Brentwood, TN 2011 Parade of Homes in Annandale

It’s been several years since the last Parade of Homes tour, but it’s finally back this week! In 2006, the tour featured multi-million dollar estates in Brentwood’s Annandale subdivision. This year, it’s back in Annandale in the new phase of the same development right in the heart of Brentwood.

So get your Parade fix fast because we are already into day 3.  It runs from Saturday, September 24 - Sunday, October 9th from 11 am to 8 pm, daily. Tickets are $12 at the gate.

Four homes and builders are featured this year.

Hidden Valley Homes

Hidden Valley builds in Annandale, Glenellen and Valle Verde neighborhoods in Brentwood. Their submission this year is a 5,233 square feet Colonial and French Normandy style. It was listed for $1,090,000 and is currently under contract. Some of the highlights include: limestone floor entry, antiqued mirror glass niches, LED uplighting from the floor and on the ceiling, ipad/iphone docking stations, small wine closet, double barrel vault ceilings and archways, study, a child’s suite with a hidden room, outdoor living and a media room. The covered porch sports a limestone countertop bar with grill and beer dispenser as well as a lounging area around the fireplace and TV. The media room has a 5:1 surround system, plasma tv, nook window seating, and my favorite, the black crocodile countertops. Another nice touch was the covering of the sub-wolfers. Media continues to be a focus in the…master bath, where the tv is see-through from the shower to the tub and viewable from both sides. Complimented by the usual granite countertops, the color sage makes its splash all over the kitchen cabinets.

Grove Park Construction

This French style 6,400 square foot home has a few extra and unexpected touches from Grove Park Construction. First is basement with the 1,000 bottle wine storage room with stone walls, custom racks and cabinetry, wrought iron gate, and travertine floors. Nearby is a small tornado room. On the main floor, the dining room features damask wallpaper panels and a ceiling medallion above the iron and crystal chandelier. The entry is 20 feet where you view the staircase to the remaining floors, 12″ baseboards, 3-piece crown molding, and the spacious butler’s pantry. Up just a few stairs the study displays dark wood paneling and a granite fireplace with built-in bookshelves and a hidden door that leads to the “his” master closet with a hidden safe. This area leads to the master bath, breakfast bar, and bedroom. The master bedroom features a hidden light source around the crown molding. His bath has a tv. Her bath has two linen closets and a tv near the jacuzzi. The marble shower has computer controls. The family room includes a limestone mantle for the fireplace and built-in cabinetry. Cream is the color of the kitchen cabinetry and paneled appliances (which includes a sub-zero refrigerator) with marble countertops. Panels hide the pantry, and there’s even an overflow pantry around the corner in the nearby hallway. The laundry room fits multiple purposes with a large built in desk and storage. Upstairs the bedrooms include built-ins and window seats. One larger media room displays four panel tvs and a bar. A smaller theater room includes a 110 inch screen with 7.1 surround sound.

The outdoor living in this home is the most extravagant of the four, by far. It begins with a travertine-floored covered porch centered around a large stone fireplace. The simple touch of the repurposed bed posts and headboard swing adds comfort to the space. Out where the sun shines there is a massive outdoor kitchen with a bar that extends for miles, a hottub with an infiniti-edged waterfall, a fire pit, and a putting green.

Legend Homes

Legend Homes might be remembered from the last Parade of Homes in 2007. This year’s Traditional-style Parade home, also built with European influence, was listed for $1,100,000 and has already sold and closed for that $1,100,000. It is 5,360 square feet. Do you think having thousands of people walk through their home make the new owners nervous? The dining room includes a crystal chandelier and ceiling medallion, wall sconces, and rich crown molding. A music room is large enough for plenty of seating and the Baby Grand piano. In the family room a large granite fireplace is the focal point. It also includes a wet-bar area tucked away in the corner of the room that’s great for entertaining in the open family room and kitchen. Diagonal beadboard on the sage kitchen cabinets makes quite the bold statement. A multi-level long center island allows for prep work and bar stool seating. It also contains two dishwashers. Also highlighted is the kitchen’s coffered ceiling and the marble slab countertops and backsplash. In the hallways, tons of built-in cubbies and storage is placed right in the path from the garage door. The butler’s pantry provides a considerable amount of storage. The laundry is another multi-purpose room with desk space, storage, and another refrigerator. Outdoor living includes a covered porch with stained concrete flooring, a stone fireplace, and grill. This home also features an electric car charging station in the garage.

At the top of the second level is the “Family Life Center” as they call it. Built-in shelves, desk space, and cabinetry provide a centralized place to get organized and manage family affairs. The media room is multi-level with a general bonus room stepping down into a spacious media room with projection TV and surround sound.

Carbine & Associates

Another French Eclectic style home, this 5,703 square foot home from Carbine & Associates also features a music room for the Baby Grand Piano and seating off the foyer. The dining room, just across from it, includes an iron chandelier. The hardwood floors have a rustic appeal to them that is repeated throughout the space with the wood beams, iron or metal chandeliers and fixtures, and other rustic touches throughout the home. In the kitchen, you find an island with a copper sink, a dark brown base with a rustic wooden countertop. The kitchen also highlights cream colored cabinetry with a very eye-catching range hood over the 48″ range. The breakfast nook is a room to itself with windows on three sides. The home also has a pass-through butler’s pantry. The family room features a limestone mantle and surround fireplace. Another comparable room to the family room is the keeping room with a brick fireplace. The media room is located upstairs on a separate staircase in the back of the home. it features a wet bar and large viewing area with dark panels and wall sconces to enhance the theater feel. While the other homes have covered porches, this one gets cozy with a screened porch and a brick fireplace. We also see more barrel-vault ceilings in bathrooms in this home. This home also includes a bricked-floor utility room including storage and workspace with the laundry and extra refrigerator.The kids den is an interesting concept with room to play, a nook to work or craft, media and storage. The hanging repurposed couch as a swing in one of the children’s rooms is simple but brilliant.

