One huge recreational attraction in the greater Knoxville Tennessee area is our network of beautiful lakes.Can you think of a better spot to relax and watch the world drift by?Within a 30 minute drive or less in any direction is one of the 7 lakes that surround Knoxville. The Tennessee River actually has its headwaters about 2 miles east of downtown where the Holston and French Broad Rivers merge. The Tennessee River and Fort Loudon Lake flow through the downtown area.Just a few miles south and west are Tellico & Watts Bar Lakes.North is Melton Hill & Norris Lakes.East lies Cherokee & Douglas. You can put your boat in the water in Knoxville and navigate via the Tennessee River to the Tenenssee-Tombigbee Waterway, Tombigbee River, Mobile River, and sail into the Gulf of Mexico at Mobile ... 11/10/2007

Meet a founding member of Zerochurch a ministry that reaches out to hurting young people and young adults. VernonCorumHe first and foremost a husband of one Jeannette Mills Corum and Father of three: Bryce Houston, Jake Austin and Seth Eli. Vernon is very comfortable just coaching sports and spending time with my kids. What he is paid to do is a little more confusing to describe because he holds three jobs. First, a job at Pittsburgh Paints (www.ppg.com) as a paint sales specialist which is the job that pays the bills and keeps him from starving. Second, Vernon aspires to having his own full service Real Estate office. He is a managing broker, building a business on the side for Global Equity Lending (www.knoxvilleleadershipnetwork.com). Finally, he is a Youth Director for St Paul Unite... 10/28/2007

Sales Report Beginning 07/01/2007, Ending 09/30/2007 Single-Family Unit Sales - Residential Other Statistics BedroomsPrice Class2 orLess34 orMoreCondoSoldResidentialActiveCondoActive$0 - $19,999181010230$20,000 - $29,999172110500$30,000 - $39,9994025401210$40,000 - $49,9995139921612$50,000 - $59,9994028502096$60,000 - $69,99955507727216$70,000 - $79,999559012729520$80,000 - $89,9995188111735821$90,000 - $99,9993893162235228$100,000 - $119,999611893286604130$120,000 - $139,999502863666885167$140,000 - $159,999243124495853155$160,000 - $179,999242346255848181$180,000 - $199,99972235880786157$200,000 - $249,999232751381481395276$250,000 - $299,99914151136271243196$300,000 - $399,99914132168251274266$400,000 - $499,99933863762571$500,000 or Over6261078106932Totals5912310910652114231724Avera... 10/21/2007

Sales Report Beginning 09/01/2007, Ending 09/30/2007 Single-Family Unit Sales - Residential Other Statistics BedroomsPrice Class2 orLess34 orMoreCondoSoldResidentialActiveCondoActive$0 - $19,9996600230$20,000 - $29,9995700500$30,000 - $39,999128101210$40,000 - $49,9991712221612$50,000 - $59,999159302096$60,000 - $69,99913171327216$70,000 - $79,99918265029520$80,000 - $89,9997263135821$90,000 - $99,99920295835228$100,000 - $119,99918601028604130$120,000 - $139,9991377917885167$140,000 - $159,9996981325853155$160,000 - $179,99910612215848181$180,000 - $199,9990462012786157$200,000 - $249,99978442211395276$250,000 - $299,99974829101243196$300,000 - $399,9994324191274266$400,000 - $499,99911016062571$500,000 or Over27272106932Totals181663249153114231724Average Price(in Thousands $)113.8171.... 10/21/2007

In his #1 best seller "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", Stephen Covey outlines a framework for personal effectiveness. In the book he lists 7 things or habits highly effective people do regularly and/or routinely to be successful. Number 7, "Sharpen the Saw" says you should take regular time out from production to build production capability through the personal renewal of the physical, mental, social/emotional, and spiritual dimensions.Basically that means you need to take regular time off from working to renew yourself in all areas. I remember a sales trainer once saying you should schedule a mini vacation at least once a quarter to get away from business and just chill out for a while. He opined you should treat yourself to a long weekend away every quarter if business had b... 10/21/2007

Twenty two years ago, I was uprooted by my family from my happy home in Philadelphia, PA and moved against my will to Knoxville, TN.  While must admit I spent years being incredibly unhappy moving from my beloved city,  but honestly it was the best decision my parents ever made.Knoxville, TN is one of the most sought after places to relocate to and for GOOD REASONS.  Protected by the Great Smoky and Appalachian Mountains, natural disasters are rare.  Our climate is near perfect with moderate temperatures, but enough seasonal variation that you can fully enjoy every season.  The landscape is second to none, in Knoxville, TN you have your choice from the breathtaking peaceful country-side, beautiful mountains, awesome lakes and watersheds, all nestled amongst friendly and welcoming commun... 10/17/2007

