Some Realtors have put all their advertising eggs into online marketing of their homes. While you can certainly reach a number of buyers online, statistics show that people still look for real estate information in their local newspaper. According to targeted audience reports conducted by Scarbrough Research R2 2010, the Knoxville News Sentinel Sunday newspaper reaches more than 104,000 people between the ages 18 to 34-years-old. The newspaper also reaches the age group, 35 to 54 with more than 151,000 Sunday newspaper readers. More than 155,000 Knoxville area residents aged 55 and older read the Sunday newspaper.

Reports also show that 19 percent of people still rely on the newspaper to learn about local housing information, with 17 percent using the Internet to learn about Knoxville real estate.

Personally, I have done independent surveys and studies and have found that in this market, it takes ALL the forms of advertising, including print to get a house sold. I want to give my listings every opportunity I can find to expose them to buyers, including social media. I know from experience that it takes it ALL and my ALL is what I give. If they SEE it, they will buy it!

Then you can have happy customers who offer comments like this, “All we can say is WOW! We saw the new Home Market Now magazine with the paper this morning. Thanks so much for the prominent display of our Eagle Glen house in your ad. At this point if the house does not sell, it’s not because of your efforts. It will clearly be up to market conditions and time of year. You and your team have done more in a couple of weeks than we thought possible. Thanks again and take care,” Nadia & Ted.

Newspaper Thief

Catherine subscribed to the daily newspaper, however, she never received it. She contacted the subscription office and alerted them of their error. They apologized and said they would try harder. After a couple more weeks of missing newspapers, she discovered that it was not the fault of the newspaper delivery person, it was her thieving neighbor. When confronted, he admitted to it, but did not apologize and on occasion, continues to help himself to the paper.

Side Yard or Junk Yard

When Jason and his family moved into their neighborhood, the house next door was up for sale. Little did they know, the family that would move into the home would find it perfectly acceptable to park an old junker and pick-up truck in their side yard with the hoods up. These messy neighbors also use their side yard to pile accumulated debris, like a rotten plastic kiddie pool and a canoe that hasn’t seen the water in years.

Get Your Motor Runnin’

For many, Saturday morning is a time to sleep in and relax after a hard work week, but not for Marie and her family. They live next door to a car enthusiast, who awakens at 6 a.m. on the weekends so he and his son can work on their cars. Evidently, when they work on their vehicles, it requires constant revving of the engine. One Saturday, these noisy neighbors spent 6 full hours revving their motors, leaving the residents on the street begging for mercy.

Dogs Gone Wild

One day, Sally was playing with her young daughter in their front yard. One false move landed her in a steamy pile of you-know-what. And, Sally and her family don’t even have a dog! Not to be deterred, Sally and her daughter returned to play in the front yard on another occasion. Before she knew it, her young daughter was tackled by an over zealous and oversized mutt. That’s right, Sally lives next door to the dreaded neighbors who let their dogs roam free. Thankfully, Sally’s daughter wasn’t hurt, just scared and a little scratched.

The scariest things about these bad neighbor stories is that they don’t only occur during the Bewitching Halloween season, they linger all year long. . .

The University of Tennessee dates back to 1794, so it’s no wonder that it has picked up a few ghost stories along the way. Residents of Strong Hall may want to keep their voices lowered if they have a disagreement. According to some accounts, the ghost of Sophie Strong has been seen looking disapprovingly of those whose voices are raised. Sophie had 12 children and died in 1867 at the age of 50. Residents of Strong Hall have claimed to have seen Sophie in full-length mirrors is their room, especially on her birthday, February 17.

When people are asked, “What’s one of the most haunted places in Knoxville?” inevitably, the Bijou Theatre will be named. The theatre has been home to hotel guests, dying Civil War generals, and countless performers throughout it’s existence. So many accounts of apparitions led the East Tennessee Paranormal Society to conduct an investigation. They have recorded what they believe to be an apparition in a stall in one of the restrooms. Visitors and stagehands often report of being touched or poked, seeing shadows, and hearing voices when no one is around.

Most cities boast of a haunted cemetery and Knoxville is no different. Nighttime visitors to the cemetery of the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Knoxville have been seeing shadowy figures for years. Many people have claimed to see a dark figure wearing a hood. They say this mysterious lurking figure is paranormal in nature because you can see through it.

Knoxville residents have long heard the history and haunting at the Baker Peters Jazz Club. Dr. James Harvey Baker built the house originally prior to the Civil War. During an invasion by the Union army, Dr. Baker, who was treating wounded Confederate soldiers at the house, barricaded himself in his residence and refused to surrender. He was shot through the door. Dr. Baker’s son, Abner, returned home and killed the postmaster who had informed on his father. Abner was then killed by the postmaster’s friends in an act of revenge. Naturally, a home this old has experienced several changes before it became a jazz bar and restaurant. Employees and visitors to the restaurant have heard whispers, seen objects moving or being thrown from shelves, and experienced other paranormal phenomenon.

