Remodeling: Do-it-Yourself or Don’t?
Homeowners looking to add personality and individuality to their home are more likely to undertake a do it yourself remodel than hire a professional, according to the National Association of Realtors®’ 2022 Remodeling Impact Report: DIY. The report also shows that cash-strapped millennials are the most likely of any generation to take on a DIY project.
The report examines the differences between remodeling when hiring a professional compared to homeowners who pursue “do it yourself” projects. The report also differentiates between projects that were undertaken to benefit the homes of consumers and those that benefit consumers’ pets.
Painting a home’s interior, adding a home office, installing hardwood flooring and closet renovations all received a perfect “Joy Score” in new NAR/NARI joint study.
Eighty-three percent of consumers say they would have remodeled their home, regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The highest percentage cost recovered from a remodel job was from refinishing hardwood floors – 147%.
Respondents indicated that the number one reason for undertaking a project was to increase functionality and/or livability of their home (35 percent for DIYers and 41 percent for those hiring a professional). That is followed by increasing the home’s beauty and aesthetics (19 percent and 18 percent, respectively) and adding durable and long lasting materials and appliances (15 percent and 18 percent). Projects which were designed to add personality to a home were twice as popular among DIYers than among those hiring a professional (10 percent and 5 percent).
Nearly three-fourths of Generation Y and Millennial consumers (73 percent,) over half of Generation X (51 percent) and 50 percent of Younger Boomers choose to DIY home projects. Seventy percent of the Silent Generation indicated that they hired a professional to complete their project – the highest of any generation.
Pet Projects
When it comes to projects undertaken for the benefit of the consumer’s pet, marginally more respondents indicated complete satisfaction when they hired a professional, 65 percent compared to 61 percent. However, consumers are more likely to DIY a project for a pet (56 percent) than a general home project (47 percent).
Respondents who hired a professional to complete a remodeling project for their pet indicated a Joy Score of 9.3, while DIYer’s reported a Joy Score of 9.4. The most popular animal-driven renovations were fence and laminate floor installation, along with the additions of dog doors, with fences earning the highest Joy Score (9.4 for professional, 9.5 for D.I.Y.).
Wallace Luxury Spotlight | 12736 Shady Ridge Lane Knoxville, TN 37934
This Wallace Luxury property is a stunning new build, set to be complete at the end of August 2023. This lovely home was thoughtfully designed to create spaces for entertaining, as well as just enjoying daily joys and moments. Upon entry, you’ll be greeted by the spacious open Great Room with gas fireplace. The home’s formal Dining Room is sure to be the setting for memorable meals, which you will create in your custom chef’s Kitchen. Just what makes the kitchen so special? Why, the white quartz countertops, gas range cooktop, walk-in pantry, and large island, of course!
Enjoy your morning coffee on the screened-in porch that overlooks your wooded, sizable yard. And cleaning up after soccer practice will be a breeze with the convenient Mud Room, just off the 3 car garage.
The Owner’s suite is located on the same floor (2nd) as the 3 additional Bedrooms so you won’t have to worry about kids navigating stairs to get to you at night! Each spacious Bedroom has its own Bathroom and walk-in closets.
Don’t miss the unfinished Basement with an additional 1835 sqft full of endless possibilities. Exterior will be white. Estimated completion end of August. If you’ve been searching for the perfect Farragut home, this is it!
Listed by Kelly O’Connor – Wallace Farragut Office | Click here for more information.
Landscaping 101: Wood Mulch vs. Pine Straw
Summer is here and it’s a great time to give your yard and landscaping some attention. Are you trying to decide whether to use mulch or pine straw in your landscaping project? Before you make the decision, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each in order to make the decision that’s right for you.
Wood Mulch-
A popular choice for residential and commercial landscaping, wood mulch provides an effective barrier against the extreme heat we often get here in East Tennessee. Did you know it can protect your soil and plants from heat damage?
Cons are that there are many insects also looking to avoid the heat, and they may seek shelter in the cool, damp spaces your mulch provides.
When it comes to energy efficiency, mulch is easier on your water bill as it slows the evaporation process requiring less frequent watering. Just make sure your soil doesn’t become soggy because of the slower evaporation.
In the springtime, mulch keeps the ground cooler longer, preventing your plants from blooming too early.
