Brentwood TN Real Estate Scoop!

Brentwood TN Real Estate

NEW PRICE $1,130,000

3010 Jubilee Ridge, Franklin TN

Here is the Virtual Tour Link!

http://tours.imprev.net/03782F07/6483/415887

This is an awesome tree top home! This home is truly a work of art, nesteled in the tree tops!

Very private and quiet, enjoy watching the deer as you drink your morning coffee overlooking

almost 6 acres of gorgeous scenery. Every detail was thought of and implemented , you will not be disapointed!

Too many amenities to list, this is a MUST see!

Call Vanessa  for a private showing! Agent must be present at all showings.

Vanessa Stalets
Your Brentwood, Franklin, Williamson County Tennessee Real Estate Expert!

RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400

 Brentwood TN  Real Estate

What To Do When Your Home Isn't Selling

When you sell your home, the process is almost like going to a job interview.
 Selling a home involves presentation, which is one of the key factors that determine the outcome.
 Although this may sound a bit weird, presentation is a way of life in the world of real estate. 
Buyers in today's market look for good presentation - many basing their final decisions on it.

If the property you are selling comes with a garage, you'll need to go through your garage before you sell your home. Chances are that you store things in your garage, which can easily pile up over time before you realize it.  If your garage is in a messy condition, you'll obviously want to clean it up.  Buyers look for homes that are in perfect condition, and anything less than perfect will look bad in the eyes of the buyer.

Most homes have some truly outstanding features inside of them. 
You should always do your best to highlight the best features of your home,
instead of just hoping that the buyer understands what they are. 
The ideal way to bring out the best features of your home is to use the proper lighting. 
If your home is clean, you can use lighting to bring out the best features in your home,
and ensure that they stand out to the buyer.Clean, neat and bright sell your home everytime!

When a potential buyer first pulls up to your home; the first thing he will see is your lawn.
 If your lawn is trimmed and well taken care of, he will get a good impression right off the bat.
 If your lawn is a wreck, he may immediately pull away.  To give the best impression to the buyer, you should put some thought into how things look.  You can always plant flowers around the walkway and throughout the yard, which will look great to a potential buyer.

You should also make sure that the entrance into your home is a positive as well. 
The front door should be in great shape, as well as the entry area into the home. 
You can add some plants, paintings, and rugs to ensure that your buyer gets a good impression. 
When the buyer walks through the entry way into your home, you should make sure that the view he or she takes in is a good on. 
Your biggest goal when showing your home is to ensure that the buyer is pleased.

Keep in mind that it may take some time to sell your home.  These days, homes can sit on the market for months at a time before they actually sell.
If you are having trouble selling your home, you can always reduce the price or simply go back to the basics. 
Eventually you will sell your home - although it may take more time than you think.

Vanessa Stalets
Your Brentwood Tennessee Real Estate Expert!

RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400

 Brentwood TN Real Estate:

Decorating for Christmas,  Why You Should Make it a Family Event!

Do you plan on decorating your home for Christmas this holiday season? If so, do you plan on doing it by yourself?  While decorating for Christmas by yourself makes it easier to get the decorating done in an effective and timely matter, you may want to think about turning your Christmas decorating into a family event.  You will find that there are, literally, an unlimited number of benefits to doing so. 

Perhaps, the biggest benefit of turning your Christmas decorating into a family event is the time that you and your family will be able to spend together, whether you have children or not.  Family bonding is even better with children, but you and your romantic partner could also benefit from the time that you spend together, when decorating your home for Christmas. In addition to getting your home decorated for Christmas, your relationship, whether it be with your children or your spouse, may greatly benefit from the experience.

