When people are looking for a Knoxville home, they often wonder which is the best real estate decision, purchasing an older Knoxville home in an established Knoxville subdivision or buying new construction.

Ultimately, the decision you make will need to be what is right for you and your family. Here are some advantages of purchasing an older home or investing in new construction.

Purchasing new construction provides the potential homeowner with some flexibility. If you purchase the Knoxville home that's still under construction, you will be allowed to make a lot of the design decisions. When you make the flooring decisions, select paint colors, and choose your appliances, the home will be just as you like, or move-in ready.

Conversely, with an older home, there may be some things to contend with immediately, like taking up dirty, stained carpet, removing floral wallpaper, or re-finishing dark, out-of-date cabinets.

Many new construction floor plans provide the homeowner with versatility. A bedroom can be easily converted to an office, or a large closet can be converted to a craft room. Newer floor plans also tend to be open, which meets the needs of today's homeowners. Open kitchens allow the cook to still be a part of the conversation in the living room. Some older homes have smaller rooms, tiny closets, and narrow hallways.

Energy efficiency is a big reason that many potential homeowners opt for new construction. Many new construction Knoxville homes have superior insulation, which can save a homeowner on their monthly energy bill. Appliances in newer homes are usually Energy Star rated for efficiency.

New construction in Knoxville also adapts to new technology. Older homes rarely have enough electrical outlets to meet today's technological needs. Cable access is more challenging in older homes compared to new construction. Also, electrical wiring in older homes should be inspected by a qualified home inspector to insure that it is up to current code and that it can handle the demands of a family’s energy usage.

Some potential homeowners choose older homes because they like the feel of the neighborhood. They enjoy the mature trees on lots that are sometimes larger. They enjoy the diversity of the neighbors, some who may have lived in the neighborhood since it was built, and some who have young children.

Some people assume that older homes are less expensive; however, when you factor in the expenses necessary to make the desired changes and the higher monthly utility bills, the overall cost is sometimes comparable to new construction.

If you are weighing the advantages and disadvantages of new construction with older homes, contact an experienced Knoxville realtor. They can help you compare Knoxville homes and understand what the right real estate decision is for you and for your family.

A person’s home is their sanctuary. For many, their Knoxville home is a major investment, and that is why it is vital to ensure that your home and your possessions are well protected.

Here’s a look at safety measures to protect your Knoxville home.

Exterior Lighting. No doubt about it, exterior lighting discourages burglars. Exterior lighting on motion sensors is an excellent form of home security. Walkways should be well lit, in addition to floodlights that brightly shine across the yard. Security measures, like exterior lighting, give burglars pause and most will pass on the home in favor of one without additional precautions.

Landscaping. Burglars can gain access to your Knoxville home through a window at ground level. Bushes or shrubs with thorns that are planted beneath windows are an excellent deterrent to burglars. Not only are roses beautiful, they can send a burglar fleeing with scratches.

Locks. Windows and doors should remain locked, even while homeowners are at home. When choosing locks for your Knoxville home, high quality deadbolts are a must. Windows should be protected with strong sash locks to prevent burglars from gaining easy entry into the home.

Security System. A home security system that is professionally installed and monitored is designed to protect homeowners and provide peace of mind. Features to look for on a home security system include motion sensors, smoke and fire detectors, flood monitor, carbon monoxide detector, wireless security cameras, two-way voice service, panic pendant, wireless keychain remote, and an app for your smartphone or tablet computer.

A security system with motion detectors can prevent burglars from entering rooms where valuables are kept. Wireless cameras can be used on the home’s exterior and allow homeowners to know exactly who is on their property. Fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors protect your family from catastrophe. A flood monitor can alert the homeowner if standing water is detected. This flood monitor detector can prevent severe water damage and provide peace of mind. Accessing the system through an app on a smart phone or tablet computer makes the security system user friendly and convenient.

Other simple safety precautions include:

If you lose your keys to your house, change the locks immediately.

Don’t leave notes for delivery people, service people, or family members on the exterior door.

Speak to your neighbors if you witness suspicious vehicles or people in your neighborhood.

Do not put your name on your mailbox or on signs in the yard and don’t include first names in the telephone book.

Think about a dog. Dogs, even small ones, can be an excellent deterrent to a criminal. A burglar will pass on a house with a barking dog and instead, try a different home.

Making sure your Knoxville home is safe is the best way to protect your investment.

