BHGRE • Chattanooga • Real Estate • SignatureBrokers • August 22, 2022

Focusing the House Hunt

by John Flaherty

Focusing the House Hunt

Finding the right place is the most difficult step in the home buying process. Keep these things in mind to help hone your search.

NEW (NOT FOREVER) HOME

First-time buyers might want to look for a starter home (length of stay: three to five years) instead of their dream home, so they can save money and build equity.

SQUARE FOOTAGE (NOT ROOM COUNT)

In the past, counting bedrooms and bathrooms would help you get a sense of how big a home is. But today’s construction methods and fix-and-flips allow builders and remodelers to be creative with tight spaces. “Think about how spacious you want your home to feel,” says Joseph Magsaysay of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Preferred Properties in St. Louis. “Usable square footage is a better indicator of roominess and comfort level than bedroom and bath counts alone.”

LOCATION (SHORT AND LONG TERM)

If you plan to stay in your home for longer than five years, think beyond nearby coffee shops and proximity to work. Also look at long-term needs like schools and hospitals that become more important as you age.

SOURCE: BETTER HOMES & GARDENS® MAY 2022 ISSUE

BHGRE • Chattanooga • Luxury • SignatureBrokers • August 16, 2022

How to Use Wellness and Healthy Lifestyles to Attract Luxury Homebuyers

by John Flaherty

Luxury homebuyers purchase a fabulous lifestyle as well as a home. Agents who recognize the lifestyle preferences of these discerning buyers can corner this lucrative niche market. Discover how to use wellness and healthy lifestyles to attract, and sell homes, to high-end house hunters who know how they want to live.

Glorious Gardens

Expansive properties mean having room for glorious gardens, including fresh vegetables and herbs. Show luxury buyers aromatic gardens with regional fruits, vegetables, and spices. Let them know they can pick fresh produce and herbs to use in their daily cooking. Having a well-established garden is a strong selling point for people focused on wellness. Remember to point out special features, such as an organic garden or one surrounded by beautiful flowers that also keep bugs and pests away.

Fantastic Fitness Center

Homes with a workout room or luxury communities with fitness centers are sure to appeal to buyers focused on good health. Mentioning a home has space to build a fitness area can help. However, most luxury buyers prefer move-in ready houses that already have it all. Having these types of amenities in-place can help sell a house faster and increase its value to fitness-minded purchasers.

Sensational Sporting Opportunities

Estate homes often have sporting areas, such as tennis and basketball courts. A swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub are also alluring amenities for buyers with a healthy lifestyle. Make sure the sports courts are updated, clean, and safe for the new owners to use immediately. Keep the swimming pool and other water fixtures well-maintained at all times. Display related sporting gear so potential buyers can imagine themselves enjoying outdoor sports in their new backyard.

Waterfront Living

Waterfront homes are desirable to many high-end buyers because there are fewer of them than landlocked ones. Whether a summer home or used year-round, waterfront living is enticing to everyone from beach bums to sailors and fishing enthusiasts. Homes with dockage appeal to boaters while a house on a private beach is ideal for sun lovers. Craft listing descriptions that focus on all the waterfront opportunities at the home and in the area. Mention yacht clubs, favorite fishing piers, and other hot spots where healthy lifestyles are in full swing.

Wellness, Walking, and Riding

Accessibility to walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails appeals to wellness-minded buyers. Vast estates might have their own trails, which are best showcased by aerial photography. Give prospective buyers a bird’s eye view of the places they can walk, hike, and ride around their home. Include a map of the property, and surrounding trails, and encourage them to explore the beauty for a while on their own.

Proximity to Healthy Lifestyle Options

If a home is located near a notable fitness center, golf course, and other healthy lifestyle options, mention the proximity to possible buyers. Include these places in the listing description with tags, so buyers searching for specific properties will find the house for sale. Include colorful images of the house and neighborhood. Better Homes and Gardens® affiliated agents have access to an impressive library of professional photographs to complement their listings and promotional materials.

Indoor Wellness Features

Jetted tubs, rainwater showers, saunas, and sunbeds are indoor features to mention as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Luxury buyers appreciate having a spa experience at home, with amenities such as heated bath towel racks, radiant heated flooring, and cedar closets. Beyond the little details, transform a space into a massage room or yoga studio to appeal to health-conscious clients. A few simple updates can grab the attention of luxury buyers and help sell the house faster.

