Category: Brian Kelly

Discover the Beauty of 351 Orme Mountain Road: A Gem in Tennessee Mountain Living

Personal 22 acre gated waterfront retreat

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of South Pittsburg, TN, lies a property that embodies the essence of Tennessee Mountain living. Introducing 351 Orme Mountain Road, a private gated retreat that offers more than just a home; it offers an experience.

A Sanctuary of Natural Beauty

Imagine waking up to sweeping, unbelievable views of three states: Tennessee, Georgia, and the Alabama valley. As you sip your morning coffee, you’re not just looking at the horizon; you’re gazing at the heart of the Scenic City of Chattanooga and beyond.

This 23-acre estate is a testament to the beauty and serenity that both Jasper Highlands and River Gorge Ranch celebrate. With its own 3-acre spring-fed lake, residents have the luxury to indulge in an aquatic playground. Whether it’s a lazy afternoon swim, fishing, or simply lounging by the lake with a book in hand, the options are endless.

Modern Living Meets Rustic Charm

But it’s not just the outdoors that captivates. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a wall of windows that frame the stunning views outside. The open-concept home, with its cathedral ceilings, seamlessly blends modern design with rustic charm. The kitchen, boasting a 12′ long butcher block island and a suite of Samsung stainless steel appliances, is a chef’s dream. And with gigabit fiber Internet and a robust 400 amps electrical service, modern conveniences are at your fingertips.

The primary bedroom is on the main level with a bathroom with double vanity and soaking tub. Upstairs there is a balcony overlooking the living area and water. Walk outside on the second level to a deck overlooking the entire vista of the mountains and valley below. There are two additional bedrooms upstairs with a tub shower combo and double vanities.

The property’s location near the active community of Jasper Highlands means residents have countless opportunities to relax, socialize, and enjoy the amenities. From workout facilities to the new Top of the Rock Restaurant and Brewery, there’s always something to do.

Moreover, the proximity to River Gorge Ranch further enhances the property’s appeal. As a part of a stunning new gated community near Chattanooga, homeowners can experience serene mountain living without sacrificing convenience.

The estate also offers potential for various ventures. Its vast expanse, combined with its picturesque settings, makes it an ideal spot for a wedding venue or corporate retreat. And with the added bonus of being minutes away from Franklin State Forest and Sewanee University of the South, there’s no shortage of activities to explore.

In conclusion, 351 Orme Mountain Road isn’t just a property; it’s a lifestyle. It embodies the values and attractions that both Jasper Highlands and River Gorge Ranch champion. For those seeking a blend of luxury, nature, and modern conveniences, this estate is the perfect choice.

Discover more about this property and others at BrianRKelly.com, where we celebrate the best of Tennessee living.

October 14, 2023
2418 Woolson Road New Listing with Massive Pool on Missionary Ridge quiet dead-end street

Liberty Homes Chattanooga listed an all brick ranch featuring a 44,000-gallon L-shaped pool. The pool entertainment area is contained with new wooden privacy fencing. Party guests can access the home at the lower level or step up to brick paver patio and covered deck. The covered deck and patio overlook the swimming area. The deck and patio have doorways entering the kitchen as well as the den/great room area. There are nearly 3,000 square feet of living space.

The home was built in 1962 but feels much younger. The owners, since 2017, replaced/installed the roof, windows, fixtures, glass doors, kitchen appliances and even the damper in the wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen features LG Studio stainless matching equipment with a convection oven. The new flooring in the basement which is daylight and opens to the pool and entertainment area has new lux waterproof 20-year vinyl. Many lighting fixtures are new. Click this link for video.

The lot is 1.36 acres. There are 2 additional lots that face North Crest Road that are available that are not included in the listing. The location just off North Crest Road is convenient to downtown Chattanooga and to the abundant shopping and dining of the Hamilton Place Mall area. Schedule a tour of 2418 Woolson Road, Chattanooga, TN 37406 quickly, because the inventory of homes is really low. This one is sure to sell soon.

February 29, 2020
Experience warmth at 3125 Pintail Lane Signal Mountain TN 37377

Experience warmth at 3125 Pintail Lane Signal Mountain TN 37377. You can be in a rich wood paneled den playing billiards or relax in the hot tub in the wooded back yard. Either way you will feel cozy in this stately brick home near the cul-de-sac. The home is located in Fox Run. Fox Run started several decades ago and is still experiencing new home construction growth. The tennis courts are a fun community feature not far away.

