Why you need a Real Estate Agent

Why do you need a Real Estate Agent??

 

When looking to buy a home, you should expect competence, efficiency, and ethics from your agent. According to All America’s Real Estate Book by Carolyn Janik and Ruth Rejnis, good agents take the time to qualify buyers and show properties in their price range. They plan showing routes carefully and have pre-inspected most properties. They have a thorough knowledge of financing options, are up on the latest housing trends, and share data on the local housing market and home sales with prospective buyers. Adhering to a strict code of ethics, good agents avoid high-pressure sales tactics, refrain from showing properties that do not fit your needs or goals, and alert you to problems about the condition of the property. And they show respect for other agents and real estate firms by not talking down about them.

 

Finding a Real Estate AgentWesthaven

 

Begin the search for a real estate agent by asking for recommendations from someone that you know. Friends, relatives, co-workers, or neighbors who have recently purchased a home can give you a firsthand account and attest to the agent’s professional abilities. Sometimes an agent you contact will refer you to another one who works more closely with buyers and sellers in your neighborhood. Once you have a list of names, interview at least three agents and ask questions about their community knowledge, professional experience, and commitment – some agents work full time, others only work at nights and on the weekends.

 

The Role of a Buyer’s Agent in Home Buying

 

A buyer’s agent represents the buyer exclusively. Thus, he works to protect your interests in the transaction and helps to negotiate the best purchase price and terms.

 

magnifyingUsing an Agent to Purchase a Newly Built Home

 

Agents can be used to purchase a newly built home, and in fact, some builders pay agents to find prospective buyers. But you also can use a buyer’s agent to help negotiate the price and upgrades on a new home. An agent can be particularly valuable directing you to newly built developments that match your needs, as well as helping you select reputable builders who are financially sound and respond promptly to buyers’ concerns. Builders normally require an agent to be present on your first visit to the site. This is a sensible procedure that allows the agent to be paid a commission should you decide to buy. Otherwise, if you find a development on your own, make a first visit without the agent, and later make a purchase, the builder may refuse to pay the commission – even if an agent became involved in the process at some point.

 

While more buyers now use the Internet to gain access to listings, or available properties for sale, it is still a good idea to use an agent. The agent brings value to the entire process: he or she is available to analyze data, answer questions, share their professional expertise, and handle all the paperwork and legwork that is involved in the real estate transaction.

Mixed use communities on the rise in Nashville

Mixed-Use Communities on the Rise South of Nashville

Mixed-use communities are becoming more and more popular, especially in the highly desirable area we serve, just south of Nashville. Mixed-use communities are developments that combine residential, commercial, and industrial spaces so residents can live, work and play without ever leaving the community. The Nashville area is one of the fastest growing in the country, so there is a growing need for places that offer a little bit of everything in one convenient space. Here are two examples we love:

Westhaven

WestHaven

Opened in 2003 in Franklin, WestHaven focuses on livability. It combines beautiful homes and landscaping with convenient shopping and amenities, so residents never have to go far for groceries, appointments or even schools. Large front porches, sidewalks, walkways and parks foster connections between neighbors, and frequent social events hosted within the community create a vibrant community spirit. WestHaven offers new homes, custom homes and previously owned homes to accommodate any homebuyer’s needs.

 

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Berry Farms

 

Also located in Franklin, Berry Farms is similar in concept to WestHaven, except with an additional 3 million square feet of office space, as well as land parcel opportunities. Berry Farms is a bit more spread out. It’s comprised of 600 acres with smaller residential neighborhoods. There are also plenty of retail shops, restaurants, office parks and other commercial spaces. Berry Farms has multiple social events each month including festivals, farmer’s markets and more. The master plan for Berry Farms is still being developed but will include an expanded town center and more residential units, apartments and office space.

 

These are plans currently being developed in the Nashville area…..

McEwen Northside in Cool Springs

Construction is underway for the $120 million, 45-acre first phase of McEwen Northside, which will bring apartments, offices, a hotel, restaurants, retail spaces and green spaces to Cool Springs. Apartment living will be upscale, with 10-foot ceilings, designer kitchens and bathrooms, elevator access, a fitness center and spa, resort pool and resident club.

Ovation

Ovation is a mixed-use development in Cool Springs that will have similar features to McEwen Northside. Construction will begin sometime in the summer of 2017. This space is meant to be a big slice of a small-town city, both chic and comfortable.

Nolensville Market Square 

A new space is coming to downtown Nolensville! This will be a place where residents can work, shop, dine and relax. The new development will have seven new buildings of residential condos, office and retail space. Keeping in step with the historic flair of downtown, the new space will be pedestrian-friendly. Additionally, it will feature state-of-the-art amenities to enhance Nolensville’s current downtown area. The goal of the development is to bring something new and dynamic, with a nod to the history of Nolensville.

 

Mixed-use communities provide convenient living in a friendly atmosphere. As the Nashville area continues to grow, we expect to see more and more of these communities being developed, and are excited to show customers all they offer. If you want to learn more about home buying opportunities in a mixed-use community, give me a call at (615) 624-1436