They may be right, especially with the interest rates where they are today. Right now the average 30-year fixed-rate loan with no points or fees is around 5% which is the lowest the rate has been in nearly 40 years. There are some great homes on the market right now and with a few simple steps to get prequalified for a mortgage loan, you can be a proud new home owner. Bob Parks Realty can help you find just the perfect home ~ call Tammy Carroll at 615-550-0087.

Read the fantastic article from BusinessWeek here.

Posted by:Tammy Carroll, CRP, GMS, RCC, WRS

Area Development, a leading magazine covering corporate site selection and relocation, has honored the state of Tennessee with is prestigious Gold Shovel Award. The honor is presented annually to the state achieving the most success in terms of job creation and economic impact.

“I’m delighted that Tennessee has been recognized by Area Development for our efforts to create higher skilled, better paying jobs for our citizens. The investments Tennessee has attracted in the past year have positioned our state for the next generation of new jobs and increased growth,” said Governor Phil Bredesen.

Economic development projects announced in 2008 were considered for the award. Based on the number of high-value added jobs per capita, amount of investment, number of new facilities and industry diversity, Tennessee achieved the highest weighted overall score.

Bob Parks Realty Corporate Real Estate Services Department is active in the economic development with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and is a lead investor in the 2010 Partnership. For more information, click here, or contact: relocation@bobparks.com.

Complete details on the Gold and Silver Shovel Award winners ~ they are posted online at: www.areadevelopment.com.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce has been selected for the most prestigious national award presented to chambers of commerce – the American Chamber of Commerce Executives’ (ACCE) Chamber of the Year award. The award recognizes the top chambers in the nation for organizational excellence including financial, member services and connections, engagement of volunteers and leading communities by making an impact on key community priorities. Click here for details.

Everyone in Nashville is very proud of the dedication and hard work on behalf of every staff member who serves our Chamber of Commerce. A lot of daily focus and “pressing toward the goal” has been achieved.

Bob Parks Realty is a lead investor in the Partnership 2010 program with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and serves the Nashville, Franklin Murfreesboro MSA. BPR has ten offices and 450+ agents who work with buyers and sellers in both residential and commercial properties. Bob Parks Auction and Land Division also provide auction services throughout the Middle Tennessee area. Anyone looking for single family homes, townhomes, condos, multifamily homes, land or commercial property should contact the Corporate Real Estate Services Department at 800-365-7356.

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is used as a hub when working with corporate clients who may be interested in moving to Nashville. Employees are looking to get connected to a lifestyle they feel comfortable with when visiting this area impending an upcoming move. Relocating can be very stressful and Bob Parks Realty agents are there to help with every detail of their move. A welcome relocation package is available along with a CD that can help get connected to everything from housing, hospitals, schools, shopping and more. The Relocation Department can be reached at relocation@bobparks.com if anyone is interested in receiving a free welcome package.

To search for homes in Nashville or anywhere in the world, click here

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

What a great place to live, work and play! LaVergne Tennessee is located just 15 miles outside Nashville at 36.016 latitude and 86.582 longitude in Rutherford County. Interstates I-24, I-40 and I-65 are close at hand for easy access to everywhere.

There are several lakes near, Percey Priest Lake, Old Hickory Lake and Tims Ford Lake if you are looking for fun on the water. LaVergne is also located near the Nashville International Airport, Middle Tennessee State University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University, and Vanderbilt University. LaVergne has been voted one of America’s most affordable places to live…..for more information, Click Here.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

As more and more 1st time home buyers enter the real estate market one comment that I hear over and over is “We don’t even know where to start”. My answer is simple, “Well, you’ve come to the right person, because helping you understand and guiding you through the home buying process is my job.”

As your Realtor® I can help you avoid costly home buying mistakes. There are essential techniques that I recommend to all my clients that have helped them save time, money, and aggravation.

First, get pre-approved for a home mortgage. Mortgage approval (not just qualification) is a major hurdle for many homebuyers and is extremely important in today’s market. Many lenders have stricter guidelines than they did even a month or two ago, and a pre-approval letter will carry much more weight with the seller when you can attach it as part of your offer. Pre-approval will help in determining your price range and help you save time. This vital step will also provide you an opportunity to quickly place an offer when you find your perfect home.

Second, I can help you with finding the home you want to buy. As you think about where and what to buy, there are many important factors you should consider:

• Your work commute – how quickly can you get to and from work? How much traffic will you encounter? Is access to public transportation an important feature?
• Access to shopping – how important is having easy access to a shopping center? What about grocery stores?
• Utilities – Is there access to cable or high-speed Internet?
• Medical services – Is distance to the nearest hospital important to you?
• Parking – Do you want a garage? Is street parking available for guests?
• Recreation –do you need close proximity to parks, lakes, beaches or ski slopes to accommodate your hobbies and interests?

Finding the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right house. When you are ready to purchase a home, I look forward to the opportunity to discuss all of your needs and ensure you have a house that suits your lifestyle and interests. Contact me at (615) 829-1051, or search for homes on my website at www.middletnrealestate.net.

Posted By: Christine Nale

Exciting times ahead for the people of Rutherford County and the surrounding Nashville area!

The Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tennessee has a commitment to receive a $1.6 billion loan to manufacture electric vehicles and build a new battery facility near the plant. Major construction is planned for 2010 after Nissan complies with an environmental assessment to ensure that the project doesn’t degrade the environment. According to Holly Sears Weber of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, “This is going to not only keep existing jobs at the Nissan Smyrna facility, but also create new jobs, both at the facility and in construction and possibly suppliers for the product.”

For more information on how this facility will help stimulate the economy, click here.

Bob Parks Realty is committed to helping families who are interested in relocating to Nashville ~ Middle Tennessee. Our full service Corporate Real Estate Services Relocation Department is trained in corporate relocation services and has a wonderful welcome relocation package available. If anyone is interested they can email: relocation@bobparks.com for more information. To get connected to the school systems or search for homes, go to: www.bobparks.com

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

In searching for data on the economy for Nashville / Middle Tennessee ~ the government site is a great place to start looking for specific statistics. Everything from Inflation & Prices, Employment, Unemployment, Productivity, Pay & Benefits, Regional Resources as it relates to this region. For more information, Click Here.

When working with corporate clients who may be looking to relocate or move employees to Nashville / Middle Tennessee; I use this website as a tool to show current economic data. At Bob Parks Realty ~ Corporate Real Estate Services we partner with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce to show the complete picture of the Nashville MSA. Click Here to see more.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

When looking to do “projects” around the house, my husband and I agree it is very important to consider “being green” in our efforts. We just had bookcases built in our den and wanted to see what we could find out about the “green” process. There is lots of great information about the NAR Green Designation for Realtors^®. We especially wanted to be aware when the time comes to consider selling that buyers are looking for a home that is environmentally compatible, it is important to understand the process and capability of the products available in today’s market.

The Green Designation helps with green business practices as well by indicating industry knowledge of rating programs and standards. Some of which are the Energy Star qualification and the Home Energy Rating System, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.

While doing some research here is what we found; Click Here for more information.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

If you haven’t experienced springtime in Middle Tennessee you don’t know what you’re missing. It is such a time of renewal. The flowers are blooming. The trees are beginning to get their leaves and the grass is becoming green. It’s ‘s time to get those yards in shape, plant some annuals and trim all the hedges and shrubs.

The good thing about spring is that you know it is getting close to time for all of the outdoor activities that Middle Tennessee is known for such as golf, fishing, boating, and camping. The possibilites are endless.

If you’d like to live in an area where there are four seasons, Middle Tennessee is the place for you and your family to relocate. The real estate market is still strong here and I would love to help with your move.

Posted By: Vicki Oczkowicz

Fifth and final in series of blogs about our family’s relocation from California to Tennessee.

Finding that “perfect home” is different for everyone. When I meet with buyers for the first time, one of my initial questions is, “What is important to you in a home?” Some people have price limitations and require a certain number of bedrooms and/or bathrooms. Others demand a specific school district or subdivision. And then there are some who really don’t know what they want….they know what they don’t want. We were those people.

We didn’t want our master bedroom on the 2nd floor. We didn’t want a house built before 2000. We didn’t want to be far from conveniences like restaurants, shopping, movies, etc. We didn’t want to be outside of Sumner County (specifically Hendersonville/Gallatin). We didn’t want a “fixer-upper” and we didn’t want a condominium. A pool was iffy and while we sort of had a price point in mind we were flexible on that too. Sounds easy enough, right?

Four days and over 40 houses into our search, my husband and I (and probably our Realtor, Leanne) we starting to get pretty discouraged. We only had 1 more day in TN to find a home and then we were to head back to California. As we drove back into a subdivision we visited earlier in the day to check once again for something we may have missed, a house caught my eye. It was brand new and everything we could have hoped for. Could this be our “perfect house”? We wrote up an offer, negotiated a few items here and there and entered into a contract for a home in Gallatin, TN. Several months later that house became our “home.”

