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East Tennessee Real Estate & Neighborhood Source

What is the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection when Buying a Home?

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If you’re planning to buy a home in Knoxville, Tennessee, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. It’s also a completely different step in the process from a home inspection, which assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. Here’s the breakdown of each one and why they’re both important when buying a home in Knoxville.

Home Appraisal

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“A home purchase is typically the largest investment someone will make. Protect yourself by getting your investment appraised! An appraiser will observe the property, analyze the data, and report their findings to their client. For the typical home purchase transaction, the lender usually orders the appraisal to assist in the lender’s decision to provide funds for a mortgage.”

When you apply for a mortgage, an unbiased appraisal, which is required by the lender, is the best way to confirm the value of the home based on the sale price. Regardless of what you’re willing to pay for a house, if you’ll be using a mortgage to fund your purchase, the appraisal will help make sure the bank doesn’t loan you more than what the home is worth.

This is especially critical in today’s sellers’ market where low inventory is driving an increase in bidding wars, which can push home prices upward. When sellers are in a strong position like this, they tend to believe they can set whatever price they want for their home under the assumption that competing buyers will be willing to pay more.

However, the lender will only allow the buyer to borrow based on the value of the home. This is what helps keep home prices in check. If there’s ever any confusion or discrepancy between the appraisal and the sale price, your trusted local Knoxville real estate professional will help you navigate any additional negotiations in the buying process.

Home Inspection

Here’s the key difference between an appraisal and an inspection. MSN explains:

“In simplest terms, a home appraisal determines the value of a home, while a home inspection determines the condition of a home.”

The home inspection is a way to determine the current state, safety, and condition of the home before you finalize the sale. If anything is questionable in the inspection process – like the age of the roof, the state of the HVAC system, or just about anything else – you as a buyer have the option to discuss and negotiate any potential issues or repairs with the seller before the transaction is final. Your local Knoxville real estate agent is a key expert to help you through this part of the process.

Bottom Line

The appraisal and the inspection are critical steps when buying a home in Knoxville, and you don’t need to manage them by yourself. Let’s connect today so you have the expert guidance you need to navigate through the entire home buying process.

Call/Text me, Troy Stavros with CornerStone Realty Associates at 865-999-0925 today!

Homes for sale in Oak Ridge TN – 113 Newport Drive – Oak Ridge, TN Oak Ridge Real Estate 37830

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Watch the Walk-Thru video above and stroll around on your own below using the 360 Virtual Tour (best results are FULL SCREEN on a desktop!)

If you’ve been searching for homes for sale in Oak Ridge TN in that coveted 37830 zip code, then you are in luck! This Oak Ridge home for sale located at 113 Newport Drive, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 is stunning inside and out! Located on a beautiful lot amongst the nice homes in the Oakcliff Estates Subdivision of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, you will immediately fall in love with the open floor plan and newly renovated kitchen and baths that you would expect to find in a brand new home for sale in Oak Ridge TN with amenities like new high ceiling cabinets and granite countertops. But it’s better than new because unlike new homes in Oak Ridge TN, you get a glorious .55 acre lot with mature trees, pavilion, and more!. Cue the wildlife as you back to the Oak Ridge TN green belt! Enjoy your morning cup of coffee in the sunroom overlooking your private backyard. Other features to enjoy are the solid wood cathedral ceiling in the living room, large windows inviting in natural light, new wood floors and owner’s suite with sitting room, walk-in closets, dressing room, and spa-like bathroom. This home is conveniently located just minutes from Oak Ridge TN shopping, restaurants, healthcare, and also convenient to Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the event you might be working there.

Oak Ridge Tennessee is a short drive into Knoxville Tennessee and the interstate gives you access to 75% of the U.S.A within a day’s drive. Oak Ridge TN real estate is hard to come by these days so don’t delay.

Have questions or want to see this home? Call/Text, Troy Stavros with CornerStone Realty Associates at 865-999-0925. We can help you with all things related to Oak Ridge TN real estate, the 37830 zip code, and all of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Would you like to see your Oak Ridge TN home marketed this way? Just give us a call.

Would you like us to set you up on a special custom home search where you can see homes for sale in Oak Ridge TN even before they hit Zillow? Just give us a call!

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Cheap houses for sale in Knoxville TN: 2017 Harris Road, Knoxville, TN 37924

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WATCH THE WALK-THRU VIDEO ABOVE OR TAKE A 360 TOUR OF THE PROPERTY BELOW (best results are FULL SCREEN on a desktop!)

