Altamira is a beautiful town that offers the perfect blend of rich history, awe-inspiring architecture, and stunning scenery. This town has something for everyone. Adventurers and nature lovers to history buffs and culture enthusiasts will all enjoy being there. Altamira is the go-to destination for those who want to enjoy the beauty and charm of small-town living. In this blog post, we’ll give you a glimpse of why it's a great place to call home. CHARMING HISTORY & TOWN CHARACTER Altamira has a captivating history that dates back to the early 1900s. Originally founded as a railroad town, Altamira played a significant role in the development of the railway system. Today, the town's old railroad depot, which is over a century old, has been converted into a museum. Visitors can explore the past and learn about the town's rich railroad history. Additionally, the town is full of historic buildings and landmarks that highlight the area’s enduring legacy. The character of Altamira is a great representation of the perfect small-town community. It has a close-knit and welcoming atmosphere. The town residents are friendly and diverse, with a strong sense of community spirit. It is reflected in the town’s various activities, festivals, and volunteer work. The town is perfect for many different types of life. BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE The architecture in Altamira is a mix of old-world charm and modern-day influences. The historic buildings that line the streets downtown are a testament to the town's heritage. With their distinct features such as intricate brickwork, elegant columns, and ornate facades, these buildings transport visitors back in time. The newer homes and developments, on the other hand, are built with modern design features such as open floor plans. The homes in the town are some of the most beautiful in the state, with a large variety of styles and types available. ENTERTAINMENT Altamira is abundant with exciting attractions for visitors and residents alike. The town’s natural beauty is a sight to behold, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. For nature lovers, go hiking in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also checking out the scenic views near Fontana is a must. The town is also home to a world-renowned fishing spot and several other outdoor recreational activities. TAKING IN THE VIEWS The scenery in Altamira is among the most breathtaking in the country, from the stunning sunsets and picturesque vistas to the crisp mountain air and wide-reaching views of the valley. With its small-town charm, the community celebrates its natural beauty with various events throughout the year, including a Spring Fling Festival, a Fourth of July Celebration, and a Christmas parade. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll through the town or discovering the surrounding mountains, you'll discover a treasure trove of scenic beauty at every turn. In conclusion, Altamira is a charming, historic, picturesque, and welcoming small-town community with a bright future. Whether you're a visitor, resident, homebuyer, or renter, you'll find something to love about this town. Altamira offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and modern amenities that make it an excellent place to live, work, and play. So why not explore the town for yourself and experience the rich history, awe-inspiring architecture, stunning scenery, and friendly community of Altamira, Tennessee? Contact Shawn Wilmoth REALTOR® today for help finding exactly what you're looking for. www.shawnwilmoth.com

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner, purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you can make in your life. With so many different options, selecting the perfect home can be a challenging process. However, by knowing what to look for, you can make an informed choice that will benefit you in the future. In this blog post, we'll discuss the ten most crucial factors to consider when buying a home. 1. Home Cost  Before you begin the process of looking for the perfect home, you'll need to know how much house you can afford. Your budget will be influenced by factors such as your income, expenses, down payment, and mortgage rates. You may want to seek the guidance of a financial advisor who will help you assess your financial situation to ensure that you can afford the cost of the home. 2. Home Location The physical location of a property is an important factor to consider when buying a home, and it's one of the significant determinants of your final decision. A convenient location will save you time and money on transportation, and it will also have other positive environmental, economic, and social benefits. Consider buying a home nearby areas that either suit your lifestyle or are near important amenities like schools, hospitals, and shopping. 3. Property Type The right home should cater to your living standards and choices. Determine the size of the property that is ideal for you, the number of rooms you want, the accessibility of the outdoor spaces, and more. Will you prefer a single-family home or a multi-family dwelling? Knowing what you want in a property can guide you in narrowing down your property options to find what you will need. 4. Neighborhood Before buying a home, learn about the nature of the area surrounding the property. What kind of people live there? Are there any excellent schools, parks, entertainment facilities, or restaurants nearby? Is the neighborhood safe and clean? The neighborhood should sync up with your lifestyle, preference, and standards. 5. Home Age and Condition Newer homes may come with better amenities and comfort, but older homes can bring some of the factors you might prefer. Deciding whether to purchase a new or old home will depend on many factors, such as the expected maintenance and renovation expenses you are willing to pay. You'll want to know the condition of your home before purchasing to mitigate any future expenses. 6. Property Ownership Property ownership is a crucial consideration. You'll want to know who is selling the property and why. Try to identify any potential legal issues, such as unpaid taxes or current lien, to avoid legal challenges once you purchase the home. A title search may be necessary for you to uncover prior property ownership challenges. 7. Property Resale Potential It's always worth considering the resale potential of a property, even if you don't plan on selling anytime soon. Think about how desirable your home will be in the future market to avoid getting stuck in a hard-to-sell house. Consult with a professional real estate agent to determine the market position of the property and any future resale potential. 8. Inspections and Appraisals Obtaining a home inspection and appraisal can be an excellent way of evaluating the current condition and market value of your potential investment. The home inspection should identify any fundamental issues before buying a home, while an appraisal can help determine the fair market value of the property. 9. Mortgage Options and Rates There are many options when it comes to a mortgage product. It's essential to know which options you need. Shop different lenders and evaluate your mortgage options depending on the best possible interest rate, upfront fees, and any hidden costs. 10. Homeowner Association If you're buying a home in a community that is under an association, you'll want to learn more about the requirements and expectations of the association. Things like fees, restrictions, and other regulations can make it easier or harder to live in your dream home than you think. Purchasing a home is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Before making the final decision, it's essential to consider all the above factors to make the right choice. Remember to consult with professionals like real estate agents, lawyers, and financial advisors to ensure that your choice is informed and you make the right investment. Contact Shawn Wilmoth REALTOR® today for help finding exactly what you're looking for. www.shawnwilmoth.com

