Searching for a new home can be an overwhelming challenge. Many people don’t know where to look for available properties, have difficulties arranging showings and struggle with the paperwork and jargon. This is why selecting the best realtor for you is an important step in finding your new home.

Consider first, realtors and real estate agents / brokers are not the same designation. Both are licensed and capable of guiding you through the home buying and selling process; but a realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Realtors pay membership dues, and they have access to MLS and a plethora of market data and information. They are also held to strict codes of conduct and ethics outlined by NAR.

What are some points of consideration you should take when selecting a realtor or agent?

1. Ensure your realtor or agent’s license is in good standing with the state.

2. Ask about your realtor or agent’s geographic specialties – in which parts of the city or state do they typically operate?

3. Be sure that your realtor or agent has access to and is familiar with MLS (Multiple Listing Service) or other real estate availability search services.

4. Full–time agent or part–time? You know how much time you’ll be dedicating to house hunting, so be sure your realtor or agent has equal availability.

5. Get a feel for the average homebuyer your agent or realtor typically works with, and come to an agreement about the best times for showings, calls, etc.

Your relationship with your real estate agent has the potential to be short or long – term. Feel confident that you both are compatible business partners and that each of you is committed to working together toward a common goal.

The Southeast has seen record flooding during the past few months. First Atlanta, then Nashville, southern cities – typically outside the dangers of flooding – are primarily unprepared to deal with large volumes of water. It’s damaging to the commercial and residential sectors of the community, and it takes great preparation and relief efforts to make managing a flood possible.

In Nashville, relief efforts range from cell phone texting, where individuals can donate via a text message, to baseball games, the proceeds going toward the relief effort.

In addition to the presence of relief organizations such as Red Cross, Nashville residents have rallied to raise awareness and aid on their own. Several fundraisers – arts and music festivals, car shows, auctions and benefit concerts – are scheduled over the next few months.

While most of downtown Nashville is open for business, some retail owners and home owners are still working to salvage and recover.

What should you do, as a homeowner, if you’re in danger of imminent flooding? There are some basic preparation tips and helpful advice, from Safe Emergency Services’ (SES) FloodSafe.

• Have a readiness kit packed and kept in the home at all times. Include items such as a radio and batteries, flashlight, first aid kit, emergency contact numbers, sturdy shoes, extra clothes and a waterproof bag for valuables. If forced to evacuate, remember medications, fresh water and food.
• When flooding is likely, do as many of the following as possible: stack possessions and electrical objects as high as you can, weigh down items that might float and cause damage, relocate cleaners, chemicals and waste from low locations, gather pets, locate emergency kit.
• If evacuation is unavoidable, turn off your electricity, gas and water before leaving. Stay in contact with your neighbors – safety in numbers. Try to remain cognizant about weather updates, evacuation shelter locations and your surroundings.

Floods are some of the most devastating natural disasters, and it takes commercial real estate, residential homes, apartments … entire cities much effort and time to recover. Remember these tips in the midst of a flood situation, and try hard to stay calm and panic–free.

Whether you’re soon to close on a new house or you’re a home buyer wondering what repairs you should schedule before selling your home, you’ll want to hire an experienced home inspector. Home inspectors are trained to rate the construction, wiring, plumbing – the overall integrity – of a structure.

Home inspections behoove both buyers and sellers. If you’re considering purchasing a new home or commercial space, you’ll want an inspector to provide a detailed, unbiased report on the property’s condition. Certain aspects reviewed by an inspector include the heating and cooling system, plumbing, wiring, attics and insulation, basements, structural / foundational elements and roofs.

New homes – those that haven’t yet seen the impact of residents – should not be overlooked. Those properties, too, should receive a thorough, initial review before individuals inhabit them.

For homeowners, inspections are excellent guides as to what elements of the home should be repaired and improved. Over time, roofs wear out, exposed structural elements needs maintenance and heating and cooling systems require updates.

