Real Estate in Middle Tennessee

New Video Listing

2007-03-05T11:29:00.000-06:00

Take a look at this new listing I just put on the market. It is definitely worth seeing. 1041 Flintlock Ct. in Nashville is on the Video Listings Page of my website.

Floridians Find Welcome Home in Middle Tennessee

2007-02-15T11:16:00.000-06:00

High taxes and high insurance rates are just two reasons why Floridians by the thousands are finding Tennessee to be a great next step.

Nashville Real Estate Sets New Record

2007-01-09T16:30:00.000-06:00

Real estate in Nashville has set a new record for the sixth consecutive year. Some of the volume for the same months last year were down, but overall, the market is continuing to show good growth and balance moving forward

Tennessee hospitality proves family's decision to move here was a good one - Nashville, Tennessee - Monday, 12/25/06 - Tennessean.com

2006-12-27T12:44:00.000-06:00

Here is an article that appeared in the Williamson A.M. section of The Tennesseean on Christmas morning. It is the story of a family that I have helped relocate from Miami to Franklin. I could not have thought up a better way to end my year. These are the stories that make my business what it is. I have enjoyed serving each of these families within a family. Have a happy New Year.

Mortgage Rates Trend Downward

2006-11-03T10:32:00.000-06:00

Real estate rates fall further overnight

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30-year fixed rate at 5.79%; 10-year Treasury yield at 4.56%
Thursday, November 02, 2006

Inman News

Long-term mortgage interest rates continued lower Wednesday, and the benchmark 10-year Treasury bond yield dropped to 4.56 percent.

The 30-year fixed-rate average sank to 5.79 percent, and the 15-year fixed rate fell to 5.5 percent. The 1-year adjustable was down at 5.33 percent.

The 30-year Treasury bond yield declined to 4.68 percent.

Rates are current as of 7:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Mortgage rate figures are according to Bankrate.com, which publishes nightly averages based on its survey of 4,000 banks in 50 states. Points on these mortgages range from zero to 3.5.

In other economic news, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 49.71 points, or 0.41 percent, finishing at 12,031.02. The Nasdaq was down 32.36 points, or 1.37 percent, closing at 2,334.35.

Stock and bond figures are current as of 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

New Video Listings!

2006-10-24T11:43:00.000-05:00

I just added my first video listing to my website. I am so excited! In my opinion, photos and media are crucial to successfully marketing real estate. Most good agents have great pictures of their properties. Some use the virtual tours. I have never felt like the virtual tours were all that great. Some people love them and they do have a place in real estate. For me individually, it just never seemed like it had the intended effect. But I do believe in the power of the video listing. There are television shows on cable channels where agents can advertise their properties in 30 second "listings" with still pictures, fluffy words, and jazz in the background. There are even some shows that are more loose and informal. The challenge is that after a while, you are still blending in with every other agent and your seller's property gets lost. Again, it is a tool that has a place and we use it. But, having a video listing that can be introduced into the "electronic conversation" as I like to say, and targeted to people who have some interest in a seller's home, rather than hoping they see it on channel fifty something, is a very powerful tool. Please let me know what you think. I am excited about your feedback for possible uses of the video listings. For example, I could offer them as a service for people relocating. That type of thing. Our first one is done and I see alot of room for improvement. However, one of my mentors told me once to not let perfect stand in the way of better. I hope you enjoy!

September Home Sales

2006-10-20T06:58:00.000-05:00

The numbers are out for September home sales in Nashville. The market is staying strong. The long and short of it is that, like much of the country our inventory is up. The big difference is, SO ARE OUR SALES. It is keeping our market healthy and balanced between buyers and sellers and offering many opportunities for investment real estate.

Dyersburg and West Tennessee Real Estate Market

2006-10-20T06:36:00.000-05:00

Wow! What an exciting year so far. Not only is our market staying healthy, but there are bright spots all around the state. Here is a link to a great firm in West Tennessee in the city of Dyersburg. Check it out and give Mike Frazier a call if you are interested in property in that area of Tennessee. Also, I have added a link to his blog in the sidebar.

Nashville Real Estate Not Following Trend

2006-03-21T08:03:00.000-06:00

As many areas of the country are seeing their home values flatten, Nashville continues to see a strong pattern of growth and healthy prices. Nashville real estate did not go up 30% with the recent huge run up of values, but it also does not look to fall 30%! Nationally, we are still considered a bargain and the steady play right now is looking like Nashville. Also, interest rates and other factors are not as crucial to people that are buying here from other parts of the country. We call them home equity refugees and they have heavy cash positions that allow them to buy the house they want without having to stretch their financing. Things are looking up in Nashville. Contact me to find out what all the buzz is about.

