REAL ESTATE TERMS THE PUBLIC SHOULD UNDERSTAND

REALTOR^®:  A Real Estate Professional that is required to have additional training in

Ethics; and holds active membership in a local real estate board that is affiliated with the

National Association of REALTORS.

FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY:  Responsibilities that a Real Estate Professional owes to you their client; such as non-disclosure of material facts, your financial information and any and all information that you say is confidential.

CUSTOMER:  A person who is talking with a Real Estate Professional, but has

not signed a Buyer’s Representation agreement or an Exclusive Listing Agreement.

A third party that a Real Estate Professional will provide some level of information to.

CLIENT:  A person who has signed either a Buyer’s Representation Agreement and/or

Exclusive Listing agreement with a Real Estate Professional; which means that agent has

a fiduciary responsibility to you.

FACILITATOR:  A Real Estate Professional who acts as an intermediary between a buyer and seller, who assists both parties in the transaction with the paperwork and formalities involved in a real estate transaction.

All Real Estate Professionals take an oath to treat all customers and clients with honesty, truthfulness and integrity.  We do not just walk into the TN Real Estate Commission and

ask for a license.  We have to take 90 hours of classes and pass the state exam; in addition,we have to continue our education every 2 years and continue to uphold the oath to represent ourselves with honesty and integrity.

If you have ever come across an agent that has not acted in a professional way, please

do not hold it against all Real Estate Professionals; the dishonest and unethical agents are very few and far between.

Cindy Brooks, Realtor

Exit Realty of the South
1227 Lakeview Drive, Suite 1
Franklin, TN 37067

615-499-9445 (cell)

615-550-5555 (office)

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

Getting Past the Emotional Value of Your Home

As a listing agent one of my biggest hurdles with Sellers is getting them to price their house based on market value and not Emotional Value.  I understand as a homeowner myself the emotional tie you have to your home and all of the blood, sweat and tears that you have put into it.  This is why it is so important to separate your Emotional tie to the house once you decide to sell and why it is so important to have a licensed Real Estate Agent list your house.   

A good listing agent will have a complete marketing package for you when they meet with you.  They will do a comparative analysis for your neighborhood and should be able to give you a list price that will enable a quick sell using only the actual market value of your house and not the Emotional Value.

How to cut that Emotional Value Tie- 

The First and Most Important thing to do before listing your house is decide if this is REALLY what you want to do.  When I receive a phone call from a homeowner and they tell me they want to sell their house, my first question is always “WHY”.  This may seem like a crazy question to some sellers, but it’s very important to think about.  Do you have to sell for financial reasons, or because your job is moving, or you want to downsize or upsize, or are you JUST INTERESTED IN SEEING WHAT IT WILL BRING.  Really think about the WHY in selling.  Once you have established the answer and you are content with that answer then it is time to move forward; or not move at all. 

  

The next thing to do is no longer call it your “home”, you should refer to it as your “house”.  This will help cut that emotional tie; then you should decide what you want to take with you from this house; remove those items; such as a door casing that you have written a growth chart on for your children; a special stain glass window that belonged to your great-grandparents or a mantle that one of your close friends craved out of an old tree that you climbed in when you were a child.  Get all of those items out of your “house” and replace with ones that you have no emotional tie to what-so-ever.

 

Then box up family pictures, and nick-knacks.  All of that china that was handed down from your grandmother, and is proudly displayed in your china cabinet needs to be packed away.  Basically “De-Personalize” the house as much as possible.

Finally the most important thing to remember is that a lot of the improvements that you made to your house over the years will not necessarily “up the value” and this is when it is so important to listen to your Real Estate Agent.  If you truly want to sell your house, take their advice, again they are giving you the price based on what the market will bare financially and not emotionally.

Cindy Brooks, Realtor

Exit Realty of the South
1227 Lakeview Drive, Suite 1
Franklin, TN 37067

615-499-9445 (cell)

615-550-5555 (office)

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

Call or email me if you are thinking about listing your house, or if you just have some questions.  I am always available and will be happy to help you.

Strike Three, You're Out!

STRIKE THREE YOURE OUT

As a Listing Agent, Strike Three, You’re Out -- Don’t Sell Yourself Short!

This is for all of my fellow hardworking Real Estate Agents.

I love selling real estate, but it is one of the hardest things that I have ever done.  My

husband and I have our own renovation company that we started over 11 years ago, and

I thought dealing with home owners concerning renovating their home or getting them to pick out a paint color for a room was difficult; now I know that selling real estate is 100 times harder.

