth in the housing market.

What do these results mean to you? Do you think it is a good time to buy a home in Knoxville?

List Price: $499,900

Details: 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 1 Bonus Room, Screened-In Porch

Built in 2005, this Whittington Creek home for sale is in move-in ready condition. The main level has a spacious layout, with an open foyer and family room. The main level also has beautiful hardwood floors in every room, but the master suite, which is located on the main level. The master suite is large and has a big walk-in closet. The master bath has double sinks, separate shower, and a large tub. This Whittington Creek home for sale also has a great kitchen. It has stainless steel appliances, center island, granite countertops, and lots of cabinet space. Three more bedrooms, two baths, and a bonus room. This Whittington Creek home also has a private backyard with a screened-in porch.

Whittington Creek is a large  community comprised of 370 homes. It is composed of 8 smaller neighborhoods. Residents of this West Knoxville neighborhood attend Blue Grass Elementary, West Valley Middle School, and Bearden High School, which are all part of the Knox County School System. Whittington Creek is located off of Northshore Drive, near I-140, making it very convenient to many West Knoxville destinations.

Does this Whittington Creek home for sale interest you? Let me know if there is any more information I can provide for you about this West Knoxville neighborhood. Feel free to give me a call at 865-696-9002 or send me an email at Rick@TheBigOrangePress.Com. Also, be sure to check out the other houses for sale in Whittington Creek below.

DISCLAIMER: This property is listed by Lois Shipley of Realty Executives Associates – 865-693-3232. Information for this post was gathered from the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors MLS. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

• For months, there are been rampant rumors about Costco coming to Farragut.  Finally, the Costco, a wholesale club, coming to Farragut, located at the intersection of Lovell Road and Kingston Pike, is a reality. In November, the preliminary clearing for the site began and actual construction is expected to happen in Spring 2012.
• Trader Joe’s also announced plans to open a West Knoxville site in 2012, located in Suburban Plaza, in between Gallaher View and West Town Mall. Trader Joe’s, a trendy grocery store which offers exotic foods and beverages. Due to Tennessee liquor laws, this Trader Joe’s will lack its wine selection, however, it will still carry beer.
• Aldi, a discount grocery store, is set to open in the Cedar Bluff area, in the Sherill Hill shopping center. The store is set to open its doors on February 2nd.
• Gordon Food Service (GFS), also in the Sherrill Hill shopping center, is also set to open this year.
• In 2011, Publix announced two locations coming to West Knoxville. One location will be opening in Turkey Creek, next to JCPenney and one will be opening in Northshore Town Center. Both are set to hopefully open late in 2012. Publix is a Florida based grocery store chain.
• Another Kroger Market Place is opening in the Cedar Bluff area. Construction began in late 2011, and it is set to open sometime in 2012. This new Kroger Market Place will serve as anchor to the new development called, The Landings at Cedar Bluff.

Which businesses are you excited to see opening in West Knoxville? What businesses would you like see come to West Knoxville?