Virtual Real Estate Solutions : February 2009

                                       Buyer Information Package for Crossville, TN

                                                 Crossville TN Real Estate

The Cumberland Plateau has been called by some ( in their opinion ) heaven. With our 180 degree mountain views, historic downtown and average climate/weather and popular rivers and streams it feels like home.

Crossville, Tennessee is centrally located between Knoxville and Nashville.

Crossville, Tennessee - Cumberland County is dedicated to the well-being of its commercial, industrial, and residential citizens. The success and happiness of every man, woman, and child of Cumberland County is essential. From premier medical facilities to great schools, Crossville is a great place to live, work and play. Not only is Crossville "The Golf Capital of Tennessee," it is home to numerous museums and shopping centers, making Crossville a place of tourism.

Crossville has been designated one of the top 10 best locations to retire by Bizjournal magazine, Rand McNally, and several other periodicals.

Crossville is full of recreational and educational experiences that allow all of it's residents to live life to its fullest. With plenty of businesses and job opportunities provided, Cumberland County citizens have an excellent place to work. Why look anywhere else, when everything you need to be successful is right here in Crossville?

Tennessee's climate varies from east to west, but it is generally considered to be moderate with four distinct seasons. The budding of wildflowers and dogwoods occurs in spring and honeysuckles welcome summer. Fall foliage and crisp air make Tennessee autumns memorable and the wintry weather brings mild flurries of snowfall.

For The Golf Enthusiast :

Situated in the heart of Tennessee's scenic Cumberland Plateau, The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain was named "Top Ten Courses in Tennessee" by Golf Digest in 2001. Today, Bear Trace is one of the most sought-after sites among the Jack Nicklaus designed courses in Tennessee. The 6,900-yard (gold tees), par 72 layout features a design that capitalizes on elevation changes as well as natural features, such as flowing brooks and clustered, mature pines. The signature 7th hole, a 393-yard, par 4, incorporates another of the region's natural resources, layered flagstone, along the front of the green.

Low Property Taxes :

The following information is based on a Residential House having a total land and building value of $150,000. The 2007 tax rate for the City of Crossville is $0.55 per hundred of assessed value. The County rate is $1.24 per hundred of assessed value.

$150,000 Total value of land and building x 25% Residential Assessment at 25 percent of value

$37,500 Residential Assessment of land and building x .0124 2007 Cumberland County Tax Rate of $1.24 per hundred of assessed value

$465.00 Total County Taxes for land and building based on 2007 Tax Rate

REAL PROPERTY CITY TAXES

$150,000

$37,500

Total value of land and building x 25% =

Residential Assessment of land and building

x .0055 2007 City of Crossville Tax Rate of $0.55 per hundred of assessed value

$206.25 Total City of Crossville Taxes for land and building based on 2007 Tax Rate

Crossville and Cumberland County Schools

368 Fourth Street, Crossville, TN 38555

931- 484-6135

http://ccschools.k12tn.net HYPERLINK "http://ccschools.k12tn.net/"

Note: All area codes are (931) unless otherwise noted.

High Schools

• Cumberland County High School 484-6194

• Stone Memorial High School 484-5767

Elementary Schools

• Brown Elementary 788-2248

• Crab Orchard School 484-7400

• Glenn Martin Elementary 484-7547

• Homestead Elementary 456-8344

• North Cumberland Elementary 484-5174

• Pine View School 865-354-1986

• Pleasant Hill School 277-3677

• South Cumberland Elementary 788-6713

• Stone Elementary 456-5636

• For more information on School please visit : http://cumberland.k12.tn.us

• For more information on Cumberland County please visit : http://www.crossville-chamber.com

When purchasing a home in Crossville the steps you take are the building blocks to your future. From start to finish you need a REALTOR®, whom you can trust to lay a strong foundation for you and your loved ones. One who will meticulously cater to your needs and follow - up throughout your journey.

• Melissa Grant, REALTOR®
• Century 21 Fountain Realty
• 931-707-2100 Office
• 931-210-8277 Cell/direct
• www.crossvilletnrealestateforsale.com
• melissa@C21Fountain.com

Waterfront and Mountain View Home Specialist

Crossville TN Real Estate

 

Dear Diary,

Today, I sit and remind myself of the beauty that the world brings us and how easy it is to get caught up in " drama", losing sight of the things that really matter.

