Earlier today I was looking at my calendar and planning things to do for the next month and in tiny muted letters – as the calendar always marks “holidays” the words Patriot Day seemed to whisper a memory.

I was fairly freshly out of UT and still working in Marketing for the food service company there. I’d began a new job traveling from West Virginia to North Georgia working at other small colleges and helping them with their marketing.

On that day I was in my home basement office – typing up purchase orders for some new signage when my boss Fred called and in a hardly decipherable Cajun English garble he mumbled something about planes exploding in New York and that I should turn on the TV.

Like the rest of America and the free world I sat and stared – gobsmacked – while they replayed the plane hitting. Then ANOTHER plane hit it live!

I was sick, I prayed, I fretted and mentally traveled there trying to catch my breath in all the dust that enveloped everything in the images I was seeing on the screen.

I called everyone and told them, I tried to think about what friends might be in NYC or Washington or Shanksville, PA. I had friends who had family in the Twin Towers – I’d be surprised if anyone in America was more than a couple degrees of separation from someone in the wide and varied population that died that day – but I lost nobody that I knew directly.

In this – the season of Patriot Day – 18 years removed – it’s amazing how much the terrorists have taken from us. How much fear has grown and metastasized through the culture. How many of their own families and interests have been obliterated in both retaliation, escalation and hatred. And how America has gotten more like them – hate and love have always been a large part of our culture and that of the terrorist perpetrators of that day.

I remember the blossoming of Americana in the ensuing days, the sad memorials, the striking stories and quirky incidents. The awe inspiring Freedom tower that rose from the ashes and the moment of panic that rose in my stomach a few weeks ago when I was waiting in the mile-long TSA line when I noticed my (ever-present) pocket knife was in my stuff as I was getting ready to board a plane.

Life has changed. People are more polarized, untrusting and patriotic for what they believe is right. But worst of all the freedom that we all enjoyed has given way to an insular protectionism that values safety over liberty and often those who wish it was like before (like me) are becoming relics.

I am heartened working with my young cousin, my intern, in her second year of college. She who was 3 years old when the planes took down the towers. She grew up in this world and is flourishing. She and other young people in my family are not like my generation – they have hope and irresistible optimism. That hope and love of God and each other is all we’ve got to build upon.

This weekend I was showing a condo that looked out on the Tennessee River – it was a great place, looking out over weekenders in their pontoons, paddleboards, these crazy water-bicycles that looked like they might be harder to operate than the person who rented them might’ve expected. The condo was lovely in it’s own right without such a spectacular view of the new Suttree Landing Park. There were things that I would personally change and my client asked what I’d suggest – all my suggestions, I realized later, would have made the 1990s vintage place look and feel more like the 1890s homes in the Old North Knoxville and Fourth & Gill areas that I personally love so much. He liked many of the ideas, but we both realized at the same time that the suggestions would be tough to pull off in a “newer” place. At the end we agreed that putting in hardwood floors would be an age-appropriate improvement over some of the other ideas.

In a fit of self-awareness I realized that he wasn’t asking for my ideas on how I’d make it my own favorite spot in Knoxville, but how to make it perfect for him. In that moment I started asking better questions and tailoring answers and ideas – even suggesting other locations that might make his home happen more easily. We may end up circling back the “million dollar view” that would be nearly impossible to find elsewhere, and in the price range. If we do that he’ll have seen a few more places that might help him craft that place into HIS place.

Earlier in the day I’d done a final walk-through inspection of a home in Oakwood-Lincoln Park neighborhood before a closing scheduled for this week. My suggestions would have made the condo (priced well over $300,000) more closely resemble the beautiful old house a couple miles away that was about ⅓ the price. The next time someone asks what I’d do to a place, I think I’ll dig a little deeper in my experience than the last home I saw that I loved. 

Whether it’s a riverfront condo, a charming bungalow or the suburban family home that you’re looking for we’d love to help with the search and help you sell your current place to someone who’ll love it like we do!

Since I began real estate in Knoxville when this century was in its beginning to turn, one constant and consistent question has come from friends, clients, customers and other folks I talk with who learn that I’m a REALTOR.

“Who do should I use for _________?”

The blank has been everything from local trash pick-up, plumbers, handymen, electricians, central heat and air repair folks, deck builders, new home contractors, lawn contractors, home inspection people, painters, lenders, roofers…….. – basically every service known to the Knoxville homeowner! As people come and go in business I have noticed a trend — first the vendor decides they’re going into business for themselves, next they promote and attend events and other things where we’d meet. I’d send them some of my friends and they’d do an amazing job for them. Then they get popular, busy and harder to get lined up or totally unresponsive. For this reason, I’ve gotten more and more resistant to recommending folks – though I know Word of Mouth is the best way to grow and maintain a business. I’ve probably been guilty of doing that myself at stages in the past – but that’s one reason I’ve built my business around staying responsive, even when I’m personally running in 6 directions!

