Smoky Mountains Real Estate and Community News

Common Pests in Tennessee and How to Keep Them at Bay

Tennessee has stunning rivers, gorgeous mountains, and year-round temperate weather. However, we also have bugs — and lots of them. A few of the most common pests in the area include brown recluse spiders, cockroaches, and mice. For the most part, we have learned to live with these critters, but there has to be a balance. This is especially important if you have out-of-town visitors heading in for summer, as the site of a lone spider or the scuffle of mouse paws is a sure way to send them scuttling off to the nearest hotel.

Non-Human Roommates

Brown recluse spiders and cockroaches are perhaps the two most concerning pests in Eastern Tennessee: cockroaches because they carry diseases and brown recluse spiders because they are one of two poisonous arachnids in the area. The National Capital Poison Center explains that while brown recluse spiders strive to avoid human contact, they bite when threatened. This can cause a serious injury that may require surgical debridement and weeks of antibiotics. Bed bugs, mice, and ants are other unwanted house guests that require an eviction notice.

General Advice

Regardless of the kind of pest you are trying to avoid, there are a few things you can do to cover all of your bases. Start by cleaning and organizing your home, especially the dark areas such as the garage, basement, attic, and closets. Get rid of clutter by purging duplicates, taking out as much paper as possible, and storing important documents in the filing cabinet. You will also want to eliminate excess electronics, such as old radios and televisions, as bugs can climb inside them and live happily without human interference. Old furniture also has to go.

Food is another factor that attracts many pests, including cockroaches, mice, and ants. Any time you leave food accessible, you are writing an open invitation for an infestation. Planet Orange, a California-based pest control company, also notes that strong odors from garbage can attract unwanted visitors. So, make a point to clean up after each meal and do not leave food in an open trash can. Utilize your garbage disposal as much as possible, and clean your pantry regularly. Open packages, such as cereal or cookies, are an easy meal for bugs and mice, so transfer these items to a rigid plastic container once they have been opened.

Once you have the inside taken care of, you will need to turn your attention to the exterior of your home. All pests enter from outside, and blocking their access can significantly cut down on the number of intruders in your interior. Check the foundation and exterior walls for cracks, holes, and crevices that might allow bugs and mice inside. Keep in mind that mice are smaller than they look and can fit into openings the width of a pencil. Seal these issues with caulk, and make sure to install weather strips on doors and windows.

Banish Bed Bugs

These bothersome little biters can hitchhike from one location to another by way of moving boxes, luggage, and clothing. If you have guests coming, check the bed for signs of an infestation, keeping in mind that bed bugs can live for several months to a year without feeding, so there is no guarantee an unused room will be free of them. Your best bet at this point is to completely clean and sanitize the room and invest in a new mattress and bedding. A waterproof mattress cover and regular vacuuming will also help keep these creatures at bay.

Sharing your home with pests can be hazardous to your health. That said, cleaning, preventing access, and eliminating food sources can help reduce the number of rodents, insects, and arachnids that call your house home.

Image via Pixabay

Prepare Now for Future Major Home Repairs

Home-ownership can bring many joys, but it can also bring many headaches.  One of the most stressful aspects of owning a home is dealing with major repairs.  Whether the repairs are from expected wear and tear or the result of an unexpected event, the cost can be large and overwhelming.  Let’s discuss a few things to help you prepare for these potential circumstances.

Routine vs. Major Home Repair

Routine home care and repair ensures that your home is in proper working order, and prevents future damage from escalating.  Better Homes and Gardens has a helpful checklist of various things to inspect and clean in your house.  Routine care ranges from changing your HVAC air filter to inspecting your roof for damaged or missing shingles.  While regular maintenance can help ward off future issues, there are still unexpected damages that can arise and need immediate attention.  Your old roof may finally need to be replaced, or a pipe can burst and flood your home with standing water.  When these problems arise, you’ll have hopefully set aside enough money to cover the damage and repair.

How to Save for the Big Cost of Repairs

Unfortunately, most major repairs cost a considerable amount of money.  The national average cost of a major home repair or renovation is $10,580, and that can be difficult to come up with if you haven’t been putting money aside already.  Begin saving for a home repair fund now so that you will be prepared when these major repairs are needed. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10% of your mortgage each month to build up the fund in a high yield savings account.  With that account already established, you will be able to cover repairs – routine or major – along the way.