Growing East Tennessee It is no secret that east Tennessee and the Knoxville   area is growing.  Folks from cities all over the country are looking for more peaceful areas with less crime and fresher air.   As cities like Knoxville grow, areas surrounding become hot spots for residential growth.  And, with residential growth comes new business opportunities.     There is also something to be said about the area and how one can experience all four seasons.  Mild winters are a draw for those fleeing the freezing tempatures of some of the northern states.  Commercial Property Available  Located in beautiful New Market, Tennessee, this viable commercial property is ready for the right owner to reestablish a business and conduct commerce.   This property has over 200 feet of road frontage on state Highway 11E with a crossover at one end of the lot for easy access. Once used as a gas station, a block plant and a car dealership this commercial real estate has many options for future use.  Several outbuildings are about the property as well. Two recently inspected and approved fuel tanks are located on the property and ready for use.  New Market is a growing community but no so much that there are a lot of restrictions.  Highway 11E also known as Andrew Johnson Highway which this property adjoins is a daily travel route for commuters heading to Knoxville to the west or to Morristown to the east. Other properties along this stretch of highway have developed over the past few years and  are now several businesses around and near the property such as Family Dollar Stores, Service electric and a kidney dialysis center.       This commercial property is just 20 miles from Knoxville, which is not only one of the fastest growing cities in the United States but it also the third largest city in the state.  The property is just 15 miles from Morristown, Tennessee.  Morristown is a city known for being one of the largest, if not the largest, industrial hubs in the state. And, last, but not least New Market is less than 30 miles from Sevier County.  Sevier County consists of Pigeon Forge, one of the most visited entertainment cities in the United States.  And, also Gatlinburg, which is the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Other properties along this stretch of highway have developed over the past few years and  are now several businesses around and near the property such as Family Dollar Stores, Service electric and a kidney dialysis center.        This area of east Tennessee and the New Market is a growing area with great opportunities for business or investment.  Don’t let this one get away.   It help to have an experience commercial realtor to make the process go smoothly.  Contact Shawn Wilmoth today for more information or for a showing on this commercial property.  

