Sarah & John Rummage

Sometimes we think of first time
homebuyers as just out of college and having just landed their first ‘real' job. This type first-time-homebuyer consciously makes the choice to buy a home rather than rent. They think it is a good idea financially and for them personally. Perhaps to us they are a little more mature, more financially savvy than the apartment renter who LIKES hanging out at the pool, and sees no point in home ownership.

But, there is another type of first-time-homebuyer--one who goes into buying a home reluctantly, maybe even being forced into it.

A few months ago I got a call on a listing from a woman, Fay, who had just found out that she would HAVE to move from the apartment building where she had lived for many years. She loved her home there. It was close to her work, on the bus line and she did not need to own a car. She had been lulled into a false sense of security by living there. BUT, the owners of the property had big plans for it, and told all the renters there to move by a certain date. Fay was very worried and distraught, and so we went to work to find a condo for her.

A few months ago the market was very strong for 1-bedroom condos, and we missed out on a couple of them by not jumping in immediately with an offer. But then she put an offer in on one which was on the bus line and close to shopping and conveniences and the offer was accepted and she bought it and moved in! Now Fay doesn't ever have to move again due to a landlord's whim.

Another renter story. My uncle lives in a large southern city. Back in the 1980's he sold his house after his wife died, and moved into a luxury apartment downtown, connected to a luxury hotel. When I was a little girl, I used to hear him talk about how he wanted to move into a hotel when he sold his house, and he got his wish. He loved being around other people. He lived in this apartment for 20 years or so. He knew everybody in the building and they knew him. He, and his second wife, were close to shopping and could order meals in. They had maid service. It was a pretty neat life, and perfect for them.

Then one day a letter was slipped under their door. The apartment management had decided to convert all the apartments to ‘executive apartments.' What that meant to my uncle and his wife was that they would be paying triple rent compared to what they were currently paying, AND they would have to get rid of all their furniture and use the ‘executive furniture' of the apartment. AND live through the mess of their apartment's being redecorated in an executive style. Now in their 80's, they ‘decided' to move.

Now these ‘renters,' my uncle and aunt, did not want to buy, and probably should not have. Not at their age. They first moved into another apartment (with the help of the loving step-children), and now have moved a second time to an assisted living apartment. But the point is, they had to move.

There are many advantages to owning rather than renting, but one of these is never having to move again. If you are a renter and are wondering if your landlord is hatching up mischief behind your back, we would love to help you see what you are qualified to buy and help you find your cozy little dream home, and help you get ahead of the game and call the shots! This is a great time to put a plan in action, and buy from a great inventory of homes at good interest rates. Down payment assistance is still available AND many sellers are willing to pay closing costs. Make it work for you!

© Sarah and John Rummage, American Realty Resources, Nashville TN - Sarah@Nashville-Homebuyer.com

The National Council on Aging is co-sponsoring a Career Fair at LP field, 1 Titans Way, Nashville, TN 37213, (615) 255-9600 Get directions

Wednesday, Sept 17, 2008.

They will be serving Veterans and older workers age 40 & up.
Admission and parking are free, and a $50 gas card will be given away each hour (9am-3pm).
There will be 50-80 employers and service providers, including Fox Channel 17, CVS pharmacies, and AFLAC.

National Council on Aging regional office
Nashville TN
Phone: 615-360-9797
Fax: 615-360-9799

I want to say a word of appreciation to homeowners who work year after year to make their gardens such a source of joy and beauty for total strangers to enjoy.

Yesterday I passed a rose garden on Glen Echo Road in Nashville TN which I have driven by and admired for years. And I just had to circle around the block this time and take a photo. I always anticipate the garden as I turn down that street, and love to see what is happening with the roses. I am always in awe of the work, care and obvious love for the beautiful that this home owner exhibits. Even in the winter this garden shows love, as the roses are trimmed, and the soil is being worked in anticipation of spring and new growth and new blooms. And of course, summer is its special season when it is blooming in all its glory.

Gardens don't just happen. They take planning, discipline, back breaking work, and not to mention some big bucks! And I just want to say that I appreciate your efforts.

Pollice detectives developed the "no buy list" after conducting criminal background checks on more than 30,000 persons who have sold scrap metal to PSC Metals and Metal Management Nashville. The companies, which have been cooperating with the police department for the past several months to reduce copper and metal theft, voluntarily provided the names of their customers.

About 1% of the total customer base was placed on the "no buy list" due to past criminal conduct.

A uniform state law will help prevent thieves from traveling to other counties to fence stolen copper and other scrap metal. Therefore, the Scrap Metal Bill was approved this year by the senate and is now in the Tennessee House of Representatives. The provisions of the pending legislation include:

· Seller must show state or federally-issued photo ID to dealer.
· Seller must provide a thumbprint to dealer.
· Dealers required to keep transaction records on site for three years
· Dealers cannot make cash payments for AC coils or condensers. Payment must be by check and sent to a licensed HVAC dealer.
· Can't buy scrap from person under 18.
· Creates new enhancement factor for property damage when resulted by theft of scrap.