So if you’re a firm believer in the paranormal or you like to tell ghost stories around Halloween, then Knoxville is a great place to live.

Feng Shui means, “wind and water” and is the practice of placement and arrangement to attain harmony with your surroundings.

The general theory of Feng Shui supposes that nature, being composed of living things, gives out an energy. Wind carries energy and symbolizes change and transformation. It also signifies action and enthusiasm. Water, holds energy and symbolizes stability and internal strength. The purpose of Feng Shui in decorating is to find a balance in the flow of energy, thus providing harmony to the home and its inhabitants.

Decorating in Feng Shui guidelines is about organization and removing clutter, which makes sense no matter where your decorating inspiration comes from.

Feng Shui decorating does not mean that you have to incorporate bamboo and flutes in your scheme. Decorating with Feng Shui principles involves moving blocked areas so energy moves in a balanced flow around the home. Feng Shui decorating elements to achieve this balance can include mirrors, water features, and color.

The use of color in Feng Shui decorating helps to convey emotion. In China, decorating with red is thought to bring good luck. Yellow is considered an Imperial color that can be beneficial. Green is a color that represents freshness, peace, and growth.

In Feng Shui decorating, accessories are chosen for texture and the feelings the objects evoke. For example, fire is represented by light, so lamps and candles are excellent accessories to incorporate into a room. To evoke Knowledge, accessories in earth tones like terracotta tiles are good choices. Metallic elements, like wind chimes or wrought iron accessories, are said to spark creativity.

Whether you choose your decorating inspiration from Feng Shui elements or you lean to a traditional style, it is important that you find what works with your lifestyle.

One of the first ones close to me was a great friend of 15 years, let’s call her Lady A. She caught it early and now 15 years later is still cancer free and living a wonderful life. She travels, enjoys grandchildren and a full life.

Next was one of the people I had worked with for many years, Lady L. I remember the day she found out. Her husband came by to tell her the test results. As I watched the hallway, I saw her slide down the wall in shock. But today, 10 years later, she is thriving, watching every grandchild’s ballgame, traveling, working and still having fun.

Next is a 36 year old young lady, married late in life and wanted a child right away, Lady I.  She became pregnant and found out during her pregnancy that she had breast cancer. The baby was fine. She then began treatments after his birth. She is cancer free and enjoying her son, who is now 4 years old. She’ll be here to see him grow up. She never looks back.

Lady V was my sister-in-law. Being a beautiful blonde, she always ate right, exercised, didn’t smoke and only had a glass of wine once in a while. I remember going to see her. You would have never known she was wearing a wig. Her skin was pale, but her hope shown through. She could eat very few foods because it caused blisters in her mouth. The radiation had discolored her skin where it had broken it down. Radiation also brought nausea, day after day, after day. It’s been 12 years since she was cancer free. She’s been president of a health care company, now has 2 grandchildren and enjoys every day of her life.

Lady E lives a beautiful life. She found out about her cancer the same month her oldest daughter was getting married. She chose to wait a month to begin treatment because she didn’t want to be bald for her daughter’s wedding. While her cancer has spread, it has been arrested at present. It’s been 7 years now. Both daughters are married. She has a grandchild and has built a humongous gorgeous home overlooking the mountains.

My point here is that all these people are ALIVE! They live every day to its fullest and all have very active lives. There is not only life after cancer; there is hope, joy, love and laughter after cancer.

I am going to honor my friends who have survived cancer by dedicating every Saturday and Sunday in my News Sentinel ad for the month of October to each of them. The ads will have a pink background and pink ribbon designating the honored friend. I am celebrating the whole month for all who have had cancer because it is not a death sentence. It is a wake-up call to look at life in a different way; to enjoy the raindrops, “see” the beauty of nature and breathe in every moment of life with your loved ones and friends. Life is a miracle in itself. Soak it up. Celebrate!

2. The Corn Maze. My preference is Maple Valley Farm in Greenback. I love to take the family, pick out pumpkins, go for a hayride and end up going through the maze. I’m awful at the questions they ask to find your directions, but somehow I always get out.

3. I love going to Townsend and taking pictures of all the beautiful decorations along the road. Then we shop in the quaint shops along the way.

4. Foothills Fall Festival – October 7-9. This has become a huge event in Maryville, TN. It’s one of the largest festivals in the south. There’s always a big headliner. This year is Reba McEntire along with Chicago and Sara Evans among others. Throughout downtown Maryville there’s a craft show and a huge kid’s activity area too. Maryville is such a unique town!

5. My favorite thing that fall brings is football. I’m the best armchair coach there is! There’s nothing like my Volunteers. Good or bad, I am a fan. I get to drive my Volmobile and tailgate all day. Those low country boils and/or a pot of chili are my favorites.