If you're on the hunt for a new home, it's easy to feel intimidated. While the current real estate market is booming, that can be a challenge for many buyers. You may not even know where to start, especially if you've never purchased a home before. Fortunately, there is a simple shortcut to finding the right home: working with a real estate agent. Technically speaking, you don't have to work with a real estate agent when finding a house. But with over 3 million active real estate licensees currently available in the United States, according to the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials, there are a few reasons why you may want to consider it. Here are just four reasons why you should have a qualified real estate agent by your side when you're buying a home. 1. Save Time Time isn't on your side when you're house hunting. In fact, lots of people only have a few months, if that, to find and close on a house. A real estate agent can cut through the homes that aren't worth your time and help you find a house that is exactly what you're looking for. Additionally, a real estate agent has access to resources like a local MLS, which will enable them to compile a list of homes for you more efficiently. 2. Save Money If you want to save money on a house, you should work with a real estate agent. A good real estate agent will not only stick to your budget, but help you negotiate with sellers in order to get the best deal possible. They can also keep you from overspending on a house that's likely to have underlying issues or getting involved in a bidding war that you aren't likely to win without great sacrifice. Although agents do earn a commission from the sale, their expertise can ultimately help you spend less overall. 3. Better Options Thanks to their use of resources like a local MLS, real estate agents are much more aware of the types of houses available in your area. They will be able to find homes that you didn't even realize were available and potentially locate the house of your dreams. They'll have learned the tips and tricks of the trade that can help you find available properties that might not be open to the masses. That's especially true if they're working with other clients looking to sell their current homes! 4. Less Work It takes a lot of effort to find a house. If you try to find a home on your own, you may spend months search online, only to end up with nothing but frustration. A real estate agent can use a local MLS to locate homes for you. In other words, they'll do all the grunt work by locating available properties, setting up appointments, and negotiating with the seller's agent. It really is a full-time job, so don't take that burden on by yourself. Looking for a home? Don't do so without a real estate agent. To learn more about how we can help, get in touch with us today.

It can be difficult to make the final decision when it comes to selling your house. Many people find themselves torn about moving -- for understandable reasons. Moving can be challenging, even when you're staying within the same community. It can be difficult to decide between the houses for sale in the area you're moving to. For that matter, it can be challenging to handle your move in an emotional sense, especially since the typical home seller has been in their current house for eight years. But there are a lot of advantages that come with selling your home and moving. With that being said, let's look into some of the signs that it's time to sell your house and move to a new one. 1. It's Time to Upgrade or Downsize If you've had some recent changes in your family, or you're planning to make certain changes, you may want to begin looking for houses for sale that better suit your needs. For example, if you have a new baby on the way, it may be time to move to a house that has more bedrooms and shared living space. Conversely, if you're getting older and your children have fully left the nest, it may be time for you to downsize. If you're feeling like your current home simply can't grow and change with you, it might be worth considering whether moving to a new home is the better option. 2. You Need to Cut Costs Perhaps you've experienced changes to your yearly income. One of the best ways that you can give yourself a financial boost and cut your monthly costs is by moving to a different house. This doesn't even necessarily mean that you'll be moving to a smaller house, though smaller homes typically come with lower utility bills. Moving to a less expensive area could trim your costs significantly and provide a better quality of life overall. 3. You're Seeking New Job Opportunities One of the major reasons why people move to new areas seeking houses for sale is because they're looking for new job opportunities or pursuing new opportunities that have been offered to them. If you're being given the chance to move up in your career, selling your house and moving could be well worth it -- especially if your current area provides you with little room to grow your career. No matter why you're looking to move and sell your house, your reasons are valid. Moving can mark an exciting new chapter in your life. Approach it with a positive attitude and you may be surprised by what happens! When you need help finding the perfect house for this next stage in your life, we're here to help. Contact us today to learn more.

While searching local homes for sale, you may be wondering whether to purchase a new or existing home. Approximately 5.64 million existing homes were sold during 2020, according to data from the National Association of Realtors. The current real estate market can be quite competitive, which means buyers need all of the help they can get. Below, you'll find our buyer's guide to finding local homes for sale -- and choosing between new versus existing houses during your search. Here's what you need to know. New vs. Old: What's the Difference? Before exploring local homes for sale, check out the details below to learn the difference between buying a new home and an existing one. Buying a new home: Brand new homes are move-in ready with new features. Some may include smart technology or eco-friendly elements. To get everything new and ready for move-in, you'll end up spending a bit more upfront. While there may be certain things you'll eventually want to fix or change, the upside here is that a new home shouldn't need any major repairs right away. Buying an old home: Older homes often need major repairs, which can get expensive quickly. However, this could make the home sell at an affordable price and allow you to renovate it exactly how you want to. A bonus to older homes is that you can find one in an excellent location. You'll also be able to obtain a home with charm and features that were built to last, which are harder to come by with new builds. With newer homes, you'll most likely work with the builder, which can go a lot smoother than a homeowner that feels their home is worth more than it is. It's less stressful and you can move in much sooner, assuming there are no delays with the building process. With older homes, you'll have to work out an agreement about the closing date and when you can move in. Some homeowners won't come down on price even though there are significant issues with the home. You may not be able move in until the seller has found a new home or certain stipulations have been met by either party. Ultimately, it comes down to what you want in your next home. Can you afford that new home with all of the newest bells and whistles, or would you rather get the older home in an ideal location that needs a few renovations or repairs? Every person looking at local homes for sale wants something different. List your priorities and make sure to keep your expectations as realistic as possible. Explore Local Homes for Sale and Find Your Next Dream Home No matter if you buy a new or existing home, it's time you find your dream home that you can grow into. For more information on how we can help, please contact us today.

