Selling a home can be a daunting task, especially if you are a first-time home seller. However, with the right preparation and guidance, the process can be a lot less overwhelming. In this post, we will provide you with essential tips and strategies to prepare your home for sale, price it appropriately, and navigate the selling process smoothly in Tennessee. Whether you are relocating or looking to upgrade, this blog post will guide you through the process of selling your home with confidence. 1. Get Your Home Ready for Sale First impressions matter, so take the time to make your home look its best. Start by decluttering and depersonalizing your space to allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in it. Clean every corner, including baseboards, windows, and appliances. Consider hiring a professional stager who can help you rearrange your furniture and give your home a more appealing look. Remember, the goal is to present your home in the best possible light. 2. Price Your Home Appropriately Pricing your home correctly is crucial to selling your home quickly and at a good price. A real estate agent can help you assess the market and evaluate the current condition of your home, similar homes in your area, and the local real estate market to help you come up with the right listing price. Remember, if your home is priced too high, it may take longer to sell, but if it's priced too low, you may get less than what it's worth. 3. Work with a Real Estate Agent Working with an experienced real estate agent can make all the difference when it comes to selling your home quickly and efficiently. An agent can help you navigate the selling process, provide you with market insights and tips on how to improve your home, help you price it appropriately, and market it aggressively. They can also handle all aspects of the transaction, including negotiating with potential buyers and managing all the paperwork. 4. Market Your Home Aggressively Nowadays, most home buyers start their home search online, so it's essential to market your home aggressively online. Consider using professional pictures, virtual tours, and dynamic videos to showcase your home's best features. Your agent should also list your home on multiple real estate websites and attract buyers with well-written property descriptions and enticing headlines. Make sure your home stands out in the crowd. 5. Prepare for the Closing Process Once you find a buyer and agree on a price, you'll need to prepare for the closing process. Closing generally involves several steps, including escrow, inspections, appraisals, and title searches. Your agent can help you navigate this process, so make sure to ask them for guidance. Consider hiring a real estate attorney who can review all the paperwork and ensure a smooth and successful closing. Selling your home can be an exciting and overwhelming process, especially if you are a first-time home seller. By following these essential tips, you can prepare your home for sale, price it appropriately, navigate the selling process efficiently, and sell your home quickly and at a good price in Tennessee. Remember, working with an experienced real estate agent and marketing your home aggressively can make all the difference. So take your time, be patient, and trust the process, and you'll be on your way to a successful home sale. Contact Shawn Wilmoth REALTOR® today for help finding exactly what you're looking for. www.shawnwilmoth.com

Buying a property is not an easy task. You have to go through a lot of stages and processes before you can finally get your hands on your dream home. One of these stages is choosing whether to buy a property listed by a real estate agent or a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) property. While it might be tempting to go for the latter since it seems cheaper, there are some things to consider. In this article, we'll break down the pros and cons of buying a For Sale By Owner property. You Might Save Some Money One obvious benefit of buying an FSBO property is the potential to save some money. Since there are no commission fees, the seller may pass the savings down to the buyer in the form of a lower asking price. However, this isn't always the case, so it's essential to do your homework before making any assumptions. It's essential to research the market prices for similar properties in the same neighborhood. That way, you can determine whether the asking price for the FSBO property you're interested in is reasonable or not. You'd Have to do the Work Yourself When you buy an FSBO property, you'll have to take on m   any of the responsibilities that a real estate agent would typically handle. For starters, you must research the market and neighborhood to determine the actual market price of the property. You'll also have to carry out due diligence to ensure that the property is in good condition and has no undisclosed defects. Moreover, you'll have to handle all the paperwork and legal requirements yourself. This can be overwhelming, especially if you're a first-time homebuyer. Risk of Buying a Problematic Property One of the risks associated with buying an FSBO property is that the seller may not be forthcoming about the property's issues or defects. Unlike professional real estate agents who are required by law to disclose all defects, FSBO sellers may try and hide defects to make the property more appealing to buyers. To prevent this, it's recommended to hire a professional inspector. Hire one to carry out a thorough inspection of the property before finalizing the purchase. This would give you an idea of any hidden defects so that you can make an informed decision on whether to continue with the purchase or not. The Sale Process May Take Longer Buying an FSBO property may take longer than buying a property listed by a real estate agent. Since there are no intermediaries involved, the negotiation and paperwork process can drag on longer than usual. This can be frustrating, especially if you're on a tight schedule or facing stiff competition from other buyers in the market. However, if you're patient and persistent, you could land a good deal. You May Miss Out on Professional Guidance When you're buying a property through a real estate agent, you have the advantage of professional guidance. Experienced agents understand the market and can provide you with valuable advice on what to look for and what to avoid. They can also act as a mediator between you and the seller to ensure that the negotiation process goes smoothly. With FSBO properties, you'll miss out on this guidance. You'll have to rely on your research and instincts to make the right decision. Buying an FSBO property can be an excellent way to save some money, but it's not without its risks. You'll have to do your homework, handle the work yourself, and ensure that there are no hidden defects before finalizing the purchase. However, if you're persistent, patient, and cautious, you could land a great deal. Consider all the pros and cons before making a decision that could affect your finances and happiness for years to come. Contact Shawn Wilmoth REALTOR® today for help finding exactly what you're looking for. www.shawnwilmoth.com  

