Buying a house in Knoxville! (real estate, renting, condos)

[aroes2011]

My husband and I are looking to purchase a home in Knoxville. We have been here for a year now, but we still don't really know much about every neighborhood around town. We would really like to be close to Downtown Knoxville or in Old North Knoxville. We aren't really ready for the "burbs" yet (we are currently in West Knoxville and drive downtown every weekend to do things!), so we were wanting to know where the best places were to buy in those areas? My husband works second shift and gets home pretty late so obviously we are looking for something safe, but also near all the things we like to do downtown (Market Square, Old City, etc.).

Thanks for the help! We can't wait to get a house & be done renting!!

[bevridge]

There are a lot of nice homes in the historic areas close to downtown. They include places like Old North Knox, 4th & Gill, Parkridge, Sequoyah Hills, etc. There are some nice areas in South Knox too that will be close to downtown when the bridge is finished in February. Not sure if it work for you but there are also condos as well.

The first question I would ask is where your husband works...what would downtown location do to that? You probably don't want to increase that if you can help it.

My advice would be to find a real estate agent that is familiar with the areas and give them a call. There are several good ones available. Talk with a couple and see who you feel comfortable with. Let them do the leg work for you. As a buyer, their services would normally be paid for by the seller.

If you want more information about crime in an area there are two websites I can suggest...raidsonline.com and spotcrime.com. They provide information about crimes that have occurred in areas. Although, the way things have been going lately, I'm beginning to wonder if anywhere is "safe." You can 't fix crazy.

Hope this helps.

Bob

[Mr. Bighead]

Old houses are a nightmare to maintain. It also costs a fortune to heat them. Most pre-WWII houses were built without any kind of standards or building codes. Personally, I will never again buy a house built earlier than the 1960's, and the newer the better.

[Barking Spider]

True, old homes can be an energy challenge due to single pane windows and limited insulation.
However, building codes and building standards have been around well before WWII. In fact, in 1933, a huge change was made in the code relating how ceiling joists were installed in brick buildings. Not all areas "adopted" the codes, but the codes were in effect.

That said, an old house is not for everyone.

[creeksitter]

Old houses tend to be cooler in the summer - especially with mature trees.

The key to sealing up the air leaks in an old house is to depressurise the house. This can be done with a simple box fan pointing out with cardboard fitted beside it. Then you can go around and feel the air leaks to seal them up with caulk. Be sure to check even the inside walls.

For more extensive insulation retrofitting, TVA/KUB has a weatherizing program.

[oldmanbob]

Congrats on deciding to become the joy of home ownership and I bet you will find, you can budget and find a house for probably about what your paying in rent. Like the other agent said, you can hook up with many good agents and they will be more than happy to guide you and listen to what your wants are and find exactly the perfect home that works. Good luck and a good idea to look around.