Looking for cheap houses for sale in Knoxville TN? That's a tall order, but I'm serving you up a great one right now! How about 2 lots in 1? This super cute home is located on .75 acre with a completely open space fronting the street of approximately .33 acre. Build another large garage or subdivide and build another house! The home features a rocking chair front porch for sipping that morning coffee. Inside there's a big, updated eat-in kitchen with an island and expansive solid surface countertops, new stainless steel appliances, and cabinets galore. Plus an updated bathroom with a custom tile shower. Original hardwood floors, and updated tile. HUGE laundry, utility room that could possibly make a 2nd bedroom with a private entrance and an extra-large sunroom and deck overlooking the expansive yard. Circular driveway and extra large detached 1 car garage plus a separate storage shed. Convenient to all areas of Knoxville because it's just minutes to the interstate. Need help finding cheap OUR OF THE PROPERTY BELOW!
(this works best on a desktop computer where you can go full screen)
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Is 2021 the Year to Sell My House in Knoxville?

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Is This the Year to Sell My House? | MyKCM

If one of the questions you’re asking yourself is, “Should I sell my house this year?” consumer sentiment about selling today should boost your confidence in the right direction. Even with the current health crisis that continues to challenge our nation, Americans still feel good about selling a house. Here’s why.

According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index from Fannie Mae, 57% of consumer respondents to their survey indicate now is a good time to buy a home, while 59% feel it’s a good time to sell one:

“The percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to sell a home remained the same at 59%, while the percentage who say it’s a bad time to sell decreased from 35% to 33%. As a result, the net share of those who say it is a good time to sell increased 2 percentage points month over month.”

As you can see, many still believe that, despite everything going on in the world, it is still a good time to sell a house.

Why is now a good time to sell?

There simply are not enough homes available to meet today’s buyer demand in the Knoxville area, and they’re selling just as quickly as they’re coming to the market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), unsold national inventory available today sits at a 2.3-month supply at the current sales pace, which is down from a 2.5-month supply from the previous month. This record-low inventory is not even half of what we need for a normal or neutral housing market, which should have a 6.0-month supply of unsold inventory to balance out.

With so few homes available for buyers to choose from in Knoxville, we’re in a true sellers’ market. Homeowners ready to make a move right now have the opportunity to negotiate the best possible contracts with buyers who are feeling the pull of intense competition when it comes to finding their dream home in Knoxville. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, notes how quickly homes are selling right now, further confirming the benefits to sellers this season:

“The market is incredibly swift this winter with the listed homes going under contract on average at less than a month due to a backlog of buyers wanting to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates.”

However, this sweet spot for sellers won’t last forever. As more homes in Knoxville are listed this year, this tip toward sellers may start to wane. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, more choices for buyers are on the not-too-distant horizon:

“The bright spot for buyers is that more homes are likely to become available in the last six months of 2021. That should give folks more options to choose from and take away some of their urgency. With a larger selection, buyers may not be forced to make a decision in mere hours and will have more time to make up their minds.”

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to make a move in Knoxville, you can feel good about the current sentiment in the market and the advantageous conditions for today’s sellers. Let’s connect today to determine the best next step when it comes to selling your house in Knoxville this year.

Have questions? Ready to get your home on the market or at least start the discussion? Call/Text me, Troy Stavros with CornerStone Realty Associates today at 865-999-0925.

The Importance of Home Equity in Building Wealth

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Homeownership has always been the first rung on the ladder leading to household wealth. As Freddie Mac recently posted:

“Homeownership has cemented its role as part of the American Dream, providing families with a place that is their own and an avenue for building wealth over time. This ‘wealth’ is built, in large part, through the creation of equity…Building equity through your monthly principal payments and appreciation is a critical part of homeownership that can help you create financial stability.”

Home equity is the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you currently owe on your mortgage. To estimate your equity, subtract your mortgage balance from the market value of your home.

You can find what you owe on your mortgage by looking at your last monthly statement or by contacting your lender. If you need help determining the current market value of your home, just let us know and we can help!

Is homeownership truly a better path to wealth than renting?

Some argue that renting eliminates the cost of property taxes and home repairs. Every potential renter must realize that all the expenses the landlord incurs (property taxes, repairs, insurance, etc.) are already baked into the rent payment – along with a profit margin. You don’t save money by renting.

The Importance of Home Equity in Building Wealth | MyKCM

As proof of this, First American broke down the net worth of homeowners and renters by income categories. Here are their findings: Only one income category ($127-192K) has a higher net worth for renters over homeowners. Every other category shows that being a homeowner leads to greater accumulated wealth.

The Importance of Home Equity in Building Wealth | MyKCM

According to the latest Homeowner Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, the average homeowner gained $17,000 in equity in just the last year. Here’s a breakdown of the year-over-year equity gain by state:

When can you cash in on your housing wealth?

