Brian R Kelly

Tag: Brian R Kelly

  • Chattanooga Weather

    Chattanooga Weather
    Chattanooga Sky In Lookout Valley, TN

    Chattanooga weather. Why is a Realtor talking about weather? Because Chattanooga weather affects your home, your mood, and your lifestyle. Life in Chattanooga, TN enjoys a temperate climate. Highs in the summer reaching in 90s and lows in the winter in the 20-30s.  September 3, 2013 the high is 88 and low at 6am is predicted 65 degrees.

    Chattanooga, TN enjoys 4 seasons. We enjoy relatively mild winters with 2 or 3 snow or ice events. Spring brings rain and warmer temps. The warmth of the longer days causes green to rise from the valley floor to the top of Walden’s Ridge. Summers are fairly hot and humid. Fall is my favorite season in Chattanooga because drier cool crisp air floats in. The coolness brings about gorgeous leaf colors. The mountains that surround Chattanooga provide a warm red, yellow, and brown mosaic quilt in late October.

    Micro Climates in Chattanooga

    Is it raining at your house? Chattanooga is wonderful mix of terrain. The Tennessee River winds around the valley floor (Chattanooga elevation is 680 above sea level). 1,700 feet above the river local mountains guard Chattanooga and the valley below (Lookout Mountain, GA elevation at High Point is 2,392).  Hang glider pilots enjoy the thermals that are caused by air currents and temperature differences. It is typically warmer on the valley floor by 6 – 10 degrees than on top of the ridges.  I lived on Signal Mountain, TN and remember frequent foggy winter conditions.  The temperature and elevation differences can result in a bit more ice and snow on the mountains.

    Weather Trends

    I grew up in Chattanooga, TN in the 1960s and 70s.  There are temperature inversions that happen. The EPA documented a study in 1967 about Chattanooga air.  Chattanooga was a much more polluted city in 60s. Temperature inversions frequently trapped the smog layer below warmer air above. Chattanooga is much cleaner now, check out this article about the process.

    Weather has changed over the decades.  As global weather patterns shift, Chattanooga weather is not immune. I have noticed more tornados in the last few years near Chattanooga, TN. Local buyers more frequently ask for basement homes now.  Chattanooga seems to have warmer winters than previous decades.  We also take part in unusual weather patterns.  The summer of 2013 is one of the wettest summers I recall.  The typical August in Chattanooga calls for irrigation to your thirsty landscaping.  The winter, spring seasons bring more liquid sunshine.

    Local Weather Radar

    Two local TV stations, WRCB and WTVC provide local weather radar apps. These apps appear to have the same engine from Intellicast. The best thing about the local apps is area news alerts. One of the best weather apps regardless of location is AccuWeather.

    Summary

    Chattanooga weather provides for great outdoor activities.  People from Texas are always amazed at how green Chattanooga is.  Folks from Western states are surprised at the amount of liquid in the air (humidity).  Chattanooga weather is a tad mysterious and fun.  It reflects the terrain, water and the people.

  • Working on About Me Brian R. Kelly

    Working on About Me Brian R. Kelly. My current About Me Page is like many. It expresses the victories and accomplishments of what is mostly a successful real estate career path. (can you say Resume?) But if you really want to know About Me, then I need to tell some additional stories.Brian

    A biography of my life would read like home town kid done good. At least up until 2007. The circumstance of the real estate market changed. My decisions became more challenging and I made multiple bad personal, money and real estate decisions. A stupid decision was to enter into credit card debt to pay bills in the short term. Instead of being realistic about my current situation I turned to my entrepreneur heart and started businesses outside my acquired skill sets. More poor decision making. That lead to $140,000 in un-secured debt.

    My best decision was re-dedicating my life to God and surrendering my prideful spirit. I left arrogance and my selfish spirit at the foot of the cross. God was able to start using me again to help others.  Real estate is a fairly deep skill set for me, so I  started Liberty Commercial Real Estate Company with a partner in 2008.  I started Liberty Homes Chattanooga in 2012.

    I have been able to serve home sellers and buyers recently. The unsecured debt of $140,000 is down to $80,000 and falling. God is very good!

    Why do I work? What am I passionate about?

    I love challenges. I am creative. I love thinking about the vision of a better future. I love encouraging people and families. Leaving good things behind for future generations gets me excited. I love research.  So helping people market their house to sell and helping folks dig to find their new home is something I enjoy.

    I believe that marketing and advertising is changing dramatically.  In order to best serve serve my clients and customers, I am creating massive content.  Exposure to smart phones is quickly becoming the “game” for maximum marketing punch.  Too often I am seeing owners really wondering “Why” are they spending so much money on real estate agents.  Realtors are comfortable in patterns.  We all are.  But let’s face it, the way we find information about homes is changing Quickly!

    I really believe God challenged me to write a blog post for 45 days straight. He built me, so He knows how to lead me where I can help others.

    A few childhood stories so you know my spirit.