I've always been a fascinated student of history and how things once were. By studying the past, especially an area's past, we learn how things came to be the way they are today and where they might be going in the future.An annual tour of Knoxville's Old Gray Cemetery, a 13 acre, private cemetery that lies just north of downtown, offers a great window into the past of Knoxville and glimpses into Knoxville's colorful history and now departed citizens. Reenactors portraying local figures tell fascinating stories throughout the cemetery accompanied by horse-drawn carriage rides. Today was a beautiful fall day in east Tennessee; a perfect day for the Old Gray Cemetery's annual lantern tour and carriage rides. This pistol packing lady is Miss Evelyn Hazen, a Knoxville socialite who scandali... 09/30/2007

Inman news headlines today: "California home sales drop 28% in August""Resale single-family median home prices fell in 11 of 20 regions in California while sales dropped 27.8 percent in August compared to the same month last year, the California Association of Realtors trade group reported this week." "Home purchases decline last week" "Applications for home-purchase loans dropped significantly last week as long-term interest rates climbed higher, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported today."Do you think someone interested in maybe buying a house would see this as a bad sign? ;-)Granted times are tough in some areas. Fortunately they are certainly not tough in all areas. For instance, in my town of Knoxville, Tennessee our resale single-family median home price actually rose 6.6% in... 09/26/2007

Sales Report Beginning 08/01/2007, Ending 08/31/2007 Single-Family Unit Sales - Residential Other Statistics BedroomsPrice Class2 orLess34 orMoreCondoSoldResidentialActiveCondoActive$0 - $19,9995300180$20,000 - $29,9996900500$30,000 - $39,999137001230$40,000 - $49,9992114301764$50,000 - $59,999189102176$60,000 - $69,99927154229314$70,000 - $79,99922374329822$80,000 - $89,99927285936721$90,000 - $99,99911346633237$100,000 - $119,99921591429605145$120,000 - $139,99923901423913159$140,000 - $159,99911981044858160$160,000 - $179,9999851924866171$180,000 - $199,9992932048805154$200,000 - $249,9991085491051409280$250,000 - $299,9993555391283186$300,000 - $399,9992546171267224$400,000 - $499,99901324365572$500,000 or Over110383106932Totals232798325315116041687Average Price(in Thousands $)100.3... 09/18/2007

One of the many pleasant things that add to the quality of life in Knoxville/Knox County is our ever growing greenway system of paved pathways for bikes and walking traffic. Currently there are over 40 miles of these delightful trails throughout the city and county with more being added as funding permits.One of my favorite sections is the Third Creek Greenway which runs from the Bearden area along the north end of Sequoyah Hills, through Tyson Park, along Third Creek, through the University of Tennessee Agricultural Campus, and along Neyland Drive and the Tennessee River to Calhoun's Restaurant below the Gay Street Bridge.You can also turn off at several intersections onto other greenways into Sequoyah Hills, Third Creek Park, and several other delightful destinations.One huge section ... 09/05/2007

Labor Day weekends around the Knoxville area are also time for our annual "Boomsday" celebration. Boomsday is a huge street fair with recent attendance exceeding 300,000 happy party goers according to Knoxville Police estimates. Some of last year's Boomsday party goers strolling along Neyland Drive and the Tennessee River.Boomsday starts this Sunday, September 2nd at noon and goes until around 10:00 PM after the spectacular fireworks show which is billed as the largest Labor Day fireworks display in the US.This Labor Day is the 20th annual Boomsday for Knoxville.In addition to the largest Labor Day fireworks show in the nation, this year's Boomsday will feature food from 30 vendors, amusement games and rides, exhibits, children's activities and inflatable area, and a community stage wit... 08/29/2007

Reading or listening to the national news you would think the entire United States real estate industry is down the proverbial tubes. "Lender bankruptcies", "National real estate market down", "record foreclosures", etc., etc.Sure, there are areas where the local economy is not the greatest and there are also areas where buyers have gone into some unwise loans and unfortunately might lose their homes, but there are also lots of bright spots in the real estate market too. My area of Knoxville, Tennessee seems to be one of them. The graph below represents the 2nd quarter sales report for a median priced, 3 bedroom Knoxville home for the past 9 years. The trend has been up for those years as well as all the years beyond. Here's the year by year breakdown: 2nd Quarter 1999   $100,0002nd Qua... 08/27/2007

Sales Report Beginning 07/01/2007, Ending 07/31/2007 Single-Family Unit Sales - Residential Other Statistics BedroomsPrice Class2 orLess34 orMoreCondoSoldResidentialActiveCondoActive$0 - $19,9997110190$20,000 - $29,9995510550$30,000 - $39,999139101270$40,000 - $49,9991413401743$50,000 - $59,999710102025$60,000 - $69,99916182129411$70,000 - $79,99915264330524$80,000 - $89,99917343735826$90,000 - $99,9999355733241$100,000 - $119,99922741029539136$120,000 - $139,999141141525884165$140,000 - $159,99991162126857158$160,000 - $179,9997831916877174$180,000 - $199,9995862023819149$200,000 - $249,999610746201339319$250,000 - $299,9993515281326178$300,000 - $399,9997446771274211$400,000 - $499,99921724461081$500,000 or Over39402109036Totals181852336178114811717Average Price(in Thousands $)119.317... 08/21/2007