Diary, my passion has always been to explore and discover. Yes, I am an explorer. I enjoy exploring because when I explore I find the things that truly matter. Sometimes the hardest part of exploring is discovering the truth. Sometimes the truth hurts. Other times it's like a breath of fresh air. The hardest part of being an explorer is ' getting rid of the old to make room for the new "and being confronted with the  "truth be known"............

When I was 20 my thoughts were different. A goal consisted of a net you kicked a ball into. At 20 I thought I " knew " it all and didn't dare surrender to anyone or anything. As I explored age 21, 22 and so on I realized " truth be known ".....I knew nothing.

At age thirty five I have explored the wonders of the world or almost...but I still dare to explore. I've explored caves and what sometimes feel like dungeons. I have explored my own truths. I have explored the deep waters of time and the endless possibilities of the never ending sky. I have discovered that the walks I take through the trails of life with my children remind me of the perfect harmony between a woman and a man...and how very deep family ties can run. I have discovered that sometimes the friends we think are friends are classified as the relationship between a hungry tiger and his prey. While discovering still waters I have also explored the possibility that there is a time to sit, watch and just, well, be still....

I have explored that things change. Some things change for the better and some you have to welcome whether you are comfortable or not. I have explored that sometimes people, friends or family think they know what is best for you but only you know what is best for you. I have explored a good and bad touch, I have explored how easy it can be to become addicted to someone else's addiction. I have explored that my thoughts are my own and the words I speak whether good or bad are for me to own. I have explored that at times I can be my own worst enemy and I have explored the many " truths to be known ". I have explored you cannot be something or someone to everyone know matter how hard you try...you will always let someone down. To explore and discover that with every wrinkle I obtain there is a story to tell. And with every gray hair there are wise words to be spoken.

While the wheel of the world keeps turning I have discovered my greatest passion is to keep exploring. To explore new things with my children, my husband, my friends and family. To explore the endless possibilities that exist and discover the fear that sometimes holds me back. To explore the vast possibilities that life has to offer whether big or small. To dream big and live large. To explore and discover how the moon pulls the tied and yet no-one ever asks " why ". To explore and discover if a man could walk on the moon, " why can't I "....

To explore and discover life's greatest challenges and to triumph as I cross the finish line. To explore and discover that God has taught me all these things so my children can become a beautiful woman and man. To explore and discover the courage of another person so that I can dare to dream. To explore and discover the hidden messages within the earth's core. To explore and discover that while the wheel of the world continues to turn...it is my choice to turn with it or stand still.

Diary, today, I will explore and discover how I can be a hero in someone Else's eyes and how one picture can speak a thousand words.....

photos courtesy of flickr

Crossville TN Real Estate

I cannot tell you how many times I have received a telephone call or an email from a Consumer after purchasing a lot for sale here in Crossville. The purpose of their call is to ask me to fix the situation they are now in because they did not use an Agent to purchase a piece of land and now, bills are steadily coming in.

Yesterday, I received a telephone call very similar to this. A couple purchased several lots in Fairfield Glade, a deed restricted community here in Crossville. When they got on the phone you could hear the panic in his voice. His wife stood standing holding a bill for Property Owner Association Fee's on several lots. In turn they wanted me to hurry, list and sell these parcels as they were never advised they would have to pay these fee's and it was stretching there wallet. When I dropped the other shoe imagine there surprise when I asked if they ever had soil tests performed to determine the size and/or location of a septic tank, if any at all. The next problem is they purchased their lots in the not yet developed area of Fairfield Glade. Which means most of the lots they purchased have no utilities ran to the street, they are on dirt roads, not paved roads and we still have no idea if they are viable to hold a septic.

Don't be fooled by the beauty of a property.

At times like this I feel bad for the Consumer but stand on the fact that This is why you need a Licensed Real Estate Agent to assist you in a purchase.

Don't be a victim to " I don't want to pay commission ".Although it seems great on the surface I can assure you that later the transaction will cost you more money, time and aggravation. A Licensed Real Estate Agent is trained to look out for your best interest. We are trained in the right questions to ask, tests to perform, contingencies to write. Whether it's a $5,000 purchase or a $500,000 purchase you are taking a grave risk not being represented by an Agent.