Which one was your favorite? What did you like and dislike about each home? What decorating tips were you seeking this year?

McKay’s Mill is a mixed-use development located in Franklin TN in the Cool Springs area. Most of the nearly 1500 homes in the neighborhood were built between 2000 and 2010 by The Jones Company. It’s conveniently located with a Publix, a Walgreens, pre-school (The Academy of McKay’s Mill) and various other services (animal hospital, dentist, nail salon, video store, cleaners, and a couple of restaurants) within the McKays Mill neighborhood.

As you might expect in a community this size, it’s packed with community amenities. The clubhouse is a 5,000 square feet community center that also includes a health club. Families flock to the olympic-size pool that even has a mushroom spraying center for the little ones. Throughout the community you’ll find seating benches, picnic tables, gazebos, and plenty of walking trails to promote the community feel. Over 70 acres are devoted to open space and even more space that include creeks, small ponds, walking trails, hilltops, and trees. Children have play areas and playgrounds. You’ll also find tennis courts and a basketball area.

Access Information about the Homeowner’s Asssociation in McKay’s Mill. Check out the homeowner discussions on the Mckay’s Mill community forum.

Truly a price and size for many, properties in McKay’s Mill range from 1200 to nearly 5000 square feet and vary in price from just under $200,000 to the lower $600’s.

Find active listings from the MLS of McKay’s Mill homes for sale.

To find a Franklin TN home sale in this neighborhood or other neighborhoods or for new homes in Franklin TN, contact Dena Williams with Keller Williams at 615-739-2944 or 615-778-1818 or via email at denawilliams@me.com.

Garden Club Estates is located in Franklin TN just at the Cool Springs area next to McKay’s Mill subdivision. Most of the 140 homes in the neighborhood were built between 2006 and 2008. Pulte Homes was the builder. It’s conveniently located with immediate access to the Publix, a Walgreens and various other services (animal hospital, dentist, cleaners, and a couple of restaurants) within the McKay’s Mill neighborhood.

Homes in Garden Club Estates range from 3000 to 6000 square feet and vary in price from the low $400’s to the upper $600’s. Other common elements include 3-car garages, a few walkout basement home sites, sidewalks, several private lots, both sloped and flat lots, at least 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, open bonus rooms or basement bonus rooms, and many have separate offices.

See active listings from the MLS of Garden Club Estate homes for sale.

To find a Franklin TN home sale in this neighborhood or other neighborhoods or for new homes in Franklin TN, contact Dena Williams with Keller Williams at 615-739-2944 or 615-778-1818 or via email at denawilliams@me.com.

The S&P Case-Schiller May Home price index had the first increase in nearly 3 years. Prices went up from April to May .5 percent. This is 17% below those a year ago, BUT the rate is declining. Additionally, we’ve seen the 4th straight month of decline further indicating it is slowing. The real estate market is definitely showing signs of improvement. Tons of analysts have been quoted, but Nomura said,

“In a nutshell, the recent data suggests the decline in US house prices is coming to an end much sooner than expected.”

No one expects a giant jump in housing prices, but this is important and significant data pertaining to the housing market recovery.

The Home Building Index is also up 23% in the last 11 trading days.

Housing stocks are showing promising signs with companies like Toll Brothers, Pulte Homes, etc. A building supplier, Masco, has indicated their sales view is positive, and they expect a full year of profit.

Lumber prices have also gone up 10% in the last 2 days. This may be due, in part, to production cuts, but it is important that these commodities are coming off their lows.

So have we hit bottom? Maybe. Some say we hit it and are already headed up again.

If you’re still sitting on the fence in making a move this year, it’s time to jump in!  I’d love to help in your transition. Call Dena Williams, Keller Williams at 615-739-2944 or 615-778-1818.

Falling inventory and pending home sales is the story for Greater Nashville homes sales. For the first time since last September, the number of homes pending sale are at 2000 even though the number of pendings is down from 2489 in May of 2008. Closings year-to-date are down 31.2% from 10,406 in 2008 YTD to 7,149 January - May 2009. In May, alone, there were 1783 homes closed compared to 2508 in May of 2008, which represents a 28.9% decrease.

Another very interesting data point from May revealed housing inventory has decreased in comparison with May of 2008. Inventory at the end of May was 25,096 down from 24,598 in 2008.

Here are the closings in comparing both 2008 and 2009 in May.

The median price of a single-family home during May was $169,900 and $156,250 for a condominium. This is down from last year’s median prices of $189,975 for a single-family and $159,000 for a condominium.

Williamson County Sales Data

The median price is dropping comparing month to month in May of 2008 and 2009. However, the first five months of 2009 indicate the median price is the same as all of 2008 at $365,000. In May, 219 closings were reported in Williamson County.

In comparing numbers from 2008, closings decreased in May 2009 37% and the median price decreased 14.6% as you compare with May 2008. Days on the market have increased by 19 days in comparison with May of 2008. The median price for condominiums decreased by 1% from May 2008 with an increase of 11 additional days on the market.

The chart comparing 3 years of May sales data is below.

With just 44 properties in this community and an average lot size of 4 acres, you’ll have plenty of space for the family to either build your dream home on one of the available lots or choose from any of the active resales.