Your home equity is part of your total wealth as a homeowner. The two most common ways homeowners can leverage their wealth are:

  • Selling
  • Refinancing

Selling: When you decide to sell your home, the equity you’ve built over time will come back to you in the sale. For example, if you paid off your $200,000 mortgage and sold your home for $350,000, you would receive $150,000 after closing. Plus, if you have lived in your home as your primary residence for 2 of the last 5 years, the profit you made on the sale ($150,000) is tax-free!

Refinancing: You can refinance your current mortgage and take out some of the equity you have accumulated. With today’s historically low mortgage rates, you may be able to take out substantial cash and keep your monthly payment the same. Thankfully, homeowners today are doing this responsibly and not repeating the same mistakes made in 2006-2008 when some cashed out their entire equity to purchase luxury items like new cars, lavish vacations, etc.

How can these options help homeowners?

During these difficult times, many households are struggling with their housing expenses. Homeowners, because of their equity, have better alternatives. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, recently explained that homeowners financially impacted by the pandemic will not necessarily be faced with foreclosure:

“The foreclosure process is based on two steps. First, the homeowner suffers an adverse economic shock…leading to the homeowner becoming delinquent on their mortgage. However, delinquency by itself is not enough to send a mortgage into foreclosure. With enough equity, a homeowner has the option of selling their home, or tapping into their equity through a refinance, to help weather the economic shock.”

What might the future bring?

The Importance of Home Equity in Building Wealth | MyKCM

Most experts are calling for home prices to continue appreciating going forward. The Home Price Expectation Survey, a survey of a national panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment & market strategists, indicates appreciation will continue for at least the next five years. Using their annual projections, the graph above shows the equity build-up a purchaser would potentially earn by buying a $300,000 home this January:

Bottom Line

Home equity, for most Americans, is the quickest way to build household wealth. That wealth gives homeowners more options during good times and in difficult situations.

Have questions or want to get the process of buying a home started? Call/Text me, Troy Stavros with CornerStone Realty Associates at 865-999-0925 today!

Why Not to Wait Until Spring to Sell Your Home and Make A Move in Knoxville

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The housing market recovery coming into the new year has been nothing short of remarkable. Many experts agree the turnaround from the nation’s economic pause is playing out extremely well for real estate, and the current market conditions are truly making this winter an ideal time to sell and make a move. Here’s a dive into some of the biggest wins for homebuyers this season.

1. Mortgage Rates Are Historically Low

In 2020, mortgage rates hit all-time lows 16 times. Continued low rates have set buyers up for significant long-term gains. In fact, realtor.com notes:

“Given this means homes could cost potentially tens of thousands less over the lifetime of the loan.”

Essentially, it’s less expensive to borrow money for a home loan today than it has been in years past. Although mortgage rates are expected to remain relatively low in 2021, even the slightest increase can make a big difference in your payments over the lifetime of a home loan. So, this is a huge opportunity to capitalize on right now before mortgage rates start to rise.

2. Equity Is Growing

According to John Burns Consulting, 58.7% of homes in the U.S. have at least 60% equity, and 42.1% of all homes in this country are mortgage-free, meaning they’re owned free and clear.

In addition, CoreLogic notes the average equity homeowners gained since last year is $17,000. That’s a tremendous amount of forced savings for Knoxville homeowners, and an opportunity to use this increasing equity to make a move into a home that fits your changing needs this season.

3. Home Prices Are Appreciating

According to leading experts, home prices in Knoxville are forecasted to continue appreciating. Today, many experts are projecting more moderate home price growth than last year, but still moving in an upward direction through 2021.

Knowing home values are increasing while mortgage rates are so low should help you feel confident that buying a home now, before prices rise even higher is a strong long-term investment.

4. There Are Not Enough Homes for Sale

With today’s low inventory of homes on the market in Knoxville, which is contributing to this home price appreciation, sellers are in the driver’s seat. The competition is high among buyers, so homes in Knoxville are selling quickly.

Making a move while so many buyers are looking for homes to purchase may mean your house rises to the top of the buyer pool. Selling your house before more listings come to the market in the traditionally busy spring market might be your best chance to shine.

Bottom Line

If you’re considering making a move, this may be your moment, especially with today’s low mortgage rates and limited inventory. Let’s connect to get you set up for homebuying success in the new year.

Call/Text me, Troy Stavros with CornerStone Realty Associates at 865-999-0925 today with any questions or to get the process started!

Why Not to Wait Until Spring to Make a Move | MyKCM