If you look at Lot Sales for example :

When purchasing a lot in Tennessee every buyer is to practice Due Diligence. In other words you have to do your homework. Most Consumers feel this is an easy task and are up for the challenge. But have you ever heard of :

• Lot and Land Disclosures
• Lilly Soil
• Soil Analysis
• Septic Certifications
• Contingencies
• HOFFA Fee's
• Deed Restricted Areas

These are just to name a few. To condense this post but give you the most valuable information let me explain the purchase of a lot and what should be done :

1. The first thing that should always be completed when the thought occurs to purchase a lot or any tract of land is to call a Real Estate Professional. A Real Estate Professional will be able to determine the lands worth ensuring that a particular piece of land is actually worth what you plan to offer. There is a difference between what you, a seller and what comparable properties show as " worth ".We have the tools the compare the value to other similar properties. When in doubt...an appraisal is in order. Keep in mind we are NOT appraisers. We are simply comparing other similar properties and advising you accordingly.
2. Second,if this is a deed restricted area like Fairfield Glade you should be informed of all HOFFA and/or POA dues. In many cases the monthly or yearly dues differs between a vacant piece of land rather than a piece of land being used as a primary residence. In Fairfield Glade for example POA and/or HOFFA Fee's include amenities like golf, fishing, indoor and outdoor swimming pools. However, even though Golf is an amenity it will require payment prior to entering the course although it will be at a reduced rate.  Many deed restricted areas/subdivisions have restrictions. You should know of these restrictions and receive adequate copies for your records. If you are expecting to build a utility shed for example having a copy of the restrictions will ensure that the shed can be built or what the requirements are. Knowing is better than building only to have to tare it down if you didn't know.
3. The third and most important step(s) while submitting an offer to purchase is to ensure that the size and location of the lot will hold a septic ( if applicable where there is no city water/sewer ). In most cases here in Crossville there is city water but no sewer. Without sewer you need a septic tank. The first step would be to call our local soil analysis expert. You will need to go to the property and show a location of where you " think " your home will be built and where the septic will be placed. At this time the expert will probe the soil and determine if there is plentiful lily soil. Here in Crossville on the Cumberland Plateau you should always keep in mind that we are on a mountain with a lot of rock. This is why the soil tests are so important. If our expert determines the soil is viable he will draw a graph. This graph will show the position of the septic. BUT, it does not stop there. To ensure you can build the size home you are requiring that graph will then need to go to our local Environmental Office. Environmental will then go to your potential property with the graph and determine if that specific area will hold a septic large enough for either a 1, 2 , 3+ bedroom home. The size of the lot, the location, gullies, cul-de-sac's, easements all play an important role in determining the size of a septic. Now, don't be fooled. Although this may seem like a fairly easy process there have been many occasions where : you could put a septic on the lot but not a home ( there was not enough room or there was a water source like a creek ).
4. Often in the State of Tennessee Land/Lot Disclosures are not used in Deed Restriced areas.You should know when they are used and when they are not. Due Diligence or doing your homework will inform you if there are any known encroachments, county maintained easements, water sources, flood zones, mineral rights and timber rights to name a few associated with the property you potentially would like to purchase.

Contingencies- Contingencies placed in a Offer to Purchase allow you the potential buyer to negate or withdraw the contract based on provisions you have included. For Example :

• If you want the soil to be viable for a septic tank in order to purchase and it is not than you would not be required to purchase the property based on expert opinion that it will not hold a septic.
• If you require a 3 bedroom to be built on your potential purchase and it will only certify for a 2 bedroom you would not be required to purchase the lot.      
• If you expect mineral and/or timber rights to the property at purchase and they belong to someone else, you would not be required to purchase the lot/land.

Other familiar contingencies :

• Contingent on appraisal.
• Contingent on reasonable financing
• Contingent on copies of restrictions

Other contingencies can be outlined at the discretion of your Real Estate Agent and your needs. Contingencies are important in allowing you the potential buyer to gain the necessary facts enabling you to make an informed decision.

