Karen Taylor

I moved from California 18 years ago and have NEVER regretted it. Our family’s quality of life is so much better here in the south. Here we can afford a really nice home in what we consider a wonderful area, Collierville. In fact, Collierville High School was picked as one of the top 1400 schools by Newsweek Magazine May 2008. I'm not knocking California in fact I think it's a great place to visit but would not want to return to live. I'm a realtor and I specialize in relocation clients and I would say 99% of my relocation clients have been happy with their move. Of course there are pro's and con's to every city and it sure seems like there is crime everywhere now, but what it boils down to is what is important to your family.

Hope this helps, and if you do decide to investigate Memphis or Desoto Counties feel free to call or email me anytime!

Karen A. Taylor
ERA Chamberwood Realty
karen@yourtaylorteam.com - Tue Jul 8 2008, 15:19

Shelby County, Fayette County and Desoto County are all areas within the "Memphis Market". Your best bet for a new construction "deal" is probably Desoto County, MS. It's just south of Memphis and has experienced the biggest new home growth over the last 10 years. Many builders are offering bonuses, ect. to buyers right now to help move inventory. Once the inventory lightens up some of the incentives will dry up as well. So if you’re looking for a new home near or around Memphis try looking in Desoto and/or Marshall Counties in MS. The only draw back to living in MS vs. TN is you will pay personal state income tax but won't in TN. So, depending on your income status that could factor into your decision making. If you don't want to pay state income tax (who doesn't) then I would suggest looking in TN. Fayette County has a lot of new developments with lots of builder incentives. If your looking for a realtor licensed in both states feel free to contact me via email or cell anytime. 901-301-4853 karen@yourtaylorteam.com

Karen A. Taylor
ERA Chamberwood Realty Collierville TN - Tue Jul 8 2008, 12:27

AMEN! Elvis.

Karen Taylor - Tue Jul 8 2008, 12:13

Sad to say, but I've been in this business a long time and I've NEVER sold a house at an open house. The serious buyers usually come during the week and even in bad weather. But with that being said, I do work on some Sunday's and I do hold open houses. I have changed my marketing strategy over the last year or so to only doing one open house per listing period for my sellers. I give them a copy of my marketing strategy up front at the listing appointment so they know there will only be one open house. The reason for only doing one open house is when your a successful realtor you most likely have more than a handful of listings and it's impossible to do an open house each Sunday for each listing (even with help from jr. realtors). Also, I find that the serious buyers are usually working with a professional realtors and schedule viewings at their convenience not usually between 2:00 & 4:00 on Sunday.
Try not to disregard this realtor just because she will not work on Sunday or do the Open Houses, better yet ask for references and look at her long standing record.

Hope this helps!

Karen A. Taylor
ERA Chamberwood Realty - Tue Jul 8 2008, 11:50

Hi Grace,
Sounds like you might not be working with realtor?
I've assisted serveral buyers with foreclosures in the last year and what I've found that the person on the negotiation side for the bank usually does not make their decisions based on the buyers credit. Although, it will definatley be a factor when your bid is accepted. If for some reason the winner will not be able to qualify then the bank usually drops that bidders offer and moves on to the second offer. Also, keep in mind that just because there is another offer does not always mean they are competing offers. The other offer might be offering full price but asking for down payment assistance and/or closing costs which would effect the banks bottom line.
As I tell all my buyers you should always make your best offer first (whether it's a foreclosure or not) because you might run the risk of loosing the home to someone else who wants the house just as bad and has made their best offer. If the home has been on the market for quite a while without any drop in price then make a lower offer but beware that if it's too low you might not even hear back from the lender!

Hope this helps! And call one of your local realtors so they can help you through the process, it's a jungle out there!

Karen Taylor ERA Chamberwood Realty
karen@yourtaylorteam.com - Tue Jul 8 2008, 11:29