When people are looking to relocate, home prices are often the first area they research. These home shoppers would be pleased to find that Murfreesboro, Tennessee was recently featured on Money Magazine’s 2010 “Best Places to Live” list at No. 20 for its home affordability.

According to the Nashville Business Journal, the median home price in Murfreesboro is $141,000 and the population is 101,000. Money Magazine looked at 25 cities with populations similar to Murfreesboro’s, but this Tennessee town was the only one in the state to make the cut.

If you’re considering purchasing a new home in Tennessee, Murfreesboro is a great place to start looking. But remember, homebuyers often face hardships, difficult decisions and planning problems when searching for the perfect property.

Avoid these top 5 homebuyer mistakes if you’re getting ready to take the plunge.

1. Not doing your research.
Give yourself a leg up by thoroughly researching – and requesting your realtor do the same – the property you’re looking at, the surrounding homes, community and schools. Don’t walk blindly into buying a house because it’s likely unexpected issues will arise.

2. Not understanding pricing.
Not understanding pricing leads home buyers into all sorts of binds. Paying too much for a house, not selecting the mortgage that’s right for them, losing a house to another bidder and underestimating closing costs are all problems a home buyer might face if they don’t have a clear grasp on the pricing process involved with purchasing a home.

3. Falling in love.
Falling in love with a house is one of the worst things potential buyers can do. Being emotionally involved could lead you into buying a house that might have little resale value later. Or, it could encourage you to rush into decisions, like buying a house that’s too small, too quirky or near unattractive features like commercial property, utility access panels or drainage easements.

4. Not hiring a professional realtor and professional home inspector.
The more experienced your team, the better the home buying process will go. Be sure your realtor is competent and practiced. Ensure that a professional home inspector thoroughly reviews and records the pros and cons of your hopefully new home.

5. Delivering non – refundable earnest money.
Your realtor should never recommend you do this. If the home inspection, financing plans and final details of the home closing start to veer off course, you’ll want to have a grace period built in that allows you to withdraw your earnest money and look elsewhere for a new home.

Give yourself all the chances for success by avoiding these top home buying mistakes. As always, having a reputable realtor by your side to help answer questions, make appointments and give advice is one of the best ways to make purchasing a new home a breeze. An affordable one if you’re moving to Murfreesboro.

Summer time is cleaning time for many homeowners and the first step to a deep clean is a purging. Everyone is a collector at some level, keeping items they have little use for, cluttering tabletops and cabinets with excess knick-knacks and dishware.

It it’s time for a de–cluttering session at your house, a yard sale might be in order. Don’t take the task lightly, however, hosting a yard sale is a challenging course to take. There are some must–dos and some should–dos that can make the process a little easier for you.

• Advertise, advertise, advertise. According to ABC News, a lack of advertisement is the downfall of most yard sales. Go viral, ABC says, and place ads in local newspapers, on Craigslist and yard sale listing Web sites. Put up balloons and largely printed, legible signs at the entrance of neighborhoods. Draw attention to your home on the day of with streamers, balloons and bright colors.

Be sure to check with local authorities so you’ll understand where you can and where you cannot place advertisement signs for your yard sale.

• Lure shoppers with entertainment and freebies. Setting up a table with light snacks and lemonade is a great way draw for shoppers. If you have a buddy who doesn’t mind firing up a grill, offer hot dogs. Candy for children helps keep the little ones distracted while Mommy shops around.

  Have music playing and work to maintain an upbeat, spirited atmosphere.

• Know how to price. Don’t put off shoppers by overpricing, but price a little high with the understanding that you’ll come down easily. Let the shopper win the negotiation without excessive effort – too much haggling will make people leave in a hurry.
• Price in sections and by bags. Have bags of items – both related and unrelated – that you sell for a flat rate. For example, if you have a million baby bibs, some old books and a set of tea light holders, toss some of the items in a bag, add a ribbon and charge something moderate, like $5. It’s a deal for the buyer and you get rid of more stuff than you would have if you priced individually.

Also, by pricing in sections, you can draw shoppers to the area they’ll likely spend the most money and are most interested in browsing. Furniture in one place, clothes in one place, books in another, kitchenware in yet another.

• For your sanity’s sake, arrange to have a donation truck come to pick up the leftovers at the end of the day, recommends ABC. You’ll be exhausted and overwhelmed by the close of a long, hot yard sale day. The last think you’ll want to do is load belongings and make several trips to the local donation center.

Yard sales are fun, lucrative and engaging for the entire community. But they’re also very hard work if you want them to go well. So be prepared, price well and advertise thoroughly to encourage yard sale success.

Nestled deep within Rutherford County, Murfreesboro is Tennessee’s fastest growing major city. Boasting more than 60 percent population serge over the past decade, it was voted one of Money magazine’s “Best Places to Live in the United States.” Murfreesboro is home to Tennessee’s largest university, Middle Tennessee State University, now the most historical and largest public university in the state.

With a population growth more than 5 times the national average, Murfreesboro retail options are abounding. Made up of over 350,000 trades, the city houses great retail conglomerates like Faison Development, Cousins Properties and The Oaks. Stones River Mall, currently undergoing a $50 million expansion, is sure to meet all your shopping needs.