The current owners have loved this home and updated it in so many ways. New laundry room added, new bathroom added, kitchen upgrades, bathroom upgrades, hardwood staircase and treads, new lighting throughout, deck expansion and hot tub added, even the crawl space received a makeover with total encapsulation and de-humidifier. You can see more photos here at Flex MLS Link .

The children are grown and time for this family to relocate and transition into another stage of life. You will now benefit from the care they have shown this beautiful home. Come visit 3125 Pintail Lane, Signal Mountain, TN 37377 and see how your family can experience the warmth of this home.

October 19, 2015
Kelly Family Christmas and Looking Into 2015

Your challenge is identifying Mary Dee, Ross, Rachel and myself in the Kelly Family Christmas reunion picture. The photo captures a moment outside a courthouse in Williamsburg, Virginia. The old colonial town is a wonderful place to appreciate America’s birth as well as modern conveniences such as electricity!

The visit was a wonderful gift that capped off a truly blessed Christmas season. Rachel played her fiddle, Kelly cousins sang and hugged our way into 2015.

January finds us heading into new and familiar ventures. Mary Dee is continuing her work with children as a Physical Therapist, Ross is back in Connecticut finishing his master’s degree in Education, Rachel is teaching violin, and playing in the band As Isaac, and I am building a new real estate business called Liberty Homes Chattanooga.

Liberty Homes Chattanooga gives my heart a platform to creatively serve folks who need to sell their house or buy a home. Thank you for being a part of my families life and sharing the journey with me. The Kelly family Christmas is special because of relationships and shared experiences. It is my honor to have a relationship with you and come along side you and serve in the experience of “finding home.”

Respectfully,

Brian

January 30, 2015
Honest Politician and A Christian Realtor Go Into A Bar

Honest politician and a Christian Realtor go into a bar. Sounds like the makings of a fun joke. What is the punchline? For me? everything. I have worked to reconcile faith and work over 2 decades.

Being a Christian and a business man has been more challenging for me than it needed to be. What is so difficult about going to Church on Sunday and living this faith during the week? I was talking to another agent about the fish symbol people put on their car. “I don’t want to put that on my car because of the way I drive, I don’t want others to think that Christians always drive too fast and cut people off!” was their reply.

Full disclosure, I do not have a fish on my car, or the little stick family people either. Not that there is anything wrong with them. God has not asked me to do that ..yet. So what does working out my faith look like? I can tell you what seems to work so far and what does not work.

What works?

1. Daily submission and surrender. My Maker made my heart to serve. If I am not serving Him or another person, then I will serve myself or a god that I make. One little god I made in the past was a marketshare report.

2. Focusing on customer’s needs. Not a lightning bolt theory, but surprising how often I have not called a client back because I was too busy thinking about myself at the time.

3. Thinking about the true finish line. Heaven is the goal and the ultimate “Home” of a Christian Realtor. Helping other people find more “life” in their temporary home and pointing the way to that ultimate “prize” is our chief purpose as Realtors.

4. Working for our Maker. A listing does “technically” belong to the broker. Our heart is gathering listings for the pleasure of a higher authority. There is a noble calling in serving. He is calling me to be the best Realtor possible to lead others and serve clients and customers well.

What does not work?

1. Not working. The old joke in Realtor training class was that the “good” Christian Realtor marketing plan was to plant a sign and pray. No need to follow up and “work” to market the house. Marketing a home takes diligent effort. Lots of it. Not sure where being a Christian means being light in work. Somehow our culture seems to think that being a Christian is code for being lazy and watching prosperity TV preaching. Read Colossians 3:22-25.

2. Competing in wrong race. I used to think that I was competing with others. Now I realize that I competing against selfishness and resistance. The real competition is laying down my “old man” as a Christian and taking up my Maker’s cause.

3. Thinking about money. Money is simply a certificate of appreciation for work well done as a reward of diligent effort. Money becomes really elusive when it is your reason for striving. A focus on profit instead of customers is the beginning to a transactional business without a heart.

Honest politician and a Christian Realtor go into a bar. They enjoy each other’s company and agree to honor each other with respectful hard work.

Doesn’t have to be a joke. Can be the start of a great story. and they lived happily ever after….

