Employment Increase in Williamson County

5:01 am | Sunday, Jan 1st
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From June 2015 to June 2016, employment increased in 291 of the 344 largest U.S. counties, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Williamson, Tenn., had the largest percentage increase with a gain of 6.7 percent over the year, above the national job growth rate of 1.5 percent. Within Williamson, the largest employment increase occurred in professional and business services, which gained 3,033 jobs over the year (9.6 percent). Midland, Texas, had the largest over-the-year percentage decrease in employment among the largest counties in the U.S., with a loss of 8.3 percent. Within Midland, natural resources and mining had the largest decrease in employment, with a loss of 2,767 jobs (-13.1 percent). County employment and wage data are from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program, which provides the only detailed quarterly and annual universe count of establishments, employment, and wages at the county, MSA, state, and national levels by detailed industry. These data are published within 6 months following the end of each quarter.

The U.S. average weekly wage increased 2.2 percent over the year, growing to $989 in the second quarter of 2016. McLean, Ill., had the largest over-the-year percentage increase in average weekly wages with a gain of 21.0 percent. Within McLean, an average weekly wage gain of $739 (42.2 percent) in financial activities made the largest contribution to the county’s increase in average weekly wages. Ventura, Calif., experienced the largest percentage decrease in average weekly wages with a loss of 8.4 percent over the year. Within Ventura, manufacturing had the largest impact on the county’s average weekly wage decline with a decrease of $912 (-34.4 percent) over the year.

Large County Employment

In June 2016, national employment was 142.7 million (as measured by the QCEW program). Over the year, employment increased 1.5 percent, or 2.1 million. In June 2016, the 344 U.S. counties with 75,000 or more jobs accounted for 72.5 percent of total U.S. employment and 77.6 percent of total wages. These 344 counties had a net job growth of 1.7 million over the year, accounting for 82.0 percent of the overall U.S. employment increase. The five counties with the largest increases in employment levels had a combined over-the-year employment gain of 254,900 jobs, which was 12.1 percent of the overall job increase for the U.S. (See table A.)

Employment declined in 46 of the largest counties from June 2015 to June 2016. Midland, Texas, had the largest over-the-year percentage decrease in employment (-8.3 percent), followed by Lafayette, La.; Gregg, Texas; Peoria, Ill.; McLean, Ill.; and Washington, Pa. (See table 1.)

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Interesting Real Estate Classes

4:38 am | Sunday, Jan 1st
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Being a Real Estate agent means owning your own small business. Are you treating it as such? This class goes over where the income and business come from, budgets for planning and taxes, growth and professional standards for agents. When agents treat their business as a business and understand the principles of managing a business they are better able to review their profit and expenses. Agents will also be able to make a business plan for getting more business.

Basics For Building A Better Business


Instructors

  • Monica Neubauer, ABR, SRES, GREEN, GRI, CRS, SRS, EPro, AHWD, NSA Member

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Homes Sales, Prices Remain High in July for Williamson County Housing Market

2:57 pm | Monday, Aug 22nd
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Desirability of community keeps market active despite rise in median sales price Williamson County’s housing market experienced record-high sales activity in July 2016. The total number of closed home sales for the month was 612, an increase of 1.3 percent from the same period last year. This represents a new record-high total of home sales for the month of July, eclipsing the previous monthly high of 604 in July 2015.