Retail desires aside, Murfreesboro is sure to satisfy your arts & cultures taste buds as well. Annual traditions like the summer Mainstreet Jazz Festival is rife with good eats and most importantly great music. Set up in downtown’s historic public square, the concert series is responsible for transforming the city into the cultural and social mecca of Rutherford County.

Stones River National Battlefield, sit of a major Civil War battle, attracts 200,000 visitors annually. Fought by 81,000 soldiers for control of Middle Tennessee, it showcases an important era in U.S. history. Likewise, Tennessee Miller Coliseum horseshows draws patrons from all over the world. With its impressive 222,000 square foot facility, the coliseum satisfies your gaming and equestrian cravings.

Murfreesboro doesn’t leave children out of the excitement. Voted BusinessWeek’s “Best Place to Raise Kids in TN” in 2009, it hosts family-friendly places to visit like the Discovery Center hands-on children’s museum and Oakland’s Historic House Museum. Murfreesboro County Center for the Arts, a part of beautiful Carnegie Library, attracts artists from all walks of life from around the country featuring children’s workshops and theatre productions.

All things considered, Murfreesboro, TN is one of the best cities to call home in the U.S. Why not see for yourself?

All statics courtesy of www.city-data.com

Despite the ever invading economic climate, with a city mantra like theirs, it’s no wonder why Manchester’s population has been growing steadily for the past decade. With only about ten thousand residents within its great historic climate, Manchester boasts a small town charm with large city amenities.

Only a hop, skip and a jump away from vacation destinations like Nashville and Chattanooga, Manchester offers the best of both worlds centrally located within Tennessee’s great country heritage. Manchester’s annual Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival boasts big names with everyone from Metallica to Kanye West.

Family fun awaits at Beans Creek Winery and Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park fit with swimming holes and miles and miles of hiking parks. Whether your family is small or large, Manchester offers a plethora of options for even the ficklest of buyers:

For smaller families, explore the charming subdivision of Hunter’s Ridge showcasing an all brick 2-story for $199,000. The open floor plan flows flawlessly from kitchen to den and the upgraded kitchen is sure to provide all your family’s culinary needs.

For more modest families, this sprawling ranch with vaulted ceilings and custom built storage shed for $99,900, is sure to grow with your family for years to come.

Discover plush Deerfield Estates with this 2,300 square foot gem nested in southeast Manchester for $209,900. Newly redecorated, this 5 bedroom suburban home boasts both a formal dining room and an eat-in kitchen sitting on more than 2 acres.

Or nest your large family comfortably inside this economically appealing 5 bedroom, 3 car garage home for $99,900 within miles away from Manchester City public schools. The classic appeal is rife throughout this vintage-inspired home

Nashville is known and loved worldwide as “Music City USA”. The rich history, artistic influences and southern charm make a Nashville home the perfect place to hang your hat.

James Robertson, John Donelson and a party of Wataugans founded Nashville in 1779. Its prime location, river port and railroad make Nashville a center of activity. By 1806, Nashville was an incorporated city and the county seat of Davidson county. Nashville was named the capital of Tennesee in 1843.

After dire economic times through the Civil War, Nashville began to prosper again by the early 1900s. A thriving publishing industry and the 1925 Grand Ole Opry made gave Nashville the title of “Music City USA”. In 1963, Nashville was the first major US city to form a metropolitan government. Notable landmarks in Nashville today include the Country Music Hall of Fame, LP Field, the Sommet Center, the Nashville Public Library and the Cumberland River.

With affordable housing prices and lower interest rates on mortgages, it is a great time to shop around for a Nashville home of your own. Review your budget to figure out how much house you can afford. Remember many sellers are negotiable which gives you more Nashville home options.

If your housing budget is over $1,000,000, there are plenty of gracious Nashville homes to choose from. For under $6,000,000, enjoy an incredible 6 bedroom, 6.5 bath Nashville estate on almost 8 acres with an 8 stall stable, exercise track and pool. For less than $3,000,000, consider a 9 bedroom, 10.5 bath Nashville home with 9 fireplaces, outdoor living room, guest cottage, custom built pool and scenic views.

For about $1,000,000, check out a 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath Nashville house with a beautiful yard, landscape lighting, laundry rooms up and down and much more. If your budget is closer to $900,000, consider a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath Nashville home with 10 foot ceilings, dining room with fireplace, morning room to covered porch, full size bar and separate office.

Nashville’s exciting beauty is like nowhere else in the United States. To find out more about luxurious Nashville homes, contact Todd Taylor at 615-785-3563.

Franklin homes are nestled in an area ranked fifth for “Best Small town” in the Southern Living Readers’ Choice Awards. The January edition of Southern Living found Franklin was one of the “best” places to stay, dine, shop and visit in the South. Owning a Franklin home means you’ll enjoy living in one of the finest towns around.