October 14, 2013
Discovering Your Chattanooga Home, Work, School, Commute and Community Balance

Discovering your Chattanooga home, work, school, commute and community balance. Juggling life in 2013 is a challenge. We live in a busy and loud culture. We long for a quiet and peaceful refuge for home. Home represents security, nurture and relationship. At breakfast this morning the conversation turned to finding the “right’ area to live.

Chattanooga is a unique patchwork of communities. I wrote about that in this blog for new comers. People who are new to town have a challenge as they consider different geographic areas and townships.

I attended a men’s conference at church this weekend. Men were discussing where they lived. One young man commented on his commute time. He lived less than a mile from work. He commented on the fact that he filled up his car every 2 months. He was truly saving a lot of money in his budget because of his short drive.

Another guy commented that he moved because he cut 45 minutes from his daily drive time and he was thankful to have additional time at home.

The counter opinion was offered by a friend of mine who decided to move to the country. He has a farm and a 40 minute drive each way to work. He plans time to return phone calls on his blue tooth and listen to certain audio tracks for teaching and encouragement. He commented that he really wants to separate his work from the peace and quiet of his slower lifestyle on the farm away from the office.

Men are concerned about protecting their family. School and community play an important role.

The neighborhood that sold the most new homes in 2013 was Prairie Pass in Apison. That is East of Colledgedale, TN. Apison Elementary, East Hamilton Middle and East Hamilton High School are the schools that are zoned for this community. All the schools are very new and young. The “community” is a subdivision. 24 homes sold in the first 9 months of 2013 in Prairie Pass. The sales prices range from $189,000 to $295,000.

Most of the men agreed that new construction was more desirable than “old” charm. The men were saying their wives liked the charm of older houses. So it is not surprising to me to see new homes being built with an old craftsman style, open eave look. The trade off for this newer home and younger school building is a lengthy commute.

What is your choice of lifestyle? Discovering your Chattanooga home, work, school, commute and community balance can prove challenging on your journey in life.

October 12, 2013
Are you buying real estate? Look at the whole enchilada

Are you buying real estate? Look at the whole enchilada.

Helping a part time investor this evening look at a house. The area is on an upswing. Houses around are selling faster. He is excited.

As an agent who has seen a few things, he asks what should I be concerned with? Look at it through the eyes of an investor who is buying for a long term hold. Here are some keys:

1. See what is around the property. What is the value of the homes adjacent and opposite side of street. What types of zoning are nearby?

2. Land… is it sloping? Where is the water going? How has the water impacted the improvement?

3. Vegetation – How old is it? Chattanooga has lots of trees. Trees provide shade but otherwise produce leaves, stopped up gutters, drains, roots rip up sidewalks, drives, foundations, etc.

4. Structure – Stand on other side of street and go to corners. Take a look at how the roof lays. Is there any swag or humps? Walls.. are the walls bowed at all?

5. Rust – indicator of moisture, possible flooding in basement, etc. Recently a buyer noticed rust on fireplace screen. Ventless gas log sets produce a lot of moisture as a by product of combustion. Something counter intuitive to many.

6. Cracks in sheetrock – May indicate roof loads that are not adequately supported by piers, among many other things.

7. Soft spots on floors near water, such as bathrooms, and kitchens. That is indication of past leaks and potential damage, possible termites.

8. Foundation cracks. Stair stepped cracks = mostly settling issues. Straight line cracks through block = something worth considering a structural inspection.

These are a few things I look at when helping a buyer with property. Good to be a detective to figure out the issues of real property. Are you buying real estate? Look at the whole enchilada.

October 9, 2013
What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?

What would you tell your younger self? This is a frequently asked question of Entre Leadership podcasts from Dave Ramsey. It is a super question. I sometimes think if I could go back in time and have coffee with young Brian. What would I tell him? Here are a few topics:

1. Turn to God frequently and for little things. Early in my adulthood, I thought my Maker wanted me to handle as much as I could on my own and rely on Him for the big important stuff. Wow… was I wrong on that one. God is into the details.

2. Embrace asking others for help. Learn to receive it. Slow down and ask for help.

3. Invest in counseling early. You think you are only sporting a carry on. There are a few trunks of crap you ain’t seeing yet.

4. Take more time with your beautiful wife. Shut up, face her, look her in the eyes and listen.

5. Keep a journal daily and don’t give excuses about why you couldn’t do it. You need to find your heart.

6. Be intentional about spending time with a few guys. Maybe take up golf earlier or play in a band, or camp/hike.

7. Spend more time with your children when they are little and do not think that your work is so important. It isn’t.

That is a good start to the coffee conversation… Oh, and one more thing Brian… wait one year before you sell your house in Franklin, TN. The value will nearly double. Oh… and yet just one more thing… buy some Apple stock. The brand will be stronger than Coca-Cola by 2013.

