Teresa M. Bernhardt, Attorney

06/12/2021

Teresa M. Bernhardt, Attorney updated their information in their About section.

Teresa M. Bernhardt, Attorney updated their information in their About section.

06/12/2021

Teresa M. Bernhardt, Attorney updated their address.

Teresa M. Bernhardt, Attorney updated their address.

11/04/2017

A beautiful closing, if I do say so myself. It was full of "newness". A new house, a new baby and a new engagement! I had a great time hanging out with my sweet client, Jessie, and dear friends Jessica Brown of ReMax and Peggy Boulding of Community Mortgage. A big thank you to all the staff at Home Surety Title & Escrow!!

10/09/2017

REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE:

--Amid sustained job creation and sustained historically low mortgage rates, REALTORS® reported strong home-buying demand.
--Properties continued to sell at a brisk pace, and home buyers faced higher prices as supply remained low relative to demand.
--Demand from first-time buyers continued to increase at a modest pace.
--Amid tight supply, most respondents expect constant or increasing prices in the next 12 months.
--REALTORS® reported tight inventory as the key issue affecting sales.

10/06/2017

It was such a pleasure helping this sweet couple buy a house! They are friends with my daughter, which of course made the whole closing that much more special! Congratulations again, guys!

10/02/2017

Steering is a big 'no no' for closing attorneys and title & escrow companies, as well as realtors. See the article below:

CFPB orders independent title agent to pay $1.25 million

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a consent order against South Bend, Ind.-based Meridian Title Corp., ordering the title agency to pay up to $1.25 million for steering consumers to a title insurer owned in part by several of its executives without disclosing the businesses’ affiliation.

CFPB also ordered Meridian to implement policies and procedures to ensure it makes proper disclosures to consumers whenever it makes an applicable referral.

“Meridian Title illegally steered consumers into purchasing a product from an affiliated company to add to its bottom line,” CFPB Director Richard Cordray said in a release announcing the enforcement action. “We’re ordering it to halt this practice and pay up to $1.25 million to consumers who were harmed.”

According to the CFPB, Meridian routinely referred title insurance underwriter business to Arsenal Insurance Corp., a company owned in part by three Meridian executives. “When it selected Arsenal, the CFPB found that Meridian was able to keep extra money beyond the commission it would normally have been entitled to collect, based on an understanding that Meridian would select Arsenal as underwriter,” the CFPB release stated.

That extra money was determined to be a thing of value, thus leading to a violation of RESPA.

The CFPB said its investigation revealed that Meridian failed to make the necessary disclosures to more than 7,000 consumers when it selected Arsenal to provide title insurance.

Among the areas in which Meridian was ordered to comply was by establishing, implementing and maintaining testing policies, procedures, and standards, and technology designed to create a compliance management system that will monitor the delivery of forms disclosing its affiliated business arrangement with Arsenal, and any other affiliated arrangements it has.

05/19/2017

It was an absolute pleasure being able to close for a long-time friend's daughter this morning! We hope you love the house, Katie! Jeanne Childress Crye-Leike Realtor

05/13/2017

Last night over 200 people comprised of WCR members and their guests, sponsors models attended the Women's Council of Realtor's "Bras for the Cause". It was a huge success for WCR and for the fight against breast cancer. And, honestly, it was a crazy fun evening!!

05/10/2017

This sweet couple is a friend of my daughter's. Home owners today and MARRIED in a few days! We absolutely loved being a part of their new beginning. 🏠💖

12/05/2016

Chandler Reports November Real Estate Update

Home Sales

The number of home sales recorded in November increased 30% from last year with 1,424 sales recorded for the month compared to 1,093 recorded in November 2015.

Average sales prices were up 12% to $169,339 and total home sales were up 46% from last year to $241 million compared to $165 million.

Year-to-date the number of units sold are up 9% and average home sales prices are up 3% from the same period in 2015.

The median sales price for a home was $126,600, up 17% from last November.

26 of 33 ZIP codes in the county had an increase in units sold and 29 ZIP codes saw increases in average sales prices.


Home Sales by Municipality

Municipality No. of Sales Average Prices
Arlington 33% -9%
Bartlett 52% 12%
Collierville 46% 8%
Germantown 23% -5%
Lakeland 81% 34%
Memphis 22% 12%
Millington 86% 42%
Unincorporated 54% 13%

49% of home sales in the county were valued under $100,000.

Home sales over $500,000 were up 90% from last year with 55 recorded for the month compared to 29 recorded in November 2015. Home sales valued over $1 million were up 75%.


Mortgage Trends & Lending Analysis

Residential mortgages filed at the time of sale were up 59% in November with 928 loans recorded for the month compared to 585 recorded last year.

The average mortgage amount for the month was $180,466 with an average sales price of $207,566 making the average loan to value ratio 87%.

Arlington/Lakeland (38002) had the most mortgages recorded at the time of sale with 79 loans total averaging $259,965.

