Another year is coming to an end and while 2011 certainly had a few bumps as far as the real estate market is concerned, the past few months have indicated that we are well on our way for a strong 2012.

Several consecutive months of increased home sales both in Nashville and nationally matched with historically low interest rates, will certainly make for a more favorable real estate market next year.

If you are planning on selling and are waiting for the spring market, start planning now. Even though it is January, the spring home buying/selling market will be here in March and even as early as late February. I always recommend consulting with a Realtor. Get their advise on what you need to do to get your home market ready. There will be a lot of homes that will hit the market and you want yours to stand out.

Buyers, this year will be different from years past. I think you will have some great inventory to choose from but sellers may not be as flexible as in the past especially in ” hot markests ” like East Nashville where we are beginning to see some cash deals and multiple offer situations again. It is crucial that you have an experienced agent representing you.

Happy New Year and stay tuned for great things to come..

 

 

Do I dare utter the words ” sellers market ” ? …well, lately it may seem so. My last few transactions where I have represented the buyer have been multiple offer situations for the seller. My last transaction where I represented the seller, my client’s property was contracted in one day and closed in less than 30 with a back-up offer. These being in East Nashville which is a hot neighborhood in Nashville but this is happening in every Nashville neighborhood and applies to loft/ condo sales as well as single family homes.

East Nashville had 102 homes close in September with a median ” days on market ” of  68 days and an average ” days on market ” of 92. If I look at the active listings currently on the market, I will see A LOT  of homes under contract.

 

 

For most parts of middle Tennessee school will be starting in just a couple of weeks. As a Realtor who works with a lot of clients who are relocating from out of state and sometimes from abroad, I am always asked about schools ( understandably ) my heart always goes out to my clients because I have to give them my Realtor answer which is that I am legally unable to advise them on schools. The Tennessee Association Of Realtors prevents of advising clients on schools, crime and demographic make up of neighborhoods which are extremely important to folks moving to a new neighborhood/state.

As a parent with a school age child I understand how important finding the right school and neighborhood fit is. Relocating to a new community is challenging in itself and sometimes I am the first person my client’s know in Nashville. So, what I do is give them every resource I have available.

If you are moving here and are stressing the school situation the very first place to start is at the Metro Nashville Public School website if you are considering public schools. Their website is www.mnps.org. this will tell you everything you need to know regarding zoning, magnet school options ( It is too late for magnet school lottery this year ) exceptional education ( I have a child in exceptional education , Autism ) gifted programs, school attire etc. If you already know the school your child is attending, find out the who the PTO president is and contact them. My clients have found this very helpful.

If you are planning on exploring private school options, Nashville has some great schools. I will list some below:

Franklin Road Academy

The Linden School ( Waldorf Education )

Abintra Montessori School

Curry Ingram ( Exceptional Education Private )

Montgomery Bell Academy ( Boys Private )

Harpeth Hall ( Girls Private )

St. Cecilia ( Girls Private )

St. Bernards Academy

St. Joseph Academy

University School ( Vanderbilt )

Akiva School

Nashville International Academy

Keep in mind that no school system is perfect but if you do your research, talk to parents and neighbors you will be fine. It has been my experience that my child’s teachers and administrative staff have been more than willing to work with us.

 

East Nashville is always growing. Here is an article published in the Nashville Post about East Nashville’s latest addition.

East Nashville pair launches business incubator

Gallery owners are hoping to foster neighborhood retail growthPublished June 2, 2011 by Walker Duncan

A pair of East Nashville residents are hoping to foster improved retail growth in the area with the creation of a new “idea hatchery.”

Bret and Meg McFadyen, owners of Art and Invention Gallery, announced this afternoon that they have launched The Five Points Collaborative, a collective of small modular buildings being constructed at 1108 Woodland Street. The McFadyens plan “to encourage entrepreneurial small businesses by providing small rental spaces with short term leases at a fair price.”

Meg McFadyen told NashvillePost.com the couple has already received a great deal of interest in the spaces. “Mostly its small gift boutiques and art-type shops,” she said.

McFadyen said there have also been inquiries from some service businesses, as well, but that the primary focus of the project is on growing retail businesses in East Nashville community. In the announcement for the collaborative, the McFadyens further explained their idea as “an ideal solution for developing empty lots in vibrant, or up and coming, parts of Nashville.”

Because the buildings are small and modular, they create “an instant business community” but can be easily moved or sold if a property owner decides to move into a permanent structure.

East Nashville residents for more than a decade, the McFadyens are also the founders of the Tomato Arts Festival and the I Dream of Weenie hotdog stand, which they recently sold.

 

One of my favorite parts of being a Realtor in East Nashville is helping a client find their home in my neighborhood. Whether they are already residents of East Nashville or moving from out of state or another part of the city, I love showing them around. I get the opportunity to see parts of East Nashville that I don’t get to visit on a regular basis. As a resident for 14 years now, it is easy to comfortable in my surroundings and working with them is exciting.

I often get asked questions about East Nashville regarding safety, schools, and which neighborhood might be best for them and while I would love to be able to answer those questions, I have to be what I call the ” source of the source ” to give a better explanation, I am not allowed to comment on safety and schools..bummer I know but Tennessee Real Estate laws prohibit Realtors form doing so. However, what I do is make every effort to give them every source I have available so they can access the information they need to be comfortable.

When It comes to making a decision about which East Nashville neighborhood might work best for you. Here is my guide line. The are a few things to consider. East Nashville is a great neighborhood for sure. It is fun, hip and one of the best places to live in Nashville but it is urban and it is city living. There are the issues that come with living in an urban area.

East Nashville is comprised of several ” neighborhoods ” and depending on what you like and your lifestyle, you can find your fit. If you like to be close to the action, then you want to focus your search on homes or condos close the Five Points area. Lockeland Springs and Historic Edgefield will likely be your best bet if you want to be within walking or biking distance. Homes will be more expensive in this area but occasionaly you can come across a good deal.

If you like the peace and quiet with a big yard and driveway then you want to look in Inglewood, Rosebank, Fortland Farms and Porter Heights. You will find homes here in every price range. Homes will be priced from 100k to over 400k and in variety of styles.

If you are an urban pioneer and looking for an affordable home with some character and willing to do a little work to a lot of work then look in areas like Cleveland Park, Maxwell Heights, McFerrin Park and South Inglewood. These are great areas and very up and coming with some great homes. Home prices will vary greatly from investment priced homes to homes that have been renovated and are turn key.

Eastwood Neighbors and Shelby Bottoms are two neighborhoods that are also fairly close to Five Points ( driving distance ) and have great homes that are moderately  priced.

East Nashville has something for everyone. Every type of person fits in here which is just one of the reasons I have called East Nashville home for so many years.

© 2012 East Nashville Homes - Maria Patton, Realtor Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha