Fourth in series of blogs about our family’s relocation from California to Tennessee.

So here we are—plugging away on our little farm in California, living life day by day. Enjoying our friends, family and neighbors and all that was familiar to us. Little did we know a catalyst of change was in store for us on this mid-summer day in August 2007.

Due to an untimely death in the family, I once again travel to Gallatin. Arrangements were made for the funeral, and I stayed with my sister for a few days after the service.

During my visit I drove through neighborhoods and perused real estate publications, almost as if researching the area for a nameless client. I admired the elegant charm of the brick homes and how back yards seem to blend together rather than separate neighbors with tall wooden fences – a common site in California. I soaked up the beauty of the rolling hills and Old Hickory Lake. I realize how close Gallatin is to Nashville and all that the Music City had to offer. And most importantly, I feel first hand the acts of kindness and hospitality customary to the region. Neighbors, friends, and church members bring us food during this very difficult time and rather than look to me as an outsider, make me feel as comfortable as possible in a very unfamiliar setting.

So after my short hiatus in Gallatin, I excitedly tell my husband all that I experienced during my Tennessee adventure and suggest we look towards Middle Tennessee when we decide to retire. He surprised me with….”OK. Let’s go and see what has you all worked up.”

Please keep in mind, my husband and I had spoken only in whispered tones about moving from Kerman someday, but never with a date in mind and never with a destination as far as Tennessee. If we did move it would mean relocating my parents as well and that was more than all of us wanted to take on. Plus we had our jobs – his in farming and mine in real estate - and we were comfortable. Moving would mean stepping out of that comfort zone. The one that allows you a peaceful nights’ rest. The one that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. There really was no logical reason to make a move at this point in our lives.

Nevertheless I began the search for a Real Estate Company in Sumner County. Having worked with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World through my broker in California, my first search was to their website. www.LeadingRE.com. There I found Bob Parks Realty, LLC situated in several Middle Tennessee locations, one of which is in Gallatin. I immediately called their Relocation office, spoke with the Relocation Coordinator and relayed my story. She in turn put me in touch with Leanne Hively, a Realtor at Bob Parks Realty, Gallatin/Hendersonville office and before I knew it I was receiving information about homes for sale in Sumner County. Was this really happening? Could we actually be even contemplating a move? And to Tennessee?

So in October 2007 we again arrive at Nashville International Airport, only this time we are full of excitement, big dreams and open minds….and guess what!

Next - Finding that “perfect” home

Read Part 3 of this post here.

Posted By: Christine Nale

If you can read this, you don't use a typical webbrowser that plays nice with CSS.
Please do not fill in anything here!

Leave a Reply