Kay Bennett's Talking Tennessee!

With all Tennessee has to offer, why would you want to live anywhere else?  Tennessee has no state income tax and very low property taxes to offer the perfect retirement area or just nice easy living! 

Our area offers lots of great recreational activities from the leisurest to the enthusiast! 

From our beautiful Dale Hollow Lake with over 600 miles of shoreline and Center Hill Lake at over 400 miles of shoreline...

To the many beautiful and registered caves to explore. Not to forget the breathtaking bluff views, waterfalls, and rock climbing....You can always find the perfect way to spend your day. 

Call Kay Today to find out how you can live in the Cookeville Tennessee area.

• KAY BENNETT
• REALTOR(R)
• FIRST REALTY COMPANY
• 931-528-1573 OFC
• 931-510-8601 AGENT CELL

Enjoy the beautiful Caney Fork River at your doorstep!   River Bend Subdivision is a quiet retreat along the Caney Fork just off Hwy. 111 in Sparta Tennessee.  These beautiful wooded River lots are home to a great and peaceful community! 

Offered at $64,500, this is a great opportunity!  The river is just beyond those trees.  Lot has been perked for septic.  The Caney Fork River is navigable for boats and recreation.  Docks are permitted.

This .84 acre River lot can be yours!  Call Kay Today for more details!

COME SEE COOKEVILLE'S  BEST NEIGHBORHOODS!

1212 CIRCLE DRIVE IN DESIRED PARK VILLIAGE IS A MUST HAVE!!

Relax and enjoy! Built in 1968, this home has been well maintained and updated by the sole owner!  This 4BR. 2 1/2 BA. Split level home boasts two living areas, dining room, huge kitchen with two ovens and lots of cabinets, extra large deck with new Iron winding staircase overlooking nice fenced back yard shaded with mature trees; all in desired Park village subdivision.  This home has handicapped accessible stairwell chair lift and new Premier walk in tub in Master Bath.  More information includes: gas plumbed for grill hook-up on back deck (grill does not stay), roof replaced in mid 1990's, water heater replaced in March of 2006,Crown replacement windows installed in 1996, and concrete pad in back ready for storage bldg.

CONTACT KAY BENNETT OR JIM LYNN FOR MORE INFORMATION..

                   KAY BENNETT:  931-510-8601                                           JIM LYNN:   931-969-9698

116 S. LOWE AVE.

COOKEVILLE, TN 38501

OFFICE: 931-528-1573

CALL KAY TODAY...A F1rst realty agent who puts you first!..931-510-8601 agent cell, or 931-528-1573 office.

I was just speaking to my husband this evening and he was telling me about one of his friends who will soon be moving to our area.  His friend needs to sell his home that he had built a few years ago, which is a few hours from here in Cookeville Tennessee, and will transition to our area possibly renting until he gets to know the Cookeville area well enough before purchasing. His friend told him he was reluctant in speaking to an agent because he didn't know about real estate or what questions to ask. Ahhh, flashbacks came rushing in so fast!  I remembered buying and selling my first home and how I knew nothing about Real Estate or what to ask, what to do, who to talk to. 

So, for those who need a good Realtor(R) who will be a good listener, and very informative here are a few things that are important to ask if you need to sell your home:

Hello Mr./Ms. Real Estate Agent,

• Tell me about yourself, your company, and your qualifications?
• Tell me about your marketing plan and list to close procedures?
•  Will you provide me with a comparable market analysis of my home and estimated length of time homes are generally on the market in my area?
• What things do I need to do as the home owner to prepare my home for sale and to get the best possible price for my home?
• Will you place my home in local and internet advertising?  If so, where do you advertise?  I will need you to provide me with advertising in your local real estate books, papers, and popular internet sites and I would like to be informed of this in case I do not want my home listed on a specific site. 
•  Do you put your listings in the real estate agent's Multiple Listing Systems (MLS) if so, what is the coverage area of this system? and of course, do you co-broke with other real estate firms to sell your listings?
• Will you take pictures of my home inside and out and place these pictures on your MLS and internet sites? 
• Will you place a for sale sign on my property?
• Will you take room measurements of my home to place on your advertisements and MLS?
• Do you do virtual tours?
• Please discuss "agency" with me, I need to know what status of agency your company practices.  I need to know up front how much information should be discussed with you about my thoughts and opinions as in what I will actually "take" for my house. Will it be discussed with a potential buyer? Yes, please tell me how you practice agency when "you", my agent brings "me" a buyer..I need to know who you are working for, if any of us?  Types of agency include dual agency, designated agency, and transaction broker or facilitator... How do you and your company handle these types of situations?
• Please discuss your listing agreement with me as I need to know how many days is our agreement and what is your company policy about getting out of the agreement early in case such need may arise.  Does your company charge a fee for listing withdrawal before the listing contract expires? 
• Will you discuss the benefits of pre-appraisal and pre-home inspection? 
• What is a home warranty?  I need to decide if I want to offer this in the sale of my home.

