Friday, May 29, 2009

Searching the Nashville MLS

If you are wanting to search for homes in Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, etc. and aren't wanting to call a Realtor to find it then try using a public MLS! It is easy for anyone to do an MLS search! Real Estate home searches are accessible to just about anyone now. They have similar search criteria that Realtors have access to.

Here are step by step directions on the search.

1. Go to the Nashville MLS Search page and click on "Home Search"

2. Choose the county and cities that you want to search within

3. Choose what "type" of Real Estate you are looking for. (ie. Single family, or condo)

4. Choose your price range (You can put in a minimum AND a maximum)

5. Choose your minimum bedrooms, bathrooms, and desired square footage (After your search results come back and you are not finding what you are looking for then go back to the search page and choose less square footage or bedrooms. If this is something that isn't a "MUST" then you may have more search results)

6. Type in the Minimum year age of your desired home. (Again, if your search results come back and you don't see what you are looking for then go back and type in an earlier year. This may give you more results)

7. Choose the minimum size yard you are looking for. (If applicable)

8. If a certain style home is important, (ie. log home ) then make that selection

9. If there are any amenities that are important then make that selection. If a fireplace, etc is not important then do not select any of these because you will get more search results.

These are just the basics! If you would like to search by County (ie. Williamson County or Davidson County) then you can do a whole search under the "area" tab and choose the county you want to live in and then add all of the other search criteria. Enjoy!!

Now, if you want to get tax information, search specifically by school (ie. Ravenwood High School), or even get an "auto-notify" of any NEW homes that show up within your search criteria on a daily basis then you may want to contact your local trusted Realtor!



Stephen Strickhausen
Keller Williams Realty
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com
www.nashvilletnmlssearch.com
www.Sstrickhausen.com












Disclaimer:
Franklin TN Homes for Sale, Nashville TN Real Estate for Sale, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin TN MLS search, Nashville TN MLS search, Green Hills TN Properties for sale, Spring Hill TN Homes for sale, Belle Meade, Middle Tennessee, Music City, Stephen Strickhausen, and Keller Williams do not necessarily reflect any of the views or beliefs held by Google or it’s employees.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Search the Nashville MLS for free

I really enjoy sending people information about homes on the MLS. It helps my clients feel as if they "need" me for home searching. Of course they need me when it comes to setting up appointments, making negotiations, and allowing the entire buying process to be a breeze (on their part) BUT they by no means need me to find a home.

It is 2009 and the internet is #1 tool when it comes to searching for a home! Why wouldn't it? Every single home on the market is on the MLS. Of course there are a few FSBO's that are not and even the occasional pocket listing. (This of course is where a Realtor CAN help)

Most of the websites that Realtors use have listings on them. Some have 10 or so. Others have maybe a few hundred. People don't have the patience anymore to look through 10 or even 100. Buyers are looking to narrow their search down to price, square foot, area, land, amenities, etc. We should all have the capabilities to add an IDX search to our websites so why the heck wouldn't we? Why wouldn't we use key search phrases such as "Nashville MLS search" or "Franklin MLS search" to focus on in our SEO ? Home buyers KNOW exactly what an "MLS Search" is. Most markets have a public MLS search but not everyone knows what it is so why wouldn't we want to be that search?

After enough searches they will more than likely leave contact info because they want to continue using the free MLS search! This has proven to help me get more clients and eventually help them in their search for that perfect home.



Stephen Strickhausen

Keller Williams Realty

Sstrickhausen@gmail.com

www.NashvilleTNMLSsearch.com











Disclaimer:
Franklin TN Homes for Sale, Nashville TN Real Estate for Sale, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin TN MLS search, Nashville TN MLS search, Green Hills TN Properties for sale, Spring Hill TN Homes for sale, Belle Meade, Middle Tennessee, Music City, Stephen Strickhausen, and Keller Williams do not necessarily reflect any of the views or beliefs held by Google or it’s employees.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Franklin Tennessee's Avalon. A must see!


