Real Estate Update, YTD & 2010 Review

After this week, I will be losing my access to the drill-down real estate data as I am moving my license from Active status to “referral only” (at least until my current listings and contracts close).  I’m hoping to help Ivy recruit another real estate expert to write here … I know we have several amazing agents living right here in LaV — Robert Carroll, Lisa Morrow, Biane McGee come immediately to mind! Housing statistics really are wildly important for the city … we want people to know we have some wonderful, affordable homes available!

So statistics… here we go.

YTD Current Properties Listed in MLS

Single Family Homes:  286
Current Houses Pending (aka almost ready to close):  25

Lowest Price:  $18,900 on Sand Hill Road. Let’s be realistic – this is a tear-down and the price is the value of the land.
Next Lowest Price: $29,900 in Plantation Village.  Mobile home on permanent foundation. Foreclosure.
Note: LaVergne actually has some houses that are quite nice now available. Elbow grease (new paint, good scrubbing with bleach and pine cleaner) and possible new carpet and appliances will transform these into real beauties.
Highest Price: $479,900 at The Woods at Martins Bend. Four bedrooms, four and a half baths, 4298 sq ft.

Condominium Homes: 21
Current Condos Pending (aka almost ready to close):  3

Lowest Price: $49,000 HUD-home in The Cottages of Lake. Two bedrooms, two and a half baths, 1041 sq ft.  Appears to be in good shape, but $500 needed for repairs.
Highest Price:  $122,000 home in Villas of Central Park. Two bedrooms, two and a half baths, 1356 sq ft.

Single Family Closed (so far) in 2011:   17
Single Family Closed (same time frame) in 2010:  20
Condos closed (so far) in 2011:  4
Condos closed (same time frame) in 2010:  4

2010 Review

Single Family Homes closed in 2010:  434
Single Family Homes closed in 2009:  517
That’s about a 17 percent (ish) drop in the number of sales.

Least Expensive in 2010:   $19,900.  Mobile home in Driftwood Village.
Total number of homes that sold for $100,000 or less:  167

Most Expensive in 2010:  $388,700 in McFarlin Point. Four bedrooms, three and a half baths, 4011 square feet, all brick.  Jaw dropping beautiful.
Total number of homes that sold for more than $200,000:  30
Top Listing Company:  Coldwell Banker Barnes (agent from company is working with a builder.)

Condos closed in 2010:  35
Least Expensive: $54,900  Two bedroom, two and a a half bath Fannie Mae home (which means they come in a re-do prior to selling. Great buy for someone!
Most Expensive:  $104,000 End unit two bedrooms, two and a half baths at the Villas of Central Park.
Top Listing Company:  HUD homes (ouch)

MLS Statistics for 2010

Hmmm… let me figure out how to present this information since I’m unable to simply cut & paste the table.  There are two “areas” of LaVergne on the MLS.  Area 31 is “East LaVergne” and includes the following subdivisions (among others): Ridgemont, Lake Forest, Heritage Valley, etc.  Area 32 is “West LaVergne” and includes neighborhoods like Farmingdale, Dove Creek, Greenwood, Chelsea Estates.  To visualize, it’s almost like the dividing line is Murfreesboro Road.

*Median – A median price is the number that is exactly in the middle of a list of numbers.  For example if we have a list of numbers:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7  THEN 4 would be the median price.  it’s just “the one in the middle” of everything else.

Active Listings

Area 31
Average Per Day:   173
Average List Price: $131,891
Median List Price: $124,900

Area 32
Average Per Day:  121
Average List Price:  $170,349
Median List Price:  $146,900

Total Average Per Day: 294
Both Areas Average:  $147,719

New Listings

Area 31
Total Count:  652
Average List Price:  $125,828
Median List Price:  $115,900

Area 32
Total Count:  390
Average List Price:  $156,252
Median List Price:  $137,800

Total Count:  1,042
Average List Price of New Listings: $137,215

Pended Listings

Area 31
Count: 316
Average List Price:  $110,589
Median List Price:  $109,000

Area 32
Count: 175
Average List Price:  $138,415
Median List Price:  $121,900

Total Count:  491
Average List Price of Pended Listings: $120,507

Closed Listings
(Here’s where it gets interesting)

