While a professional home inspection is a crucial step in the home-buying process, there are some warning signs you can spot even before that inspection. During your home tour, keep an eye out for these atypical "red flags." They could indicate underlying issues that might not be immediately evident. Here are seven of them:

Unusual Odors

Pay attention to any strange or persistent odors in the home. Unpleasant smells could be a sign of hidden problems such as mold, mildew, pest infestations, or issues with the plumbing or sewage system.

Patchy or Mismatched Repairs

Be cautious of walls or ceilings with uneven patches, inconsistent paint jobs, or areas that look recently repaired. These could indicate past damage or ongoing issues that

So, you've got a home --that cozy nest where you can rest, relax, and create memories. But did you know your house can do more than just be a roof over your head?

Whether you're a prospective homebuyer or a current homeowner, there are creative ways to turn your property into a money-making machine beyond building equity or renting it out to travelers. Let's explore some exciting options.

Store and Earn

Got a garage or storage space you're not using to its full potential? Rent it out! People are always on the lookout for extra storage. Search for neighborhood storage online to help you connect with renters. Your unused space could turn into a monthly paycheck.

The Host With the Most

If you have a large and attractive outdoor area,

The housing market experiences clear trends, particularly within a geographic region as dynamic as Middle Tennessee. You have, no doubt, been catching the news and social media buzz about the wave of investors who are snapping up properties. As a homeowner preparing for sale yourself, you may have wondered whether or not you should sell to an investor if one were to approach you. As you would expect, there are pros and cons to both sides.

While your personal agent is the ideal person to consult regarding the intricacies of your situation, the following guidelines will be a useful general primer on the main things you’ll want to consider. 

The Buyer’s Future Plans

The most obvious difference between selling to a buyer who plans to move into

Even in Middle Tennessee’s thriving real estate market, you may find that you’ve been too optimistic with your initial listing price for your property. The next reasonable step is lowering the price. Sometimes, this will draw buyers like bees flocking to blooming lavender, but there are at least as many instances of nothing happening, even a week or two later. 

But wait: who is that buyer emerging from the shadows? Is this the moment you’ve been waiting for?

No. This is a lowball sniper, the buyer who sees your home languishing on the market and thinks this is their opportunity to offer you a full eight to ten percent less than your asking price. At least, that’s what you will observe during your first interaction.

How are you meant to handle

The process of purchasing a home can be lengthy, allowing buyers like you to experience any number of motivations to terminate a real estate contract. Perhaps you have found a home you would prefer over this one, have encountered a failed financing effort, have discovered faults with the structure, or have received an unexpected job offer that, if accepted, would take you out of the area.

The challenge you will face now is that the moment you signed the purchase agreement for this home, you entered into a binding legal contract with the homeowner.

Conversely, if you’re the homeowner, you may wish to withdraw from an offer you have accepted on your property.

Either way, there’s no easy solution. No matter the root cause of your desire to

Estate sales are a popular choice for homeowners and beneficiaries to liquidate assets and prepare a home for sale. Estate sales involve selling all or most of the items belonging to an estate at a price point that reflects their current market value. These items are sold directly from the home, which is opened to the public for a set period of time.

When should you consider holding an estate sale and what will that process involve? Read on to find out.

Why Hold an Estate Sale?

In some cases, estate sales are a legal requirement decided upon in probate court. This may occur when:

•        The property owner passes away without having named an heir to their estate.
•        The property owner’s heirs can’t come to an agreement on how to

Let's explore five features that could potentially be a waste of money, helping you make smarter choices for your future home.

1.) Large Yard:

While a spacious yard can be appealing, it's essential to consider the associated costs and maintenance needs. A large yard often requires additional resources and time to maintain, such as mowing, landscaping, and irrigation. These expenses can add up over time, potentially straining your budget. Instead, think about how much outdoor space you genuinely need and consider finding a balance that suits your lifestyle without breaking the bank.

2.) Short Commute:

Having a short commute to work is undoubtedly desirable, but it's essential to evaluate the long-term benefits against the added costs.

When it comes to tipping the scales in your favor in homebuying, negotiating the asking price is often the first item on the list. But did you know that there are other things you can negotiate with the seller for your benefit?

What's even better is that these items can often be negotiated even in a seller's market!

And when you combine it with a competitive mortgage rate with us **wink wink**, you'll be well on your way to saving thousands and making your home-buying experience work an awesome and affordable one.

1.) Closing costs: Closing costs can include a variety of fees, such as appraisal fees, title insurance, and attorney fees. Buyers can negotiate with the seller to pay some or all of these costs or ask for a credit to offset the

For most people, entering a mortgage agreement is the single largest financial responsibility of their lives. Finding the best loan is more complicated than simply accepting the first mortgage offered at your bank, though. Various lenders offer different arrays of loan types and terms, so we do recommend that everyone takes the time to shop around before signing a loan agreement.

The best way to determine which of the potential home loans is the most advantageous is by asking the best questions!

The answers to the following questions will yield a great deal of information for you to examine, which will ensure that you’re fully prepared to choose the single best mortgage for your situation.

Will you be performing a hard credit check on me

As this year’s tax season draws to a close, many homeowners are beginning to plan their home-related tax strategies for 2024. To help, we want to share tips on maximizing your tax return through certain types of home improvements. While the specifics of your own tax filings should invariably be discussed with a qualified accountant, there are general guidelines regarding which home improvements are tax deductible.

Please note that you can only take advantage of the following home improvement tax deductions when you sell your home. Keep every record of the improvements you make to your home. This careful documentation will ensure that you are able to apply for every possible tax deduction.

Categories that Are Not Deductible

Repairs, routine