There are many exquisite neighborhoods in Williamson County TN. For starters, people tend to think about Concord Road and of course neighborhoods like the Governor’s Club. For those of you who are considering purchasing a high end home in Franklin, TN then consider Avalon. This neighborhood has some of the best views I have seen in all of Franklin! At some parts of the neighborhood you can see for almost 40 miles.



The feel at Avalon is as if you have stepped back in time with King Arthur. Even the street names like “Canterbury Rise” “Hamlets End Way” and even “King Arthur Circle” help set the atmosphere. The homes at the top have incredible views and the architecture is designed to give it that “castle” look.



The Principals Group are the masterminds behind this exclusive area. They have also done other projects like Brandon Park Downs, and of course The Governers Club. They specialize in areas where homes generally start at $1,000,000 and go from there.



Avalon Square will be a part of this community. This Old World style shopping community will feature shops, trendy upscale boutiques, condominiums, and great restaurants! Construction should start this year.



Overall, for great views, great location, and incredible architecture check out Avalon of Cool Springs Tennessee. You will not be disappointed.




Stephen Strickhausen
Keller Williams Realty
www.sstrickhausen.com
www.NashvilletnMLSsearch.com
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com







Disclaimer:
Franklin TN Homes for Sale, Nashville TN Real Estate for Sale, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin TN MLS search, Nashville TN MLS search, Green Hills TN Properties for sale, Spring Hill TN Homes for sale, Belle Meade, Middle Tennessee, Music City, Stephen Strickhausen, and Keller Williams do not necessarily reflect any of the views or beliefs held by Google or it’s employees.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Franklin Tennessee's amazing secret.... Stream Valley

Lately I was asked a question on Trulia.com. The question was about a subdivision called Stream Valley in south Franklin TN. I had honestly never even heard of the neighborhood until one of the listing agents answered the question right behind me. Once I started digging more into it I was really amazed at the place.

Stream Valley was the host of the 2007 Parade of Homes and currently has six (6) completed homes in the community. This is a master planned community that will have many different styles of homes available ranging from townhomes in the $200's, single family cottage homes in the $300's and various single family traditionally styled homes up to and over $1.0.

Home sites were not sold to builders for speculative homes prior to the 2007 Parade of Homes so that visitors to the Parade would not be touring through a construction site. We have made every effort to maintain large hardwood trees throughout the entry (Parade site) and the remainder of the community, so many home sites were utilized as parking areas during the event.

The Parade ended October 28, 2007 and that during that time the economy had already started to shift and then shifted drastically in relation to new home speculative starts in January 2008. They have several individuals with lot reservations and their approved builders have been talking to clients about custom homes.

They also are working with a builders on finalizing our townhomes so construction may begin on those homes and one of our builders has submitted a speculative home for our Boulevard section of the community and is working on a second plan.

As far as imenities go, I was amazed to find out that they had a SPA in the neighborhood! In addition to that there is a "concierge service". This is my idea of living!!

Here is a clip from their website

"EMBRACE SELF
Invigoration and restoration of the mind, body and soul can be found in the resort-style amenities of Stream Valley. The amenity center which includes a pool and lodge-style clubhouse is at the heart of the community. A private boutique spa is maintained at the clubhouse for the exclusive use of Stream Valley residents.


Perhaps one of the most unique and valuable lifestyle amenities at Stream Valley is the community Concierge service (provided by Agape Concierge Service), available to all Stream Valley residents. Whether you need groceries picked up, your car serviced or your dry cleaning handled, Stream Valley's concierge is at your call.

By offering a world-class Concierge service available to all residents, Stream Valley seeks to give its homeowners back a bit of their precious time, in an effort to improve upon the quality of life of its residents...that's what life at Stream Valley is all about."

