By David Israel, Business Manager Everywhere you go and everyone you talk to lately seem to be discussing and thinking about next week's election.  I must say that this is a welcome focus because I believe that the most important issue today, besides the economy, is voting.  Political views aside, everyone needs to vote because voting is a fundamental right given to us by the founders of our country and we all need to make sure that our vote counts.  Early voting in Chattanooga (Hamilton County) broke the record with over 67,500 people voting early; early voting records were shattered in every state that allows early voting.  In Florida (where my folks live) people waited two hours or more just to early vote.  I think it is great that citizens are so committed to making sure their vote ... 10/31/2008

October 24th 2008  By Angel Sherlin, Greater Chattanooga Lending  While the headlines were focused on the poor performance of the stock market, mortgage rates improved moderately during a volatile week.  Mortgage rates were helped by a couple of factors.  Seeking to reduce risk, investors sold stocks and moved the funds into relatively safer Treasury bonds and government guaranteed mortgage backed securities.  In addition, slower economic growth and lower energy prices reduced expectations for future inflation.  More good news for the housing market came from the September Existing Home Sales report, which rose 5.5% from August to the highest annual rate since August 2007. Another important development was a decline in Libor rates during the week.  Libor rates are viewed as a primary in... 10/27/2008

The Grateful Gobbler is a non-competitive walk starting and ending at Collidge Park, where entertainment will be ongoing, as well as plenty of food and drink. Afterwards the historic Coolidge Park Carousel will be open - free for all participants. The Grateful Gobbler is a wonderful family event that will finish early enough so you can be home in time to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (on television), watch football and enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner. History of the Grateful Gobbler Walk for the Homeless: In November 2000, members of ten downtown congregations joined with the Homeless Coalition in organizing Chattanooga's inaugural Thanksgiving Day walk for the homeless.  All participants came together regardless of religious belief or background in order to work toward ... 10/23/2008

By David Israel, Business Manager I always remember the phrase we used to use as a child, "Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat".  Today, many hand out healthier and better treats than we ever had as children.  I remember my parents going with us when we were young and, as we got older, we would venture out on our own.  Unfortunately, today's society is larger with more dangers lurking than when I was a kid.  So, it is very important that parents focus on safety this Halloween while being careful not to ruin the kid's experience.  So, prepare well and use some of these 5 Tips for Trick or Treating this October 31st! 1.  Plan your route in advance!  Walk your neighborhood or other familiar neighborhoods and look for obstacles that might be dangerous or be annoying... 10/23/2008

By David Israel, Business Manager Everyone around the world and in Chattanooga are going "green", but what does it mean?  Some people say that the term has become a buzz word for companies to capitalize on a movement to be able to charge more for products and services.  Others feel that it is an ecological movement by the citizens of the world to clean up the mess we have made over the past century, and a few even call this movement just a "fad"!  Kermit the Frog was actually the leading proponent of going green in the early 70's saying, "It's not easy being green". Personally, I think going "green" is a way of life that is changing the world around us.  As consumers of "stuff", I really think that this movement is here to stay and hope that it will improve our lives.  There are so many... 10/20/2008

By Kacey Sides, Buyer Specialist  Even before hurricanes Gustav and Ike, gas station owners in the Chattanooga area warned us of the increase in prices to come - and they weren't kidding!  As of this past Saturday, we are finally seeing some decreasing prices at the pump. Since the beginning of September, gas prices have soared to as much as $4.15 a gallon for regular unleaded gas.   Not only did the prices increase, but at most stations you either had to wait in line, or search for a station that had some gas to sell!  Although it has been frustrating, Chattanooga was not as hard hit as some of our neighbors in Georgia and North Carolina, who were also affected by the gas shortage. With the end of the shortage in sight and with oil prices hovering around $85 a barrel, we're hoping for ... 10/14/2008

By David Israel, Business Manager Today my wife and I went to the Chattanooga Zoo, not to see the animals, but to experience Go!Fest 2008.  Go!Fest is part of an initiative created by Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield to help make Chattanooga more accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability. "People of all abilities want to live their lives to the fullest - without limitations," said Mayor Littlefield. "And the public's perception and awareness about disabilities will expand when discoveries are made about how people with different abilities live, work and play together.  We all benefit from unlocking the unique gifts of every citizen.  That's what Go!Fest is all about." It was a beautiful day to visit the Chattanooga Zoo.  Along with the Chattanooga Department of Parks and Recr... 10/11/2008

