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Tax Free Weekend in Tennessee
TN Tax Free Weekend
For 2020 only, the Tennessee General Assembly has approved two separate sales tax holiday weekends. During these weekends, certain goods may be purchased tax free.
TN Department of Revenue| Jul 30, 2020
The first tax-free holiday weekend focuses on clothing and other back-to-school items. It begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 31 and ends Sunday, August 2 at 11:59 p.m. During this time, clothing, school supplies, and computers and other qualifying electronic devices may be purchased tax-free. Certain price restrictions apply.
Exempt items sold online are also eligible. Items must be purchased for personal use, not for business or trade.
TN Tax Free Weekend
Clothing
Exempt:
- General apparel that costs $200 or less per item, such as shirts, pants, socks, shoes, dresses, etc.
Not exempt:
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- Apparel items priced at more than $200
- Items sold together, such as shoes, cannot be split up to stay beneath the $200 maximum
- Items such as jewelry, handbags, or sports and recreational equipment
TN Tax Free Holiday
School Supplies
Exempt:
- School and art supplies with a purchase price of $200 or less per item, such as binders, books, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils, and rulers, and art supplies such as glazes, clay, paints, drawing pads, and artist paintbrushes
Not exempt:
- School and art supplies individually priced at more than $200
- Items that are normally sold together cannot be split up to stay beneath the $200 maximum
TN Tax Free Holiday
Computers & Other Electronics
Exempt:
- Computers for personal use with a purchase price of $3,000 or less
- Tablets, smart phones and electronic readers with a purchase price of $3,000 or less
- Televisions and video game consoles with a purchase price of $3,000 or less
Not exempt:
- Storage media, like flash drives and compact discs
- Individually purchased software
- Printer supplies
- Household appliances
2nd Tax Free Holiday
The second tax-free holiday weekend focuses on restaurant sales.
It begins at 12:01 a.m. on August 7 and ends Sunday, August 9 at 11:59 p.m.
During this time, the retail sale of food and drink by restaurants and limited service restaurants, as defined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 57-4-102, is exempt from sales tax.
Why a Pandemic, Recession, and Protests Aren't Keeping the Housing Market From Roaring Back
Why a Pandemic, Recession, and Protests Aren't Keeping the Housing Market From Roaring Back
| Jul 13, 2020 | realtor.com
The housing market is back—and then some.
Despite the crippling and ongoing coronavirus pandemic, millions out of work, a recession, a national reckoning over systemic racism, and a highly contentious presidential election just around the corner, the residential real estate market is staging an astonishing rebound.
Median home prices shot up 6.2% year over year on realtor.com® in the week ending June 27, according to weekly realtor.com data. Homes are selling faster than they did in 2019, when no one had heard of COVID-19. And bidding wars are back as first-time and trade-up buyers who have lost out on other homes slug it out.
"The housing recovery has been nothing short of remarkable," says Ali Wolf, chief economist of Meyers Research, a national real estate consultancy. "The expectation was that housing would be crushed. It was—for about two months—and then it came roaring back."
It's a far cry from the Great Recession of more than a decade ago, when home prices plummeted, mortgages were plunged under water, and foreclosures seemed to appear on just about every block. But of course, the overbuilt housing market and subprime mortgages helped cause that crisis. Back then there were a glut of homes for sale and not many eager buyers. This time it's reversed.
"People are really quick today to compare today with the Great Recession," says Wolf. "But we’re dealing with a different animal."
To be sure, there are plenty of danger signs ahead in this economy, including continuing historic levels of unemployment and rising coronavirus infection rates in many parts of the country. But, for now, real estate is bouncing back much quicker than other bellwether industries.
The reason: After months on hold, Americans are beginning to feel more confident about the idea of buying or selling a home.
Nearly two-thirds of consumers, 61%, said it was a good time to buy a home in June, in a Fannie Mae housing survey of 1,000 participants. That was a 9 percentage point increase from May. Roughly 41% of respondents said it was a good time to sell, also an increase of 9 percentage points from the previous month.
That optimism translated to a surge of mortgage applications for home purchases. They rose 33.2% year over year in the week ending July 3, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
And while the number of sales is way down, there are signs they could begin to catch up to the typical level of the normally busy summer home-buying season.
The number of sales of existing homes (previously lived-in residences) plummeted 26.6% annually in May, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors®. However, pending sales, which are purchases that haven't closed yet, surged 44.3% from April to May. They were down only 5.1% compared with 2019.
So what's driving this surprisingly hot market? There's a slew of culprits.
Shortage of homes for sale, low mortgage rates driving home price hikes
Home prices are climbing right back up, despite the recession, for one big reason: There is a severe shortage of homes for sale. That's great for sellers, but not so great for buyers.