Here is a list of some of the folks who’ve proven to do a great job and show up on time. I don’t have agreements with any of these that I get paid when someone uses them or anything like that, though if they ever want to send me a buyer or seller, or if they want to do co-marketing or share the cost of advertising I’m happy to talk!

These are folks who’ve proven in the real world that they’re awesome – in Dave Ramsey’s words – here are my Endorsed Local Providers!

HOW MUCH IS MY HOUSE WORTH? Click here!

Lenders – There are so many great lenders in town, but I’ve had wonderful luck with communication and getting deals closed and general awesome experience with Foundation Mortgage – https://www.fmloans.com. Nick Galbraith, Josh Purvis and Trevor Hill are all great. Their office number is 865-392-5450. Other good folks with different companies include Joe Pace and Adrian Hall.

Home Inspectors – Home inspectors seem to be coming out of the woodwork these days. I choose to recommend some of them based on the temperament and level of fear that the buyers have. Everyone I work with creates a comprehensive report, but some highlight things that MIGHT become an issue and extreme checklist person – my engineers – I really like Ethan Hotchkiss with Brass Tacks. If you’re more squeamish and prefer a great inspection with the same information but a little softer touch (I’m personally a touchy-feely guy who wants to know if the place I’m getting is a good one or if it’s about to fall down) I would recommend Tommy Kirby at First Choice Home Inspection Services. There are lots more good ones, but these are my personal go-to recommendations.

Title Company – Title companies are popping up everywhere as well. Just month I’ve had closings at several that I’ve never heard of before – that’s evidence of the amazing economy we’ve been experiencing the past few years. There are two veteran title companies that come to mind as excellent in the customer experience aspects of the business. Robb White at Crown Title – is hands down the most entertaining of all title company personalities in town. His wonderful veteran staff takes care of every aspect with great attention to detail and communication. Closings elsewhere are pleasant, professional affairs – passing papers with explanations of what the buyer and seller are signing. Robb has a singular gift for making this event FUN. While it’s not for everyone, most of my clients who have ever closed there have had glowing reviews. Another title company I’ve enjoyed closing with in Knoxville is Admiral Title – Phyllis Burnett’s staff are all wonderful friendly folks who do an excellent job in a great centrally located location in Bearden near Cedar Bluff. In Maryville, I usually close at Foothills Title. Troy Brown has an impressive staff who do great work with several convenient locations around town.

HOW MUCH IS MY HOUSE WORTH? Click here!

Remodel / Home Sale Repairs / General Contractor – Historically this has been one of the more volatile of groups I’ve ever been asked to recommend. It could be because a great contractor who charges a decent price can easily be overcome with calls for help and over-extend themselves whenever word gets out that they are awesome. Jimmy Manning – 865-556-6980 has always done a great job for me. He fixed several issues that have developed over time at my own home and has helped several of my clients with work needed within tight real estate deadlines – always taking care of the needs when called upon. Another great contractor that is highly popular with my clients is Kyle Hohman with Unique construction who has done work for several more of the folks I’ve represented.

Like I mentioned above, there are too many great local service providers to cover all the services. If you’re thinking of getting your home ready to sell, have questions about my process and how I do business, or you need a personal recommendation for a great service provider that I haven’t yet mentioned – feel free to call me, Rob Howard, at 865-385-9070, or my office at Keller Williams in Farragut / Hardin Valley at 865-966-5005.

Rob Howard is part of Keller Williams – Farragut / Hardin Valley. Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated. The main office phone number is 865-966-5005. You can reach Rob Howard at 865-385-9070 or at KnoxvilleRob.com.

Yesterday I had a fun exchange with one of my dear friends who decided to let me be her real estate agent. She was so excited about doing our final walk-through and tacitly planning a get-together house warming. We joked about the menu because she’s a vegan and I have been on the keto diet for a few months (37 lbs down so far!) The resolution was more of a well-labeled potluck. We dropped the planning session as we wrapped up the walk-through and took down the sign. All smiles all around.

In the past few months, real estate has been extremely fast-paced – more than any of my previous 16 winters in the business. The clients and friends with whom I’ve worked have all been positive, energetic, fun and a little nervous on occasion, but it’s so neat how they have been a true cross-section of America. Diverse in every sense of the way – politically, racially, socio-economically with diverse needs, wants, challenges and expectations.