The median sales price for a single-family home rose 9.1 percent to $452,706 in July 2016 from $415,000 for the same period last year. Year-to-date home sales in Williams on County are 3,265, representing a 3.2 percent increase over the 3,164 closings for the same period last year.
“With a thriving economy, active job market, strong school system and low crime rates, the desirability for homeownership in Williamson County remains extremely high,” said David Logan, President of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS®. “Confidence in our community continues to draw buyers to Williamson County and that has kept our residential market very active despite higher median sales prices.”
“At the start of 2016’s third quarter, it is clear the real estate market in Williamson County is healthy and growing. The high number of pending sales is a solid indication the positive market trends should continue,” added Logan.
Total available residential inventory in Williamson County stood at 1,744 units at the end of July, indicating less than a three-months supply of available homes. A six-month supply is considered to be a balanced market. For the month of July, available inventory declined for both single-family homes and condominiums. Single-family home inventory declined 5.2 percent from 1,799 in 2015 to 1,705 listed homes in 2016, while condo inventory fell 26.6 percent from 94 in 2015 to 69 listings in 2016.
“Throughout the summer, we’ve seen a steady decline in inventory matched by consistent growth in prices as buyer demand for homes in Williamson County remains high,” said Logan. “The level of available homes in our market has created a sense of urgency among some buyers, which has led to multiple offer situations that are benefiting sellers in the form of higher home values and steady price appreciation.”
“REALTORS® would love to see more single family homes ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 develop in our community,” acknowledged Logan.
“For the first-time home buyer, families with young school-aged children and future residents with incomes in the $50,000 to $75,000 range, single-family homes are extremely necessary to continue to contribute to the vibrant community that is Williamson County.”

Simmons Ridge

6:04 pm | Friday, Apr 29th
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Locally owned, Simmons Ridge broke ground this morning! The new home development is located at 4408 South Carothers Road. Simmons Ridge Joint Venture is the developer and Hyde Park Homes is the building company. Franklin REALTORS is the exclusive marketing and sales broker for the development. The property will contain 408 units, including Townhomes and Single Family Homes.

The beautiful rolling hills acreage was purchased in 2003 and is expected to begin construction in the next couple of weeks. The homes in the first phase will range in size from 1,569 square feet to 1,950 square feet. “The homes have been well thought out with an eye for the details that will make owning a home in Simmons Ridge a great value”, said John Franks, member of the development and construction team.

The traditionally styled homes will be a modern interpretation of Southern living at its best. The homes will all have front porches keeping the socialization with neighbors easy and fun. Some models will also have screened back porches. All homes will have hardwood floors, granite in the kitchens and stainless steel appliances.

The healthy living neighborhood will have a series of parks and a great swimming facility. Walking trails will be throughout the new community. REALTOR, Marcia Franks, says, “The property is blessed with many huge century old trees that makes the property visually awesome”.

December Sales in Williamson County

3:36 am | Thursday, Jan 28th
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From the WCAR:

Sales volume of homes in Williamson County broke all preceding December records with 500 single-family residential and condominium closings. This represents a 25.6% increase over December 2014 at 398 closings, according to data from the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCAR).

There were 1,266 closings in the 4th quarter, up 8.4% from the 1,168 closings in the 4th quarter of last year. Total closings for 2015 totaled 5,551, an increase of 11.7% over the 4968 closings in 2014.

Over 35,000 residential and condominium transactions closed in the 9-county Middle Tennessee area during 2015. Approximately 16.8% of those closings occurred in Williamson County. The total dollar volume of residential transactions for 2015 was over $7.9 billion, with $2.2 billion of that business being done in Williamson County. That represents 27.8% of the sales volume for the region.

“The real estate market in Williamson County throughout 2015 was very active all year long. The significantly higher number of closings in December suggests there may have been a logjam of closings that didn’t happen in November due to new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau compliance guidelines that went into effect in October,” said David Logan, 2016 WCAR President. “That might also explain why closings were down slightly in November.”

“Interestingly”, said Logan, “while gold, oil and the stock market showed a lackluster finish in December, residential real estate still proved to be a wise option for local investors.”

“Ending the year with an 11.7% increase is certainly good news for the real estate market and local economy,” Logan said. “Available inventory continues to be one of the key concerns for home sales. Properties that are priced correctly and in market-ready condition are continuing to be very attractive to buyers. The fact that Middle Tennessee in general and Williamson County in particular, are so popular nationally means that the real estate market is likely to sustain its momentum.”