I cannot stress enough the importance of working with a Real Estate Professional to protect your best interest. It is important to know your rights and to be informed of them. Licensed Professionals know these because we are trained to know. Most independant sellers are not aware of Disclosures, Tennessee Real Estate Laws and other therefor they cannot protect your rights. It is important to have someone who knows on your side.

For more information on Lot and Land sales in Tennessee please contact Melissa Grant, Consumer Advocate, Licensed Realtor(r) in the state of Tennessee.

• Melissa Grant, Consumer Advocate
• 931-210-8277 Direct
• www.crossvilletnrealestateforsale.com
• www.servingcrossvilletn.com
• lissalgrant@yahoo.com      

Crossville TN Real Estate

Yes, you heard it, right here from Lenn Harley. I am re-blogging this post because I also believe they, our Government is " WRONG " .

Now is the time to get back to basics. Now is the time to make sure houses are priced right. Now is the time to be pro-active.

It is NOT the time to sit back and wait. It is NOT the time to see what will happen next. Now, IS the time to set a goal, make a plan and stick with it. Now is the time to turn off your televisions and avoid the negativity. It is NOT the time to listen to the " finger pointers ".

We are all in this together and together we can and will make a difference.

The Government Should Take Lessons From Housewives.

Dear Diary,

We, the people, sit here today on pins and needles, more like sleeping in a rose bush full of thorns waiting to know if the Obama Stimulus Plan will be passed and/or will work. As grown men and women all dressed up in their fancy suits and ties hold the future of America in their hands we sit back and listen, watch the mud sling, we receive emails from our National Association of Realtors " for our voices to be heard ", we hoard what money we have and we pray that someone will listen to the guy who is being more conservative wearing the JCPenny pin stripped suit rather than the guy wearing some fancy suit of some designers name I can't pronounce anyway.

Diary, my passion has always been to live freely, within my means and to help people. To both give and receive inspiring advice, to set goals, to be proud of being an American. To support our troops who fight everyday for our freedoms ( I wear Red on Fridays ). To inspire my children and other children to always be who and what they want to be. To adopt one family each year and show them Christmas miracles still exist. To volunteer at a woman's shelter and help if only one woman understand just how empowering she should feel because leaving was a brave and courageous thing to do. To live freely in knowing that I live in America, in the American dream and someone " in it " will always have my back and look out for me and my family.

Today, televisions have been brought into our homes to keep us advised, more like to keep us in a panic. The old saying of " Believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see " has become an " old wives tale. " Many, sit glued to their televisions feeding themselves the doom and gloom of our nation heeding every bit of advice from some telecaster who doesn't appear to know anything more than we do. This my friend is like taking financial advice from someone pending their bankruptcy court date. Better yet it's like walking into a marriage counselors office whom might I add has been divorced four times. We listen to our Government and Media tell us we should set up lemon-aid stands to make extra earnings but yet I don't see our Government selling watermelons on the side of the street to reduce our national deficit. This is all like walking into an AA Meeting and the door prize is a 6-pack of beer.

At this point it no longer matters " Who is to blame ", " When it all started or why ". The fact is it did happen and no stimulas package to date has put a dent in what the American people actually need. What great timing to put money in our pockets with the Bush Administrations Stimulas. Our food prices were at an all time high, fuel prices exceeded $4.00 per gallon ( now calculate that $4.00 per gallon and hold it up against the minimum wage worker...need I say anymore ) and we were already seeing increases in the cost to run our electricity.

Mr. Government Officials, my money went right into my savings account, creating a stronger reserve account for " the, well...... unknown ".

Now, had you handed us our very  small, might I ad very small check during the Holiday rush....we might have bought our children the actual Rock Band version of Guitar Hero rather than the knock off Aerosmith Version. We might have bought a new Christmas dress or suit rather than digging through our closet's to see what we haven't worn in years. We might have even bought a 20 pound Turkey rather than a 15 pound turkey. To date my small check was given back to our oil industry as well as Tyson, Betty Crocker, Butterball, Campbell's and Little Debbie. I'm sorry for the losses Goody's, Best Buy and Circuit City took throughout the Holiday season but many took your advice : We went into hiding in total panic.

