Virtual Real Estate Solutions : September 2007

Bring your bench and hiking shoes ! This beautiful park like setting 4.1 acre parcel in Cumberland Cove is waiting for YOU ! Come enjoy peace and tranquility with amazing bluff views. Sit and rest upon gorgeous rock and cave formations. Your dream home awaits you with MANY level building areas. If you love nature, mature tree's, amazing views and an abundance of wildlife YOU MUST SEE THIS ! SEPTIC INFO ON FILE, DOES PERK, NEW OWNER WILL HAVE TO RE-CERT FOR SEPTIC.

Reduced to : $79,500

Cumberland Cove is a beautiful wooded and natural subdivision located in Crossville and Monterey Tennessee. Miles of wooded lots, nature, hiking trails, waterfalls, bluffs, mountain views and privacy! Lots in Cumberland cove average at 4 acers, giving you extra privacy in this forest setting. Gorgeous sunsets peep through the trees and you drive to you new home location. As hunting is prohibited in the acers of Cumberland Cove you will notice several white tail deer nibbling on the forest floors or drinking from one of the many creeks. If you are looking for acreage to build your new home or magnificent bluff view lots there are several to choose from. Prices vary as there are lots to choose from in this nature sanctuary. Before choosing a lot be sure to give me a call to find the best deal for your money. As an agent who lives in this area I make sure that I walk all properties that I list and listings from other agencies as well to find the perfect spot and value for your money. 

Cumberland Cove also offers on staff security so if you are purchasing a home or building a new home for vacation purposes you can rest in knowing that you home will be looked after while your away. If you enjoy golfing, Cumberland Cove Golf is located close by. For more information on Cumberland Cove please give me a call.

For more information regarding this property please call :

Melissa Grant, Affiliate Broker

First Realty Company  931-484-1005 office     or    931-210-8277 cellular

This home is a must see to believe ! Just listed with a very motivated seller who has already relocated out of state !

Private and secluded with approximatly 450 feet of road frontage. Built in 2005. Just 2.5 years new.

About the Home :

• Home is situated on level and rolling 11.18 acres with breathtaking mountain views. Approximatly 3 acres already cleared and landscaped.
• 3/2 split plan with walk-in closets, dressing room in Master, oversized bedrooms.
• Island Kitchen with Custom Hickory Cabinets with Pantry !

• Cathedral ceilings, wood laminate floors, carpet in all bedrooms.
• Upgraded appliances with french door refridgerator, dual washer and dryer combo, built in microwave and oversized stove. All stay !
• Master Bedroom features dressing area and computer area with French Doors off to the deck.
• 2nd bedroom also features french/patio doors off to deck.

• Open floor plan with fine lighting !
• Sound proof walls !
• Features a 60 ft front porch covered.

• 16 x 20 rear deck.
• 12x24 storage building and 8x12 storage building.
• Has hardy siding and metal roof with 30 year warranty on the roof !
• Double Hung Windows with lifetime warranty !
• R-44 Insulation in attic and R-19 in the walls.
• Electric is on 225 amp vs standard 220. All utilities are underground.
• De-humidifiers installed under home.
• Plentiful timber with lots of white oak.

• Central Heat/Air with Gas Log Fireplace, Electric Water heater and heat pump.

For more information or to inquire on this property please use the following information :

Melissa Grant , Affiliate Broker

First Realty Company, Crossville

931-484-1005 office

931-210-8277 cellular

Living in Crossville, TN we certainly have the perks of the 4 seasons. But are you prepared, is your family prepared for a winter storm ? Now, we may not get 4 ft drifts of snow like other states but there are many people now in our community that have relocated from other states such as Florida, like myself, who only seen pictures of the snow. If you are not accustomed to cold weather or snow below you will find informative information every resident of Crossvlle, TN should have.

Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:

• Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
• Sand to improve traction
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

Prepare your home and family

• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  
  
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
  
  
• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
  
  
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
  
  
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
  
  
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
  
  
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
  
  
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

Prepare your car

• Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
  
  
• Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
  
  
• Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
  
  
• Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
  
  
• Exhaust system- check for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
  
  
• Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
  
  
• Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
  
  
• Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
  
  
• Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
  
  
• Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
  
  
• Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
  
  
• Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
  
  
• Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
  
  
• Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:  
  
  
• a shovel
• windshield scraper and small broom
• flashlight
• battery powered radio
• extra batteries
• water
• snack food
• matches
• extra hats, socks and mittens
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Necessary medications
• blanket(s)
• tow chain or rope
• road salt and sand
• booster cables
• emergency flares
• fluorescent distress flag

Dress for the Weather

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
  
  
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
  
  
• Wear a hat.
  
  
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

I have to say , I love Crossville. And I live, eat , shop and work in Crossville. This is home to me, to my children and husband. If you are planning on visiting Crossville, Tennessee I hope this will be helpful to you. I have a list of wonderful places for lodging, that are cozy and a home sweet home atmosphere !

GOLF COURSES FOR THE GOLF LOVERS IN CROSSVILLE, TENNESSEE

Tennessee's Premier Golf Resort Destination (Golf Packages Available) The Bear Trace 407 Wild Plum Lane (888) 800-BEAR Renegade Mountain Resort Hwy. 70 East, Crab Orchard  (931) 484-5285 Cumberland Mountain State Park Route 8, Box 322 (800)-250-8618 Deer Creek Golf Club .445 Deer Creek Dr. (931) 456-0178 Four Seasons Golf Course & Driving Range 545 Woodgate Drive (931) 484-0995 Lake Tansi Golf Course 5050 Shoshone Loop (931) 788-3301 Mariner's Pointe Resort 109 Mariner's Point, P.O. Box 2869 (931) 456-4138 Mountain Ridge Golf Club Hwy. 70 West, Monterey (931) 839-3313 River Run & The Inn of the Cumberlands 1701 Tennessee Ave. 2023 Sparta Highway (931) 456-4060 (800) 465-3069         484-9566 Stonehenge Golf Club 222 Fairfield Blvd., Fairfield Glade (800) GOLF-120 The Golf Capital of Tennessee Tourism web site (931) 484-8444 Golf Packages Bertram Realty Golf Packages 4490 Peavine Rd, Suite B (800) 762-0266 (931) 456-7617 Lake Tansi Golf Course 5050 Shoshone Loop (800) 600-9913 (931) 788-6721 Plateau Golf 3996 Peavine Rd (800) 999-3008 PRM of Tennessee, Inc. 3670 Peavine Road (931) 456-6320 Tennessee Mountain Golf 5731 Peavine  Road (931) 456-2864 (800) 647-0077 Tucker Golf Corp.   (888) 826-1714 Hampton Inn ask for Anna 4038 Hwy 127 North (931) 456-9338 800-456-8758 Golf Supplies US Golf  Exit 320, Genesis Rd. 484-9393

So, your on your way. You have found the house of your dreams. The lender tells you he thinks he can get this done. Your credit is good, your debt to income ratio is good, so are your trade-lines. You have all the winning factors to obtain a loan. I'm sure you feel great. Many customers who first come to us who are not pre-qualified come in having no idea what their credit score is and some believe their credit is so bad they can't get a pack of gum on loan. You then find, the total opposite. That somewhere along the line of restoring your credit worked ! Some will say, well if I can buy a house, I can buy a car, I can get the credit card I have been wanting, maybe I will go buy all new furniture for our new house.....STOP !        TALK TO YOUR LENDER or REAL ESTATE AGENT before you make any new purchases or it can stop the purchase of your new home ! When you apply for a mortgage loan there are several factors in evaluating you, your credit worthiness and home loan application. One of the things the Lenders, underwriting will look at is your credit score, your credit score tells them how well you have managed your credit over the years, they will also look at your debt to income ratio. They will give you credit for all the verifiable income you have and look at what you have going out from that money. If you are over extended this will hurt your chances for obtaining a mortgage loan. That is why it is crucial to NOT run out and buy anything or at least until your lender tells you its okay. Use extreme caution and listen to the wisdom and advice of your lender and/or agent as they want you to be in your new home !  Don't get ahead of yourself through all your excitement. All the other things will come and will come in time. But get into your new home FIRST. Listen to your lender/agent, they will give you the green or red light, but you as a word of caution should always stay in yellow....