Pine Needles –
Pine straw (pine needles) makes a great landscaping option too. Certain plants, including rhododendrons, blueberries, and arctostaphylos thrive in pine needle mulch.
However, other plants require low pH soils to survive and these do not do as well in pine needle mulch.
One benefit to pine needle mulch is that it protects against erosion from hard rains and it slows evaporation. However, pine needle mulch is dangerously slippery when dry, something to consider if you or someone in your household has mobility issues. It may also present a fire hazard, especially if you are gardening in a high risk area for fires.
Another benefit of pine needle mulch is that it is easily accessible if you have pine trees. Just rake them up and shred them, or let them compost for a bit to break down.
These are just two of the great options available for landscaping your home. Whether you hire a company to handle the work, or decide to DIY, make sure you think through what types of plants and mulch you want. When you choose carefully and apply it correctly, your mulch or pine straw should last through the season and make your home look top notch!
Wallace Luxury Spotlight | 705 Valley Dale Road Knoxville, TN 37923
This Wallace Luxury property is a spacious well cared for home on a peaceful .63 acre wooded lot. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the Grand entrance and spacious open foyer with a two story brick two sided gas fireplace.
Two staircases in this comfortable home (front foyer and back off the den) create lots of potential for cozy winters with the ones you love! A Catwalk connects the upstairs identical bedrooms/bathrooms. All four bedrooms have their own full bathrooms and walk in closets. This is not a cookie cutter home.
There’s lots of room to spread out in the living room, den, dining room, eat in kitchen with Island with lots of cabinets, pantry, updated appliances in kitchen all convey.
A Spacious deck also has access from the primary bedroom to enjoy your morning coffee in a peaceful setting. The primary bedroom on the main has its own bath. The tiled shower is massive with double shower head and tiled on the walls, floor and ceiling (5 x 9 1/2) Floor is partially heated, electric outlets in cabinets and closet.
A Basement workshop is heated and cooled (428 sq ft), with a mud sink as well. Easily accessed from the outside. Two car garage on the main level has an EV plug for Electric vehicle charging (EV charging station, Deck plant and stand and two Dyson vacs do not convey) Desirable convenient location!
Listed by Debbie Hamilton – Wallace West Office | Click here for more information.
Wallace Real Estate Listing Selected as Finalist in HGTV Ultimate House Hunt 2023
– Annual online awards spotlight extraordinary real estate listings –
Knoxville, Tenn. – June 28, 2023 An historic home listed for sale by Tamy Wilson of the Wallace Real Estate Farragut Office has been selected as a finalist in the HGTV Ultimate House Hunt 2023. The Ultimate House Hunt is a month-long online promotion held on HGTV.com annually, showcasing extraordinary homes for sale in eight categories: Amazing Kitchens, Beachfront Homes, Countryside Retreats, Curb Appeal, Downtown Dwellings, Homes With a History, Outdoor Escapes, and Waterside Homes.
Wallace Real Estate is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and Luxury Portfolio International®. This is the twelfth consecutive year HGTV has worked exclusively with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World ® and Luxury Portfolio International® for the Ultimate House Hunt. Voters can vote daily through August 3. The popular awards generated more than 1.5 million votes last year, with consumers selecting their favorite among the featured listings. After voting, participants can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win $10,000.
The Wallace listing was selected by HGTV’s editors as a finalist in the Curb Appeal category.
The home is located in Knoxville and is a stunning southern charmer on the national historic registry. With a masterful blend of historic elegance and modern luxury, this property, which offers five gorgeous bedrooms and four fully modernized baths, is spacious enough to accommodate large families and guests. Part of the curb appeal comes from the lushly wooded two acre lot the home is nestled upon. An oversized pool is adjacent, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days or just lounging in the evenings.
Beyond the pool is a stable which has been thoughtfully converted into a dry bar, adding even more charm and appeal to the grounds.
“This property’s reinvented luxury amenities coupled with its history create a one-of-a-kind opportunity,” said listing agent Tamy Wilson. “It was even granted approval as a historic bed and breakfast, so this multi-use property has untapped revenue potential.”