By Angel Sherlin, Greater Chattanooga Lending This week the stock market fell to the lowest level since 2003. Normally mortgage markets improve during a stock market decline, since Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae mortgage backed securities (the vehicles through which most mortgages made today are sold) are considered a relatively safe haven. This week, however, the prices paid for these securities moved lower as well. One reason is that some investment funds have been forced to reduce their leverage and sell nearly every asset class in their portfolios. Another factor is investor concern that the supply of debt will increase significantly as the government funds its rescue actions. Mortgage rates ended the week moderately higher. Investors viewed the $700 billion rescue plan pas... 10/10/2008

Andy Hodes - "The Local Economist"  Below is a link to the second part of an interview with Andy conducted by Richard Winham of WUTC 88.1, Friday August 22, 2008.  This was part series entitled "Around and About," a Public Affairs Program on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Radio Station, an NPR Member Station.  This interview was done in our office and aired several weeks ago.  The topic was more about Andy Hodes and his decision to pursue a carrier and succeed in Real Estate!  This interview is about 7 minutes long.  We welcome all comments, ENJOY! Andy Hodes on the Radio - CLICK HERE 10/08/2008

By David Israel, Business Manager This past week my wife and I were watching our local PBS Station, WTCI Chattanooga while flipping channels called Tennessee Crossroads.  This particular program was called "Smokin'" it was a special on BBQ places around state of Tennessee.  Since moving to Chattanooga we have come to love BBQ and love to watch programming about BBQ.  Well, they did a story about a local place called HillBilly Willy's BBQ located in Lookout Valley, where they serve Baby Back Ribs. It is not easy to find in good Baby Back Ribs in Chattanooga, as most BBQ joints use the St. Louis style ribs. After the program I asked my wife to go look it up on the computer to see if they were open for dinner and maybe we would go try it.  Well, they were closed Sunday and Monday, I was a ... 09/25/2008

By David Israel, Business Manager Today marks the Opening Ceremony of the celebration of the anniversary of the Civil War battles at the Chickamauga National Battlefield.  Vice-President Dick Cheney has arrived at Lovell field and his on his way into the battlefield as a guest speaker for the event.  It turns out, after a little reading that his great-grandfather, Capt. Samuel Fletcher Cheney of the 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served in the battle that became known as the "Gettysburg of the West."  This information was gathered from The Gadsden Times article posted this week. Celebrating the 145th Anniversary seems to draw in crowds from all over The United States of America and the world.  I have only seen this on the news, but what I have seen seems to be pretty incredible.  The re-... 09/22/2008

Here are a few more reasons buyers will love to relocate to Chattanooga, Tennessee!  So if you have a buyer interested in Chattanooga, Tennessee you will know the benefit of moving to our amazing city! Chattanooga is located on the Tennessee River.  Because of the TVA water management system that makes water readily available to residences as well as businesses, Chattanooga has avoided being a part of the drought that has affected so many places in the South. For those who want to get away from the snow, this is the perfect city!  Chattanooga rarely gets snow.  Our average annual snow fall is about 4.8 inches.  The weather in general is pretty great!  The average January temperature is 40 degrees and the average Annual Temperature is 60.3 degrees. For those who love to fly, this is the ... 09/14/2008

Chattanooga, Tennessee is an awesome place for buyers and sellers!  As a Realtor who sells in Chattanooga, TN and NW Georgia, I'd like to spread the word about what a wonderful area we have.  Chattanooga was recognized as a "Great Place to Walk and Bike by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP).  I can only guess that it is our wonderful downtown and greenways that caused us to be recognized in this manner. The CBS News Early Show saluted Chattanooga as an "Eco-Friendly Destination".  During the story, our city was recognized as one of the best environmentally friendly places to vacation.   09/13/2008

Going back to the basics for multifamily investors and property managers not only can save you money but increase your bottom line. Owning an apartment complex or managing one can be expensive if your game plan is simply offering concessions and other promotions to attract new tenants. Obtaining new business is of course great but the cost to attract new tenants is an expense multi family owners would rather not pay. And the additional expenses of cleaning, repairs and marketing all add up to losing money. Exiting tenants can sometimes harm your bottom line as well. Word of mouth can be powerful, good or bad.  It can be a small world even in a mid size city like Chattanooga.   What if you could retain all of your current tenants and fill your apartment complex with little cost? Top Four... 09/03/2008