For More Infornation on Knoxville Real Estate Call 865-693-3232

When I started in real estate back in 1975, I sure could have used today’s technology. Back then, I was armed with a MLS Book showing all the listings for that week and a coffee can of quarters to stop along the way to make phone calls. I literally had zero training and drove a car as long as a boat.

The best new technology came along when they invented car phones. I had what they called a “bag” phone which literally was a receiver in a bag. The other great item was a “talking” pager. You called the agent’s phone number and they could hear your voice message. 

Freddie McBride, who was my broker at the time, was headed to the dentist. I gave him time to get there and paged him that I saw a cavity in his left bicuspid. It really spooked him to hear my voice precisely at the time the dentist was looking in his mouth.

Once, I was in the bathroom and dropped my pager in the commode as it was going off. The gargled voice sounded so strange. There are limits to any device. 

Do you remember the term “facsimiles”? It was the precursor to the fax. About the same time, car phones were being built into cars. The downside of that was you had to be in the car with the car running for it to work. Next, came the brick phone. Literally, it was shaped 

like a brick with a thick, three inch rubber antenna on top. In addition, the pagers changed from voice to text pages and internet came into being. We have had my internet website for 15 years and within that time period came the flip phone. Finally, it was small enough to put into my purse.

When I think of websites, the word “MONEY” comes to mind. Creating a website 15 years ago and getting someone who knew what they were doing was tough. It took a year for them to build the site, but those same creators are still behind Starliper.com. Laptop? PC? Old news, right?

Do you remember the term, “Ipix” or “Virtual Tours”? Those became really big. Who would have thought that today we get emails and send attachments by just using a smart phone? iPads and notebooks rule the businesses. Now, instead of an odd-shaped  “toothed” lockbox key, we have electronic lockboxes. Instead of advertising on just my sites, I advertise on 60 sites. Instead of showing a weekend customer 40 houses, I might show them six because they eliminated them from their own internet searches.

Yes, technology is amazing, but nothing will ever eliminate the need for the personal touch and the knowledge that only a trained agent can offer. I’m going to start entertaining withmy kazoo while showing houses. After all, customers expect a lot now and I, for one, want to go beyond expectations. Just call 24/7 for your “musical” tour.

That’s just a taste of real estate technology changes. But, I wonder what it will be like in 10 more years. Will we sit in a chair at home with an alien-looking helmet on and be mentally transported into any house and that become a reality? Who knows, but I am enjoying the ride.

For More Infornation on Knoxville Real Estate Call 865-693-3232

Temperatures are rising and summer is in full swing in Knoxville. For those with children, one phrase you might start to hear soon is, “I’m bored.” Have no fear, there are several fun things to see and do right here in Knoxville and the surrounding area.

Knoxville Zoo. For those who are thinking that it’s too hot to go to the zoo, the Knoxville Zoo is actually one of the best places to cool off. With the Safari Splash area, the kids can cool down and let off a little steam while taking in all the sites of the Zoo. Safari Splash is the largest splash pad in Knoxville. With life-size giraffes that squirt water, this area is fun for all ages.

Fruit and Berry Patch. Blackberries, peaches, blueberries, strawberries and more  await you at this pick-your-own farm. In addition to plentiful produce, you can also visit the petting zoo, go on a hay ride and have loads of family fun. And, the souvenirs never tasted so good.

Knoxville Museum of Art. Ready for some indoor fun, try the Knoxville Museum of Art. With free admission and breathtaking exhibits, adults and children alike will be entertained for hours. The featured Summer Education Program is resourceful program for area educators to learn what the museum offers.

Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Opened in 1999, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the place is awe-inspiring and loads of fun. Dedicated to the history of all levels of women basketball, the Hall of Fame is educational. Plus, the exhibits are interactive and there is a basketball court with varying heights of hoops to try your skills.

Dollywood and Splash Country. With the debut of America’s first Wing Coaster, The Wild Eagle is receiving rave reviews from thrill seekers. When the temperature soars, Splash Country is a must-see waterpark. The park features 30-acres of fun and has something for all ages, from thrilling rides to kid-friendly fun in addition to opportunities for relaxation.

For More Infornation on Knoxville Real Estate Call 865-693-3232

In the summer, there isn’t anything as relaxing as cooling off by floating in your own pool, however, before you make the investment and install a pool in your backyard, there are some things you should know.

A pool is a great source for recreation for your family, but maintaining it can be an additional chore. Some advantages that homeowners enjoy about having their own pool are the opportunity for outdoor entertaining and the potential for physical fitness. Safety and liability are disadvantages that your insurance agent may point out. Homeowners should check with local laws before installing a pool to ensure that they’re following safety guidelines. Fencing around the pool, safety covers, and pool alarms are safety guards that homeowners can take to prevent accidents.