Diary, " They ", our Government, seem to think that a bunch of tax cuts, extra money for food stamps and extensions of unemployment benefits will create jobs and will open the housing market. I couldn't DISAGREE more. I wish someone would explain how a buyer tax credit is going to help our housing economy " open up " if the buyer desperately seeking to purchase a home cannot obtain a loan because Banks want to cut out Mortgage Brokers because Banks have upped the anti on lending criteria and because well, banks can do and say whatever they want, whenever they want and have ZERO accountability for it.

You should instead be teaching how a little hard work never hurt anyone and that a callous is a sign of hard work..like my Daddy's hands. You should be teaching the Food Stamp Recipient the power of their OWN dollar not looking to the middle class to continue paying for a person who has figured out they receive more by staying home and doing nothing. I don't understand how you can extend benefits, call it a stimulus and swear that this will return our economy to normal and yet kick a woman out of a hospital bed 24 hours after she has given birth ???? 

True Story

Last night at my daughters basketball practice I was speaking to a parent who found out that her and her husband made to much money and ended up owing Uncle Sam. Now, believe me when I tell you their income was NOTHING to smile about. In the end they were having to pay Uncle Sam all because she took on a part time job to help pay the increasing household bills which ended up costing her more in the long run because of child care expenses. In the process she also lost Health Care for her children through the State of TN, known as Cover Kids ( a program when you do not qualify for Medicaid ). All because of her part time job. She was told by a GOVERNMENT worker that she should CLAIM a separation from her husband whereas she would then be able to receive : Medicaid, Food Stamps and Schooling since she had been denied a government grant to finish her degree. Best part she was also told she could receive unemployment benefits by saying " the result of quiting her job was because of her separation and lack of child care".  Do I need to say any more on extending food stamps and/or unemployment.

Our Government should be taking lessons from Housewives. Take Carol Brady for example. A single mother with three children, then married with six. When Mike brought home his paycheck every Friday she didn't give herself a raise and neglect to purchase food. When Mike got a raise she didn't go purchase a bigger, fancier car because the government said we needed to stimulate the economy. She didn't go in debt because they earned a few dollars more. When you went to the bank to purchase your home you went with documents in hand and money in the bank. She never worried about debt to income ratio because way back when you were taught to save not to obtain more and more " On Credit ". Carol Brady was the divider of 4.3 weeks in a month and knew every week what she needed to have and what was leftover. If her automobile needed tires she paid for tires she didn't trade in her vehicle for a lease. When Mike received a " bonus " they didn't take fancy vacations and fly out on a private jet. Way back when there was a more practical approach.

Getting Back to Basics

How do you live in these times ? The same way you did BEFORE the Government started putting televisions in peoples homes and creating panic. You have choices. You can be the divider of 4.3 weeks in a month or you can eagerly spend all of your hard earned cash on the Hybrid because the Government says this is what you should be doing. You can take your raise or bonus and invest in your future, purchase a home or you can panic and hem it to your curtains like my great grandmother did. You can learn the power of a dollar and build a savings account or you can be a puppet to the government and spend it all at Wal-Mart because the government has you fearing one more store will shut down. You can get out their and plow your own land or cross your arms wondering what's the use ? You can get up everyday and live the American Dream in peace or you can turn on the news that is costing you more electricity by running your television only to listen to a bunch of doom and gloom or you can get up, go to work and appreciate the power of your earnings. You can worry about supporting Kroger or Publix or you can build your own garden.

Simply, you can get out there and live. Live life to it's fullest. To be inspiring or be inspired or you can make excuses to not live , to live in fear, in panic and do what our banks continue to do : give raises to yourself, not hold yourself accountable, take fancy trips you cannot afford and of course you can always leave on a jet plane only to come back later apologize and do it all over again:

 

As for me I will believe in " Old Wives Tales ", I will build my own garden, plow my own land, drive a paid off mini van with good, clean tires. I will work hard, I will invest in my future. I will preserve my credit and live within my means. I will give hope because I have hope. I will dream because without a dream I am stuck exactly where I am today. I will be the dictator of my life. I will not allow my home or vehicle to define me. I will inspire because I want to be inspired. I will give so that I can receive. 

 I am my own government.

