Bring your horses to this gorgeous equestrian community in Williamson County!

As you may have seen, my team currently has a listing in the fantastic neighborhood called Montpier Farms in Williamson County TN. The home itself is definitely full of gorgeous details and amenities that any buyer would be delighted to enjoy. These include an open kitchen with beautiful cabinets and granite, central vacuum and gorgeous hard wood floors.

However, it is not just the home itself that makes this a fantastic property. Living in this home is an experience.

As you drive in and around the neighborhood you will be greeted by tremendous trees and historic sites. The winding roads lead to Hillsboro Road and highway 96. No matter which direction you choose you are guaranteed a truly magnificent drive.

As you drive up the driveway of this property you will get a since of just how big this lot is. The home is nestled in trees and lush greenery. This makes a great home for local wildlife. As you sip on your morning coffee you will more than likely see deer running through the yard. What a way to start your day!

Another fantastic amenity is that this neighborhood is an equestrian neighborhood. This means that the lots are big enough to keep your horses on. I was driving down the street after meeting with the homeowner and noticed that there were horses in the yard across the street. It was so incredible! Here I was driving through a neighborhood looking at these gorgeous homes and fences lined with trees and there was a horse walking along the fence line. How much more perfect can it get? Montpier Farms HOA allows for horses. This is a rare find in Franklin TN. Bring your horses to this equestrian estate! All this right in between Franklin and Brentwood!

Living in this neighborhood is truly like being on vacation. There is beauty all around you and you truly feel all the stresses of your day melt away as you relax in this peaceful setting.



Stephen Strickhausen
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
9175 CAROTHERS PKY SUTIE 110
615-778-1818
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com
Franklin Home Search

Franklin TN Open house this Sunday! Oct 4th 2-5pm

Welcome to Montpier Farms! This is the absolute perfect neighborhood in Williamson County! Situated right between downtown Franklin and downtown Brentwood this established neighborhood has mature trees and many level lots. HOA rules and regulations even allow for horses!



1002 Murray Creek Ln. is listed at $649,900 and features 5 Large bedrooms and 3.5 baths with 4,446 well planned out square footage. Everything in the home is less than 3 years old. You have got to see it!

Come out this Sunday October 4th from 2-5pm!





Stephen Strickhausen
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
9175 CAROTHERS AVE SUITE 110
615-778-1818
615-480-5770
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com
www.sstrickhausen.com

Elephants

Before I say anything let me say this...I know money is tight these days. I know there are people that just do not have the money to spend on their home right now. These people are disqualified from my rant. Be adviced; if you are a procrastinator you may not want to read this!
Here's the deal...I am so sick of hearing one certain line from home owners. Every time I hear this line I have to use every ounce of self control to not get into an argument. The line is one that I am sure you have heard, or maybe said. "yeah, we hate so many things about our house. We just figured we'd wait to fix any of it until we can afford to do the whole thing." Let me rephrase..."Yup, there's a lot we have to get done, but we love this excuse so we're gonna keep rolling with it." I want to scream!!
I just don't get it. I had a couple that moved into a new home and did not paint for TWO YEARS because they wanted to wait until they could afford a nice, new rugs. This meant they lived in construction white walls for two years, even though they hated it. It gets better. They refused to hang pictures because they did not want to have to re-do it after painting!! What!! Does this sound stupid to anyone else? I mean lets get real here. "Hey honey...lets live in a house we paid $250,000 dollars for and hate, because its easier to make excuses than to spend $50 for paint." Get real. These people were miserable. They refused to do anything. I should confess...I got them to do it by "accidentally" getting test paint colors on their walls, when they asked to keep it on paper. oops.
Ok, here's another ridiculous example. I have a very dear friend that lives in a gorgeous home in Historic Franklin. He refuses to do any work on his bathroom until he can afford to do the whole room. Therefore, he is forced to keep all his clothes folded in the bath tub because he does not have his nice, renovated closet yet. So, he would rather fish for clothes than do the closet re-do. He says he wants to wait until he gets his new vanity and sinks so he can do it all at once. In his case, money is not the issue. Trust me.
I just don't get it. It seems that doing a little bit at a time would be the logical thing to do. I have told him that he should take one small project at a time. Do the closet. Then do the vanity in three months. After that is finished, do the new shower granite and door. This way the money is spent gradually, rather than all at once.
I respect that it is very overwhelming to do renovations. It is also very time consuming. If you are waiting until you have the $15,000 cash that you need to do a room re-do, you probably will never do it. I suggest save smaller amounts of cash $1500-$2000 and do what you can with that. Then do more after you save up that smaller amount again. This way you are making progress and paying cash. It is very unlikely you will save up for the whole thing because life happens. Cars need work, Kids need clothes, holidays roll around. Suddenly you find you are living in a house you hate because you have been saving for three years. I just don't understand living in a house that drives you crazy when you could do smaller things one at a time that would make your home feel so much better. If money is an issue, I suggest yard sales. You would be amazed what you can find at these budget friendly heavens. I, myself, bought an antique mirror for to hang over my credenza. This mirror was perfect and I know they are priced for several hundred dollars at local stores. (I've looked) I paid $15!! Many times I will get take a set amount of cash and go to several yard sales and just hunt until my cash is gone. One time I bought so much I had to borrow my friends truck to get it all home. All for $200. I transformed an entire room!! Yes, I wanted to do the entire house. But, it just wasn't in the cards then. So, I did none room at a time. After three months the whole house was done.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!!