Clean Air and Water

Wellness-minded buyers are likely to be concerned about the quality of the air and water in a house. An air purification system and water filtration systems are smart investments that benefit the current homeowner and future ones. Sellers should be encouraged to get these systems, so the house always appears clean and healthy.

Staged for Success

Keep in mind health and well-being as the home is staged for open houses and future showings. Hide all personal items, so house hunters can picture themselves at the property. Ue neutral, earthy colors that bring to mind a spa feeling. Display complementary accessories that help people imagine all the possibilities, such as bubble bath and fluffy towels near a jetted indoor tub.

With a focus on wellness and healthy lifestyles, agents can attract more luxury buyers. From millennial buyers with an eye on fitness to seniors looking to maintain good health, savvy agents know how to showcase wellness features to sell houses fasters to buyers who can’t wait to live in them.

Article courtesy of BHGRE®, which can be found at: https://bhgrecareer.com/bebetterblog/luxury-homebuyers/

BHGRE • Career • Chattanooga • SignatureBrokers • August 9, 2022

Six Qualities Found in the Best Real Estate Agents

by John Flaherty

People from all walks of life take a course and pass the real estate agent state exam. But this is only the beginning. A successful career in real estate requires more than education, licensing, and a desk at an office. The leading real estate agents know the secrets to success. Discover the six qualities the best real estate agents possess to see if you have them.

Honesty is Crucial in Real Estate

Honesty requires transparency and the ability to communicate the truth to the clients. It can be tempting to slide into a used car salesperson persona and tell clients what they want to hear. In the long-term, this can crush a real estate agent’s career, which is based on reputation and referrals. Clients rely on an agent to share their knowledge and expertise. And being honest doesn’t have to be brutal. Be frank and forthright in all your conversations. Let clients know you are always looking out for their best interests. They need to trust a real estate agent and feel like they are in good hands. Show honesty and integrity by joining the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and pledging to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Hardworking Yet Personable

Real estate agents must sell themselves as well as properties. People want a hardworking agent who pulls out all the stops to make a deal happen. Agents should engage in continuing education beyond the classes required for ongoing licensing. Learn about online marketing, current market conditions, and innovative photography techniques. Have a strong work ethic and demonstrate the ability to handle any situation with ease. Bring a sense of confidence and surety to the table. And remember all work and no play makes Jack or Jane a dull agent. Always be personable in all interactions as clients come from a wide range of sources.

Well-Organized with Attention to Detail

What makes a listing unique in comparison to other local homes for sale? When do the buyers want a follow-up call about available homes? Real estate agents must keep track of countless questions and projects each day. The best real estate agents are well-organized and continuously pay attention to detail. These two qualities help agents provide the highest level of service to each client, even when they are working with many buyers and sellers. Use organizational tools to stay on track.

Superior Local Knowledge

The most successful real estate agents are local experts. They have a finger on the pulse of local market conditions as well as the neighborhood vibe. From housing data to the most popular area hot spots, people prefer agents who are familiar with the locale. Keep track of local statistics such as a sales and listing data, economic conditions, financing options, demographics, and more. Find out this information from data collected by NAR, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, banks and credit unions, Census Bureau, and the local building department. Share your localized expertise on a blog and social media including upcoming community events, market conditions, and the latest listings with your personal commentary.

Know How to Network

It takes a village to sell a house. A real estate agent must be sociable and know how to network with other professionals. Interact with agents, mortgage bankers, attorneys, architects, builders, inspectors, and financial advisers. Create a proactive team and establish a list of reliable resources to offer to clients. Refer people to your network of professionals and encourage them to send referrals your way. Have a recommendation every step of the way to take the guesswork out of buying and selling. Clients appreciate recommendations that save them hours of work and research.