    Failure event in life: I failed to make the second cut on my Junior High basketball team. Coach Hawkins, of the Signal Mountain Eagles, came back to me in science class two weeks later and offered me a spot on the team because some folks left team. I told him no. Basically, with the attitude you didn’t want me then, can’t have these mad basketball skills now. Bad decision – ruined a great NBA career.

    Success event in life: I made the cut for the Chattanooga Youth Symphony as a trumpet player. I remember the first time walking into the practice hall and hearing the strings play Christmas music. I thought I was in a living recording (a record – for the older than iTunes generation).

    Failure event in life: First day on the job clearing trees with a Stihl chain saw. I failed to understand that standing 4 feet in the air on a partially felled tree while cutting a tree above my head was a bad idea. (Visions of Wiley Coyote are appropriate here) I wondered why Hercules (honest – his Mama named him, and trust me he was most likely a very large child) stopped work to watch me cut a simple tree. A few seconds later I realized he was watching mostly for entertainment value. Fortunately for me I still have all my appendages and all that I lost that day was the wind in my lungs and my pride. (Wish pride had stayed there…reference story above).

    Success event in life: Senior class beauty of Red Bank High School 1981, Mary Dee, asked yours truly to the Sadie Hawkins Dance. Saying “Yes” changed my life forever for the better.

    I am approaching 5 decades of life. Failures and successes are behind me. I will wake up Lord willing tomorrow. I am excited about the possibilities and so hopeful about the younger generation coming up. I will surrender my will and report for duty and my orders. I will still be working on About Me Brian R. Kelly.

  • Legal Shield Helps Protect Your Family

    Legal Shield helps protect your family. Family and important relationships are your most valuable asset. At the end of the day who loves you and who you love is the most important thing. All the money you made, and the stuff you purchased will “go back into the box”, so to speak.Legal Shield Logo

    I have been listening to podcasts a lot lately. I heard a wonderful story told by Ken Blanchard. Ken is a famous author/speaker and tells the story about reading John Ortberg’s book “When the game is over, It all goes back in the box”. Ken used the book as a subject for a speech. A few days later his San Diego home burned to the ground. He experienced the feeling of losing “everything” of his earthly possessions. In response to the loss he called his friends over to his “yard” and held a memorial service. At the gathering friends tell stories of the wonderful times they enjoyed in their “former home”. He experienced in a real way that your family and friend’s love and relationships matter the most. All the rest goes back in box after you play the game of accumulation and work. Things will not last, but how we take care of property does matter. What we give to others and how we treat people around our “stuff” is critical.

    Two real stories from phone calls on Friday August 30, 2013:

    This morning a builder friend called me about the dealings he is having with a bank on construction loans. He asks me about his “rights” in the loan agreement, bankruptcy and a tenant situation and “assignment of rents” called due, etc. (among other issues) I do have experience in purchasing notes from lenders and some lender law, but I also know that the scope of my business is ‘Real Estate Brokerage’. So I reminded him again about the LegalShield services and also gave him the names of specific local lawyers I know that can help him in particular areas. I gave him 3 names of lawyers that have narrow specialties. I can speak from personal experience these guys are good and will charge $200-350 an hour. My average bill was around $3,500 for each matter when I hired a lawyer in the past regarding lending law. If he chooses to go with LegalShield he can ask for research in areas and be referred to lawyers with specific knowledge and receive a discount on the hourly fee if he needs to sue a party. (LegalShield is set up as a bank of hours for defending you, not suing another party)

    I was speaking with a Mother of adult children this afternoon. She is legally separated from her husband, but technically married. She had rented her home because she was not successful selling it. She moved to another state for employment. Her husband lives in yet another US State. (She is dealing with 3 different sets of state law) She started asking me legal, landlord and estate questions. I am a licensed real estate agent, not an attorney. I know practical ways to help, but she was crossing into matters of law. She needs an attorney…no wait… she needs multiple attorneys. So, I encouraged her to consider Legal Shield as a service. Legal Shield (Basic Service for most US States charges $17.00 a month) and a one time $10 setup fee. She can asks as many questions as she wants during week day business hours. She asked me if she had to sign a contract or sign up for a certain time period. I told her “there are no contracts to sign and the service can be cancelled in writing at any time with no further obligation”. It is a simple month-to-month commitment. I know from personal experience she will receive professional care at a great value. She has many legal questions that involve several states. LegalShield has that covered. My local attorney knows Tennessee really well, but would need to call a “friend” for other states.

    The LegalShield service is a super value. The value is realized when you use it wisely. The greatest value is the ability to call and ask unlimited questions without having to worry about the invoice. The money I pay to LegalShield represents my commitment to protect my family and business. The people I love are worth it.

  • Hixson TN 37343 Homes are Selling So Commercial Will Follow

    Hixson TN 37343 Homes are Selling so Commercial Will Follow
    Reception Waiting Area

    New Homes are Selling in Hixson, TN 37343

    Hixson TN 37343 Homes are selling.  78 Homes sold with a price greater than $200,000 (so far in 2013). The same time period in 2012 had only 54 homes sales that were greater than $200,000. 44% increase is double the area Hamilton County average. The average home in this price range in Hixson sales for $97 a square foot.  The average year built is 1994.