Stephen Strickhausen
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

9175 CAROTHERS AVE SUITE 110

615-778-1818
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com







Disclaimer:
Franklin Homes for Sale, Nashville homes for Sale, Nashville home search, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin MLS search, Nashville 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 Active Rain or it’s employees.

Montpier Farms in Franklin TN. 1002 Murray Creek LN

Welcome to pure seclusion with over 2 acres of land in Franklin TN! That's right... within Williamson County in Franklin Tn there is a GREAT neighborhood called Montpier Farms. Situated right between Brentwood and Franklin this place is perfect. Take a look at the video of 1002 Murray Creek Ln. If you would like to see this property then please call us at 615-480-5770 or email at Sstrickhausen@gmail.com




Stephen Strickhausen and the Strickhausen Team
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
9175 CAROTHERS PKY SUITE 110
615-778-1818
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com
www.Sstrickhausen.com

11th off Main Townhomes. The best deals in Franklin TN!

You will not beat these deals in historic downtown Franklin! 11th off Main is a GREAT neighborhood with top notch upgrades and THE BEST dollar per square foot in the area! You have got to come see these. If you want to set up an appointment then give us a call or email us.



Stephen Strickhausen
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
9175 CAROTHERS PKY SUITE 110
615-778-1818
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com
www.Sstrickhausen.com

11th Off Main in Franklin TN is THE BEST DEAL!

You CANNOT beat this quality for this low of a price in Historic Downtown Franklin. The Williamsburg unit is priced at $369,998 and includes 4 bedrooms 3.5 baths with a 2 car garage. This is only $115.29 a square foot! This the best deal I have seen in years for this area. Most of the Townhomes in this area go for over $200 a square foot. Give us a call today!



Please contact us with any questions
Stephen Strickhausen
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
9175 CAROTHERS AVE SUITE 110
615-778-1818
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com
http://www.Sstrickhausen.com

Montpier Farms Home for sale. Perfection!

I have just been greeted by perfection. Welcome to 1002 Murray Creek Ln. “Montpier Farms” in Franklin TN! I entered the front door of my team’s new listing and was taken back by the detail and thought that went into the renovation of this home. Not only that, but the decorating was exquisitely beautiful. Homes these days are so open and exposed room to room that foyers are not really seen anymore. I, myself, love them because there is something to be said for the elegance and charm they immediately bring to a home. As I stood in the foyer of this home I could see the formal areas to my right, living spaces in front and a hall to my left that led to three of the five bedrooms in the home. The formal area of the homes contained two spaces, each very large. The hardwood floors added to the elegance, as did the multiple over sized windows. The moldings led your eye around the room that was covered in soothing tones and lovely paintings.

