Renae's Rants

Memorial Day

2010-05-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Every year we should take pause, whether for or against the current occupation in two wars, to reflect on the freedom we have been given, as a direct result of the selflessness of brave men and women who everyday choose to serve in our military.

2009-09-13T14:51:00.001-07:00

is overworked...

For Sale: 5BR/3.5BA Single Family House in Franklin, TN, $489,000

2009-09-02T21:51:00.001-07:00

For Sale: 5BR/3.5BA Single Family House in Franklin, TN, $489,000

Shared via AddThis

OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY 8/9

2009-08-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

Livin' La Vida Loco

2009-07-02T07:53:00.001-07:00

Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a fiscal state of emergency yesterday for the state of California as they begin to issue IOU’s to pay bills today. He did provide some reassurance however by saying, ”We will make those payments. We are responsible.” I don’t have to be a former Southern California resident to see the stupidity of that statement. We are so responsible that we have to begin to issuing IOUs to pay our bills but we will make the payments because we are responsible. WHAT? Are you kidding me?

I think I might just try that method myself. In fact I think I will mail Chase bank an IOU for my mortgage payment today and on the memo portion write courtesy of Arnold & the state of CA. I do not hold one person or party responsible for the situation CA finds itself in but how can a state as large as that collecting as much revenue and taxes as they do find themselves in this situation. What are they spending the money on? Certainly not roads, because as any CA resident will testify the 405 & 101 freeways are some of the worst in the country. What about those shovel ready jobs, Mr. Obama? I’m sure CA could certainly use some of those right now. CA is also obviously not spending on schools because students are now faced with finding alternative means to pay for their education. It must be healthcare…but I’m sure after President Obama’s universal healthcare program comes through CA can get back to the business of being fiscally responsible.

Leaving CA a few years ago was a tough decision because let’s face it, everything pretty much starts in CA but after seeing what has happened to the real estate market out there combined with the bloated state government I am so glad I did move when I did. I can’ t imagine paying over $10K a year in property taxes alone and paying state taxes only to receive an IOU in the mail for my refund how angry I would be.

Way to go CA! Thanks for setting the bar so high!

Michael Jackson

2009-07-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

This week we lost an influential musical talent. To my generation it is the equivalent of the day Elvis died. Music lover or not, there can be no denying the influence Michael Jackson had on musicians today. There is an old saying about the highest form of flattery is imitation. Michael Jackson was definitely imitated but never duplicated.

The really disappointing news is that during the last part of his life his physical appearance made it much easier for people to form negative opinions about him and his involvement with children. I personally went through my own struggle with believing his innocence versus guilt as well. In this country a man is innocent until proven guilty and although we all like to think we adhere to that standard, unfortunately, we do not. However, in the end, Michael Jackson was proven innocent.

I look back now at the beginning of his career and I have re-visited his musical legacy this past week and I find it really hard to believe that anyone can have such duplicity by ever being guilty of harming a child and by having the child like innocence to write some of the most beautiful songs ever written. People forget things like USA for Africa and Heal the World and The Earth Song. Can a man the world convicted based on his unique and strange behavior and features be one to harm another child and yet have the mindset to help children. Think back to his Neverland Ranch. He had that built for children that were sick. Less we forget he himself never got to experience a childhood and it really became clear to me when his own father during the BET awards was more interested in posturing and promoting his new record label rather than mourn the loss of his greatest achievement, his son? Ponder that.

At least now in death, maybe Michael Jackson can achieve some peace after all. RIP MJ!

ANOTHER GREAT SHORT SALE OPPORTUNITY!

2009-05-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

ALL BRICK SHORT SALE IN GATED COMMUNITY!

2009-05-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

212 CELEBRATION!

2009-05-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

I'M YOURS! GREAT ANTIOCH HOME!

2009-03-31T18:59:00.000-07:00

$127,900
The Seller is very motivated AND READY TO MOVE...

This well cared for home is located in a small pocket of homes located only minutes from Hickory Hollow Mall. Home is situated in cul de sac so no pass through traffic. New wood laminate floors were recently installed, new kitchen floors were also installed, new paint on trim, doors, and bedrooms. Double tiered wood deck off kitchen also features wooden fence for privacy. Living Room features vaulted ceilings and great fireplace for added ambience. The spacious kitchen is plenty spacious and with kitchen bartop there is plenty of counter space.