For properties with homes, prices range from $750,000 to $2,000,000. Vacant lots are priced from $200,000 to $400,000 with each lot ranging from between 2 and 6 acres. Tour Brandon Park Downs via video and photos below or contact me to schedule a private showing of the most current listings.

denawilliams@realtracs.com
615-739-2944; 615-376-5123

View Brandon Park Downs in a larger map

Everyday, I hear people asking…”where is the best place to live and buy real estate in the Nashville area?” Despite the fact that “best” from one person to another can be radically different based on criteria, needs, lifestyle, priorities, standards, etc…you get the picture. So as a realtor, it’s a question I am not allowed to answer directly like that for Nashville real estate. What I do is learn as much about you, the buyer, I can to determine what’s most important to you and then show you homes in the area that it sounds like fits your described needs and requirements.

This month, Nashville Lifestyles did a wonderful thing. They picked 9 of the most popular parts of town and their favorite areas or neighborhoods in the Nashville area to share more about the vibe, people, and some of the favorite places in the neighborhood. So this is a summary of their well written article.

Brentwood and Cool Springs

First on their list is the Brentwood and Cool Springs Area. (Cool Springs will not appear on any MLS searches you do…it’s more of an informal name to the area where Brentwood and Franklin collide.)

Vibe

They describe the Brentwood vibe as a suburban life at a rapid pace. Many residents have moved from out of state with the nearby businesses, creating a melting pot of sorts. Brentwood has a rich history, but the suburban sprawl effect overpowers the history much of the time. Although apartments and condos are available in the Brentwood area, high-end homes with amenities and large yards (either older or newer homes) are more characteristic of the area.

Some of the popular locally owned restaurants include: Wild Iris, Hanabi Japanese Restaurant, Jasmine and Basil Asian Bistro. Then you also have “Tennessee” chains like Noshville, Dan McGuinness, Tin Roof and Bosco’s. Some of the local boutiques include Stacey Rhodes Boutique and The Skinbar.

Family-centric is a word used to described Brentwood with tons of active communities, the greenway trail system connecting several great parks (like Crockett Park), quality schools, golf, and two YMCA’s (which are quite popular in the area for gym memberships plus family activities. It would not be the place to look for a nightclub.

While the area is packed full with chain locations, locally owned businesses are sprinkled throughout with the expectation for local business and more interest and preservation in Brentwood’s historic character to grow in the future.

Residents

Residents are described as SUV and mini-van drivers, but neighborhoods are full of people from all over the country, even the world. With Brentwood and Cool Spring’s large business parks, each new business brings more diversity.

Brentwood homes start at or just under $400,000 and extend upwards to several million.

Franklin

Second on their list was Franklin, which is just south of Brentwood. Again, these two cities meet where Cool Springs resides.

Vibe

Franklin is described as a charming, historic town with good energy. The Downtown area is filled with local businesses (restaurants, shops, antiques, art galleries) surrounded by a small section of tour-worthy Victorian and antebellum homes. Housing in Franklin hits every type: older homes, new condos, and plenty of traditional, 21st century suburban homes.

A few cultural staples of the area include the growing Saturday Farmer’s Market, the Factory at Franklin, theme festivals downtown, Boiler Room Theater, historic events and sites, spots for local music, and locally owned restaurants like: Boxwood Bistro, Red Pony and Saffire. O’More College of Art and Design adds artistic interest. Nearby Arrington Vineyards is a favorite hot spot for Franklin dwellers as well. Some of the local boutiques include What’s-In-Store, Emmaline, CharacterEyes, and Philanthropy, to name a few.

Their prediction is more condos near Downtown Franklin, more interest in high-end communities like Westhaven and an increased influence from the Farmer’s Market.

Residents

Suburban types moving from all over the Nashville area as well as other parts of the country call Franklin home. Combine those with people who have had family living there since before the Civil War. This, too, is another family-centric area with tons of active families in their neighborhoods and in Franklin as a whole.

Franklin residents will look to spend between $200,000 and $500,000 for most traditional suburban homes, with some suburban homes extending upward to several million. A new, location-specific condo might run around $450,000. Historic homes right around Downtown Franklin can also range from $300,000 to a fully restored Victorian at $1,000,000.

Green Hills and Forest Hills

When searching for Green Hills homes, you’ll look within Nashville real estate in Area 2, while Forest Hills is a small community on the outskirts of Green Hills connected by Hillsboro Rd.

Vibe

Green Hills is home to upscale businesses like Louis Vutton, Tiffany & Co, the Mall at Green Hills, King Jewelers, a number of local boutiques and spas, as well as everything the Hill Center has to offer of chain and local shopping. Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are newer additions to the area that have made quite an impact on even other parts of Middle Tennessee. The Green Hills YMCA is quite popular. Local restaurants like F Scott’s, mix with chains and bars to give the area just about everything one would need. Let’s not forget the world famous songwriter showcase of Bluebird Cafe in Green Hills too.

Most of the neighborhoods in Green Hills are older and more established with a variety of homes for Nashville real estate. Look for these to have large, treed lots. You will also have a number of new developments and homes as well as apartments and condos.

Forest Hills is more of a small suburban area with mostly post-World War II homes. Look for beautiful and steep rolling hills and  heavily treed large lots here that is so peaceful it seems world’s away from the hustle and bustle. Yet, this quiet community is just minutes from Green Hills and Brentwood for every need.

Residents

Residents will be a complete blend of everything from single professionals to families to empty-nesters. You’ll find every range here from moderatly priced apartments to very upscale homes in Green Hills. Forest Hills will be comprised of mostly upscale-living homes. Even though some residential areas are within walking distance in Green Hills to the center of town, the area is not conducive to walking. Car dependency is still a must here.

Forrest Hills home prices start at or around $400,000 and extend up to several million. Green Hills offers moderately priced apartments for rent, moderate and pricey older homes to buy, and exclusive new construction. Home prices in Green Hills usually start at or around $300,000 and extend upward to a couple million.

Belle Meade & West Meade

Belle Meade is just West of Downtown and West End Nashville. West Meade is just a little further north. Both will be Nashville real estate searches, even though Belle Meade is its own small incorporated city.