Consumers can tour the more than 95 homes selected as finalists by viewing photo galleries on HGTV.com before casting a vote for their favorite properties. A winner will be chosen in each category based on the highest number of votes received, and an overall favorite will be awarded for the listing receiving the most votes. Additional properties are included in the Global Homes gallery, which spotlights homes from 9 different countries or territories around the world.

Each winning home will receive editorial exposure on HGTV.com, as well as the prestige of being selected as an HGTV fan favorite.
To view all homes and cast your vote, visit: hgtv.com/design/ultimate-house-hunt
To learn more about this property, contact Tamy Wilson at (678) 316-1494, TamyWilsonRealtor@gmail.com or by visiting TamyWilsonRealtor.com.
For more about Wallace Real Estate, visit www.WallaceTN.com.
About Wallace
Wallace Real Estate has been trusted in East Tennessee since 1936. An industry leader, the company focuses on service and culture, advocating for agents, customers and the community. Wallace real estate professionals are talented professionals who put ethics and hold themselves to the highest standards of quality. The largest independent real estate company in East Tennessee, Wallace has six residential offices, as well as a relocation department, property management and rentals. From start to finish, Wallace Real Estate can make the buying or selling process a smooth one through its one-stop-shop experience for consumers, which includes mortgage and financing, closing services, home warranty and insurance. As a local leader with global connections, Wallace can help you find your place wherever life takes you.
Wallace Luxury Spotlight | An Architectural Masterpiece in Knoxville TN
The work of a true visual artist is meant to activate the emotions of those experiencing their art, and this Wallace Luxury property is truly a visual masterpiece. Whether the artist wishes to provide the user with a sense of curiosity, concern or comfort is up to the artist. Beginning in the 18th century, the Neoclassical movement combined architectural elements from the past Italian styles, combined with the desire to bring simplicity and order during the Age of Enlightenment. Painting, sculpture, and architecture were the ways in which Neoclassicism was most obviously presented, and such an expression exists among the natural rolling hills and placid lakes of east Tennessee.
Presented here is a private estate surrounded on three sides by Fort Loudoun Lake in Taylor’s Pointe. Although harkening back to the 1700’s the featured Custom Architectural Estate was designed in 2003, with final phases completed in 2010 and contains all the 21st century comforts one would expect in a 12,500 square foot custom home such as this.
Greeting its owner upon entering the gated, precisely laid paver drive is a lavish, manicured garden punctuated by a French-inspired fountain. And the entrance of the home is a precursor to the quality to be expected within, with its hand-carved, solid marble columns of the sheltered portico. The landscaping complements the color palette of the home, especially at night, when the lighting highlights both nature and structure. But the artist is just beginning the masterpiece.
When the main entrance doors swing open, a magnificent, two-story foyer with custom glass, a winding iron staircase, and an open view of the lake beyond is revealed. A touch of color and softness is added by the silk wall coverings and the custom wool carpets by Lacey Champion, that perfectly draw your eye to the marble and solid Brazilian cherry wood floors.
Drawing the eye up the canvas, you’ll appreciate the Sherle Wagner marble and gold fixtures and the detail of the custom millwork. The area is illuminated with state-of-the-art Lutron lighting controls, and of course, automated shades make creating the perfect, natural light as simple as pushing a button. And as one would expect in Neoclassical tradition, coffered ceilings allow for a special artistic depth in the foyer. But as you continue into the dining hall, keep your gaze raised in anticipation of the gold leaf ceiling, surrounded by padded silk walls, lending itself to a room ready for conversation.
There is also art in the preparation of the meal to be served, and the chef’s canvas is a 2-person kitchen of lacquer-finished burled wood, granite, and cherry cabinetry with a crystal finish. All artists need a place to keep their tools, and this kitchen has multiple pantries including a separate Butler’s pantry, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and hidden storage throughout. The stately office boasts wood covered walls and ceilings but is designed specifically to let the natural light brighten the room. Custom cabinetry completes the area, creating an atmosphere where the work of the day can be completed in fine style.
The balconies of the home are copper-lined and are accessible via a marble banister circular stairway that winds between the home’s levels. Sometimes, the artist wishes to step back from creating and recharge. That is the purpose of the open, relaxed keeping area. The art of fine audio is appreciated with a surround sound system with a backdrop of the pool and lake, and refreshments are easy to prepare with a wet bar and wine chiller.