The top lenders in November based on the total number of residential loans filed at the time of sale were Community Mortgage Corp. with 65 loans, Pinnacle Bank with 52 loans and IberiaBank with 47 loans.

12/05/2016

Chandler Reports Update:
November Real Estate Update

Home Sales
The number of home sales recorded in November increased 30% from last year with 1,424 sales recorded for the month compared to 1,093 recorded in November 2015.

Average sales prices were up 12% to $169,339 and total home sales were up 46% from last year to $241 million compared to $165 million.

Year-to-date the number of units sold are up 9% and average home sales prices are up 3% from the same period in 2015.

The median sales price for a home was $126,600, up 17% from last November.

26 of 33 ZIP codes in the county had an increase in units sold and 29 ZIP codes saw increases in average sales prices.

Home Sales by Municipality

Municipality No. of Sales Average Prices
Arlington 33% -9%
Bartlett 52% 12%
Collierville 46% 8%
Germantown 23% -5%
Lakeland 81% 34%
Memphis 22% 12%
Millington 86% 42%
Unincorporated 54% 13%


49% of home sales in the county were valued under $100,000.

Home sales over $500,000 were up 90% from last year with 55 recorded for the month compared to 29 recorded in November 2015. Home sales valued over $1 million were up 75%.

The Third Quarter Chandler Review is now available for download. This 8-page publication provides local market trend reports with industry related articles from The Daily News.

Click here to download our Residential Market Conditions reports.

Commercial Sales
October commercial sales were up 20% from last year with $144 million sold compared to $120 million in October 2015.

There were 106 commercial property sales recorded averaging $1.4 million compared to 84 sales recorded in October of last year averaging $1.4 million.

Through the first ten months of this year, commercial sales are up 8% from the same period in 2015.

Property Type No. Sales
Oct '16 No. Sales
Oct '15 % Change
Industrial 17 14 21%
Vacant Land 15 12
25%
Multi-Family 12 13 -8%
Office 15 16 -6%
Retail 21 12 75%


The largest commercial transaction recorded in October was the sale of four industrial properties located on Presidents Island's Channel Avenue. The properties sold for $18 million on October 5, 2016 to Blueknight Energy Partners, GP LLC based in Jackson, MS. Click here to read the details of the transaction from The Daily News.

Click here to download our latest Commercial Market Conditions reports.

Residential Foreclosure Analysis

Fayette County home sales were up 68% in November with 74 sales recorded for the month compared to 44 recorded last year. Average sales prices were up 14% from last year to $225,300. Oakland (38060) recorded the most home sales for the month with 39 total averaging $193,428.

Tipton County home sales were up 7% with 62 recorded for the month compared to 58 recorded in November 2015. Average sales prices were down 1% to $136,503. Covington (38019) had the most home sales for the month with 19 recorded averaging $110,579.

Click here to download our West TN market trend reports.

07/27/2016

For those of you who shop at local food markets or who are looking to eat healthier foods, this is a great article sent to me from First American Title Insurance Co.:
Meet Me at the Farmers Market

Home → Seasonal → Fall/Autumn → Meet Me at the Farmers Market
Meet Me at the Farmers Market

Farmers’ markets have been around for thousands of years, from the Roman Forum markets, unique street markets in Asia, to the Mercado’s of Latin American, growers from around the world have gathered to sell their goods directly to the public. Now a days, farmers markets have become a favorite method for many farmers to reach their local markets one-on-one and a weekly ritual for many shoppers.

Shopping at a farmers’ market is a great way to meet local farmers and get fresh, flavorful produce, yet some people often find the idea a little intimidating. Here are a few tips on how to make the most out of your trip to the local farmers market.
Be prepared

It’s like the old idea of not shopping on an empty stomach…don’t arrive at the market without a plan. Have at least a few ideas of dishes you want to make or fruits and veggies you want just for snacking. If you end up nearing the end of your week and still haven’t used those fresh items, they could end up in the trash. Bring a list with you of certain items based on your menu plan, but if you find something new or unique that catches your eye – go ahead a buy it. Try asking the farmer for cooking ideas if it’s something you’ve never tried it before. You never know, it might end up being your new favorite thing!

Bring some reusable grocery bags with you. Many farmers supply plastic bags but most aren’t environmentally friendly and carry multiple plastic bags around isn’t convenient either. It’s also a good idea to bring a cooler with you if the ride home is going to be a while.

Know where your food comes from

Talk to the farmers! Your experience of shopping at a farmers market will be enriched when you begin talking with the farmers and become a regular customer. Ask them about specific types of fruits and vegetables, for instance, strawberries come in many varieties and the ones at the farmers markets are far superior flavor-wise to those from the grocery “brands”. You can also ask about particular ways to prepare vegetables, or how they are grown on their farm.

Decide on a strategy

Some people like to peruse the whole market first before deciding on what to buy. Others like to buy from just one or two favorite vendors, while others like to buy a little here and a little there. Choose a strategy that works for you and will make your visit most enjoyable.