Offers Fantastic Freebies

Whoever said there is no such thing as a free lunch doesn’t understand the nature of wooing clients. Offering freebies is an excellent way to meet potential clients and gain their trust. Provide a free home evaluation to sellers. Schedule a free initial consultation with buyers. Post informative articles on your blog and guest blog for industry websites. Create two short ebooks, one for buyers and sellers. Outline what they need to know to get ready for the upcoming real estate transaction. Offer these free ebooks on your website and social media accounts in exchange for the person’s email address. Use the email addresses to create a list for future marketing emails. And when in doubt, take a client out to lunch to discuss the latest developments. A little bit of extra attention can often go a long way.

The best real estate agents recognize the value of the services they provide to clients. While they offer advice and freebies, they are also knowledgeable and affirmative. Hone these six skills and watch your commission checks grow.

Article courtesy of BHGRE®, which can be found at: https://bhgrecareer.com/bebetterblog/best-real-estate-agents/

BHGRE • Chattanooga • Luxury • August 3, 2022

Choosing the Best Smart Garden Gadgets

by John Flaherty

The best garden tools for your new planting resolutions are likely to include those controlled or monitored by your smartphone. It doesn’t mean that you won’t be getting your hands dirty as you create a thriving backyard oasis or terrace container garden. However, it does mean that your forays can be much more efficient, and your garden dreams are less likely to be thwarted by the whims of insects, soil pH, and an ever-changing schedule. Read on to learn more about some of the best garden tools and systems available right now.

Garden Landscaping Robots

While it might seem like something out of a science fiction movie, landscaping robots using AI technology are already here. Launched by Whirly Max, their landscaping robot (the Yardroid) resembles a mini-tank. It can turn to avoid obstacles or climb over short ones. It can handle garden slopes and follow a mowing pattern that you set ahead of time. This futuristic gadget can spray pest and weed control chemicals and has an integrated leaf blower, making it one of the best garden tools to hit the market.

It’s not alone. The Husqvarna Automower 450X is also turning heads. According to the manufacturer, it can easily handle mowing duties of up to 1.25 acres. The design is reminiscent of a sports car, and it is gaining a reputation for being able to work in tight spaces, handle obstacles, and survive even torrential downpours as it works. It’s compatible with Alexa and Google Home and effectively handles slopes and spiral cutting jobs. Of course, it’s also among the priciest landscaping robots (at approximately $4,000) available today, which probably is why it comes with built-in theft protection.

Wi-Fi Sprinkler Systems

Smart sprinkler systems are ideal for anyone who works outside the home, travels, or wants to adjust their watering from their smartphone. It might sound like a dream, but Better Homes & Gardens has already tested several systems and named the LinkTap Wireless Water Timer as the “Best Wi-Fi-Controlled Lawn Sprinkler.” The Magazine loves it because “you can set a watering schedule that works best for your lawn, and even log into the app to cancel a watering session if you’re expecting rain.” It’s mid-range in terms of price and widely available.

The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler is slightly more expensive but entices with the promise of adjusting watering schedules and amounts based on things like sun exposure and soil. The Rachio 3e can also be integrated with your existing systems, like the Google Nest or Alexa, making it a flexible garden tool that is simple to install and easy to use.

Smart Garden Planning Tools

An augmented reality app is waiting to revolutionize the way you plan your garden. The Connected Garden Super Sensor first grabbed attention at CES back in 2019, and it has continued to spark the imagination of seasoned garden designers and new home-growers alike. The sensor starts by analyzing your garden plot’s soil, sunlight, moisture, and other critical details before you ever get out your gloves. From there, things get very interesting. Better Homes & Gardens explains: “The synced app suggests plants that will thrive in the space where you put your sensor. Colored pins will be dropped at certain points in your garden: Each pin will indicate where your garden needs attention, i.e. the pH is too high, or the soil is soggy.”

Another thing that makes this tool so unique is that it will also give you an augmented reality view of what your garden will look like once you’ve chosen where to stage your plants. Not only does this mean that your plants and flowers will take up residence in the optimal areas, but it allows you to shift design plans for things like fountains, pathways, seating, and entertainment areas before you make hard-to-reverse decisions. Having this advanced look at your new space undoubtedly will save you time and money while also producing a lush, envy-inducing garden.

Self-Watering Planters

Self-watering planters grabbed headlines as gardening enthusiasts sang their praises and magazines, like Southern Living, declared these tools their “new garden obsession.” The planters started fairly low-tech, but they brought much-needed assistance to everyone who wanted to start growing fresh herbs in their homes or greenhouses. As Southern Living explains, even their favorite “compact herb garden waters itself as needed, thanks to a water level indicator that lets you know when you need to refill it every couple of weeks.”