Finding the best realtor is a difficult task. There are many factors to consider, and it can be hard to know who will provide you with the best service. But don't worry! We have a few tips for finding a great realtor in your area. 1. Check Reviews Online One of the ways to find the best realtor is to check online reviews. Sites like Yelp and Google are great for finding honest feedback from past clients. This can give you a good idea of what to expect from a particular realtor. 2. Ask Around If you know anyone who has recently bought or sold a home, ask them for a referral. They will likely have a good idea of who provided quality service in their area. 3. Meet with Several Realtors Don't just meet with one realtor. Meet with several and get a sense of who you feel comfortable with. It's important to find someone you can trust and who will be responsive to your needs. 4. Look for Experience When looking at realtors, consider which one has the most experience in your area. A realtor with several years of experience may be better able to help you out than one just starting out. This will also likely give you access to more resources and a wider network within the industry. 5. Get a Recommendation If you're still not sure who to go with, ask for a recommendation from your friends or family. Someone close to you is likely to have had a good experience with a realtor in the past and be happy to recommend them to you. 6. Consider Specialties Not all realtors are created equal. Some may specialize in working with first-time homebuyers, while others may specialize in working with luxury homes. It's important to find a realtor who has experience and knowledge of the area you're interested in. 7. Get Your Questions Answered One final thing to consider is whether or not a realtor will answer all of your questions. There's nothing worse than calling a realtor and not getting a response. You should be able to get in touch with the person you choose anytime you need help, so make sure they have good availability. Ensure You Hire the Best Realtor You Can Find Between 2020 and 2021, home buying power in the United States grew by 21%, according to Fit Small Business. This presents a lot of opportunities for those looking to sell their homes. Contact us today to learn more about how you can make the most of these opportunities.

There are many things that people think of when they're considering buying or selling a home, but choosing the right realtor can be one of the most important. Those who choose to work with an experienced and knowledgeable agent may find themselves saving time and money, as well as navigating through what could otherwise be confusing processes. Here are seven questions to ask any realtor you might be considering working with. 1. How Long Have You Been Working as a Realtor? The amount of experience a realtor has can be indicative of their expertise in the field. Someone who has been practicing for a while will likely have more knowledge about the industry and how to help you successfully buy or sell your home. 2. What Is Your Success Rate? When considering any professional, it's important to know their success rate. Ask the realtor how often they have helped buyers buy a home that met their expectations and how often sellers received the price they were hoping for. 3. What Is Your Specialty? Not all realtors are created equal. Some may specialize in working with buyers, while others may work mainly with sellers. It's important to find someone whose specialty aligns with your needs and goals. 4. What Are Your Fees? Realtors typically charge a commission for their services, which is usually a percentage of the home's sale price. Be sure to ask the realtor about their fees upfront, so there are no surprises later. 5. What Kind of Training Do You Have? Look for a realtor who actively keeps up with industry trends and is well-versed in the latest technology, as these can often make a big difference in their success. 6. How Familiar Are You with the Area? A good realtor should be intimately familiar with the neighborhoods where you're looking to buy or sell a home. Ask them about their experience working in that particular market and what they think of the current housing climate. 7. Do You Have Any Other Clients I Could Talk To? One of the best ways to get a feel for whether or not a realtor is the right fit is to speak with their past clients. Ask the realtor if they have any references you could speak to and see what their experiences were like working with them. Generation X (born between 1965 and 1979) makes up the greatest number of homebuyers in the United States. So, if you are a member of Gen X or any other generation and are planning to purchase or sell a home in the near future, it is important that you do your research before selecting a realtor. Ask around and interview several candidates before making your decision. The questions above will help get you started.