Home listings are down 31% annually in the week ending July 4, according to realtor.com data. That's roughly a third less inventory than last year—when there was already a shortfall in available homes. In fact, before the pandemic, there was a shortage of roughly 4 million homes—and that's a conservative estimate, says realtor.com Senior Economist George Ratiu.
Throw in a health crisis that spooks sellers from listing their properties, hundreds of thousands of construction jobs disappearing this spring, and a pause in building in most areas, and suddenly the gap between a very limited supply and strong demand from would-be buyers becomes a chasm.
"The number of buyers in the market far outstrips the number of homes available," says Ratiu. That leads to higher prices—even amid a recession and the worst U.S. public health crisis in a century.
Another major reason for the housing market's rebound is the record-low mortgage interest rates, a siren song for buyers on a limited budget. Some of the most qualified borrowers are scoring rates just south of 3%, which is low enough to potentially shave more than a hundred dollars off a monthly loan payment and tens of thousands of dollars off the life of the mortgage.
"People are thinking, 'I'll never see a rate this low again,'" says Rocke Andrews, president of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. He's also a mortgage broker at Lending Arizona in Tucson.
The average mortgage rate fell to 3.03% for 30-year fixed-rate loans in the week ending July 9, according to Freddie Mac. That's the lowest they've been since Freddie began tracking rates in 1971.
"We basically have free money right now," says Meyers' Wolf. "Even as prices go up, the price gains are offset by the continued drop in mortgage rates."
The low rates may also make it cheaper to buy than rent in some markets—provided buyers have pulled together the down payment, says economist Gay Cororaton, director of NAR's housing and commercial research. The economic uncertainty right now may have also made folks want to lock in their housing costs, so they're not affected by rising rents.
"If you’re a white-collar worker who didn’t get laid off and you have savings, the math works for you," says Cororaton.
Why there are so many buyers in the market
There's an awful lot of pent-up demand from buyers who were stymied by the novel coronavirus in the spring. These are the folks who were forced to postpone their searches in March, April, and May. Some are first-time buyers with growing families who need the extra space pronto.
They're now back in force, competing with those who had planned to buy in the summer—along with the city folks suddenly seeking a single-family home of their own, a more spacious abode with a home office (or two), and outdoor space.
"They’ve been at home for months, and they’re going, 'If I’m going to spend the next six to 12 months working out of my house, I need a bigger house,'" says mortgage broker Andrews.
It's also easier today to take care of much of the lending and home-buying process online—where you don't have to worry about contracting the virus, says Jim Gaines, chief economist at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.
Surprisingly, even with the worst unemployment since the Great Depression, nationally topping 11% last month, the majority of working Americans have held on to their jobs.
Many higher-paid workers—the ones with the means to buy homes—have been relatively insulated from much of the carnage. Lower-wage workers (e.g., bartenders, restaurant servers, and retail employees) were harder hit by the furloughs and layoffs. Roughly 39% of workers with household incomes below $40,000 lost their jobs in March, according to a Federal Reserve report from May. These were folks who had been working in February.
Many of those still-employed workers with good-paying jobs have even boosted their savings, making it easier to cover down payments and closing costs. After all, they're not spending as much on vacations, clothes, or restaurants due to the pandemic. Many have also been able to stash away their stimulus checks.
"You defer your student loans, you received a stimulus check, you’re not going anywhere, and all of a sudden you have a down payment," says Wolf. "You only need a 3.5% for some mortgages."
Could home prices eventually fall?
Buyers shouldn't expect deep discounts during this recession—at least not yet. Unlike the Great Recession, a flood of foreclosures isn't expected to hit the market, bringing prices down.
This time around the federal government offered homeowners with government-backed loans (just over half of loans) mortgage forbearance to stave off another foreclosure crisis. Many private lenders followed the government's lead.
The forbearance is good for up to 12 months. It also allows borrowers to work out repayment plans and tack on missed payments to the end of the loans.
Prices could flatten or even dip if there is a surge in foreclosures following the end of the forbearance period, says Wolf. Mortgage rates shooting back up into the 4.5% and 5% range could also slow—or even halt—their climb.
"Home prices don’t fall just because," says Wolf. "There needs to be a catalyst or some kind of imbalance."
WilCo Tornado Resources
EF3 Tornado Hits Wilson County
Wilco Tornado Resources
Helene Singer Cash I March 5, 2020 I Updated March 10, 2020
WilCo Tornado 2020
Tornado 1933
Tornado 1998
SOURCE NWS Nashville, Image Google Earth
The Tennessean
Early morning March 3, 2020 many Wilson County residents were awakened with an EAS Tornado Warning. What we did not know was that this particular storm would leave in its wake a 50+ mile path of destruction ranging from an EF3-EF4.