It’s not a surprise that the planters took off and were quickly upgraded to feature Wi-Fi-enabled elements and even more eco-friendly technology. Enter the Dewplanter. This smart garden tool claims to provide a water generation system that essentially captures condensation out of the moisture in the air of your garden and turns it into a daily water drip. The predictability of the schedule that you can set makes it a treat for any gardener, but its patented energy- and water-efficient technology will make it one of the best garden tools available to people living in areas that see little rainfall.

Indoor Smart Gardens

Indoor smart gardens like the AeroGarden or the ēdn SmallGarden have also sought to take the benefits of the self-watering planter into a decidedly high-tech direction. Wi-Fi enabled, these indoor smart gardens can be programmed to regulate light, water, and nutrients for everything from small herb gardens to multi-tiered farm stands. The ēdn SmallGarden caught the eye of editors at Southern Living because this “nifty smart garden also integrates with the ēdn app, which allows you to control your garden’s lighting schedule, receive alerts, and enjoy detailed guidance on your plants’ progress.”

Both the AeroGarden and the ēdn SmallGarden utilize seed pods that allow you to grow different plants at any given time – they are only restricted by the size of the units you order. The more extensive indoor gardens can be quite expensive, but you’ll love having the tools to produce the best garden-fresh herbs, vegetables, and flowers no matter what the season or weather conditions.

Gardening Companion Apps

Some of the best garden tools available are the latest generation of apps that can turn your brown thumb into a green one. Martha Stewart Living raves about apps like the Plant Light Meter, available on Apple devices. This gem takes the guesswork out of determining the quality of light available to your garden at any time of year. It can also be used indoors to judge whether your houseplants are getting enough (or too much) light where you currently have them perched.

The Grow It! app caught Martha Stewart Living’s attention because the app “connects you with local gardeners in your community to get questions answered and hopefully, inspiration for future gardening endeavors.” The Magazine applauds apps like the Plant Alarm (for Android users) that help you set fertilizing and watering alarms for all of your plants, inside and out. There are also numerous apps that will help you identify plants from their leaves and those that give you information about the best ways to care for houseplants and backyard seedlings. Sometimes the best garden tool truly is information!

Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.

SignatureBrokers • July 31, 2022

August 2022 Training and Events Calendar

by John Flaherty

Hot off the Presses! Here is our August 2022 Training and Events Calendar, chock full of opportunities for our agents to build their businesses, give back to the community, and get involved in the daily rhythm of our office culture. If you’d like to attend any of our events, please let us know so we can reserve a spot for you!

Chattanooga • SignatureBrokers • July 25, 2022

The Challenge of Pricing in a Market Shift

by John Flaherty

THE CHALLENGE OF PRICING IN A MARKET SHIFT:

Here’s a few thoughts from our Team Leader, Jeremy Callahan on what happens in a local real estate market like what we’re seeing in the Greater Chattanooga area.

– In a sellers market, buyers tend to dwell in the past and sellers in the future. Sellers want to push the prices up and buyers want to hold the line.

– When the market shifts, buyers dwell on the future and sellers on the past. Buyers want to push the prices down and sellers want to hold the line.

– It’s up to you, the real estate agent to pull the seller forward, NOT JUST TO WHERE THE MARKET IS, but to where the market will be in 30 days or 3 months. This is what we mean when we say – PRICE AHEAD OF THE MARKET.

– In a shift, sellers need knowledgeable agents who are brutally honest. “I promise that I will never just tell you what you want to hear just to put a sign in your front yard. But, I will tell you what you need to hear in order to …”sell your home”…

– One of the most frustrating things happen when an agent list the home BEHIND THE MARKET, then attracts an interested buyer who makes an offer below the list price and the seller rejects it.

– When the seller rejects an offer of $450,000 on a property listed for $475,000, they are buying the property back at $450,000 with the hopes of selling to another buyer for $475,000.

– No one would ever buy a home this way but sellers re-buy their homes every day and usually lose big in the process.

May be an image of text that says 'SHIE The situation has changed.'

