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Secrets to a Painless Closing

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Everyone likes surprises, except at a real estate closing. Here are some tips to make the closing as painless as possible.

Notify the mortgage company that you will be paying off the mortgage. Some mortgage companies have a pre-payment penalty, so it is wise to learn this before you get to the closing.

Make sure any funds that you need to bring to the closing are certified funds or a cashier check.

Bring identification, like your driver’s license, to the closing.

Make arrangements for moving and giving possession at closing, however, have a backup plan in case the closing is delayed.

Schedule utility transfers for the day after closing. If there is a delay and you have to stay in the home another night, you will want to have electricity.

Cancel your homeowner’s insurance only after you have closed. Do not leave the home uninsured while you still own it.

Always ask questions. If you have any question, no matter how silly you might think it is, contact your Realtor. Peace of mind is best throughout the closing process.

For other buyer or sellers tips, visit the website of Judi Starliper, an experienced Knoxville Realtor who can help you make buying or selling a home as painless as possible.

Easter Activities in Knoxville

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Knoxville is a great place to raise a family and it is especially evident during Easter time. With Easter egg hunts, photos with the Easter bunny, and Easter-themed story times, there is something fun for everyone.

Here are a listing of Knoxville Easter activities leading up to the big day:

Eat breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Smart Toys and Books. On April 7 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., children can visit the Easter Bunny and make a craft. Tickets are $12 and RSVP is required. Also, at Smart Toys and Books, children can see live, furry, cute bunnies during regular business hours, free of charge. Parents, bring cameras to catch the action. Miss Helen will also host an Easter-themed story on Thursday, April 5 at 11:00 a.m.

Lace up those sneakers and grab your Easter basket for the Easter Eggstravaganza at UT Gardens on March 31. Children can enjoy Easter crafts, Spring activities, a visit with the Easter Bunny, and an Easter egg hunt. Tickets and registration are required, Call 974-7151.

Enjoy Easter Egg Dive at the Davis Family YMCA, located at 12133 South Northshore Drive on Saturday, March 31. The Easter Egg hunt is from noon to 2:00 p.m.

Visit live bunnies, chickens, and lambs at Mayo Garden Center at either of their Kingston Pike locations on Saturday, March 31. The event is free, but donations to the 4-H program are accepted.

Lots of Easter Eggs, prizes, and coupons are available at the Zuma Fun Center for the 16th Annual Bunny Trail with Star 102.1 on Saturday, April 7 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Catch the Easter train and take a ride on Three Rivers Rambler on Saturday, April 7. Located off Neyland Drive, train departures are scheduled at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. For ticket prices and reservations, check their website.

For Easter-themed and Springtime stories, visit Barnes and Noble in Suburban Plaza on Saturday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Crescent Bend is the place to be for Funny Bunny Day. On Saturday, April 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Easter Bunny will be hopping around the gardens and delivering Easter Eggs filled with candy. Children will also have a chance to take a photo with the Easter Bunny and participate in arts and crafts.

Easter and Springtime are great to get out and enjoy the weather and all the activities that Knoxville has to offer.

For more information about the Knoxville area, visit the website of Realtor Judi Starliper.

Happy Easter!

Landscaping for Curb Appeal

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As the expression goes, “You have one chance to make a first impression.” This is especially true when selling a home, and that is why curb appeal is essential.

When you sell your home, it is important to de-clutter, making every room as neat and tidy as possible. The same rings true for your yard, as well. Is the hose knotted up in the middle of the yard? Are shrubs overgrown and messy?  Is the walkway covered up with weeds? Ask a friend or relative to look at your yard’s curb appeal and offer an objective opinion. They can point you to areas that you may have overlooked. In addition to de-cluttering your yard, trimming bushes and hedges, and edging sidewalks and walkways, also consider these suggestions:

Spruce up the porch or patio with outdoor containers. Greenery or seasonal blooms will bring life to the area.

Spruce up existing flower beds with seasonal flowers. A flat of annuals is relatively inexpensive, but will offer a big bang for your buck.

Enhance flower beds with fresh mulch. Mulch is easy to apply, and it provides an excellent contrast to colorful flowers.

Repair or replace any chipped paver stones or any landscape edging. Any visibly distressed areas of the yard give the potential buyer the impression that the property isn’t maintained.