Hottest City Two Years Running

2006-02-18T20:14:00.000-06:00

Nashville has been voted by Expansion Management Magazine as the hottest city in the country to relocate or expand a business to for the second consecutive year. That is outstanding. What is really unbelievable is that Tennessee has three entries in the top ten and four in the top fifty! Check out the article for yourself!

Approved Nissan Relocation Company

2006-02-18T20:11:00.000-06:00

Exciting new! In the last week we have completed all of the paperwork to officially become an approved relocation company for Nissan. We have started working with clients already and were "approved" pending the finalization of the paperwork which was accomplished this past week. So, for everyone coming from Nissan, welcome.

New Convention Center for Nashvile?

2006-02-18T19:49:00.000-06:00

Nashville may be getting a new convention center! The city is really starting to buzz about this possibility. Right now, there is a convention center in downtown Nashville that was built when I was in high school. You will have to get to know me better before you get the exact year, however, suffice it to say that it was more than ten years ago, but not over twenty. Anyway, there will certainly be a debate, but in the end, I believe the city will opt for a new convention center. There is just too much of an upward trend for our city to handcuff the growth with an inadequate facility. Here are a few quick hits from around the city:

From Channel 2 News:
[February 17, 2006, 6:11 pm]
"New Convention Center: Big Plan Ahead For Nashville"
It could be a major boost for Music City as plans for a new convention center take shape. The questions about the return on what would be invested in a new convention center are being asked in earnest. The anticipation has been building as today the committee made its pitch. They say Nashville needs a new convention center in order to lure more people to the city. The planned Music City Center would replace Nashville ’s 20 year old convention center.

"New Convention Center Could Revive South Broadway"
The top reason Nashville could use a new convention center is money. The Metro Task Force that recommended this new facility says a new exhibition hall would bring in another $700,000,000.00 each year in revenue. Much of that money will be spent at downtown hotels, shops and restaurants south of Broadway, also known as So-Bro. News 2’s Videojournalist Jennifer Moran reports that’s music to many people’s ears.

"Indianapolis Gives Advice To Nashville Convention Center Planners"
With the talk of a new convention center in Nashville it’s a good idea to look at the other cities that have been down this path before. Indianapolis is one of the cities that was faced with the same challenge as Nashville years ago. Now Indy is one of the cities having great success with its own convention center.

Personal Note: I have been to Tennessee Titan Games in Indianapolis and I have to say that the set up there with the RCA Dome is pretty sweet. However many more years I have to leave with my tail between my legs after Peyton and the boys have their way with us aside, it is a nice setup. From what I understand, Indy is about to level the RCA dome and expand the convention center by about 300,000 square feet to try and stay ahead of the curve.

Receiving

2006-02-18T19:46:00.000-06:00

That last post was just remarkable! Just going through the exercise gave me some clarity of thought. I would invite you to try it.

Nashville Investment Real Estate

2006-01-18T13:50:00.000-06:00

With a hot condo and townhome market, investing in Nashville real estate has never been better. There are many great opportunities, some of which have never really existed in this market. One area that I am urging my clients to look at is the new construction luxury townhomes and condos that are coming up in downtown Nashville and in Williamson county. If you are from Nashville or if you are from another part of the country and would like information about the projects that are coming available in Middle Tennessee, just email me at shannon@savewithbrix.com and I will get you started.

Friday the 13th

2006-01-13T08:18:00.000-06:00

Okay, here is my personal take on the Friday the 13th mystique. I have always had great days on Friday the 13th. When I was a kid, my number in baseball was 13 and I guess it was always more lucky than unlucky. I am not for sure how Friday the 13th became what it is today. I am sure I could look it up. If you know, please share. When I was a kid, there was a move that came out called Saturday the 14th, I think. Basically, from what I can remember, it was a slapstick comedy about the power actually being worse on Saturday the 14th, as opposed to Friday the 13th. I remember thinking that it was a great concept, but not quite funny. I would have to see it again, although I don't think that 20 years later it would seem that different. I am not a superstitious person, however, I do believe in the innate power of the universe. I do think all things have a divine order and I am pretty sure that it does its thing without regard to our measure of linear time, so that would do away with the "bad things happen on Friday the 13th" theory. I would love to hear either your comments and/or stories.