In the right wing of the home there is a rec room for games, exercise, or enjoy the sauna after a dip in the pool. The aluminum sunroom provides weather-resistance and pool access. And when it’s time to retire for the day, the main-level primary bedroom has a gallery view of the water with direct access to the pool. There is plenty of storage and a gas fireplace adds ambiance to the room.
Travel to the primary bath to experience a touch of gold and crystal in the elegant, custom fixtures. But stay in this area to experience the art of true relaxation in the therapeutic jet tub and a 2-person shower. Soak in the warmth of the heated floors and heat lamp lighting. The bespoke brush strokes continue to define this estate with three private suites upstairs, each with a balcony to enjoy nature’s watercolors over the lake and pool and an individual thermostat for comfort.
As was Roman tradition, bath houses were provided for private villas, and each guest suite has its own therapeutic bath. The upstairs can be accessed by ADA compliant elevator. This estate boasts a feature not found anywhere else in the state of Tennessee. The one-of-a-kind radius staircase with a hand carved, curved marble handrail and balustrades, is a bold design element, wrapping around the home from the main level to the grounds toward the lake. Another unique feature is the geothermal heating system, with more than 100 pump wells.
The Neoclassical symmetry continues to provide calming surroundings in the Cabana, a separate 3,200 square foot structure from the main home built in 2014. This portion of the property has bold strokes, with the materials for this work of art including poured concrete and steel to withstand the winds that push across the peninsula. There are two additional suites in this space, each with a private balcony, and accessible via an ADA compliant elevator. With food as an expected art form, the Cabana kitchen boasts Law Hicks Millwork, beautiful translucent lighting, and in a tradition made famous by Michelangelo, the ceiling itself provides those in this space with art. NanaWall Glass sliding doors allow the entire Cabana to be opened to the pool for seamless access.
The living areas are only part of the picture that composes this property. Those elements come into focus when stepping outside and experiencing the incredible view of the lake on three sides of this estate with a total of 1,000 feet of shoreline. The shoreline of the estate is protected by a 30-foot waterwall that surrounds the entire shoreline.
The combination of nature and carefully crafted elements make the lakeside of the home a place where the owner will surely spend a lot of time experiencing nature’s art. The artist has, once again, thought of it all and placed it in fine order. Outside there is a kitchen with Kalamazoo stainless steel appliances. The air is stirred by Haiku ceiling fans.
Many artists are renowned for their images of boats and water, and this home has a picturesque boat house at the end of a winding path to the lake’s edge. One lift can manage two jet skis, and the boat lift accommodates a 12-ton watercraft. 15,000 square feet of the outdoor area is under roof, to enable the enjoyment of this space when the yellow sun is hot in the sky, or when the day may contain a more subtle, gray hue. The size of the canvas is 3.6 acres in total and the property faces southwest, providing the artist’s signature in the form of phenomenal sunset evenings.
Listed by Jennifer Scates – Wallace Bearden Office | Click here for more information.
Summer To-Do List for Your Home
Summer’s finally here, and there’s no better time to tackle that list of home maintenance projects you’ve been putting off. From some simple seasonal maintenance to awesome creative endeavors, this honey-do list has a little bit of everything. Here are a few ideas you might want to tackle.
Ceiling Fans-
Get out the step stool and clean your ceiling fan blades. Keeping your fan blades clean will reduce the amount of dust in your home. You can also find cleaning devices at your local home improvement store that let you give your fan a good cleaning without having to use a stool or ladder at all.
Get Your Grill Ready-
Nothing says summer like grilling out. Make sure your grill is ready for the season with a thorough scrubbing. Make sure you don’t have a family of birds or squirrels setting up residence in there (this is pretty common). Replace worn out cooking grids and clean out debris. If you have a gas grill, make sure your propane tank is functional and all your seals are intact. If your grill is a rusted out hulk that’s seen better days, it may be time to replace it.
Plant A Flower Garden-
Perhaps nothing spruces up your home’s exterior in the summertime better than a fresh flower garden out front. It’s the perfect way to make your home feel welcoming. You don’t have to have a degree in horticulture either. Choose some flowers you like and get them in the dirt. Instant curb appeal.