Chattanooga • SignatureBrokers • June 30, 2022

Chattanooga Lookouts Moving to South Broad District

by John Flaherty

Big News! We’re getting new neighbors in the South Broad District – The Chattanooga Lookouts are getting a new home!

More than 100 acres of the long-neglected U.S. Pipe and Wheland Foundry sites “will begin transforming into a world-class live-work-play district that will generate more than $40 million for schools,” Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly announced at a press conference at the site on Thursday. #chattanoogalookouts

#chattanooga #realestate #investing #development #grow #bhgre #expectbetter

Full story here:

https://www.chattanoogan.com/2022/6/30/451785/79.5-Million-Stadium-Touted-As.aspx

SignatureBrokers • June 16, 2022

The Chattanooga Market Shift is Happening

by John Flaherty

From our Team Leader, Jeremy Callahan

Pay close attention, agents! The market correction has already started in Greater Chattanooga.

Take a look at this 2021 vs 2022 Market Snapshot:

every metric below seems to indicate we are leaving the extreme seller’s market

and turning towards a more balanced market.

Notice I did NOT say market crash- this is a market correction.

Inventory Levels and Price Changes are increasing

while Closed Sales are decreasing

And because homes aren’t selling quite as easily/quickly as before, Expired and Cancelled listings are increasing as well.

Couple this with yesterday’s news where the Fed raised the base rate by 0.75% and if you haven’t seen this before, it’s enough to make your head spin.

Especially if you buy into the

Dooms Day

headlines.

I want to remind you that real estate is hyper local-

what’s happening in Chattanooga is not what’s happening in Seattle. And what’s happening in the stock market has little impact on the real estate market. Historical data proves that repeatedly.

Agents- we have a unique opportunity – the tide is changing!

This market correction to a more balanced market

is actually a GREAT GIFT

to us with many benefits IF you’re using the RIGHT LANGUAGE and the RIGHT STRATEGIES to accurately consult with your clients and capture the increasing levels of inventory that will be hitting our market in the coming months.

Today, I did a deep dive on what’s happening nationally

and locally

right here at home

– we talked about the local metrics, how to have data driven dialogue (facts over feelings) with your clients and prospects, discussed a positive perspective on the interest rate increases, and gave a dozen or more actionable steps you need to be taking in your business right now to THRIVE in this market shift.

It’s time to adjust your sails

by adopting a new mindset

and implementing new components into our businesses so you won’t be left behind

If you want a copy of today’s replay and the slide deck, let me know. It’s time for all of us to up

our game and raise the bar.

May be an image of text that says 'March 15- June 15 via Greater Chattanooga Realtors MLS 2626 2021 New Listings Expireds Cancelled Back on Market Price Change Comp Sales Closed 320 381 528 600 Beoe Home andGares REAL ESTATE ↑ +6.7% +12.5% +15.8% -9.5% +8.7% +13.0% -4.0% 2022 New Listings 2802 Expireds 360 Cancelled 441 Back on Market 478 Price Change Comp Sales Closed 422 2060 652 477 1977'

SignatureBrokers • June 14, 2022

Tackling the 2022 Real Estate Market Correction (It’s Not A Crash!)

by John Flaherty

Today, we dove into the current market correction we’re in (no, it’s not a crash) and how we as business owners/Realtors can take advantage of the upcoming shifts happening to secure more listings. It all comes down to using the right tools and the right language to tell the story of what’s happening right now in the local market. Today, we brought in national experts and on Thursday at 11am, we’re getting into more local metrics and the best parts of the local story for why this is a fantastic real estate market to thrive as a Realtor. Free lunch for everyone that wants to attend on Thursday. Let me know if you want my notes or to chat more about today. Thanks to everyone who came out!

BHGRE • Chattanooga • SignatureBrokers • May 15, 2022

How to Deal with Contract Contingencies

by John Flaherty

Nearly every real estate contract contains contingencies. How you deal with a real estate contract contingency might make or break the sale of your home. Some contingencies are easier to deal with than others, of course. Generally speaking, the faster you can fix the issues or make the accommodations stipulated in your real estate contract, the sooner your home can be sold.

What is a Real Estate Contract Contingency?