As previously mentioned, if you are a parent, you and your children could benefit from decorating your home for Christmas together.  What is nice about decorating your home with your children is that they will likely enjoy the experience, especially if they are younger. Younger children tend to be more proud of their work or their accomplishments; therefore, they will likely be proud of the fact that you asked them for assistance, as well as how their decorations turned out.  If you are really looking to make Christmas decorating a family fun event, you and your family could also make some of your own Christmas decorations. Since most children love crafts, it may add extra excitement to the whole decorating experience. 

While the majority of the benefits, to having your whole family help you decorate your home for Christmas is centered on family, there is another benefit that isn't really.  By having your whole family assist you with decorating your home for Christmas, you could save yourself a fairly large amount of time. The time saved will all depend on how much decorating you plan on doing.  Having your family assist you means that Christmas decorating could take a lot less time. This is a great way to get your Christmas decorating done, especially if you find yourself pressed for time.  The more people you have helping you decorate for Christmas, the shorter the whole process will take.

 You can add extra excitement to this family fun event by having your children or other family members help you make homemade Christmas decorations. Even if you do not wish to make your own Christmas decorations, it may be a good idea to let the rest of your family help you pick out the Christmas decorations. This would really turn Christmas decorating into a family fun event.  Even if you are low on cash, you could still allow your children to pick out a few low-cost Christmas decorations.  You will find that many dollars stores carry a fairly large selection of Christmas decorations; decorations that many kids find attractive.

 Since Christmas is all about family, you should let your family help you prepare for and celebrate the upcoming holiday. The benefits and Good will that is generated may just surprise you! So congregate, decorate and celebrate together!

Vanessa Stalets
Your Brentwood Tennessee Real Estate Expert!

RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400

 Brentwood TN Real Estate:

Decorating for Christmas, Using What You Already Have Inside Your Home.

Are you planning on becoming one the millions of Americans who decorate their homes for Christmas?  If so, where do you plan on getting your Christmas decorations from?  When it comes to Christmas decorations, there are many individuals who choose to buy new Christmas decorations each year. While it is nice to have new Christmas decorations each year, you may not have or want to spend the extra money.  If so, you are lucky because there are a number of different ways that you can go about decorating your home for Christmas by using the things that can already be found inside your home.

When it comes to using the items that you already have inside your home, to create Christmas decorations, you will, in a way, be creating your own decorations.  You can do this by taking items that you already have, such as a bowl, and adding other items that you may already have inside your home, such as artificial flowers or something similar, to create a Christmas decoration.  One of the many benefits to doing this is the fact that you can save yourself a fairly large amount of money. While it is possible to purchase Christmas decorations for an affordable price, it can get quite expensive. That is why you may want to think about decorating your home for Christmas with the items that can already be found inside of it.

Above, a bowl and artificial flowers was used as an example of how you can create your own Christmas decorations. That example was just a few of the many that exist.  You can also use candleholders to create your own Christmas themed centerpieces.  In addition to table centerpieces, Christmas pictures and drawings are also commonly used as Christmas decorations.  If you have paper, colored pencils, markers, or even crayons inside your home, you could easily create you own Christmas pictures.  If you own a collection of picture frames, you could easily turn your Christmas picture or drawing into a framed work of art; a work of art that may look well displayed in your bathroom, the living room, or even the entrance to your home.

While it may be a little bit harder to do, you can also create your own Christmas tree decorations by using the items that you have inside your home.  This may be ideal, especially if you have children. With a little bit of construction paper, scissors, tape, or staples, you or your children could create your own Christmas tree decorations. Cutting the construction paper into small strips and then connecting them into circles, in links, is a nice substitute for Christmas lights or garland. You and your children could also make your own Christmas ornaments in a similar fashion.

In addition to making your own Christmas decorations, there is a good chance that you may already have Christmas decorations inside your home, from previous years.  If this is the case, you may want to think about using the same Christmas decorations again. If you would like to spice things up a bit, you can easily rearrange the decorations and how they are displayed in your home to prevent them from looking the same as before. You may also want to alter the decorations that you have. You can easily do this by adding a Christmas bow to a wreath and so on.

