Types of Fences

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As the saying goes, “Good fences make good neighbors,” but what qualifies as a “good” fence? Here are some different types of fence designs.

Wooden fences. Wooden fences are great for privacy and for keeping pets inside your yard. They provide a traditional and classic look to your yard. With different stains and styles, wood fences can be personalized. The down side to a wooden fence is the upkeep and maintenance. If they are washed and stained, wooden fences can last a long time.

Vinyl fences. Vinyl fences have become a popular substitute for wooden fences. Vinyl fences maintain their look without painting or staining, and they’re easy to clean. Unlike wooden fences, vinyl fences do not rot, and they’re rust-free. If the fence does become damaged, repair work sometimes requires a professional. Vinyl fences are tend to be one of the more expensive fencing options.

Wrought iron or steel fences. Wrought iron fences are sturdy, and they’re an attractive addition to any yard. Wrought iron requires painting to prevent rusting. While they can keep larger pets in the yard, some smaller dog breeds can step through the gaps of a wrought iron fence.

Chain link. Chain link fences can be a quick and efficient way to keep your pets inside your yard. Chain link does not provide privacy, and some consider chain link fences unattractive.

Barbed wire. Using barbed wire for a fencing material is appropriate for farmers to keep animals in, but barbed wire fences are dangerous for children. Unless you live on a farm or ranch, barbed wire fencing is usually not an appropriate option.

Before you decide on the best fence for your family, make sure to check with city codes and the Property Owner’s Association, if applicable.

For more home owner resources, visit the website of Knoxville Realtor, Judi Starliper.

Energy Savings Tips for the Home

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Everyone is looking for ways to trim costs in their household budget. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to not only cut your expenses, but also reduce your energy usage.

Replace your shower head with a low-flow shower head. This can save you up to $300 per year by reducing your water heating costs. Also, this reduces water consumption by about 50 percent.

Close the shades during the day and use ceiling fans. During the hot summer, the sun can heat up a room if the shades or blinds are open. Using ceiling fans reduces the energy costs of using the air condition.

Turn off the computer at night. Also, it saves money if you use the “power management” setting on your computer. A laptop computer uses 90 percent less energy than a desktop computer.

Run appliances only when they’re full. Wait until there is a full load before you run the dishwasher or the washing machine. Also, try using the cold water cycle when washing clothes.

Turn out the lights. Try using desktop lights with CFLs instead of an overhead light.

Empty the lint filter in the dryer. Also, make sure the outside dryer vent is clear and clean. Some dryers have a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off the dryer when the clothes are dry.

Seal any leaks or cracks. Test for leaks around windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, outlets, ceiling fixtures and attic hatches. You can save up to 20 percent on home heating expenses by adding insulation and sealing any leaks, gaps, or cracks.

Make sure to have your air condition serviced. An efficient air conditioning unit can save you up to 15 percent in cooling costs.

Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable unit will pay for itself after one year. When you’re at work, the programmable thermostat allows you to set the air conditioner at a different temperature than when you are home in the evenings.

For other housing tips, contact Knoxville Realtor, Judi Starliper.

Tips for Buying Investment Property

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Low mortgage interest rates combined with low home prices make this a great time to purchase investment property. In order for first-time investors to turn a profit with investment property, they should consider these tips:

Know your options. Not all investment properties are the same. Determine what type of property suits you and your goals. Are you considering commercial real estate, land, or perhaps an apartment building? Many first time investment property owners start with residential housing.

Location. In real estate, location is key, and this is true of investment properties, as well. The location of the investment property will determine the potential tenants. A home in a good school district will typically attract families. If you buy near the college, expect to attract students. A property in a desirable location will appreciate more over time.

Choose the right property. Look at properties with potential re-sale value. Consider homes in growing neighborhoods and avoid those in neighborhoods that may be on the decline. Also, look at the property for its potential, not necessarily what it is. In other words, look beyond the peeling paint or overgrown landscaping.

Be prepared to have cash on hand. In this market, non-owner occupied property requires 25 to 30 percent down.

Don’t purchase high-end fixtures or appliances. Most renters want clean rental homes, not necessarily one with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, so expenditures on upgrades aren’t necessary.

Hired skilled workers for renovations. Get referrals for licensed electricians and plumbers to make any necessary repairs.

Screen you tenants. Run credit checks on potential tenants. Also, check referrals and contact former landlords to see if they paid their rent on time and inquire about the condition of the property when they left.

If you are ready to purchase an investment property, contact an experienced Knoxville Realtor, like Judi Starliper.

Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Knoxville

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One of the most enjoyable things about Knoxville in the Spring is dining at a restaurant that has a nice patio or outdoor seating area. Good food in a nice atmosphere, it doesn’t get any better. Here are some of my favorite Knoxville restaurants with outdoor dining:

Lakeside Tavern: I love looking at the water and the boats.

Café 4. The energy around Market Square is wonderful and I love people watching. The breeze seems to blow through the area carrying the music of strolling guitar players, harmonica players, or singers. Sometimes, there is a group just sitting together singing. Also, it’s right across from Krutch Park.

Ruth’s Chris. I love the water view.

The Volunteer Princess. I love their dinner cruises and standing on the open air back section and watching the sun set.

Willy’s at Choto Marina. This seasonal restaurant has music and I love the white lights and the water sloshing against the sea wall in the distance.

Season’s Café in Farragut. The food is delicious and the outside dining area is quaint.

Chop House and Sullivan’s (Northshore) are tied. Both have trees that sway back and forth in the breeze. Also, both have wonderful food.

Echo. The small courtyard in lights remind me of Italy and the food is delicious.

Calhoun’s on the River. I love watching the boats stacked three and four in a row. The University of Tennessee fans make Volunteer Landing a fun place to be.

If you want to learn more about the top spots for entertainment in Knoxville, visit the website of experienced Knoxville Realtor, Judi Starliper.

There are many more Knoxville restaurants that I enjoy, but these are my favorites for outdoor dining. I would love to hear your suggestions.

Tips for a Successful Garage Sale

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If you have caught the Spring cleaning bug or if you are planning a move, it might be the perfect time to hold a garage sale.

In order to ensure that your garage sale is a success, here are some suggestions:

Have a goal. The goal could be setting a date for the garage sale. Having a deadline will motivate you to de-clutter every closet, shelf, and storage area. Another goal could be a financial one. How much money do you want to earn and what are you prepared to sell in order to reach that goal? Motivate the children in the family to help you reach that goal. Kids may be willing to part with toys or clothing that they’ve outgrown if they can spend a portion of the proceeds, like for supplies to decorate their new room.

Get organized. Do you have enough display space? What do you do if it rains? Do you have someone to help you on the day of the sale? How much change do you need on hand? These are questions that can’t wait until the last minute. Make sure you enlist some help and formulate a plan. Borrow tables if you need space to display items. Ask a friend to lend a tent or covering to shield items from the weather.

Price the items. Make sure to have items clearly marked. Also, price items to sell.  People are expecting bargains and they will shop elsewhere if items are priced too high.   Be prepared to lower the prices on the second day of the sale or later in the day, if you are only having a one-day garage sale.

Advertise. Run an advertisement in the newspaper. Tell everyone you know about the garage sale through Facebook, Twitter, and Craigslist. Directional signs pointing people to the garage sale are a must. Signs capture the attention of drive-by traffic, so make sure to post signs at every intersection leading to your neighborhood and to your house.

Have a plan for items that don’t sell. Don’t bring the garage sale items that don’t sell back into your home. Be prepared to donate them or have them hauled away.

If you are looking for more home selling tips, check out the website of experienced Knoxville Realtor, Judi Starliper.