Having a renter move out is never an easy experience. As property owners, we invest a lot of time and money into maintaining and renting out our properties, so it's understandable to feel a bit unsettled when renters move out. But what if we told you that this shouldn't be a source of stress? In fact, having a renter move out may be an opportunity to take advantage of. By renovating the unit and increasing the rent based on improvements, you may be able to take your property to the next level. Let's explore why you shouldn't stress if a renter moves out of your property and how you can benefit from this opportunity. Make Renovations to Your Property One of the greatest benefits of having a renter move out is that it provides an opportunity to make renovations to your property. By making updates and improvements to your rental unit, you'll not only keep your property in top condition, but you may also be able to increase the value of the unit, which will ultimately increase rental rates. Some popular updates that you can make include updating appliances, replacing countertops, and refreshing the paint in the unit. Increase Rental Rates Another advantage of a renter moving out is that it allows you to increase rental rates. By making renovations to your unit and marketing it as an updated, high-quality rental, you can justify charging a higher rental rate. Before increasing your rental rates, however, ensure that you research the current rental market in your area and determine what other comparable units are renting for. This will help you establish a realistic and fair rental rate increase that your future renters will be willing to pay. Find the Perfect Renter When a previous renter moves out, it gives you the opportunity to seek out the perfect renter for your unit. This can be especially advantageous if your previous renter didn't always treat your property with respect. By using this transition as an opportunity to find a renter who is a better fit for your unit, it may decrease the chances of property damage in the future and ensure that your property is well taken care of. Negotiate Rental Terms Lastly, having a renter move out provides you with the opportunity to negotiate rental terms that may have been problematic with the previous renter. For example, if your previous renter refused to pay pet fees, you can find a new renter who is willing to follow all the rental terms and agreements from the very beginning. This way, you can have a better relationship with your renters, and this partnership can last for years to come. In conclusion, having a renter move out can be an opportunity to take advantage of instead of a source of stress. By renovating the unit and updating the property, you can increase the rental rates and the value of the unit. You can also find the perfect renter as a replacement and negotiate rental terms that caused problems with the previous renter. So, don't fret over having a renter move out. Instead, take the opportunity to improve your property and set yourself up for success. Contact Shawn Wilmoth REALTOR® today for help finding exactly what you're looking for. www.shawnwilmoth.com

USDA lending zones play a significant role for those looking to purchase, develop, or refinance property. Understanding what USDA lending zones are and how they function can help home buyers, property owners, renters, and customers make informed decisions about real estate investments. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about USDA lending zones. 1. What are USDA Lending Zones? USDA lending zones are geographical regions designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that determine eligibility for a USDA Rural Development loan. These loans are designed to help prospective home buyers in rural areas purchase a home. However, the USDA lending zones extend beyond traditional rural areas and include certain suburban areas as well.The USDA divides regions into three categories: metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural. Metropolitan areas are excluded from eligibility for USDA loans. In contrast, micropolitan and rural areas are eligible for these loans. 2. How are Lending Zones Determined? USDA lending zones are determined based on population statistics, including income levels and economic activity. The USDA relies on the latest census data when making zone determinations. The data help the USDA assess a region's eligibility for a loan and its financial capacity to respond to economic activity, such as real estate investment and development. 3. Eligibility Qualifying for a USDA Rural Development loan in a USDA lending zone depends on various eligibility factors. These factors include credit history, income level, and debt-to-income ratio. Additionally, the property must meet certain parameters, such as being located within a USDA lending zone and meeting specific health, safety, and environmental standards. 4. Benefits of USDA Loans USDA loans offer various benefits. One of the primary benefits is that these loans have no down payment requirements, which can be especially advantageous for first-time home buyers. Additionally, USDA loans have flexible credit requirements and lower interest rates than conventional loans. USDA loans also allow for the financing of property repairs and renovation costs. USDA loans offer various benefits. One of the primary benefits is that these loans have no down payment requirements, which can be especially advantageous for first-time home buyers. Additionally, USDA loans have flexible credit requirements and lower interest rates than conventional loans. USDA loans also allow for the financing of property repairs and renovation costs. Contact Shawn Wilmoth REALTOR® today for help finding exactly what you're looking for. www.shawnwilmoth.com