Note:  A lot of real estate detail and education are required by your Realtor(R), however your agent is not allowed answer any questions of a legal nature as real estate agents (who are not attorneys) do not have a license to practice law.  If you have a legal question regarding real estate, please consult your attorney. 

Need to sell your home in Cookeville Tennessee?  Give me a call today to discuss an easy transition for you!!

FIRST REALTY COMPANY~ SERVING OUR COOKEVILLE COMMUNITIES SINCE 1979

As our markets are ever changing, it can be a daunting task for a real estate agent to keep up with the market, new regulations, etc.  Some agents who jumped into the business when the markets were up are retiring their license now. Why, because in an economic downturn, there are many things to consider when you are an active real estate agent.  You can no longer just post a sign in the yard and have the home sold by 5 o'clock.  As a flood of homes hit the market, especially foreclosures, a real estate agent must stay on top of current conditions in his/her area to appropriately inform their client/customer.  Supply and demand are of utmost importance in real estate and inexperience no longer can play under such tough conditions.  In these times, rules and regulations are getting tougher, especially when it comes to lending and special stipulations.  Real estate agents are continually educating themselves to stay ahead and informed.  Well informed clients and saavy agents will stabilize our markets faster and thus help to bring our economy back to normal.

Are you in need of Real Estate services?  If so, here are some things to consider:

• Do hire a Realtor to work with you.  Why?  Because an experienced agent and company has been through all types of market conditions.  They know Real Estate and work with it every day.  They can get you what you want and give you information concerning your real estate purchase that you might not be aware of on your own. 
• Interview a Real estate agent thoroughly before you agree to work with them.  Usually you will sign an buyer's agreement to hire an agent to represent you for buyer, and a listing agreement for seller. When you do, make sure you have discussed what your agent will do for you. Buyer- Make sure your agent will show you any listing in your criteria from any company they co-broke.  Make sure your agent will follow up with you during the closing process to make sure everything goes smoothly. If you are new to the area, make sure your agent provides you with area information, maps, and etc.  Sellers-make sure your agent will provide you with a comparable market analysis for your home, and advertise your property on multiple MLS systems if applicable.  Here in Cookeville TN we have three systems to include Nashville,Upper Cumberland, and Knoxville.  Having your listing on multiple systems is a better advantage to you.  Sellers, also make sure your agent does heavy Internet and local advertising with Pictures and virtual tours.  Don't be afraid to ask for a list of where the agent advertises.  A saavy agent will most likely have this material handy for you to obtain in the interview.  Also, don't be afraid to contact the agent's broker for additional information about the company and it's longevity in the local market. 
• Remember, a good agent doesn't have to be in the busines 20 yrs, but a good track record does count and a good company with years of experience puts you at an advantage.  I have seen new agents do an outstanding job for clients, especially with a solid company to support them. Education is key to being a successful real estate agent.

If you are looking to re-locate to the Cookeville or Crossville Tennessee area, Call today for more information.  Real Estate is what I do for you! 

PUTNAM COUNTY TENNESSEE HAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LAWNS! 2009 is proving to be a beautiful spring season with plenty of April showers to give us an array of beautiful flowers and fresh lawns to admire.  Also, Spring is a perfect time of the year to buy a home or property.  With trees budding, picturesque landscapes magnify each and every neighborhood and lawn with perfect color.  No wonder why Spring is proven the best time of year for homes sales.  Property can still be easily shown. Especially wooded lots are prime to view.  While not every tree is full of foliage, you can define the lay of land and see the natural drainage of the property easier this time of year. 

As the sun brings us outdoors, the array of God's natural beauty though the budding of trees and flowers is wonderful to enjoy.

From Bradford Pears to beautiful Dogwoods, you will find it all in Cookeville Tennessee... Neigborhood site seeing is a must this time of year.

SPRING INTO ACTION!  BUY YOUR NEXT HOME IN COOKEVILLE TENNESSEE!  CALL KAY BENNETT  FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A LIST OF HOMES FOR SALE TO FIT YOUR CRITERIA!