Why spend money on new Christmas decorations if you don't have to, especially if you do not have the extra money to spend?  By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you could easily save your money for something better, such as your Christmas dinner or Christmas gifts for your friends and family or even saving up to buy your DREAM HOME!

Vanessa Stalets
Your Brentwood Tennessee Real Estate Expert!

RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400

Brentwood TN Real Estate

What is the best way to store paint?

First, cover the opening with plastic wrap and then make sure the lid fits securely so the paint doesn't leak.  Then store the paint can upside down. This will create a tight seal around the lid and keep the paint fresh.

What should you do with leftover paint once your painting projects are completed? That's a question that thousands of homeowners ask each year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as many as 69 million gallons of paint are left over annually in the United States.   

Here are some ideas when pondering what to do with those last few cans. 

First, consider donating the paint for reuse. Some organizations will accept paint that's in good condition (defined as uncontaminated paint still with a smooth consistency). The paint must be donated in a labeled container. You can check for donation options locally by clicking on "Paint donation" at earth911.org.

Recycle it. Water-based, or latex, paint can be recycled into new paint or used to create other products. Again, check earth911.org for recycling options.

Each municipality has different requirements, depending on whether the paint is oil- or water-based.

According to the website govlink.org, latex paint (water-based) can be included in curbside trash.  Their suggestions include solidifying paint by:

• Mixing in absorbent material such as cat litter, sawdust or shredded newspaper into paint and allow mixture to dry thoroughly or
• Let the paint dry out by removing the lid and setting the paint can in a well-ventilated area or
• Pour thin layers into a disposable pie plate or cardboard box lined with plastic and allow the paint to dray one layer at a time. 

Once your paint is dry, you can leave the lid off the can and place the cans in your your regular trash. And remember, recycle any cans made of steel. 

Oil-based paint, lead paint and paint thinner contain flammable and toxic solvents. For information about disposal of these products, call Earth 911 for more information at 800-253-2687. Keep in mind that each municipality has different requirements.
*Information courtesy NHI

Vanessa Stalets
Your Brentwood Tennessee Real Estate Expert!

RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400

 Brentwood TN Real Estate:

Reasons To Stage Your Home For Sale

If you've been thinking of selling your investment house or your home, you should make sure that you take full advantage of home staging trends.  There are several advantages to home staging trends, which we will take a look at below.

One of the best things about staged homes is that they sell in less time.  This is great news for sellers, as these types of homes will sell really fast.  In most cases, you won't have to worry about your home staying on the market for a long period of time.  Research has shown that staged homes sell nearly 40% faster than other homes on the market.

Staged homes also sell for more money.  Homes that have sat on the market for a long period of time will normally get lower offers due to the fact that home buyers will begin to think there is something wrong with the home.  Staged homes on the other hand, don't sit on the market for long at all.  Once they are listed, they pretty much draw attention to themselves - resulting in a fast sale.

A staged exterior will also draw viewers.  When home buyers first arrive at a home that is up for sale, they instantly make up their mind whether they should get out and look around, or drive off.  If the yard is staged with flowers and the yard is manicured and properly taken care of, chances are that buyers will want to see more. This is also known as "curb appeal". If you entice your buyers by showing them how nice the home is outside, they will surely want to know what the home is like on the inside as well.

Once a buyer has stepped inside of the home, he will know within a matter of seconds whether or not he likes the home.  To get the buyer's attention, you'll need to stage your home to the buyer's liking.  You don't want the buyer to feel rushed or get the wrong impression, which is why you should always set the stage and entice the buyer to take his time and get a good look at the home.

Staging the living rooms and kitchens will also help to sell the home.  Buyers love living rooms, which is why you should always make sure that the living room is the center piece of your home, and decorate it accordingly.  Kitchens on the other hand, is where you should really go all out, decorating with fruit and such.  You should always make sure that everything is in place as well.  Buyers love to see homes that are ready to move into - and not ready to be worked on.