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

Saddle Ridge is a growing community located in northeastern Tennessee. It is known for its scenic views, great attractions, and beautiful history. The town offers a wide range of options for individuals and families. From affordable housing options to job and education opportunities. In this blog post, we will dive deep into what living in Saddle Ridge, Tennessee is like. Learning, why you should consider this vibrant community as your next home. HOUSING OPTIONS Saddle Ridge's real estate market offers affordable housing options for renters and homebuyers. Additionally, different options for living, with a variety of prices. The town also has a wide range of properties. From newly constructed homes to picturesque old houses with lots of character. There are many apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes to fit your needs. Whichever option a buyer or renter chooses, Saddle Ridge offers a comfortable and affordable living environment. GREAT ATTRACTIONS Living in Saddle Ridge offers various attractions to keep residents entertained. The town has several well-maintained parks, including the Rock Island State Park and Burgess Falls State Park, famous for their calm waters and beautiful waterfalls. Residents can hike, swim, and take their dogs for a walk at these parks any day of the week. The town also has several restaurants and shopping areas downtown. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES For students and families, Saddle Ridge offers excellent educational opportunities. The town has two public schools, and they both rank highly in the state of Tennessee. Saddle Ridge High School has received an A rating, and Saddle Ridge Middle School has received a B+ rating. Apart from these public schools, the town also has several private schools that offer quality education from pre-k to high school. JOB OPTIONS Saddle Ridge's economy is steadily growing, and job opportunities are becoming more abundant. The town has several industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, which provide ample employment opportunities. Additionally, residents who work outside the town can access the metropolitan areas of Nashville and Knoxville, which are just an hour's drive away. Living in Saddle Ridge, Tennessee, is like living in a small town with the amenities of a larger town. It provides affordable housing options, great attractions for families, an excellent education system, employment opportunities, and a safe and secure environment. Whether you're a homebuyer or a renter, Saddle Ridge, Tennessee, is a community you should consider when looking for a place to call home. Contact Shawn Wilmoth REALTOR® today for help finding exactly what you're looking for. www.shawnwilmoth.com  

If you’re looking for a vibrant city with lots of cultures, a great quality of life, and plenty of career opportunities, then Knoxville is the place for you. Located in East Tennessee alongside the Tennessee River, the city is known for its thriving music scene, outdoor activities, and friendly people. It’s also home to numerous colleges and universities that offer students plenty of educational opportunities. So let’s take a closer look at what it has to offer!  Schools in Knoxville  For people considering moving to Knoxville, one of the major draws is the excellent education system. The city boasts an array of public schools as well as several private institutions. In addition to traditional K-12 schools, there are also multiple colleges and universities such as the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK), Pellissippi State Community College, Johnson University, Lincoln Memorial University, and Vanderbilt University. Whether you’re searching for a full-time college experience or just want to take some classes on the side, you’ll have plenty of options here!  Jobs and Career Opportunities in Knoxville  Knoxville is home to a diverse economy with many job opportunities in various industries such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing, finance, and banking. The city also offers plenty of freelance opportunities for those looking for more flexible arrangements. Some major employers in the area include Scripps Networks Interactive (owner of HGTV and DIY Network), Pilot Flying J (the largest operator of travel centers in North America), Covenant Health (the region's largest not-for-profit healthcare provider), and Regal Entertainment Group (the world’s largest motion picture exhibitor).   The unemployment rate here is relatively low compared to other cities across the nation — making it an attractive destination for job seekers both locally and nationally!  Housing Options in Knoxville Knoxville offers something for every taste when it comes to housing options — from downtown lofts and condos perfect for singles or couples looking for urban living close to all the action; single-family homes with spacious yards; or multi-family dwellings ideal for those wanting rental income potential. The cost of living here is slightly below average compared to other cities around the U.S., making it an affordable option overall — even if you don't have deep pockets!   With so many different types of housing available at varied price points — from starter homes all way up to luxury estates—you can find something that fits your budget here without sacrificing quality or convenience!   Knoxville really does have something for everyone - whether you're looking for great schools for your kids; robust career opportunities; or just want a vibrant city with lots going on - this is definitely worth considering if you're thinking about relocating somewhere new! With its beautiful scenery along the Tennessee River; rich history; bustling music scene; delicious southern cuisine; excellent job market; abundant housing options - there's truly no better place than Knoxville when it comes to finding your next dream home! So why not come see what this wonderful city has to offer?  Contact Shawn Wilmoth REALTOR® today for help finding exactly what you're looking for. www.shawnwilmoth.com