2009-03-26T18:02:00.001-07:00

GREAT STARTER HOME WITH GREAT NEW PRICE!

2009-02-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

Reactive vs. Proactive

2009-02-19T17:48:00.000-08:00

I attended a luncheon hosted by Williamson County Association of Realtors today. Senator Corker was scheduled to discuss the housing market, the economy, and of course the economic stimulus package.

Although I enjoyed the meeting, I left feeling many of the questions people have about the state of our economy, our local housing market, and of course the economic stimulus package were left unanswered.

Senator Corker is not a supporter of the economic bill that was passed and has been very vocal about it. Many people today were in complete agreement with him. Besides talking about the stimulus bill and how the state of Tennessee is a well managed state and will be the recipient of over $4 Billion dollars, even though according to many published reports we only need $900 Million. Basically, over the next two years many states will receive, some much needed funds. What will the use of these funds stimulate? According to Corker, not much! To top it off, in 24 months when those funds are used up, states will face another crisis.

My question is this? Why can't we focus our efforts on getting the real estate market moving again? It seems as though the politicians in Washington will continue to use those canned responses like "reaching across the isle" and lenders will continue to only speak to you when you are past due on your mortgage, and the media will continue to wag the dog. When will we as private citizens realize Washington is NOT going to help us in any way and no amount of money spent will change that.

The politicians in Washington who seem so concerned about passing the burden of the largest amount of debt in history (since the Great Depression - thought I would throw that in for good measure) sure are eager and quick to spend the same money they complain about leaving to our children's grandchildren. Do the math people! The most ridiculous and over simplified answer that many politicians couldn't even seem to pay attention to is that the $789 Billion dollar Stimulus package could pay off EVERY SINGLE mortgage in the U.S. How about Stimulating the economy that way?

Better yet, why not focus your efforts on the people who haven't bought a home or those who are sitting on the fence but are simply afraid because every day they turn on the TV someone is saying phrases like the stock market PLUNGED again today or the GREATEST SINGLE WORST economic problem since the Great Depression. If everyone would just settle down, stop watching the news, and get out and just live their lives, which means spending money on groceries, buying gas, eating out once in awhile, buying cars, and of course buying a home we would all be better off!

I'm not betting on any politician certainly not the ones in Washington!

Builder Says SELL!!!

2009-02-12T17:56:00.001-08:00

BUILDER CLOSEOUT!

2009-02-12T17:17:00.000-08:00

NEW PRICE!

2009-02-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

GREAT HOME FOR FIRST TIME BUYER!

2009-02-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR RIGHT BUYER!

2009-02-12T16:38:00.001-08:00

Inauguration Day!

2009-01-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

I have been MIA for months...in case you missed me, I have been in hibernation. Today I came out of my warm den to catch a glimpse of the inaugural event and must say I am pledging to do my part. I don't really think I bought into the pomp and circumstance but I do feel somewhat optimistic about the "change" that has been talked about for months. Hopefully tomorrow I won't wake up with a love hangover.

Misconception #5 Buy vs Rent

2008-11-13T17:23:00.000-08:00

Misconception No. 5
By buying a home, I’ll become a victim of the foreclosure mess.

The Reality – While foreclosures have presented very serious concerns for
those people affected across the country, it’s important to remember that
they account for just a small percentage of all homes sold.
In the midst of all the negative news headlines, it’s easy to forget that
mortgage money is still available for qualified borrowers. To help prevent
foreclosures in the future, lenders have returned to upholding higher
standards. These may require you to demonstrate strong basic borrowing
“fundamentals” such as proof of income, solid credit, ability to make a
down payment, etc.
Finally, as you begin your home search, it’s critical to be well-educated in
terms of the various mortgage options available. Be realistic about what
you can afford, and remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it
probably is. Conservative planning for today (and tomorrow) is the first
step toward securing a mortgage that best fits your budget.

Misconception # 4 - Buy vs Rent...

2008-11-13T17:21:00.000-08:00

Misconception No. 4
It’s cheaper to rent.

The Reality – This may or may not be so. Because of the current state of the housing market, many are foregoing homeownership and turning to rentals. This influx of renters may be having an impact on the supply and demand of rentals and driving rents higher. Most real estate sales associates will have a strong understanding of the rental market in the community and can refer potential buyers to a reputable mortgage lender. It is imperative to ask questions and understand the financial implications and costs of a mortgage.

