Middle Tennessee Real Estate

Murfreesboro Real Estate: Selling A Lifestyle

2011-06-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

I am not a saleswoman. I am not an investment specialist. I am a residential home agent, and I am selling a lifestyle. I work with investors, sure, but I am selling them a means to a lifestyle.

Murfreesboro Real Estate has infinite lifestyle possibilities.

There are some amazing houses on large lots, in rural areas with great outdoor spaces for outdoorsy people, or people who like lots of room to stretch their legs! Check out Springhouse!

We also have some great possibilities for upscale, lifestyle-based residential developments that cater to a more traditional neighborhood feel. Check out Stratford Hall!

Or the newest Urban flair, Swanson's condo development on Thompson Lane. Convenient to shopping, dining, interstates, and the new MTMC. Check out Gateway Village!

Looking for all-inclusive, resort style living with tons of common areas and amenities? Like new construction? Check out Marymont Springs !

When it comes to a lifestyle, Murfreesboro offers it's residents a rich and vast variety of options, choices, and dreams.

Murfreesboro offers residents:

First class education, with local schools earning the Governor's A-Plus Award for Excellence in Education

Middle Tennessee State University, the largest undergraduate university in Tennessee, located in Murfreesboro

Rich quality of life, featuring a lively arts program; a beautiful Greenway Trail System throughout the county; golf courses; soccer and baseball fields; boating and fishing on five area lakes within a one-hour drive.

Desirable career opportunities, with the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics ranking Rutherford County as "first in the U.S. for new job growth"

Annual community events such as the Jazz Fest featuring contemporary jazz concerts and the Uncle Dave Macon Days celebrating old-time music, dance and culture.

Murfreesboro Real Estate: Bob Parks Realty #2

2011-04-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

According to the Nashville Business Journal, Bob Parks Realty has ranked toward the top of the list for Residential Real Estate firms in Middle Tennessee!!!!!!!

Bob Parks Realty

2011 rank: 2

2010 rank: 3

This firm ended 2010 with 2,848 company sides on a transaction. Gross sales for the firm were $560 million and the average sales price for the year was $204,300.

For 2011, we are up over 30% in sales as a whole for the company! That is very promising news for the recovery of the fundamentally important real estate business and it's affect on the overall economy.

Murfreesboro real estate is not nearly as devastated as many markets, but we have all obviously been affected by the slump in the economy. The absorption rates of homes on the market is decreasing, and the sales prices will begin to increase over time. So whether you are buying or selling Middle Tennessee Real Estate with Bob Parks Realty, remember that we have over 400 agents cooperating to get your home bought and/or sold, and that choosing me means choosing a team of over 400:)

Murfreesboro Real Estate: The Good, the Bad, The Ugly

2011-03-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

Suffice it is to say that Murfreesboro Real Estate can be complicated.

It can be easy.

It can be pretty.

It can be ugly.

One of the single largest complaints I hear from buyers right now is about PMI. It takes the No. 1 Ugly Award right now. Ugh. It has actually perturbed and irritated several of my prospective buyers to the point that they have made the decision to withhold from purchasing until they can put down 20% on a conventional loan to avoid paying it.

Why wait for the market to reach the fully corrected level with full prices to avoid a nominal monthly fee? A real estate purchase, is and will always be however, a smart investment...regardless of PMI. Yes, even now. There. I said it. So, let's talk avoiding PMI...

