Buying a home – What not to do – I bought the house from the agent on the sign

Balance - Who represents you when you buy a home?

Nowadays, with many homebuyers starting their search on the Internet, it’s common for buyers to pick up the phone and call the agent who is listing the home. But is this a good idea? Many agents argue that it’s not and say this method could end up costing buyers money. Lets look at Agency Agency [...]

Flood Insurance – Who Needs It

Flooding in Nashville

Well for those of us who lived through the Nashville Floods of 2010, it seemed that almost everyone needed it.  Areas that were in a 500 year flood plain were affected.  Areas that no one could have imagined needed Nashville TN flood insurance were flooded.  And yes, that is a building floating down Interstate 24. Do [...]

Home Buyers Most Asked Questions

First Time Home Buyer

Buying a home can be overwhelming. Touchstone Title  has knowledgeable professionals to answer your title and closing questions, and Diane O and Friends is the realtor committed to making the home-buying experience a satisfying one for you. To help you begin your journey, here are some answers to a few of the most asked questions [...]

Why The Lender Matters

Downtown Franklin

So you are out looking for a home and everyone keeps asking you, “Do you have a lender?’. And you keep saying no, but I will get one when I find the right house. Not the best way to do things.  Finding the right lender can mean the difference between getting and not getting your [...]

New Rules Means More Documents When Applying for a Mortgage

Welcome home

Another great mortgage tip from our friend, Heath Albritton from F&M Mortgage. Getting a mortgage today is much different than it was in years prior.   The mortgage industry has changed and is now requiring more documentation than ever.  Everything must now be documented.  You will be required to provide a great deal of documentation that [...]

You Need Technology in Today’s Real Estate Market

PC use by Realtors

Sitting here in the RV on a holiday weekend makes me realize just how important technology is when buying and selling real estate. Whether it is a client moving into the Greater Nashville area or a client moving across Franklin your Realtor needs to be wired or wireless. Smart phones, IPads, laptops is just the [...]

How to figure a monthly mortgage payment

Know your numbers

Ok, you are ready to get out of the apartment living and into your own home…but what price house should you look for?  Where do you start?  Well, you start with knowing your expenses…all your expenses. Basically you will need to know what you are spending your money on and what if any expenses you can [...]

7 Reasons Why Now is a Good Time to Buy a Home

Heath Albritton from F&M Mortgage

This article was provided by our lending partner, Heath Albriton from F&M Mortgage. 1. Renting isn’t such a great deal. This is all about Econ 101: Demand for rentals the past few years has increased — a function of foreclosures and fewer existing renters making the decision to buy – and supply hasn’t kept up [...]

Now That You Have A Contract – What NOT to Do

Buying-a-Home - What not to do between contact and closing

You’ve negotiated a great deal and you can’t wait to move into your new home.  You know that you should get a home inspection, an inspection on the heat/air but what are some of the things you SHOULD NOT DO. Change Your Marital Status How you hold title is affected by your marital status.  So if this [...]

My Homeowners Insurance is What?

Tornado Oklahoma, USA

So many people have been shocked lately when they open their homeowners insurance bill, with many saying, “I haven’t had a claim in years, and my premiums are still going up”. 2011 has been the year of storms for insurance companies. Not to mention Katrina and Ike in previous years. Below is a list of [...]