Area 31
Count: 275
Average List Price:  $108,142
Percent Closed Price v. List Price: 97.200%
Average Days on the Market:  74
Median Closed Price: $105,125
Median Days on the Market:  58

Area 32
Count: 151
Average List Price:  $136,799
Percent Closed Price v. List Price: 96.400%
Average Days on the Market:  97
Median Closed Price: $119,950
Median Days on the Market:  72

Total Count:  426
Average Closed Price: $118,300
Percent Closed Price v. List Price: 96.8%
Average Days on the Market:  86

Why in the world would the new listing numbers be so much higher than the active, pending, and closed?  This occurs when a listing is withdrawn or expires… and then relisted.  One agent in our area (no names mentioned) is notorious for listing homes for 30 days only because it appears the listing is new and fresh.  This actually skews the data for everyone else, but makes that agent look good. When you do look at listings online, though, an agent can show you the actual MLS history of a house and it will show how many times a home has expired or been withdrawn.

Finally,

My listing on Bill Stewart Blvd. has been transferred to my colleague Teresa Phelan for $124,900.  It has over 1700 square feet… a very nice house!  You can reach Teresa at my (old) office number 459-4040.

So that’s it from me on real estate.  My MLS access will end at the end of the week, so if you have any questions for me … this is the time to ask.  Otherwise I can refer you to another trusted, smart Realtor.

Help Me Sell These Houses

This is a free site.  Free for you, costs me time and energy.  So please be a jewel and put on your thinking hat for me… think about people you might know who are interested in buying a house in Middle Tennessee.  I currently have three listings – all very affordable. And they need to sell!

First up is the gorgeous home in LaVergne, located at 281 Bill Stewart Blvd.

The sellers are asking $124,900 for this wonderful home that has 1756 square feet (what a deal!).  The house has three bedrooms, two full baths, one half bath, and all the kitchen appliances remain.  AND the sellers will let you keep the wonderful water filtration system.

It is located on one of the thoroughfares of Lake Forest, but since it’s at the beginning you’re close both to the fire station AND easy in / easy out access.  AND it has a two-car garage!

Next up is a nice little house off of Nolensville Road in Nashville, 418 McIver St. The house has almost 700 square feet, two bedrooms, and one full bathroom.  Yes, it’s small but perfect for someone who wants their own place with very easy access to all parts of Nashville.

The seller is asking $75,000 for the house and has agreed to put in new carpet on behalf of the buyer.  (Seller has a little dog so wants the carpet to be new-new, not new with some dog hair for the buyer).  The stack-able washer-dryer will remain with the house.  I think the nicest feature is the large back yard. It does slope, but there are level areas for a picnic table and grill.

Finally, go north to Portland, Tennessee for another beautiful house.  Located at 600 Portland Blvd., the seller is asking $110,000 for this 1,248 square foot house.  The inside is absolutely stunning … the seller is a meticulous person, so everything is absolutely clean and well-maintained.

This home has three bedrooms an two full baths, along with dark bamboo/cork floors, a big eat-in kitchen with a bay window for the table, and ALL appliances remain: refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer.  In addition, it has a fenced in back yard and a big storage building.

What’s the best thing about all three of these houses?  You do NOT have to stand in line waiting for a bank to make a decision on whether to accept the sales price!  There is NO third-party approval, therefore no added wait time to close on the houses.

All are already affordable. All are move-in ready (with new carpet coming in one).  All have sellers anxious to hear from you!

If you know anyone who’s looking for a new place to call home, please forward this post to them.  I can be reached by email at kathy (at) bobparks (dot) com or by phone/text at (615) 491-2161.

Thank you for your help in sharing these listings.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read this brief commercial and any help you can give.

Shopping, Househunting, and Potter, Oh My!

I did not join the throngs of shoppers hungry for the deal of the century yesterday as they picked through clothing, toys, and other merchandise at box stores and malls.  For that I am thankful.  Instead, I showed houses from dawn (if you call the crack of 11:00 am dawn) until dusk.  It put me in the spirit of showing you some of the best buys in LaVergne… with permission from the listing agents, here they are (along with the agent contact information).