Misconception # 3 Buy vs Rent...

2008-11-13T17:16:00.000-08:00

Misconception No. 3
It’s better to rent and wait for the market to bottom out.

The Reality – Despite recent challenges in the U.S. housing market, buying a home remains a highly sound financial decision for those with documented income and a good credit history. Yet some buyers are still sitting on the sidelines trying to time the market bottom – which is always ill-advised.

By the time most folks recognize the true bottom, prices are already on their way up. Buying a home should always be approached as a good long-term investment, providing equity accumulation, cost appreciation and tax benefits over time. Homeownership is a lifestyle decision, a highly personal decision. Yet today’s current market, while different from market-to-market, is generally typified by falling or stable home prices, still-low interest rates, and a large number of homes on the market. Historically, low or falling interest rates allow more to enter homeownership which in turn helps trigger rising housing prices – resulting in the start of a “sellers market.” As the number of consumers are “priced out”, home inventory begins to increase and the cycle goes towards a balanced or even a “buyers” market. Prices will generally stabilize allowing economic conditions for those “priced out” to improve and the cycle begins again. The reason why many point out that now is a smart time to buy is because of the historically low interest rates we are seeing coupled with the buyer’s market which exists in most communities. Speaking with a knowledgeable real estate professional can help one navigate the nuances of a specific market, including how interest rates are impacting home prices and financing options in that region.

The most important thing to remember is that housing is not a quick-in, quick-out investment. When purchased with the longer term in mind – with proper guidance from a real estate professional and other savvy financial or legal professionals – housing is one of the historically safest investments consumers can make.

Myth #2 - Buying vs. Renting?

2008-11-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

Misconception No. 2
Renting a a home isn’t all that different from owning.

The Reality – More so than apartment dwellers, the lives of people who rent a house can often mirror those of actual owners. You’ll see many home renters making routine repairs, gardening, shoveling the driveway when it snows or cleaning the gutters after the leaves fall.
But there is one fundamental difference. Unlike equity built with each monthly mortgage payment, the rent that person is paying is producing zero future financial benefit. In fact, a renter essentially paid the landlord’s mortgage and likely additional utility costs.
Since most homes increase in value over the long term, a home not only provides a place to live but will ultimately provide return on a consumer’s original investment. Additionally, when it comes time to apply for other forms of credit, responsible homeowners are more desirable borrowers.

Paying a mortgage on time each month shows lenders that a consumer is secure, stable and effectively manages finances. And those home renters who take it upon themselves to help make property updates and repairs? They’re building equity – just not their own.

To Buy or to Rent...THAT is the question?

2008-11-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

Today I begin this post covering a new series...To BUY or to Rent and I will cover the Top Five misconceptions to shed some light on whether you should take advantage of LOW interest rates, abundance of inventory, and Tax advantages. "They" say hindsight is 20/20 and I know in less than 2 years many people will look back wishing they had made the jump to homeownership rather than wasting money on rent. In today's market, many first time homebuyers mortgage payment would be less than rent in many apartments. It is easier than you think.

Misconceptions On Buying Versus Renting

While there are a number of misconceptions surrounding whether it is best to rent or buy, one of the biggest may be the notion that renting is simpler. For example, when the refrigerator in a rental needs repair, the responsibility falls on the landlord. When new homeowners sign their name on the dotted line, responsibility is theirs. Yet stating that renting is the “simpler” choice takes a narrow view of the total set of questions and issues that go into the
buy-versus-rent decision.

Here are a few of the misconceptions relative to buying versus renting:

Misconception No. 1
The tax benefits derived from purchasing a home takes forever to offset all the other costs involved.

The Reality – Most people know that tax write-offs of mortgage interest are among the biggest financial benefits of home ownership. But some people question whether this benefit is really great enough to offset the “big picture” cost of ownership – including the hefty down payment and closing costs needed to get a former renter across the threshold to homeownership.

Homes typically appreciate in value over time – at the same time the homeowner builds his or her equity in the property through monthly mortgage payments. Though tax offsets begin right away (really starting to “pay off” in that first tax filing season after a home’s purchase), the bigger picture benefits tend to come with time.

