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.

1. Your West Knoxville neighborhood’s location is key. They say real estate all comes down to one thing: location. So regardless of what is going on with the West Knoxville real estate market, location will play a big role in maintaining your property’s value. While the  home you buy may have many appealing amenities, it is important to consider the good and the bad aspects of the location. A busy street may not be as appealing as a quiet one. A neighborhood that is close to everything may be more appealing than one that is out of the way.
2. You buy a home in a good school district. Good schools always help maintain housing values. Regardless of what the housing market is doing, people will always want to buy a home in a good school system.
3. You buy a  home that fits a broad range of buyer’s needs. When buying a home, it is important to consider if it will be appealing to buyer’s when you choose to sell your home down the road. The key here is to try to avoid anything too extreme. A good floor plan, traditional style, good curb appeal, and keeping your home in good condition will all help maintain the value of your home and make it appealing to potential buyer when you do decide to sell your home.

While it is not detrimental if you do buy a home with one of these aspects, it is important that the value of the home reflects the defect, the home suits the rest of your needs, and when it is time for you to sell your home, you take into account the things that hurt its value.

Are considering buying a home in the area? 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 West Knoxville Neighborhood Page and Knox County Area Schools, to learn more about neighborhoods and schools in the area.

12608 Mallard Bay Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934
Price: $425,000
Details: 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths
Square Footage: 3,300
Age: 11 Years Old
Highlights: This Farragut area home for sale has a great open floor plan and great views of Lake Loudon. It also has a private pool area with beautiful landscaping. The kitchen and master suite are spacious and in like new condition. If you’re looking for a contemporary home near that would allow you to enjoy being part of a waterfront community, this West Knoxville home for sale has a great deal to offer

1100 Canvas Back Lane, Knoxville, TN  37922
Price: $525,000
Details: 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths
Square Footage: 3,919
Age: 11 Years
Highlights: This Farragut home for sale offers many upgrades along with a great open floor plan. It boasts a big, open kitchen with granite countertops and black appliances. The master bedroom is located on the main level with a spacious master suite and bathroom. It also offers a private backyard with a large screened in porch. If you’re looking for a spacious home with many homes, this Farragut home for sale has much to offer.

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

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

Give you cabinets a quick and easy makeover. Sand the edges down and update them with a fresh coat of paint. Give them a custom look by adding molding to the top or updating cabinet hardware.

Visit a salvage store. If you’re trying to avoid a major expense but still looking to make some upgrades, a salvage store could be just what you are looking for. You may not find exactly what you are looking for, but with a little creativity you can make it work.

Spend smart. You will not be able to make every change to your West Knoxville home, but, if you spend smart you’ll be able to make a few. Are you wanting to add granite counter tops, but can’t afford the whole kitchen? Consider just adding them to the center island. Or, upgrade on the small scale, light fixtures and faucets.

Know when to ask for help. While it can be much cost effective to make renovations and upgrades to your West Knoxville kitchen by yourself, it is still important to know when to ask for help, that way you don’t end up in over your head and in a worse place than when you started. Angie’s List is a great resource to find the right person.

Selling your West Knoxville home involves a great deal of preparation and can be overwhelming at times, please let me know if there is any way that I can assist you. You can give me a call at 865-696-9002 or send an email to Rick@TheBigOrangePress.Com.