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Johnson City, TN Real Estate News

By George Black, Exclusive Buyer Agent - Johnson City TN
(A Buyer's Best Choice Realty)
For those of you new to east Tennessee and asking yourself, “Where have I landed?” You are not alone—I felt the same way when I arrived three years ago.  I felt like a foreigner. Despite the stunning mountains and friendly people, I saw what I expected to see. My mental concept of Appalachia was a decades long accumulation of negative cultural stereotypes from TV, movies and the wide-spread cultural bias of careless-thinking people who accepted the image of “poor, no class, ignorant hillbilly” as a fair representation of Appalachian reality. As they sing in Porgy and Bess, “It ain’t necessarily so!” (Although there are some stereotypical “hillbillies” here, you can find those folks just about anywhere in this country.) The single, most powerful influence in my re-education, the one that...
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
BRIARWOOD, BERKSHIRE, ROUNDTREE and PINE TIMBERS are the neighborhoods most immediately affected by the proposed re-zoning of the corner of Mountainview and W. Oakland.  Second reading already happened but Planning seems eager to get community input since so few knew about it.    Monday, August 3, 6:00, Fuddruckers - Community meeting with developer.   Thursday, August 16, City Hall (6:00 I assume) – third reading – public comments invited since so few knew about previous meetings.   Having been through some similar situations elsewhere, I know that typical concerns are traffic, effect on elementary school population and boundaries, and property values in nearby neighborhoods.   I don’t know this developer and haven’t been to the other meetings for the same reason as others – as often a...
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
Serendipity –Erwin land, 3305 Bondwood, 131 Hillmont – all in one serendipity.  Shelly called me to sell their lot in Erwin because someone in her doctor's office recommended me.  (The doctor's great colonial at 3305 Bondwood in Briarwood is my listing.)   When she gave me her email address, I asked what she did at ETSU and she told me she was at the College of Medicine.     I felt another serendipity coming on and told her my husband volunteered in the Anatomy lab there after he retired from teaching in other medical schools for his whole career.     Here it comes – She works for Dr. Tom Kwasigroch, my husband’s friend, and she knows Dr. Margaret Hougland, who just listed her 4 BR 2.5 bath rancher with me – 131 Hillmont Drive .    In fact, Margaret recently took some flyers to Quillen ...
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
My “go to” expert for computer /laptop problems in Johnson City is Bob Wakely, East Tennessee Computers.   He’s helped several times when I had a problem I couldn’t solve and was about to panic because such things always happen when something else is causing a pressing deadline.    He advertises same-day service and he’s been good as his word each time, sometimes even "while you wait."    Bob’s site, www.ETNPC.com, has a link to a review site that has comments like the following: “You won’t find a better price or a nicer guy.”“He talked me out of buying a new computer and did some repairs for a fraction of the cost.”“…turns around the work quickly.” I thought I’d added my review to that site – must have been to another one.   Someone who works promptly that you can trust is worth braggi...
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
Several recent buyers and sellers have given glowing reports about two companies that did work either in preparation for putting their properties on the market or for projects on their new places – sometimes both.      I encourage clients to interview more than one, and tell them that all I can say is that the contractors have worked for me personally, have been recommended by friends, and have been recommended by other clients. I give clients the same advice I give when we’re talking about listing commissions, a quotation from John Ruskin.   (I was a college lit teacher  30+ years ago.)   "...The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot - it can't be done.   If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if yo...
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
PATRIOTIC SONGS FOR JULY 4  (edit/delete) PATRIOTIC SONGS ARE PART OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD GATHERING on our hill in Johnson City, TN.    Several dozen neighbors gather on our hill to WATCH THE LOCAL FIREWORKS DISPLAY, VISIT, and  MAKE NEW FRIENDS.     We usually have some folks from out of of the neighborhood, older folks, etc., to come to the screened porch and pool area for a cookout, which we don't try to to do for the whole neighborhood.   Realizing last year that several of those special guests had special voices, I added the patriotic songs below to the invitation, and they started a sing-along that I want to repeat this year.  PLEASE USE THE LINK WITH THE SONGS, WHETHER OR NOT YOU GATHER TO SING THEM THIS WEEKEND. If you live anywhere with a good place to view the local fireworks, or...