Vibe

Belle Meade is lush and beautiful with history galore and upscale restaurants and shopping. Belle Meade is considered Nashville’s most prestigious neighborhood and is a desirable location for people to reside from all over the country. Here too, you have rolling hills, lush trees and beautiful landscaping. People have passed down homes and estates in this area for many generations. Well-respected and recognized last names are common here as well as a deep sense of pride for that history.

Sperry’s is a popular spot for drinks and dinner. Phillips Toy Mart is a staple for a child’s gift. A favorite breakfast spot is Le Peep. Wine dinners at Spaces, furniture at John Richard and facials at Reiko are other favorites in the area. At the end of the prestigious Belle Meade Blvd, you’ll find a treasure in Percy Warner Park with both wooded trails through the hills and open spaces. Nearby you also have the historic Belle Meade Plantation and beautiful Cheekwood botanical gardens. For such a small area, it is one of the most well-protected areas in all of Nashville. (Note: Do not speed here!)

West Meade also is full of beautifully treed lots and rolling hills with more moderatly priced homes than Belle Meade.

These two areas are in close proximity to some of the desirable private schools, and they are within a short drive of Downtown. Future predictions include more residential developments like Belle Meade Court for buyers to move into this desirable section of town and more renovation and renewal of existing homes, as well as buying homes for the lots to tear down and rebuild.

Residents

Well-established and even, historic family names fill much of Belle Meade as well as newcomers with an appreciation for the rich heritage and neighborhoods there. Belle Meade home prices are more common in the million+ dollar range, but options begin to pop up slowly just under $500,000.

West Meade attracts young professionals and newcomers to mix with more established families or empty nesters. Many of these ranch homes are prime targets for renovation on these beautiful hilly lots to offer quiet serenity. West Meade area homes begin around $200,000 and extend upward to a couple million also. However, there are probably more options under $500,000 than above it.

Bellevue

Vibe

Much like some of the areas already described here, Bellevue, too is full of trees and beautiful hills, but it’s extremely spread out. Drives are necessary but scenic and uncluttered of traffic.The neighborhoods, however, are more suburban than the others mentioned here (except Brentwood and Franklin) and will not offer quite the large, lush, treed lot options that areas like West Meade, Belle Meade, Forest Hills, and Green Hills do.

Benefits of Bellevue include Edwin Warner Park, which is quite an impresive, beautiful park and green space. Like many other areas, the Bellevue Y, is one of the best. Families enjoy Red Caboose Park. One can not forget the famous, Loveless Cafe’s country breakfasts (amazing biscuits & jams) and lunches.

The Sri Ganesha Temple, with rich architecture, is located on the top of a hill and is a center for the Hindu community. Upscale restaurants and shopping are lacking in the area, but one exception is a favorite for Italian, Antonio’s.

Residents

Prior to about 15 years ago, this area was also an area where certain families started and stayed. Now it’s filled with a mix of many ages as well as more ethnic and racial diversity than in the past.

With an entry point just at $200,000, many of your real estate options will still be obtainable for less than $300,000, unlike many of the areas already discussed that have plenty of options in just about every price range. It is one of the more affordable suburban areas in Nashville and is about 9 or so miles from the center of everything in Nashville. Although there are a few higher priced homes in Bellevue home prices will not extend nearly as high as some of other areas already discussed.

Most of the houses and apartments in Bellevue date from the 80s and 90s, even though there is a handful of new construction as well as a handful of pre-1950’s homes.

The Bellevue Center will get a much needed re-development to include a Kohl’s, a branch of the Nashville Public Library, and an open-air lifestyle center.

Whitland, Richland & Sylvan Park

Five minutes to the Interstate and West End and 10 minutes from Downtown, these neighborhoods are also popular in Nashville.

Vibe

Appealing to all ages, this area offers short commutes, architecturally appealing buildings and homes, restaurants and shopping, Elmington Park, McCabe Golf Course and greenway. It offers charm, history and distinctive character homes. You’ll find home tours and street festivals and bustling White Bridge Road retail center nearby. The churches, libraries and schools on West End are architectural eye catchers.

A new Publix, Harris Teeter, The Wine Chap adds where residents previously had to go outside the community. More apartment buildings or larger homes on West End may be converted to additional luxury condos.

Some of the favorites include McCabe’s Pub, Star Bagel Cafe, and Park Cafe and Cafe Nonna for dinners. Shoppers enjoy Jamie. Naturalists enjoy Produce Place and Import Flowers.

Residents

You’ll find a good number of educated people here who may work at a nearby university or hospital. Sylvan Park, for example, is popular for young professionals and families due to the more affordable prices for these charming homes within minutes to everything. Whitland is a wide enough street for families to consider safety (with style) for their children.

While you can find a few options under $300,000 in Sylvan Park, expect to do a little bit of work on a home under $300,000 to bring up to move-in ready condition. Most Sylvan Park homes are priced between $300,000 and $500,000. Or look into a luxury condo for around $400,000 in Richland or in one of the many condo options along West End. Homes in Whitland and Richland start around $400,000 and go up from there.

Downtown Nashville and Midtown

Condo living is key in Downtown and Midtown.

Vibe

This area changes quickly and is cosmopolitan. Nestled between civic icons (Country Music Hall of Fame, Bicentennial Mall/Farmer’s Market, LP Field, Frist Center for Visual Arts, Ryman Auditorium, Main Library, Sommet Center, State Capitol and Schermerhorn Symphony Center the Downtown area includes the Gulch, SoBro, Central Business District, Germantown and North Capitol.

The Shelby Avenue Pedestrian Bridge lit at night over the Cumberland River offers great views. The Central Business District is a popular tourist and local area among the government agencies, law offices, banks and the Arcade. Midtown has a small skyline and the medical district. The Pinnacle at Symphony Place is scheduled for 2010 finish in SoBro. The Gulch is still developing to the urban chic style. Germantown is a small, more residential area with some walkability and vintage buildings.

