StockingerTeam, Brokers at Crye-Leike Realtors, Franklin, TN

06/25/2026

How to Spot a Well-Maintained Home
Fresh paint and staged furniture can make almost any house look good — that's the point. What you actually want to know before you fall in love with the countertops is whether the home has been well cared for. That difference shows up in places that never make it into the listing photos.
Start Outside
Walk...

Learn how to look past the staging and spot the signs of a truly well-maintained home, from the foundation grading and roof condition to the mechanical systems and small details that reveal how a property has really been cared for.

06/18/2026

Questions Buyers Should Ask About Utility Costs
Before you fall in love with a home, it's worth asking a question that often gets overlooked: What does it actually cost to live here? The purchase price is just the beginning. Monthly utility bills can vary wildly from one property to the next, and they can significantly affect how comfortable that...

Before you fall in love with a home, it's worth asking a question that often gets overlooked: What does it actually cost to live here? The purchase price is just the beginning. Monthly utility bills can vary wildly from one property to the next, and they can significantly affect how comfortable...

06/11/2026

How to Decide Between a Starter Home and a Forever Home
Starter home or forever home? Here's the thing — most buyers approach this question backward. They start by browsing listings and then try to figure out what they're actually looking for. But the starter-versus-forever decision really needs to come first, because it shapes everything: your budget,...

Starter home or forever home? Here's the thing — most buyers approach this question backward. They start by browsing listings and then try to figure out what they're actually looking for. But the starter-versus-forever decision really needs to come first, because it shapes everything: your...

06/05/2026

What to Look for in a Home Inspection Report
You've made an offer, it's been accepted, and now comes one of the most important steps in the buying process: the home inspection. The report that follows can run anywhere from 20 to 100 pages. That's a lot of information, and knowing how to read it makes all the difference.
Not All Issues Are Created...

You've made an offer, it's been accepted, and now comes one of the most important steps in the buying process: the home inspection. The report that follows can run anywhere from 20 to 100 pages. That's a lot of information, and knowing how to read it makes all the difference. Not All Issues...

06/04/2026

The May Market update indicates that despite longer days on the market and increased average sale price, homes are continuing to sell in this relatively balanced market. The key takeaway is that IF homes are priced correctly and show well, are move-in ready, and have current updates, they stand a better chance of selling quickly. Buyers have a wide selection to choose from, and sellers need to ensure they have the best advice and counseling. Don't settle for agents who don't have time for you. Don't settle for agents who don't give you an accurate view of the current market and then don't follow up. The Stockingers have earned an excellent reputation by giving our clients 100% of the data and feedback they need. Contact us today and we'll work diligently to help you achieve your real estate goals.

05/28/2026

How to Choose Lighting That Makes Rooms Feel Larger
The right lighting can do more for a room than almost any other design decision. Paint colors, furniture arrangement, and clever storage all play a role in how spacious a space feels — but lighting is often the element that ties everything together. Understanding a few key principles can help you transform...

The right lighting can do more for a room than almost any other design decision. Paint colors, furniture arrangement, and clever storage all play a role in how spacious a space feels — but lighting is often the element that ties everything together. Understanding a few key principles can help...

05/22/2026

How to Assess Natural Light When Touring Homes
Natural light is one of those qualities that listing photos don't always capture accurately. A room that looks bright and airy in listing photos might tell a different story in person — and the reverse is just as true. When you're touring homes, taking a few extra minutes to evaluate how light moves...

Natural light is one of those qualities that listing photos don't always capture accurately. A room that looks bright and airy in listing photos might tell a different story in person — and the reverse is just as true. When you're touring homes, taking a few extra minutes to evaluate how...

05/07/2026

What Buyers Should Know About Flood Risk and Insurance
Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't anticipate,...

Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't...

05/04/2026

Stockinger's here again, bringing you the latest news on home sales in our area! New listings remain the same at 17% fewer than last year at this time (hint: your listing will stand out more when there are fewer homes coming on the market!). There is a slight increase in pending sales (hint: people are buying!) The number of closed sales is up from last month which is very good news. Between "pending" and "closed" figures we learn that the market is doing better. The average price of a home went up 6%--alert buyers and sellers: this figure tells us now is the time to buy--prices are not going down and sellers will benefit from the increase. Inventory is still up (this is the time to contact the Stockingers so we can position your home to be the one that sells or if you're a buyer...to help you find the best home for YOU!)

04/30/2026

Storage Solutions for Homes Without Large Closets
Shallow closets and limited built-ins are a hallmark of many beloved older American homes — Craftsman, mid-century ranches, Cape Cods. It's one of the trade-offs that comes with the character and charm those homes offer. What it doesn't have to come with is clutter. A thoughtful approach to storage...

Shallow closets and limited built-ins are a hallmark of many beloved older American homes — Craftsman, mid-century ranches, Cape Cods. It's one of the trade-offs that comes with the character and charm those homes offer. What it doesn't have to come with is clutter. A thoughtful approach to...