The right countertop material is not only functional but complements the rest of a room. While some may find a granite or marble countertop an attractive option, others may be open to laminate, concrete and other types of countertop materials. Check out a few of the most common countertop materials used on kitchen cabinetry and more today.

Granite Countertops

Homeowners may find that granite countertops help with the resale value of a home as they are often an elegant touch to a luxury home. Expect granite countertops to be more expensive than many other options. This durable material is made from natural stone, quarried from igneous stone deposits. Many people like the beauty of a unique stone surface. It is also heat and scratch resistance. The

Owning a vacation home can be an incredible opportunity, but sometimes certain circumstances dictate the need to sell the property. No matter what the circumstances may be, selling a vacation home, even in areas like Goodlettsville, is like many other property sales despite the additional considerations that should be kept in mind.

What Makes It Special

Selling a vacation home in many ways is like selling one's primary residence, except that there are a few special things to keep in mind for a successful sale. A general rule of thumb when dealing with vacation property is that the more information one can provide to potential buyers, the better.

Oftentimes people like to rent out their home when they aren't using it, and while this works

As homebuyers approach the mortgage process, the options can become an alphabet soup of industry acronyms and terms: fixed-rate, ARM, 30-year, jumbo, FHA, Fannie Mae, USDA, and the list goes on and on. Each loan product has its unique benefits and qualifications, and some apply to certain individuals but not others. For some individuals planning to purchase a Nashville area home who have served in the country's armed forces, a loan from the Veterans Administration may be a valid option.

Who Qualifies for a VA Home Loan?

First off, what is a VA home loan? The Veteran Affairs home loan originated as part of the GI Bill of Rights, passed in 1944 and signed into law by Franklin D. Roosevelt. The intention of the law was to provide a series of

After fixing up the home and putting it on the market, it's now time to get ready to show it off to every interested buyer. Here are six easy-to-follow tips that can help improve any home showing so buyers can focus on your Murfreesboro home's best features.

Remember Curb Appeal

The outside of the home is the first thing all buyers will see when they come to visit it. Put the home's best foot forward and keep the lawn nicely trimmed and the gardens neat and tidy. Even a little landscaping can go a long way when it comes to making a home inviting.

Hide the Pets

No one wants to walk into a home only to have an excited dog jump on them. To make visitors more comfortable, consider taking pets to a kennel for a few days until the commotion has

The siding for a home isn't just one of the first things a person notices about a home, it also serves as a protectant against the elements. The average return on investment for replacing the siding is at least 80 percent when it comes to the resale value of the home, so it pays to invest in a quality material that fits the style of the home. Learn the pros and cons between the different materials, and what qualities to look for before upgrading your home.

Wood or Brick

Wood is one of the most popular materials for homes because it rolls out the welcome mat for everyone who graces the doorway. The warmth of wood is not only gorgeous, it's also easy to install and energy efficient. However, it's also one of the most vulnerable types of siding a

When you're selling your home, it's very important to get the pricing just right. Pricing your home too high or too low can result in lost profits and delays during the home selling process. Knowing how to get the price just right can help ensure that you'll have a good home selling experience. If you're a homeowner who is thinking about selling your property, here's what you need to know.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

The Dangers of Under or Over Pricing Your Home

Pricing a house incorrectly almost always leads to lost money, whether the home is priced too low or too high. The dangers of under pricing may be different from the

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers a wide array of loan programs aimed at promoting development in rural areas, including single- and multi-family housing programs, community facilities, and rural business-cooperative services. As a homebuyer, the USDA's single-family home loan program works to guarantee home loans and, in some cases, makes direct loans for the purchase of homes and property. If you are interested in pursuing a USDA loan, be it in Goodlettsville or elsewhere, be sure to explore the following loan options.

Single-Family Housing: Direct Home Loans

Known as the Section 502 Direct Loan Program, this USDA program provides payment assistance to low-income families. The payment assistance subsidy reduces the

Nashville or Music City is an exciting area offering unique neighborhoods and experiences for visitors and residents. The eclectic diversity of Nashville has created a vibrant and thriving music and restaurant scene, in addition to engaging cultural activities. Families are happy to call Nashville home with its many family-friendly events and attractions. Explore the many reasons visitors often choose to set down roots in Nashville.

A Stable Economy and Low Cost of Living

Nashville managed to thrive during the last recession, and the economy is currently very stable. The community is steadily growing as businesses and families are discovering the city’s vibrant nightlife, prolific jobs, and a cost of living that is 3 percent below national

Are you drawn to the romance of a historic house? A home that's more than 100 years old certainly come with lots of built-in interest: Authentic period details, miles of hardwood flooring, and original woodwork come to mind. It's easy to become smitten with an older beauty.

In the case of an antique home, it's can be wise to look before you leap. As with any real estate purchase, buyers ought to have a professional home inspector take a thorough look at the house and report his findings. They'll know when something is amiss and can give valuable insight on which aspects of the house are solid—and what needs to be replaced sooner rather than later. Buyers also need to work with their real estate agent to learn more about any covenants or

Stand-up paddleboarding or SUP has become very popular as a hobby and as a way to get exercise. Even though Nashville isn't near the ocean, this activity has become very popular throughout the city. Part of the reason for the popularity is the fact that it can be performed without needing waves or even a current. Here are a few of the places you can enjoy paddling away in Nashville.

Nashville Paddle

As far as rates for stand-up paddleboarding go, Nashville Paddle is the cheapest. They also have a number of locations and they donate some of the profits to the Cumberland River Compact. Locations for Nashville Paddle include:

• Cumberland River
• Percy Pried Lake
• Old Hickory Lake
• Stones Rivers

The cost for SUP here is $35 for 2