The area’s most untapped potential resides in the North Capitol Area where talks of new buildings and museums are beginning. The Gulch will continue to build out and SoBro will soon have a Music City Center Convention facility.

Residents

Nearly every one of these areas will be primarily condo-dwellers, free from yard maintenance. The exception is Germantown where single-family homes are present. Very few children will reside in most of the areas. Students and white-collar singles tend to buy these condos. Nashville condo prices can range from $200,000 and the sky’s the limit. Most people live in either small apartments or small condos in the Downtown and Midtown areas.

For those that favor older apartment types, favorites include the Americana, Barbizon Apartments, Capitol Towers, Metro Manor, and Riverfront Condominiums. The newer-low rise buildings include: The District, Bristol on Broadway, Harrison Square, Summer Street Lofts, Station Lofts. Newer towers include: Encore, Icon, Rhythm, Terrazzo, and Viridian.

East Nashville

Just on the other side of the Cumberland River from Downtown is East Nashville.

Vibe

Creative people and vintage architechture are some of the staples of the area. Five-Points is the quirky center with restaurants, services, bars, a library, church, school, speciality businesses, and a post office. Neighborhoods surrounding it are packed with dog walkers, porch parties, people walking with strollers, motorcylists, and even those on bikes.

Some favorites include Bongo Java, Edgefield Restaurant, Shelby Park with the Shelby Bottom Greenway, as well as the many places within Five Points.

Martin Corner is a re-development still adding interest in the Five Points area. There is talk of a mixed-use building with retail and residential as well as more restaurants. Culinary diversity will remain a trend for newer restaurants.

Residents

Popular neighborhoods in the area include: Lockeland Springs, Historic Edgefield, East End, Eastwood Neighbors, Greenwood Neighbors, Maxwell Neighbors, and Rolling Acres. East Nashville is home to quite a diverse group of people including white collar workers, blue collar workers, whites, African Americans, hispanics, wealthy and poor, musicians, writers, artists, restaurant workers, young and single, families, mainstream folks and the city’s largest gay population.

East Nashville real estate seekers can expect to find historic homes built from the 20s to 50s from under $200,000 up to about $550,000, with just a few extending above.

Hillsboro Village, West End, Belmont

Also in Nashville, this area is near Vanderbilt, and is close to Green Hills to the South and Richland/Whitland area and Belle Meade also.

Vibe

Another hipster area is here with lots of energy and bustle. Residential areas that fall within the border are Hillsboro Village, Belmont, Waverly, 12 South, and West End. You have Belmont University, Vanderbilt, Music Row, Centennial Park, The Parthenon and several walkable neighborhoods and villages with small, local business districts for restaurants, bars, shopping, etc.

Two well-regarded universities are here within walking distance of each other. Love Circle towers above the city for great views. Elliston Soda Shop, Brown’s Diner, and Rotier’s are legendary. Retail is more eclectic and locally owned. Bars and cofee shops like Bongo Java, Frothy Monkey, Portland Brew and Provence add to the area’s feel. This entire area is quite popular for shopping, eating and drinking not only to the local residents but also to people who come from all other parts of Nashville.

More retail and restaurants will continue to move in existing buildings.

Residents

Residents of Hillsboro Village/West End/Belmont tend to be socially progressive and well-educated. It is one of the best and few options for walkability within Middle Tenenssee, so this Nashville neighborhood is quite popular for those seeking walkability. You’ll have students renting apartments and homeowners in vintage homes including bungalows, tudors, cottages and American four squares. Belmont Blvd is one of the most prestigious and historic streets.

Home prices in Hillsboro Village, West End or Belmont begin around $250,000 for a very small home or one that needs some TLC all the way up to the million dollar mark.

If you do not currently live in Nashville the weather’s great! This week we’ll be in the 70’s for the most part with some 60’s during the day. The lows at night sometimes will be a bit chilly, but sometimes not so much. If you have allergies to cedar and pine pollen, you’ll want to be careful right now in TN. The index is 37 right now, which is quite high.

The Bradford Pears have their white blooms in full with some of the green bursting through. The weeds are starting to grow too, but I don’t care…it’s something green for the moment. And in the spring, green is my favorite color. People are starting to mow their yards for the first time of the season. The grass is getting a bit greener and some of the trees are showing the teeniest green blooms. Several other colors have been recently reintroduced into our color palette in Nashville with flowering bushes, etc. in purples and yellows. I love discovering a new color for the season as we get new blooms. Before long, we’ll have that beautiful lush “Spring” green overwhelming us everywhere we go that’s so rich before it turns to the deep green of summer.

In the spirit, I thought I’d share a few spring photos from Smashing Magazine’s nice collection from different artists:

Williamson County saw 2,743 sales in 2008 with an average sold price of $430,633 in 82 days. The cities: Brentwood, Franklin, Thompsons Station, Spring Hill, Nolensville, Fairview, Arrington and College Grove are analyzed below by their top selling subdivisions (number sold in 2008; average sold price; average days on the market).

Brentwood TN real estate sales

Brentwood residential real estate as a whole saw 532 homes sold in 2008 with an average sold price of $654,598 in approximately 87 days. The number of sales is down from 748 in 2007. The following subdivisions saw the biggest volume in sold homes in 2008 (number sold, average sold price, average days on market).

1. Brookfield - 31; $579,089; 136 days. This number was down from 56 in 2007, and the average sold price was just slightly down in 2008.

2. Annandale - 25; $1,227,495; 79 days. This number was down from 42 in 2007, and the average sold price was up by 3% in 2008.