Contact Your Insurance Company

In addition to starting a home repair fund, whenever major damage has occurred to your home, it is important to first contact your insurance company.  Some incidents are covered under your insurance policy, in which case you would only be responsible for your deductible. Other causes of damage, such as water damage from a flood or sewer back-up, are not covered.  In some cases, there are supplemental insurance policies that you can buy to help extend coverage to include specific circumstances.  For example, if you live in an area that is prone to flooding, it would be highly encouraged to purchase flood insurance to supplement your existing homeowner’s policy.

Hire a Professional

Once you have sorted out the financial aspect of the repair, it is important to select the right contractor to fix the damage.  US News suggests taking recommendations from friends or family, and interviewing at least 3 contractors to discuss their experience and proposed bids.  While you may feel a panicky need to get the job done as quickly as possible, it is important to take the time to get the right contractor for the job.  Unfortunately, in the contractor industry, there may be individuals who are trying to scam you and take your money.  There is a desired balance between spending a reasonable amount while still getting quality work done.  You can feel confident in the decision you’ve made with careful research and confirmed references.

Major home repairs are an inevitable reality of home-ownership, whether the damage is from mother nature or just old age.  Taking steps to prepare for major damage will save you time and stress when that day comes. Start your home repair fund as soon as possible, and review the coverage on your home’s insurance policy.  When the day comes that you need to fix your home, choose your contractor wisely. Following these simple steps will ensure that the damage will be repaired effectively and affordably, keeping your home sturdy for many more years to come.

Photo Credit: pixabay.com

Helpful Tips for Buyers Whose Dream Home Needs Structural Work

As someone on the market for a new home, you’ve quickly realized that finding the perfect home is nearly impossible. There are certainly homes that come close to ticking off all those boxes, but some need extra work to turn the house into a home. The best part about a house is that it can be changed to meet your needs and preferences, becoming a full-on or partial fixer-upper. If you want an open kitchen, tear the down the wall. If you’d prefer a garage rather than parking your car in the elements, build on an attachment. If structural changes are on the agenda for your future home, here are a few things to consider.

Include the Costs in Your Budget

If you know you’ll be making some changes, you’ll need to factor remodeling costs into your budget. Before you start drawing up plans, ask your home inspector to pinpoint any problems or serious issues so the homeowner can fix it or negotiate the price. If everything checks out, bring in a contractor to give you an estimate for the work you’d like done. For example, you’ll find that tearing down a wall in your kitchen that isn’t load-bearing is a lot cheaper ($300 to $1,000) than bringing down a wall that is load-bearing ($1,200 to $3,000). Work closely with your real estate agent to negotiate a price and ensure you aren’t over-paying. Your agent can also help you decide what improvements are worth the investment and will offer a hefty return by comparing similar homes nearby. You don’t want to sink money into a remodel that will price your home way out of the market that is typical in that area, as this will make it hard to sell in the future.

Be Smart About Saving Money

Remodeling can get pricey, so you might be looking for any possible way to cut costs. However, don’t save by forgoing a contractor and doing it yourself or sacrificing quality and good workmanship. Instead, look for smart savings such as hiring a contractor outside of the peak seasons (spring and summer), handling small tasks yourself, and sticking to your plan rather than adding on here and there, as this adds up. Another way to save is with low-cost finishings. For example, if you need extra space, consider adding on a steel garage as opposed to the traditional wood, which tends to come with a higher price tag. Steel garages are sturdy and sleek, and can be made to match your home, providing the benefit of extra space for your car, yard tools, and miscellaneous items, all without shelling out the big bucks. The same concept of using more cost-effective materials can be applied to all areas of your home, such as using laminate instead of granite when refurbishing or installing new counter-tops.

Get All Your Ducks in a Row

Home remodels aren’t a DIY project unless they are minor, so you’ll need to put together a dream team. Get quotes and consultations from at least three different contractors, and do your research to make sure they have the proper licenses and are insured. In addition to having the necessary paperwork and certifications, consider whether you both have the same vision and a full understanding of what you want and expect. Don’t forget to discuss permits, as most structural changes, such as adding or removing walls, additions, and demolitions, will require one to ensure the work is done safely and in compliance with building and neighborhood codes. If the contractor insists they don’t need a permit, move on to someone else.

Finding your dream home is possible, but it might need a few updates and changes. Structural changes sound intense, but with the right plan and contractor, your home is in good hands. Budget accordingly, cut costs the smart way, hire a team, and watch your home receive new life.

So What is “Earnest Money,” Anyways?

So, you probably knew when you started this whole house-buying-process-thing that you wouldn’t be able to get out of it without putting at least SOME money in. We like to talk about no-down-payment and low-down-payment options, but the truth is you are going to have to have at least some funds on hand to get into that new-to-you-home. 