A real estate contract contingency is any condition outlined in the contract that must be met prior to the sale of a home. These stipulations exist to protect both buyers and sellers. If any of these conditions are not met, the contract would be void and the sale might not be able to move forward.

Common real estate contingencies include mortgage contingencies, which state that a mortgage loan must exist for the contract to move forward, and a home inspection contingency, which protects the buyer by requiring the house to be checked by a certified home inspector before the sale can move forward. In the case of a mortgage contingency, the stipulation is removed from the contract as soon as the loan is obtained. If a buyer cannot obtain a loan, they are usually able to gracefully exit the pending contract without penalty.

For a contingency like the home inspection requirement, once documentation of the check is obtained, the contract can proceed. If the home inspection finds faulty wiring, pests, structural damage, or other major problems with the property, the buyer can exit the contract without penalty. In this instance, the buyer would also receive any deposits or earnest money back. Alternatively, the buyer can request that repairs be made at the expense of the seller. If the seller does not wish to proceed and make the repairs, they can choose to void the contract. This again necessitates a return of all of the buyer’s deposits.

Another contingency that is often placed in a real estate contract involves the sale of the buyer’s current home. This stipulates that the buyer has a certain amount of time to sell their current home before purchasing a new one. If the home does not sell during that set period of time, the contract is voided. This protects the buyer from a scenario wherein they have to purchase a home they’re under contract for while they still have a mortgage on or equity in an old property. In a cash-poor situation like this, many buyers would not be able to obtain a mortgage or pay all-cash for a home, regardless.

Dealing with Contract Contingencies

As the seller, it’s important to have a real estate agent and attorney you can trust. These parties may review your contract with you and point out any contingencies that could prove problematic to you. If you know, for instance, that the home you are selling needs a new roof, chances are good you’d have to disclose it anyway.

However, under those circumstances, it’s important that a contingency for home inspection be worded properly and allow for the buyer to take possession of the home and then make their own repairs, in exchange for a lowered purchase price. This sort of phrasing can be critical if you’re a seller with a timeline for leaving your current property. You may not be able to wait to vet roofers and make the repairs yourself.

Similarly, if you are willing to accept an all-cash offer for a home so that you can move on more quickly, you should verify with your real estate agent that the contract is not contingent on the buyer having a mortgage loan in hand. There are unique issues that arise in all-cash deals, but if you are comfortable with that sort of arrangement, your contract will need to reflect it.

Most real estate contracts are fairly standard, but it’s always possible you are dealing with an inexperienced or even unscrupulous buyer and buyer’s agent. For this reason, and to protect your best interests in general, you should carefully review any contract you are considering signing. After all, it’s much easier to walk away before you have signed something than to have to find a way out of an executed contract later.

BHGRE • Chattanooga • SignatureBrokers • April 2, 2022

Seven Ways to Simplify the Process of Buying a House

by John Flaherty

Whether it’s your first house or what you hope will be your last, buying a house is often a very stressful process. Until the moment you take possession of your home, there’s always a chance something could go wrong. Here are seven ways to simplify the process of buying a house.

1. Get your paperwork in order

Start getting your paperwork in order before you even start looking at properties online. If you’re applying for a loan, you’ll need your last two years’ worth of tax returns, current pay stubs, bank statements for the last three months, cancelled rent checks, or copies of your lease. You may also need your divorce decree and bankruptcy paperwork if either of those situations apply. Remember that getting money out of a 401k or a trust for your down payment or outright purchase can take longer than you anticipate, so find out how long it’s going to take and what’s involved if that’s a route you’re considering.

2. Find a real estate agent you can trust

Before you start the mortgage or loan application process, finding out what’s going on in the market is vital. Interview at least three real estate agents, and listen to what they say about what you’re likely to get for the house you’re selling. In addition, speak with them about what you’ll likely pay for your new one.

Once you’ve heard the same price ranges three times (assuming all the agents you meet with agree, which they should), choose the agent with the best track record of sales in your area, the best online or personal recommendations, and the one you like best. Staging, keeping a home show-ready, and listening to tactfully delivered feedback from people who’ve viewed your home means you’re going to be interacting with your agent a lot.