No one likes to be awakened with an alarm going off on their phone, but these were lifesaving alerts. Keep in mind that the EAS alerts happen no matter what your phone settings are set to (even if Do Not Disturb is turned on!). If you are in the designated area for the Tornado Warning, you will receive this alert. Thankfully, this tornado did pass through our community early in the morning – we have schools received heavy damage, roads were virtually empty and businesses did not have their teams working.
Wilco Tornadoes
Path of Reported Tornadoes
The Tennessean
This path of destruction has taken 24 lives, countless homes and businesses. Here is a brief timeline of the storm from The Tennessean
10:15pm Monday – Storm chaser captured a photo of a tornado 4 miles east-northeast of Malden, Missouri
10:02pm Monday – Tornado Warning issued for Camden, TN
12:35am Tuesday – Tornado Warning issued for Davidson, Sumner and Wilson counties
12:38am Tuesday – Tornado touched down at John C. Tune Airport, destroyed over 90 aircraft and extensive damage to the airport, terminal, hangar and airfield.
12:41am Tuesday – EF-2 Tornado with winds of 125mph passed north of the TN State Capitol
12:45am Tuesday – EF-3 Tornado touched down in East Nashville with winds of 136-140 mph
12:54am Tuesday – Tornado touches down in Mt Juliet tearing roofs off homes, schools leveled 1:02am Tuesday – Tornado touched down just north of I-40
1:48am Tuesday – Severe Thunderstorm located near Cookeville in Putnam County then the tornado strikes highly populated subdivisions
3:25am Tuesday – First reports of fatalities our of Nashville
6:14am Tuesday – Death, destruction and disaster are now visible in daylight
Workers repair a downed power line near Walmart in Lebanon on Tuesday morning after a tornado severely damaged the area.
Ethan Steinquest/Lebanon Democrat
In the minutes after the deadly tornado touched down in Wilson County, first responders were out assessing damage, doing search and rescues on leveled buildings, and assisting the community. Within a few hours volunteers were already stepping up to assist with the mass devastation.
Wilco Tornado Path of Destruction
Ethan Steinquest Lebanon Democrat
#MtJulietStrong • #LebanonStrong • #WilsonStrong
We know we live in an amazing community but it’s another thing when we learn how amazing that community really is. Early Tuesday morning we saw volunteers stepping out to help their neighbors. Strangers driving from other counties to lend a hand, bring supplies and feed those who are in need. The need is great in Davidson, Wilson and Putnam Counties but we are seeing support and strength.
In Wilson County, we have a long list of resources. People helping People. Yes, we are the Volunteer State, but we have seen that we are the #VolunteerCommunity. If you need assistance or want to help others – below is a list of resources.
WilCo Tornado List of Resources
Lebanon
- Lebanon Government
- City of Lebanon - Facebook @CityofLebanonTN – sharing updates from other entities
- City of Lebanon Public Services – Facebook @CityOfLebanonPW – safety alerts
- Lebanon Police Department – live community updates on facebook
- Facebook @LebanonPoliceDepartment
- Coordinating Volunteers – text your name to 615.499.1561 to get registered and receive volunteer updates
- Call 615.444.2323, follow prompts for dispatch, if you have additional non-emergency needs
- Lebanon Fire Department – accepting & distributing donated items with updates on Facebook
- Facebook @LebanonFireDepartment
- 615.443.2903 for assistance with Large Donations
- Large donations can be dropped off at Fire Department on 520 Coles Ferry Pike
- If you need assistance please stop by the Fire Department at 520 Coles Ferry Pike – they will be open Mon-Fri 8a-5p and Saturday 8a-12p
- Toiletries, Supplies, Water, Food, Canned Goods, Clothing & More
- Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce - Community Resources
- Facebook @LebanonWilsonChamber
- 615.444.5503
- Schools
- Lebanon Special School District - Family Resource Center
- Neon Bus Fleet Feeding the Community - be sure to check back to the LSSD News Updates for more info
- Wilson County Schools - Community Information School Updates
- Facebook @WilsonK12TN
- Check Back for Updates and more information
- Lebanon Special School District - Family Resource Center
- Church Resources – churches may be offering additional services, here is a quick resource list
- Highland Heights Church of Christ – has served as a shelter
- Facebook @HHCofC
- 615.444.3430
- Red Cross Shelter
- College Hills Church of Christ – posting where to find meals
- Facebook @CollegeHillsChurch
- 615.444.9502
- Immanuel Baptist – resource
- First Baptist Church Lebanon - Child Care, volunteer coordination and community resource
- Highland Heights Church of Christ – has served as a shelter
- Planet Fitness Lebanon – closed for club use but open for showers and electric access to all members of the community
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- 1031 W Main St, Lebanon
- 615.994.6905