Currently in the Knoxville, Tennessee Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service and IDX system there are currently 213 residential listings with an asking price of $1,000,000 or more. Here's the top 10 in reverse order: 10. Priced at $3,500,000, this home is actually in Brentwood, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville. Two houses and 13 + or - acres. Brokered by Hammontree real estate 865-573-01459. $3,800,000, 20 acre lakefront estate located in Loudon County. 1300 foot airstrip, pastures, and 2 docks with boat lifts.Brokered by Re/Max Preferred Properties 865-694-8100Read all about the remaining 8 (and the other 203) at my Knoxville Tennessee Real Estate Blog. You can search all homes in all price ranges and all location at www.KnoxvilleMLS.com, my flagship website. 08/14/2007

 There are many products on the market offered for staining and protecting your deck. I would like to take the time to share with you some options available and how to apply them. 1st, there are several options for staining and protecting your deck. There are basically four types of products to put on your deck. The first type of product is a clear sealer that comes in oil or latex. This is the easiest most simple way to protect your deck from the elements and keep the wood looking natural. Most of the time you should use oil on the first application to get good penetration into the wood for long term durability. Most of these protection products will last up to three years, but I usually recommend that you re-coat about every 16-20 months to maintain the beauty. After the first applica... 08/11/2007

Easy on your purse for First Time Homebuyers or folks wanting to downsize                                                                  in the East Tennessee -- Knoxville Area!  This 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo rests in the desirable area of Fountain City, with walking park/dog park nearby.  Lots of shopping going east or west, quick interstate access and in a convenient location.  This immaculate, well kept condo offers over 1200 square feet of living space, plenty of storage inside and extra storage outside. HOA fees are low.  Privacy fence installed throughout development in back of all units.  Condo comes with washer/dryer and stainless steel appliances.  This is a gem, the most stunning condo priced at $95,900, call for details and private showings.Back View Of Condo              ... 08/03/2007

It has been said:  We make a living by what we get; But we make a life by what we giveI have heard it said that 80% of the folks that die only reach 10% of their true potential, so in the aspect, I have a long journey in front of me.  Our main purpose in life is to reach our true potential, yet so few actually do.  There is another component to that equation, helping others.  If you don't help others, without that particular aspect of the equation, the journey to your full potential will be a lonely and shallow experience.                                                                       Building BridgesPhilosopher Albert Schweitzer stated it even more strongly:  "The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others."We can help our clients every... 07/31/2007

                                                                 The definition of a baby boomer is a person born between 1946 and 1960 and are the largest and  appear to be the most influential population to date.   Todays baby boomer's as they enter their 50's and 60's are healthier, more active in their lives & communities than any previous generation in history.  They expect more, they want more, they demand more and now they are making decisions as to how, when and where they will live, spend their money and their time.  They are unlikely to spend it in a rocking chair, they are going to be in the drivers seat in regard to housing over the next several years.From all conversations that I have had with folks in the baby boomer generation, they are not moving half way across the coun... 07/31/2007

Starting today (July 25th) the streets and athletic fields & gyms of Knoxville will be a beehive of activities as the 2007 Junior Olympics comes to town. Running through August 4th, this Olympics is featuring over 17,000 athletes from as young as age 6 to the old timers at 18.22 Different sports will be showcased at 27 venues; daily admission is a mere 12 bucks or you can buy a pass for admission to anything, anytime for $40.00From baseball to wrestling and lots of sports in between, these young athletes have all qualified to meet the 'best of the best' by excelling in local & regional events before being invited to "go for the gold" at the Junior Olympics. The 17,000 + athletes are expected to be accompanied by an additional 20,000 proud moms & dads as well as other family members, tra... 07/25/2007

Sales Report Beginning 04/01/2007, Ending 06/30/2007 Single-Family Unit Sales - Residential Other Statistics BedroomsPrice Class2 orLess34 orMoreCondoSoldResidentialActiveCondoActive$0 - $19,99912700220$20,000 - $29,99921900550$30,000 - $39,9993835201260$40,000 - $49,9993431901781$50,000 - $59,9994143511814$60,000 - $69,999535741129115$70,000 - $79,999596481228426$80,000 - $89,999699462836223$90,000 - $99,99936112194431548$100,000 - $119,999412212073540122$120,000 - $139,999423304868864173$140,000 - $159,999172884966833138$160,000 - $179,999182886238848183$180,000 - $199,99982115040822144$200,000 - $249,99923283121431354339$250,000 - $299,99920158127321253167$300,000 - $399,9998122172261289193$400,000 - $499,999353721060784$500,000 or Over1311043107941Totals5442437878495113031701Average... 07/18/2007