Home inspections are also beneficial for sellers. Once obtained – for between $200 and $500 typically – inspection reports provide proof of the property’s value and quality to potential home buyers.

Whether you’re selling or buying a home, you can often consult your realtor to find a reputable home inspector. Realtors commonly have connections and standing relationships with local home inspectors, and they can help you find a professional in your area.

The real estate market in Nashville, as well as across the nation, is striving to get back on its feet. Several homeowners, seeing this progress, are putting their homes up for sale. If you’re considering selling your home, remember the importance of the staging and showing phase. Positive first impressions are paramount to both home buyers and sellers, and you’ll want to take extra steps to guarantee that your home is inviting. According to The National Associations of Realtors, you should cross these 10 items off your to-do list before scheduling a showing of your home.

1. Eliminate clutter – don’t distract potential home buyers from the actual house with excessive knick knacks, accessories or general disorder.

2. De-personalize your home – you want potential home buyers to see themselves and their lives in your space. Remove personal items, such as family photographs and magnets.

3. Clean – be sure the windows, upholstery and carpets are thoroughly cleaned. Set about scented candles to enhance the sanitary, comfortable scent of the house.

4. Bathrooms and kitchens – bathrooms and kitchens should be spotless. These two rooms require an extra level of cleanliness. Set out new hand towels, rugs and dishtowels to enhance the decor.

5. Yard – your yard will be the first thing potential home buyers see when they arrive to view your home. Be sure the grass is trimmed, patios and driveways are blown clean and toys / tools are put away.

6. Add color – install seasonal, brightly colored plants in edge flower beds and planters. You can add pops of color within the home, too. Accent walls are a great way to do this.

7. Pets – be sure pets are put away when potential home buyers arrive. Ensure pet hair and odor are completely eliminated.

8. People – be sure you and your family are away from the house when the realtor and home buyers arrive. You want to give people the freedom to view your home without bias or the discomfort of feeling watched.

9. Remove valuables – although it’s unlikely that a potential home buyer would remove your valuables from the property, be safe and have them out of sight during the showing.

10. Realtor communication – be sure to communicate with your realtor effectively. Make sure you and your realtor are set on the showing time and request that your realtor obtains all of the viewers’ contact information before the appointment.

Selling your home can be a long and frustrating process. By finding a buyer quickly, you’ll save yourself time, money and avoid frustration. Stick to these 10 must-dos to make sure your home showing goes smoothly and successfully.

In terms of real estate fluctuation, Nashville has seen its share of ups and downs over the past few years. In an article published in the Nashville Business Journal, Nashville, unlike other areas of the country, did not see an increase in home prices this past February.

For the first time in three years, according to First American CoreLogic, the country saw an increase in national home prices. Is this a bad sign of things to come for the real estate market in Nashville? No.

Home prices fell 3.97 percent in the Nashville area during the month of February; however, that was an improvement from the 4.21 percent dip a month prior. A 1.26 percent gradual home price decline is projected for Nashville over the next 12 months.

Yet, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, contracts for new construction coming into Tennessee are increasing exponentially – for both residential and non-residential real estate. In just one year, residential construction contracts have jumped from $238.6 million to $386.4 million. This is a positive sign that new growth, more jobs, more money and more people are finding their way to the Nashville area.

What’s more? Now that the first time home buyer’s tax credit scramble has come to a close, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is beginning to make gradual changes to the lending process in order to better protect homeowners. The consumer-protecting good faith estimate will now include new disclosures such as loan term, initial interest rate, payment penalties, initial escrow deposits and more. While an argument surrounding whether or not the changes will benefit or simply baffle home buyers is burgeoning, the fact that change is taking place to the home buyer’s benefit is positive.

While Nashville may not be the first city jumping feet first out of the recession, growth is on the horizon. New homes are being built, buyers can still take advantage of low interest rates and reduced home prices and governments and realtors are striving to implement changes that will bolster the lending and buying process in the future.