Investing in Real Estate

2006-01-13T06:13:00.000-06:00

The Middle Tennessee Area is becoming a popular place to invest in real estate and I am not just talking about someone who lives here buying some rental property. Because of the anticipated growth of our area (some estimates suggest as many as 400,000 new households in the next ten years), the stable economy, low taxes and affordable of housing, investors around the country are taking note. There was an article in one of our local papers about this very subject. Investors are snapping up new construction townhomes, condos, and single family residences before they are complete just to turn around and rent them out. This is meeting with some resistance from homeowners who are wanting to ensure that the pride of ownership is still able to shine brightly in their neighborhood. While this is true, I think it is unfair to characterize all renters as people who would not take care of their property. I have found that people who find themselves in a nice area, tend to respond in kind. If they find themselves surrounded by overgrown lawns and falling shutters, they become less likely to do differently themselves. I don't know why this is, it just is. So, if you find that an investor has purchased property near you, go make acquaintances with your new neighbor, show the same pride in ownership that you would already, and I would be willing to bet that you will be pleasantly surprised at the result. You will also have the chance to make a new friend. I have always been of the opinion that the person who should bear the responsibility for maintaining the residence is the owner. I think that putting pressure on the property owner to show pride in ownership and screen potential renters is much more effective than just assuming that whoever has moved in next door is going to make the street less attractive. After all, if pride in ownership is the mantra, then I think it should be the owner leading the way.

Getting the Year Started

2006-01-03T05:07:00.000-06:00

Well, now it's here! The calendar has turned and 2006 is officially under way. I am excited about the new year and all of the opportunity that exists. It is also a time where I think about all of the things that I would like to cut out, or cut down on, do without in the coming year. Invariably, less cokes and sweets and fast food, etc. seems to always come to the top. This year, however, instead of focusing on all of the things that I plan to do without, I think of all the things that I want to do more. Help more, love more, contribute more! I am making an effort to fill life with the things that are important instead of focusing on taking out of life. No matter what you have planned for yourself for the coming year, I wish you the best of luck.

Nashville Real Estate Still a Great Bargain

2006-01-03T04:30:00.000-06:00

For those of us who have grown up in the Middle Tennessee area, it is still hard to believe sometimes how much the price of real estate has risen. On a relative scale, however, real estate in Middle Tennessee is still very affordable. As a matter of fact, according to the latest figures from CNN/Money, Nashville real estate is still undervalued by 1 percent! This is in contrast to some of the higher priced markets in the country where real estate can be overvalued by as much as 20 - 30 percent! With the median income of Middle Tennesseeans rising and the speculated growth in our area should make for a real estate market ripe with opportunities for buyers and sellers.

Market is Picking Up Already!

2005-12-29T14:02:00.000-06:00

Wow! I thought that it may take until at least the first week of the new year for the market to start getting this busy. I just left a closing and could barely get back to my office for needing to turn around and show more property! We are so blessed in the Nashville market! This is going to be a great year for our clients as there are so many opportunities for buyers and sellers out there. I am currently working with two clients that are relocating with Nissan from California to Cool Springs in Franklin. They are very pleased with what they are able to afford here in Williamson County as opposed to what they can buy for the same money in California. We are excited about having them.

Christmas Eve

2005-12-25T00:45:00.000-06:00

Well, my wife and I have just put the finishing touches on this year's version of Santa and Mrs. Claus. It was really cool. Some of the presents that Santa got for our children are things that I really wanted when I was a kid, but for one reason or another (code language for lack of funds), was unable to get. So, when Mrs. Claus brought my seven year old Briana a drum set for Christmas, Santa almost woke the kids up "making sure that it worked." Christmas at our house always has a little magic happen. It may be getting a phone call from someone we have not heard from in some time, or some piece of good news that we were not expecting. In any case, it always had less to do with the presents under the tree and more to do with the idea that, even though it can be stressful, everyone has just a little more joy in their heart. Everyone thinks at least a little bit more about the next guy. If you take each of these intentions individually, you may not see the big picture. You will hear about the trips to the mall and the traffic and the expense and the constant shuttling to each required family destination. But, when all of those individual intentions are present amongst the people, the energy that is given off creates an actual vibration that is all going in the flow of the greater good. The flow is always there, but it is tuned in a little bit more at Christmas. The flow of the greater good is so vast that even this slight sharpening creates wonderment and magic. The flow of the greater good is described differently by different people, but no one can deny that if you have a great number of people holding the thought of love for each other in their hearts, things just work out better. So, our family is holding love in our hearts tonight and we extend that to you and yours.