A simple over-view and rules to live by when purchasing your new home is :

Don't make any major purchases such as a new car, expensive electronics or appliance, or anything else that you cannot pay cash for. The extra payments may prevent you from getting a loan.

Don't move money from one account or investment to another. One of the things a lender is concerned about is the source of funds for your down payment and closing costs. The lender will ask for statements for the last 3 months for all your bank and investment accounts and even your company 401K and retirement accounts.

Lenders like to see what is referred to as "seasoned money", that is, money that has been accumulating in an account over a period of months or years. If your bank account has a large deposit that was made less than 3 months ago they may think the money was a loan from a relative who is trying to help you qualify for a loan. Then you will have to prove where the funds came from which can be a time consuming process.

Please, leave your money where it is until you talk to a loan officer. And don't move a significant amount around without letting the lender know about it in advance.

The reward for your patience is ohhh sooo bitter sweet !

So I have been doing alot of thinking lately over many comments I have received and other Realtors in my area have received about how you don't want to pay anyone to sell your home. Okay, that's understandable, I suppose, but if I may be so blunt.............

First, let me say, you may not always like what I have to say, but...it will be the truth. I have lived that since I was old enough to understand the meaning. Okay, so you don't feel you should have to pay a commission to sell your home...Well, I have to ask a couple of questions, because my inquiring mind really wants to know :

If you do not need a Realtors help to sell your home because you do not want to pay a commission why do you call us for advice or to offer your home as an open listing or otherwise known as a pocket listing ? Now, I personally have no problem with you asking questions, and I will give them, within reason. But please do not expect the full length version of how to get your home sold.....

I often wonder if you truly understand what a Realtor actually does to market and sell your home and the garbage if you will we weed through to actually get your home sold. Take the world we live in for example. Their are some cruel people out there, all sorts of people, their are pedafiles, liars, murderers, and yes, there are some honest and trustworthy people but when your home is listed with a Realtor who do you think weeds out all the nonsense long before they hit your front porch? Would you truly be able to tell the difference between someone wanting to come in and see your home from someone who wants to come in and rob you ? I am not trying to scare you or make you think this is going to happen to you but here are the facts :

Everyday as a Realtor we take chances. We take the chance that the person we are talking to is an honest person. We take so many steps to ensure they are and putting our own safety at risk at times so this danger never gets to you.....Everytime we put our names out there, attaching them to your home, land or commercial property to market and sell your Real Estate we become an open book. We do this gracefully and gratefully because we truly have your best interest at heart and want to get your home sold. Of course this is how we get paid, how we make our living, but it is no different than when you pay a car saleman his commission when purchasing your new car. But more importantly, some of us actually enjoy what we do and enjoy helping you meet your goals.

I don't want to see you hurt, robbed or other and maybe everyone else is to scared to step up and make you aware, or doesn't care because you won't hire them to sell your home. But, I care and I want you to know there are people who are not on the up and up out there and yes, it can happen to you. Realtors are not the only target. People want what they want, and will get it anyway they can.

If you choose to sell your home on your own, good luck to you, I truly mean that. But be cautious about it. Please look at some safety tips below :

Ladies, make sure your husband or another person can be at your home when you are showing your home. I don't care if its a man or woman or both, have someone with you....

Keep all exterior lights on ( when dark ) and the inside of your home well lit...

Know all of your exits in your home....

Never walk behind anyone, always allow them in front of you ( you do not have eyes in the back of your head, I hope at least )

Safety plans are needed, for many things, have one !

These are just a few things you should know and practice.

But please remember, we are Realtors, we are human as well. We bleed red, our feelings hurt as much as yours and we ARE ALL DIFFERENT, in our own way, place and time....

Bring  your bench and hiking shoes ! This beautiful park like setting 4.5 acre parcel in Cumberland Cove is waiting for YOU ! Come enjoy peace and tranquility with amazing bluff views. Sit and rest upon gorgeous rock and cave formations. Your dream home awaits you with MANY level building areas. If you love nature, mature tree's, amazing views and an abundance of wildlife YOU MUST SEE THIS !

 SEPTIC INFO ON FILE, DOES PERK, NEW OWNER WILL HAVE TO RE-CERT FOR SEPTIC.

Beautiful rock and cave formation. Listed at $79,500. Located on Tanner Drive in Cumberland Cove.