That’s why potential homebuyers should carefully evaluate how long they expect to stay in the home that they are considering purchasing. If they anticipate staying in their first home only one to two years – especially in today’s market – they’re not as likely to get a good return on their initial investment. If, on the other hand, they are planning on staying several years in the same property, the scales of benefit start to shift – and the value of all that they gain financially from homeownership is likely to outweigh those initial costs to get in the door.

JOIN ME TOMORROW FOR MISCONCEPTION # 2! Stay tuned!

On the Fence?

2008-11-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

Everyday I am inundated with news reports about the economy, stock market, the real estate market, and now President-Elect Obama. Most of these reports are either flat out negative or slanting that way.

Today I read in the Nashville Business Journal and I quote, "Tennessee is the nation’s second best state for business, according to Site Selection, a leading economic development industry magazine. The state moves up from No. 6 in the annual rankings".

Real estate markets remain strong in areas where jobs are created and remain strong...so why are buyers still sitting on the fence? Now REALLY is a Great Time to buy for many reasons. Interest rates are still in the low to mid 6%, inventory levels are higher creating opportunities for smart purchases, and Tennessee is the nation's second best state for business!

I am trying to find a way to muddle through the daily negative, chicken little mentality to find something positive to report. You be the judge!

CHANGE...What does that mean?

2008-11-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

So! Today we have a new president! Not the one I would have liked to see but the people have spoken. People voted for change...what EXACTLY does that mean? There are many definitions of change but I think the following definition clearly defines the change that happened last night:

to become different: Overnight the nation's mood changed.

After watching the entire process unfold last night watching both McCain's gracious concession speech and Obama's hopeful speech, I woke up this morning determined to approach this new-found change with an open mind. I listened to Talk Radio this morning and a caller who voted for Obama called in and after many attempts from the host to get her to identify in specifics this "change" she spoke about, it dawned on me that no one REALLY knows what IT is but they know they want it.

I think for many people, Obama represents a way of moving beyond the past atrocities we humans can do to one another and for those who didn't vote for Obama, the change he brings represents fear...fear of the unknown. I, for one, do not want to allow myself to be fearful nor do I want to close my mind off to any positive things he may bring to this country. Does that mean I agree with his political record...ABSOLUTELY NOT!

No matter what people say, this country is still divided - and always will be. Not necessarily racially divided, but divided nonetheless. After record voter turnout last night in quite possibly one of the most important elections our country will ever see, the country ultimately were split pretty much down the middle. We all have different moral compasses and therefore this "change" will always be viewed differently. That is what makes this America.

Redistributing the Wealth in Application

2008-10-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

DOES ANYONE SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE??

This morning while checking my email I received a post from one of my meetup groups that I have to share. As I read her comments I giggled to myself as I read her words. I got her permission to share and the comments below are verbatim. I think I will try this at my next outing...

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign the read 'Vote Obama, I need the money.' I laughed.

Once in the restaurant my server had on a 'Obama 08' tie, again I laughed--just imagine the coincidence. When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside.

The server angrily stormed from my sight. I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.

At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more. I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

Wake Up People!

ROLL TIDE!!!

2008-10-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've never really been a College Football Fan until this year. Where have I been all my life? I have been watching the Bears lose year after year give or take a few wins...BUT college ball has so much more to offer! The action is way better and the plays are UNREAL! I am watching Alabama beat Tennessee and although I live in TN I have picked Alabama as my new favorite college team. I especially like a quarterback who has three names! Who goes by three names besides serial killers? The picture of Bama's quarterback is such a sweet one. I mean this kid looks like he is 12 but this season he gets the job done. ROLL TIDE!!!!

Are you Ready?

2008-10-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

This is my first post so I guess that makes me a newbie. I don't know about you but as much as I enjoy politics, I can not wait until this election is over with. I know many people will be too. It is interesting to me the level of excitement and passion on both sides of the race. I could really get on my soap box but since this is my first post I think I will keep it nice and easy. As I prepare to end my day, my prayer is that everyone gets out to vote their conscience. We all have the duty and responsibility to check out what each candidate stands for and vote the candidate that is most aligned with our own set of moral standards. Nowadays, with the Internet such a part of everyone's life, there really is no excuse to not be informed. Are you Ready?