Real Estate Blog

Following a recent conversation with my parents, I began to understand how much good and bad information and solicitations are bombarding people during TV watching time. They can’t seem to escape “one good deal after another’. I normally don’t watch much TV, especially not the newscasts, so I was unaware of just how many “deals” I was missing!

Unsolicited cell phone calls are numerous and mailboxes are stuffed full of offers to buy your home, sometimes at a price that seems unrealistic. Obviously, every now and then it works out just fine. But, more often than not you hear about stories when it doesn’t. Some of my clients have called me for help with their family members in the middle of a conflict. As much as I would like to help, there is usually very little that I can do after the fact.

A signed agreement to buy or sell a home is a legally binding agreement and most of the time cannot be changed. This transaction is normally one of the largest financial decisions most people make in their lifetime. It involves so many details and information that can be misunderstood and result in great financial loss at the closing table.  In a frantic marketplace like we see now in our area, critical details can be overlooked unless educated professionals who are working in their client’s best interest are involved in the transaction from start to finish.

According to the FBI website, elder abuse and fraud are rampant issues. “Seniors are disproportionately targeted by fraud and scam attempts. Social isolation, fear of losing independence, mental and physical decline, and other factors can all make seniors more likely to fall prey to a scam artist.”  Being concerned about my parents and their friends led me to share these guidelines for you to discuss with your family and friends:

• Always work with trusted and educated professionals when involved in any financial decision.
• Ask and review your responsibilities in the transaction. Know who is paying for things like title insurance, termite letters, taxes, home insurance, etc.
• Ask questions about anything you don’t understand.
• It’s always a good idea to have someone representing YOU in all kinds of transactions.

Even if you are a big fan of home improvement shows, there are a lot of things that you are not an expert in. The same premise should be understood in real estate transactions, especially with older members of your family that may not realize they need help or even want help or guidance with financial matters. Check in with them and have good conversations about what’s going on in their lives. Tread lightly when discussing sensitive financial topics and they may be more open to assistance in this area.  You just might save them money and the stress of doing things on their own.  It never hurts to have a licensed and experienced agent on your side!

As a licensed Realtor® for 20+ years, I have attended classes and training to be able assist my clients when buying and selling homes.  I am up to date with trends and activities in the marketplace.  I have gained much real-life experience by helping friends and family work through many complex issues that occur during these transactions. I pride myself on being a valued professional in the transaction and am honored to be chosen to represent my clients.  Always remember......   "You've Got A Friend in Real Estate"

Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265

www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com

Brentview Realty 615.373.2814

Happy New Year!  And what a year it has been so far!  During the last 7 days it has been as warm as 75° with tornado sirens blaring and since January 2^nd we have had not one, but two snowstorms with temperatures dropping well below freezing and even toward single digits in some places!  The warmer temperatures and now the much colder temperatures may have many reaching for space heaters as a supplement to their home’s regular heating system. 

Space heaters can be an easy way to warm a small area of a home when you aren’t ready to run the heating unit for the season or in the case of the most recent warm weather, don’t need to run it all the time.  They can also be used as a boost to an area that may be colder than the rest of a home without cranking up the heat for the whole house.  Everyone is looking for ways to stretch their heating budgets so if you plan on using a space heater this season, consider these tips to keep your family and home safe.

Consider the age of the space heater you are using.  Is it so old that you can’t remember when or who purchased it?  Is it missing parts or does it appear discolored or worn with electrical tape patches on the cord from where pets may have thought it was a chew toy?  If so, it may be time to buy a new one with newer safety features.  A new heater will also have better efficiency standards which would further help you stretch your budget.

Remember to plug your heater directly into a wall outlet rather than an extension cord or power strip and use an outlet that no other electrical devices are using.  Every heater is different so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operation.  Always place it on a flat and level surface in an area located away from any combustible materials such as drapes or furniture and in an area that won’t cause a trip hazard for humans or pets.  Many new heaters have a feature that will shut down the unit if it is tipped over.

Use the heater only when someone is occupying the space and be sure to turn off and unplug the unit when the area is no longer occupied.  Many newer units have a feature to shut down the unit if it gets too warm to prevent the risk of overheating and causing a fire.  However, monitoring your unit for any abnormalities when in use is always the best form of safety!

Hopefully the snow will be gone soon but until then, keep your family and home safe and warm!

Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265

www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com

Brentview Realty 615.373.2814