Here is the 24 hour report for 4-28-2008 activity for the Chattanooga Metropolitan Residential Real Estate market according to the Chattanooga Multiple Listing Service.Please feel free to check back often for the most accurate and updated information available in the Chattanooga Metropolitan area for local real estate reports and statistics.For more free reports and information on Chattanooga real estate visit The Robinson Home Team ***Professionalism - Standards - Integrity***Chattanooga Homes: New Listings48 homes in the Chattanooga area are shown as new to the market. Chattanooga Homes: Back on the Market13 homes in the Chattanooga area have been reactivated in the MLS.Chattanooga Homes: Price Change62 Chattanooga area homes saw a price increase, or decrease. Chattanooga Homes: Sales... 04/29/2008

By David Israel, Business Manager - Andy Hodes & The Scenic City TeamThis week as I was deciding on what tips to share with you, our audience, I was reminded of an incident that happen to my wife and I this weekend, and it just reinforces why we moved to Chattanooga.Last Thursday we were heading down to South Florida on Allegiant Air (non stop from Chattanooga to Ft. Lauderdale);  $49 each way, I highly recommend it.  Anyway we arrived at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport and we boarded the plane on time; then my wife noticed that her diamond tennis bracelet was not on her wrist.  She started to freak out and wanted to get off the plane.  If you have ever tried to get off a plane once you have boarded, it is impossible unless you are dragged off by the FAA or are deatlhy ill.  So, we... 04/28/2008

By Kacey Sides, Buyer's Specialist - Andy Hodes & The Scenic City TeamForeclosures are everywhere.  Here in Chattanooga, we definitely have our fair share.  Buying a foreclosure can be a great investment or a huge nightmare.  Having a Realtor on your side to guide you through the process can help keep you from a major, personal disaster.  Keep in mind every foreclosure sale can be a little different, so being on top of your game will help give you the edge over your competition.  Whether you are buying one to flip, or buying one to fix up and live in, keep one thing in mind - the good deals go fast, so you need to be prepared to move quickly when the RIGHT deal comes along!The homes that are priced significantly below market value are going to get a lot of interest from other buyers and... 04/21/2008

By Kacey Sides, Buyer's Specialist - Andy Hodes & The Scenic City TeamForeclosures are everywhere.  Here in Chattanooga, we definitely have our fair share.  Buying a foreclosure can be a great investment or a huge nightmare.  Having a Realtor on your side to guide you through the process can help keep you from a major, personal disaster.  Keep in mind every foreclosure sale can be a little different, so being on top of your game will help give you the edge over your competition.  Whether you are buying one to flip, or buying one to fix up and live in, keep one thing in mind - the good deals go fast, so you need to be prepared to move quickly when the RIGHT deal comes along!The homes that are priced significantly below market value are going to get a lot of interest from other buyers and... 04/21/2008

The first annual Earth Day Chattanooga is finally here.  There will be many activities and things to see along Main Street, so come on out and join us for this celebration.  Interesting speakers that we all might could learn something from.  Click on the link below for more detailed information. www.EarthDayChattanooga.comRealtor Ryan, Broker   04/21/2008

You are constantly hearing about home equity loans or what are also referred to as H.E.L.O.C.'s (pronounced He-Locks).  The bank advertises them to me every time I go through the teller and I am constantly receiving promotional materials in the mail about how I qualify for a H.E.L.O.C.  I am very familiar with how they work and actually have a couple on properties that I own.  To educate my readers and provide the simplest explanation of a H.E.L.O.C. please click on the link below.  If you have any questions beyond this, you can call me.  And as always, if I can't answer your questions then I can certainly steer you in the right direction. http://www.ahahome.com/aha_side_42_pub.cfm Realtor Ryan, Broker  04/21/2008

By David Israel, Business Manager - Andy Hodes & The Scenic City Team This weekend April 19-20 is the beginning of one of Chattanooga's best kept secrets, The 4 Bridges Arts Festival.  If you have been to this festival you will be able to relate to the excitement in our community.  If for some reason you have not attended this yearly event, well it is a must see!Not only is this the best Art Festival all year, but the mission and objectives of the organizers is very clear.  You can visit their website to see more about the history of the Festival.  The Festival is a production of Chattanooga's Association for Visual Arts  (AVA), in collaboration with the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership (CDP).In terms of artists, by the way I have very little artistic talent, the artists that do come in... 04/14/2008