About Cumberland Cove and Crossville, TN

ENJOY BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN VIEWS !

Cumberland Cove is a community of approximately 350 homes spread over 8,000 acres located near Monterey, Tennessee on the Cumberland Plateau. Located about 90 miles west of Knoxville and 90 miles east of Nashville, Tennessee, our community offers pleasant and relaxed country living in a beautiful natural setting, with large wooded lots, attractive common park areas, and the perfect mix of neighborliness and peace and quiet.

NO PERSONAL INCOME TAXES, LOWEST REAL ESTATE TAX STRUCTURE
IN THE COUNTRY, LOWEST UTILITY RATES and the LOWEST CONSTRUCTION COSTS

I know many of you think you can pull a classified ad and find the house of your dream. That you won't owe anyone anything and "its just easier ". But let me ask you a question ......If you had high blood pressure, would you go to a licensed Doctor or find maybe a med student to treat your blood pressure because its easier, maybe cheaper ? In Real Estate you are playing the same game so to speak. By walking into a home unrepresented and attempting to purchase a home, you just walked into a med students classroom, and asked them to give you all the facts ( true ) about your blood pressure, ,medications, side effects and long term effects. Did you know that most of homeowners currently selling their home have no real knowledge of what the laws are to protect you, themselves and what may be required of them when selling their home. Here are some things you should know :

Realtors are real estate professionals who have chosen to join the National Association of Realtors and abide by its strict Code of Ethics. What does this mean ? It means that any Realtor you work with has voluntarily agreed to abide by Code of Ethics based on professionalism and protection to the public. We, as Realtors are subject to disciplinary action and sanctions if we violate the duties imposed by Code of Ethics. Now, ask yourself, you are looking at a For Sale BY Owner, they want to sell their home, they know you have no representation, have you asked them what their duties are to you to protect you, your rights ? Their primary concern is to sell their home, and at what cost I ask myself. Here is a small example. Recently, I had a home listed and under contract. Prior to closing here in TN it is the LAW to obtain a clear termite letter and inspection.

Problem # 1, The home was infested with termites. The wood was already eaten through and the inspectors hand went through the subfloor due to damage.

Problem #2, We couldn't close on this house until the home was treated and every bad piece of wood was replaced !

Problem #3, When the owners purchased this home, the seller simply told them Yes, I had the home treated for termites about a year ago. Now, this couple only owned the home for 4 years. They had no idea termites were eating them out of house and home and $2500 later we were able to close.

What the buyers should have had, was Representation. Because your Realtor would have known to ask for proof that the home was treated and NOT with a do it yourself kit at Lowes or Home Depot. As an agent it is our responsibility to protect you and your rights while purchasing a home. This can protect you for years to come, not just in the here and now.

When purchasing a home these are the things you SHOULD have inspected :

Structural Parts of house and other appurtenant buildings.

Square footage, don't take the owners word for it, measure it !

Heating and air conditioning system

Electrical Systems

Plumbing Systems and hot water heater

Sample the water , test for pollutants ( well )

Septic tanks , whether active or abandoned

Storage tanks-oil, gas chemical ( above or below the ground, active or abandoned )

Appliances ( especially if they are staying )

Equipment

Fireplace ( wood, gas or decorative.

Basement

Flooding or drainage problems

Mold, moisture damage, fungus, pests

Synthetic stucco - EIFS ( exterior insulating finishing system

Environmental issues ( radon gas, lead based paint, asbestos, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, power lines, wetland

Appraisal

Survey

Home warranty Program

Owners Title Insurance

Seems like alot. Well it is ! These are the things Realtors look for, and advise the potential buyer to have inspected. Your new home is your home, your future. You may be raising children in this home. Make sure that your home is safe for not only you but your child. Some of these things can be very harmful if not fatal. They are important, they protect you and the lives in which you will be residing in this home. It may seem easier to not use a Realtor, for whatever your reasons are but is it really ? Do you know how to do all these things, would you feel intimidated by doing them or asking them in fear maybe the home owner won't sell the house to you ? Many feel this way, so they don't ask questions, they simply sign a piece of paper saying they are buying as is.

Protect yourself and your family. HAVE REPRESENTATION...thats easier !