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- Finding Personal Belongings
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- Lebanon City Museum = bring to museum, they will catalogue and have available
- Wilson County Tornado Victim Lost and Found – Facebook @Wilson County Tornado Victim Lost and Found Group
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Mt Juliet
- Mt Juliet Government
- City of Mt Juliet – Facebook @MtJuliet – community updates
- Mt Juliet Police Department – community updates, road closures, Facebook Live updates
- Facebook @MtJulietPolice
- Sign Up to receive Nixle Alerts
- Web listing of resources, road closures, etc - this is a comprehensive list of information in Mt Juliet
- Tornado Assistance Request Portal to submit assistance requests
- Mt Juliet Fire Department – sharing community updates
- Mt Juliet Chamber of Commerce - Storm Relief Hot Spot & sharing community updates
- Facebook @MtJulietChamber
- Storm Relief Hot Spot - office hours Monday - Friday 8-4:30
- 615.758.3478
- Volunteer & Donation Committee – to sign up volunteer or donate
- Commissioner Ray Justice 615.975.0292 or rjustice@mtjuliet-tn.gov
- Mt Juliet Community Center – disaster relief donation center
- Monday – Saturday 8a-7p and Sunday 2-4p
- Church Resources – churches may be offering additional services, here is a quick resource list
- Mt Juliet Church of Christ - Disaster Relief
- Facebook @MJCOC
- Website – MtJuliet.org/MJRelief
- Mt Juliet Church of Christ - Disaster Relief
- Planet Fitness Mt Juliet – closed for club use but open for showers and electric access to all members of the community
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- 1335 N Mt Juliet Rd, Mt Juliet
- 615.988.5400
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Wilson County
- Wilson County Government – sharing resource information
- Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor – sharing resource information
- Facebook @MayorHutto
- Mayor Hutto Blog - updates on services, resources and assistance
- Wilson County, TN Television WCTV – sharing resource information
- Facebook @WilsonCountyTV
- Airing statements and updates!
- Wilson County Sheriff – sharing resource information
- WEMA – Wilson County Emergency Management Agency – sharing resource information
Mobile Job Center
- Red Cross – providing disaster relief Wilson County
- Facebook @RedCrossTN – disaster relief information
- 1-800-RED-CROSS
- Salvation Army - providing meals and other assistance
- Facebook @SalvoArmyWilsonCounty
- 615.449.3495
- Serving Wilson County
- Generation Changers Church – distributing supplies
State of TN
- UT Extension Services – Resources for Disaster Recovery
- TN Department of Health – Crisis Information
- Facebook @TNDeptofHealth
- Crisis Clean Up Line 1-800-451-1954
- TN Department of Agriculture – Crisis Information
- TN Disaster Information (TN EMA) – Crisis Information
- Facebook @TNDisasterInfo
- Comprehensive Resource Information
- Resources for Disaster Recovery
- Tornado and Severe Weather Response
- FEMA Resources & Information
- Comprehensive Resource Information
- Facebook @TNDisasterInfo
- TN Department of Safety
- Facebook @TennesseeSafety
- Mobile License Bus will be set up at the Lebanon Outlet Mall front parking lot on Monday, March 9 from 8a - 4:30p for anyone who needs to replace a driver’s license because of storm damage
- TN Department of Workforce Development
- Employer Phone Number: (615) 551-3501
- Employee Phone Number: (615) 247-5138
- Mid Cumberland Community Action Agency - Coordinating Relief and Food
Mid Cumberland Action Agency Resource Assistance
NATIONAL
- FEMA - available in Wilson County for assistance
- FEMA website will provide disaster assistance
- Lebanon - Outlet Mall
- Asbestos.com - Natural Disaster information on clean up and asbestos mitigation
FEMA Assistance
A Special Thank You to all First Responders - because of your assistance, service and dedication we can rest quietly.
The Wilson Post has also put together a list of resources for all who have been impacted.
Custom Brick Home in Farmington Woods
Custom Brick Home in Beautiful Farmington Woods
Lebanon Democrat I Cover Story Real Estate Review February 22, 2020
124 Springfield Drive is situated in the Farmington Woods neighborhood. One of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Wilson County, Farmington Woods offers the ease and convenience of being close to all amenities while being situated in a quiet country setting. With most lots averaging half an acre, you have room to roam.
All of the custom details of this home will tick the boxes on your checklist. Starting with 4 bedrooms with 3 full baths. On the main floor you will find two bedrooms and two bathrooms and the second floor has 2 bedrooms and one bathroom. Plenty of space for a growing family.
Stunning kitchen with gas cook top, built in oven and stainless steel appliance. This family size kitchen has plenty of cabinets and granite counter space. The large kitchen island allows for additional work space and storage. Eat in Kitchen allows you to spend time with your family while preparing meals.
