Knoxville Real Estate Agent Archives

Holding An Effective Yard Sale

Make sure your yard sale is a successful one…

Yard/Garage sales are a necessary evil for most of us. While it’s generally a great feeling to purge your house (and your life) of items you don’t want/need any longer, the preparation that goes into a yard sale can be daunting. That said, if you’re going to make the effort to move things out the garage, attic, and closets, then it’s important to do everything you can to make sure you don’t have to put them back! Here are a few tips we’ve compiled from those who have held successful (and profitable) yard sales.

Advertising:

Like most things in 2019, promoting your yard sale online is essential. Sites like Craigslist and yardsalesearch.com, and gsalr.com are great resources for getting the word out.

We also highly recommend using social media to promote your yard sale…

Create a new event on Facebook and invite all of your Facebook friends.
Post a short video that previews some of the items you plan to sell on Facebook and Instagram.
Post a tweet with the time and date of yard sale. Include a photo with some of the items that you plan to sell
Pro Tip! If you only have a few things to sell, try and sell them on Facebook Marketplace before committing your weekend to full-blown yard sale.

Signage:

This where we see a lot of folks fall short… Strategically placed legible signs are essential to capturing any drive-by traffic. Signs should be placed at the entrances to neighborhoods, all surrounding main roads, and at the actual location of the yard sale. We recommend using professional-looking signs that you can buy a Lowe’s, Home Depot or online. If you’re on a limited budget, you can make your own signs, but make sure the verbiage is as bold as possible. Don’t forget to include the date, time(s), and the address of the yard sale. On the day of the sale, double-check all of the signs to make sure they didn’t go missing or have been damaged. Be prepared to put out new signs if necessary.

Pricing:

Before your yard sale, do your best to disconnect with the emotions and sentimental value of everything you’re selling. Price all items to sell and be prepared to negotiate. Remember, the main reason for having a yard sale is to get rid of stuff.

Donate:

We always recommend donating whatever you don’t sell at the yard sale. Unfortunately, this won’t put extra money in your pocket, but it will give you a nice tax write off and likely help others :-).

We hope these tips help you prepare for your next yard sale. We always recommend that our clients consider a yard sale as part of their moving process, especially if they have a lot of stuff they don’t want to take to their new home. It’s a great way to limit the number of boxes that need to be packed and can definitely help provide extra money for moving costs!

HMG – One of the top-selling real estate teams in the country for 2018

We’re so excited to announce that HMG was, once again, one of the top-selling real estate teams in the country last year! Every year, RealTrends compiles “The Thousand” report that ranks the top estate teams and agents in the United States. This year, we made the top 250 based on the number of closings/sides we completed in 2018. We’re so, so grateful to our staff, real estate agents, and clients for being part of our success last year.

To see this complete list, check out the complete report on the RealTrends website…

5 Reasons Why Living in Knoxville ROCKS!

This list could go on forever, but here are some of our favorites…

#1: Affordable Living

The cost of living in Knoxville is low compared to other parts of the country. In fact, Knoxville just ranked #8 on Realtor.com’s list of the 10 Best Affordable Small and Midsize Cities to Live In 2018. Simply put, you’ll be able to enjoy a higher quality of life for much less money than you would in other cities and states. That means more opportunities for travel, housing upgrades, and much more.

#2: Outdoor Activities

Knoxville’s proximity to areas such as Big South Fork National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park allow for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, breathtaking views, unique wildlife, and many other fun activities. Our next blog will cover in more detail some of our favorite places to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air in the area. Until then, check out our list of 6 state and national parks close to Knoxville.

#3: Tennessee Sports Culture

The sports scene is alive and well in Knoxville. US News & World Report points out that sports enthusiasts will enjoy cheering on the Tennessee Smokies (AA affiliate for the Chicago Cubs), the Knoxville Ice Bears professional hockey team and the very popular SEC-affiliated University of Tennessee Volunteers. You’ll find our tailgating tips helpful once football season rolls around again!