Located only a few miles west of Knoxville, the town of Farragut is a hidden gem with much to offer its residents. From its robust job market to its unbeatable amenities, there are countless reasons why living in Farragut is an excellent choice. Let’s take a look at why this small town should be on your radar. A Job Market That Puts You Ahead Farragut is home to numerous businesses that can provide you and your family with stable employment opportunities. The nearby cities of Knoxville and Oak Ridge house even more options for those seeking work in the area. With an unemployment rate lower than the national average and plenty of available jobs, this community puts you in an optimal position to succeed professionally. Great Rated Schools Not only does Farragut present its citizens with exciting career prospects, but it also has many great-rated schools. This city boasts well-rated schools within the Knox County Public School System as well as several private institutions for those wishing to explore alternative educational options. On top of that, there are plenty of parks and outdoor activities for children (and adults!) alike. Plenty To Do For Everyone From shopping malls and local stores to breweries and golf courses, the area around Farragut has something for everyone looking for ways to fill their free time. If you're into music or theatre, then you'll be happy to hear that there are multiple venues where you can catch live events throughout the year. Plus, with all its restaurants and nightlife spots, there's sure to be something that appeals even to the pickiest eater or most discerning socialite!   If you're considering relocating or just looking for an excellent place to call home, then make sure you add Farragut, TN to your list of potential destinations! Not only does this city provide its citizens with stable job prospects and high-quality education options but also plenty of ways for them (and their families) to have fun during their free time. Whether you're single or married with kids, living in Farragut presents many advantages that are hard to find anywhere else! So what are you waiting for? Come see why this small town is such a great place! Contact Shawn Wilmoth REALTOR® today for help finding exactly what you're looking for. www.shawnwilmoth.com

Quick Ways to Sell Faster Selling your home can be a hassle. You can do certain things to ensure a quicker process of selling your home. This blog series will help you learn these easy steps to sell your home faster. Make Sure to Check the Paint Make sure you touch up any chipped or dirty spots with a fresh patch of paint in that area. Creating an "accent wall" will create an intriguing focal point. Checking the paint on the outside of the house is just as important as the inside. You want them to picture themselves living there. You may not have to paint the whole house but make sure that there are areas that are not left without a surface of matching paint. Giving the fresh layer of paint gives the house a sense of being new/fresh.  Time to Declutter Declutter the house before any showings or pictures are taken. You want the buyers to picture themselves in the home, and having clutter isn't inviting. Make sure rooms are tidy with beds made and floors picked up, dressers, etc. Countertops in the bathrooms were cleaned off as well as the kitchen counters. This leads us to our next topic...closets.  Clean Out the Closets Don't use the closets as your catchall or hiding place for the clutter. The first thing everyone does when they have a showing is shove everything into the closet so it is hidden and out of site. Most buyers want to see all of the space the house has to offer, closets included. Closets are a big part of the selling process. Buyers want to see if their belongings or both of their stuff will fit into the closet. If you shove everything into the closet, they can't see the space and will be turned away by the clutter.  In our next blog post, we will go over lighting and some safety measures. Contact Shawn now to help sell your home and help you sell it quickly! Please contact Shawn Wilmoth at www.shawnwilmoth.com/contact 

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.