What would you tell your younger self?

October 8, 2013
What is a Broker's Price Opinion?

What is a Broker’s Price Opinion? Simply stated it is the opinion of a licensed real estate agent of the most likely sales price (value) of real property. The National Association of Realtors states a Broker’s Price Opinion (BPO) should contain 7 things in writing. They are as follows:

1. The identity of a subject property
2. The date of the opinion
3. A defined price or value
4. Limiting conditions (Statement of Purpose and Intended Users)
5. Any interest of the agent including Agency Relationship to Owner
6. Basis for Opinion and sources of Information
7. If not an Appraisal by licensed Appraiser then state the fact

On a practical level, number 3 is the most important. So, what determines a good value?

Ever watch Antiques Road Show? People are so surprised or sad when the “expert” tells them the value of their heirloom. One common theme I hear from the evaluator is “in recent auctions, similar items sold for $3,500”. They are referencing what someone else was willing to pay for a like item.

The same concept applies to homes. Recently sold properties (last 3 months) of nearby comparable properties provide best indicator of value. Value is so deceptive relative to square footage, floor plans, construction, and land. A good agent will make many adjustments for differences.

Another factor I consider are the comparable homes that did not sell. Failures can bring out features the market is rejecting.

I was with a seller today who knew what the adjacent homes sold for. She was curious why I did not give the same value to her home. Her home did not have re-finished hardwood throughout, or tile in bathroom, etc. Her home was roughly the same overall size but on 2 floors instead of one. All of these factors must be considered in the equation.

Is a Broker’s Price Opinion (BPO) the same as an appraisal? No, it is not. An appraisal is made by a licensed professional Appraiser. Although they also look at recently sold properties, they are also looking at replacement construction value and perhaps income as well if investment property. Appraisals have specific formats generally for the benefit of lenders. Appraisals are great tools. BPO’s are great tools as well, because they will pick up on many subtle details that pertain to the current “buying public”. As an example… appraisers generally do not affect value based on aesthetics like colors, etc. Realtors are sensitive to those things because we listen to buyers constantly giving feedback. Realtors know that a seller’s specially decorated walls may only reach a small amount of buyers’s tastes.

The best way to determine the most accurate value of a property is to hold a well advertised absolute auction. That will bring out the competition to level the marketing playing field. Most people are not comfortable with that approach, because the buyers may not think so highly of your place as you do. So the next best thing is to ask a Realtor for a BPO or broker’s price opinion. What is a Broker’s Price Opinion? The best professional determination of what your house is worth.

October 1, 2013
Buyer's Agent or Listing Agent? Which One Do You Want To Be?

Buyer’s Agent or Listing Agent? Which One Do You Want To Be?

Real estate is a service business. The consumer wants service during evenings and weekends. That is the most convenient time for buyers. Sellers have a need to relocate. They need a consistent campaign. So how do Realtors focus and choose which of the two main areas to work on?

A listing agent is a more traditional path to Realtor success in the long run. Realtors like this path for the following reasons:

1. More structured schedule. You set the plan with the seller when you call for feedback. You schedule Open Houses and marketing events.
2. Marketing yourself is a self perpetuating machine for additional listings down the road.
3. You will be good at marketing to your fellow professional as well. You will need their buyers.

A selling agent serves the buyer. Here are characteristics of a good buying agent’s business.

1. The buyer is more demanding of your schedule. The Doctor that is coming into town and may or may not get the job wants to see 10 houses over the weekend. You gladly do this because your contact will continue to send you referrals and one will get the job.

2. There is generally less overhead associated with advertising expenses with this model. (As a general rule)… Note : I have seen some buyer agents (with sophisticated marketing campaigns) who have spent big bucks to find steady streams of buyers.

3. You see lots of inventory and know your negotiating skills. You also have formulated good questions to ask everyone.

Of course there is a balanced approach and do both. My experience has been that people tend to choose one route more than another.

As an overall observation, I would say that Buyer’s Agents tend to be savvy negotiators, frugal, and generous with their time.
Listing agents tend to be more promotional, marketing driven animals.

Buyer’s Agent or Listing Agent? Which One Do You Want To Be?

September 30, 2013