1: Get the down payment from a different source if possible (i.e. relative) in order to have your 20% on a conventional loan. The lending restrictions on these loans may be more strict, and the rates may be slightly higher than with FHA, but with FHA regardless of a 20% down payment, PMI will be required for at least 5 yrs. typically. The downside to option 1: you still have to pay the relatives back.
2.: "Lender paid PMI:" the lender actually pays the PMI, but the interest rate gets a little bump. This sometimes, but not always, can be more cost effective than you paying the PMI.
For certain income earners having the lender pay the PMI can be beneficial because you can write off the interest on your taxes. This is honestly true for everyone, however in 2007 PMI became tax-deductable as well (for purchases 2007 and later) and for households earning less than $100,000 annually. The deduction is on a graduated scale of phasing out for up to a $110,000 annual income.
3.: Utilizing the VA loan for those who qualify.
4.: Utilizing the USDA/Rural development loan. This type of loan has an eligibility restriction on the properties that can be purchased, however, when combined with the typically lower taxes on rural properties, and the lack of PMI requirement, this loan can be incredibly cost effective. This loan can also afford up to 102% LTV (loan to value). So, down payment is avoided as well.
Historic prices, historic rates, and a corrected and balanced lending and purchasing climate all equal to the best possible time to make the investment, and even though that's the thinking that got a lot of people into a mess, and upside down in houses etc, let's face it: we are all being punished by stupidity. People bought things that they couldn't afford, they got money they couldn't pay back, and now the real estate market has been teetering on the brink for several years, but while it teetered it become a more balanced and level playing field. With new lending practices, a new appreciation for the economy and economics as a whole, and a new market flooded with affordable and cut rate housing the real estate market is a new place...a place where those who have stable incomes, low debt, and affordability can still purchase, and purchase at a gain in many cases from day one. Sure, you have to have a down payment now, but is 3.5% really too much to ask to be able to put down on the single largest investment that most of us will ever make? Probably not. Yes, PMI sucks. It takes money out of your pocket that could be put toward the principal. But, we all pay for insurance be it automobile, home owners, life, disability, or health, what's one more insurance payment in the grand scheme of things especially when it's honestly short lived in most cases (and can be completely avoided with certain specs)? . Buying in this climate, where in some instances a buyer can start with equity on the date of closing, will that low monthly payment somehow magically counteract all of the benefits of home ownership to the point that it should be avoided? Absolutely not.

125 LANCASTER GATE PLACE, Murfreesboro, Te $119,900

2011-01-17T21:58:00.000-08:00

1225 CASON TRAIL, Murfreesboro, TN $174,900

2011-01-17T21:50:00.000-08:00

Bob Parks Realty: The Best of Middle Tennessee Real Estate

2010-05-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

Bob Parks Realty: The Best of Middle Tennessee Real EstateXX
A real estate agent is only as good as the tools, resources, and company said agent calls home:)
I can be the most gung-ho, hustling, energetic, outgoing agent I can be, but certain tools and resources are necessary for me to maximize the opportunities and market presence I need to fulfill my obligations to my buyers and sellers...so...I thought that giving some background for the company I am with would be beneficial. I chose Bob Parks Realty when I got my license for 3 reasons: 1.) REPUTATION, 2.) MARKET PRESENCE, 3.) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Staying on the cutting edge of the industry during this time of growth and change is key, and I feel that I am best served and able to do that at Bob Parks Realty. Here is a synopsis of our company, and a word from Bob Parks...
A Message from Bob Parks: The Future of Real Estate in Middle, TN

Now is the time to think about real estate! With tax credits, the low interest rates, and with the over-correction of the local real estate market, affordability has reached levels that we have not seen for years! And, it’s unlikely buyers will see this type of market for many, many years to come.

Promising news for home buyers and owners:

January 2010 marked the fourth straight month where homes sales increased. This is followed by 39 straight months of declines. This trend is expected to continue with a 5-10% increase throughout 2010.
New construction experts agree that 2010 will see this number begin to climb too. A shortage of inventory is likely to occur in late 2010 in lower to mid-range price points.
Steve Murray, a nationally recognized real estate expert notes: We are in a soft-bottom and have started a long slow recovery.
A Time to Buy! An $8,000 tax credit is available for first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010

A $6,500 tax credit is available for current home owners who have been in their home for five consecutive years and plan to purchase a new or used home by April 30, 2010. (see all the details under the “client resources” link at www.bobparks.com)
Interest rates remain at historic lows. As of late February 2010, 15 year fixed rates are near 4.5% and 30 year rates are around 5% for home loans.
Most financial experts believe rates will begin to rise in the coming months
Who We Are

Nominated for "Best in Nashville Business" and winner of numerous other awards, Bob Parks Realty is home to over 400 agents in Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, Mt. Juliet, Nashville, Smyrna and the surrounding area. Bob Parks Realty is a member of "Partnership 2010," a program developed and managed by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. This partnership program is comprised of leading local companies who are the first to be informed on growth and opportunity within Nashville and Middle Tennessee. This means we are able to play a crucial role in recruiting companies to relocate to our area bringing employment opportunities and new residents.