If the thought of putting in a pool in your backyard appeals to you, then you need to determine which type of pool suits your lifestyle.

First, there are above-ground and in-ground pools. An above-ground pool is relatively inexpensive and installation takes little time. Most above-ground pools are made from pre-fabricated kits. The framework of above-ground pools can be damaged or collapse rather easily. Some homeowners shy away from above ground pool designs because they are not as attractive or as large as in-ground pools.

In-ground pools come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and can be constructed from different materials, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Fiberglass pools are made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic, which has been molded into shape. For fiberglass pool installation, the construction crew digs a large hole in the backyard, installs the plumbing, and lowers the pool into the hole. One advantage of fiberglass pools is they feature a smooth, non-abrasive finish. The fiberglass composition inhibits algae growth so pool chemicals are less expensive. Fiberglass pools come “as is,” so there are not as many choices for size, shape, and depth.

Vinyl-lined pools are similar structurally to above ground pools, but they look like conventional in-ground pools. A construction crew digs the hole and then assembles a metal, plastic, or wooden frame wall around the perimeter. The vinyl lining is secured to the structure walls. This type of pool is the least expensive in-ground pool, however, it is not as durable and the vinyl liner will need to be replaced every ten years.

Gunite pools are one of the most popular designs. The construction crew digs the large hole, installs the plumbing, and assembles a framework with steel rebar. The rebar is secured together with wire. Then, the crew sprays a heavy coating of gunite, which is a mixture of cement and sand, around the rebar. This mixture is combined with water, creating wet concrete. Then, the crew trowels the gunite smooth. After about a week, a smooth finish of plaster is applied. Special concrete paint can also be added. Many homeowners choose gunite pools because they are durable and they can be built in any size or shape.

If you have any questions about your return on investment on installing a pool, contact an experienced Knoxville Realtor, like Judi Starliper.

For More Infornation on Knoxville Real Estate Call 865-693-3232

Most real estate or financial experts advise homeowners to shop for the best mortgage rate. After all, one percentage point on a $200,000 loan can save you as much as $150 per month or almost $50,000 over the lifetime of a loan. However, in this mortgage lending market, shopping an interest rate is unpredictable.
The advise in this Knoxville real estate market seems to be to shop for a mortgage lender. Mortgage interest rates fluctuate daily. The home buyer’s ability to get the best interest rate is based on multiple variables, such as credit score, down payment, and the property, just to name a few.

Another reason that it is difficult to shop mortgages among many lenders is because each lender has its own set of fees. With Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM), each lender also has its own rate caps, the rate index used, and the margin over the index. So, an interest rate quoted doesn’t exactly mean that is the interest rate the borrower will receive.

Since the the downturn in the housing market, each mortgage loan is under even more scrutiny. Mortgage interest rates are underwritten base on the borrower’s credit score and the loan-to-value ratio. Now, a property appraisal plays an even more important role in obtaining the best mortgage interest rate. The lender must know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the property is worth the risk.

Another obstacle that borrowers face when shopping mortgage interest rates is that the lender is not obligated to lend at the interest rate quoted until the borrower “locks in” the rate. With some lenders, it can take days for the paperwork to be processed in order to “lock in” or secure the interest rate. With mortgage interest rates fluctuating daily in a volatile market, obtaining the best possible interest rate can be a challenge.

With the volatility of the real estate and mortgage lending market, scams are inevitable. Some unsavory lending practices have emerged. Lowball scamming is primarily seen on internet referral websites. This type of scam is when a lender quotes a price to a borrower that is actually below what the lender can approve. The purpose of this low-ball offer is so the borrower will select the lender, however, the borrower never receives the quoted interest rate. The lender can simply say the interest rate fluctuated since the rate was quoted or the borrower did not qualify for the lowest rate quoted.
Finding a reputable lender is key when looking for mortgage financing. To ensure that the closing goes as smoothly as possible, many Knoxville Realtors suggest using a local lender. Local lenders are knowledgeable of the closing process, the necessary paperwork, and have experience working with Knoxville Realtors. If the Realtor has a question prior to closing on a Knoxville home, picking up the phone and calling the local lender is much simpler and save time compared to finding the right person to speak with at a national company.

To help you navigate the process of purchasing a Knoxville home, contact an experienced Realtor, like Judi Starliper and the J-Star Team. They will help you during every step of the process.

For More Infornation on Knoxville Real Estate Call 865-693-3232