The open concept Den adjacent to the Kitchen keeps the central family space located in the heartbeat of the home. High ceilings, tall windows and hardwood floors give the space a vast open fell while still feeling cozy with the fireplace close by for those chilly nights.
Looking for a bonus room? 124 Springfield Drive has large a bonus room that sits above the 3 car garage as well as a home office space. Large rooms with plenty of closet space.
Farmington Woods a walkable neighborhood with sidewalks and wide streets. With city water and gas, and all underground utilities, you will see why Farmington Woods is such a highly desirable neighborhood.
To have a private viewing of this Custom Home in Farmington Woods , call Chip Smith with Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction – cell 615.456.4474 or office 615.444.0909. Agee & Johnson is your Community’s Trusted Realty and Auction Company.
www.AgeeAndJohnson.com or https://ageeandjohnson.com/124-springfield-drive/
Your Next Home – Is Price Per Square Foot the Best Indicator?
Your Next Home – Is Price Per Square Foot the Best Indicator?
Lebanon Democrat I January 25, 2020 Real Estate Review I Helene Singer Cash
Thinking of buying a new home this spring, then you have already had the conversation ‘how much home can we afford?’ No matter the size of the home you are interested in, the formula is still the same – Square Footage + Location = Affordability.
But what does affordability really mean? Honestly, it means different things to different buyers but generally it has to do with how much house your money can buy. Depending on the location, you may be able to obtain a bit more house for your investment dollar.
"Price per square foot is a good benchmark because it’s a way to compare homes in an apples to apples way," says Andrew Chen, personal finance expert and founder of HackYourWealth.com.
According to the latest estimates, Realtor.com, the median price for each square foot for a home in the United States is $123. But that can vary widely based on where you live and other factors. For instance, on the low end, you'll pay $24 a square foot in Detroit and on the expensive end, in San Francisco, $810.
"In general, price per square foot is higher in markets where there's high demand but land is scarce due to underlying geographic constraints," explains Robert Dietz, chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders. Examples of this would be Miami, NYC or San Francisco.
Other factors? "Prices are also higher in markets with steeper construction labor costs or more regulated markets where fees, zoning, and other rules make building difficult," Dietz continues.
Why is Cost Per Square Foot So Important?
When looking for your new home, the list price is quite possibly the most important figure you will look for. But that list price is generally calculated from the cost for each square foot. Understanding the average cost for each square foot for a home in that neighborhood (or the median cost for a square foot of home space, which is actually a better representative of the middle ground of the market than the average) will help understand the homes value.
Calculating the average price per square foot can be a bit deceiving. A 1000 square foot home may be listed for $100,000 or listed at $100 per square foot. Meanwhile the home down the block is 1500 square feet and listed at $142,500 or $95 per square foot. Traditionally, larger square foot homes have a bit lower price per square footage. This is why Average Price per Square Foot is most commonly used method.
Bottom Line – Average Price per Square Foot is just that, an average. Larger homes garner lower square foot prices and smaller homes garner larger square foot prices. This is an average to help both the buyer and seller understand the target range.
Cost Per Square Foot and How Does Middle TN Measure?
Cost per square foot can fluctuate from month to month and street to street. Knowing the target and understanding location, the cost per square foot will be only part of the equation when purchasing a home.
Middle TN Sales Average $ per Square Foot for December 2019 from Redfin.com
- Nashville
Average price per square foot: $190
How much home $305,000 can buy: 1605 square feet - Franklin
Average price per square foot: $202
How much home $305,000 can buy: 1732 square feet - Lebanon
Average price per square foot: $150
How much home $305,000 can buy: 2033 square feet - Mt Juliet
Average price per square foot: $156
How much home $305,000 can buy: 1955 square feet - Hendersonville
Average price per square foot: $149
How much home $305,000 can buy: 2047 square feet
HousingWire.com’s comparison of 10 cities in the U.S. and how much home you can get for your money:
- Boston
Median price per square foot: $1,160
How much home $305,000 can buy: 263 square feet - New York
Median price per square foot: $1,106
How much home $305,000 can buy: 276 square feet - San Francisco
Average price per square foot: $1,004
How much home $305,000 can buy: 304 square feet - Los Angeles
Average price per square foot: $646
How much home $305,000 can buy: 472 square feet - Washington, D.C.
