Saturday, January 3, 2009

Winter Stinks


This is too funny not to share to share with everyone.
For those of you up north having to deal with the terrible weather, has this ever happened to you on the way to an appointment?

Home inspections are different than appraisals


A home inspections are different then appraisals. Home inspections are for buyers and appraisals are for lenders.


A home inspection will provide the buyer with detailed information about the condition of the property before the closing. You should always employ a qualified home inspector, one who is certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. The home inspector will evaluate the condition, structure and mechanical systems of the home looking for any major defects (such as structural damage) and alert you to any safety hazards that may exist. You will also be provided with a written report, photographs and a checklist of items that will need to be addressed.

An appraisal are for lenders and are required to several reasons; to estimate the market value of the property, to make sure the property is marketable and to make sure the property meets FHA standards.

You have the right as a buyer to carefully examine the property with a home inspector. This can be done before you sign a contract or after. Just make sure that your contract specifically states the sale of the home depends upon the inspection. It is your responsibility to be an informed buyer, make sure what you are buying is acceptable to you.


Contact me by email at mailto:Kari.Battaglia@comcast.net. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. I am currently accepting referrals.

Copyright© 2008 By Kari A. Battaglia, All Rights Reserved.

Kari A. Battaglia, GRI - Realtor®, Broker Associate - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - 331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285 - 941-270-1851 direct - 941-484-9715 - office 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@KariBattaglia.com
http://www.karibattaglia.com/, VeniceAreaHomesBlog.com, FloridaMoves.com/Kari.Battaglia

Dunlap Tennessee, A great place to live

Over the past few years land in Tennessee has become a very sought after part of the real estate industry. My husband and I have been visiting this area of southeastern Tennessee for over 12 years. Dunlap is just a short 30 minute drive to Chattanooga Tennessee which has been voted one of the best 50 places to live by National Geographic Magazine.

Dunlap Tennessee is the fastest growing town per capita in the state of Tennessee, is an obvious example of rural achievement. Nestled in the center of the Sequatchie Valley, the charming community of Dunlap boasts low moderate climate, affordable cost of living, low real estate taxes, no income state tax and extraordinary hospitality. Southeastern Tennessee's Sequathie Valley is one of the most unique valleys in the world; one of only two 'rift valleys,' the other being the Great Victoria Valley in Africa (Southeast Tennessee Tourism, 2004).

Attractions such as the Dunlap Coke Ovens, , Lookout Mountain, Southern Belle Riverboat, Ruby Falls at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee Aquarium (my childrens favorite place to see) and the Appalachian Trail bring thousands of people to the area, as do events like the Riverbend Festival, World's Longest Yard Sale and the O.K. Hege Memorial Horse Show. Come explore the area's outdoor activities which include hang gliding, bass fishing, mountain climbing, canoeing, hunting, cave expeditions and within minutes from Dunlap TN discover some of the best state parks in the east. Our family's favorite state park to visit every year is Fall Creek Falls Tennessee.

If you are considering moving to the Tennessee area give me a call, I would love to talk to you about the Chattanooga area and all that it has to offer.

Contact me by email at mailto:Kari.Battaglia@comcast.net. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. I am currently accepting referrals.

Copyright© 2008 By Kari A. Battaglia, All Rights Reserved.

Kari A. Battaglia, GRI - Realtor®, Broker Associate - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - 331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285 - 941-270-1851 direct - 941-484-9715 - office 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@KariBattaglia.com
http://www.karibattaglia.com/, VeniceAreaHomesBlog.com, FloridaMoves.com/Kari.Battaglia

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Venice FL Real Estate/Englewood FL Real Estate Market Report

Is the Venice FL real estate and Englewood FL real estate getting any better? If you look at the statistics as compared to 15 months ago, September 2007; YES it is getting better but we are still in a declining market. The inventory is down (not as many homes available for sale) and more homes have sold and were are under contract to sell. The number of homes for sale in the Venice FL and Englewood FL markets combined as compared to 15 months ago has dropped 13.8%. Homes that have closed has risen 25.9% and homes under contract are up 115.3%.


The average days on the market (DOM) has dropped from 146 to 112 and list to sales price ratio although has fluctuated over the past 15 months is still at 91%, which means that the average home is selling for 8% - 9% off the stated list price.


If you want to sell your property you need to dramatically increase the Buyers attention. Buyers are looking for the best home at the best possible price. Did you know that within 15 seconds a Buyer has developed an opinion of your property? Sellers need to work on the curb appeal of your home (see my September 2008 post on curb appeal), tear down that old funky old wallpaper, put on a new coat of paint, remodel the kitchen, and whatever else is needed to attract a Buyer. Showing attention to detail and understanding the Buyer's needs is essential for a successful sale.



All reports are based on data supplied by the Mid Florida Association of Realtors, Venice Association of Realtors or their MLS. Neither Kari Battaglia, Associations nor their MLS's guarantee or are in anyway responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Association or their MLS COPYRIGHT©TRENDGRAPHIX, Inc.


Contact Kari A. Battaglia, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your property for sale or to help you in your search for property in the Venice FL area, which include Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, Laurel Florida, and Osprey Florida. We currently have available properties in the Dunlap Tennessee area and have Tennessee land for sale.


Contact me by email at mailto:Kari.Battaglia@comcast.net. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. I am currently accepting referrals.


Copyright© 2008 By Kari A. Battaglia, All Rights Reserved.