3. Start researching banks, credit unions, and loan officers

While it might seem simpler to use a bank or credit union that offers home buyers one-stop shopping, what the term really means is the bank has a vested interest in the sale through controlled business arrangements with realtors, attorneys, and possibly even home inspectors, and may receive a portion of the commissions. That’s no way to guarantee objectivity. To check a loan officer’s record, ask for their ID number and take a look at NMLS Consumer Access. If you’re using a mortgage broker, check their credentials with the Better Business Bureau.

4. Get your financing in order

Once you’ve chosen your loan officer, bank, credit union, or mortgage broker, get pre-approved for a loan or mortgage and get a pre-approval letter. This will not only help you figure out what you can afford before you start looking, it tells realtors and sellers you’re serious. Depending on how long your search takes, you may need to renew your pre-approval—they’re usually only valid for 60 to 90 days.

5. Find a home inspector you can trust

If you’re looking at older homes, a good home inspector will be able to warn you of areas where there are problems with termites, water seepage, or shoddy construction. Do your due diligence. One of the best ways to find a good home inspector is to talk to a tradesperson you’ve used in the past, one who takes pride in their work and wants everyone in the industry to do the same. Try to find a home inspector who’ll let you accompany them when they make their inspection so you can ask questions on the spot.

6. Consider investing in title insurance

While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, making sure there are no liens against the property you’re buying is important. The last thing anyone needs is to find out the home they just bought is owned by someone other than its previous occupant. It costs between $1,000 and $3,000 on average, or .05 percent of the purchase price. You can sometimes get a reissued title insurance policy if the seller went through this process. That can save you some money. Get your real estate agent to ask the seller’s realtor about this. Additionally, some banks may require you obtain title insurance if you’re getting a mortgage, so be sure to inquire with your lending officer.

7. Get your tradespeople lined up

If you’re already a homeowner and have been through renovations or repairs, you may have a plumber, an electrician, a roofer, a flooring person and a general carpenter you know and trust. If you’re moving to a new city or you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’re going to have to rely on in-person and online recommendations.

One of the best places to find good tradespeople is an independent home supplier. They know who’s sloppy and who’s not, and they’ll often have business cards for tradespeople behind the counter. Here’s hoping these seven ways to simplify the process of buying a house make the experience a little less stressful. Happy hunting!

BHGRE • Chattanooga • SignatureBrokers • March 14, 2022

Mid-Century Modern– Then and Now

by John Flaherty

In honor of Better Homes & Gardens® celebrating its 100th anniversary, we are taking a look at previous home trends that are making their way back into our lives. Keep an eye out for more of our ‘Then and Now’ blogs to learn about these looks and how to achieve the trends we are thrilled have returned.

From the past to the present:

The midcentury modern movement originated during the middle of the 20th century and was the organic result of modernism. People wanted to embrace a more organic way of living which is why the style is rooted in functionality and simplicity with a lot of clean lines. After World War II, cities expanded, and the demand for modern furnishings for the newly built homes emerged. Technological advancements also resulted in the production of new materials, which led to the creation and exploration of unique shapes and various textures.

What makes up Mid-Century Modern design?

Mid-century modern is all about functional wooden pieces, clean lines, and curved designs. The look is simple, with a focus on comfort. It’s no surprise the aesthetic design remains timeless and is back in style. Mid-century modern homes usually have a sleek feel and mix natural and artificial materials. There’s also a continuity between the indoors and outdoors, which is why plants play a key role in the decor. This can also be seen in the color palette, which mostly consists of natural hues and colors rooted in nature. Pops of color are also added, especially bright yellows and beautiful teals.

How to achieve the Mid-Century Modern look:

Embrace a natural color palette with a few pops of bright colors throughout.
Consider olive green, pale pinks and other muted tones, orange, bright yellow, and a variety of teals and aquamarine colors.
Build a space around a few statement pieces.
Bring in potted plants.
Focus on function.
Incorporate wood furniture made of teak or oak.
Include organic and curved shapes.
Add brass details around your home.
Hang big and bold artwork, especially with large graphic shapes.
Favor statement lighting. Add hanging lights or pendant lighting that look like artwork.
Embrace open spaces and aim for flow.
Ditch the clutter and say goodbye to an abundance of knickknacks.

Chattanooga, TN 37408

423.362.4444