The first sellers I ever worked with had a beautiful home, they had put several years of

hard work into it; wonderful custom cherry cabinets, gorgeous flooring, an addition that

was awesome, every miter cut in the crown molding was perfect; on a scale of 1-10, I gave it a 10.  The one thing they didn’t do was update one of the main bathrooms and they left the original front foyer, main hallway and dining room light fixtures in place.  These sellers had spent tens of thousands of dollars on all of the remodeling and the addition, but refused to change out 3 light fixtures and update a bathroom.

During the original listing presentation, I commended them on all of the work and how wonderful everything looked.  I asked them why they had not included that bathroom and light fixtures in the remodel.  Their response was that they didn’t think it would make that much of a difference.  I explained that the light fixtures were in the area of the house where prospective buyers would enter, and they would notice…you know, the “5 things counted in the sub-conscious mind when you enter the house” theory; but these sellers were very insistent it wouldn’t matter; this was Strike One! 

Then we discussed the price, and since they had done all of the work themselves, literally

with their own hands, they felt it was worth 3 times as much as the other houses in the neighborhood; Strike Two!

As we were discussing the listing agreement, one of the sellers said they would not pay more then a total of 4% in commission, because after all, they had the house in perfect condition and all I would have to do is put a sign in the yard, put it in MLS, hold Open Houses, take phone calls from prospective “lookers”, show it, and none of that was very time consuming; was it?  “STRIKE 3.”   I’M OUT!!!!  I should have walked away at that point, but NO, not me!  This was going to be my FIRST listing, come hell or high water!

After months and months of being on the market; guess what?  It didn’t sell!  Why, because the light fixture in the foyer caught every prospective buyer’s eye the minute they walked in and the bathroom was always a topic of conversation; but of course, the biggest reason was the price.  If the seller had invested a little bit more money into their house for the light fixtures and bathroom and had listen to not only myself, but all of the other agents that looked at it and said it was priced too high; it would have sold, since I didn’t go with my gut and insist they complete the work and drop the price, I had no one to blame but myself; I was right on my original assessment, but who cares- the goal was to sell it with a home run; and I didn’t do that.  It was a great lesson that as a listing agent once you get to “Strike Three, You're Out! in your own mind during the listing presentation, YOUR OUT! Take your ball and bat and find another team to play with.

As a Listing Agent, never sell yourself short.  There are too many sellers out there to limit yourself to the “3 Strikes, Your Out” kind.  Have enough faith and confidence in yourself to know when to call this game and move on to the next one.

Cindy Brooks-

Cindy Brooks, Realtor

Exit Realty of the South
1227 Lakeview Drive, Suite 1
Franklin, TN 37067

615-499-9445 (cell)

615-550-5555 (office)

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

www.cindybrooksrealtor.com

Reduced Price at 3918 SOUTHVIEW DRIVE, NASHVILLE TN

This completely renovated home sits on .56 acres in a quiet neighborhood in Bordeaux, TN.  The home is all brick with new double hung, double pane, energy efficient windows.  The inside has all new flooring, new stainless steel appliances, and includes washer and dryer.  The lot is well landscaped, and includes a new flagstone patio, and the price has just been reduced to $62,500.

Located near Metro Center, Rivergate Mall and just minutes from downtown Nashville, this home is near the MTA busline, which stops within a few feet of the front door.  Kroger’s is only a third of a mile away.  There are plenty of great locally owned restaurants, such as Nick’s BarBQ and Bob’s Fish and BarBQ, and shops within walking distance.  Nashville Farmer’s Market, where you can stop and have lunch at one of the locally owned eateries, and shop for Tennessee produce, flowers, meats and an array of other Tennessee products, are all only minutes away from the property.

To take a virtual tour of the property, click here!

MLS# 1347234

Cindy Brooks, REALTOR

615-499-9445 (cell)

615-807-1204 (office)

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 1-A

Franklin, TN 37067

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

7036 SOUTH HAMPTON, VILLAGES OF LONG HUNTER, ANTIOCH TN 37013 SHORT SALE at $122,000

Great home in a wonderful neighborhood, on a large corner lot, close to Percy Priest Lake. 

1811 sq. ft, 3 bedrooms with large closets on the main floor,  2 baths, large bonus room over the garage.  Eat-in kitchen, large family room with fireplace.