When you enter into a contract to buy a home, you will be required to put down what is known as “earnest money.” It’s easy to agree on a price and sign on the dotted line promising that you will buy something, but the seller wants to see you have a little skin in the game. A little bit of “good faith,” if you will. 

Earnest money amounts vary widely. You may only need to put down $500, or if you are paying cash you may need to put down 10% of the purchase price. Your agent will advise you here, but be prepared for at least $500. 

This money goes into what is known as an “escrow account.”  Don’t worry - you aren’t slipping it into the seller’s pocket. Your real estate agent’s firm or equivalent will be holding it. The money will be held in this escrow account until the day you close on the property, at which time it is “credited” back to you at closing. You will see this on the final settlement statement the title company provides.

A lot of people confuse earnest money with a down payment, as it is basically money you put down to hold the home. The difference - the earnest money holds the home, binds the contract, and placates the seller, while a down  payment is loan-related (i.e. if you are paying cash you won’t have a down payment but you will still have to put “down” earnest money).

If you were to change your mind and back out of the contract, this money would go to the seller as a remedy for your breaking the contract. As in, this would help soften the blow a bit. 

The caveat to that is if you have a home inspection completed (which you SHOULD) and something is discovered that causes you to need to end the contract. For example, you find that the house is sitting on a big sinkhole and will likely cave in in the next year. No one expects you to go through with that purchase - your earnest money is returned to you.

Confused yet? No worries! When we talk more I will answer all your questions. Call me any time! 865-280-2569

Selling a Home During the Holidays: Tips for Homeowners

It can be tough to sell your home during the holiday season. There are typically fewer buyers during this time of year, and it can take more time than usual for a deal to go through. And while recent history indicates that December may not be such a bad time to sell (in 2016, December home sales fell less than 2 percent from November), there’s no denying that selling during the holidays is a challenge. Here are a few tips for selling your property and getting the deal done before ringing in the New Year.

Getting it ready to go

Selling your home may be your number one priority, but it shouldn’t overwhelm your holiday. There’s still plenty to do before Santa slides down the chimney on Christmas Eve, so take care of the cleaning, de-cluttering, and staging work ahead of time. Don’t forget to tell your agent what days you’ll be unavailable for showings. Make sure the home is clean, de-cluttered, and has plenty of curb appeal. If you have pets, seek out a local pet sitter to keep your dog or cat out of the way while potential buyers are checking the place out. Taking care of these things ahead of time can help ensure you deal with as little stress as possible while trying to sell your home.

Be realistic with price

Make sure your home is priced to sell since there’s not as much time to negotiate with a buyer during the holiday season. People are especially during this time of year, and buyers aren’t typically looking to tinker around. Work with your agent to find an acceptable price range that won’t turn potential buyers off.

Make sure everything’s lined up

Make sure that your real estate agent and closing attorney will be available when you need them as the year draws to an end. Try to avoid doing business with buyers who have less-than-stellar credit or who attempt to work around their financial shortcomings by dragging out negotiations. If possible, look into a serious buyer’s credit standing. If your aim is to sell by the end of the year, it’ll be hard to do that if a deal falls through due to the buyer’s financial status.

Keep the tinsel to a minimum

It might be your inclination to deck the halls with boughs of holly, but remember that you’re trying to sell buyers on the space and flow of your property—not on your festivity. They need to see your house in its true light, or as close to it as possible. Buyers should be able to imagine your space as theirs, though there’s nothing wrong with some greenery, stockings hung by the fire, and a few shiny decorations to lend a festive air. Just be careful not to overdo it.  

Take new photos

The photos you put online should reflect the look and feel of your house. Remember to think in terms of curb appeal, so clean up the leaves, branches, and yard debris beforehand. These photos will go on your realtor’s website, so make sure they portray your home in the most flattering manner possible. If you have a fireplace, light a fire to add a comfortable and appealing look. Your smartphone can be a very useful tool when you’re marketing your home. Once your home has been staged, use your phone to create a video tour of your home for potential buyers.

Selling a home during the holiday season comes with its own unique challenges, but you can still get the price you want and seal the deal by January. Making your property look attractive and festive will attract prospective buyers, many of whom may be motivated to buy before the calendar flips and the really bad weather sets in.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Budget-Friendly Interior Design Tips for New Homeowners

While couples preparing to move in together may spend more time and energy on the purchase of a new home, it is important to save a little time and energy for the interior design process, as well. Couples must find a way to mix their unique tastes, preferences, and senses of style in a way that is simultaneously pleasing to the eye and comfortable to live in. Additionally, most couples will want to save as much money as possible for their new life. With this in mind, here are some ways you and your partner can start creating an interior design plan for your new home without ever losing track of your budget.  