The kitchen is completely new and features granite, stainless steel and beautiful trim work. It is open to the living space, which also features hardwoods and gorgeous trims. The focal point of the room is the modern, yet charming, fireplace. The light colored brick goes from floor to ceiling, which shows off the high ceilings. Standing in the living space I was able to look through one of the several windows to see the tremendous backyard with trees in the distance.



The bedrooms in this house are huge. Two of these rooms are down the hall and share the full bath. The other room at the end of the hall is the master suite, featuring a gorgeous master bath. All of the rooms have beautiful hardwoods and high ceilings. The closet space would give room for everything needing to be stored.



Everything I had seen in this house was fantastic. The details and amenities were perfectly done. However, When I started to explore the other side of the house I was taken back by just how perfect this house is. On the other side of the kitchen is the laundry room and a very large bedroom with a full bath. This room is separated from the rest of the house making it ideal for guests. To my right there was a staircase that led to a fantastic living space. This room was truly tremendous. With ceilings that seemed to go forever and new carpet, this room is perfect for kids or entertaining. The room was being used as a children’s play room by the owners currently living in the home. They had all tows and games in the room along with a huge television. This room was great and has limitless uses.



As I turned the corner I was greeted by another staircase. This staircase led to what was the smartest part of this renovation. The next space was 1400 square feet of finished living space with an option bedroom and bathroom. This room was gigantic. Brand new carpet, beautiful wall colors and ceiling fans carry on the standard for perfection in the rest of the home. The owner of this home could make this a theatre, guest quarters, home gym or even rent this space out to someone looking for a one bedroom rental.



In all, this house was truly a gem. The colors, flooring and detail that went into the renovation come together and create a warm, charming and livable space. I was almost sad to leave when it was time to go.



Yes, There is more! Montpier Farms is a mature neighborhood with large lots. This home sits on over 2 acres of level land with large trees. This is truly a getaway with the convenience of Franklin and Brentwood at your fingertips. I hope you will check this fantastic home out on the website at http://www.Sstrickhausen.com It is our featured home!





Stephen Strickhausen
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
9175 CAROTHERS AVE SUITE 110
615-778-1818
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com







Disclaimer:
Franklin Homes for Sale, Montpier Farms, Nashville homes for Sale, Nashville home search, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin MLS search, Nashville 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 Active Rain or it’s employees.

Talking about the $8,000 tax credit...not good

I hope that everyone has enjoyed the benefits of the $8,000 tax credit whether you are a first time home buyer or an agent.

For buyers of course, this helps with home ownership for those that typically might not even consider buying. I have personally seen several families take advantage of this opportunity. The credit has not "turned the market around" here in Nashville but it has definitely "stimulated" it. The most recent months have seen those that have been sitting on the fence finally get on the home ownership train.

In my opinion, the whole point of having a deadline is to encourage even the procrastinators to make a decision. Sure, this decision may turn into a last minute offer on November 13th with a contingency that they "Must close by November 30th". November 13th is a Friday by the way....Scary in more ways than one:)

The question with those that are on the fence has been "Aren't they going to extend the deadline"? Of course I don't truly know the answer to that BUT (being the honest person that I am) I have to tell them "That is a possibility". The truth is, IT IS A POSSIBILITY and the reason why I know this is because IT'S ON THE NEWS!! It's in the media and of course once you start talking about an extension then those that are on the fence are more than likely going to STAY on the fence.

What is the point of that?? There is still time to find a great first home before the deadline. If the government is trying to stimulate home sales then DON'T LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG. If they are going to extend the deadline then wait until AFTER the deadline to make the announcement.

I DO think that they should have a 2 week "grace period" for those first time home buyers that are already under contract. There WILL be last minute contracts and Title companies and Lenders will have their hands full. Bottom line is that with the talks of extensions come talks of waiting. The $8,000 was a great idea but the full benefit of it comes from waiting until the very end to announce or even talk about extensions.