#4: Moderate Climate, Minimal Snow

This is a selling point that anyone in New England or the Midwest will appreciate. Sperling’s Best Places offers a nice snapshot of the overall climate and weather in Knoxville. To sum it all up, on average there’s less rain and far less snow in Knoxville than in other parts of the country, and an average of 204 sunny days per year. The July high temperature is around 87 degrees, and the January low is 28 degrees on average. Not too shabby when you consider the Arctic Winter experienced in many parts of the country last year!

#5: History, Dining, and Culture

Knoxville boasts a rich history and cultural scene. It’s fun to explore how Knoxville got to where it is today at one of 20 local museums, numerous performing arts venues, and historic neighborhoods. Local restaurants and breweries offer plenty of options for residents and visitors of all ages! Downtown Knoxville’s Market Square is one of our favorite places to enjoy a good meal and take in a night on the town. You’ll also love the local events offered in Knoxville, particularly in the springtime. Click here to discover 14 East Tennessee spring festivals to check out in 2018.

Sidenote: Local Love

Have you searched the #KnoxRocks tag on Instagram? It’s a fun way to get a visual perspective on why we all like to call Knoxville “home.” We also recommend connecting with local bloggers to stay updated on the latest local happenings. Here are a few of our favorites:

Knoxville Moms Blog

Visit Knoxville Blog

Knox Foodie

Investment Property Tips

Buying investment property: What you need to know!

Follow these tips to find the right investment property…

We firmly believe that real estate is one оf the best ways to build your wеаlth. Aside from helping to diversify your investment portfolio, most investors tend to have more control over their returns from real estate than from other investment types. If handled соrrесtlу, thе right dеаl саn a yield huge return on your investment. That said, before buуіng any investment рrореrtу, fоllоw thеѕе tips to hеlр уоu gеt ѕtаrtеd.

Be Prepared

It is important to have your financing and/or available funds in place BEFORE you start looking to purchase an investment property. If the right property hits the market, you want to be able to jump on it immediately. To be a successful real estate investor, you should get pre-qualified for an investment property loan through your bank and have a separate account with your investment funds before making any purchases.

Set Realistic Goals

Another key step to making smart real estate investments is making sure you know exactly what your long-term plans will be. Are you planning to buy the property, renovate it, then sell it (a flip)? Do you plan to hold onto the property and rent it? Do you have sufficient funds to complete the renovations and repairs on the property you’re looking to buy? These are all questions you should answer BEFORE making any offers.

Do the Research

Rеѕеаrсh іѕ еѕѕеntіаl whеn buуіng investment рrореrtу. You need to have a solid grasp on the local real estate market conditions, current comparable home values and rental rates in the locations you want to invest in. This is the step that will determine how much profit/return you’ll make from your investments.

PRO TIP: It is generally NOT a good idea to purchase an investment property in your own name. You’ll want to consult with a qualified attorney to set up a special type of legal entity (LLC or Corporation) to hold your real estate investments to lessen the risk to your personal assets and provide you with certain tax benefits.

Establish a Budget

Make a budget to see if you can actually afford the risks associated with the investment while still maintaining your current quality of life. Prepare to have a large down payment (typically 15% to 25% of the purchase price) and a good credit score. If you are buying a property that you plan to rent, be sure you have the available funds to cover the mortgage payment and upkeep while the property is vacant.

You also need to put together a project budget for each investment property you want to buy! Start by determining how much you want to make from either the sale of the property or from the rent received each month. You’ll then need to accurately determine the various costs involved for renovations, routine maintenance, taxes, insurance, utilities and loan interest. We always recommend having a competent contractor give you an estimate for the scope of work BEFORE you make an offer on any investment property. Once you’re confident in your budget, then you can make a smart decision on whether to move forward with purchasing the investment property. Don’t forget to build in at least 10% for unforeseen costs within your budgets!