Staged homes will also attract more real estate agents and get more advertising as well.  If a real estate agent loves your home, he will want to show it off.  If you stage your home, chances are that real estate agents will eat it up.  When they do, they will advertise your home more than others, just to get you some deserved attention.  This way, you can benefit from a lot of exposure at absolutely no extra cost.

There's no other way to look at it, other than staged homes sell.  They attract more buyers, more real estate agents, and they give people the feeling of home.  When you go out of your way to make the buyer feel that your home is his dream home, he will know it.  Homes that aren't staged may sell, although staged homes sell much faster and for more money.  If you've been looking to sell your home, you should look into staging it and get the ball rolling in the right direction. Some agents offer FREE staging services as part of their listing services, ask around, make an informed decision , stage it and SELL it!

Vanessa Stalets
Your Brentwood Tennessee Real Estate Expert!

RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400

Brentwood TN Real Estate Home Improvement:

Three Top Reasons NOT to Tile over Vinyl Flooring

Though more and more people are tiling right over their existing flooring, there are many disadvantages to this.  Though you may think that this will save you time, tiling right over vinyl can compromise the stability and look of your ceramic tile.  Here are the top three reasons not to tile directly over vinyl flooring.

1.  It won't stick well.

The top layer of vinyl is similar to plastic and it is very difficult to adhere anything to it.  Vinyl is shining with an artificial shine and as your base it isn't porous which means a good bond is very difficult to achieve.  No matter what kind of glue you try to apply to the vinyl, your tiles will not bond well to the vinyl. There are some who recommend roughing up the surface of the vinyl for a better bond, but this really isn't an effective method.

Because the tile and vinyl will not adhere well to one another, there might be lifting after you lay the floor.  If the vinyl begins lifting and pushing the tile up, you may have to replace a section or the entire floor.  If you do tile directly over vinyl or linoleum flooring, you may find at a later date that you need to remove the new tile floor to get to the old vinyl because of lifting and instability.  It is probably better to save yourself the time, money and hassle by removing it now.

It is important that your new tile floor is secure and stable and direct adhesion to vinyl flooring will not ensure that.  There isn't a mortar on the market that will stick to the surface of vinyl at the level needed for tile installation.

2.  It won't be level.

It is much more difficult to get the floor level if you tile right over vinyl.  You won't be able to figure out the anchoring pattern when you tile on top of vinyl and this is one of the key factors in a stable and level floor surface.  It will also be difficult when trying to insert transitions where the floor rises or where spaces must be filled.  If you start with a fresh or existing sub-floor you will have a much more stable and level end result.

3.  The sub-surface under the vinyl isn't suitable for tile.

Vinyl flooring is usually installed on 1/4" plywood or particleboard.  These substrates are not approved for tile because of a different material make-up.  If you lay tile right over vinyl or linoleum the safety of your floor will be compromised.  Tile on top of a cushioned floor is very unstable and you can develop cracks in the tiles or the grout.  Because vinyl flexes, it can crack the tile.  It is nearly impossible to replace a tile with a chip or a crack once it is adhered so you may end up having to replace the entire floor in the future because of the vinyl lifting and flexing.

If you do want to leave your vinyl down, then you need to prepare the floor structurally for the tiling.  You will need to screw down the old vinyl and then create a mortar base using mesh and concrete.  If you don't want to get into pouring cement, you can lay down a plywood sub-floor.  There are products on the market now that increase the crack resistance of tiles placed on wooden sub-floors.  This method isn't really much different from lifting the vinyl up.  It may seem like a lot of work right now, but taking your time and doing it properly now will save you a lot of time and money down the road.

If you are still determined to keep your vinyl down, then you might consider talking to a professional tile installer.  They can go over all of the pros and cons with you and look at your specific situation.