COOKEVILLE TENNESSEE ~ UPCOMING EVENTS

(DRAGON RENAISSANCE FAIRE)

Hidden Hollow in Cookeville Tennessee presents its Dragon Renaissance Faireand is sure to be a hit with all of us renaissance faire enthusiasts!  Come on out and enjoy some cultural activities, and lots of family fun! 

Staged in Elizebethian period. You can dress up or just come as you are,but you will be sure to enjoy all the festivities.  Live music and dance, games and fun!

Come hungry and enjoy Turkey legs, beef stew bread bowls, or polish sausage with grilled onions and peppers.  Nothing like great faire food!

DIRECTIONS: Hidden Hollow Park is located South of Cookeville just off exit 290.  From Nashville, turn right then left onto Poplar Grove Rd then left at Rocky Point Rd.  Follow the signs to fun and entertainment.

POSTED BY:

Kay Bennett, Realtor (R)

First Realty Company

Cookeville, TN 38501

931-528-1573 ofc.

931-510-8601 agent

 I know the big buzz is everywhere about the great tax credit for first time home buyers and I will have to jump in and talk about this great incentive too!  Here is a simple run down of what to expect!

• First time home buyers only
• the tax credit does not have to be paid back
• the tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price up to a maximum $8,000
• The credit is available for homes purchased on or after Jan 1, 2009 and before Dec 2009
• Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the tax credit.

Simply put, how this works:

To claim your tax credit, you will claim it on your federal income tax return.  Specifically, home buyers should complete IRS form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount and then claim this amount on line 69 of their 1040 income tax return.  No other applications or forms are required, and no pre-approval is necessary.  However, you will want to be sure that you qualify for the credit under the income limits and first time home buyer tests.

For example, when you file your return next year, if you qualify for the full $8,000 credit and owe $1,000 on your tax return, you will receive a check for $7,000.

For more information on the 2009 tax credit, click for the Federal Housing Tax credit website.

As some of the natural hiking in Tennessee is not for the faint at heart...Burgess Falls isn't too bad of a hike.  It is approx. 1.5 miles total and provides beautiful scenic overlooks and only a mildly steep trail to conquer before encountering the Big Falls which is very breathtaking.  My family and I just went today and it took a little over two hours including small rest stops and a picnic lunch.  Walking along side the Falling water river is beautiful and this time of year is amazing. As we just had a good storm front pass through, the river was ROARING and absolutely energizing to view.  I suggest everyone put this hiking trip on their list of things to do in Tennessee.

DIRECTIONS: Burgess Falls is located southwest of Cookeville, Tennessee about 12 to 13 miles.  From I-40 take exit 286 South and veer left onto Hwy 135.  Follow until you come to the bridge which is over the lake, then turn right and follow the road to the park. 

This State Park is for day use and closes at sundown.  It provides large parking lot, picnic tables, pavilion, restrooms and play area for kids.  You can fish, hike and picnic this area and enjoy the beauty of Natural Tennessee.

As you start at the trail head, you will need some good shoes as this is a natural trail that runs along the Falling Water River.  The trail goes up, but is only steep in a few places.  These semi-steep inclines have steps that make the ascend for the novice hiker easier to achieve.  Resting benches along the way are perfect for those of us who only get our exercise by showing property.  Pets are allowed on the trail and in the park, but must be on a leash.  Kids are also welcome, but must be supervised by adult.  My kids are 6 and 9, and both had a blast!

The one mile Ridge Top trail is very scenic with views down the canyon (I didn't make this trail)

For more information try the Tennessee State Parks Website.  This is most fun for the entire family.  Seasonal hiking hear will provide lots of different views and fun.

FOLLOW MY FAMILY'S HIKE THROUGH BURGESS FALLS:

This is just down below the parking lot at the trail head...   

Going up the path along beside the Falling Water River...  

After a hard rain, the river is roaring with white water...  

Our ascend to the Big Falls  is about 3/4 mile hike...          

The First Falls is small but mighty and beautiful!...             

With River on right, cascades on the left are awesome..  

More scenic views on the trail to the Big Falls...                   

Watching the raging river along the trail...                            

At the top, you'll find Middle Falls Overlook...                      

Reaching the Big Falls is well worth the journey..                

Now, don't you wish you lived in Tennessee?  What a great state to call home.  To find out how you can re-locate to Tennessee, call Kay today!

 POSTED BY: KAY BENNETT, REALTOR(R)

FIRST REALTY COMPANY

116 SOUTH LOWE AVE

COOKEVILLE, TENNESSEE

931-528-1573 OFFICE

AGENT CELL: 931-510-8601

(all photos are the property of and taken by Kay Bennett)