 

Melissa Grant, Crossville TN Real Estate 931-210-8277 direct www.crossvilletnrealestateforsale.com Crossville TN Real Estate

                                                Consumer Information Package : Fairfield Glade

With a dozen golf courses, Crossville is "The GOLF Capital of Tennessee!" The area is home to Tennessee's famous vacation and retirement resort, Fairfield Glade, which boasts 90 holes of golf in just their area alone; home to the first site of Jack Nicklaus' Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park; home to Tennessee's highest elevation golf course at Renegade Mountain; and home to a total of eleven championship golf courses. In all, there are over 200 holes atop the Cumberland Plateau.

Fairfield Glade offers eleven lakes for fishing, multiple swimming pools, fitness complexes, paved walking and hiking trails and features award winning tennis courts and golf courses. At the highest point, Fairfield Glade is nestled between the Smokey and Rocky Mountain ranges. With an elevation of 2,000 feet we enjoy cooler summers and mild winters.

Fairfield Glade is centrally located between Nashville, home of the Grand Old Opry and Knoxville, home of the Woman's Basketball Hall of Fame.

Capturing " Mother Nature's " original design, Fairfield Glade strategically places it's homes within the original landscape of dogwoods, mountain laurel, hollies and ancient trees and offers outstanding amenities to it's homeowners and members such as :

• Championship Golf Courses

• Swimming Pools

• Walking and Hiking Trails

• Recreation Center

• Sports Complexes

• Tennis Courts

• Lakes

• Boating

• and more......

Fairfield Glade offers low property taxes and a hometown atmosphere. With traditional to contemporary home styles you enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature with waterfalls, original rock formations and lots of "green ".

Property Taxes :

The following information is based on a Residential House having a total land and building value of $150,000. The 2007 tax rate for the City of Crossville is $0.55 per hundred of assessed value. The County rate is $1.24 per hundred of assessed value.

$150,000 Total value of land and building x 25% Residential Assessment at 25 percent of value $37,500 Residential Assessment of land and building x .0124 2007 Cumberland County Tax Rate of $1.24 per hundred of assessed value

$465.00 Total County Taxes for land and building based on 2007 Tax Rate

Crossville and Cumberland County Schools

368 Fourth Street, Crossville, TN 38555

931- 484-6135

http://ccschools.k12tn.net HYPERLINK "http://ccschools.k12tn.net/"

Note: All area codes are (931) unless otherwise noted.

High Schools

• Cumberland County High School 484-6194

• Stone Memorial High School 484-5767

Elementary Schools

• Brown Elementary 788-2248

• Crab Orchard School 484-7400

• Glenn Martin Elementary 484-7547

• Homestead Elementary 456-8344

• North Cumberland Elementary 484-5174

• Pine View School 865-354-1986

• Pleasant Hill School 277-3677

• South Cumberland Elementary 788-6713

• Stone Elementary 456-5636

For more information on School please visit : http://cumberland.k12.tn.us

For more information on Cumberland County please visit : http://www.crossville-chamber.com

If you love nature, come to Crossville TN and combine both nature and golf with picturesque mountain views, plenty of trees and lots of water !

Golf Courses in our Area include :

Fairfield Glade Courses :

Dorchesters Country Club 931-484-3709

Druid Hills Country Club 931-484-3751

Heatherhurst Golf Glub ( The Brea Course ) 931-484-3799

Heatherhurst Golf Club ( The Crag Course ) 931-484-3799

Melissa Grant is a Licensed Real Estate Professional and Consumer Advocate serving Cumberland County, Putnam County, Fentress and Morgan Counties. Melissa Grant is licensed and permitted to practice Real Estate in the State of Tennessee. Melissa Grant works with other high quality and professional Real Estate Agents Nationwide to bring buyers, sellers and agents together outside the state of Tennessee. If you reside in another state and are looking to buy, sell and/or relocate, Melissa Grant can provide you with exceptional service to finding the agent that fits your needs.

• Melissa Grant, Consumer Advocate
• 931-210-8277 Direct
• www.crossvilletnrealestateforsale.com
• www.servingcrossvilletn.com
• lissalgrant@yahoo.com      

Crossville TN Real Estate