Building a custom Franklin TN home can be a rewarding and thrilling experience. If you're a home buyer who is thinking about building your own home sometime in the near future, these tips can help. By planning properly, budgeting properly and by hiring a professional and capable builder, you can have a positive experience building a home.

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

Plan Properly

The great benefit of building a home from the ground up is that the buyer can design a home where he or she can live happily for many years to come. Often, a home buyer's needs will change as years pass. Home owners who want to stay in one home for

Selling a vacation home has a few distinct differences compared to selling a primary home due to the nature of the property. Because vacation homes are considered somewhat of a luxury asset, the taxes can be considerable for sellers who have seen their property appreciate over the years. Find out more about what they are, and how sellers can mitigate their financial impact.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Crunching the Capital Gains

Capital gains apply to any asset an individual might hold that has appreciated in value. They're taxed on a progressive scale based on the owner's total yearly income. The standard tax rate for capital gains is 15%,

Foundation damage can be a very costly problem for homeowners. Knowing how to identify foundation trouble and what to do about it can help you solve your problems early, before they become more serious. In many cases, early identification and quick action can help prevent the problem from having catastrophic results.

How To Identify Foundation Trouble

Symptoms of foundation trouble can be subtle at first, so many homeowners don't recognize these problems when they first become an issue. Some of the most common symptoms of foundation trouble include:

• Cracks in the walls and floors, especially cracks over doorways and windows.
• Windows and doors that suddenly stick in their jams.
• Doors that will no longer close or doors that no

Buying a home can be complicated and time consuming. When making an offer on a home to buy, a contract to purchase is usually prepared. In addition to different types of mortgage and the amount of down payments, home buying contingencies are an important part of a home purchase agreement. Knowing what the contingencies are can help home buyers avoid problems during the home buying process.

Home Buying Contingencies Defined

The contract between a home buyer and home seller is called a home purchase agreement. A standard home purchase agreement contains clauses called "contingencies." The contingencies are protections for the home buyer. Each contingency allows the home buyer to usually cancel the home purchase agreement without financial

You want to buy a home but cannot afford to make a large down payment. Thankfully, potential buyers have options and may qualify for a home mortgage loan while putting down a small down payment. However, such a common situation does often come with strings attached.

Lenders want the security that comes along with borrowers investing in a home with a down payment of at least 20 percent. When this is not possible, they look for another way to protect the loans they are making. If a borrower cannot put at least 20 percent down, lenders consider these borrowers to be a higher risk. To protect this risk, lenders require borrowers to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed

Installing new flooring can dramatically change the look and function of the home. With information about the five most popular types of flooring, homeowners can weigh the benefits and disadvantages and make the right choice for their homes.

1. Carpet

For people who want a budget-friendly flooring choice that is warm and can block noise, carpet is the standard option. Carpet prices range from around $1 per square foot to many times that, depending on the cut and arrangement of the fibers, the density, and the materials used. The quality of the pad underneath the carpet could significantly affect its feel and long-term durability. Carpet can be more difficult to clean and maintain, and generally lasts for a shorter time than other flooring

Downsizing (by buying a smaller home or condo) can be a time consuming and discouraging process for many people. Knowing what to get rid of, how to get rid of it and when to start can help make the process of downsizing a little less daunting. There are some things a homeowner who plans to move into a smaller home or condo can do to smooth the process along.

Get A Head Start

Downsizing is best done over a long period of time. With only a short time to downsize, many home buyers will either fail at it completely or will fail to do it in an organized way. Downsizing over the course of many months or even years is best. Homeowners who know that they'll be moving into a smaller home in just a few short years should start as soon as possible to

Many homeowners like to think that they can watch a few videos and then make any repair needed in a home. While there are many repairs that are relatively simple, other types of upgrades or changes do require the expertise of a professional. Homeowners should know when to address a repair or upgrade yourself and when to call in a professional.

Be Clear on What You Can Do

Some projects can be handled by the average homeowner, while others require more extensive knowledge. It can be better to hire a licensed contractor or electrician when mistakes can lead to potential fire hazards or fines for a homeowner. This can come into play when work on a home may change the existing structure, making it hard to sell a home with work that has not been

Now more than ever, homeowners are becoming more environmentally conscious both to help preserve the environment and also because green alternatives are more often less expensive than their traditional counterparts. There are many different ways homeowners can make their homes more environmentally friendly, but here are four different energy efficient upgrades that can easily find their way into any home.

1. Use LED Light Bulbs Instead of Incandescent Bulbs 

Incandescent light bulbs are the most common type of bulb used in homes because they’re widely available and often the cheapest option, sometimes costing only $1 per bulb. However, incandescent light bulbs are some of the poorest quality options out there, especially when compared to LED

Buying a fixer upper home can lead to one of two final results: buyers either get a great deal on a dwelling to live in or flip for profit, or they may end up facing a scenario where serious problems expose the home for the money pit it actually is. However, anytime is considered a ‘good time' to buy a fixer upper, regardless of current real estate market conditions. The key to success is to obtain numerous inspections on fixer uppers, which can help buyers negotiate the bottom line price while giving them a good idea of what they're getting into beforehand.

Tips for Choosing a Fixer Upper Home

While many buyers want a move-in ready dwelling, those who can see beyond a few imperfections and are not intimidated by taking on a few repairs can