If anyone would like to view homes in this area or want more information on location, amenities, etc. then please contact me or go directly to their website at streamvalley.com

Stephen Strickhausen
Keller Williams Realty
615-480-5770
www.sstrickhausen.com








Disclaimer:
Franklin TN Homes for Sale, Nashville TN Real Estate for Sale, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin TN MLS search, Nashville TN MLS search, Green Hills TN Properties for sale, Spring Hill TN Homes for sale, Belle Meade, Middle Tennessee, Music City, Stephen Strickhausen, and Keller Williams do not necessarily reflect any of the views or beliefs held by Google or it’s employees.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Please help me! I cannot sell my home!!

1) Pricing

Many people in todays market are trying to sell too early. They see the shows on tv that have families who bought and sold in a year and made over $100,000! Those days are gone. In today's market, homes are typically worth around the SAME as they were 2 years ago. Sure, some are worth a little more and some are even worth a little less. The average home will not make you any money once you list and sell.

Really you only have two options (considering you are the few who are able to pay your mortgage). 1. If you REALLY need to get out then you may want to take a small hit. 2. STAY WHERE YOU ARE! Prices will go back up

2) Home Staging

You are in competition with many homes on the market. Some of you are in competition with the model home that is still at the front of the neighborhood. Maybe you should go back through the model and take notes. THIS IS YOUR COMPETITION!! Other home sellers are in older neighborhoods with outdated carpet and terrible paint. The same principle applies because there IS a house down the street that has been updated and will sell before yours. Walk through your own home and think like a buyer would.

3) Marketing

Check to see if your Realtor is really doing his/her job. Ask them what they are doing to market your home. A sign in your yard and a listing in the MLS is not going to cut it. Snoop around for yourself and see if there are not just pictures of your home in the MLS but GREAT pictures. Check to see if there is material for potential buyers to grab as they walk through the house. As silly as it may sound, ask your Realtor if they have put your home on their Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and Blogs. These pages potentially have a HUGE audience....possibly larger than the MLS.

4) PERKS

This sort of goes along with "Home Staging". Not only are some people in competition with model homes but they are also in competition with builders who can give them closing costs, upgrades, free tv's, etc. Think about offering a 1 year Home Warranty for the house or even possible closings costs. With paying closing costs and a buyer getting an FHA loan, that would put them out only 3.5% of upfront money.

There are many more ways to help your home sell faster. Don't just hire a distant cousin who is in the business. Call a local Real Estate company that has a good reputation and interview more than one Realtor. Ask them "HOW" they will sell your home quickly.

Stephen Strickhausen
Keller Williams Realty
www.sstrickhausen.com
www.nashvilletnmlssearch.com
615-480-5770







Disclaimer:
Franklin TN Homes for Sale, Nashville TN Real Estate for Sale, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin TN MLS search, Nashville TN MLS search, Green Hills TN Properties for sale, Spring Hill TN Homes for sale, Belle Meade, Middle Tennessee, Music City, Stephen Strickhausen, and Keller Williams do not necessarily reflect any of the views or beliefs held by Google or it’s employees.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Nolensville TN...a GREAT investment


I have not sold ONE home in Nolensville TN yet. No one wants to move there.

When you look at it on a map it "appears" to be really close to Franklin TN. In fact, it IS close to Franklin. Franklin is expanding in several directions. In certain parts like Mckay's Mill and Clovercroft, it is expanding East (towards Nolensville). It is still within Williamson County and is a part of the coveted Ravenswood High School. There are many new neighborhoods like Ballenger Farms, Silverstream, Bent Creek, Burkitt Place, and Brittain Downs. Many of these new homes average around $110 per square foot! This is Williamson County people!

So why aren't many people living there? The answer is because it is not easily accessible to Franklin or even I65. Nolensville doesn't really feel like it is a part of Williamson County. It feels like it is so far away! So why is it a great place to buy a home? NOW you will find great deals there but that may change within the next 5 years.

As you can see, Franklin and Brentwood are the same distance as Franklin and Nolensville. The biggest difference is that Franklin and Brentwood are separated by a major highway.

The plan is to open up the back country between the two cities and make them more accessible to each other. Eventually these two towns will merge like Brentwood and Franklin did.