Unfortunately Short Sales have become a new reality for many Sellers due to unemployment, property values dropping and the overall economy.  But, it has given many buyers the opportunity to purchase a home that 3 or 4 years ago might not have been within their budget.  This home fits that bill and is in a fabulous location!

The Villages of Long Hunter is a great community with sidewalks throughout, bike trails and it is only minutes from Four Corners Marina.  This home is a Short Sale, but is move in ready.  This is a sad situation for the seller, but they would love for another family to move in and make it as wonderful a home as they did.  This one is priced below other comparables in the area and will be a great value for the new owner.

Call Cindy Brooks- 615-499-9445 for more details.

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, A1

Franklin, TN  37067

Cindy Brooks, Realtor

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 1-A

Franklin, TN 37067

615-499-9445 cell

615-807-1204 office

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

713 Harding Place, Nashville, TN 37211 Listed at $179,000

     

203k FHA Financing on this home. 

This financing will give you the difference between the purchase price and the renovated

appraised value to do the repairs and renovations.

This house is has 2650 sq. ft. with 4 large bedrooms all with walk-in closets.  2 ½ baths, large living and dining rooms, with a family room that has a nice fireplace.  With a little tender loving care this home can be a show place.

It’s conveniently located just minutes from I-65 and I-24 with Krogers and Publix close by along with Wal-Mart, BigK-Mart and Lowes.  100 Oaks and Home Depot are just around the corner.

Call Cindy Brooks-615-499-9445

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite A1

Franklin, TN

615-807-1204

Cindy Brooks, Realtor

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 1-A

Franklin, TN 37067

615-499-9445 cell

615-807-1204 office

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

JUST LISTED- 9441 HIGHWAY 96, FRANKLIN TN, $397,000

What an unbelievable chance to live in the country in a 3220 sq. ft. house on 16 acres, just minutes from Franklin, TN for under $400,000.

This well maintained, one owner home sits between Franklin and Bellevue TN.   The seller built this home in 1984 for his wife and 3 young boys.  The boys had wonderful times growing up discovering wildlife in the woods and creek and learning to respect the land.  They are now grown men with families of their own, so Mom, Dad and Grandma are ready to downsize. 

This wonderful all brick country home has 3 bedrooms with double closets, 3 large bathrooms, 2 with double vanities and ceramic tile with tub/shower combo, a oversized Family room with gorgeous all brick fireplace and mantle.  The kitchen is very spacious with custom all wood cabinets, custom ceramic backsplash and butcher block counters.  The Breakfast Nook has large windows with a fantastic view.  The Dining Room is oversized and can easily accommodate a table for 12; there is a large bay window at one end and French doors that lead to the back yard.  The screened sunroom is right off of the family room.  It’s a wonderful place to start or end your day while watching the birds, rabbits, turkeys and deer.  Downstairs is an additional family room, rec room and a 4^th bedroom/library.  The two car garage is oversized with a spacious workroom.

This would be an ideal place for a mini Horse Farm, just like the ones in Leiper’s Fork, but at a more affordable price and just minutes from Leiper’s Fork.

There is a whole house water system with a reverse osmosis system in the kitchen.  New HVAC system was just installed this year.  The house has been well insulated.

Call Cindy Brooks for more details and a survey of the land.

Cindy Brooks, Realtor

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 1-A

Franklin, TN 37067

615-499-9445 cell

615-807-1204 office

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

COMMERCIAL LOTS – GALLATIN TN

Great deal on commercial lots right in the heart of Gallatin.

1185 S Waters Avenue- TN parcel # 135D F 004.00- $175,000

Highway 109S- TN parcel # 135 012.03- 4 acres - $250,000

Both of these lots can be used for :

Convenience Sales/Service

Automotive Parking

Food Service

Medical Service

General Retail

Retail Business Supply

Animal Care

Just to name a few.

Call Cindy Brooks, REALTOR for more information!

Cindy Brooks, RealtorExit Realty Music City348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 1-AFranklin, TN 37067615-499-9445 (cell)615-807-1204 (office)CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com
http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

713 Harding Place, Nashville, TN 37211

This home is 2650 sq. ft., 2 story, all brick with 4 bedrooms/all with walk-in closets, 3 baths, fireplace in the den and large over sized rooms.

Renovations are needed, and with the 203k FHA financing program, you can purchase this home and have the cash to do the renovations without depleting your savings account.

Priced at $179,000, this property is well below market value and will qualify for a 203k FHA loan.