620 Hollandale Rd.
$134,900
2158 Square Feet, 3 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths
Privacy fence in backyard and nice bonus room downstairs

This house is listed by Linda Miller from my Bob Parks Realty office.  It’s already bank-owned and has been completely cleaned, painted, and new carpet installed.  The caveat of buying a bank-owned home… if you have an offer accepted by the bank it’s not yours until all ink is on the paper. Time is most definitely of the essence so do not delay putting it in writing if you come to a verbal agreement.  You can reach Linda for more information at 474-9472 or lmiller@realtracs.com.

2705 Pickards Point
Madison Square subdivision
$105,000
1235 Square Feet
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1 car garage

I was genuinely surprised to see this house still on the market given the fantastic price.   There is a cathedral ceiling in both the living room and master bedroom (and an interesting architectural rock design on the master wall) and the house is very appealing.   Listing agents Lisa Morrow (957-8539) and Cindy Spears (542-0277) of Crye Leike can be reached for more information.

Finally I have to brag about 281 Bill Stewart Blvd.  The super clean house has 1756 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and a 2-car garage.  It’s listed at $124,900 and the sellers are looking for an offer!

For information about these homes or any other in the middle Tennessee area, you are welcome to contact me as well.

Mortgage interest rates are starting to edge up again and we are finally seeing more buyers in the market… signs (we hope) that the housing market is beginning to creep out of the recession.  It will take some time but it’s starting.

And Harry Potter!  OH MY!  Went to see that movie last night with my daughters.  Bring your kleenexes!

 

Linky Dinks: Saturday Edition

Thanks to Deborah B. and Sherry for linking to the news coverage of the Thursday Swearing-In Ceremony. Here they are:

Daily News Journal: Mosley, Farmer sworn in; board adds Broeker

The board is also taking a closer look at how money is spent at city hall. Currently, purchases up to $10,000 can be made without a formal bid. The board dropped that figure to $5,000.”That gives our finance people a little more control, especially when money is tight,” Mosely said. “I think people are tired of the phrase, ‘That’s just the way we’ve always done it.'”

WKRN, New Mayor Takes Office (links to video from Channel 2)

20,000 Homes Will Sell This Weekend in the U.S., Will Yours?

Boston Globe, National Geographic’s Photography Contest 2010

BBC News Africa, Rape Victim Charged with Having Underaged Sex

Harvard Business Review, Six Keys to Being Excellent at Anything

1. Pursue what you love. Passion is an incredible motivator. It fuels focus, resilience, and perseverance.
2. Do the hardest work first. We all move instinctively toward pleasure and away from pain. Most great performers, Ericsson and others have found, delay gratification and take on the difficult work of practice in the mornings, before they do anything else. That’s when most of us have the most energy and the fewest distractions.

Hyperbole and a Half (Trust me, if this isn’t on your list of favorite websites, it should be)

Flavorwire, Crayon Pixel Portraits (While you’re at it, add Flavorwire as a fav link!)

Thanks to Brittney G. for many of these great links. Have a great weekend!

Quick! Buy a House!

No apologies! I’m proud to be a real estate agent!  Perhaps poor to be a real estate agent right now, but still PROUD!  *smile*

That’s why it is a thrill to tell you about a few houses that are for sale … because they are amazing in one way or another.  First, I was working with a buyer who found a gorgeous house in Lascassas listed at $114,900.  Located at 7850 Dunaways Chapel Road, it is a mobile home on a permanent foundation.  It has a huge (stand alone) two-car garage completely wired for electricity (probably 200 volt) and the house is beautiful.  But what’s even more appealing is the yard.  It sits on almost 7 acres – very private, wooded, and beautiful.  You drive through what feels like a forest of trees and along a creek to get to the homestead part.  Once you get to the park-like setting where the house sits, there’s still a ton of back yard.  Here are some photos — and I’m sharing this information with permission from the listing agent: Tim Dutton of John Jones Realty (615-631-1829).  If you call, tell him I said hello.

I don’t have permission to put photos of these up, but I want to tell you about some extraordinary new listings in LaVergne – inexpensive AND great condition…

1522 Ridgemont Drive is listed at $99,900.  It has 1100 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, seller to pay closing costs with full price offer AND it’s all new inside.  It’s a beautiful beautiful beautiful home.