Life and Real Estate in Middle Tennessee: The Factory at Franklin

2005-12-23T20:00:00.000-06:00

Here is where you can see all of the neat shops, artists, and performers at The Factory.

The Factory at Franklin

2005-12-22T22:21:00.000-06:00

We recently took a bigger space at the Factory at Franklin. It is a two level, lofted space in Building 8. For those of you who don't know, the Factory is a refurbished stove works factory that now is dedicated to art, dining and music. We were very fortunate to get a spot there and we are excited about what it says about our company. Open, expansive, unafraid.

Cheesy Realtor Grin

2005-12-22T22:19:00.000-06:00

The idea is for readers to have a place that they can not be given the cheesy Realtor grin (you know the one). Yes, I do have one, but I try to keep it under control. Not all of the posts will be the big news stories about a few "favored" projects that are covered like Brad and Jen. Like they are the only people that ever got married! Yes, there will be those types of posts because, like Brad and Jen, they can't be ignored even when you try.

Nissan Relocates Headquarters to Middle Tennessee

2005-12-22T21:42:00.000-06:00

Nissan recently announced that they are going to be moving their headquarters from California to Middle Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. This is, obviously, a huge move. This move comes partly because of the plant that is already located in Middle Tennessee and partly because of the favorable business climate that Middle Tennessee offers. Of course, for the real estate market, this means that we are going to continue on our upward trend. While many areas of the country are experiencing longer inventory times (meaning houses are staying on the market longer, or what is referred to as a buyer's market), we are expecting a seller's market where inventory is fairly tight, new construction will be in demand and values will increase. If you are a part of the Nissan team that is coming for house hunting trips in the spring, we are approved to work with you. I already have one client that is moving with the company and hope to welcome more to the area.

Franklin Ranked Among Best Cities to Live

2005-12-22T21:31:00.000-06:00

MONEY Magazine and CNN/Money just ranked Franklin, located 15 minutes south of Nashville, as number 58 on the list of best cities to live in America. We are very proud of this mention, however, I personally think it should be higher. I think this comes from two places. One, I live here and so I am somewhat biased, but the other factor that is not as readily or easily discernable and that is the upside for the next few years. Now, you can do tons of studies and futurists can make claims and assertions, but the truth of the matter is that you don't really know how a city is going to develop unless you are there to feel the vibe. I can tell you that the vibe in Franklin is fantastic. The city leaders have an eye towards growth management along with agressive preservation of green spaces. Recently, the County Club of Franklin, located right next to the Carnton Plantation, home of Carrie McGavock, was bought by the city to be returned to a park that honors the historic Battle of Franklin that took place here during the Civil War. This is just one example of the efforts to manage growth while maintaining the distinctive charm and grace that attracts people to Franklin.

Nashville Named Top City to Relocate a Business

2005-12-22T21:26:00.000-06:00

Expansion Management Magazine named Nashville as the number one city to relocate a company to for 2005. I don't know what they are going to rank us as in 2006, however, the chances of us dropping too far are not good. The ranking speaks, I think, to the overall strength of our economy, the favorable economic outlook in Middle Tennessee, and the quality of life found here.

Starting to Catch on

2005-12-22T21:21:00.000-06:00

Well, I am starting to catch on to blogging a little. What an incredible medium to express thoughts. I am going to have to title my posts accurately so that I don't start out talking about a house in Crieve Hall and end up talking about metaphysics, or the Titans, or any other number of other subjects.

Search Homes For Sale in Franklin Tennessee

2005-12-02T09:20:00.000-06:00

If you are looking for a home in Franklin, Tennessee, the first thing you should do is find out what homes are selling for in the area. You can do this easily by visiting www.brixrealty.com and searching for homes listed in Franklin. You can search by subdivisions within Franklin if you would like. When you enter a search, you can begin receiving all of the newest listings in Franklin in your email as soon as they hit the market. There a tons of great opportunities for both buyers and sellers in this market.

2005-11-28T10:30:00.000-06:00

Good Morning! It's a windy day in Franklin today and we are expecting some storms to roll through. Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving Holiday! Today is day 1 for our new blog site and I hope you all will bear with us as we get this up and going. Looking forward to the "finished product" with links about our area to click on and a wealth of information about this town we call home!