Average price per square foot: $473
How much home $305,000 can buy: 740 square feet - Seattle
Average price per square foot: $454
How much home $305,000 can buy: 672 square feet - Miami
Average price per square foot: $313
How much home $305,000 can buy: 974 square feet - Dallas
Average price per square foot: $215
How much home $305,000 can buy: 1,419 square feet - Chicago
Average price per square foot: $193
How much home $305,000 can buy: 1,580 square feet - Detroit
Average price per square foot: $42
How much home $305,000 can buy: 7,262 square feet
Indoor and Outdoor Living
Indoor and Outdoor Living
Lebanon Democrat I Cover Story Real Estate Review Dec 21, 2019
2213 Cartel Drive is a home that has everything a Family is looking for in their next home. There is something for everyone in this Custom, 5800+ square foot home from Indoor Living to Outdoor Living.
With 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths and 1 half bath, there is room for everyone. The Walk Out basement has a large family room and a separate bar (or Man Cave), great spaces for everyone. For the family dinners, you will have options of eating in the well-appointed kitchen with all of the bells and whistles or the formal dining room. Stunning custom details appear in each room throughout this home, down to the heated and cooled garage.
The show stopper of this custom home is the outdoor living, playing and entertaining area. From the Covered Balcony and Covered Patio, you will see the amazing green space views. While enjoying time in the covered pavilion, you will marvel at the custom designed and built pizza oven. Enjoy swimming year-round in the heated swimming pool or enjoying a meal in the covered pavilion. This is a must see home!
To have a private viewing of this Custom Home with Indoor and Outdoor living, call Scott Harris with Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction – cell 615.715.4333 or office 615.444.0909. Agee & Johnson is your Community’s Trusted Realty and Auction Company. To see lisiting onling - Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction or 2213 Cartel Drive, Lebanon TN
Indoor and Outdoor Living Home
Listing Your House in January: Why You Don't Have to Wait Until Spring
Listing Your House in January: Why You Don't Have to Wait Until Spring
Lebanon Democrat I December 21 2019 Real Estate Review I Helene Singer Cash
Why is Spring the quintessential time to sell? Is it because everyone is ready to get out and start exploring? The flowers are in bloom? Warm days after a long cold winter?
In the ever-changing real estate market, there was a time when Spring was the key selling season. This selling tradition has even carried over to the web based home shopper. January is when the new home buyer is starting to think about the new year, reflecting on the year behind them and planning for an early spring purchase.
How do you beat the competition and stand out from the crowd? Traditionally the warmer months are when the market is saturated with high supply – meaning your home is one of many on the market. By listing early, you are one of few with a limited supply available for purchase.
Don’t think about the picture perfect weather as being the only time to list your home. By waiting for blooms on trees, tulips filling the flower beds with a full array of color and your grass filling in the front yard, you are part of the spring rush. Winter buyers understand that the exterior is not a full rainbow of color and texture. They are committed to the process of purchasing.
According to Andrew Schmeerbauch with Clever, ‘As the national market continues to strengthen, more people are buying and selling homes year-round. This past year saw the U.S. median listing price in January up 7% at $289,300 and nationally, homes sold in January were off the market in 87 days, two days faster than the previous year.’
There are many reasons why selling in the Winter and not waiting until Spring can be beneficial. Will you look to listing this January?
The savvy shopper is utilizing the internet to shop first, walk through the home via the web. Buyers are now out 24/7/365. New home buyers are utilizing one of the many home listing sites to take an online tour. Bottom line is if they are venturing out into the cold they are interested. Keep in mind as a seller, it is even more important to have your photos with your listing. Staging your home and reducing the clutter will show the viewer the best aspects of your home.
Fewer homes on the market in the Winter than in the Spring – less competition. Motivated sellers will post their homes first, and not wait until early Spring. Serious sellers will have their homes online and marketing early as to not miss any new home buyers.
Just because it is Winter does not mean you cannot have Curb Appeal. Keep the sidewalks and drives shoveled if you live in a snowy area, showing a well-maintained home. Ensuring that your flower beds are neat while in hibernation is still crucial. Allowing the potential buyer to envision the year-round garden, not a nest of gardening maintenance.
When showing the house on a cold a damp day, it is a great idea to have your home warm and inviting by having the heat turned up for a warm and toasty visit. Everyone feels at home with a toasty warm inviting visit.
No matter the season, there are several key elements to selling your home. Listing your home at the right price, working with a knowledgeable agent and understanding your local housing market will enable the process to be quick and smooth.
Realtor.com simplifies the Winter Selling process to these 6 steps
- Low Inventory = Less Competition
- You get to show your homes Winter readiness
- New parents are looking to upgrade after the summer baby boom
- Winter brings out Serious buyers
- Year End financials and bonus pay outs
- Corporate Relocation
Terri Williams with Realtor.com indicated ‘…if you decide to sell your home during the winter, experts say you could reap a reward in cold, hard cash. … selling in the winter can make you a real estate winner.’
It’s a wonderful time to list your home!