NASHVILLE MLS SEARCH

Stephen Strickhausen
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
9175 CAROTHERS PKY SUITE 110
615-778-1818
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com











Disclaimer:
Franklin Homes for Sale, Nashville homes for Sale, Nashville home search, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin MLS search, Nashville 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 Blogger or it’s employees.

Check out Franklin TN

Driving through the streets of Historic Franklin in Williamson County you will pass some truly incredible homes. These houses are an average of four-thousand square feet and well appointed with custom trims and gorgeous flooring. The homes are very well taken care of with wonderful landscaping and beautiful detail work.

Not only are these homes gorgeous but they are also rich in history. Franklin sits in the middle of what was a battle ground in the 1800’s. These homes in Franklin played a role in the battle. For example, Carnton Plantation was the home of the famed, ‘Widow of The South.’ (Read the book. Its really great) Franklin homes are filled with character and charm. There are some new residential developments being built in Franklin that I think will be huge successes in continuing the tradition of excellence as well as bringing a younger crowd into the area.

The first of these is a development of townhomes directly off Main Street. I believe they are called 11th and Main. These Townhomes are not your average townshomes. Covering up to 2700 square feet, these showpieces are filled with gorgeous hardwood flooring, insane crown moldings and top of the line appliances. Each room posseses its own character and details. When most builders build townhomes they do not feel it necessary to go the extra mile as far as details go. The builder of the townhomes I speak of definitely went the extra mile. The woodwork in these homes is exquisite. The shelving is encased with awesome detail work and moldings. Some units have a private brick enclosed courtyard that is perfect for a wall fountain and outdoor dining table. The owners are going to love the kitchens, with their granite counters and top of the line cabinets. I highly recommend you check these out. (I should also mention the great price. They are priced to sell!)

Another awesome development for the younger crowd in Franklin is the new Jamison Station. Sitting directly across the street from the Factory, Jamison Station possesses features that will make the owner feel they are really living in New York. As you enter the unit you will see a large living space and a half bath. Hop on your own elevator and go up one floor to the kitchen and eating space, as well as living space. The kitchen is very open, which will show off you Viking appliances. You be surrounded by modern walls and lighting fixtures. The floor is a sleek hardwood. To go to the bedrooms you go up again, to the third floor. The rooms are on the smaller side. (which is to be expected in a loft setting) However, the master bath is tremendous. Slate flooring and a huge shower add a New York feel to the bathroom. These units are very clean-lined and modern. Each unit has its own large balcony enclosed in brick walls. The fixtures are very modern and complete that loft feeling. Be ready to sell some of you furniture to fit in this loft style space. However, with the character and swank New York feel I know you would not miss it.

As a whole I am thrilled Franklin is starting to bring in younger crowds. I think it is needed to have modern and edgy living spaces to do that. However, I am hoping that each new development takes notice of how high the bar has been set by the ones I speak of.










Stephen Strickhausen

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

9175 CAROTHERS PKY SUITE 110

615-778-1818

Sstrickhausen@gmail.com











Disclaimer:
Franklin Homes for Sale, Nashville homes for Sale, Nashville home search, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin MLS search, Nashville 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 Active Rain or it’s employees

Custom Builders can help those on ANY budget!

There are a lot of people who tend to steer clear of building a new home. I am not just talking about walking into a model home and picking out 3 or 4 options and having a new home in 3-4 months. I am referring to sitting down with a custom builder and having him build the house of your dreams.

There are many reasons why people tend to stay away from this option.

1) Time. Custom homes can take anywhere from 6 months to two years. This of course depends on the budget and how often the wife changes the cabinets and wall colors :)

2) Effort. This task is far above and beyond the typical walk-through a model home and picking out 1 of 4 tile options. This is a start from scratch job that requires figuring out floor plans, the land to build it on, and THEN all the paint, brick, roof, and tile colors. This is not a one hour meeting!

3) Money. Generally to do a true custom home takes more dollars per square foot than most "cookie cutter" homes because...well...they're cookie cutter.

I have recently been working with a home builder here in Nashville that can debunk all of those myths. He even pays a Real Estate agent their commission who brings him buyers. He believes that having a Realtor will help the process run smoother and is well worth his dime.