By Angel Sherlin of Greater Chattanooga Lending, Guest Mortgage Author While there were no quiet days in the mortgage market during the week, the enormous swings in rates seen recently were absent. The sparse economic news did little to change the outlook for future economic growth and inflation, and the net result of a series of medium sized daily rate movements was a slight drop in mortgage rates for the week.The most notable economic news during the week was the release of the minutes from the March 18 Fed meeting. According to the minutes, the three quarters point rate cut was made to help avoid a worse than expected downturn in economic growth. The Fed forecasted that rate cuts and government stimulus packages will lead to faster economic growth during the second half of the year. ... 04/11/2008

By Kacey Sides, Buyer Specialist - Andy Hodes & The Scenic City Team After jumping through all of the hoops you finally see the finish line.  You're counting down to closing, and moving into your new home.  The movers are lined up, your things are packed, and your family and friends are ready to help you move in.  Then you get the call, we have to move the closing date...Going through a buyer's consultation can prepare you for these unexpected glitches, because it covers everything you could possibly encounter.  Not going through a comprehensive consultation can make this a huge surprise.  Having a backup plan if the closing date has to be moved should be one of your top priorities when scheduling your move.Each home purchase can be a little different, but whether it's your decision or ... 04/11/2008

By David Israel, Business Manager - Andy Hodes & The Scenic City Team As we move away from the winter weather in Chattanooga, even though we still have the possibility of another frost, the days are getting longer and the sun is shinning brighter.  This is the time to start a spring cleaning of your home.  No, I am not talking about your normal spring cleaning, I am talking about -"5 Great Tips for Seller's - Let The Sunshine In".1.  Clean the Windows- It is bright and sunny outside, bring some of that natural light into your home.  If you notice that the windows are a little dirty, there is an easy way to clean those windows.  Mix a solution of of one part vinegar to nine parts water, plus a drop of dishwashing liquid.  Spray on and wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks, yes, start savi... 04/09/2008

By David Israel, Business Manager Andy Hodes & The Scenic City Team Nestled on Hawk Hill in Downtown Chattanooga is AT&T Field, the home of the Chattanooga Lookouts. The Chattanooga Lookouts are the AA Minor League Baseball Affiliate for the Cincinnati Reds.  Starting Thursday, April 3, 2008 the Chattanooga Lookouts start their new season with a new manager.Individual tickets are $2 to $8, making for a reasonably priced afternoon or evening of family entertainment. The concession stands have typical ballpark fare such as hot dogs, peanuts, and cotton candy. If you prefer a sitdown meal before or after the game, restaurants are plentiful just within one block from the ballpark.Gameday promotions, weekly postgame fireworks shows, and the annual visit from the Famous Chicken always attract... 04/02/2008

I have decided to devote a little time to providing my readers with "Green" information and links that can make them live happier and healthier lifestyles.  I will try to keep all information relative to real estate and definitely keep it helpful.  The first link that I am posting is about Energy Efficient Appliances.  If you are considering making an appliance purchase, please take a look here and see how to rate your appliances efficiency.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to blog.http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/appliances.html Realtor Ryan, Broker  04/01/2008

Real Estate is a constantly changing enviroment and it seems that since this market has cooled off a bit, the terms are changing at an even faster pace.  The mortgage business and the appraisal side of this business can sometimes be the bain of our existance, but a necessary bain.  As we all know, the mortgage business has been turned upside down and continues to try and find its way.  The sub-prime market is pretty much gone and the days of the 80% / 20% loans are bleak.  Three years ago, I didn't even have to really think about the mortgage business.  Today, I have to stay on top of the available mortgages in order to get my buyers into homes.  I am constantly talking with different mortgage lenders about the available products out there and what they see coming down the pipeline.  FH... 03/31/2008