Agee & Johnson: The Vision Lives On
Agee & Johnson: THE VISION LIVES ON
Wilson Living Magazine I Holiday 2019 by Sabrina Garrett
Wilson Living Magazine 2019 Holiday Edition
Forty years ago, Agee & Johnson was founded by Jim Agee and Jerry Johnson. The gentlemen shared a vision for a realty and auction company rooted deep in community service. That vision lives on today under the new ownership of Principal Broker and Auctioneer Jay White.
Jay White TN Auctioneer Hall of Fame Induction with Hayden White 2019
White began working for Agee & Johnson in 1988. "I never thought about doing anything else," he said. "It has been enjoyable. I like helping people and seeing the joy in their eyes when they buy something or seeing the joy in their eyes when something gets sold."
Helene Cash, an affiliate broker and spokesperson for White, explained that three years ago Agee & Johnson partnered with another real estate company, becoming a division of that firm. "Early in 2019 the opportunity arose for Agee & Johnson to become its own brokerage again. Jay had an opportunity to open the brokerage and chose to restore the legacy of Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction," she said.
White doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon and said that with his son, Hayden, now an Affiliate Broker and Auctioneer with the company – taking ownership seemed like the right thing to do. "I wanted to bring back the way we have done things in the past and continue the legacy," White said.
Cash added that although the business is community-focused, there is a modern approach with technology and utilizing the tools available for today’s home buyers and sellers. "With the diverse talents of our real estate team we handle all aspects – commercial and residential, buyer and seller, new home sales and resales, working with buyers searching for their dream home as well as land development," Cash elaborated. "Jay and his team are highly skilled at land development and land division no matter if it is a real estate transaction or an auction sale."
Agee & Johnson Team: Jim Agee, Harry Bennett, Phil Bryant, Linda Hackett, Seth Hallums, Scott Harris, Ed James, Larry Keller, Rene Ketelsen, Neal Oakley, Charlie Pass, Michael Randolph, Clay Sanders, Helene Singer Cash, Chip Smith, Jan Smith, Lou Anne Snyder, Jessica Taylor, Rick Thorne and Hayden White.
Agee & Johnson boasts over 275 years of experience in helping clients thanks to their team, which includes: Jim Agee, Harry Bennett, Phil Bryant, Linda Hackett, Seth Hallums, Scott Harris, Ed James, Larry Keller, Rene Ketelsen, Neal Oakley, Charlie Pass, Michael Randolph, Clay Sanders, Helene Singer Cash, Chip Smith, Jan Smith, Lou Anne Snyder, Jessica Taylor, Rick Thorne, and Hayden White.
Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction Re-Opens Office
Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction Re-Opens Office
The Chronicle of Mt Juliet I August 7, 2019 Staff Reports
Lebanon-based real estate brokerage Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction recently re-opened their office at 728 West Main St, Lebanon, TN, 37087. The office provides space for all of the Agee & Johnson professionals and allows the brokerage to grow and serve more Middle Tennessee neighborhoods.
Broker, Hall of Fame Auctioneer and now owner, Jay White, is excited for the team of 20 agents to be able to serve the community with a name people know and trust.
Broker Owner Jay White with Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction
"We are excited to have Agee & Johnson back in Lebanon," he said. "Our focus on service and community has built a legacy of trust. Our knowledge of real estate and auctions, along with a team of agents that have over 275 years of knowledge, allow us to be a highly skilled team of professionals."
Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction was started in 1977 by Jim Agee and Jerry Johnson with a focus on integrity and trust. While the focus has not changed, Jay has had an opportunity to bring this Middle Tennessee brokerage firm forward while embracing the legacy and combining the technology of the current market. Having a standard of excellence will provide each client’s unique situation with community knowledge, industry trends and best in industry outcomes.
Agee & Johnson is the community’s trusted realty and auction company. Servicing Middle Tennessee area, the team is committed to the successful outcome of its clients’ real estate or auction transaction. The team focus is on the needs of the client, a smooth transaction and a successful outcome.
The real estate brokerage and auction firm was built from the ground up to empower the home buyers and sellers with unmatched knowledge and expertise of professionals in the area. Proactive, honest and trust-worthy, Agee & Johnson agents listen to the clients’ needs, address their concerns and deliver customized solutions.
For more information, call 615.444.0909 or visit www.AgeeAndJohson.com
Nashville Holiday Guide: Hot Holiday Events in Middle TN
Nashville Holiday Guide: Hot Holiday Events in Middle TN
Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash
It’s Holiday Time here in Music City and lots of events to get us in the mood for holiday events, activities and more. Take a look at a few of these fun happenings.
Zoolumination
November 15, 2019 – February 2, 2020
See the Zoo in a Whole New Light!