3. Governor’s Club - 20; $956,577; 102 days. This number was down from 27 in 2007, and the average sold price was actually down 23% compared to those sold in 2007.

4. Copperstone - 19; $644,036; 127 days. This number was down from 28 in 2007, and the average sold price was down 5% compared to 2007.

5. Fountainbrooke - 17; $621,823; 78 days. This number was up from 11 in 2007, but the average sold price was down 7% compared to 2007.

6. Belle Rive - 17; $766,467; 95 days. This number is up from 11 sold in 2007, but the average sold price was down 4% compared to 2007.

7. Inglehame Farms - 17; $735,284; 84 days. This number is down from 20 sold in 2007, but the average sold price was up 2% compared to 2007.

Other top selling neighborhoods included: Brenthaven, Taramore, Meadow Lake, Willowmet, River Oaks, Highland Park, Courtside @ Southern Woods, and Brentmeade.

Franklin TN real estate sales

Franklin residential real estate as a whole saw 1,285 homes sold in 2008 with an average sold price of $430,362 in approximately 78 days. This was down from 1,831 sold in 2007. The following subdivisions in Franklin, TN saw the biggest volume in sold homes in 2008 (number sold, average sold price, average days on market).

1. Fieldstone Farms - 122; $313,238; 79 days. This number was down from 158 in 2007, and the average sold price was also down 4$ from 2007.

2. Westhaven - 101; $626,815; 90 days. This number was down from 137 in 2007 with average sold prices also down 7% from 2007.

3. McKays Mill - 69; $419184; 48 days. This number was considerably down from 209 in 2007, but average sold prices were up 7%.

4. Franklin Green - 54; $244,399; 78 days. The number was slightly down from 57 in 2007 and the average sold price was virtually the same.

5. Avalon - 49; $511,715; 67 days. This number was down from 86 in 2007, and the average sold price was down 6%.

6. Village of Clovercroft - 49; $399,460; 6 days. Only two were sold in 2007 because it was a new development.

7. Forrest Crossing - 39; $323,848; 69 days. This number is slightly down from 41 in 2007, but average sold price was up 5%.

8. Sullivan Farms - 39; $334,154; 83 days. This number is down from 59, but the average sold price was down 5%.

9. Garden Club - 33; $505,263; 60 days. This number is up from 26 in 2007, but the average sold price was down 12%.

10. Polk Place - 30; $39,945; 83 days. This number was up from 25 in 2007, but the average sold price was down 5%.

Other high volume neighborhoods in 2008 in Franklin were: Willow Springs, Temple Hills, Riverview Park, Maplewood, Leipers Fork, Downtown Franklin, Ladd Park, Gateway Village, Founders Pointe, Cottonwood, Cool Springs East and more…

Nolensville TN real estate sales

Nolenville residential real estate as a whole saw 194 homes sold in 2008 with an average sold price of $355,261 in approximately 60 days. This number was down from 349 in 2007. The following subdivisions in Nolensville, TN saw the biggest volume in sold homes in 2008 (number sold, average sold price, average days on market).

1. Bent Creek - 42; $348,074; 57 days. This was down from 95 sold in 2007 and the average sold price decreased slightly at 1%.

2. Silver Stream - 28; $335,369; 6 days. This was down up from 15 in 2007, and the average sold price decreased 4%.

3. Ballenger Farms - 23; $277,175; 132 days. This was down from 80 in 2007, and the average old price was down 5%.

4. Winterset Woods - 22; $317,775; 56 days. This number was down from 40 in 2007, and the average sold price was down 7%.

5. Stonebrook - 16; $240,987; 95 days. This number was down from 28 in 2007, and the average sold price was down 8%.

Spring Hill TN real estate sales

Spring Hill residential real estate as a whole saw 363 homes sold in 2008 with an average sold price of $$270,784 in approximately 90 days. This was down from 603 sold in 2007. The following subdivisions in Spring Hill, TN saw the biggest volume in sold homes in 2008 (number sold, average sold price, average days on market).

1. Wyngate - 38; $215,361; 82 days. This number was down from 50 in 2007, but the average sold value was up 2%.

2. Autumn Ridge - 31; $434,949; 140 days. This number was up from 17 sold in 2007, and the average sold value was up by a couple of thousand…not quite 1%.

3. Cherry Grove - 31; $417,937; 95 days. This number was down from 70 in 2007, but the average sold value was up 9% from 2007 to 2008.

4. Campbell Station 21; $332,682; 79 days. This is down from 38 in 2007, and the average sold value was down 13%.

Other subdivisions with a fair number of 2008 sales included: Chapmans Retreat, Chapmans Crossing and Willow Vale.

Thompsons Station TN real estate sales

Thompsons Station residential real estate as a whole saw 185 homes sold in 2008 with an average sold price of $$306,101 in approximately 108 days. This was down from 224 sold in 2007. The following subdivisions in Thompsons Station, TN saw the biggest volume in sold homes in 2008 (number sold, average sold price, average days on market).

1. Cameron Farms - 26; $213,527; 73 days. This was down from 36 in 2007, and the average sold price was down by 4%.

2. Crowne Pointe - 25; $263,292; 102 days. This was slightly down from 22 in 2007, and the average sold price was down by 10%.

3. Newport Crossing - 25; $200,949; 83 days. This was slightly down from 24 sold in 2007, and the average sold price was down by 5%.

4. Tollgate Village - 18; $427,922; 155 days. This was down from 27 sold in 2007, and the average sold price was also down 15%.

Fairview TN real estate sales

Fairview residential real estate as a whole saw 127 homes sold in 2008 with an average sold price of $$215,939 in approximately 81 days. This was down from 224 sold in 2007. Fairview, TN did not have many subdivisions with more than a small handful of sales (most were spread across many subdivisions or not within subdivisions), but the two with the most in 2008 are represented below (number sold, average sold price, average days on market).