Clean Out (And Organize) Your Garage-
It’s easy for the garage to become a catch all storage spot filled with pretty much anything and everything. Since it’s warm out, throw open the doors and get your garage in tip top shape. Maybe consider adding some shelving or wall organizers for stuff you want to keep and get it all off the floor.
Figure out what you don’t need anymore and trash it, recycle it, or donate it. Who knows, maybe you’ll even be able to fit a car in the garage when you’re done.
Linens-
Winter is over, so those heavy down comforters have to go. Replace the heavy blankets on your beds with lighter, brighter blankets. Apply the same ideas to your couches and comfy chairs. Lose the heavy throw blankets for some nice, light ones, and add some brightly colored pillows.
These are just a few ideas for your summer prep honey-do list. See what you can come up with for your home!
Wallace Luxury Spotlight | 710 John Sevier Drive Sevierville, TN 37876
This Wallace Luxury property is an incredible home with mountain views! This four bedroom, three bath home even features an extra room that could function as a fifth bedroom. This residence exudes a sense of calm, accentuated by a dramatic skyline of the vast Smoky Mountains in their eternal skyward reach.

Rendered in rich, fine woods and one-of-a-kind architectural touches, this custom built home captivated with soaring cathedral ceilings and multiple access points to the wrap-around porch in which to enjoy the serene natural panoramas.
Keep up with your every culinary adventure with a suite of new stainless appliances. Ready for anything from weekend barbeques to large scale entertaining, the privacy of the rear deck is unmatched, peacefully.
Positioned in a quiet mountain community, you will have access to all of the Smokey Mountains’ wealth of attractions, shopping, dining, National Park, hiking and rafting. This is one you won’t want to miss! Claim your piece of mountain paradise today!
Listed by Monica Hawkins – Wallace West Office | Click here for more information.
Wallace Luxury Spotlight | 3811 Buffat Mill Road Knoxville, TN 37914
This Wallace Luxury property is perfect for someone seeking ample garage spaces. This home is a lovely custom-built, one-owner home, sitting on 3.5 (+/-) level acres (2 parcels), with 9+ garage spaces!
This spacious home has 3477+ square feet, with the primary BR on the main level. There is an enormous great room with soaring ceilings, wooden beams and gorgeous hardwood floors. A formal dining room, kitchen with loads of oak cabinetry, a laundry room, powder room, and oversized 3 car garage complete the main level.
There are dual staircases to the second level where you’ll find a cozy loft, a full bath, 2 large bedrooms, and an office/playroom area. There is a full unfinished basement with H/A, a third bathroom, and a safe room for bad weather. Behind the house is another 42 X 26 stone structure that could be anything you want, with an unfinished room above, and another oversized 3 car garage! We will make a concession for deck replacement, but sold AS-IS.
Behind that structure is an ENORMOUS oversized 50 X 30 industrial garage with an automobile lift that conveys, newer garage doors, and lots of industrial shelving. There is also an old barn on the property that is in need of repair, again AS-IS. Note, barn is grandfathered in, and if torn down, cannot be rebuilt. This property is priced so that you can make cosmetic updates to your taste. Heat pump on main level replaced 2021. Roof replaced on house and structure behind house 2017. Also, water softener/purifying unit, wired for surround sound in great room, stacked stone fireplace, plumbed for central vac, and storage shed in back yard is pond pump storage and water lines run underground. The interstate is less than 5 minutes away, and you can be in downtown Knoxville in 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
Listed by Missy Johnson – Wallace Bearden Office | Click here for more information.
Wallace Luxury Spotlight | 1008 E Foothills Drive Gatlinburg, TN 37738
This Wallace Luxury property is a beautiful cabin in Gatlinburg with breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains!
As an investment property, this cabin would be a great option, because it is already incoming producing. Plus, it’s truly turn-key, being offered fully furnished and ready to accommodate 8+ guests.
As a place for your own getaway, it affords a great deal of peace and tranquility, including relaxing on the back porch or in the hot tub on this 1.3 private acreage property! This is a wonderful vacation spot with easy access to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Two separate flat driveways for easy guest access and equipped with two owner’s/trash sheds. Within the last year, these owners have renovated the now finished basement and second bathroom to be able to accommodate more rental guests and have proven to be a successful investment property! This home is grandfathered in and not part of the HOA.
Listed by Robin Ann Aggers – Wallace Farragut Office | Click here for more information.