Tennessee Real Estate Tips: Buying & Selling Made Easy

It’s hard to believe it’s already the middle of August and school has started.  Time goes by so fast! We’ve noticed the change in traffic and the familiar yellow school buses have rumbled back onto our streets.   I see parents experiencing that unique mix of emotions, relief, nostalgia, and maybe a little exhaustion! My sons are grown now but I remember that mix of back to school feelings well.  The season isn't just about new backpacks and fresh notebooks; it's also a great time to reflect on family needs and future plans, often prompting thoughts about whether our homes are still the right fit.

The Joyful Jolt:

Let's be honest, there's a part of us that experiences a HUGE feeling of relief when school starts again! After a summer trying to find activities to keep the kids entertained that structured routine is somewhat of a welcome change. If you have younger kids, you might be looking forward to a break from childcare costs. If your kids are older, you might feel relieved knowing they're safely occupied during the day. It's time to embrace the "back to normal" feeling, with a little more predictability around bedtimes, meals, and free time. 

The Sentimental Sigh:

But it's not all smooth sailing. As kids grow, parents can feel a pang of nostalgia. Seeing their little ones head off to school, even if they're excited, can trigger reflections on how quickly time flies. The realization that your "baby" is now in middle school can be bittersweet. These sentimental moments can lead parents to re-evaluate their current home. Is it still the right fit for a family with growing children? Is there enough space for teenagers to have their own privacy, or to pursue their hobbies? Is it really worth all the arguing and hurt feelings over that one upstairs bathroom? Perhaps it's time to consider a move to a larger home with more bedrooms, more bathrooms, a dedicated recreation room, or a bigger backyard.

The Logistic Labyrinth:

Back-to-school time also turns into a logistical puzzle, doesn't it? Suddenly we're juggling schedules, managing a whole new round of extracurricular activities, and becoming masters of the drop-off and pick-up shuffle. It's understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed, especially for working parents. We're trying to do it all and be everything to everybody and that can be tough.  That's when your home's location becomes so important. Does your neighborhood have the amenities and conveniences you really want for your family? If your current spot is adding to your stress levels, it might be worth considering a move closer to schools, work, and favorite hang outs. 

The Financial Factor:

The back-to-school season can also put a strain on family finances. From school supplies to new clothes to extracurricular fees, expenses can quickly add up.  This can lead parents to re-evaluate their housing costs. Are you paying too much in rent or mortgage? Could you downsize to a smaller home and free up some cash flow? On the other hand, if your family is growing, is it worth investing in a larger home that will provide long-term comfort and value?

Embracing the Opportunity:

Whether you're feeling joyful, sentimental, overwhelmed, financially strained or a mix of all of it, the back-to-school season presents a unique opportunity to reflect on your family's needs and make informed real estate decisions. As a local realtor, I'm here to help you navigate those decisions, providing guidance and support every step of the way. 

The Murfreesboro real estate market is offering a wide range of options right now. If you’ve realized that your current home no longer fits your family’s needs, let’s start by identifying what you must have in your new home. Once we have a few must-haves, we can begin exploring properties together and find the perfect fit, something that will support your family’s new chapter and the life you want to build at this stage. Ultimately, it's about finding a home that supports your family's lifestyle, values, and dreams, both during the school year and beyond. I'm here to help guide you through a successful transaction.  There's a quick and easy contact form below.

Family Support & Community Services:

• Rutherford County Department of Children's Services: Offers resources related to child welfare, foster care, and adoption. 
• United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties: Connects individuals and families to various health and human service programs. Website: https://www.yourlocaluw.org/
• Salvation Army of Murfreesboro: Provides assistance with food, shelter, clothing, and other basic needs. Website: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/murfreesboro/
• Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency: Offers various programs aimed at helping low-income families achieve self-sufficiency, including Head Start, energy assistance, and job training. Website: https://www.mc-caa.org/
• Linebaugh Public Library System: Offers story times, educational programs, and resources for children of all ages. Website: https://www.linebaugh.org/
• Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department: Provides a wide range of recreational programs, sports leagues, and activities for children and families. Phone: Website: https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/173/Parks-Recreation
• Rutherford County YMCA: Offers programs for children and families, including childcare, sports, swimming lessons, and summer camps. Website: https://www.ymcamidtn.org/locations/rutherford-county-ymca
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County: Provides after-school programs and activities for youth ages 6-18. Website: https://bgcrc.net/

Educational Resources:

• Murfreesboro City Schools: Information about public elementary and middle schools in the city, including enrollment, curriculum, and school calendars. Website: https://www.cityschools.net/
• Rutherford County Schools: Information about public schools in the county, including high schools, elementary schools, and middle schools. Website: https://www.rcschools.net/
• Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU): Offers various educational programs and resources for children and families, including summer camps, workshops, and community outreach programs. Website: https://www.mtsu.edu/

Health & Well-being:

• Rutherford County Health Department: Provides health services, including immunizations, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program, and family planning services. Website: https://www.rutherfordcountytn.gov/216/Health-Department
• Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital: Offers a range of medical services for children and families, including pediatric care, emergency services, and childbirth classes. Phone: Website: https://www.ascension.org/locations/tennessee/murfreesboro/saint-thomas-rutherford-hospital
• Centerstone: Provides mental health and substance abuse services for children, adolescents, and adults. Website: https://centerstone.org/

Childcare Resources:

• Child Care Resource and Referral: Connects parents with licensed childcare providers in Rutherford County. Website: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-care-services/child-care-resource-referral.html
• YMCA Child Care: Offers before and after-school care, preschool programs, and summer camps at various locations in Rutherford County. Website: https://www.ymcamidtn.org/child-care

Other Resources:

• Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce: Provides information about local businesses, events, and community resources. Website: https://www.rutherfordchamber.org/
• Murfreesboro City Government: Offers information about city services, programs, and events. Website: https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/
• Rutherford County Government: Provides information about county services, programs, and events. Website: https://www.rutherfordcountytn.gov/

I recommend checking websites for the most up-to-date details!