Homeowners Reap Remodeling Benefits Whether Selling or Staying, Say Realtors®

4:20 am | Tuesday, Jan 12th
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Homeowners preparing to sell often make improvements, both big and small, to their homes that can help yield positive results and garner top dollar from buyers. According to a new report from the National Association of Realtors®, remodeling projects can also bring major benefits to homeowners who choose to remain in their homes.

“Realtors® know that certain home upgrades and remodels can be beneficial to get more buyer eyes on a property, potentially bring in more offers or gain more equity from a home,” said NAR President Tom Salomone, broker-owner of Real Estate II Inc. in Coral Springs, Florida. “But remodeling projects are just as valuable to homeowners who simply want to get more joy out of their dwellings. Regardless of the situation, Realtors® know what remodeling projects bring the biggest bang for the buck and what projects are most likely to improve a homeowner’s impression of their current place.”

According to NAR’s 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, which uncovers the reasons homeowners choose a remodel and the increased happiness certain projects bring once completed, 64 percent have experienced increased enjoyment in their home after completing a remodeling project. Additionally, 75 percent of respondents said they felt a major sense of accomplishment when thinking of their completed project. Fifty-four percent of respondents felt happy about the changes to their home, and 40 percent felt satisfied. As for their reasons to complete a remodeling project, 38 percent of homeowners said they wanted to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials; 17 percent wanted to add features and improve livability; and 13 percent believed it was time for a change.

Realtors® named kitchen upgrades, complete kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations and new wood flooring as the interior projects that most appeal to potential buyers. Similarly, Realtors® also ranked projects based on expected value at resale (without accounting for project price); the projects that ranked the highest in this category were complete kitchen renovations, kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations and the addition of a bathroom.

When looking at the interior projects that yield the biggest financial results upon resale, Realtors® ranked hardwood flooring refinishes (100 percent of project cost recovered upon resale), insulation upgrades (95 percent recovered), new wood flooring (91 percent recovered), and converting a basement to a living area (69 percent recovered) as projects to consider.

Exterior projects are also important for both sellers and homeowners looking to increase satisfaction with their current home. Realtors® said new roofing, new vinyl windows, new garage doors and new vinyl siding are most appealing to potential buyers and are highly valued upon resale (both considering project price and disregarding project price). Upon resale, Realtors® said new roofing would recover 105 percent of its project cost, a new garage door would recover 87 percent, new vinyl siding would recover 83 percent, and new vinyl windows would bring back 80 percent of their cost. As for exterior projects that bring the most happiness for those not necessarily intending to sell, homeowners said new fiber-cement siding, new fiberglass or steel front doors, new roofing, and new garage doors brought the most satisfaction.

The 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, the first of its kind from NAR that examines personal satisfaction from remodeling projects, surveyed Realtors®, consumers who have completed their own remodeling projects, and members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

“Remodeling projects can greatly improve both the value of and satisfaction with one’s home, which are great things no matter the reason for a project,” said Judy Mozen, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “This report highlights the best projects to consider in either situation and showcases just how much of a difference a good and professional remodel can make in real numbers.”

Salomone said the report not only assists homeowners who are preparing to sell in choosing the best projects to attract buyers, but it also helps those looking to get more personal satisfaction out of their homes. “Realtors® know that remodeling projects aren’t just done to get more money for a home once it’s time to sell – a home is your sanctuary, the place you raise your family and where you make lifelong memories, which is why the report can also help consumers decide which projects could enhance their current quality of life and happiness,” he said.

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry is the medium for business development, a platform for advocacy and the principal source for industry intelligence. NARI connects homeowners with its professional members and provides tips and tricks so that the consumer has a positive remodeling experience.

Realtor Classes with the WCAR

4:10 am | Wednesday, Dec 30th
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This year enjoy fabulous courses offered by the WCAR. Williamson County Association of Realtors® offers a wide variety of courses to enhance your business in a state-of-the-art training facility. All of our instructors are experts in their field. To register or learn more about our upcoming course offerings, view the list below and click on the class. If you have any suggestions for courses or topics, please let us know. We are here to help!

