The old adage “There’s no time like the present” might not first come to mind when looking at today’s national housing market. These homespun words of wisdom are quite appropriate when a closer look is given to individual local markets across the country. We would like to point out these favorable factors that can contribute to making this, for many consumers, a most opportune time to buy a home:

• Inventory is up. When the market is hot, new listings can’t replenish the supply of homes fast enough, and that works in the sellers’ favor. In today’s market, the opposite is true, providing more choices for buyers.
• Sellers are motivated. Homes that in a hot market would have been snapped up in days are now lingering unsold for weeks, even months. Factor in bank-owned properties due to the recent and unfortunate spike in foreclosures and buyers find themselves in an advantageous negotiating position they haven’t enjoyed for years.
• Interest rates are down. Recent cuts in the prime rate by the Federal Reserve have sparked drops in interest rates, which at the end of January were below 6 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. While banks have tightened lending requirements in the wake of increased loan defaults, homebuyers with few credit problems qualifying to purchase a home they can afford should still have little trouble securing favorable financing terms.

What’s more, a market climate like this especially favors buyers who don’t need to sell an existing property before their purchase, buyers like first-timers and those looking for a second home. This tilts the scale even more towards many buyers.

But regardless of the situation, for every buyer, the key is to work with a real estate professional that knows the local market and specializes in buyer representation – like an agent who has earned the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation.

We are one of more than 40,000 members of the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, who have attained the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation. As the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer, REBAC is "The Voice for Buyer Representation," with more than 40,000 active real estate professional members of the organization throughout the world.

To find an ABR-designated agent near you, and to receive a free copy of the REBAC-published “Homebuyer’s Toolkit,” visit www.REBAC.net or call 800-648-6224.

Shauna Mason, ABR

The Turn Key Team

Benchmark Realty

c: 615-585-3239

o: 615-890-2323

www.turnkeyteam.com

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Do You Know a Homeowner Facing Foreclosure? Here’s A Way Out.

Headlines today are filled with stories about homeowners in financial distress—people who face a lender’s foreclosure on their home.

Millions of American home owners are wondering what to do.

Like most crises, this one has produced its share of rumors and misinformation. One of the biggest ones is “just let it happen." Why fight back, this line of thinking goes. It’s too emotionally draining, and the government’s loan modifications aren’t helping many people. Well, that’s only partly true.

While government loan modification programs have fallen short of the mark so far, there is another solid, sensible option for homeowners. It’s called a short sale—a sale to a buyer where the seller’s lender agrees to accept less than the full amount owned.

One more tip. Don’t believe everything you read about how long short sales take and how few get finalized. Short sale timelines, while still longer than normal, are shrinking as lenders get their paperwork act together. Find out who the top short sale agents are in your market. These pros are closing 70 to 90 percent of the short sales they represent—more than three times the national average. They know where to find buyers, and how to negotiate the buyer’s offer effectively with lenders and get the deal closed—so the homeowner can move on with life and recover.

Shauna Mason, ABR

The Turn Key Team

Keller Williams Realty

c: 615-585-3239

o: 615-895-8000

turnkeyteam.com

Nashville has been listed on Forbes.com for one of the best places to retire once again. Due to low housing prices, low home tax and great amusement; Nashville and the Middle Tennessee area is a great place to hang your hat.

Shauna Mason, ABR
Keller Williams Realty
The Turn Key Team
c: 615-585-3269
o: 615-895-8000
www.shaunamason.com

I will be holding a Home Buying & Credit Counseling Seminar along with Bobbie Jo Brewster & Dave Gober on Thursday, January 27 at 6:00pm.  The event will be held at First Community Mortgage in Murfreesboro, TN.  The seminar will include information about the steps in the home buying process, how to apply for a loan, downpayment assistance programs, how to increase your credit scores and much more. 

Please RSVP by calling 615-585-3239 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  There is a limited number of seating. 

The event will be held at:

I am very excited after reading this attached article from The Tennessean today about the bounce back of the economy in Nashville.  I was just telling my husband the other day that I have noticed a lot more cars with drive-out tags lately.  My Open House's have had a great deal of traffic lately and I have had several friends recently land great jobs.  It really excites me to hear of recent successes after years of the gloom and doom. I realize that many people have suffered greatly over the past few years. Keep you head high and thank the Lord for the positives in your life.

 The holidays are about building lasting memories with your family. If you have not started a tradition with your family for the holidays, start this year. Take the time to be with your family this holiday season. I have listed some holiday ideas below to help you build your traditions. 

Visit a Christmas Tree Farm. You and your family can find your tree and they will chop it down for you to take home right way. Click here for a list of farms in your area. http://tinyurl.com/333272p

Shop at The Christmas Village at the Fairgrounds. The Christmas Village is here November 12-14.  It's $10.00 to get in and you get to kick start your shopping.  It's a blast!

Visit local mansions that are decorated for the holidays. Belmont Mansion, Cheekwood, The Hermitage and Traveller's Rest are just to name a few. 

The Opryland Hotel is reopening from the flood. I can't wait to see the decorations this year. I have a feeling that it's going to be beautiful.