6. Weekend in the Smokies-What could be better than a weekend at the Highlands with those beautiful Smoky Mountain views. I love the sound of a crackling fire, snuggling on the couch and drinking coffee on the balcony. Views, views, views! Then we end the day in the outside hot tub. On our way back home, we always stop at the Apple Barn for dinner and fried pies with ice cream. It doesn’t get any better than that.

7. Boo at the Zoo-This is a great event if you have children. The zoo has a costume contest and the children trick or treat at all the animal cages. It’s safe and loads of fun for the kids.

8. Haunted Houses and Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours. Last year I took my staff to Ripley’s Haunted House in Gatlinburg. I’m not sure I can say they loved it, but I can say they were scared, which after all, was what I was going for. The Ghost Tour in downtown is more of an experience than a tour. Don’t miss it! You actually “participate”. They have a family friendly tour and a “scary” late night one.

9. The Arts-Fall means Theater! The Broadway shows and the Clarence Brown along with the Opera all begin in the fall. I LOVE the theater!

10. The Ramsey House Country Market. This is a favorite! It features crafts, antiques, fall flowers, an auction and old timey “vittles”. Yum!

Your credit score represents your credit worthiness. Financial institutions look to credit reports to predict whether you will pay your bills on time.

FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) credit score scale ranges from 300 to 800 with 800 being the optimum. The FICO formula used to calculate the consumer’s score is used by the three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, all who pull their reports from slightly different networks of lenders to compile your score. It is possible to have three different scores which can differ as much as 50 points.

A consumer’s credit score is based on several factors like:

Payment history. The credit bureaus know how many times payments are late, how late, and how often you make late payments. One strategy to prevent from making late payments is setting up an automated payment system for your creditors.

Total debt. The reporting agencies calculate your debt to income ration. Are all your credit cards maxed out? Do you owe as much as you make?

Account duration. The credit bureaus look for a long history of credit. One late payment on an account that has only been opened a year looks worse than one late payment on an account that you have had for 20 years.

New credit. Multiple requests for credit in a short amount of time means you may be a credit risk. FICO not only looks at new accounts, they also see the number of requests or inquiries for your credit score or report. Numerous requests may mean a spending spree on big ticket items which might indicate future credit instability.

Type of the credit. Not all credit accounts are created equally. Revolving accounts, like credit cards, tend to count more than installment loans, like car loans, because they are better predictors at your debt management.

Consumers are entitled to one free credit report from each agency once a year. Experts recommend to check your credit reports to ensure they are free of errors

To take advantage of the lowest interest rates, one of the keys is good credit. Know your score and look for ways to improve it.

What is a reverse mortgage: A reverse mortgage is a type of home loan that lets the borrower convert a portion of their home’s equity into cash. Unlike a traditional home equity loan or second mortgage, no repayment is required until the borrower no longer uses the home as their primary residence. The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is FHA’s reverse mortgage program.

Who qualifies for a reverse mortgage: To be eligible for a HUD reverse mortgage, FHA requires that the borrower is 62-years-old or older. Borrowers should also have a very low outstanding mortgage balance or own the home free and clear.

What types of homes are eligible for reverse mortgages: To be eligible for the FHA HECM, the home must be a single-family home or a 1 to 4 unit home with one unit occupied by the borrower. Some HUD-approved condos and manufactured homes that meet FHA guidelines are also eligible.

How much money can I get from a reverse mortgage on my home: It depends. A formula is used to determine the amount. It is based on your age, the current interest rate, the initial Mortgage Insurance Premium option chosen, and the lesser of the appraised value of your home or the HECM FHA mortgage limit for your area or the sales price.

Are there alternatives to a reverse mortgage for cash-strapped seniors: Low-cost loans may be another option for seniors who want to stay in their home and need access to cash. Selling and downsizing is another viable option to a reverse mortgage.

Are there pitfalls to a reverse mortgage: Reverse mortgage loans are associated with a lot of fees. There is the typical closing costs associated with a mortgage in addition to origination fees, consultation fees, mortgage insurance premium fees, and monthly servicing fees. Also, with the increase in reverse mortgage application comes the increase of fraudulent enterprises designed to scam seniors from their savings. Beware of agents trying to persuade seniors in investing in long-term annuities with payouts years down the road or purchasing long-term insurance plans.

While reverse mortgages can provide seniors with money to supplement their retirement income, pay medical expenses, or pay for home repairs, home owners should be thoroughly educated on the transaction before they make a decision.

No matter if you’re looking for an outfit for that special occasion, fabulous accessories to match, or fresh groceries for your dinner party, you can find it all in Knoxville.