Before you proceed with your plans to tile directly over vinyl flooring, keep all of this information in mind.  Not only will you have difficulty with bonding and leveling, but you will also end up with a floor that is unstable and in some cases unsafe.  This money-saving and timesaving route could end up costing you a lot in the future. Sometimes the "easier" way simply is not.

Vanessa Stalets
Your Brentwood Tennessee Real Estate Expert!

RE/MAX Elite

615-661-4400

Brentwood TN Real Estate:

Drywall Dilemmas: Ten Do's and Don'ts to make your Job Easier

If you're new to drywalling, then there are some basic tools and methods that you need to familiarize yourself with.  Here are the ten top things you should know to make your next drywalling project as easy as can be.

1. Do the proper preparation

Before beginning any new project, you should have an inspection done to make sure that your work will comply with local building codes.  You also want to measure your space carefully so you buy the right amount of drywall.

2.  Maintain a consistent climate

You may be surprised to hear it, but the climate of your space can have an impact on your drywalling job.  Both temperature and humidity can affect joint treatment.  You want to make sure that the area you are working in is at 55 degrees for two days before you start the project and two days after it is completed.

3.  Wear protective gear

The dust that comes off of drywall (gypsum dust) can cause a great deal of irritation to your eyes and lungs.  You want to make sure that you wear goggles and a mask to protect yourself from any health issues.  The air you are working in should also be well ventilated.

4.  Know Your Tools

The first thing you'll need is a basic utility knife to cut the drywall.  A T-square will also be useful when making square cuts and a drywall saw will come in handy when you have to make cuts around obstacles in the room.  A keyhole saw will help make cuts for smaller obstacles (like electrical boxes).

You might find that getting drywall up on the ceiling is challenging.  If so, then you might look into renting a drywall lift.  This tool is used by professionals to hold drywall in place while it is nail or screwed to the joists.

To put those nails and screws in place, there are two tools you can use.  First, there is a drywall hammer.  This hammer is made so that it makes a dimple around the nail without actually breaking the surface of the paper.  Second, you can use a drywall screw gun.  This tool (like the drywall hammer) allows you to sink in the screw without damaging the surface of the paper.

There are also specific tools for finishing.  Taping knives of different sizes will help you get a smooth joint.  With each layer, you'll want to use a taping knife that is one or two inches longer than the previous one you used.

5.  Know Your Fasteners

You can't use just any old screws or nails you have lying around to install drywall.  There are nails and screws specifically made for drywall that you will need to purchase at your local hardware or home improvement store.  You should be using ring shank nails, which will hold the drywall in place and will prevent the nails from popping out later. There are also different size drywall screws depending on the thickness of your drywall.

6. Cutting and Framing

Whenever possible use a full sheet of drywall.  When you need to make a cut, start by scoring the drywall with your utility knife.  You should then be able to snap the drywall back and have it break away at the cut.

You want to make sure that all of your studs are securely in place and that they are spaced out evenly.  No edge should be unsupported by a distance of more than two feet and all corners should be nailed.

7.  Ensure proper insulation

Before sealing up your walls, you want to make sure that you have inserted the proper insulation.  Moisture or vapor barriers are also important to consider.

8.  Know Your Compounds

Once your drywall is in place, you'll want to move on to taping and finishing.  Joint compounds come in powder form or they come in a pre-mixed state.  If you are using a powder compound, there are two different textures.  The first kind is a taping compound, which is used when at the taping stage.  It is stronger and courser than topping compound, which is used for the finishing, coats.  There is also all-purpose compound, which is halfway between a taping and topping compound.

9.  Finish the Joints

Before you start taping ensure that all fasteners are sunk down below the surface.  You also want to make sure that corner beads are installed on all of your outside corners.

The taping process is actually a four step process that should take you about four days.  You start with the tape coat, which is when you apply compound to the seams and insert paper joint tape.  That first tape coat should level off everything.  Your next two layers should smooth the surfaces and you should be using a slightly wider taping knife for each application.  Your final coat is a finishing one.