Name Type Categories Provider Price When
TREC Core Course 2015/2016 TREC Credit Core WCAR Fee Thursday Jan 14th
at 9am – 3:30pm
Unethical or Bad Judgment – NAR Ethics Class TREC Credit General, Ethics WCAR Fee Tuesday Jan 19th
at 9am – 12pm
Building a Better Business TREC Credit General, REALTOR Academy WCAR Fee Wednesday Jan 20th
at 9am – 1pm
CRS 120: Converting Leads to Closings TREC Credit General, Other Other Fee Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Jan 26th
at 8:30am – 5pm
Contracts 101 TREC Credit General WCAR Fee Wednesday Jan 27th
at 9am – 12pm
Contracts 101 TREC Credit General, REALTOR Academy WCAR Fee Thursday Feb 4th
at 9am – 12pm
Contracts 101 TREC Credit General, REALTOR Academy WCAR Fee Tuesday Feb 9th
at 9am – 12pm
CRS 103: Managing Time To Achieve Your Goals TREC Credit General, Other WCAR Fee Thursday Feb 11th
at 8:30am – 5pm

Realtor Leaders in the Community

4:00 am | Wednesday, Dec 30th
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New leaders take the helm of the real estate industry after the Williamson County Association of REALTORS®(WCAR) installed the 2015-2016 Board of Directors during a ceremony at Homestead Manor. Over 175 association members attended this event, making it the largest Installation ceremony to date.
David Logan, SilverPointe Properties, takes over as president for the association. Other officers include Lisa Wurth, Benchmark Realty, as President-Elect and Matt Daniel, Daniel-Christian Real Estate, as Secretary/Treasurer. Thankfulness was the theme of Logan’s address, citing the upcoming holiday as an opportunity to reflect.
“Here is Middle Tennessee, and especially Williamson County, we have so much for which we can be thankful,” said Logan. “A strong economy, great schools, both public and private, outstanding elected officials who represent us so well, and a quality of life that is envied by many.”
Yet all of these blessings bring with them some challenges. Logan addressed the rising numbers of students in local schools and the issues related to transit and growth, noting, “These are the challenges of a community that is thriving.
“Our REALTOR® members are committed to helping our elected officials and community organizations face them head on. We want to be a part of the dialogue and contribute to the solutions.”
Three board members completed their terms of service in 2015 and were recognized at the event. Ann Skiera, Zeitlin & Company; Lisa Culp Taylor, Parks; and Jennifer Dunlap Stacey, Southland Title & Escrow rolled off the board. Debbie Chamberlain, Farmington Mortgage; Jordan Vaughn, RE/MAX Fine Homes; and Danny B. Wood, Parks, were elected as Directors to fill the vacated positions.
“We want to thank [Ann], [Lisa] and [Jennifer] for their dedicated service to our mission,” said Logan. “While we are excited about the addition of the new members, these three retiring Directors have left an indelible mark on our association and we will miss them.”
The following is a complete list of board members for 2015-2016:

*Board President: David Logan, SilverPointe Properties
*President-Elect: Lisa Wurth, Benchmark Realty
*Secretary/Treasurer: Matt Daniel, Daniel-Christian Real Estate, LLC
Past-President: Chip Kerr, Crye-Leike, REALTORS®
Director: Jennifer Bickerstaff, PARKS
Director: LeAnne Constantine, Reliant Realty, ERA Powered, Brentwood
Director: John Giffen, Benchmark Realty
Director: Kyle Shults, Keller Williams Realty
*Director: Jordan Vaughn, RE/MAX Fine Homes
Director: Tiffany White, Keller Williams Realty
*Director: Danny B. Wood, Signature Homes Realty, LLC
*Affiliate Director: Debbie Chamberlain, Farmington Mortgage

*Denotes newly elected officers and directors

Directors for WCAR are elected to three year terms, while officers are elected on an annual basis. WCAR is grateful for the services of the Officer and Directors whose terms expire at the end of 2015: Immediate Past President Lisa Culp Taylor, PARKS; Ann Skiera, Zeitlin REALTORS®; and Jennifer Dunlap Stacey, Southland Title & Escrow.