    The challenge for Hixson is available land for new growth. New construction is always a great indicator of the economic strength of an area.  Since January 0f 2012, Hixson home shoppers bought over 2 new homes a month over $200,000. There are 11 newer homes for sale. (late August 2013).  There are only 5+ months of inventory of New Homes.  Popular new home neighborhoods are as follows:

    Amber Brook,
    Creeks Bend Village,
    Bent Creek,
    DreamCatcher,
    Eagles Landing.

    The only neighborhoods with any new homes for sale are Amber Brook and Dreamcatcher.

    Amber Brook is a town home community that features one level homes. The “Walden” floor plan features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a front loading 2 car garage with 2,063 square feet for $247,900. James Pratt is the home builder. Amber Brook is located near the intersection of Hixson Pike and Cassandra Smith Road.

    Dream Catcher is a more “traditional” single family neighborhood. GT Isaa is building a 2,650 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms for $289,900. GT Issa’s home is represented by Remax and features a master suite on main level with 2 bedrooms, bonus and bathroom upstairs.

    Hixson, TN is located in the city limits of Chattanooga. It is located just North of Chattanooga. Commuters from downtown come into Hixson by Hixson Pike, Dupont Parkway and Access Road, Highway 127 and Highway 153. Retail anchors include Northgate Mall, Wal-Mart at Oak Park Town Center, Target on 153, Highland Plaza on Hixson Pike and Ashland Terrace.

     

    New Home Sales Drive Commercial and Retail Growth

    Office space for businesses is being created just off Hamill Road at Oasis Park, and behind Northgate Mall. Established office space is available in Hixson Commons. I am representing a seller in a professional office complex named Hixson Commons. The space for sale was a former Beltone hearing aid center and an Acupuncture clinic. It features 2 large exam rooms or offices, a third office in rear adjacent to a full bath and rear entrance. The space also features a kitchen area, soundproof test room and receptionist area with waiting room and another patient half bath. That space is listed at $149,000. Hixson Commons is located at 4513 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343. Other tenants in the this brick office complex include medical, law and financial services.

    CBL purchased Northgate Mall in the fall of 2011 for $11.5 Million Dollars. Northgate was built in 1972 and is just over 800,000 square feet. CBL owns Hamilton Place and it marks a sound investment as a company that has stewarded retail establishments across the country.

    Liberty Commercial Real Estate is representing a one acre parcel of level ground on Access Road. Currently the use is Ramsey’s Produce, a plant, fruit and vegetable market. The ground and building are for sale for $304,000. The former Smokin Ed’s BBQ building located at 3874 Hixson Pike. The building is priced to sell at $168,000.

    Hixson property is being sold and re-purposed as the needs of the home owners change. Hixson is between a growing Soddy Daisy in North Hamilton County and downtown Chattanooga. As builders find land and take the risk to build the homes sell. The area has solid retail hubs and is growing up more professional spaces for offices and medical use. Hixson Tennessee homes are selling so commercial will be right behind that growth.

  • One North Shore Condos in Chattanooga, TN is "Newer" Home Sales Leader

    Corner at 200 Manufacturer's Road
    Corner at 200 Manufacturer’s Road

    One North Shore condos in Chattanooga, TN 37405 at 200 Manufacturer’s Road is the number one selling neighborhood for homes built after 1999 in Hamilton County to date in 2013.  Twenty three condos have sold as of this post with the top price of $374,000 for a 2 bedroom 1,161 sqft seventh floor unit.  The homes sell for more than $220 per square foot.  Some of units overlook the Tennessee River, Chattanooga, river front parks and the downtown bridges.

    The amenities make the complex very popular.  One North Shore has a penthouse Club Room, resort style pool with Cabana, fitness facility and concierges services.  Lauren greeted me at the Concierges office as I waited for inspectors and contractors for a condo I recently sold.  She was coordinating helpers sending packages to owners and food and beverage preparation for a party at the pool Cabana.

    (Confession of an old real estate agent) The lack of imagination in the exterior design was a detraction for me.  What did impress me the most by helping buyers making a decision for downtown living at One North Shore is the owner’s care of building a community with common areas and good services.  The location adjacent to grocery, parks, commercial, and convenient to downtown is a great draw as well.

    Downtown Chattanooga is becoming a draw for home owners.  The second place sales winner goes to Black Creek Mountain in Lookout Valley.  They scored 14 sales so far in 2013.   Black Creek Mountain (former Cummings Cove) is less than 10 minutes from downtown.  Chattanooga is becoming a place to be after work and weekends.  Being close to the city as well as providing “newer”  homes gives the neighborhoods an edge over the competition.

    Kudos to Fletcher Bright and their management and sales team for trumping all Hamilton County neighborhoods for “young” home sales.  One North Shore is realizing it’s potential place in Chattanooga, TN real estate history.