I have seen his work and he is just about impeccable. He builds anything from a 1200 sf barn in Liepers Fork to a multi million dollar estate in Franklin. As far as price goes, he can stay within your budget! Clients meet with him with their max budget for land and everything. He then tells them everything he CAN do within that price range.

The Effort is taken on by the builder. Sure, you can go out there everyday while it is under construction but he takes on all the work and headache. This of course is where the agent comes into play. We have a reputation for taking bullets for our clients:)

The time it takes is generally 6 months! I know this is about 2 months longer than building a spec home BUT instead of spec you get your DREAM HOME!!

Don't forget to count out the custom builders for your clients! This could be the best decision they make!



Stephen Strickhausen

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

9175 CAROTHERS PKY SUITE 110

615-778-1818

Sstrickhausen@gmail.com











Disclaimer:
Franklin Homes for Sale, Nashville homes for Sale, Nashville home search, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin MLS search, Nashville 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.

The Levels of being an agent

A while back I wrote a blog about "How I wish Real Estate was more like brain surgery". I know that may sound a bit drastic but the point I was trying to make was that there were so many people out there that have their Real Estate license. There is always a potential client that says something to the effect of "My uncle has his license and I am going to use him to sell my house". Generally this same friend or family member works full time doing something else. You add all these people up and they are only making a couple transactions a year but as a whole they are taking away 1,000's of potential clients from those of us that have made a career out of it.

Going back to my previous blog, it's not like you would say "My uncle is going to do surgery on me this time" "He took some medical classes in college". Again... a bit drastic but there are so many people out there that have someone that they know either representing them as a buyer or trying to sell their home. The sad thing is that most of these people don't really know the difference between the guy who took a few classes in college and the guy who has spent the past 15 years of his life studying and practicing medicine.

This is so frustrating to watch but I see it often. In fact, I currently have a "referral" from someone who was a friend of a friend. Long story short...I am now their Realtor. My lender tried to pass on a lead to me a while back. I called her but she decided to go with a family friend. Long story short, my lender told me that this was the worst transaction he has EVER had to deal with. Everything inside of him wants to make the "I told you so" phone call.

Back to the "LEVELS". This would allow the general public to know what level of knowledge and level professionalism they are dealing with, even if it IS a family member. I am not sure exactly how I would break things down but those of us that have full time jobs and happen to have taken the state exam should be on level one (at the bottom). I also think there should be a "rookie" year where the agent is working under a higher level agent for that time period. Higher levels should be based on the knowledge of contracts and state laws. I even think Realtors should be ranked on how a listing is done. Knowledge of the surrounding area which includes pricing is crucial. Your shiny new sign doesn't cut it.

I will be the first to admit that I am inferior to others... especially within my office! Our office is full of seasoned agents who have been in the business for 15 + years. These are the people that I go to for answers and advice. The point I am trying to make is that there are those of us that LOVE Real Estate and have given it their 60hrs a week ( which includes constant and continual education, extensive knowledge of the market and city, and TIME ) and then there are those that hold a license. Beware of the "Level 1" agents!!

Search the NASHVILLE MLS


Stephen Strickhausen

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

9175 CAROTHERS PKY SUITE 110

615-778-1818

Sstrickhausen@gmail.com









Disclaimer:
Franklin Homes for Sale, Nashville homes for Sale, Nashville home search, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin MLS search, Nashville 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.

What's Next?

No, No that just won't do! (edit/delete)





I was speaking to a Sales Agent last month about buyers these days and the crazy things they ask for in the homes they intend to purchase. Even though there are definitely requests that you would never have heard ten years ago,they ask for these features with such ease. It blows me away that technology and decadence has come some far in the last years that home buyers can ask the agent to find a home with automatic heat sensored lighting systems. Have you seen these master baths they are creating? Who needs a day spa anymore? I am talking about television sets embeded in the mirrors, 44 person hot tubs, rain shower head that suddenly emerge from middle of ceiling. These features are insane. Because of the fact the buyers are so exposed to these features, compliments of reality telesivision and HGTV, they know they can be had if they ask. (of course this is before they fall over cold when you tell them the price)

After this discussion I came across this video. It does a much better job of explaining peoples mentality than I can. When you are stressing out over finding a home that electronically changes diapers, washes dishes and mows the lawn because your buyer insists that it is what they need.... keep this in mind.