10.  Sand, Prime and Paint

Now that your drywall is up, you can sand the room and then prime and paint.  People are often quick to skip over the sanding process, but to ensure smooth walls; you'll want to devote as much attention to this stage as any of the other.

Whether you are a regular handy man type or not, you are now on your way!

Vanessa Stalets
Brentwood Tennessee's Real Estate Expert!

RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400

 Brentwood TN Real Estate

Christmas Tree Themes: Are They Really Worth It?

 

Do you celebrate Christmas?  If you do, chances are you will celebrate the holidays with a Christmas tree. Each year, the majority of Americans purchase a Christmas tree for their homes. Whether that tree is real or an artificial one, it is often decorated with Christmas decorations. Different individuals decorate their Christmas trees in different ways.  Many choose to theme their Christmas trees.  If you are planning on decorating your Christmas tree this year, you may be wondering whether or not it is really worth it to decorate your Christmas tree with a theme. 

 In all honesty, it depends.                 

Before you can start to determine whether or not it would be worth it for you to decorate your Christmas tree with a theme, it is important to note that different individuals have different views on themes.  There are many Christmas tree owners that choose to theme their Christmas trees by having everything a particular color.  For instance, there are some who choose to have a white Christmas tree with gold and red decorations. All of the decorations typically match.  While many take this simple approach, there are others who take it a step further. There are some parents who tend to focus their Christmas tree theme around a cartoon character or something else that their kids enjoy.  The decorations used are all typically associated in one way or another.         

                                      

The type of theme that you would like to use, if you choose to use one, will help to determine whether or not you should go through the hassle of decorating your Christmas tree with a particular theme.  For example, it was mentioned above that many just theme their Christmas trees with a particular set of colors.  While this can still be difficult to do, it is one of the easier ways to have a Christmas tree theme, especially if the colors are traditional holiday colors. Anything different and you may spend days or even weeks searching for Christmas tree decorations; Christmas tree decorations that may be more than you are willing to pay for.  So, if you are interested in decorating your Christmas tree with a theme, but without having to go through all of the hassle, you are advised to take the simplest approach.                        

If you do decide to decorate your Christmas tree with a particular theme, you may want to think about shopping for your Christmas tree decorations early. Around the months of October and November, the majority of individuals start shopping for Christmas decorations.  When this occurs, the selection of decorations available drastically decreases.  When you want to theme your Christmas tree, there is a good chance that you will want certain types of Christmas tree decorations, such as lights and ornaments.  If you want to make sure that you get exactly the Christmas tree decorations that you were looking for, you are advised to start purchasing Christmas decorations as soon as they become available or as soon as you make the decision do decorate your Christmas tree a certain way.

                       

 

If you are unable to find the Christmas tree decorations that you were looking for in one of your local retail stores, you are advised to give online shopping some thought. In fact, if you are planning on having a somewhat unique Christmas tree theme, you will find it easier to find what you are looking for online. When searching for themed Christmas tree decorations online, you will want to perform a standard internet search.  For instance, if you were planning on having the theme of your Christmas tree be a popular cartoon character or a well-known Christmas symbol, such as an angel, you will want to tailor your search to exactly what you are looking for    .

                                          

In addition to everything that was mentioned above, it is also important to examine the time that it will take to theme a Christmas tree. When it comes to themed Christmas trees, most tree owners want to get their Christmas trees exactly as they envisioned it in their minds. Unfortunately, that can take a lot of time and experimenting. It does not mean that you shouldn't theme your Christmas tree this year, it just means that you many want to examine whether or not you really have the time to do so.

Remember that Christmas is a time of giving and spending quality time with family and loved ones.  Don't let the decorating stress you out, make it fun and you will make memories that last a lifetime!

Vanessa Stalets
Your Brentwood Tennessee Real Estate Expert!

RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400