Home sales in Rutherford County flatlined over the previous year in March, but pending sales for April jumped 6 percent, signaling a strong start to the "Spring Selling Season," according to the Red Report.

While March's numbers may seem like the red-hot housing market is cooling, but it's still smoking; and where there's smoke, there's fire.

"Spring Selling Season has officially sprung into action with March sales jumping up 41 percent from February. It comes every year, but I still get excited seeing the numbers every time," said Steven Dotson, president of Red Realty and issuer of the Red Report.

Similar numbers can be found across the mid-state. Williamson's closings surged 42 percent from February to March, Davidson's jumped 44 percent and Wilson's 25 percent. These are all improvements over March 2017's numbers.

This all means that this year will look a lot like last year.

"Sales numbers improve and bulldozers are stirring up the dust working longer sunnier days knowing progress is being made after seeing many wet, cold winter days unable to finish outside projects," Dotson said.

And as inventories rise so will sales, he said.

Real Estate by the numbers, 2018 vs. 2017

Rutherford: Closings flat at 0%; Average closed prices up 7% to an average of $275,078

Williamson: Closings up 3%; average closed prices up 4% to an average of $550,200

Davidson: Closings up 2%; Average closed prices up 9% to an average of $388,059

Wilson: Closings up 2%; Average closed prices up 3% to an average of $305,173

Sotheby's International Realty comes to Middle Tennessee

Sotheby's International Realty announced last week that Zeitlin & Co., Realtors in Nashville is the newest member of its global network and will now operate as Zeitlin Sotheby's International Realty.

You may wonder, "why should I care about who is selling fancy houses?"

Well, my friend, this is why. You can go to Sotheby's Tennessee "luxury listings" and look at all the fanciest houses in the state.

You know you want to know how the other half lives. It's a modern-day Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

For example, take a look at 6008 Jocelyn Hollow Rd. in Nashville. It is described as "a fabulous five bedroom home on an approximately 1.5 acres, beautifully landscaped lot, complete with pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, pool house; master addition with fabulous sitting room; pick out one of 4 fireplaces to enjoy, morning java or evening wine; all bedrooms boast en-suite bath; kitchen with Wolf & Subzero appliances; and new quartz tops."

All for the bargain price of $2.25 million.

There's a photo gallery. You should go look.

And there are more top-shelf houses and apartments to wander through digitally. Might as well bookmark it.

Michelle Willard is a freelance journalist who fills her days with social media marketing, politics, true crime, and taking complaints. You can complain to her on Twitter @MichWillard or by email michelle(at)murfreesborovoice.com.