The 203k FHA program appraises the home at the “after” renovation value; you finance that total amount, buy at the list price and then have cash on hand to do the renovations. 

Conveniently located between I-65 and 1-24 on Harding Place, Krogers, Publix, Target and Wal-Mart are only minutes away.

Call Cindy Brooks, 615-499-9445 for detailed information concerning the 203k FHA program and to view the home.

Cindy Brooks, Realtor

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 1-A

Franklin, TN 37067

615-499-9445 cell

615-807-1204 office

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

Open House Today at 3819 Southview Drive, Nashville, TN 37218

We will be hosting an open house today from 2:00 p. m. to 4:00 p. m. at 3819 Southview Drive, Nashville, TN 37218. Stop by and tour this 2 bedroom 1 bath home on .56 acres. It has been totally remodeled, and is move-in ready.  For a sneak peek, click here.  Hope to see you there!

ANTIOCH, TENNESSEE IS CHANGING IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION!

I live on the very edge of Antioch, TN and have been here since the late ‘70’s.  I personally love this area. 

I remember the day that Hickory Hollow Mall opened, and how exciting it was to have, at that time, the largest mall in Middle TN, just minutes from my driveway.  Times were good for our little suburban area.  People were coming from all over to shop there.  Hickory Hollow was the “it” place to be.

As the years went by, other malls were built and they took the focus off of Hickory Hollow.  I would drive 30 minutes to shop when I could have driven 10.  Over the last five to six years, Hickory Hollow lost retail stores and restaurants due to all of us deciding to go elsewhere.  Now, after so many store closings, the mall is a virtual ghost town.

BUT- the area is coming back!  There are changes being made all over the Antioch area.

Nashville State is moving into the mall, they will begin holding classes there this fall.  HCA is building a new $200 million data facility, and Metro Nashville is taking over the old JCPenny building, and putting in a new library, community center and an open space park.  This area is getting the attention it has needed and more and more businesses are taking a great interest in it.  Remember West Nashville before all of the changes were made?  In a very short five year period it has become a bustling area.  So too will Antioch.

Ben Freeland, a well known businessman in the Nashville area is heading up the “Crossings Nashville Action Partnership” committee.  You ask, what does “Crossings Nashville” have to do with the Antioch area?  Well, Antioch is being renamed “Crossings Nashville”.  New name, new attitude!

This area is conveniently located between I-24 and Murfreesboro Road.  As a Real Estate agent, this is very exciting, because seventy percent of the recent growth in Davidson county has occurred in the southeast portion of the county.  While there are plenty of starter homes, move-up homes aren’t as plentiful.  With all the changes being made, more builders will start building larger homes, property values will go up and residents will be happy once again.

As a resident of the area, this is exciting because I can once again shop and dine locally without traveling far from my own driveway.

If you are a resident of the area or if you have a retail business that you would like to move to Crossings Nashville, please attend the monthly meetings of the Crossings Nashville Action Partnership.  For more information, visit  www.crossingsnashville.com/

Cindy Brooks, Realtor

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 1-A

Franklin, TN 37067

615-499-9445 cell

615-807-1204 office

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

IT’S A GREAT JOB - AND I LOVE IT!

I’m Cindy Brooks, REALTOR, a Real Estate agent in the Middle TN area.  I was raised in the Real Estate business and have always loved it since I was a child.  But, my path to become a Renovator and Real Estate agent was a long one.  Since I was a child I have watched every aspect of a home being built and I know the steps pretty much inside and out.  Even today I’m in awe watching 2x4’s, decking, bricks and mortar turn into a home, but when I graduated in 1978, being a Builder or Real Estate agent wasn’t  a “female” thing to do.  So I went straight into the mortgage business and helped builder’s obtain their financing to build houses.

Through the years I married and raised 3 children, but always kept my eye on the housing market.  Eleven years ago, I helped a friend organize her closet and she told a friend who needed some decorating done, so I helped her and as I was working on this project, she asked me some questions concerning a structural problem in her foundation.  Once we resolved that problem, I became more involved with this type of work, and it has become one of my passions.  Before Jake and I knew it, we were doing renovations all over the city through referrals.

 

It dawned on me that I also needed to be selling these homes, so three years ago I got my Real Estate license and haven’t looked back!  I love my work and while swinging a hammer and hanging off a ladder may seem to be a little unusual for a 52 year old grandmother, it’s my job and I couldn’t ask for a better one.  My advice to others is to follow your heart, and don’t worry about other’s perception of you.  Remember that we aren’t living a “dress rehearsal”; this is our one shot to do what makes our heart sing.