By David Israel, Business Manager This past week Chattanooga received beneficial rains thanks to the tail end of Tropical Storm Fay.  Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been negatively affected by her rain and winds, but in Chattanooga we needed the four inches of rain to help our lawns - especially homes that are on the market.  It's not easy maintaining a beautiful lawn during the summer while it's extremely hot.  We don't want to be out on our weekends mowing the grass, weeding beds and trimming bushes, but as a Seller in today's market, this is a must! In past articles I frequently talk about the first impression, you only get one!  Lawn Maintenance is a very important tool in working to get your home on the top of a Buyer's short list.  If the yard does not look lik... 09/02/2008

By Jay Zuckerman - Guest BloggerI love the downtown music venues in Chattanooga.  However, I don't always enjoy returning home smelling like a 6′3″ cigarette, partially deaf from inebriated audience members who yell "Play Free Bird" at the top of their lungs at the end of every dadgum song.  The Tivoli and Memorial Auditorium bring in talented artists, but on my budget as a writer, I can only afford a couple $60 concerts a year.If you're looking for a change of pace with equally talented rock, blues, and folk musicians, consider Charles & Myrtle's Coffeehouse located on 105 McBrien Road in the Brainerd area of Chattanooga. The concerts are held in a converted entertainment room in a residential area. Charles and Myrtle's provides an intimate area for musicians to share stories, interact... 09/02/2008

By Stephanie Arnold, Transaction Specialist  So . . . What's a Transaction Specialist?  On The Scenic City Team, it's me!  I handle all the details and negotiations from the time one of our clients have an accepted contract straight through to the end of a successful closing.  Working with Andy, Kacey, the other Realtor and our seller or buyer, I coordinate home inspections, "termite" inspections, surveys, appraisals, home warranties, repairs, switching over utilities, cleaning services etc., plus I work with the lender and the title company to facilitate a smooth closing.  (Basically I make sure our contracts get closed and keep things running smoothly; we call it "bullet proofing" a transaction).  The Scenic City Team strives to provide our clients with a highly specialized level of s... 08/29/2008

by Jay Zuckerman, Guest BloggerAs August rolls around, Chattanooga residents love to say, it's "Football Time in Tennessee."  All the local high schools are going through Two-A-Days in the warm summer sun.  The Chattanooga Mocs are preparing for their opener against the University of Oklahoma... and most Scenic City denizens are ready for SEC play to start.  NFL Fantasy Football magazines cover shelves at the bookstores and the Scoop's David Israel is already looking ahead to the 2009 NFL Draft when his Miami Dolphins will likely have the Number One pick... again.Any coach will tell you that one of the keys to winning any football game is to limit penalties... Much like football, you must not commit these three penalties when selling your house.#1 Interference:  When a Realtor brings a ... 08/18/2008

By Kacey Sides, Buyer Specialist  So you found the house, made the offer, removed all of your contingencies, and all that's left is to close.  Whether it has been a smooth ride or a bumpy one, it's exciting to know the end is near, and soon you'll be relaxing in your new home. The hard part may be over, but your not quite done yet.  Here are a few final steps to help slide you into your new home smoothly: The Final Walk Through - This is done to verify all of the items that you negotiated to be done during your inspection period are completed and that the home is in similar condition as it was on the day you made your offer to purchase it.  If there are items that needed repair that cannot be seen with the untrained eye, have your home inspector come with you and your Realtor.  That way... 08/18/2008

By Kacey Sides, Buyer Specialist  So you found the house, made the offer, removed all of your contingencies, and all that's left is to close.  Whether it has been a smooth ride or a bumpy one, it's exciting to know the end is near, and soon you'll be relaxing in your new home. The hard part may be over, but your not quite done yet.  Here are a few final steps to help slide you into your new home smoothly: The Final Walk Through - This is done to verify all of the items that you negotiated to be done during your inspection period are completed and that the home is in similar condition as it was on the day you made your offer to purchase it.  If there are items that needed repair that cannot be seen with the untrained eye, have your home inspector come with you and your Realtor.  That way... 08/13/2008