Check for Deals Online Before Buying

When it’s time to actually buy pieces for your home, keep in mind that the best-looking furnishings are not necessarily the most expensive. While pricey painting tools can be useful due to how long they last, if you don’t paint frequently, you may want to go with a cheaper option. In general, think about how you can make the most impact with the smallest adjustments. You can make a bathroom really come alive by nicely folding a new set of bath towels that match your color scheme. Always be sure to shop intelligently -- check prices on the internet first instead of blindly buying at a store’s up-front sell price. You can also find clearance sales at and promo codes for major retailers such as Bed, Bath, and Beyond to ensure the items you select for your home stay within your budget.

Stay on Budget by Planning the Entire Design Beforehand

The first thing you should do before embarking on your next design adventure is plan out what you’d like the design of your home to look like. Planning ahead can help save you money by protecting you from spur-of-the-moment purchases, but this can be particularly difficult if you and your partner have never prepared a joint design before. If you are not already familiar with your partner’s design preferences, take the time to figure them out. Do they prefer bold, contemporary stylings or classic, traditional interiors? Your home will need to be a place where both of you can feel comfortable, so it’s important to come to some sort of agreement.

Start off by individually listing possible inclusions in your design by their importance to you. (For instance, you may feel passionately about a color scheme or a particular make and model of dishwasher.) Then, once you feel comfortable, compare your notes with your partner to see where your preferences line up. Once you have a broad idea of what you both would like your house to look like, narrow down the list and put it into an overall interior design plan, along with the estimated cost and the time each project will take. This will help you stay on budget while completing your project in a reasonable amount of time.

Spend Time Instead of Money

Once you’re ready to begin, remember that you don’t have to spend massive amounts of money to get your home looking beautiful. A successful design stems from the little, unique touches that add up to a gorgeous interior. Sometimes, something as simple as a brightly colored throw pillow is all you need to bring a room together. For the smaller items you don’t already own, remember that you can always save cash for using sites like RetailMeNot.

Start off by looking at the pieces you already have and considering how you can use them in a new way. For instance, pieces of furniture in certain shades look very different depending on the amount of light and the color of the walls you have selected. In general, instead of buying an entirely new set of furnishings, try to develop your design around what you already own.  

Remember, the most important part of interior design is the time you take to put together a concept that suits you and your partner. By sticking to your plan and finding deals online, you can come in under your budget and still end up with the design of your dreams.

Written by: Brittany Fisher

Photo Credit: Pexels.com

The Roaming Gnome Pub & Eatery

Gnome if you want to...

Sometimes, the more interesting destinations are not those that blare their familiar brand names in neon along well-worn trails, but are instead those that are somewhat anonymous, if not outright hidden. The latter is the case with the Roaming Gnome Pub and Eatery (or “the Gnome,” as it is known locally).

The Gnome, an Irish-themed pub, is a bit off the beaten path, in a strip mall anchored by Books-A-Million in the Governor’s Crossing area of Sevierville. Yep, when the most sharp-eyed member of your party spots this place along the row of shops off Collier, that's actually it. Don't be skeptical - step inside and enjoy sports, hospitality, and a little slice of the Emerald Isle in the shadows of the Smokies. The draft beer selection is quite good, and whatever sports you want are showing on multiple big screens. The service is friendly and prompt, and your glass won't run dry.

Those are the positive elements. But then where the menu is involved, the luck of the Irish runs out. The shepherd’s pie is somewhat satisfactory, but it doesn’t come close to matching similar offerings at other local eateries (the Ship Pub, the Fox and Parrot). The flatbread pizza is inoffensive, but not much more impressive than that. The less said about the veggie burger, the better. I’d be a more frequent guest here if the menu were better. But perhaps I’m missing the point: maybe Irish food is fairly lousy to begin with, in which case the Gnome is an amazingly authentic dining experience.

An idea: eat elsewhere (other options are available in this same shopping plaza), and then repair to the Gnome for drinks and a snack. Because if you’re here simply to get your drink on with a crowd that charts somewhere in the boisterous to raucous territory on game days, then you’ll be counting your lucky charms.

(202 Collier, Drive, Sevierville, (865) 774-3336)

By: Michael Kem-Thomas, our featured guest writer, friend and past buyer

Thai Basil

If you’re looking for Thai food in Sevier County, you may notice that your options are somewhat more limited than if you are searching for, say, steak or barbecue. This makes it even more fortunate that we have such a terrific place as Thai Basil Restaurant.