The City of Franklin was founded in the 1700s by Abram Maury Jr., a State Senator. Maury, Jr. is buried with family in Founders Pointe. For the first 180 years, Franklin remained a small and tranquil county seat. The American Civil War devastated the economy in this affluent area after the Second Battle of Franklin. It took 120 years for the local economy to bounce back to pre-war status. Today Franklin transformed from a small agricultural community to a fantastic blend of commercial, residential and corporate residents.

Franklin homes are nestled amidst the abodes of many celebrities. Many famous folk hail from Franklin including singers Nick Carter, Leanne Rimes, Michael McDonald, Will Hoge, Winona Judd, Naomi Judd and Sheryl Crow, figure skater Scott Hamilton, pro baseball player Russell Branyan, head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Jeff Fisher, talk show host Dave Ramsey, actress Ashley Judd and President and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing, Michael S. Hyatt. When you purchase a Franklin home, you’re certainly in good company.

Franklin residents look forward to the annual Main Street Festival.  The event brings more than 200 crafters and artisans to four stages with two carnivals and two food courts in Franklin Square and the Downtown district. Throughout the summer, an array of entertaining family-friendly events are held at Pinkerton Park including movies on a giant inflatable screen and live concerts.

For under $5,000,000, move right into a gracious 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath Franklin home on a pond with 9 fireplaces,walk-in closets, a covered deck and porch and a barn and outbuildings. If your budget is closer to $1,000,000, check out a 4 bedroom Franklin home with 5 baths, 2 half baths, beautiful moldings, hardwoods, a covered porch and a lake view. For those looking to spend closer to $725,000, you’ll appreciate a 3 bedroom, 2 bath Franklin home with 5 fireplaces, wraparound porch and a carriage house by a creek.

To find out more about fantastic Franklin homes, contact Todd Taylor at 615-785-3563.

A tax credit of up to $8,000 is available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or

“Our experience with Nathan was beyond what we hoped for in working with a realtor long distance to purchase a home for our daughter.  When a negotiation on a townhome in a complex our daughter loved didn’t work out, Nathan took the initiative to call all the other units to see if any would consider selling.  She is now settled into her dream townhome in that complex!  Nathan’s follow thru and assistance even after closing was invaluable to us and comforting to know she was taken care of in our absence.  We found Nathan to be professional, with tenacity and integrity, coupled with a great deal of genuine care and concern!”

Located in Rutherford County, Smyrna homes are conveniently located amidst several manufacturing businesses employing many of the locals. Famous residents of Smyrna including Sam Davis, known as the “Boy Hero of the Confederacy” and NASCAR driver Chad Chaffin. The original Sam Davis home remains a major historical landmark preserving the memory of plantations in Smyrna.

Nissan is a large manufacturing facility making its home in Smyrna since 1982. Other major companies supporting their plant include PREMIER System Integrators and Square D. Residents of Smyrna homes also appreciate easy access to a variety of restaurants including major chains such as Chili’s and Ruby Tuesday.

The Smyrna Town website lets you know, “Whether you come for the day or to stay…you’re always welcome in Smyrna.” Owning a Smyrna home makes you a permanent resident of a progressive community populated with hardworking, friendly people. The environment in Smyrna makes it an ideal place to raise a family and operate your own business.

Smyrna was originally a plantation neighborhood in the mid 1800 with many big, prosperous farms and large Smyrna homes. The railway is also a major part of Smyrna history, which served as a refueling station for the railroad. As a result tracts of land around the depot were make available to the public for purchase. In 1869, Smyrna incorporated but the charter was rescinded a few years later. By 1915, the town was incorporated operating under a private act charter. In 2000, a new charter was adopted with a city manager type of government.

Agriculture was the largest economic activity in Smyrna until 1941 when the Army/Air base was established. Later renamed the Sewart Air Force Base, this facility was closed in 1970. Improvements to the community included the updated Smyrna/Rutherford Airport and the impounding of Percy Priest Lake as a water supply and for recreation. Nissan employs over 6,000 local workers in the Smyrna area.

Gracious Smyrna homes are available in every price category. Enjoy a luxury lifestyle for under $800,000 in a 4 bedroom, 4 bath, 2 half bath home with a gourmet kitchen, sauna and more on 12.9 acres. If your budget is closer to $400,000, move right into a 4 bedroom, 5 bath home with fireplace, security system and in-ground pool. For those with a budget around $250,000, you’ll love a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with an oversize garage on a cul de sac.

To find out more about smart Smyrna homes, contact Todd Taylor at 615-785-3563.

Having you HVAC system checked out by a technician, have him service the unit twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall for optium performance when you really need it to perform in the coldest of winter and hottest of summer.

Windows and doors need to be sealed by caulk and new weather stripping, to insure gaps are sealed.

Reverse you ceiling fans so that they blow down for winter, so that the heat that has risen will be blown down.

Bring in hoses and cover the outside faucets.

Replace air filters every month, dirty filters make the unit work harder which amkes for a higher fuel bill.

Lower your thermostat to save on heating cost to 68 degrees or lower

Smoke alarms need to have the batteries replaced.

Questions about selling, buying or investing in real estate in the Murfreesboro, or middle TN area please call me at 615-785-3563 Todd Taylor

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