PamelaStevenson

New Listings on Center Hill Lake

Whenever we have any free time, my husband and I like to head to Center Hill Lake (unless there is a UT football game at home-another story for later).  I have been fortunate enough to be able to co-list three great building lots and a home at Johnson Chapel.  There is a ramp at Johnson Chapel Recreation area and lots of room for family fun.  All of these lots have lake view and two are an approximate three minute walk to the water.  However, I ride whenever possible.  The home and two acre lot is an exceptional offering.  It has tons of additional parking plus a two car garage and a one car detached garage.  Be sure to look at all three of my new photo albums that show the area (cabin, 3 lots, and Johnson Chapel Recreation Area).  Shown by appointment only.  Give me a call.

Living in Franklin

I love living in Franklin.  However, that was not always the case.  When my husband and I started looking for our first home to buy in the mid 70s, we were sure that we wanted to live in the Green Hills area or the Crieve Hall area in Nashville.  After exhausting our search our real estate agent surprised us by saying, "There is this really cute home in Franklin that I think you would like."  It was a Saturday afternoon and we had spent a tiring morning looking at homes.  I'm in the back seat saying, "No, I don't want to move to Franklin; it's too far out."  My husband says, " Okay, let's look." Needless to say, later in the day we had bought our first home in Franklin.  Franklin was not then what it is now.  I cried the first weekend that I went to the grocery store.  We moved into our first little home on February 26, 1977.  I eventually transferred to a teaching job in Franklin and spent the next thirteen years teaching English at Franklin High and working some as a librarian at Franklin and Pinewood Elementary School. We have grown to love this little town and the history that surrounds it. Our boys were able to attend public education; they were lucky to be able to go thru school with the same group of friends.   It is true that some major changes have taken place in the last 30 years, but there is no where else that we would want to live. In my panel, Franklin at a Glance, you will be able to see some of the charm that won us over and has attracted many people to this county.

Buying Large Tracts of Land

Every transaction in real estate is different, but the ones that will surprise most is those dealing with more than five acres of land.  First of all, choose a lender in the area where you are purchasing a tract of land.  Be sure to ask up front if that lender makes loans on acreage, especially anything over five acres.  I just recently tried to complete a deal with a lender from out of state on a large tract of land with a home in a neighboring county.  In the eleventh hour the lender tells my client that they will only lend a percentage of the sales price because they don't lend money on large tract of land.  They would only lend on the house and five acres.  The lender will not return my phone calls and has yet to send me a denial letter, which left my buyer and me in a bind.  However, the seller and his agent agreed to terminate the contract with the return of my buyer's earnest money.  I will also share with you that large tracts of land may not have comparable sales that go back only six months as they are sometimes considered unique properties. Tax records may have to be searched for FSBO's (for sale by owners) or the appraiser may do a cost analysis.  However, most lenders use the comparables.

Homeowners Update-My Newsletter

Hello!  I know I already made one post today but I just remembered that I wanted to let everyone know about my Homeowners Update that is sent out every month.  It has great information in it for any homeowner.  If you would like to be on my mailing list please contact me and let me know!  I would be happy to add anyone on.  You can choose for it to be sent to you monthly or quarterly.  Just let me know!  Thanks!