We are proud to offer a full menu of residential real estate services including relocation expertise, mortgage assistance, residential development, auction services, a commercial real estate division, property management, and much more.

Click here to see Murfreesboro Homes for Sale.

Happy House Hunting:)

Luxury Properties in Murfreesboro, TN

2010-05-13T07:19:00.001-07:00

Murfreesboro homes range from under 100k to over $2million dollars, and in every pricepoint there are gems, however, the luxury homes we have listed in Murfreesboro are glittering jewels!

Murfreesboro real estate is some of the most beautiful, affordable, and varied you will find in the country. We have it all! Rolling hills, waterfront property, flat farmland, lush forestry, urban chic, and rural elegance...all can be found by your Murfreesboro Realtor.

I, and Bob Parks Realty, are committed to providing a level of service you expect and deserve. That is why we are proud to be members of the "Leading Real Estate Companies of the World™ and "Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate."

The Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Collection is comprised of the very best independent luxury real estate brokerages from all over the world and is the flagship luxury program of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World™.

"Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate" is a compendium of the finest residential real estate firms from around the world. Inclusion in this directory is by invitation only.

Click here to view luxury homes in Murfreesboro, TN.

Or:

Click here to view all Murfreesboro, TN homes.

106 Inglewood Ct. Murfreesboro, TN 37127

2010-05-04T13:55:00.001-07:00

Jackie Hogencamp Bob Parks Realty 615.507.9349, 615.896.4040

106 Inglewood Ct., Murfreesboro, TN

100% Financing Eligible, County Taxes, and HUGE YARD!!!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $139,900

Year Built	1994
Sq Footage	1,510
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	21,780 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Gorgeous home with large fenced yard, 2-tiered deck, new roof, new water heater, and immaculately kept! Must see. County taxes, 100% financing eligible, and move-in ready!!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Living room
- Bonus/Rec room	- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard	- Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

Contact info:

Jackie Hogencamp

Bob Parks Realty

615.507.9349, 615.896.4040

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 4, 2010, 12:31pm PDT

Happy House Hunting

2010-04-28T09:35:00.001-07:00

An unexpected super surge in sales in March 2010 has many of us in the industry, and many buyers and sellers jumping for joy. As consumer confidence continues to rise, buyers and sellers continue to become more adapted to the current market, and real estate professionals continue to exude professionalism in our continually correcting market, real estate sales are abounding in a positive and promising way.

According to Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, it is positively promising to see an expansive home sales rebound in nearly every corner of America. This rebound has two resounding trends: “Sales have been above year-ago levels for nine straight months, and inventory has trended down from year-ago levels for 20 months running,” he said. “The home buyer tax credit has been a resounding success as these underlying trends point to a broad stabilization in home prices. This is preserving perhaps $1 trillion in largely middle class housing wealth that may have been wiped out without the housing stimulus measure.”

This spring time sales surge has birds singing in the Real Estate industry, but behind the sunshine there is a cloud looming. What happens after the tax credit ends? According to NAR Chief Economist Yun:

“With home values stabilizing, a revival in home buying confidence will likely help the housing market get back on its feet even as the tax credit impact disappears,” Yun said.

With any luck, this statement will resonate to be true, and every home owner in even the farthest reaching corners of America will breathe a heavy sigh of relief. When looking at each region of America, the correction is resoundingly positive and numbers across the board have increased, even if only nominally. Here in the South, existing-home sales showed an increase of 7.1% for an annual level of 1.97 million in March 2010 and are 13.9% higher than in 2009. The median home value was $154,800, up 5.2% from March 2009.

With 4 days left to get contracted and benefit from the Home Buyer Tax Credit, I am gearing up for a busy week. If anyone needs help buying or selling, or just needs some positive words of wisdom about real estate...feel free to call me:)

Happy House Hunting!!!

10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1...

2010-04-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit:

As the tax credit winds down, we are seeing many people who have not yet committed to a property scrambling to get in under the First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit deadline. The tax credit is part of the Worker, Homeownership, Business Assistance Act of 2009.

As it stands, the tax credit of $8000 for 1st time home buyers, and $6500 for existing home owners who meet certain guidelines, is set to end on April 30, 2010. In order to receive the credit, there must be a binding contract in place on a property by April 30, and it must be closed on or before June 30.

