Citizens of London is an account of the relationship between the Americans and British during WWII with an emphasis on the men who cultivated the alliance prior to the US’s official entry into the war.

The most influential of these men were the charismatic Edward R. Murrow, head of CBS News in Europe, ambitious millionaire Averell Harriman, head of the Lend-Lease program, and John Gilbert Winant, the idealistic US Ambassador to Britain.

The book is at its best when covering the political and personal machinations in which these three men engaged during their time in Europe. (All were romantically involved with members of Winston Churchill’s family.) Of the three, Winant is the one history seems to have forgotten, and his story is fascinating, and a little sad.

Enjoyable and a must read for WWII aficionados. I also highly recommend Olson’s book, Troublesome Young Men.

If you bought or sold a house recently, you may have encountered the pass the buck (PtB) home inspection report.  This report, which contains some information about the property, is also likely to recommend consulting other (many other) professionals for a definitive opinion.

I received a report recently in which the inspector deferred to the expertise of an arborist, licensed roofing company, chimney specialist, electrician, pest control company, and structural engineer!

In our increasing litigious and specialized world, home inspectors are not unnaturally cautious about passing judgment. So they call for back up.

Which is all well and good, but know that your 2012 home inspection is likely to involve more professionals, more hassles, and more dollars than in previous years.

In February Fashionistas Flock Here!

It’s that time of year again, the StyleBlueprint Consignment Shopping Event!

I am thrilled that this sale which benefits The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will be held at charming 3821 Whitland Avenue.(Yes, the house is for sale too, but really, that’s not the point or not the entire point!)

Early bird shopping kicks off the sale on Thursday, February 23 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 PM.

Only 100 tickets are available to the early bird evening at a price of  $79  each. Come be the first to shop the women’s boutique for quality clothing, shoes, and accessories. 

To purchase a ticket, click here.

If you can’t join us for the Early Bird Party, come shop Friday, February 24 from 9-6 or Saturday, February 25 from 8-12.

See you there!

To the uninitiated, the period between the signing of the home purchase and sale agreement and the closing is a bit scary.

A better understanding  of the various responsibilities, contingencies, and deadlines can mitigate those fears, but the contract is not written in an easy-to read, bullet point format.

Which is why, once an agreement is signed, I send my clients a list of the important deadlines.  (I love bullet points!)

When you know what is supposed to happen when,  it’s not so scary, after all!

• Date of binding agreement (date from which all other deadlines are based)
• Date by which the Buyer must make an application for a loan
• Date by which the Buyer must provide a conditional commitment letter
• Date by which Buyer must provide proof of funds
• Date earnest money is due
• Date of closing
• Date of possession
• Date on which Buyers must inspect the property and make repair requests
• Dates on which Buyer must order appraisal, land survey, septic letter, or flood zone certification
• Date on which  Buyer and Seller must resolve inspection issues
• Date by which the Seller must provide HOA information
• Date of final inspection 
• Dates of  offers and counter offers

If so, I recommend that you review Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Report 2011-12.”

The report surveys the average costs recouped for thirty-five home improvement projects, and the results may surprise you.

For example, despite our weather challenged times, the installation of a backup power generator recoups only 53.6% of its investment at resale.  And a home office remodel lags at the bottom of the list every year.

The addition of an attic bedroom provides the biggest return on investment (83.8%); a minor kitchen remodel returns a satisfactory 72.8 % and a basement remodel 70.3%.

It you are planning to be in your home for many years, renovate to your heart’s content. If you may sell in the next few years, consider the scope and budget of your renovation carefully.

This cute house is for sale!

DAVIDSON COUNTY

In 2011, the number of closings increased 3.7 % from 2010, and the average closing price increased as well.

 WILLIAMSON COUNTY

For the second year, the number of closings is up.

The average closing price has jumped around the past two years, and is down from 2010.  

 What Does It Mean?

The numbers are heading in the right direction. For example, beginning in 2006, the number of closings steadily declined in Davidson County. In 2011, the trend reversed. 

The same is true in Williamson. The number of closings declined from a high in 2006 and finally turned around in 2010.     

What Does It Mean For Buyers And Sellers?

BUYERS

As I have said before, if you have the cash, credit, job security, financing, and housing flexibility, it is a good time to buy. No, I don’t know if we’ve hit bottom. Although the trends indicate a turnaround, there are other factors such as inventory and the overall economy which influence the market as well.

Rather than speculate, do your homework and determine if this is the right time for YOU to buy.

SELLERS

If you bought at the top of the market, you may want to stay put.

But remember the axiom, sell low, buy low. This may be the opportunity to acquire a bigger/better/different home.

Another charming house for sale in 2012!

and this one

The right home  environment is more than paint color and decorative fringe.  If your house is  getting in the way of you entertaining your  friends, cooking healthy meals,  connecting with your children or spouse, having a quiet space to work, being able to find your favorite t shirt/a pair of sissors/the dog, then  it’s not working for you.

Your house should work at least as hard as you do!

Whether you rearrange, renovate, or purchase a new home,  the right space can make a difference in how you live every day.

What can you do this year to improve your space ?

The NCN Book Club 2012 Reading List

The film The Artist has three strikes against it. It is a black and white (1),  silent film (2) loosely based on the  classic film A Star is Born (3). When the local multiplex is teeming with shoot ’em up, blow ‘em up movies, what were the producers thinking ? 

That they had a hit on their hands! The Artist won the 2012 Golden Globe Award for Best Picture, Comedy/Musical .

I loved this film and predict that it will (re)popularize cloche hats and tap dancing.  OK,  maybe not the hats (actually rather unflattering),  but tap dancing for sure!

Go see this charming film!