You two!! YOU are the reason. When you work with good people, it all works. You all are the greatest!! Judi

Thank you for your email. It is correct that FHA does not warrant the condition of the property. The FHA appraiser has a very limited list of items they review for their appraisals. It is up to the buyer to have a home inspection before they buy the house and it is up to the seller to disclose any known problems they have with the house. I suggest you contact an attorney to find out all your options. Best regards, Judi Starliper   « less

It is better if all hardware is one color. Right now, the rubbed oil bronze is definitely the "in" color. I have the same problem at my house so when I change it, I will change to the bronze including the hardware on the doors and hinges, tubs, commodes, sinks, etc. I bet it will look great! Good luck. If you need a handy man, just let me know. Best regards, Judi Starliper www.starliper.com email: judistarliper@starliper.com   « less

Depending on the sales price of your house, hardwood is definitely preferable to laminated wood. It has a hollow sound when you are walking on it but it is cheaper. If you are going to sell in the next year and your carpeting looks good, I would probably say leave the carpeting. If you are priced above $175, definitely do hardwood not laminate. I have a stager and decorator that can help with these issues if you would like to discuss more details of the property. Without seeing it, it's really hard to say.Hardwood is really popular and I do think you would get the price back out of the property with hardwood. Just call Linda Whitehead at 865-539-3160 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. Best regards, Judi   « less

Staging is part of my service if your house is listed with me. We try to take what you have and rearrange it. We do have items you can rent. Let me know if you have other questions. judi    « less

Normally, we estimate 50% of value per sq. ft. If I am doing a market analysis, that is not the way I do it. They are different than appraisals. I want to know what two story basements are selling for in your neighborhood. I find all the ones for sale and have sold in the last year and figure what they are selling for per sq. ft. That way you are only comparing apples and apples. Buyers want to know what houses are selling for only in your neighborhood. They don't care about a house 3 miles away. But an appraiser can go 3 miles to pull in similar homes and he does a cost approach and does a plus and minus system for each comparable house. In building, I figure 50% of above ground value per sq. ft. Hope that helps, Judi Judi Starliper, CRS, ePro Realty Executives Associates 10255 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37922 Phone: 865-693-3232 Cell Phone: 865-599-9400 Mailto:JudiStarliper@starliper.com http://www.starliper.com http://www.knoxvillehomesales.com    « less

Lou, I regret that has happened. Unfortunately, the new Home Evaluation system for appraisers has really caused buyers, agents and mortgage companies many problems. The appraisal order now goes to a "pool" of appraisers. One is chosen from the system and the process is taking a long time. Previously, a mortgage lender could order an appraisal and sometimes even get it done within a day. Now they seem to be taking weeks. It is not the fault of the lender unless they just forgot to order it. We are having to push our closing dates 45-60 days now in many cases instead of 30 days just because of the delay in getting the appraisals. Your options: change lenders or wait it out. It is no one's fault. If you change lenders, you start all over again and the wait will be longer, but you can start the interest rate process over again. They may be higher.Sorry that happened to you. It is catching many people. Best regards, Judi   « less

Thank you for your email. As far as I know, there is no one site to go to that will just show rent to own. Any agent may know of some lease purchases and can look those up on the computer. Also Jewell Bratcher at 680-9022 has a rental service. She has lots of houses for rent. If you have other questions,just let me know. Best regards, Judi Starliper   « less

Thank you for your email. That depends on HOW MUCH you do and the QUALITY of the upgrade. For instance, if you replace all the cabinetswith the current trend, do granite countertops, tile or hardwood flooring and top- of- the- line appliances, that might be worth $30,000 on an upper bracket home. If you change countertops to formica, don't change cabinets, and put in a low end stainless, you may get $3000-5000 depending on the price range. I can tell you, that regardless of the price range, the kitchen is VERY important to the sale of the house. There are over 11,000 homes for sale in MLS so the buyers have an abundance from which to choose. They will pick the house in the best and most updated condition and the one at the best price. If you have more detailed questions, I will be happy to assist you any way I can. Just call me at 865-599-9400.Thank you for your question. Judi Starliper    « less

Thank you for your email question. First start with the outside of your house. It must have curb appeal. Check to see it it needs painting or if there is rotted wood. Remove yard art and debris. Mulch your flower beds, trim sidewalks and driveways. Keep the yard pristine. Look at the shutters and front door. Do they need painting? Look at the door threshold. Is it clean? Replace all burned out blubs. This all goes for the entire yard. Clean off anything from the yard or porches that does not make the house look better. Example. Roll up all hoses and hide behind the shrubs. Now go inside. Make sure the walls are a neutral color and that they do not need painting. Clean all floors, trim, sinks, baths, floors and closets. Have all blinds and window treatments open so the sun can shine in. Remove all clutter. Less is best. Check for leaks and bad lighting. Correct these before putting your house on the market. The first 45 days are the most iimportant so you want your house to have its "show clothes" on from the beginning. Best of luck, Judi Starliper We have an on-staff stager for your convenience who can assist you with what needs to be done to the house. If you have further questions, please feel free to call me at 865-599-9400   « less