Thai Basil is found in a fairly anonymous location in a strip mall along the Winfield Dunn Parkway in Sevierville. Step inside and you’ll find Southeast Asian-themed decor that is blended attractively into a modern, industrial setting. Immediately, the aroma of the food also lets you know that you’re in the right place.

But it isn’t just the ambiance that packs the folks into this place. The Thai food is the star of the show, and it does not disappoint. It’s all here, too: appetizers (the familiar satay offerings as well as others), soups, salads, stir fry, fried rice, curries, noodles, seafood, desserts, and a kids’ menu. I’m partial to curries, and this is where I go when I’m craving those unique Thai flavors. I prefer extremely spicy entrees, and Thai Basil obliges me in that regard, but if you prefer milder offerings, then everything can be prepared that way too. My dining companion enjoys papaya salad and particularly recommends that option. In my experience, the food here is excellent, and judging by the crowds, I’m not the only one who has arrived at that judgment. (If you encounter a wait for a table, stay. It’s worth it.)

Now, the operating hours here are a little different than most, so pay attention: Thai Basil is open Monday through Saturday. In other words, it’s closed on Sundays. Lunch is served between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dinner is served from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4:30 to 9:30 on Friday and Saturday. Beer is available, but there is not a full bar.

Oh, and if there’s a fussy vegetarian (and really, what other kind is there?) in your party, Thai Basil is a good option.

(530 Winfield Dunn Parkway (or “66,” as the locals know it) in Sevierville, next to Staples and the Exxon gas station. If you are headed south from I-40, the restaurant is located on your right, while if you are coming from Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, it will be on your left. (865) 453-9339)

By: Michael Kem-Thomas, our featured guest writer, friend and past buyer

The Single Woman’s Guide To Home Ownership

Photo credit by Pexels

Today, nearly 20 percent of U.S. homebuyers are single women. But buying a home on your own is different than buying a home with your partner. Here’s what you need to know to make a safe and sound investment.

Assess Your Finances

First, you must take stock of your finances. Calculate your income, monthly expenses, savings, and any other investments you may have. This will give you a rough idea of how much you can spend on your mortgage. You can use this mortgage calculator to get an idea of what you can afford.

You’ll also need to find your individual credit score. According to this post from My Mortgage Insider, most mortgage lenders require a minimum credit score of 620. If you do not have a good enough score yet, you might want to wait and work on fixing your credit. Check out six steps to repair your credit from The Balance.

In the meantime, work on the following:

• Saving up for your down payment.

• Reducing your outstanding debt, like credit cards and loans.

• MarketWatch advises considering a guarantor or co-purchaser to go in on your mortgage. Single homeowners – male or female – often need assistance in today’s markets.

Mutually Owned Property After A Break-Up

For those of you who own property with a former partner, there are some steps you can take to help your situation. According to Time.com, your best bet will likely be to sell the home. If you have a joint ownership mortgage agreement, you may have some terms worked out already, particularly if one of you wants to keep the house. For example, your ex may be able to buy you out.

However, it can get more complicated without joint ownership especially if there is a dispute about what percentage of the property each of you owns. Read this advice from NOLO.com on what to do in a more complicated situation.

Before You Invest

Before seeking a lender, you should be cautious about how much of a mortgage you take out. As a single income earner, you have less security than with a partner. Bankrate advises you acquire a mortgage for far less than the maximum you get approved for to make sure you can cover other important necessities, such as property taxes, homeowner insurance, HOA fees, etc. On top of that, you’ll want to make sure that you have money for emergencies and for your own future.

Your next move is work on getting your mortgage pre-approval according to this post from Quicken Loans. In this process, lenders let you know that you qualify for a mortgage. This is a critical step so you know exactly what sort of budget you have. After that, start researching the average listing price of homes in the area you want to live. For example, homes in Sevierville, Tennessee, have an average price of $228,000.

For some real-life examples of single women and their experiences with mortgages and costs, read this article from The Balance.

Your New Home

Once you’ve finalized your purchase, a little extra planning can help ensure that moving day goes smoothly. Here are some tips:

• Pack necessities last and be sure to load those items in your car, if possible. This includes items such as a change of clothing, daily personal care items, medication and some dishware and utensils.

• If you’ve contracted movers, be sure to re-read the contract when they show up to make sure nothing has changed without your approval.

• Whether you enlist friends or a moving company to help, provide food and water to show your appreciation.

• When unpacking, ensure that nothing has broken along the way. If so, contact your moving company immediately.

• Set up bedrooms first so that everyone has a comfortable place to sleep when the day is over.

If you are buying your first house as a single woman, plan properly and invest wisely so you can enjoy your home years to come.