For the “shop ‘til you drop” types, there is West Town Mall and Knoxville Center Mall. Both have the traditional anchor department stores plus a variety of clothing stores and shoe stores for every member of the family.

For a shopping venue that combines retail space with restaurants, banks, hotels, and a movie theatre, then Turkey Creek will meet all your needs. Featuring department stores, Belk, and J.C. Penny, Turkey Creek has something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased with Gander Mountain; athletic-minded people can find what they need at Hibbett Sports, Fleet Feet, or Finish Line; and, those interested in fashion will be in heaven at Ann Taylor Loft, Talbots, and Chico’s (my personal favorite). Teens, tweens and everyone in between love Justice Just for Girls, Journeys, Aeropostale, and American Eagle. Specialty shops like Earth Fare and World Market are fun places to look around to find amazing, unique items. Home furnishings, appliances, and accessories can also be found at Turkey Creek at stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond, H.H. Gregg, Maytag, Kirkland’s, Ethan Allen, and Pier I.

Grocery shopping in the Knoxville area will soon provide consumers with variety and cost savings with the upcoming opening of Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Costco, and it is rumored that Publix will be jumping  into the competition. The Market recently opened in Market Square. It has enjoyed much success in downtown Maryville. They specialize in providing local fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and baked goods.

For those housing hunting in the Knoxville area, it is important to find a Realtor who is familiar with Knoxville and all the amenities the city offers, especially shopping. Judi Starliper and the J-Star Team can help you find your dream home that is located close to where you shop, work, and play.

The insurance adjuster was very nice. He did his report and four weeks later, I received a check for the above items. I proceeded to get a general contractor so that he could handle the entire job and not just the roof. Problemo —- the insurance company didn’t give me enough money.  I turned in the contractor’s estimate which was around $12,000 more than the insurance estimate. Two or three weeks later, I received the additional money and started the roofing process.

I was worried about my shrubs and my huge bed of red impatients that had grown knee high. There are so many horror stories, that I felt I needed to reiterate to the head of the crew that I don’t want nails left in the yard nor my shrubs messed up. I want the yard cleaned up at the end of every day. Frankly, I don’t want to even know you’ve been here. He said that it wouldn’t be a problem. The shingles arrived in the driveway around 7:30 a.m. while I was dressing for work.  All of a sudden, 6-8 people were climbing on the roof. A huge keg of water arrived in the backyard.  The blender showed up and was placed under the backyard tree. Soon the men were throwing shingles off the front and back while others were hammering and swinging from ropes.  It was like a swat team had engulfed my house. The driveway was covered in materials. But I really want to know how do they stand it for all those hours in the hot sun with foam pads under their knees till 9’ o’clock at night. But the roof is finished and it looks like they were never there. But all roofing jobs have not gone this well.

The nightmare! I was selling what we call a relocation house. That’s where an employee’s company buys the house through a third party holding company. Another real estate company had the house listed and hired the cheapest roofers they could find. They promised it would be done in three days and that they would start on a Saturday. We were closing the following Friday and all storm repairs had to be completed before closing. To begin with, they didn’t show up till Tuesday. The leader showed up with no dumpster, four guys with t-shirts on and no protective gear, nor foam for their knees and heads. After watching for a few minutes, it was obvious that these guys had never put on a roof. You have to ask yourself at this point, “no dumpster, no experience, no protective gear, no roof??” I went back by at noon.  Two had quit, 2 were blistered and the leader was gone to the doctor.  “But not to worry”, they said, “it will be done by Thursday for the final inspection.” They also said they would be there at 7:00 a.m.  Wednesday morning. Guess what?  I went by at 8:00 a.m. and no roofers. But, the outdoor swing set, fire pit and bench were gone.  Back at noon, I noticed there were no old shingles lying anywhere. Light bulb!!!  You’re right. They didn’t remove the old shingles. They laid felt over the old shingles and roofed on top of them. They had been paid for the materials but not the labor! I called the leader and told him about my problems. He said he would take care of it, and not to worry! I went by Thursday. No roofers. I called him. He said he was on his way. By 2:00 he and a new crew showed up. By 3:00, the back awning has been ripped to pieces. By 5:00 they had gone again. This became as bad as Nightmare on Elm Street! I had no control and the listing company had no better luck than I did. How, I really don’t know, but the roofers got it done by 2:00 p.m. on Friday and we closed by 4:00 p.m. I just hate it so much for the buyer. He had already sold his house and he felt he needed to move into this one. My guess is that he’ll need another roof in 4-5 years.  Unfortunately with a relocation house, there are no warranties. If you close, you are saying you are accepting the house “as is”.

Lesson learned: Cheap is not always the way to go when it’s a roof. Never pay up front and always check references. Get a written warranty. If you haven’t called your insurance company to have them check your roof, please do. If you let this go, you probably won’t be able to claim a hail damaged roof after a certain period of time.