Kari A. Battaglia, GRI
Realtor®, Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate
331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285

941-270-1851 direct
941-484-9715 office
800-969-1990 toll free
Kari@KariBattaglia.com


www.KariBattaglia.com
http://www.veniceareahomesblog.com/
www.FloridaMoves.com/Kari.Battaglia

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Self storage in Dunlap Tennessee

Finding the proper self storage facility to house your personal possesions is an important task and one that should not be taken lightly. Things you need to consider when choosing a self storage facility are most importantly the security and amenities such as:

*Totally enclosed steel or brick buildings
*Modern fire and burglar alarm systems with 24 hour monitoring in climate controlled areas
*Cooling, ventilation, and pest control throughout all storage areas
*Clean, well lit, individual units
*Secure cylinder locks

For those of you with self storage needs in the Dunlap Tennessee area please consider using my husband's business, Storage Depot. My husband, Doug Battaglia, has been in the self storage industry since 1995 and is dedicated to providing state of the art storage facilities for his customers.



About Storage Depot




The Storage Depot prides itself on offering it's customrs a wide array of value-enhanced services. Storage Depot offers two convenient locations in Dunlap, a comprehensive line of moving and packing supplies, 24 hour access, climate and non climate controlled units, free use of dollies and carts, and no moving out charges.



Dunlap, TN (North)Storage Depot in Dunlap, Tennessee (1/2 hour north of Chattanooga) was opened in January 2001. It is located just 2 miles north Of Hwy 111 on Hwy 127. This site offers A/C, Non-A/C units, Boat, Car and RV space and Moving Supplies.




Dunlap, TN (South)Valley Self Storage, Dunlap's #1 Self Valley Self Storage facility was acquired in March 2007. It is located one mile south of the Sequatchie Valley High School. This site offers A/C, Non A/C units and moving supplies.






Click here for more photos of the above facilities.


Contact Kari A. Battaglia, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your property for sale or to help you in your search for property in the Venice FL area, which include Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, Laurel Florida, and Osprey Florida. We currently have available properties in the Dunlap Tennessee area and have Tennessee land for sale.


Contact me by email at mailto:Kari.Battaglia@comcast.net. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. I am currently accepting referrals.


Copyright© 2008 By Kari A. Battaglia, All Rights Reserved.


Kari A. Battaglia, GRI -Realtor®, Broker Associate - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - 331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285 - 941-270-1851 direct - 941-484-9715 office - 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@KariBattaglia.com, KariBattaglia.com, FloridaMoves.com/Kari.Battaglia

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Valuable self storage tips


For familys that are moving or relocating and need storage space, here are some valuable tips to help you in your search for the right storage facility.

1. Some facilities make it a practice to move you in at a low rate only to raise the rent a few months later. Before you decide to rent, ask the manager about the rate guarantee.

2. If at all possible, visit a storage facility the day after a rainstorm and ask to see the actual unit you would be renting. Once inside, check for puddles or leaks. Most facilities are not responsible for water damage to your goods.
3. Businesses pay a premium for office space and often use an extra office as a storage room. Renting a storage unit can "free up" a new meeting room or allow a business to expand without moving.

4. Minimal set-up fees for pest-control and locks are normal to the storage industry; not paying a small fee upon move-in probably indicates a lack of service. Many facilities still charge a security deposit or a reservation fee, these fees can easily add up to over $30 which the customer may not discover until they are ready to sign up. Be sure to ask over the phone if there are any "hidden charges." Paying a set up fee for pest control, maintenance, and a lock is fine. If there is no charge, this means that they are probably not doing proper maintenance.

5. Most people rent more space then is necessary. A two bedroom house with 1,200 square feet will fit into a 10'x10'x10' storage unit (without appliances). When checking for prices, ask how tall the ceilings are. The newer facilities are 9 to 10 feet high. This allows more cubic feet, thus allowing you to stack your items higher.

6. It is important to insure your property. Ask the manager if storage insurance is available. If a storage facility sells you insurance, they may have a financial interest in doing so. Ask where you can purchase it direct or check with your homeowner's insurance company for a rider policy.


Storage can help everyone get organized and have the space they were meant to enjoy. See how storage can help your business or household!



Information provided by www.storagedepot.biz, Storage Depot, my husband's mini storage business in Dunlap Tennessee.


Contact Kari A. Battaglia, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your property for sale or to help you in your search for property in the Venice FL area, which include Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, Laurel Florida, and Osprey Florida. We currently have available properties in the Dunlap Tennessee area and have Tennessee land for sale.


Contact me by email at Kari@KariBattaglia.com. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. I am currently accepting referrals.


Copyright© 2008 By Kari A. Battaglia, All Rights Reserved.


Kari A. Battaglia, GRI - Realtor®, Broker Associate - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate -331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285 - 941-270-1851 cell - 941-484-9715 office - 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@KariBattaglia.com

Thursday, November 27, 2008

A time for Thanksgiving


What is Thanksgiving? The month of November brings spectacular fall colors, hot chocolate and cozy nights by the fire. It's also a time of Thanksgiving - a time for Thank Yous. In reflection, we all have found what it means to be thankful by cherishing our family, friends, and entrusting customers - even and the beauty that surrounds us everyday becomes reason to give thanks.
From our family to your family...We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year.

"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds." Theodore Roosevelt

Contact Kari A. Battaglia, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your property for sale or to help you in your search for property in the Greater Venice Area, which include Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, Laurel Florida, and Osprey Florida. We currently have properties available in the Dunlap Tennessee area and have Tennessee land for sale.

Contact me by email at Kari.Battaglia@comcast.net. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. I am currently accepting referrals.

Copyright© 2008 By Kari A. Battaglia, All Rights Reserved.


Kari A. Battaglia, GRI
Realtor®, Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate,Venice, FL
331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285
941-270-1851 direct
941-484-9715 office
800-969-1990 toll free
Kari.Battaglia@comcast.net

www.BattagliaProperties.net
www.VeniceAreaHomesBlog.com
www.FloridaMoves.com/Kari.Battaglia