Taste the true flavor

The fruits and vegetables you buy at the farmers market are the freshest and tastiest available. Fruits are allowed to ripen fully in the field and are brought directly to you—the food is as real as it gets—fresh from the farm.

Follow the season

At the farmers market you’ll only find fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables that are grown locally. Enjoy the flavors of spring, like asparagus and peas, or the sweet berries of summer or baked pumpkins in autumn. You’ll feel connected to the earth, the weather, and the turning of the seasons.

Support Family Farmers

When you buy at the local farmers market, you’re helping to support family farmers. Small family farms have a hard time competing in the food marketplace and buying directly from them gives them a better return for their produce and gives them a fighting chance in today’s globalized economy.
Variety is the Spice of Life

You won’t find the average supermarket produce at the farmers market. Here you’ll find an amazing variety of colors, unique fruits and vegetables – some only grown at local farms. It’s a great opportunity to savor and experience the biodiversity of our planet.
Connect with Your Community

What better way to spend a morning or afternoon in the outdoors amidst stalls of fresh produce and wonderful people to meet? Much better than a rolling your cart through a grocery store with trucked in food that you don’t know where is come from or how it was grown! The farmers market is a community hub—a place to meet up with your friends, bring your children, or just get a taste of small-town life in the midst of a big city. Here’s a map to find one near you!

11/05/2015

I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with this dear old friend, who also happens to be a great real estate agent! It was nice to hang out together and relax for a moment, Silvana Piadade; Coldwell Banker; 901-259-8550.

10/28/2015

Hanging out with old friends is always great! Terri O'Connor (realtor with John Greene & Company, 901-853-0763) and I have been dear friends for 17 years. It was so nice to see you and catch up on life and family.

10/27/2015

Had a great time today with Thomas Murphree at LYFE Kitchen. Not only is he a great conversationalist but he is an excellent appraiser and realtor. If you are in need of his services call Birchtree Realty at 901-763-2862.

10/27/2015

I had lunch with this lovely woman today; Carmen Prince- Crye Leike Realtors 901.840.1181 in Atoka. Call her if you need a great Tipton County real estate agent! 901-840-1181 :)

09/30/2015

CERTIFIED!!!!!!!!!!!!! By one of ALTA's elite certification providers, Pershing Yoakley & Associates, CPAs. We are also ready for the new TRID closings and can handle all your closing needs in Tennessee, Mississippi and (soon) Florida!!!

09/28/2015

State Level WCR Officer Installation Luncheon!

09/26/2015

I'm proud of our veterans.

09/25/2015

We are so proud to be sponsoring the Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. golf outing today at Memphis National Golf Club!

09/25/2015

Bernhardt Law Firm is a proud sponsor of the Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc., a Memphis non-profit dedicated to assisting military veterans reintegrate with society. Their motto is "Helping Veterans Help Themselves."

Check out their website: www.alphaomegaveterans.org

09/18/2015

A great day for the state chapter of the WCR -- a great new line of officers. Congratulations to Carmen Reams Prince and Frances Anderson and the rest of the board!

03/17/2015

Had a great morning with with amazing agents and delightful clients. I was also honored to meet with Andrew O'fee and Caitlyn Soma O'fee at my office where we shot a short video on the topic of title insurance for Andy's program "Yankee Closer". Thank you everyone for a wonderful day!

02/27/2015

A good time was had by all at the Women's Council of Realtors' Cocktails and Canvas event. Bernhardt Law Firm was well represented: Teresa Bernhardt (and her lovely daughter Krissy Bernhardt), Kristen Flanigan, and Cindy Zaretsky were all there along with our lovely guest, Silvana Piadade!

01/11/2015

Important FHA Loan News: Effective January 26th, the Federal Housing Administration will be reducing annual mortgage insurance premiums. For 30-year mortgages with less than a 5 percent down payment, the mandatory annual mortgage insurance rate of 1.35 percent of the loan balance will be cut to 0.85 percent. For FHA-insured loans with more than a 5 percent down payment, the previous 1.30 percent rate will be reduced to 0.80 percent.
The reduced rates will not apply to borrowers with 15-year mortgages, according to a letter issued to mortgage lenders by the federal government. The insurance rates on that loan product, which range from 0.45 percent to 0.95 percent of the loan balance, remain the same.

01/01/2015

Happy New Year! We wish our clients, customers and friends a joyous, healthy and successful new year!

12/20/2014

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from me and my wonderful staff: Becky Bradshaw, Kristen Flanigan, and Nilda Toro. And from Santa Claus himself! 🎅

12/13/2014

This was the final WCR board meeting under the leadership of Frances Anderson. What a great group. Very hardworking and dedicated. And Frances, it was fun, fun, fun!

12/11/2014

I, Teresa Bernhardt, am so humbled and grateful for being awarded "Committee Chair of the Year"! Thank you WCR Board! It was a pleasure to serve with you!