1. Fernvale Heights - 11; $129,939; 81 days. This was up from 6 in 2007, but average sold prices went down 7%.

2. Castleberry Farms - 10: $299,030; 100 days. This was down from 14 in 2007, and average sold prices went down 19%.

Other cities exist within Williamson County with small numbers of sales in 2008. They include: Primm Springs - 3 sold, $118,167 average, 62 days; College Grove - 17 sold, $391,847, 77 days; a small section of Nashville - 18, $594,334, 71 days (mostly in Horseshoe Bend subdivision); Eagleview - 2 sold, $248,563, 118 days; Arrington - 16, $631,699, 118 days; and Columbia - 1, $279,800, 91 days.

This data should not be used as a comparative market analysis in buying or selling a home. While average sold values may have increased or decreased from prior years, the number and types of homes sold were different from year to year, which may or may not reflect an accurate increase or decrease in value for that particular neighborhood. Many factors not analyzed here contribute to a true comparative market analysis. A Realtor can give you the most recent sales data of “like” properties to present a more accurate picture of a home’s value. If you do not already have a Realtor in which you are working, contact me at 615-739-2944 or denawilliams@kw.com for additional sales data and statistics in Williamson County.

According to the MLS, Davidson County as a whole saw 6,923 residential sales in 2008 averaging a sold price of $220,313 in 74 days. Of that total 4,315 were in Nashville with the remaining 2,608 in other Davidson County areas. The average size of the homes were 1928 sf with 3 bedrooms 2 baths. We’ll look here at the top selling real estate subdivisions in Davidson County cities just within Nashville. Other cities were covered in another post.

Nashville real estate sales

Nashville residential real estate sales totaled 4,315 in 2008 at an average price of $250,480 with 73 days on the market on average. The number of homes sold is down from 5,745 in 2007. Top selling Nashville TN neighborhoods in 2008 (subdivision, number sold, average price, average days on market) are broken down by “Area” below.

Area 1 (Murfreesboro Road to I65)

Area 1 made up 825 of Nashville sales in 2008 averaging $180,689 and 72 days on the market. Top selling neighborhoods in Nashville within Area 1 (South Nashville) were:

1. Crieve Hall - 80; $234,100; 56 days. The count was down from 111 sold in 2007, but the average sold prices have increased 1.7% compared to 2007.

2. Bradford Hills - 32; $205,080; 72 days. The count was down from 43 sales in 2007. Average sold prices were also down by 2.5% on average compared to 2007.

3. Villages of Brentwood - 24; $173,241; 93 days. The count was down by 1 from 2007. Average sold prices were also down by 2% on average compared to 2007.

4. Stone Creek Park - 21; $329,989; 85 days. The count was down from 36 in 2007. Average sold prices were also down by 13% on average compared to 2007.

5. Brookview Forest - 18; $307,074; 48 days. The count was down from 36 in 2007. Average sold prices were also down by 3% on average compared to 2007.

Other neighborhoods with notable sales in 2008 included: Hillbrook, Holt Woods, Sugar Valley, Huntington Park, The Woodlands, Wexford Downs, Whispering Hills, Christiansted Valley, Caldwell Hall and Barnes Bend.

Area 2 (I65 to Charlotte Pike)

Area 2 of Nashville saw 1,420 sales averaging $453,716 and 79 days on the market. This number is down from 1,855 in 2007. In Area 2, you’ll see lots of cross-collaterialization between neighborhoods. Top selling neighborhoods in Nashville within Area 2 (SouthWest Nashville) were:

1. Green Hills - 137; $629,377; 80 days. The number of sales was down from 175 in 2007, but sold prices were actually UP 9% in 2008 compared to 2007. Some of these are strictly Green Hills, but you’ll find any combination in the MLS of Green Hills with other neighborhoods like: 12 South, Belle Meade, Harpeth Acres, Golf Club, Lipscomb, Woodward, Woodmont, Battlefield, Vandy, Whitland, Rolling Meadow, Wimbledon Area, Belmont and Woodlawn.

2. Belmont - 108; $404,910; 81 days. The number of sales was down from 135 in 2007, but sold prices were actually up 3% in 2008 compared to 2007. The Belmont area is often seen alone or in combination with any of the following neighborhoods: 12 South, Waverly, Hillsboro, Hillsboro Village, Green Hills, or Music Row.

3. West Meade - 68; $524,364; 77 days. The number of sales was down from 116 in 2007, but the average sold price is up about 7% compared to 2007.

4. Belle Meade - 65; $1,227,900; 93 days. The number of sales was down from 90 in 2007, but sold prices were actually up 11% compared to 2007.

5. Sylvan Park - 64; $314,365; 71 days. The number of sales was down from 103 sold in 2007, but sold prices were actually up 3% in 2008 compared to 2007.

6. Hillsboro Area - 58; $460,172; 79 days. The number of sales was 57 in 2007. Average sold prices were down 4% from 2007 in 2008. Hillsboro is often identified and combined as Hillsboro, Hillsboro Pike, Hillsboro Village, Vanderbilt, Vandy, Belmont, and West End.

7. Riverwalk - 55; $250,232; 96 days. The number of sales was down from 108 sold in 2007, and average sold price was down 3% compared to 2007.

8. Oak Hill - 53; $521,160; 86 days. The number of sales was down slightly from 56 in 2007, but average sold price was up 1% compared to 2007.

9. Forest Hills - 35; $693,300; 96. The number of sales was down from 52 in 2007, but the average sold price was up 13% compared to 2007.

10. Traceside -27; $303,092; 76 days. The number of sales was up from 25 in 2007, but the average sold price was down 9% from 2007.