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
TOWNE ACRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN JOHNSON CITY TN  shows well in two sites that help people evaluate and compare schools.     Look at these examples to see the kind of information you can find on any school – where you are, or where you are thinking about moving.       The NCES (National Council for Education Statistics) site and the Great Schools site both have much useful detail.    The information on Towne Acres Elementary School in Johnson City, TN is an example.       TOWNE ACRES ELEMENTARY  on NCES     TOWNE ACRES ELEMENTARY on GREAT SCHOOLS   Parents, teachers and others can enter comments.   Here’s mine on Towne Acres Elementary:   As a real estate agent living in the Towne Acres Elementary area, I hear frequent comments about parent satisfaction with the school, and know there's...
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By Cindy Edwards, CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677
(RE/MAX Checkmate)
There are many out door dining establishments in the Tri-Cities.  I especially enjoy Gourmet & Company.  It is a delightful fine dining restaurant with an outdoor casual dining area and bar.  It also has a fireplace for those cool evenings.  (and this year has definitely produced some evenings requiring the fire place)! The menu is made up of all local venues.  They shop the whole Tri-Cities and are sure to only provide the finest and best from produce to bakery items to meats.  The service is wonderful, the owners approachable and friendly and outstanding service.  If you have not visited Gourmet & Company in Johnson City Tennessee, now it the perfect time!  For more information on Gourmet & Company, please contact our team.
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By Cindy Edwards, CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677
(RE/MAX Checkmate)
I'm the proud mother of a high school graduating senior.  This video below is the last concert with the Science Hill band she will ever play in.  They did an amazing job and made the whole arena quite proud.  There class had 490 graduates, and they graduated June 2, 2012.  Congratulation class of 2012.
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
On my way home from presenting an offer on a listing on Monday evening, I saw a FSBO sign pointing to a pretty street in a favorite neighborhood.   Dinner had to wait – I drove up to see what it was – a large, attractive cape cod . Within the last two days, a buyer who found me on the internet had told me in detail about what she needed.    Although it wasn’t an essential, she told me that her very favorite style was cape cod.   I agreed – we’ve had a couple of great ones over the years also.     I called the owner of this one and unfortunately this property didn’t have the one absolute essential – a first-floor master suite.    In our conversation, however, I learned that the owner is an interior decorator.    We talked about staging, I got her web site and was impressed by it, and I t...
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By Cindy Edwards, CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677
(RE/MAX Checkmate)
The school year is coming to a close, and with that the Science Hill High School band has completed their concerts for the year.  Last night was the percussion  and wind ensemble performances, and they were just delightful.  I am really going to miss going to watch my child play.  As a lot of you know, Rachel is graduating this year (week and a half)!  I have enjoyed everything about the education years and she has been a part of an amazing school system, Johnson City schools.  This last concert was just icing on the cake for a great run.
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
  Roy’s Moving Service was the local mover I suggested recently to clients moving from Texas.   Agents are counseled to be careful about making a specific recommendation, but I did tell them about our personal experience and that of others with this company.     I posted my comments about Roy’s Moving Service at that time. They came to town this week, looked at the properties their son had previewed with me, found a great place, got a ratified contract, and went to see Roy’s while they were here.      They went with an estimate from major companies in hand  for moving and storage, and with details and pictures of what they needed to move.   Roy's personality and presentation impressed them and the estimate was much, much less than the competition.   They’re scheduled.  Coincidentally, R...
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By Cindy Edwards, CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677
(RE/MAX Checkmate)
My name is Cindy Edwards of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for Johnson City, TN for the last 30 days. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth. Real estate in Johnson City is now an excellent investment, prices of good, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding. Please ask me about banks and loan options. Feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Johnson City. The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 04/01/2012 to 4/30/2012. Cindy Edwards Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Johnson City, TN For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Johnson City, TN. In Johnson City,Tenn...
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By Cindy Edwards, CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677
(RE/MAX Checkmate)
Oh it is such a wonderful challenge to market these fabulous homes in Johnson City Tennessee.  We have such an array of condos here, they range from all different prices and are all uniques within themselves.  I have a condo on the south side of town close to the university (ETSU), it's perfect for students.  2102 Cherokee, Johnson City Tennessee.  I have a similar condo on the north side of Johnson City, which is geared towards the professional. 3 Pepper Tree Johnson City Tennessee.  And than I have a condo more centrally located 147 Bentley Parc Johnson City Tennessee, which is marketed towards the family, close to the lake and has amenities such as pool, club house and tennis.  The question has to be, what are your needs?
