Jo Shaner

Bartlett is a very stable incorporated city in Shelby County with a great infrastructure (fire, police, sewer, water, government, etc.) and I find most of my clients who live there, usually "move up" to a larger home in Barltett. Not moving out of the city limits of Bartlett.

Your question is too vague though. What is your budget and what type of home are you looking for? Are meaning safe as in crime or as in investment return? When you say old - 100 years old or 20 years? You know houses are durable goods that have a long shelf life is well maintained.

I would love to help you along with my team in finding a wonderful home at an awesome price that fits your needs and that would appreciate as well as being appreciated. Let us know how we can help. - Tue Jul 22 2008, 05:59

This again, is two different cities located in Shelby County. Germantown is an older city, a closer suburb to Memphis. It has held steadfast with it's property values. I am a native of Memphis and grew up in East Memphis (which is more centrally located now and probably should be call midtown due to the growth of the city over the past 40 years). In the 70's families started moving to Germantown rapidly and it was "the place to live". Builders started building larger homes there compared with what was available out "East". Collierville was still a sleepy town and very rural. The growth started coming to Collierville in the mid 80's and really took off from the late 90's. However, there is a historical district but for the most part it's not a huge area, but very quaint just same. Some feel that Collierville did not grow as rapidly as it could have due to limited access in to the city - Poplar (Hwy 72) being the primary way and out of the city. That has all changed with Hwy 385 (Bill Morris Parkway) being built.

Collierville's taxes are slightly less per assessed value than Germantown (both still pay Shelby County Taxes). Both have sought after schools (it depends on who you talk to on which one is better & I am not getting into that discussion). Germantown does command more dollar per square foot generally, but in each area you may find wonderful deals.

Since you are tied to a lease for almost a year and anything can happen in an area, I suggest you enjoy yourself in Cordova until early Spring, then get serious on your next move. Try to take in the Germantown Festival (running of the weiner dogs), Coliiervilles activities such as air shows, etc., take in a movie in each area, eat out there. That will be the best way for you to get a first hand feel for the community you are looking into.

Both areas I would be happy to call home.

Take care,

Jo Shaner - Fri Jul 18 2008, 14:52

Germantown was settled long ago because of the railroad - that is just a fact of life that if you live in Germantown, more than likely you will hear the train coming.

Some people do get immuned to the noise just like living by an interstate or an airport, while others never do. It can be annoying if you like to do outside activities, say on your patio. However, money can make anything go away, or at least not quite as noticeable. Are you getting a desireable home for thousands less due to the stigma? If you placed this same home in a cul de sac one mile back, would this house sell for $50k to $75k more? A house on a busy street will sell for less than one on a quiet low traffic street - same exact house.

The tracks are more than likely not going away, so when and if you resale this home you will need to discount it again also - so keep that in mind.

I do not know your age, but as past experiences go, the younger you are you can adapt to adverse things such as noise. The older ones will try and will be calling a realtor to relist and get them a good night sleep!!

Best of luck,

Jo Shaner - Thu Jul 17 2008, 11:08

Glad to hear you are enjoying your move!!

Let me make this simple. All of Memphis is in Shelby County, but not all of Shelby County is Memphis. Shelby County is huge (in most respects) and also most large cities are in several different counties - not so here. Shelby County takes in: Bartlett, Arlington, Coliierville, Germantown, Millington, Lakeland and Memphis.

Each of the cities listed above are their own cities. Shelby County collects (property) taxes from all these and each city has their own city tax base with the exception of Lakeland, which does not charge their residents any city taxes.

Cordova is an area - not a city, within Shelby County. Part of it has already been annexed into the City of Memphis and some parts are call the "unincorporated" area, which means they presently those homeowners are not paying city taxes yet. They will as soon as they are annexed. It is not a matter of "if" just when they become annexed.

Now about Cordova - for many years it was a hot new area, with affordable updated homes. The county only taxes also made it very attractive to homebuyers. When Cordova lost it's appeal to become it's own city, many were upset with the annexation and started looking at areas that were already their own city outside of the Memphis City limits.

Germantown is an old city/township. The price per square footage commands more. So, if we were looking for a home with more modern ammenities, perhaps less than 10 years old under the $200K range - Cordova wins hands down.

I have lived in both areas and quite frankly, I loved both. However, timing is everything and depending on your budget, lifestyle, and savvy buying, both could be an awesome investment. Contact a Realtor (if you don't have one - let me know!) and have them show you how your family can find the right fit.

Take care,

Jo Shaner - Tue Jul 15 2008, 14:36

I have had clients do an exchange and then roll the outstanding amount into the new purchase, but it was with a local lender that had a business relationship with these folks. I must also add, they all had fantastic credit and one was a doctor and the other had a tramatic life experience (that I wouldn't wish on anyone).

I would first check with a local bank/lender. Explain what you are wanting to do and see if they can come up with a solution for you.

Best always,

Jo Shaner - Mon Jul 14 2008, 11:52