In order to qualify, a "first time home buyer" must be a person who has never owned a home OR who hasn't had an interest in a principal residence in the last 3 years, the home that is being purchased must be the purchaser's principal residence, and there are certain income guidelines that must be met.

A survey of more than 1,500 sales agents by Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance found a record 48.2 percent of home purchases were first-time home buyers in March. This is an almost 2% increase of over even last October (46.9%), when the original Tax Credit incentive was set to expire in November 2009. This recent almost 50% share of market activity by first time home buyers sets a record. And it's a record that will trickle up to affect the other price points, markets, and demographics that comprise the modern Real Estate landscape.

The Extension and Expansion of the Tax Credit:

In November of 2009 the Tax Credit was extended, and expanded to encompass and benefit a broader range of home buyers and owners...

In order for a purchaser to qualify for the expanded tax credit designed for home owners who are selling in the current marketplace, there are also income guidelines, and the home being sold must have been consecutively used for 5 of the last 8 years as the seller's primary residence.

This expanded aspect of the tax credit will benefit those whose home may be being purchased by the first time home owners, those who are moving move up, as well as those who may be downsizing. Essentially, if a person has had a significant amount of time in their current home, there is tremendous potential to not only make a profit on the sell, but also get that added incentive, thus creating a balanced and thriving market in varied price points, and driving more money into the economy. It's a win/win:)

With 10 days left and counting, I have seen an increase in showings, calls, and activity across the board. Looks like I'm not the only procrastinator I know. LOL! The beauty of procrastination in this case is that the winding down of the tax credit in conjunction with the Spring boost in sales, is making for an uplifting and promising selling season! With consumer confidence raised, and happy buyers and sellers, we are currently looking at a correcting market on the upswing:)

Humpty Dumpty Needs A Good Fall

2010-03-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

We are all guilty of alittle fence riding. Be it a car, a house, or any other major purchase, all of us can be well, indecisive.

However, now more than ever the Humpty Dumpty inside us all needs to face plant off of that wall on one side or another, and the most savvy of savvy will land on the side of the wall/fence that means making a home purchase.

Record low rates, record low prices, record high inventory, record breaking incentives and tax breaks, and a motivation level that's through the roof make this the best time imaginable to get off the fence and buy a house. And, it is our job as Real Estate agents, to help push you over the fence:) Not just because it's our livelihood for now, but because making a choice to purchase a home right now could be not only the best time to buy into the American dream, but a cornerstone in a person's wealth building strategy. Which means that you will love us for helping you make the leap, and we will continue to build a relationship with you for years to come, continue to do more business with you, and build a mutually beneficial relationship...which is a win/win for everyone involved:)

By and large, the biggest argument that I hear from my first time home buyers who are teetering on the edge of homeownership but are too timid to make the leap is the fear that homeownership comes with a huge price tag above and beyond the mortgage payment (i.e. maintenance and upkeep). Also, I hear people saying that they'd like to be debt-free otherwise before committing to such a large debt. Well. Here are my soapboxes on both of those arguments (and yes, I will recite them while helping you to the other side of the fence) lol:

You are not debt-free right now, but you have to pay rent to live somewhere. That rent could possibly be more than what you would pay to own. Living expenses for shelter are unavoidable no matter what other financial commitments you have (unless you are living with a relative rent free. This argument doesn't go so far if that is the case). LOL!

Making a commitment to a 15 or 30 year debt for a house can be quite daunting. However, when looking at every incentive, and all of the other positive identifiers in the market right now, it makes the possibility of renting a more daunting alternative. Even with the added expense of taxes, PMI, and home owner's insurance, with interest rates and incentives, the cost of ownership is so low, that an interest bearing savings account where one deposits the money saved per month from renting could go a long way for a person's comfort level when dealing with the "what if this breaks" fear... Not to mention that if you qualify for the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, you have the potential of an $8000.00 nest egg right off of the bat. And you are building an equitable return on your money when you pay for your living expenses every month pertaining to your home.

As the deadline for the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit looms, I find more and more people trying to make a commitment to become a homeowner. The time is now. Sieze the day. Take the leap. You won't regret it :)