Personally experiencing a relocation from California to Tennessee and going through the process of moving and purchasing a home in this area, allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge which I am eager to share with buyers. Starting with my initial consultation with a buyer, through the process of looking at houses, I offer personal attention to my client’s likes and dislikes. Is it important to have a large kitchen, a laundry room in the house or garage, a fully fenced yard, bedrooms all on one floor? Is the age of the home relevant, the school district important? Do they have a commute to and from work making the proximity of highway access important? Will a fixer-upper be more to their liking, or do they want a turn-key home ready for them to move right in? These are questions sometimes even buyers don’t think to ask themselves.

I pride myself in offering “Service You Can Smile About” with integrity, professionalism and productivity. Should you or a family member have any questions about buying or selling a home in beautiful Middle Tennessee, don’t hesitate to contact me at (615) 829-1051.

Posted By: Christine Nale

Nashville Middle Tennessee continues to be strong in these economic times. The Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro MSA ranks 5th of the 366 metropolitan areas. Corporate clients consider Nashville a top pick to relocate and / or move headquarters here. Bob Parks Realty www.bobparks.com, continues to be a strong leader in real estate and relocation for Nashville Middle Tennessee.

For more details ~ Click Here.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

We are home from the best Relocation Directors Council Meeting ever!

San Diego was the perfect backdrop for our spring meeting, learning sessions and networking with people from around the world. We had a busy two days with jam packed fun and learning!

Our morning panel discussion purpose was to provided our members with insight about where we are headed in the real estate market, financing issues and understanding all the factors that contribute to employee’s reluctance to move and how we can work collaboratively with all the service providers to meet these challenges. Our panel was made up of Pam O’Connor, President/CEO, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Linda Hawkins, President, Winkelmann Realty, Freda Ingram-Brown, Senior Vice President, Relocation, Bank of America, Denise Nicco, Director of Relocation, PG&E Corporation, Janelle Piatkowski, President, Cornerstone Relocation, Tom Colucci, Director of Real Estate Services, Mobility Services International, Michael Nasr, Vice President, Director of Client Services, Countrywide, Allison Basley, CIG Marketing Director, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Very interesting discussion and comments from panel and attendees around the room.

In the afternoon our panel topic was, New Sources of Revenue. Our panel presenters were Teresa Howe, Coldwell Banker, John D’Ambrogio, Rubloff, Jan Harbor, Crye-Leike, Patricia Pollard, Coldwell Banker United, Sharon Michnay, Halsted Properties. Many great ideas were presented and comments from the floor. Fresh new ideas on how we can network and grow our business in today’s real estate market.

Later in the afternoon, we have Roundtable Sessions on topics from; Client Relocation Policies and Challenges that are Being Faced Today, Transparency of Communication and Expectation of Vendors of Corporate Clients, Third Party Relationships in Today’s Market, Internet Leads Management Structure and Staffing, Web 2.0 - Social Media, Absorption Rate Calculations, Procedures for REO Programs, Surviving in a Down Market, The Process of Short Sales, Challenges with the NEW ERC BMA form, Managing Inventory-Third Party Perspective, How to Get your Foot in the Door with Third Party Companies. Great great information and sharing from each table of presenters and participants.

Every meeting we all walk away with such great information and time spent sharing with one another. Learning what is happening in our real estate relocation world and how we can better serve the client. I personally appreciate every member and the hand that has been extended to make me feel welcome and such a part of RDC.

Here’s a note from two very important people with RDC…..

“In all our years in relocation there has never been a time where this segment of the business is as important to our company’s bottom line as it has been in 2008 and will be in 2009. As a group, we can support the needs of our brokers by continuing to perform and build business opportunities through our relationships with corporate and relocation management clients. In addition, we have members willing to share their proven ideas for generating new revenue.”

-Maggie Kiesow, 2008 RDC Past President and Judy Gray, 2009 RDC President

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

Over the years I have always thought about how I enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them. You just never know where your paths may cross or have crossed in the past. My favorite part of serving in my position is, meeting new corporate clients and sharing Nashville with them. Nashville is an awesome place to live work and play and it has been evident in our past relocation clients that have moved to town. I’ve had the honor to partner with many people around the city while helping clients fall in love with Nashville just as we have. Janet Jones is one of the people I just love to work with. She is an awesome lady and one of the best people I know. I’m proud to call Janet my friend!

Bob Parks Realty and Apex & Robert E Lee Moving and Storage has had a partnership for several years and have gotten to know one another well while serving our clients. I love the story Janet tells in her travels as well; click here to read about her travels.