1102 Maxie Court is listed at $101,900.  Although it’s a foreclosure, it’s impeccable with a stone fireplace, hardwood (or laminate) floors, 1326 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2-car garage.

371 Davids Way is available at $159,000 and has 2563 square feet.  It has 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and tile in the kitchen.  Very very pretty and priced well below tax appraisal.

Finally 1049 Tom Hailey Blvd. is just stunning.  It has 1400 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 1-car garage, new paint throughout, and VERY WELL maintained.  It’s only $94,900.

If you’re thinking about and are able to buy right now, why aren’t you?  Not to sound like a car salesman, but you won’t beat these prices – both housing and interest rates.

Let me know if you’re interested in any of these or if you have any friends, family, or colleagues interested.

/End Talk of Real Estate (for now)

Bob’s Market Update – Second Quarter

Every three months, we get a market update from Bob Parks.  Thought I’d attach it for anyone who might be interested.

June 2010 Quarterly Update

By the way, the closing date to receive the tax credit was extended, so eligible buyers under contract by April 30th now have until September 30th to close to get the $8000 or $6500 (whichever amount you are qualified for).

And if you know anyone interested in living in LaVergne, tell them about this beautiful house at 281 Bill Stewart Blvd.  It’s listed at $127,900, has 1756 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, all kitchen appliances remain AND it has a wonderful water softener/filtering system.  Call or text me with any questions at 491-2161 …

My little commercial… if you or anyone you know want to buy or sell, please remember me as your Realtor.  Thank you!

HUD Houses in LaVergne (and then some)

Since the political discussions have sputtered just a little, it’s time for me to put on my Realtor hat since there have been some INCREDIBLE houses just hit the market that are HUD acquired.  Plus one or two others that caught my attention.  To still give access to the political thread, I’ll put a “jump” in this post so those really interested in HUD acquired properties and other homes can click to see all of them but if you’re already pretty settled you won’t have to see all of these.

FIRST a price drop for 281 Bill Stewart Blvd.  It’s located just two houses down from the fire department and the sellers have loved it.  When I’ve been there, there hasn’t been a lot of noise and it’s been fairly easy to get in and out of the driveway (the biggest concerns of living on Bill Stewart).  The original price for this 1756 square foot home was $129,900 but it’s now $127,900.  All kitchen appliances will remain!

For the condo at 5033 73rd Avenue, the price has just dropped to $82,900 for the 1280 square foot home.  The two bedroom, two and a half bath home is in great condition.  There is a $75 monthly HOA fee that will include outside maintenance, including exterior insurance (roof, gutters, brick, siding, etc.) which means that homeowners will only need to insure the interior of the home and belongings.  My friend Robert Carroll has the house listed and he can be reached at our Bob Parks Realty, Smyrna office at 615-459-4040.  Or you can also call me – same number.  I’m pretty sure he doesn’t care who shows the home … the sellers are ready for an offer.  (Gosh that sounded sooo much like a commercial but at least I didn’t turn the volume up and yell at you).

Okay now the jump to the HUD acquired properties but first this tease… you won’t believe the price on this house!!!

And the jump… just click down there …

Gorgeous Condo in LaV

Every now and then I find a house or condo so cute that even when it’s not my listing, I ask to feature it here on TiLaV.  The listing agent, Rhonda Burgess of Southern Living Realty Partners, graciously agreed to let me tell you about it.

Located at the Cottages of Lake, the two bedroom, two and a half bath condo has just over 1100 square feet. Here’s where it gets better… the list price is $69,900.  In other words, it would cost you about $475 p/month to own this home (which would include taxes and insurance) plus $75 p/month condo fee… $550 in all every month.

The downside is it’s listed as a short-sale which means buying it is subject to third party/bank approval.  However, given the price and beautiful condition, it may well be worth the wait and hurdles!  Here are some photos…

If you are interested in moving to LaVergne (or leaving your rental to own a home on Arlene Drive), Rhonda can be reached at (615) 751-6234 or email her Rhonda (at) RealtyWorldNashville (dot) com.

Meanwhile, don’t forget about my listing at 281 Bill Stewart Blvd.  Here’s a video link.

