http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Franklin_TN-64964/The latest answers submitted by Brenda Newman to questions asked on Trulia Voicesen-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/We_are_moving_to_the_franklin_area_and_were_lookin-67395Answer by Brenda Newman: Hi, Mike. I am a full time Realtor in Franklin, TN and would be happy to assist you in finding your new home. Depending on the price point of the townhome you're looking to purchase, you may or may not have a challenge selling. In our current market, both townhomes and single family homes can be a challenge. However, it's an amazing time to buy now if you're able. What exaclty are you looking for in your townhome; what is your price point and time frame? Then we can go from there. Thanks!Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:53:04 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/We_are_considering_a_move_to_the_Nashville_area_-64201Answer by Brenda Newman: Oh, yes...there are several communities in and around the Nashville area. Depending on your price range, area of interest and particular needs, I can send a sampling of homes in these types of developments if you'd like. Feel free to visit my website or contact me directly.Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:35:03 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Property_QandA/would_you_rent_the_house_for_mths_-61108Answer by Brenda Newman: Are you the owner of this home or a potential renter?Tue, 7 Oct 2008 13:25:35 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/removed-59082Answer by Brenda Newman: Welcome to Nashville, Dan! It sounds like schools are an important factor in choosing a location to settle. I would recommend researching some schools around the area so you can decide which ones you feel most comfortable with. I have several links on my website which have great information about schools and the difference communities around Nashville. Williamson County schools are very reputable, as are Sumner, Rutherford and Wilson counties. Among these three counties, and with your price requirements, a 30 minute commute might be a bit of a stretch (drive time without traffic is definitely within the 30 minute time frame depending on the part of the county, however). I'm here to help in any way I can, so please feel free to contact me! Brenda Newman, ABR, GRI Real Estate Consultant Bob Parks Realty Franklin, TN 615.714.4771 – cell brenda@BrendaNewmanHomes.com – email www.BrendaNewmanHomes.com – web Relocation SpecialistFri, 26 Sep 2008 07:09:55 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/Would_you_use_an_agent_with_a_full_time_job_other-51009Answer by Brenda Newman: I've asked myself this question before and my answer remains the same...In a seller's or buyer's shoes, I would want the full attention of the Realtor representing my best interest. It's a contractual agreement, involving the biggest investment of my life, and I would not want to share my Realtor with his/her other job or jobs while depending on them to take care of me, too. Part time attorney? Part time doctor? There's no way I'd hire one of those! The same goes for Realtors.Wed, 6 Aug 2008 07:32:32 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Market_Conditions/Is_now_a_good_time_to_buy_a_house_in_Hendersonvill-50554Answer by Brenda Newman: the short answer to your question is...YES!!!!! We are in a buyer's market in middle Tennessee and it's a GREAT time to buy a home! There are many choices and sellers that are motivated are ready to deal. While interest rates are still low, make the move! BUY NOW!Sun, 3 Aug 2008 18:40:06 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/removed-49654Answer by Brenda Newman: It depends on the situation...if a seller has their home listed with a Broker, the seller typically has agreed to pay a fee to both the listing company and the selling company; therefore, the realtor commissions come out of the seller's proceeds at closing. If a buyer's agent shows his/her client a For Sale By Owner, that FSBO may or may not agree to cooperate with an agent who brings a buyer to their home; in other words, he/she may or may not agree to pay a commission to the buyer's agency. If the FSBO refuses to compensate for the agent bringing a buyer that results in a contract and sale of their property, then the buyer's agent must come to agreement on how his/her fee is paid...usually by the buyer at closing. Clear as mud? As a rule, a listed property offers a commission to a Broker who brings a buyer...which means the Seller pays the agent's commission. Otherwise, it's to be determined between broker and buyer/seller and put in writing.Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:24:36 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Agent2Agent/Looking_for_Agent_Agent_referrals_out_of_the_are-48369Answer by Brenda Newman: I'm always looking for reciprical referral relationships! I'm in the Nashville area, specifically Williamson County which includes Brentwood, Franklin, Nolensville, Fairview, Spring Hill and Thompsons Station. I also recently formed a referral group on Linked In...here's the link below, or go to linkedin.com and search for Realtor referral under Groups.Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:01:50 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Foreclosure/Do_Buyers_Agents_get_paid_a_commission_on_a_forecl-48904Answer by Brenda Newman: Some realtors are not familiar with the process involved with foreclosures and short sales, so they tend to hesitate when a buyer wants to pursue one of those properties. It would be in your best interest to work with a Realtor who knows how foreclosures and short sales work so that he/she can guide you through the loopholes and obstacles that can come along the way. If you haven't signed a buyer's rep agreement with your agent, ask her to refer you to another agent who specializes in the types of properties you're interested in purchasing.Sat, 26 Jul 2008 08:43:05 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Are_my_expectations_too_high_in_Nashville_-46721Answer by Brenda Newman: That is a tough price range...where are you looking and what trade-offs are you willing to accept? Where is work and how long of a commute are you willing to have? These things will help determine location, and what you can get for that price.Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:19:27 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Agent2Agent/I_am_a_real_estate_agent_looking_for_creative_and_-44173Answer by Brenda Newman: www.vflyer.com is a great site...you create a flyer using their templates, then publish it to the web. It syndicates to several sites, plus you can copy and paste the widget to craigslist and backpage. ALL FOR FREE!!!! I love FREE...especially these days!Tue, 1 Jul 2008 18:42:19 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Schools/do_popular_grove_school_system_in_franklin_tn_go_-38251Answer by Brenda Newman: Poplar grove is on the year round calendar...9 weeks in and 3 weeks out.Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:29:19 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Is_a_new_home_in_the_Nolensville_area_a_better_inv-43905Answer by Brenda Newman: It depends...if you're looking at a new development that still has several years to go before it's built out, you might reconsider. If you have to sell before they finish the development, and especially if they are still building your house, you could have a hard time selling and competing with new construction. However, if they are building a completely different home than yours and you're not competing with the same price range, you should be fine. However, if you're competing with new homes like yours, you might have the advantage of having a home that's ready rather than a buyer having to wait for theirs to be built. In Williamson County, it's hard to go wrong where schools are concerned, so older homes tend to do fine. You might look at Cheswicke Farms, Polk Place, Sullivan Farms, Forrest Crossing and Eagles Glen as options in your price range. Feel free to contact me if you're interested in seeing any of them...I just spent last weekend showing homes in all of these developments.Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:26:40 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Using_Trulia/how_can_I_find_selling_price_of_homes_in_my_neighb-41572Answer by Brenda Newman: I'd recommend either calling your Realtor or you can pull tax records and find out that way.Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:02:28 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Is_Antioch_still_a_good_area_Moving_to_Nashville_-40779Answer by Brenda Newman: Smyrna is about a 15-20 minute drive from Murfreesboro, depending on which end of each area you're coming from and going to.Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:04:17 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Is_Antioch_still_a_good_area_Moving_to_Nashville_-40779Answer by Brenda Newman: Antioch has changed a LOT in the last 20 years...even moreso in the last 10 years. You'll definitely want to research the schools and crime in that area before deciding to settle there (you'll want to do that for any area for that matter). However, there are pockets of Antioch which are desirable, such as Cane Ridge. Schools may help you decide. Smyrna and Lavergne might be an option for you to start with...Murfreesboro is a good option with reputable schools, but further from Nashville. Depending on where you job is, you might look at Hermitage, Mt. Juliet, Bellevue, Thomspsons Station or Spring Hill. Feel free to visit my website and let me know how else I can assistWed, 11 Jun 2008 18:37:09 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/can_i_switch_to_another_realtor_-39401Answer by Brenda Newman: Hi Frank...it sounds like you have fulfilled your obligation to your listing contract. What have you been doing since June 1? Are you no longer on the market? We are in a strange market right now....homes are taking longer to sell, even in Franklin. You HAVE to be the BEST house at the BEST price; otherwise, buyers will move on because they have choices. Is there a lot on the market in your neighborhood? Where are you located in 37064. What do you feel your other agent should have done but didn't? It sounds like you needed more communication and in a timely manner, as well as a more PROactive approach to marketing your home. Am I correct? Also, are you moving within the same school district or to another one? It sounds like you're motivated.Tue, 3 Jun 2008 18:01:23 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Schools/do_popular_grove_school_system_in_franklin_tn_go_-38250Answer by Brenda Newman: Poplar Grove is considered a balanced schedule, so they do go year round with breaks throughout the year instead of one long summer vacation.Wed, 28 May 2008 05:15:49 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Looking_to_move_to_the_Nashville_area_and_need_som-37193Answer by Brenda Newman: I have a couple of great lenders who can help as well. Feel free to contact me directly through my website below.Wed, 21 May 2008 17:31:51 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/I_am_a_doctor_moving_to_Chattanooga_in_a_few_weeks-36360Answer by Brenda Newman: I strongly disagree with that...the agent you call from any sign in a yard is representing the SELLER...not you, the BUYER...you have