Go see Christmas Lights. One of my favorite memories as a child was looking at Christmas Lights. We would bundle up with a thermos of hot chocolate and drive around to see spectacular homes decorated in lights. This is something that I still do today with my family. I love to see my daughter's face light up when she sees the trees and homes glowing in the pitch black of night. 

Pick a child, senior or family to help. I don't know about your family, but I think that mine has enough to last us many years. Instead of complaining about the amount of stuff that you have; spend some of your budget on a needy family. There are many family's that need your help. You can check with the Salvation Army, Youth Villages & nursing homes. There are many other organizations out there that can use your help.

I hope that the holidays are fantastic for you and your family. Hold your family close this year!

Shauna Mason, ABR

Keller Williams Realty

c: 615-585-3239

o: 615-895-8000

www.shaunamason.com

Food giant General Mills said today that it would spend $100 million to expand its plant on Butler Drive in Murfreesboro to make more of its popular Yoplait yogurt, adding about 80 jobs. This is a great time to live in Middle Tennessee. 

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100929/BUSINESS/100929050/2094

Shauna Mason, ABR

Red Realty

c: 615-585-3239

o: 615-896-2733

f: 615-534-0853

www.shaunamason.com

July 2010 Home Sales Activity Report

2010 Rutherford County Residential Closings/Pendings Activity:

Month               Closings                Pendings

January               162                       218

February              207                       281

March                   309                       410

April                      390                       466

May                      367                       352

June                     389                       331

July                       263                       264

2009

January                160                       220

February              188                       246

March                   260                       328

April                      253                       352

May                      299                       362

June                     360                       397

July                      366                       349

August                 336                       373

September           315                       362

October               334                       338

November            324                       292

December            238                       221

July closings dropped due to the tax credit expiration.

It appears that the peak selling season got an early start due to the tax credits and has caused the slower winter season to also get an early start.

The good news is there are still buyers in our market and I would assume the sales will improve after everyone realizes the tax credits are over and not coming back any time soon.  I heard that Rural Development financing is back in business, so that should help the lower priced homes outside the city with the special financing options.

I've heard this is as close to 100% financing as you can get so if you have a buyer who has good credit but a little cash, take them to an RD approved subdivision.

- 2010 July Closings are 32% less than 2010 June Closings.

- 2010 July Pendings are 20% less than 2010 June Pendings.

- 2010 July Closings are 28% less than 2009 July Closings.

- 2010 June Pendings were 24% less than 2009 July Pendings.

- Closed Prices are back down to $166,638 from $171,202 in June.

Again, I think this is a reflection of the tax credit.  The tax credit made several buyers pay full list price just to meet the deadlines so now negotiations are a little different causing lower prices.

Foreclosures and distressed properties continue to be a big part of our market's sales volume.  Remember most foreclosures are not included in the numbers above because this report only includes sales that are in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) that is provided by Realtracs for Realtors.  Most foreclosures are sold at auction at the courthouse and not reported through the MLS.  The good news about this is we have a lot more sales than what is reported.  The bad news is if the foreclosure prices were reported in the MLS, our average sales prices would be much lower.

Why is it that homeowners who wouldn't hesitate to cut a hole in the wall where they want a new window think twice about cutting a hole in the roof for a skylight? For many, the answer is simply "fear of springing a leak."

Yet the same modern technologies that ensure windows keep water out are at work in modern skylights, says Joe Patrick, senior product manager with skylight manufacturer Velux. "The truth is, modern skylights are no more prone to leaks than any well-made, properly installed window in your home," he adds. "The only thing a properly installed modern skylight will allow to pour into your home is healthful natural light and fresh air."

Skylights are a great source of natural light, thermal heat or natural venting of stale indoor air, especially when paired with available blinds and controls. They are particularly useful in close, small areas where a window may not be practical, and are particularly popular for kitchens and baths for this reason. Skylights have been around for about as long as architecture has, but they enjoyed a heyday a few decades ago ... until homeowners began to focus on concerns about leaks.

Whether their fears were well founded or not, many homeowners began to equate skylights with leaks and energy loss. "That was sometimes a valid concern with poorly made or improperly installed skylights," Patrick says.

Modern skylight technology, however, including pre-engineered flashing kits (the metal "shield" that goes around an opening in a wall or roof) designed to work specifically with the roof type - shingles, tile or metal - makes properly installed skylights totally dependable. Modern skylights not only keep water out, they are energy efficient as well, with Energy Star qualified models available from leading manufacturers.

"Matched flashing systems and other improvements have done away with the number one fear of people who are considering cutting a hole in a perfectly good roof," says Roger LeBrun, Velux's product certification engineer. In fact, Velux markets "The No Leak Skylight" that features three layers of water protection. These new deck mounted skylights come with a no-leak product and installation warranty.

After three years of research, development and testing, Velux found that the top concern of homeowners, designers, architects and builders alike was the misconception that all skylights leak. Properly installed skylights shouldn't leak, even if they're not No Leak Skylights, Patrick says.