Cindy Brooks, Realtor

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 1-A

Franklin, TN 37067

615-499-9445 cell

615-807-1204 office

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

Newly Renovated Home at 3918 Southview Drive, Nashville, TN

3918 SOUTHVIEW DRIVE, NASHVILLE TN

This completely renovated home sits on .56 acres in a quiet neighborhood in Bordeaux, TN.  The home is all brick with new double hung, double pane, energy efficient windows.  The inside has all new flooring, new stainless steel appliances, and includes washer and dryer in the aggessive price of $64,500.  The lot is well landscaped, and includes a new flagstone patio.

 

Located near Metro Center, Rivergate Mall and just minutes from downtown Nashville, this home is near the MTA busline, which stops within a few feet of the front door.  Kroger’s is only a third of a mile away.  There are plenty of great locally owned restaurants, such as Nick’s BarBQ and Bob’s Fish and BarBQ, and shops within walking distance.  Nashville Farmer’s Market, where you can stop and have lunch at one of the locally owned eateries, and shop for Tennessee produce, flowers, meats and an array of other Tennessee products, are all only minutes away from the property.

To take a virtual tour of the property, click here!

MLS# 1347234

Cindy Brooks, REALTOR

615-499-9445 (cell)

615-807-1204 (office)

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 1-A

Franklin, TN 37067

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com
“each office independently owned and operated”

3918 Southview Drive, Nashville, TN 37218

Newly listed, completely renovated home on large lot in quiet neighborhood.  Aggressively priced at $64,500.  A Must See!  Call Cindy Brooks, Realtor, Exit Realty Music City, at 615.499.9445 for more details.  OPEN HOUSE APRIL 1, 2012, FROM 2 TO 4 P. M.

To take a virtual tour of the property, click on this link:  

Cindy Brooks, Realtor

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 1-A

Franklin, TN 37067

615-499-9445 cell

615-807-1204 office

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

Updated Subdivisions Map

I have updated my subdivisions map on my website.  Follow this link to see where selected subdivisions are located, along with a description of the homes and price ranges.  This year is the year to buy, if you are serious about buying a home!  Call me at (615) 499-9445 with any questions you may have.

Cindy Brooks, Realtor

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 1-A

Franklin, TN 37067

615-499-9445 cell

615-807-1204 office

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS THAT RECOUP THE MOST

Anyone who is thinking about selling their home usually starts thinking about it this time of year.  They are weighing the pros and cons of the cost to “move up” or “downsize”.   Most homeowners think about it at one time or another.


Usually one of the first questions is…what do I need to do to my house to make it more appealing to prospective buyers?


Curb appeal is number one on the list; if a prospective buyer drives by your house and the exterior of the house is not well kept and updated, they will keep driving.


Therefore, the exterior appearance or “curb appeal” needs to be one of the first things to consider.  Fortunately, it is also where you recoup the largest percentage on resale.   Below are three things to do that won’t cost a ton of money, but will definitely give you the biggest bang for your buck.


#1  Install a new Front Door - If you currently have a worn- out front door made of wood that needs to be either painted or re-stained, I would highly recommend you replace it with a steel door.  The new steel doors have been updated to look just like wood but are so much more secure.  The cost will run around $700 including labor.  Reports show that you will recoup this by 102.1%.  Definitely the best investment a seller can make.


#2 Install a new Garage Door -  This is especially true if your garage faces the street.  Cost on average is $1200 including labor.  Recoup value is 83.9%.


#3 Window replacement -  I can’t tell you how many times I have had buyers walk away from a great house just because the windows were either painted shut, had mildew on the frame of the window or had no storm windows with screens.  Windows are not that expensive to replace but not replacing bad windows can make or break a deal.  On average, Low E double hung vinyl windows that tilt out and are capped on the exterior cost $300 installed.  Capping the exterior gives a very clean look which adds to the curb appeal.  Recoup value is 72.6%.


All three of these projects will not only add the curb appeal it takes to sell your house, but they are great selling points for energy efficiency.


For more great tips, check out my website at www.cindybrooksrealtor.com,  or call me at 615-499-9445.  

Cindy Brooks, Realtor

Exit Realty Music City

348 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 1-A

Franklin, TN 37067

615-499-9445 cell

615-807-1204 office

CindyBrooksRealtor@gmail.com

http://www.CindyBrooksRealtor.com