To Watch this hilarious video click HERE.





What requests do you get that have stopped you in your tacks?

What home technology blows you away?













Stephen Strickhausen

Keller Williams

9175 Carothers Pkwy

Franklin, TN 37067

(615) 778-1818

615-480-5770







Disclaimer:
Franklin Homes for Sale, Nashville homes for Sale, Nashville home search, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin MLS search, Nashville 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.

Nashville home pricing. Is it EVERYTHING?

I have posted a few blogs lately that have talked about the best ways to market a home. I really wanted to show what I do as a Realtor to market my listings here in Nashville. Besides the normal sign in yard, MLS, open houses on Sunday, and THE RIGHT PRICE, there are many ways that can help with the quick sale of a home.



After writing a few blogs I got several responses that basically said something to the effect of “If you price it right then it will sell”. I DO agree with this although there are other factors that are VERY important to the quick sale of a home.



I was searching through the MLS this afternoon when I stumbled across what appears to be the BEST deal in the area. This is a well sought after neighborhood in Nashville. The square footage was higher than most and the price was right! In fact, the price is amazing for this area. I looked at the days on market and it is pushing 4 months now!



Since I am looking for a good deal for my client I then proceeded to look at the pictures that were posted by the “owner agent”. To my surprise I found that THERE WERE NONE!!!!! Not ONE more picture besides the front of the house!!!! I did some further investigating and learned that there was nothing major wrong with the house. I thought that for this price in this area that there must be some major foundation, roof, electrical, or plumbing problems.



Dear mister “owner agent” (which was even more of a shock), Rule #1 POST PICTURES OF YOUR LISTING!!!! I cannot tell you how many times I have not sent a listing to a client because there were no pictures. When clients are looking through the listings that you send them, they want to see the granite counter tops and bedroom colors. If there is no picture then they will decline even looking at it. I DO understand that investors ( which I immediately sent this listing to mine )might look at just the dollar per SF and want to go see a property purely based on numbers (not pictures) but there aren’t many families that will buy into that.



With all this being said, you can’t tell me that marketing does not play a big key into selling a home quickly. What it boils down to is tugging on the heart strings of some family out there that will fall in LOVE with your listing. There are many ways to do this and I have talked about that in previous blogs. Pricing is VERY important but not the only thing that sells a home. Point proven….

NASHVILLE MLS SEARCH

Stephen Strickhausen
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
9175 Carothers Pky Suite 110
615-778-1818
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com













Disclaimer:
Franklin Homes for Sale, Nashville homes for Sale, Nashville home search, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin MLS search, Nashville 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.

Amazing Windstone Brentwood TN

Oooh-aahhh



It is no secret that as you drive around Williamson County, in Tennessee, you are going to pass countless neighborhoods that are among some of the most beautiful you have ever seen. The terrain is soft and rolling and the homes are, well…incredible. There are some areas that are so spectacular you really have to see it to believe it. That being said, there are some that, even among its contenders, stand out among the rest. For example, there is Westhaven. Westhaven is situated west of Franklin in the hills of Williamson County. The master planned community is know throughout Nashville as one of the best. Driving through this scenic neighborhood you truly feel as though you are on a movie set or the famed Wisteria Lane. (assuming you have seen Desperate Housewives) The homes are built perfectly and the Families flock in droves to live in this desirable area.

