Buy a small small "house" in the better neighborhood (Chattanooga: best neighborhood, real estate)

[RDU2Nash]

My last question may be too general, and I did not receive any suggestion yet.

I do get a specific question here. Some friends suggest that I should buy a tiny place, either a house or townhouse, in a really good neighborhood with good schooling conditions --even though I am single now-- so that I would not need to worry about the resale value.

I would like to hear your suggestions on this "rule." Also I would like to know your list of good neighborhoods in Nashville.

BTW, how do you get to know your realtor? Friends recommend different realtors. I am confused about whom to work with. Thanks.

[aaronmidnight]

Not sure I can help with all aspects of your question and please keep in mind that I am a relatively new Nashville resident, but I don't think it's any secret that some of the 'good' (i.e. safer, more affluent, more aesthetically pleasing) Nashville neighborhoods include:

- Green Hills
- Belmont
- Hillsboro Village
- Forest Hills
- Belle Meade
- Hillwood
- Oak Hills
- Sylvan Park

If you're most concerned about retaining value and good schools within Nashville, perhaps you can buy a condo/townhouse in Green Hills or along West End. But of course, you'll pay for the location...

Hope this helps! If you haven't visited yet, I suggest you should definitely come to town and look around to see what neighborhoods you like best. There's no substitute for a personal visit. We came to town three times before we moved here and we're still renting for at least a year to figure out in which neighborhood we'd (eventually) like to buy.

Good luck!

[2Vermonters]

Originally Posted by RDU2Nash

My last question may be too general, and I did not receive any suggestion yet.

I do get a specific question here. Some friends suggest that I should buy a tiny place, either a house or townhouse, in a really good neighborhood with good schooling conditions --even though I am single now-- so that I would not need to worry about the resale value.

I would like to hear your suggestions on this "rule." Also I would like to know your list of good neighborhoods in Nashville.

BTW, how do you get to know your realtor? Friends recommend different realtors. I am confused about whom to work with. Thanks.

Purchasing a smaller home in a better neighborhood is a good idea (real estate in better neighborhoods sell quicker than "ify" neighborhoods and communities). Another solid "rule" of real estate is "purchase the worst home in the best neighborhood". This allows lots of room for lots of equity as you improve your real estate.

[Shino306]

I agree with all the posts, the key tenant of real estate is: Location Location Location! Especially if you can get the least expensive house in the neighborhood.
You'll also have much less problem selling a place somewhere like Green Hills or West End due to the demand of others wanting to live there than other areas of Nashville.

[shinestx]

That's usually a good idea if you do not need a lot of room. I have three kids, and we needed lots of room. So we moved fifteen or so miles from downtown Chattanooga... because it was the most house for the money.