How Did Clarksville Real Estate Perform in 2015?



Today, we examine the 2015 real estate market and compare it to what we saw in 2014. Overall, we're seeing improvements in many places.

Home prices increased by 3% in 2015, and the median home price right now is $171,000. That's a very healthy level of appreciation. The average sales price in 2015 was $168,000, which is about a $5,000 increase from last year. The days on market increased in 2015 to 92 days from 89 days in 2014.
Overall, we suspect 2016 to be a great year in real estate. Interest rates are increasing, which will push a lot of extra buyers onto the market. You need to capitalize on this dynamic market. Contact me if you've been thinking of buying or selling!

Tips for Holiday Decorating on a Budget




The holidays are approaching. Today, we thought we'd do something a little different and share this festive video on holiday decorating tips from HGTV. Designer Angelo Surmelis shares several great ideas to spread holiday cheer throughout the home. Here are some of our favorites.


  1. Pay attention to the mantle. If you don't have some already, buy some kind of garland to drape over the mantle. Next, use leftover ornaments and candles to add light and texture. When choosing ornaments and candles, ensure they are in the same color-palette. This helps make your mantle a great focal point!
  2. Use smaller Christmas trees. Every house has their main Christmas tree. In addition, you can also purchase smaller, inexpensive, eco-friendly trees to place throughout the home. Decorate these trees with strips of fabric from a T-shirt in holiday colors to save money for the main tree.
  3. Use what you have. Be resourceful. Adding a plate charge and place mat to your everyday dining set adds some jazz to your table. Fresh-cut flowers and candles will help finish the look. You don't need grand, expensive candles -- a little candlelight goes a long way!

As you can see, it doesn't take much to make your home feel more festive. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!

What You Need to Know About TRID




Today, we'll discuss the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID), which went into effect on October 3rd. Lenders began utilizing a new loan estimate and closing disclosure that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau requires.

The new disclosures replaced the good faith estimate and the HUD-1 settlement statement. There are also some new timeline requirements that could delay closings if you are not working with someone who knows their way around the new disclosures.

These are actually some great changes for the consumer. The first is the loan estimate, which replaced the good faith estimate normally done at loan application. The loan estimate is given to the consumer three business days after the loan application, and they cannot close for at least seven business days after the consumer receives the loan estimate.


The next form is the closing disclosure, which replaced the HUD-1 settlement statement. The consumer must receive this form at least three days before closing. This is a great change. Usually, the consumer wouldn't get the HUD-1 settlement statement until the day before closing, or even the day of! Now, the consumer has time to review the closing disclosure before they close on the property.

Sometimes, we have buyers in our military market who can only do a walkthrough the day before closing. Don't worry, the walkthrough won't delay a closing. If something comes up, then the seller can give the buyer a credit at closing.

We need to make sure that closings are not delayed for the buyer or the seller. We have the expertise to guide buyers and sellers through the new process. If you have any questions, please give us a call or send us an email. We are happy to help you!