One came to Knoxville as a refugee from an oppressive homeland, others are coming here because Florida was too …. “Florida.” One was the first transgender person to run for office in Knoxville! One was a vegan, others we never talked about food – some I met at the next table at Sami’s while I chatted real estate with a buddy! Those are just the buyers! The same could be said of the sellers as I prepare to go tour and hopefully list an antebellum estate down close to my hometown – someone I met nearly a dozen years ago who happened to hang on to my business card.

I think my take away from the recent, wonderful group of folks that we’ve helped is that it’s no surprise that Yassin’s in Knoxville is named the ‘Nicest place in America.’ While everyone around here holds strong opinions, I have experienced how much we all have in common, what we share and how awesome life can be when you care about the people more than the differences.

Whoever you are, whatever you believe or like to eat – as long as you’re kind and respectful … and ready & motivated to make a home move at KnoxvilleRob we’d love to work with you! Call our office at 865-966-5005 or my cell at 865-385-9070.

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One of my favorite clients recently sent me a link to a listing that had gotten lots of people downtown in quite an uproar about the subject of Gentrification in the east area of Downtown Knoxville. It was a 1920s home that hadn’t been renovated, encouraging a buyer to be part of the “Downtown Gentrification” – brought up to current code and given the type of curb appeal that will attract a higher price-point than the regular home in the neighborhood.

The targeted buyer is likely an investor who sees the growing home value trends in the area and looks for a foreclosed house or motivated seller’s plight as an opportunity to make a great profit, “improve” a neighborhood and stretch development of “new” old homes beyond the scope of the Historic Overlay boundaries set by the city.

As an effect of efforts by growth-minded politicians in the recent past, downtown has semi-organically pushed the limits of this Historic Overlay areas like 4th & Gill, Parkridge, Park City and others – making them more and more attractive to young, affluent buyers who like the ideas of living close to all the great developments that are happening downtown. With 20+ micro craft breweries and wonderful restaurants and bars opening in the past few years, many major Brew festivals around town, a lively culture has grown into Knoxville becoming known as a Maker City. It’s a place where people of all walks of life will want to come down and soak in a variety of creative, interesting and eclectic efforts by local artisans, photographers, painters, farmers and other folks all making uniquely Knoxville items and products.

If you Google Gentrification in Knoxville articles quickly pop up dating back to 1983 on the first page.

This has created an unique constituency in the areas of revitalization and growth – namely the people who have lived there for years. As Knoxville’s revitalization and renovation continues a segment of the population have felt the squeeze that comes with this Gentrification of historically lower-income areas. And the word has taken on quite the stigma. The last places in Knoxville where one can find a home with rents less than poverty level or high in subsidized housing options has become one of the most popular targets for investment, growth and “revitalization” – and the historic residents are feeling the squeeze.

All of a sudden a home that is less than $500 per month and surrounded by many generations of friends and family is right next door to one with $1,500 per month rent or $250,000 mortgage, a newly sewn Zoysia yard, fresh paint and a monitored security system. Inside, a business owner who daily commutes via bicycle to her mid-century modern furnished loft business in the Old City creating and manufacturing something that everyone wants. The new neighbor is a great one to have, unless you can’t afford the rent-raise or eviction that looms on the horizon.

The new character living in the neighborhood has made the current neighbors nervous because much like when James White and his family set up on the banks for the Tennessee River, surrounded by other long-time residents, the stranger in the area portends a wave of other settlers who will fundamentally change where they live. Anyone can understand the consternation the new interlopers would cause.

In an informal poll of my office, the word Gentrification is a mystery to most. Most think it means Improvement, Revitalization, Growth and a number of other good-sounding things. We’re real estate agents! Bringing higher home values, growing great neighborhoods and affecting change and development are all ways that we make a living.

It is a real disconnect between those who are living in the areas that are being Gentrified and those who it is affecting. The areas around Parkridge and Park City that have undergone such growth now have a number of residents and former residents who have had to scramble to find other housing, usually far away from their friends and families in areas on the other side of the interstate – areas like Fountain City, Mascot, farther East, farther North or deep into the county in any direction. Real estate agents should be very careful about bandying around words and the way they describe the change that they are assisting to affect throughout the area. Gentrification is one of those words that can be seen as insensitive and lacking in caring that we all want to have for ALL our neighbors.

Between us all, the team at KnoxvilleRob have lived in and loved things about every major section of Knoxville. From the Halls to Hardin Valley, Solway to Seymour and everywhere in between – we love all, serve all and would love to help you sell your home. Call Rob at 865-385-9070 to help you get ON the market or IN the market today!