Modern families prefer open floor plans, large windows and bright interiors, great kitchens with eat-in space, and a private back yard. But, without the need to renovate, what home styles offer these features?

Statistics show modern Crieve Hall home buyers often anticipate spending money to update or remodel, but is it always necessary? Some home styles boast plenty of appeal just as they are. Although it might take some effort to find one, the search can be rewarding and cost-effective.

Mid-Century Modern

The mid-century aesthetic features unrestricted interior view lines, often integrating living, dining and kitchen space with soaring ceilings and few walls, or perhaps half-walls to delineate room function. Characterized by large expanses of

Real estate building technology has made leaps and bounds in the last few decades. The invention of tablets, smart software and even new construction tools has improved efficiency for contractors who build homes. Residential structures are constructed faster and easier than ever, and they're made to be more efficient for homeowners. If you're thinking about building a home sometime in the next few months, here's what you need to know about new real estate building technology.

Communication Software for Contractors

One of the reasons the home building process has improved in the last few years is because of communication software available to contractors. Home builders now have access to powerful communication tools, which enable them to track

Septic tanks are very different from sewer systems. They function differently and are maintained differently. Old Hickory home buyers who have never had a septic tank before should be aware of the differences before they purchase a house with a septic tank. Here's what you need to know.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Understand How Your Septic Tank Functions

A septic tank is a giant underground tank that can hold hundreds or thousands of gallons of waste water at any given time. Any time someone in the home flushes a toilet, runs the dishwasher or does the laundry, that waste water enters the septic tank. All waste water from the home

Unless a Nolensville homebuyer is prepared to put down the total cost of the home in cash, they'll need to visit a lender to see how much they can borrow. While traditional banks may be the more well-known lenders, buyers can apply for credit at any number of institutions (e.g., credit unions, online banks, brokerage firms, etc.). See how the lending process works, and how preapproval and prequalification letters can help or hurt the search.

There are distinct differences between the two types of letters a buyer can receive from a lender. A home seller may not know the difference prior to putting their home on their market, but their real estate agent will almost certainly give them an education on the process.

For informational purposes only.

Applying for a mortgage can be stressful, especially if it's your first time. It's common for people to make mistakes in the mortgage application process, and sometimes those mistakes can have long-lasting effects. If you're thinking about buying a Belle Meade home, here's what you need to know to avoid serious mistakes.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

1. Borrowing Too Much

Most lenders will approve borrowers up to a certain amount. Sometimes, the maximum amount that a lender will approve is more than the borrower can realistically afford while maintaining their preferred lifestyle. Buying a home that is too expensive could result in the

Property taxes are a part of homeownership. In many communities, property taxes are an important source of revenue that pay for services like schools and roads. While property taxes themselves are somewhat ubiquitous, homeowners can have different experiences with property taxes.

The amount paid varies by house and the rate varies by community. In addition, some homeowners pay for their property taxes when they make their monthly mortgage payment as part of a conventional mortgage. Others must pay their property taxes separately.

It's hard to know what to expect when you're buying your first home, but it's important to be prepared for property taxes. Property taxes must be paid, or a lien could be placed on the home. If you're buying your first

Home buyers love comfortable, attractive bathrooms. There are many bathroom upgrades that can improve your home's value. If you're a homeowner who would like to make your home more attractive to buyers, now is the time to start on a bathroom renovation. Working with a licensed contractor and installing the right bathroom features can boost your home's value. Here's what you need to know.

1. Install Pedestal Bathtub

For many years, the types of bathtubs that homeowners installed were called alcove bathtubs. Alcove bathtubs have three enclosed sides and one side that is open for the user. In the last few years, pedestal bathtubs have become far more popular. Also known as freestanding bathtubs, pedestal bathtubs are open on all sides, like a giant

The kitchen has some of the more noteworthy features of the home, making it one of the more interesting areas to explore for homebuyers. Owners who want to spruce up their kitchen now in hopes of selling it for a higher price later may want to conserve their budgets by focusing only on the renovations that net the highest returns.

A Rule of Thumb

Every buyer will have their own idea of what makes a kitchen valuable, and these priorities can change based on everything from age demographic to yearly income. However, when experts boil the market down to its fundamental basics, they find that larger kitchen remodels are not worth their high price tag. Homeowners should instead opt for minor remodels if they're looking for a high ROI.

Appliances

Home offices can be used for private reasons or for professional business endeavors. They also make great selling points when placing your home up for sale. However, regardless of the intention of their use, it's always nice to make the space comfortable yet functional. Here are some solutions for creating an efficient workspace for greater productivity.

Starting With the Basics

Temperature, lighting and flooring are going to be primary concerns when it comes to maintaining comfort in a home office environment. Ample lighting is a necessity, but consider daytime direct light through any windows and try to position the desk away from frontally facing the sun. If a rolling chair is desired, consider wood flooring with a non-scratch coating or use a

Standard photographs do little to capture the size and shape of the home. They also cannot give the buyer a sense of the landscape around the house, or the scope of the property. Drone photography can do all of that and more. If you're selling your home, and want to do it quickly, drone photography may be right for you. Here's what you need to know.

How Drones Help Sell Real Estate

Drones have the ability to fly high above a property and take photographs from the air. They can also be used to capture video of a property, either from their air above the home, or as the drone flies through the home. Drone photography is often not precise, but it can be used to gather sweeping, beautiful shots of expansive properties.

Which Properties Are Best