I have recently discovered a newer neighborhood in Williamson County that literally blew me away. Set in incredible tree filled hills in the heart of Brentwood sits Windstone. Windstone’s streets wind through rolling terrain in a tree lined valley that gives a secluded feel. As you enter the development you are greeted with a winding drive lined with incredible landscaping and pond housing swans. (yes…you read swans)

The heavy black wrought iron and stone gates open and you are transported into a hidden jewel. Though this neighborhood is smack in the middle of Brentwood, when those gates open you truly feel that you are entering your own treasure that no one else knows about. The first homes you pass are the largest in the development. When I say large I mean L-A-R-G-E!!! These castles are truly perfect. With their use of texture and color scheme these homes look as though they could only work in this setting. Each possesses a personality of their own. I have been in these dream homes. Let me just say…unreal. It is so nice to walk through a home that the builder did not stop until it was perfect. The materials are top of the line. The crown moldings guide you through room by room, each with its own feature. The great room features a lodge feel with its stone mantle and exposed beams. You just have to see it to understand the perfection of these homes.

As you travel through the rest of the development you are constantly in awe of its beauty and flow. The development features townhomes and estate homes as well as mid-range homes.

I have driven through the development countless times and each time I am in amazement. I could speak about Windstone for five more pages. I urge anyone in Nashville to check this one out. Heck, if you are breathing check this one out. I know that if I have any buyers looking in the upper price range this will be the first place I take them. However, it would be smarter to make it the last because once they see it the standard is set very high.



Stephen Strickhausen

Keller Williams

9175 Carothers Ave, Suite 110

615-778-1818

615-480-5770

sstrickhausen@gmail.com

NASHVILLE MLS SEARCH





Disclaimer:
Franklin Homes for Sale, Nashville homes for Sale, Nashville home search, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin MLS search, Nashville 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.

Should Realtors have staging knowledge?

Hold Up…Lets Just Think For a Second!

I recently went to work with a client that needed help getting their home ready to sell. It had been on the market for several weeks with no offers and no interest from buyers. The only remarks were not in their favor. After this had gone on for several weeks they gave me a call to come give them some pointers. I knew there was going to be many issues to be addressed because I had seen their home before, however I REALLY underestimated this one!!!

The first thing that greeted me as I walked in the door was a huge pile of shoes in the foyer. They prefer guests to remove their shoes and leave them there while in the home. I asked them if these shoes were always there. To my amazement they told me yes. WHAT? They were under the impression that it would be forgivable by buyers because it was the best place to put them. Here’s a thought…how about the CLOSET??
I proceeded with the couple to the, well…I guess it was the family room. I could not tell what it was because there was a baby bassinet, television on the floor, and one couch. No pictures. No mirrors. No rugs. Nothing. Each room of the house was empty, other than one or two things. Chalk drawings on the walls were everywhere, along with toy chests and stained carpets.
I quickly realized I was about to have to break the news that they needed serious help. We went room by room and gave each one a purpose. We added pictures and rugs to living areas and transformed an open room into the ‘Sun Room.’
The part of this that amazed me the most was that they were not selling the home themselves. THEY HAD AN AGENT !! When I asked them if the agent had addressed any of these issues they told me that it had not been mentioned. What?
I was shocked to hear this because it seemed as though the agent should tell them these things needed to be addressed to sell the house.
The thing is that it is not the house that left an impression on me. What I remember the most is the Agent they were working with. The experience gave me insight to how that agent conducts business. I saw first hand what that agent considers to be good enough. In my opinion, every time you tour a home listed with an agent that home somewhat represents that agent. I will remember that the agent I have spoken of did not care enough to be honest with the seller. They did not want to put in the extra work to help them. To them it was just another listing that they would add to their resume. The agent owed that family more than they were given.
To this day I remember that because I want my fellow agents to leave any listing I have knowing that I am working for the seller to the best of my ability. I want them to see, first hand, my standards. This means I have to be honest and not afraid to put in extra work to make sure their home is seen as a great product. Don’t we owe them that? In the case of the family I have spoken of it would not have been that hard to tell the seller it might be a good idea to move the pile of shoes out of the foyer. Or, maybe spend ten minutes to wipe the chalk off the walls. Yes, it is the sellers job to keep the house clean and ready. However, sometimes they need the honest input from the agent they are paying to guide them along the way.





Weston Blankenship, Home Stager and Designer for
Stephen Strickhausen
Keller Williams
9175 Caroters Parkway
Suite 110 Franklin, TN
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com
615-480-5770
615-778-8898













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