Eliminate weeds and green up your grass. Children are the only ones excited about a yard full on dandelion blooms. If your budget allows, consider a lawn service that will help you manage your weeds.

For more tips for selling your home, speak with experienced Knoxville Realtor, Judi Starliper or visit her website.

Biggest Seller Mistakes

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In this competitive real estate market, sellers should look for every advantage when listing their Knoxville home for sale. Mistakes can be costly and should be avoided, or the seller may risk losing a sale. Here are some of the biggest seller mistakes.

Listing the home before it is ready to be sold. The most showings occur shortly after the home is placed on the market. If the seller has not completed the necessary steps to get the home ready, the home will not show well, which will discourage many potential buyers. Sellers shouldn’t get impatient or procrastinate when listing their home. Finish painting, de-cluttering, and cleaning before the home is listed.

Making costly improvements that do not yield a return on investment. Most potential buyers are internet savvy and conduct research on the home’s neighborhood. If the home is listed for much more than other homes listed in the same market, the seller may not be interested in looking at the property. If the seller needs to update the home, they should focus their efforts in rooms, such as the kitchen or master bathroom, where they will realize the biggest return on their investment.

Not pricing the home correctly. Sometimes sellers fall into a trap of pricing the home based on what they need to net, rather than based upon comparables and what the home’s value is in this current real estate market. An experienced real estate agent will be able to prepare a list of what similar houses sold for in the seller’s neighborhood and help price the home so it will sell.

Choosing a real estate agent based on a personal, emotional connection, rather than a financial decision. Everyone knows a friend of a friend who is a real estate agent, but if they’re not familiar with the seller’s neighborhood or community, or if the agent only works part-time, they could put your listing at a disadvantage. A Realtor who has experience selling in the community has the knowledge of which marketing tools to use so that the home gets maximum exposure to all potential buyers.

Getting too emotionally involved. Moving can be stressful and selling a home can be like a roller coaster ride. Understanding that your home is a product or commodity to potential buyers can make the process easier. To a seller, the home is wrapped in memories and can feel like an extension of their personality, however, the potential buyer does not share the same sentiment, yet. The seller shouldn’t take it personally that an offer is not made after every showing. 

Not disclosing any problems. Trying to cover up a home’s problems, rather than disclosing them, raises a red flag to buyers. It could even ruin the sale. The seller should know that the buyer will have an inspection done and problems will be evident to the inspector.

Selling a home in this competitive Knoxville real estate market can be challenging, unless your contact an experienced Knoxville Realtor, like Judi Starliper. For additional seller tips, view the website.

Spring Break in Knoxville

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The countdown to Spring Break has begun for Knoxville area school children. Don’t despair if a trip to the beach or Disneyworld isn’t in your plans, there are plenty of fun-filled, kid-friendly activities right here in the area.

Ijams Nature Center is a wildlife sanctuary and learning center located on 275 acres of walking trails, ponds, and fields. They offer children and family programs, and they also feature a spring break camp with each day focusing on a different theme. Campers can attend the whole week or just one day.

The Knoxville Zoo offers Camp Wild for school-aged children. Kids can enjoy a day of adventure or the full week. They will participate in activities, like a behind-the-scene tour of animal areas and creating animal-inspired works of art. The Knoxville Zoo is also a great way to spend the day making memories with your family.

The American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge features many exhibits that will capture the attention of children and adults alike. Also, this museum provides a glimpse into the history of Oak Ridge and its role in World War II.

Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center in Farragut provides a fun-filled day for kids of all ages. With miniature golf, go-karts, and paint ball, there’s something for everyone.

Tuckaleechee Caverns is a short drive to Townsend. Estimated to be 20 to 30 millions of years of old, these caves are located under the Smoky Mountains. Tour guides provide historical information about the area and about caves.

The Lost See is the site of the largest underground lake. Located in Sweetwater, the Lost See adventure allows visitors a chance to explore caverns, tour an 18th century village, and take a boat ride on the underground lake.

Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains is the perfect spot for a family picnic or an early morning bicycle ride. An early evening drive around the cove could offer a chance to spot some exiting wildlife.

Knoxville is a great place to raise a family because of the excellent school systems and the wonderful opportunities for adventure and family fun. If you are looking for a home in Knoxville, it’s best to consult with a Knoxville Realtor, like Judi Starliper, who has experience in finding families their perfect dream home.