Zoolumination: Chinese Festival of Lights is Friday, November 15, 2019, to Sunday, February 2, 2020, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at the Nashville Zoo. The country’s largest Chinese lantern festival featuring holiday-themed scenes, a 200-foot-long dragon, over 500 silk lanterns, and decorated displays with some of your favorite zoo animals. There will also be Chinese acrobats, hand-made crafts, and bites. Zoolumination is open nightly during December except on December 24, December 25, December 31, and January 1. Admission is free for children two and under, $14 for children two to 12, and $19 for teens and adults.
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Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se5zNGMeG4o&feature=youtu.be
Drive-Thru Dancing Lights of Christmas
November 16, 2019 – Janunary 4, 2020
James E Ward Agricultural Center - 945 East Baddour Parkway, Lebanon TN
Tennessee's Largest Drive Thru Light and Music Show
The Dancing Lights of Christmas returns for it's 10th consecutive season at The James E. Ward Agricultural Center, home of the Wilson County Fair. The light show will run from November 16, 2019, to January 4, 2020. A Nashville tradition where attendees pile in a car and drive through an incredible dancing light show, which synchronizes with a special FM radio channel. The show opens nightly at 5:00pm, even on holidays. After the light show you will stop in Santa’s Village for additional activities and a visit with Santa.
Video:
GLOW Nashville: Nashville’s Brightest Christmas Experience
November 22, 2019 – December 31, 2019
GLOW Nashville, a New Holiday Tradition
GLOW Nashville, Nashville’s Brightest Christmas Experience, is happening from November 22, 2019, to December 31, 2019, at First Tennessee Park. Nashville’s newest experience will include one of the country’s tallest Christmas trees, millions of lights, a custom-built ice skating rink, a life-size Santa’s workshop, and more! Fun for all ages. Tickets range from $15.99 to $79.99.
Video:
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
November 23, 2019 – January 5, 2020
An Unforgettable Winter Wonderland
Step into a winter wonderland designed to create an unforgettable, immersive and engaging experience that has become a favorite Nashville holiday tradition.
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood is back again for the fifth year with a one-mile-long path featuring over a million twinkling lights. Pinnacles of Light, an outdoor display showcasing 17 custom-made LED trees with programmed lights, is new this year. There will also be real reindeer, s’mores pits, holiday carolers, Santa, gingerbread workshops, and cash bars with wine, beer, and hot chocolate. The Mansion will be decorated, so be sure to check it out while you’re there. Holiday LIGHTS is a timed-ticketed event from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. The exhibit is open seven nights a week from November 23, 2019, to January 5, 2020 (except Christmas Day). Admission ranges from $9 to $27 depending on membership status, time, and date.
Video:
https://youtu.be/swSi82mUZhE
Gaylord Opryland Resort’s A Country Christmas
November 8, 2019 – January 1, 2020
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
A Magical Experience for the Entire Family
You and your family will marvel at more than 3 million holiday lights and acres of magnificent decorations, plus spectacular holiday activities and events that are sure to get you in the spirit of the season and create lasting family memories. Experience SoundWaves, an upscale water experience featuring four combined acres of year-round indoor and seasonal attractions.
A Country Christmas has many activities –
- Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
- ICE!® featuring A Christmas Story
- Carriage Rides
- SoundWaves Water Experience
- Snow Tubing
- Ice Skating
- Gingerbread Decorating Corner
Video:
Holidays at the Hermitage
November 23, 2019 – December 31, 2019
Experience the historic mansion and tranquil beauty
The holidays are a special time at the home of the 7th President. We invite you to join us for a full month of exciting and time-honored traditions... right here, in Middle TN. Look for Holiday Mansion Tours, Fireside with Father Christmas, Holiday Storytime, Holiday & Harvest Carriage Tours and more.
Video:
Nordic Winter Village (Heated Igloos)
November 14, 2019 – December 31, 2019
Hotel Bobby - 230 4th Ave N, Nashville
Nordic Winter Village
All the talk last year at Bobby’s Hotel Rooftop Lounge is the installation of the Nordic Winter Village. Back and better than ever, and all that’s missing is you. Whether you’re cozying up in a cabin for a double-date or gathering the whole crew for a private igloo dinner, there’s enough spiked hot chocolate to go around. There are heated igloos, two cedar cabins, bonfires, holiday trees and decor, cozy blankets, rugs, and festive menu items. Reservations are highly recommended. Prices range from $200 - $750.
Video:
https://www.facebook.com/BobbyHotelNashville/videos/439108673454878/
Deck The Hall
December 2019
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
All holiday season at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, we’re rockin' around the Christmas tree — our Deck the Hall events and activities offer free, festive fun for the whole family.
The museum will be packed with seasonal and free activities that blend music, art, education and even Santa Claus, offering fun for the entire family. Children of all ages can have a free photo taken with Santa Claus on both Saturdays and Sundays.