Home Sales Statistics

3:55 am | Wednesday, Dec 30th
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Home values are up as evidenced by the $412,000 median sales price of Williamson County homes in November 2015. This represents a 6.25% increase over last November’s median price, according to data from the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCAR).

“As 2015 comes to a close what we’ve experienced in Williamson County real estate is a market that has seen highest sales volume since 2006 and the highest sales prices ever’, said David Logan, WCAR President. “The increase in inventory over last year bodes well for buyers looking to find a home before year end.”

The November median price marks 11 months of the past 12 months where median prices exceeded $400,000.

The 321 closings in the month of November were 10.5% lower than the 359 closings in the prior year. However, overall closings year-to-date in 2015 are 2.5% higher than in the first 11 months of 2014.

“New federal regulations in October coupled with normal seasonality of the market most likely contributed to the reduction in the number of closings”, said Logan. “Both buyers and sellers should be encouraged by the continued stability and appeal of the local real estate market.”

W. Frierson Contractor Inc. Announces Completion

8:51 pm | Wednesday, Dec 23rd
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T. W. Frierson Contractor Inc. (TWF), a Nashville-based, family-owned general contractor specializing in commercial, industrial, distribution and institutional facilities throughout the Southeast, announces the recent completion of construction on the new Franklin First United Methodist Church, located at 120 Aldersgate Way at Mack Hatcher Parkway in Franklin, Tenn.

Construction for the 86,500 square-foot, First Franklin United Methodist Church facility began in Summer 2014, and nearly 16 months later its first Sunday worship services were held on December 6, 2015. The first service was completely full, and the second service provided standing room only.

W. Frierson has completed over 150 faith-based facilities in its 57 year history, and this facility is its largest church project to date, according to project executive Del Hickman, co-owner, executive vice president. Hickman explains, “It was a great privilege to partner with Franklin First United Methodist Church and Tuck Hinton to build this beautiful landmark. I was there for the first service, and to see the reactions and hear all the positive comments from the congregation was incredible.”

The TWF team for this project also includes Matt Taylor, senior project manager and director of operations; and Tim Foriest, project superintendent. Steve Johnson, with Tuck-Hinton Architects, a Nashville-based PLC corporation, is the architect on the project.

The First Franklin United Methodist Church facility is constructed on 107 acres of a former horse farm, which was purchased in 2007. The new campus facility includes a main worship center that seats around 850, 50 classrooms and multiuse spaces for ministry and community outreach. In addition to the various high-end finishes throughout the building, gothic architect curtain wall systems were installed on the building to reflect the churches’ original historic sanctuary, Circa 1872.

The building also has prominent space for the church’s popular preschool program and a children’s area. Office space focuses on the daily church operations, and the well-equipped kitchen is vital to the ongoing ministries of the church.

Franklin First was founded 1799 in downtown Franklin and was housed in a facility completed in 1872 on Fifth Avenue South until it outgrew its space. While maintaining its ownership of that facility, the congregation is continuing to hold one 8:30 a.m. service in that facility each Sunday. The church is also leasing the church space for the use of Generations Church of Franklin. The church is currently under the leadership of Dr. Lynn Hill, senior pastor since 2002.

Founded in 1958, T. W. Frierson Contractor Inc. is dedicated to the ideals of honesty and integrity while providing quality construction services that exceed customer’s expectations. Emphasizing a team approach, T. W. Frierson Contractor, Inc. offers general construction, design-build and construction management services, tailoring these programs to meet each client’s individual needs. The company is committed to providing customized, innovative and environmentally responsible solutions for all facility types, including new construction and renovations.

For details on T. W. Frierson Contractor Inc., please visit http://www.twfrierson.com. For additional information on the company, feel free to contact Sara Waggoner, director of marketing and client relations, at (615-367-1333 or swaggoner@twfrierson.com. The company is located at 2971 Kraft Drive, Nashville, TN 37204.

 

Photo credit: ©Halo Vision 2015