Real Estate Blog

Keeping your home in tip-top shape sometimes requires more exstensive work than you can manage. Sure, you can watch a YouTube video to learn how to unclog a toilet, but some projects extend the reach of your skills, patience, and any YouTube instructional video. When you know your home project is out of your skill set, you need to know the best person to hire for the job. People often ask me for references on handymen and contractors, and I'm always pleased to recommend several in the Brentwood, Tenn., area.

People also ask me how to know whether you should call a handyman or a contractor for particular jobs. As a general answer, I say to call a handyman for smaller projects that might fall under a "honey-do" list and stick to contractors for bigger jobs that might require moving a load-bearing wall or adding on to a current structure. Although you can find handymen who specialize in certain areas such as plumbing or tile work, if you have a job that requires several specialties, a contractor can sub-contract someone for every specialty area that you need.

The number one way to find the best people to work on your projects is by word of mouth. Getting those first-hand references are the best representation of what you will actually get. Reading reviews is helpful too, so look for those online to see what other people are saying.

Do your homework. Saving a few dollars up front on someone could cost you big dollars in the end if you're not thorough. And don't be afraid to do a background check or to interview more than one person to make sure you have the right fit for your project and for your family.

One of the most important things to make sure of is if that person you hire is licensed for your particular project, and that they are insured and bonded. This is the only way you can be protected if anything goes wrong. If you hire an unlicensed person and they get hurt on your property, it could pose a huge threat to your financial security. Ask for a written agreement of everything. You do not want someone to walk away with unfinished or faulty work that does not even meet your local codes.

I'd be happy to point you in the right direction of people that I trust will do an excellent job for the project you have in mind so give me a call!

Jarod
jarod@realtracs.com
615-669-8265

photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net

After months of record-low rates in the world of home mortgages, several reliable sources have been reporting that a rate increase is on the way for the 30-year-fixed mortgage. According to Bankrate.com, "Mortgage rates floated higher this week after the Federal Reserve signaled that at least one interest rate hike is on its way later this year. The uptick comes as the housing market's momentum strengthens."

Mortgage applications and home sales continue to rise as people fear the end of low rates. Bankrate.com also reports that "sales of new homes rose 2.2% last month to the highest level in seven years. Boosted by demand for single-family homes, existing-home sales increased 5.1% in May, clocking in a 9.2% year-over-year gain. The median home price also rose 7.9% from the previous year to $228,700, the National Association of Realtors reported June 22."

There's no such thing as a "perfect" time to buy, but if you've been thinking of buying a home in the Brentwood, Tenn., area, taking advantage of low rates is still a great idea. And if you're going to be selling a home, the rise in the median home price is really great news for your equity. There's no way to predict exactly what will happen in the future, so you need to do what is best for you and your family right now. According to the Washington Post, "Although rates are rising, they remain near their all-time lows. The 30-year fixed-rate average hasn't been above 5 percent since February 2011, and it hasn't topped 6 percent since November 2008." Even if rates do go up, there's always a chance they will go back down, and refinancing is always an option if you need it in the future.

The bottom line is that you shouldn't panic and feel like you have to make a hasty decision. Call me and let's walk through your options. I will help connect you with a great mortgage lender who will be happy to help you if you're ready to make a big move.
 

Jarod
jarod@realtracs.com
615-669-8265