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
BRIARWOOD, BERKSHIRE, ROUNDTREE AND PINE TIMBERS in Johnson City, TN are close together and typically people want to see what is available in all four, they want the convenience of being just the right distance from the I-26 corridor for an easy commute,  and near shopping, restaurants, and other amenities.   There's enough variety in price in each subdivision so higher-end buyers may see properties in all four as well as those who want something in the $250-$350,000 range.    People exclaim about the mountain views.   I especially enjoy showing in those neighborhoods because I can see my  house on the other side of State of Franklin from many intersections and a few back yards.      First-floor bedroom suites are on many buyers' wish list.   In these four neighborhoods at this time (Ap...
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
The story by Cherimie Crane about the man with the flag reminded me of a moment that was similarly moving for me – many years ago, but the memory is still vivid.   I've been surprised more than once to learn that some perfectly "ordinary" person I thought I knew well had been a hero long before I knew them.    Many years ago (1964) when we were living in Cambridge, England, we were standing quietly in the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial Site, moved by the beautiful setting, the curving rows of crosses and the inscription on the memorial.  A family came up to us and asked, "Are you Americans?"   When we said, "Yes," the reply was simply "Thank you."   This was over 20 years since so many Americans had given their lives even before Pearl Harbor,  but these people generalized from...
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
I did a post about Roy's Movers in Johnson City last year and need to do one again because they're still not as easy to find as they should be.   Several months ago, I commented on a post by Susan Haughton about an extraordinary delivery truck driver, "Are you Ordinary - or Extraordinary? and How do You Know".   Her well-written story made a good point, and it reminded me of another trucking company that deserves a plug.    My comment then was one of many:    Great story, and your application makes it even greater.   When we moved to a Tennessee house with a steep driveway and a barrier between lanes at the foot of the drive, the big national movers to which I described the situation all wanted a lot more money because they'd have to download everything to a smaller truck in the nearest...
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
  ACTIVE RAIN AND GOOGLE ARE FANTASTIC PARTNERS.   Almost everything I blog about goes to Google, which is ·         great for listings, ·         fun for people I mention, and ·         useful for organizations, events and businesses that need publicity.   HERE’S A GREAT EXAMPLE OF HOW ACTIVE RAIN AND GOOGLE GO TOGETHER.      I had a call tonight from an old friend that led me to do another serendipity blog – about the friend he was going to refer to me, whom we discovered I’d already met at an open house many years ago  in Maryland and with whom I had become friends.      Then I decided to add another one that I’d just told him about – the famous explorer, Barry Bishop, whose house I had listed because of another serendipity.      I told Dan Webber about how my blogs go to Google, and...
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
Friends and neighbors, whether you're in Tennessee or Maryland or New York or wherever, please give me a chance to help your friends find a good agent.   It might lead to a serendipity like this one.    (Silver Spring agents, as soon as Dan tells Eva who he's found to help her find a good agent, I'll be needing one of you to help.) Most of the serendipities I’ve blogged about are things that happened over the many years I’ve been in real estate.  This one happened half an hour ago.    A voice tonight said “This is a voice from your past – Dan Webber.”      I told him I was sitting in sight of the beautiful cabinet with diamond panes that he had bought for me at an auction – I don’t remember how many years ago.   He knew I had a lot of books and thought this piece he saw at an auction m...
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By Mary Sheridan, Creative Marketing, Buyer Agency 423-943-7655
(Keller Willliams - 1033 Hamilton Place,Johnson City TN 37604)
  The serendipity that led to my listing the home of explorer Barry Bishop is one of the memories that survives the years and gives me pleasure still.   I especially enjoy working with buyers and sellers who come to me because someone else who trusts me sends them to me.    Friends, neighbors and clients (overlapping groups very often, which I appreciate)  take note and tell your friends!   An agent friend in Virginia asked  me to go talk to his friends about selling a house in Bethesda.    All I knew was their name and address.  They were a very interesting couple - as often happens,  I wished the sellers were staying in the area.  And the house and yard were unique and charming - a wonderfully light and spacious contemporary, filled with interesting things from all over the world.   T...
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