Call The Experts

HMG can help make sure the investment properties you buy are the right ones. We have extensive experience working with real estate investors. We can also provide you with first-hand knowledge of our own real estate investment projects to ensure you’re maximizing your returns. Send us a message or call us at (833) HMG-SOLD to set up a consultation!

Pricing Your Home Correctly: Why It Matters

How much should you ask for your home?

Pricing a home correctly is the main factor that determines how fast and how much money it will sell for. Of course one wants to get the full value for their home, but overpricing it can have unintended consequences. The first step to getting the best price is to determine your home’s value by taking the following factors into consideration:

Your home’s value may depend on the recent sales prices and current list prices of comparable homes in your area. After reviewing these prices, your price can be properly adjusted according to current market trends and the specifics of your home (ex. square footage, bedroom count, age, certain improvements).
Buyers tend to look in the price range determined by their monthly budget. They’re are often very knowledgeable about the homes in their price range and purchase one by comparison. Above market asking prices tend to be an immediate turnoff and will turn away most buyers.
Inviting a potential buyer to make an offer shows that you are willing to negotiate. However, if your asking price is too high, then the buyer may not see the point in even making an offer and move on to another property.
It’s necessary to offer pricing, terms and conditions that are competitive in your market. This will help you sell faster and for more money.

Accurate pricing sells homes faster and for more money

If your home is priced below market value it will generally sell faster. However, leaving money on the table doesn’t usually sit well with most sellers.

Pricing your home too high typically results in far less showings, and most of those do not generate offers. It also results in a lower sales price when the house finally does sell. According to extensive research done by Keller Williams Realty International, homes that required 1 or more price reductions sold for less money than homes that required no price reductions! For example, homes that required 3 price reductions sold for 88% of the original list price and took, on average, 146 days to sell. Homes that required no price reductions sold for 99% of their original list price and took, on average, 40 days to sell.

The conclusion? Pricing a home correctly from the start ensures that your home will sell in the shortest time possible and for the best possible price. Sounds great, right?!

Selling your Knoxville area home for the highest possible price

The Holli McCray Group consistently sells homes faster and for more money because we know how to properly price our listings. Our honest and accurate approach to pricing homes in the Knoxville area provides our clients with a solid understand of what their property is truly worth in today’s market. We have a team of experts who have provided values for hundreds of properties in our area using the most accurate and relevant data, so you can feel confident in our home value opinions. We offer no-obligation home valuations, so you find out your home’s current value even if you don’t plan on selling it right now.

Learn more about selling your home in Knoxville, TN and contact us when you’re ready to sell. Curious about your home’s value? CLICK HERE for a general idea of what your Knoxville area home is worth.

Throw A Flawless Event At Your Home

Curate to Your Crowd. Give Them What They Want…

These 4 tips for throwing a great party in your home will make sure your guests are comfortable and having fun…

It’s time to celebrate! Whether it’s a housewarming party with friends and new neighbors in your new home, a family event, birthday party or summer barbecue, keep your guests and your goals in mind when you’re planning. Knowing your “audience” when hosting a party is crucial. Remember–the party isn’t always about you (unless of course, it is, in which case you should share this link with someone planning it!).

CLEAN & NEAT

Cleaning your home is obvious when hosting a party, but don’t skimp on the details. Make sure everything from your landscaping to your toilets are spotless before the first guests make an appearance. Short on time? Consider a cleaning company to come in and handle the big stuff so you can focus on the event.

FOOD & DRINKS

If you wine and dine them they will come! Anticipating dietary restrictions and allergies when planning your menu can save you from awkward apologies and hungry guests on the day of your party. Always order or prepare more food than you think you will need. Give your guests what they want and don’t forget the non-alcoholic beverages! Remember, not everyone partakes in the drinking of adult beverages. For most adult parties, a 70/30 split of alcoholic to non-alcoholic beverages is a healthy balance. Those non-alcoholic drinks can also serve as mixers for your guests’ cocktails.