the right and SHOULD seek out your own representation; otherwise, you have no one looking out for your best interest.Fri, 16 May 2008 09:35:38 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/I_am_a_doctor_moving_to_Chattanooga_in_a_few_weeks-36360Answer by Brenda Newman: I have a feeling you'll receive several replies, but if not, I'd be happy to refer you to a great agent in Chattanooga. Feel free to contact me via email or my website if you'd like. Thanks!Fri, 16 May 2008 09:26:51 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Buy_now_or_later_What_is_a_realistic_budget_-35117Answer by Brenda Newman: Now is absolutely the time to buy! Local market indicators are showing an upward trend in both housing prices and interest rates in the months ahead. Nashville's market is stable compared to most other parts of the country, so buying now while there are some good buys out there is the smart thing to do. No one can predict the market, so who's to say whether prices are going to go way up or stay stable. What we know NOW is that the market is very favorable for buyers. For 200k, you're not likely to find that house with a fenced yard, granite countertops and no vinyl siding in Brentwood...It doesn't exist. However, $200,000 can buy you a nice home elsewhere, so it depends on where you want to live. What areas are you interested in, and where will you be working? These details will help us help you better. Do you want 3 bedrooms? A single family home or townhome? How much of a commute are you okay with? Are there any other features that are important to you? My advice...BUY NOW or as soon as you are able!Fri, 9 May 2008 07:25:18 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/removed-35015Answer by Brenda Newman: Homeowners hire a real estate agent/broker/company to MARKET their home. It is a myth in the general public that a listing agent's job is to SELL the home. In very few instances does the listing agent actually bring a buyer who ultimately purchases the home they have listed. That is why a listing agent's main priority is to market the home in such a way that it attracts the attention of as many buyers and buyers' agents as possible; therefore, bringing qualified buyers to the property. As a listing agent, I spend a LOT of money and effort marketing my listings, attracting as much traffic and attention from potential buyers and other realtors as possible. After all, I represent my seller and their best interest. It would be a conflict to represent a buyer in the purchase of one of my listings. On the other hand, if an unrepresented buyer calls me on one of my listings and ends up wanting to purchase the home, then I can certainly present their offer to my sellers. BUT, that unrepresented buyer will receive no advice or negotiating power from me. I'm dedicated to my seller and obligated to him to provide advice and negotiating skills that are in his best interest. The marketing efforts of listings agents are what bring the buyers...represented or not. Putting a sign in the yard and listing on MLS used to do the trick...but not in this market. We have to work extra hard to target market our listings. Listings agents are hired to MARKET...not SELL...homes.Thu, 8 May 2008 14:20:37 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Schools/Wow_Where_do_I_begin_My_family_and_I_are_being_r-34871Answer by Brenda Newman: Wow! Welcome to Nashville! I, too, am from Jacksonville, Florida! I've been here now since 1995 and absolutely LOVE IT. My family is still in Jacksonville so I visit from time to time, but Nashville is truly home. I hope you'll find it to be the same for you and your family. What kind of price range are you looking in...you said you're working with a realtor currently? There are other reputable school districts, but knowing your price will help with where you can afford. I'd love to find out more about you and where in Jacksonville you're from...please let me know how else I can help as well!Wed, 7 May 2008 18:06:30 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/I_m_about_to_go_to_medical_school_in_the_fall_and_-33311Answer by Brenda Newman: I would recommend you contact a reputable lender to find out what kind of options you have. They'll need to know your specific financial situation and then can evaluate your options. Feel free to contact me for some names of lenders I use on a regular basis and trust to do a great job for you!Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:18:43 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/iam_thinking_of_buying_a_new_house_either_in_frank-30386Answer by Brenda Newman: Nimi, I just answered you in a separate post...are you living in the area now? Do you have children? Tell us more about your specific situation and we'll be glad to help!Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:47:58 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/i_would_like_to_buy_a_new_house_in_either_franklin-30387Answer by Brenda Newman: Hi Nimi, No one can predict the housing market, that is for certain. But I will say this about the market here. I live in Franklin and most of my business is in Williamson County. Because of the reputable schools and diverse economy, along with affordability and family-friendly atmosphere, you really can't go wrong in Wiliamson County. I would consider new construction ONLY if the community is close to being finished so that you're not competing with new construction when it comes time to sell in 3-5 years. There are plenty of highly desirable communities with existing homes, too, so don't rule them out. Tell us more about your price range, requirements and time frame, and we can help further. Thanks!Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:44:54 PDT