11. Boone Trace - 26; $212,038; 63 days. The number of sales was down from 30 in 2007 and 1.7% in average sold price compared to 2007.

12. Richland - 26; $565,076; 79 days. The number of sales was about the same in 2007, but the average sold price is up about 20% compared to 2007. Richland is sometimes viewed as Historic Richland or seen in combination with West End or occasionally with Cherokee Park.

Other neighborhoods with a reasonable number of sales were Vanderbilt, Sylvan Heights, Somerset Farms, Rolling River, Riverside, Lipscomb, Lexington Point, Kenner Manor, Hillwood Area, 12 South, Brookside, Burton Hills, Cherokee Park, Edgehill, and Harpeth Valley Park.

Area 3 (Charlotte Pike to Cumberland River)

Area 3 of Nashville saw 287 sales averaging $115,542 and 75 days on the market. This number is down from 488 in 2007. Top selling neighborhoods in Nashville within Area 3 were:

1. West Nashville area - 28; $121,075; 77 days. The number was down from 33 in 2007 but the average sold price was up 10% from 2007.

2. Charlotte Park - 24; $159,225; 72 days. Total sold was down from 35 in 2007 along with the average sold price by 4%.

3. Germantown/Salemtown: 11; $237,454; 68 days. Total sold was down from 28 in 2007, along with the average sold decrease by 9%.

Area 4 (Cumberland River to Clarksville Pike)

Area 4 of Nashville saw 143 sales averaging $140,431 and 57 days on the market. This number is down from 119 in 2007. Top selling neighborhoods in Nashville within Area 4 were:

1. Jordan Ridge @ Eaton’s Creek - 48; $201,619; 51 days. This was a new development in 2008 and did not see activity in 2007.

2. Bordeaux Hills - 20; $63,301; 46 days. This was actually up by 2 sales, but the average sold price was drastically down from 2007 in 2008 by 26%

Area 5 (Clarksville Pike to Dickerson Pike)

Area 5 of Nashville saw 286 sales averaging $113,960 and 80 days on the market. This number is down from 619 in 2007. Top selling neighborhoods in Nashville within Area 5 were:

1. Brookview - 24; $147,186; 32 days. This number was down from 78 sales in 2007 with the average sold price down 2% in 2008.

2. Parkwood - 21; $87,995; 89 days. This number is up slightly from 18 in 2007 where the average sold price was also down 19%.

3. Haynes Manor - 16; $100,141; 107 days. This number is up slightly from 13 in 2007, and the average sold price was also up 5%.

Area 6 (Dickerson Pike to Cumberland River)

Area 6 of Nashville saw 828 sales averaging $154,944 and 66 days on the market. This number is down from 1,628 in 2007. Top selling neighborhoods in Nashville within Area 6 were:

1. Inglewood - 93; $176,040; 67 days. This number was down from 136 in 2007, but the average sold price was up by 5%.

2. Lockeland Springs - 78; $278,339; 64 days. This number was down from 105 in 2007, but the average sold price was up by 12%.

3. Eastwood Neighbors - 27; $230,699; 72 days. This number was down from 51 in 2007, but the average sold price was up by 12%.

4. Joywood Heights - 24; $93,788; 88 days. This number was down from 36 in 2007, but average sold price was up 25%.

5.Edgefield - 20; $244,350; 69 days. This number was up slightly from 19 in 2007, but the average sold price was down by 2%.

6. Cleveland Park - 20; $127,024; 73 days; This number was down from 33 sales in 2007, but average sold price was virtually the same in 2007 and 2008.

Area 7 (Cumberland River to I40 E)

Area 7of Nashville saw 321 sales averaging $141,277 and 68 days on the market. This number is down from 444 in 2007. Top selling neighborhoods in Nashville within Area 7 were:

1. River Glen - 25; $120,215; 84 days. This number was down from 37 in 2007, but the average sold prices were virtually the same…slightly higher in 2008.

2. River Trace - 19; $147,484; 72 days. This number was down slightly from 23 in 2007, but average sold prices were up 8% in 2008.

3. Abington Park - 18; $176,997; 76 days. This number was down from 26 in 2007, but average sold prices were up 3% in 2008.

4. Donelson Area - 17; $136,002; 67 days. This number was down from 19 in 2007, and the average sold prices were also down by 12% in 2008.

5. Cloverhill - 16; $117, 528; 49 days. This number is down from 30 in 2007, but the average sold prices were up 5% in 2008.

Area 8 (I40 E to Murfreesboro Rd)

Area 8 of Nashville saw 205 sales averaging $136,576 and 85 days on the market. This number is down from 246 in 2007. Top selling neighborhoods in Nashville within Area 8 were:

1. Edge O Lake - 42, $121,909; 92 days. This number was down from 48 in 2007, but the average sold price was up 3% in 2008.

2. Miro Meadows - 18; $85,052; 58 days. This number was up from 12 in 2007, but the average sold price was down 3%.

3. Priest Lake Park - 15; $163,418; 116 days. This number was down from 25 in 2007, and average sold prices were virtually the same both years.

4. Bayview - 12; $157,650; 78 days. This number was down from 17 in 2007, and average sold prices were also down by 14%.

5. Castlegate - 10; $136,900; 93 days. This number was up from 6 in 2007, and the average sold price was also up by 4% in 2008.

This data should not be used as a comparative market analysis in buying or selling a home. While average sold values may have increased or decreased from prior years, the number and types of homes sold were different from year to year, which may or may not reflect an accurate increase or decrease in value for that particular neighborhood. Many factors not analyzed here contribute to a true comparative market analysis. A Realtor can give you the most recent sales data of “like” properties to present a more accurate picture of a home’s value. If you do not already have a Realtor in which you are working, contact me at 615-739-2944 or denawilliams@kw.com for additional sales data and statistics in Nashville and Davidson County.