If you want to do a cocktail party theme, keep it traditional with finger food options. If a self-serve buffet is more your style, then make sure you have enough space to set all of the food out and plenty of room for guests to sit and eat. If you can’t, don’t want to or don’t have time to cook, then hire a caterer to put together a spread that fits within your budget for the event.

ENTERTAINMENT

From a specific music playlist, a night of fun board games, or even an adult-themed pinata, you will want to give your party-goers something to do that will keep the vibe warm and fun. You want your guests to have an opportunity to “break the ice” with each other, especially in larger settings most people don’t know each other. Try and keep the flow of people spread out, so all your guest are not concentrated into one area to help encourage people to mingle.

PRO TIP: Casino parties are one of the best ways to get a larger diverse group of people to mingle with each other. Guests can play for prizes. Most cities have companies that will bring in the tables and dealers for you.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Is there a theme to your event? Try to stay true to the concept from top-to-bottom, so you can enhance the guest experience. Let’s say you’re throwing a housewarming party. It could be fun to have a keepsake for your guests to sign. You may also consider a small takeaway or party favor so your guests will remember the event for a long time.

Setting-up an Instagram-style frame and displaying a party hashtag will encourage your friends to get social and will help get people taking pics in case you don’t have time. Renting a photo booth with props such as mustaches and party hats can also add to the party atmosphere.

And don’t forget to enjoy the party alongside your friends and family!!

6 Tips For Choosing The Right Neighborhood

Choosing the right neighborhood for YOU!

There are many factors to consider when buying a home, and the neighborhood it’s in is at the top of that list. Lifestyle can dictate some of your specific criteria, such as choosing a highly-rated school district or having access to a community pool. In general, your lifestyle requirements are helpful in identifying the type of Knoxville neighborhood you will want to buy a home in and live happily ever after.

Crime & Neighborhood Statistics

Living in a safe neighborhood is of the utmost importance to most buyers, especially those with children. Investigate the crime rates in the areas you are considering, and be sure to drive by at night to see what the vibe is like. Social media is also a great place to get more information about crime in an area. Many cities have pages/accounts where people post crimes and disturbances that occur throughout that city. While theft, burglary, or vandalism can occur anywhere, today’s technology makes it fairly easy to see how common these types of activity are to determine whether a certain neighborhood is right for you. No matter what the crime rate is in a given area, it’s always a good idea to drive through the entire neighborhood of any home you are interested in.

Proximity To Work

The location of your workplace also plays a role in choosing a neighborhood to buy a home. How far is the commute in the morning and after work? Will you be going with or against the flow of traffic? It pays to drive your intended route one or two times at peak traffic times so you know what you’ll be up against. Public transportation may also be an option, so be sure to look into bus and commuter train routes that are in close proximity to where you plan to live.

School District

Whether you have children or not, a neighborhood with a good school district is important because it impacts the resale of the homes in that community. Using a site like Great Schools can be helpful to research area schools to see what the school zoning is for various neighborhoods and confirm whether or not a certain home falls within your desired school zone. KGIS is also a great tool that lists the school zones for any address within Knox County.

Access to Amenities

One of the most important things to consider when buying a home is how close it is to certain things. Is the neighborhood close to hospitals, grocery stores, ball fields, parks, and/or bodies of water? Does the neighborhood have its own amenities such as a community pool, clubhouse, workout facility, and/ or walking trails? Make a list of the amenities that are most important to you and ensure that whichever home you choose to buy, the neighborhood is relatively close to those things.