It's important to choose the right location for your skylight, being sure your roof pitch is matched with the appropriate unit and, once the location is set, to properly install the skylight. Proper flashing is a must so that the skylight can be flashed as dependably, or more so, as anything else that goes on a roof. Some skylights are "fixed," meaning they don't open, while others open to vent inside air.

Skylight technology has advanced to the point where Velux, a major producer and supplier of skylights throughout the country, was confident enough to dub its newest deck mounted product "No Leak." Features include three layers of water protection; advanced LoE3 glass for better energy efficiency and improved daylighting; pre-finished white frames and sashes to eliminate the expense of painting for the homeowner; pre-mounted brackets for quick installation of sunscreen blinds; a lower roof profile with an updated architectural design; and a neutral gray color preferred by consumers and builders for its ability to blend with most roof materials and colors.

"It is important to point out that existing Velux skylights, when properly installed, don't leak," Patrick says. "But others, especially older plastic bubble skylights, have, and our research shows that the whole skylight category has been stigmatized and held back because of that problem."  Patrick says that Velux has always warranted its skylights against leaking.

"The image of a skylight as a source of moisture and heat loss is just all wet," adds LeBrun. With the right product and proper installation, a new skylight can fill your home with natural light and thermal warmth, and passively vent stale indoor air, for years to come ... without a single leak.

Among the home-building community, the leak-free message is getting out there. A recent survey showed that nearly 100 percent of architects, builders, remodelers and roofers believe that current skylight technology is better than older technology. And more than two-thirds of all four groups believe that current technology is much better than older technology.

To learn more about skylights and proper installation, visit veluxusa.com, energystar.gov, nfrc.org, or efficientwindows.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

When the weather cools and the bright sun of summer fades into autumn's grayer skies, bare bland walls can feel like an ugly mark on your home's decor. Suddenly, those undecorated walls that you were too busy to notice this past summer cry out for color and pizzazz - especially if you're dealing with economy-induced stress.

"Fall is a great time to redecorate because as the weather cools people start heading indoors again," says Jonathon Fong, a Los Angeles-based interior decorator and author of "Walls that Wow."  "Home is more important again whereas summer was all about the outdoors. We want to make our homes comfortable, cozy and beautiful again. And when we decorate during the fall, we can show off our efforts at the holidays."

So what are the hot trends and easy do-it-yourself decorating upgrades that will be hot this fall? Fong and artist Matthew Lew offer a few tips:

Bright, aggressive color

"The hot colors in home décor this fall will be brighter, happier versions of traditional fall hues - butter yellow, orange, persimmon and all shades of blues," predicts Fong. "These are colors of optimism, and in the current economy, people want to be surrounded by hope. These happy colors put you in a good mood."

"The hottest colors for room redesigns this fall will be aggressive color combos, using colors like scandal red or lobster paired with yolk yellow or custard," says Lew, whose work has been featured on "Extreme Makeover Home Edition," HGTV's "Divine Design" and CBS's "The Early Show."

"People want a splash of color in their homes," Lew adds. "The aggressive color combinations are great because they can make a bold statement very simply without overdoing it. I think people are attracted to that, especially with the economy right now."

Texture that's easy to achieve

Adding texture to a wall is another trend, especially if it's a simple texture - such as stripes - that homeowners feel confident doing themselves, Fong says. Patterns, vinyl lettering or decals, and even wallpaper murals are great ways to add interest to boring walls.

Both designers agree wallpaper murals will continue to be popular, both for their versatility and ease installation by DIY homeowners. Fong has incorporated wallpaper murals from the Web site www.MuralsYourWay.com into his designs, and Lew's artistry is featured on several of the site's made-to-order wallpaper murals.

"Wallpaper murals are one of my favorite design options because they make a huge impact in a room at an affordable price," Fong says. "If you were to have a decorative painter replicate some of the great designs available in wallpaper murals, it would cost thousands of dollars."

If you're intimidated by the idea of a mural, you can start out smaller by adding wallpaper murals elsewhere in your décor, Fong suggests. "Cut the mural into smaller pieces and frame the individual pieces. Put it on a door. Mount it to a piece of wood and make a headboard or a dressing screen out of it," he says.

Finally, when you're ready for your fall design spruce up, Lew and Fong have a few tips for creating a design you can love:

* "Think baby steps," Fong says. Decorate a small wall or section of a large wall first. Give yourself a day to get used to your new wall.

* Consider your favorite colors and how you can use them to make your design "say what you want it to say," Lew suggests.

* Go beyond paint and texture. Try fabric, paper and metal, Fong urges. Get creative, but don't forget simple tricks too. "Sometimes the simplest thing is a mirror," Lew says. "It opens up the entire room and brings in light."

* Keep it real. "Look at your wall's dimensions and be realistic," Lew says. "Sometimes having the entire wall covered is too overpowering and a smaller scale would look better. For example, you might want to use part of the wall as a mural and then paint the other portions a similar color."

* "No matter how it turns out in the end," Fong says, "say you meant it to look that way."

Courtesy of ARAcontent