I’d love Rhonda to show you this home, too, or you can also call me at (615) 491-2161.   :o)

LaV Real Estate Update

I haven’t pulled real estate numbers for LaVergne in some time, so let’s take a look see what’s going on.

Number of Houses for Sale (not including condos): 313
Number of Houses for Sale Under $100,000: 38
For Sale Between $100,001 and $125,000: 91
For Sale Between $125,001 and $150,000: 72
For Sale Between $150,001 and $200,000: 67
Over $200,000: 45

Least Expensive: 1008 sf, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, cottage on Sunrise Ave., $52,500 (reduced from $63,900)
Most Expensive: 4298 sf, 4bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, 1 acre, The Woods at Martins Bend $509,900 (reduced from original list price of $539,900)

Homes for sale and under contract: 59

Homes sold from January 1, 2010 – May 15, 2010: 168
Homes sold from January 1, 2009 – May 15, 2009: 158

Now, let’s look again at HUD acquired properties in LaVergne currently for sale.  The homes are listed by Progressive Realty, the management company in our area under contract with HUD.  If you are interested in buying a HUD acquired house, please feel welcome to contact me.

716 Judge Mason Way

$90,000
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage, 1100 square feet
$1320 needed for required FHA repairs
25 days on the market

105 Vincent Lane

$91,000
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1-car garage, 1375 square feet
$1100 needed for required FHA repairs
15 days on the market

104 Holland Ridge

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage, 1550 square feet
$1403 needed for required FHA repairs
1 day on the market

408 Britt Lane

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1594 square feet
$1540 needed for required FHA repairs
8 days on the market

100 Elway Court

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1167 square feet
$880 needed for required FHA repairs
25 days on the market

Some Quickies for a Saturday

I am staring down the April 30th deadline for first-time home-buyers to be under contract in order to get the $8000 tax credit from the Feds, and suddenly I’m swamped with buyers.  So with apologies for such a quick post here, I did want to share some of the recent information sent by the city.  Next week I’m introducing another person of our community on the “We are LaVergne” … look forward to hearing about how this person has made a difference in the lives of many young adults.

From the city:

Senior Prom in Two Weeks

The annual Senior Prom for senior citizens will take place May 8 from 5-8p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Building behind City Hall, near the ball fields. This event is for seniors 60 and older. Tickets are available at the Center, 337 Stones River Road. For more information, contact the Center at 793-3048.

Ready to Send the Kids to Camp?

The summer camp sign-ups will take place May 8th at the Parks and Recreation Building at 294 Sand Hill Road. Time is 9 a.m. We will take the first 50 young people who are rising first graders to rising sixth graders.

The summer camp sign-ups will take place May 8th at the Parks and Recreation Building at 294 Sand Hill Road. Time is 9 a.m. We will take the first 50 young people who are rising first graders to rising sixth graders.  We will have a waiting list. Cost is $25 registration fee per child. Weekly cost is $60 per week per child. Before care is $10 per week. After care is $10 per week. Camp is Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Before care is from 7 – 8 a.m. After care is 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Camp is June 14 – July 2 and July 12 – 30. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 793-3224.

What Would You Do With $11.8 Million?

After two budget workshops by the La Vergne Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor Ronnie Erwin is happy to report the the budget is finalized.

“Right now, we’re $31,000 to the good,” he announced Thursday. “And that’s with the insurance going up, a three percent raise for employees and the non-profit donations.”

The budget workshops are completed. The completed budget, set at $11,834,000, will be submitted to the Board for their approval in May and June. It takes two votes by the Board to pass a budget. A workshop will be held at the June 1 meeting.

Once approved, the budget will take effect July 1, 2010.  For more information, contact Mayor Erwin at 394-2821.

Meanwhile, if you’re thinking about making the deadline to buy a home, don’t forget about my listings… look at the videos on the right hand side to see 281 Bill Stewart Blvd. ($129,900) and 5137 Morningwood Dr. in Cane Ridge ($246,900).   Also, a friend of mine has 1714 Jimmy Cove ($149,900) that is perfect with over 2000 square feet and in beautiful condition!

And if you haven’t already, become a fan of This is LaVergne on Facebook! This is where you can write your own updates for over 300 “fans” to read and discuss!