If you drive down Nolensville road you will notice new shops and restaurants are popping up. You will also notice that new neighborhoods are being built all around the area.

Sure there are no Wal-Marts or Home Depots in Nolensville....yet, BUT that is exactly why NOW is a great time to buy in Nolensville. Home values will rise and the area will be more accessible.

Stephen Strickhausen
www.nashvilleTNMLSsearch.com
www.sstrickhausen.com

Franklin's Real Community Living

Mckay's Mill in Franklin TN is the definition of "community". Everything from smaller townhomes (Low $200's) in the front to larger homes ($700's) in the back, Mckay's Mill has it all. The community has it's own clubhouse with pool and even grocery stores and churches! This neighborhood has it all! It features creeks, lakes, miles of walking trails, and over 70 acres of open space!

I have had many clients looking JUST within the Mckay's Mill neighborhood. They love the convenience to the highways and of course being centrally located within Franklin and Williamson county is a plus. It has been developed by the Jones Company which was founded in 1927 and has a great reputation in Middle Tn.

Even the HOA is more involved than most in the area. Check out the "Forum" where residents can express concerns, get news, or even upcoming events in the area. I happen to love this neighborhood and it's residents. There is a great diversity of people within the neighborhood and it feels like such a tight knit community.

If you happen to be relocating from out of state or just looking for another Franklin TN home I would highly recommend the McKay's Mill area. There are many homes for sale and great bargains this time of year. I just negotiated a 3,000 SF home for my clients $40,000 under the asking price!
Stephen Strickhausen
Keller Williams Realty
9175 Carothers Pky Suite110
615-488-1818

Disclaimer:
Franklin TN Homes for Sale, Nashville TN Real Estate for Sale, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin TN MLS search, Nashville TN MLS search, Green Hills TN Properties for sale, Spring Hill TN Homes for sale, Belle Meade, Middle Tennessee, Music City, Stephen Strickhausen, and Keller Williams do not necessarily reflect any of the views or beliefs held by Google or it’s employees.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Spring Hill home for sale! Great Price! Great Location


This is a gorgeous home in Spring Hill TN. It is in a great location (right off of 31 just a couple miles south of 840). Great for commuters to Franklin or Nashville.

This home has been completely renovated with wood floors, stainless steel appliaces, granite countertops, tile, and new carpet throughout. The backyard is HUGE and completely fenced in. This is a MUST SEE. It has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and 2113 SF.

Sellers are ready to go and this is priced to sell. Check with your local Realtor for comps. Click HERE to see more details.

Stephen Strickhausen
Keller WIlliams Realty
9175 Carothers Pky Suite 110
Franklin TN 37067
615-778-1818
www.FranklinTNhomeSales.com

Monday, May 4, 2009

Buyers should be cautious of Realtors who cannot negotiate

I have been doing Real Estate in Franklin Tn for only a few years now. One of my favorite things about my job is negotiating! Until last week I thought that negotiating on behalf of my clients was the norm...

I was at my office with a client sending over an accepted offer in the McKays Mill subdivision. We negotiated a $40,000 price reduction and had the sellers pay closing costs and title etc. While I was faxing over the accepted offer, I pulled all the numbers in the MLS showing all the homes that have sold since January. I let my client look them over and when I stepped back into the room he was as excited as could be.

I looked over everything and realized that the "norm" was not much. The list prices and sold prices were anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. This was close to 30 homes! I couldn't believe my eyes. He then told me that his last Realtor wouldn't even submit offers because he didn't want to "insult the sellers". Do I really care about insulting a seller? NO! I care about my clients getting the BEST POSSIBLE DEAL! The last client I had bought a house that originally listed for $302,000 and we got it for $227,000 with all closing and title paid by the seller. Now THAT is the norm.

BUYERS BEWARE OF THE "CHICKEN" AGENT!!

Stephen Strickhausen
Keller Williams Realty
www.NashvilleTNMLSsearch.com
www.FranklinTNHomeSales.com