By Kacey Sides, Buyer Specialist - Andy Hodes and The Scenic City Team So you're pre-approved and ready to find your dream home.  When you find that perfect home, do you have the money it takes to write the offer?  You're pre approved though... that should be enough, right?  Wrong!  If you have found a Realtor to help guide you through the process, and you have already had your Buyer's Consultation, this part won't come as a suprise to you.  If you haven't, I'm here to let you know, it costs money to write an offer on a home!The money needed upfront:Earnest Money - This is the first portion of money you will need to provide when you sign on the dotted line.  This shows the Seller you have valuable consideration in your future home. (Especially if you're asking for closing costs and / or... 03/28/2008

Did everyone see the article that was printed in the USA Today last week?  I have been telling everyone in my posts, that it wasn't as bad here as the media typically lets on.  Click on the link and take a look for yourself.  Keep the e-mails and posts coming.  Love to answer any of your questions that you may have.http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/closetohome/2008-03-17-chattanooga_N.htmRealtor Ryan, Broker   03/24/2008

- By Kacey Sides, Realtor, Buyer Specialist with Andy Hodes & The Scenic City TeamReady to buy a home?  Whether it's your first or your fifth, each experience can be a little different, so hiring the right Realtor can eliminate potential nightmares in finding and purchasing your dream home - especially when buying a home is not something you do everyday.Here in Chattanooga, it's definately a buyer's market and you see multiple for sale signs in just about every neighborhood.  Not only do those signs advertise the home for sale, they also show that the seller hired a Realtor to represent them, market their home and ultimately maximize their bottom line.  Buyers, did you know that you can hire a Realtor to represent you in your home search?  It's a smart move that will put you on a level ... 03/24/2008

By David Israel, Business Manager Andy Hodes & The Scenic City Team I have written several articles for our blog and one of the most important items I have stressed in almost every Real Estate related article is you only get a 1st Impression one time.  Please keep this in mind when you are preparing your home for an Open House.  There are several websites that can assist you further.1.  Pay attention to the Outdoors - From the time a buyer walks in to the time they leave, they will be coming and going through your entire house.  Make sure that all items are put away or in their proper place.  Clean off the doormat or purchase a new one.  Don't leave anything at the front door that would distract a potential buyer.2.  Clean your home - Whether you do it professionally or personally.  Go ... 03/21/2008

By Kacey Sides, Buyer Specialist Andy Hodes & The Scenic City TeamWhether you are needing to buy a home in the next week or next 6 months, a Buyer's Consultation should be one of the first steps you and your Realtor take. The Buyer's Consultation or "Needs" Consultation, (as some may call it), can determine alot of key points for you and your Realtor in about an hour, but save many weeks of frustration!A Buyer's Consultation not only reviews the entire home buying process, it helps get you and your Realtor on the same page. It sets the expectation of what's important to you not only in your home, but through the entire transaction and communication process.What a Buyer Consultation covers:1. The steps before you write an offer - From loan pre-approval to setting up a customized email se... 03/21/2008

Categories: Chattanooga Real Estate News, Flavors of Chattanooga, Things to Do in Chattanooga2008 Mar 14th By David Israel, Business Manager - Andy Hodes & The Scenic City Team As Spring Break comes closer and school is out for the kids, have you planned your time wisely and economically?  There are several things to do in the Chattanooga area with your kids, rather than taking a vacation out of town.  It is more economical and the whole family might learn something new about your own hometown."Below you will find 6 great things to do that can fill an entire weekend on less than 1/3 of a tank of gas." With gas averaging almost $3.18 per gallon, why drive out-of-town, there are great local places and attractions.  These are only suggestions, use your imagination to discover more of Chatt... 03/17/2008

Categories: Chattanooga Real Estate News, For Home Buyers, Mortgage and Finance2008 Mar 13th By Kacey Sides, Realtor, Buyer Specialist with Andy Hodes & The Scenic City Team Need a home loan?  Not long ago, that was the easy part of the home buying process.  It seemed if you had a pulse, you were approved for a home loan . . . Not anymore! After the recent surge of foreclosures, alot has recently changed in the morgtage industry.  Thus making who you choose as your lender that much more important!A lender, educated in their constantly-changing industry, will keep more money in your pocket.  There are still tons of great programs available for people with qualifying jobs and/or income.  A lender that is aware of all the various programs for which you qualify can potentially save you thou... 03/13/2008