The Neighbors

In our last blog, we discussed how neighbors can affect the sale of your home. The same can be said for the impact neighbors can have on your quality of life after you buy a new home. Take note of the condition of neighborhood homes. Are they clean and well-kept or are they visible eyesores? Ideally, you want a good curb appeal to be consistent throughout the neighborhood. It also pays to drive by on weekend nights to see if the noise levels are under control. Lastly, pay close attention to how close the houses are to each other. Make sure the proximity of the home you’re considering to the neighbors is acceptable, especially from the backyard.

Knoxville Subdivisions

There are many great neighborhoods in the Knoxville area. Explore some of our favorite subdivisions here, and don’t hesitate to call or text our buyer team anytime at (865) 335-0542 if you need more details on a certain neighborhood. We can also schedule a private showing on any of the homes that interest you. If you just need more information, our buyer team can provide you with past sales, neighborhood restrictions, HOA fees, community lifestyle, and proximity to major landmarks for just about any neighborhood in the area.

The Holli McCray Group Wins Best Realtor Category

We are extremely pleased to announce that The Holli McCray Group has been voted #1 in the Best Realtor category for the News Sentinel Best of Knoxville for 2016! We would like to thank all of those who voted for us. It is truly an honor to be recognized for our hard work and commitment to providing our clients with the highest level of service possible.

The Holli McCray Group remains committed to providing excellent customer service for our clients. This includes proper guidance through the real estate sales process and providing relevant marketing for today’s world. Our purpose is to serve our community by helping people sell their homes for the highest price possible in the shortest amount of time or buy the right home for the right price.

You can contact The Holli McCray Group by email or feel free to give us a call at (865) 291-0355

The Holli McCray Group on WOKI & WIVK in Knoxville

The Holli McCray Group is Endorsed on the Radio!

You may have heard Holli McCray’s name on the radio. That’s because Holli McCray and The Holli McCray Group are the real estate agents who are endorsed by Phil Williams and Hallerin Hilton Hill on NewsTalk 98.7 | WOKI. They are also endorsed by Andy & Alison on 107.7 | WIVK. The reason these reputable radio personalities have agreed to talk about HMG on the air is because we are the top selling real estate team in the Knoxville area and we deliver results. Phil, Hallerin, Andy and Alison have brought up countless stories of our happy clients who have sold their homes fast and for top-dollar.

To find out if The Holli McCray Group is the right real estate team for you, contact us today! You can also check out our website to find out how much your home is worth or to see what homes are currently for sale in the Knoxville area.

The Benefits of Having a Basement

5 Reasons to Buy a Home With a Basement

If you’re thinking about buying a home with a basement in the Knoxville area, you’re in luck! Homes with basements are very common in this area and area available in all price ranges. That said, the question you need to ask yourself before considering a home with a basement is whether or not you need one. While basement square footage is less expensive than “above grade” square footage, it is still an added cost. Make sure you have a reason for purchasing the basement space before you make an offer on home that has a basement. Below are 5 benefits to having a basement to help you decide if you actually need or want one!

1. Storage: Basements (both finished and unfinished) make great storage areas. It allows you to keep the garage (and your home) less cluttered.

2. Privacy: Basement rec rooms, playrooms or media rooms make great places for kids to play away from the adults, relax and watch a movie without distractions or shoot a game of pool.

3. Separate Living Quarters: If the basement includes a bedroom, bathroom and possibly a kitchenette, it can make a great separate living space for a friend or family member. Some people even rent out their basements if it has its own exterior door.

4. Accessibility of Major Systems: Typically, basement homes give you easier access to to pipes, wires and ducts than homes on slabs or crawl spaces. Basements are an ideal location for water heaters, water pressure tanks, water softeners and furnaces as well. Having basement access to all of these items makes repairs/remodeling cheaper and easier.

5. Hobbies: A basement provides many people with the needed space to partake in things they love to do such as woodworking, brewing beer, yoga or holding the monthly card game.

There are definitely more benefits to owning a home with a basement. The question is whether or not they are a priority to you! Should you decide that now is the time to buy a basement home or would like more information on whether or not a home with a basement is a good investment, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

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