“Janet and her son, Chris partner with many corporate clients to provide the best service. Janet and Chris have moved several of our Bob Parks Realty offices and have done a great job. We appreciate their high standards and work ethics while building relationships helping people”!

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

You know, after living in our homes for a while, do you ever want to change things around but can’t “see” the room any different? I want to change my den around but can’t figure out how to move the furniture around. But I know when a Professional Stager walks in, they would be able to fluff it around in no time flat. Take something from one room, put it in another and mix it all up. I’m thinking about having a friend of mine do just that. Kathy Fix (pictured) is a Professional Stager who works in the Nashville Middle Tennessee area and has helped people from all over town. She does a great job of working with what people already own to create a different look, clear out and spruce up. She has helped several relocation clients and friends around town. Bob Parks Realty suggest we stage homes when putting on the market to help them sell quicker. Below is homestaging advice from Kathy Fix, owner of Staging Dreams.

“With the amount of inventory of houses on the market now, it’s more important than ever that your house outshine the competition and one of the best ways to accomplish that is to STAGE IT! By clearing out clutter, rearranging furniture, and neutralizing colors a seller can present a more attractive product to potential buyers. Buyers aren’t interested in buying your stuff, and don’t care how cute those photos of your kids are. They are looking for a great house that they can make their own, so don’t distract them with how your personality fills the house.
When a home is professionally staged it looks bigger, newer, and better maintained, leading to quicker sales and better sales prices. I just had a vacant house I staged in Smyrna get a contract within one week of staging and it closed in less than 30 days. STAGING WORKS! With multiple levels of staging services starting at less than $100, can you afford not to stage? ‘The Investment in Staging is always less than your first price reduction.’”

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

Spring always makes me want to do something big around the house! Lets clean out the closets, get rid of all our good junk that hasn’t see daylight in months and make room for the new!

When thinking about rehabbing any part of our homes, it is important to think about the possible cost vs. value when getting ready to sell. Especially in a slow market, people are staying put longer and considering doing a little renovation. Some of the project paybacks are listed in this great article in Realtor Magazine: 2008 Cost vs. Value Report.

When working with some of our corporate clients, we like to see what renovations people from other parts of the country have done to their homes. Kitchens and bathrooms are always in the top projects being completed. Especially if clients know they are going to relocate, renovations need to be considered to every detail. At Bob Parks Realty, we can provide a cost of living comparison to help get a clear picture of expenses across the country.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

In recent months real estate firms & relocation departments have seen an increase in renters within the corporate relocation world. When moving to a destination city, corporate clients are considering renting until their current homes sell. Several Relocation Directors, including Ryan Carrell , Allison Harvey , Liz Nunan , Tammy Carroll , Anne Incorvia and Stephen Kotler comment on working and serving more renters in an article found here.

In the Nashville Tennessee real estate market, Bob Parks Realty Corporate Real Estate Services Department has served more renters in the last two years. Our rental services has expanded to help find rental properties around the region, both single family homes and apartments. In serving our clients it is important to education them on the real estate market in our area so when their lease is up they can make a wise investment and possibly purchase a home to fit their needs.

For more comments, Click Here to read the full article by Elizabeth Nunan.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

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

Web 2.0, Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo, Twitter, Blogs, ActiveRain, Trulia Voices ~ does this all sound like a foreign language? Well, get ready to be blasted in to another world! The world of “Social Networking.”

Social Networking is the new norm. Staying in touch and in the flow with friends, family, business associates, past clients and attracting new clients is part of the process of social networking. When focusing on our SOI, sphere of influence, it can attract business by connecting with people who know, like and trust us. Part of social networking is being an expert in an area and sharing that information with others.

When you hear the word blogging and social networking, do you think, “I don’t have time for all that”? Well, in my most humble opinion, we don’t have time not to social network. Blogging can be fun! I’m having fun right now just thinking about all the ways I want to social network, what I want to write about and how I can weave my work and my personal life in to my social networking. Our work and personal lives are intertwined already and this give us a platform to reach out to others and stay connected while having a little fun.

You may ask, “Why on line?”. You don’t have to be a geek to do it. Anyone can social network! If you are texting, emailing, blogging, or twittering you are social networking. It is the same as you interact off line you do on line. Reaching out to people you know, having conversations, sharing ideas, learning new things keeps us in the loop and moving forward. All this technology helps us give high personal touch in a new way. I knew I had to find out more about social networking when my 70 year old mother was trying to get Twitter on her phone so she could receive her daily Bible verse from her church. WOW, was all I could say. Did I get connected? You bet I did and it’s been fun ever since.

Within our company, Bob Parks Realty, we have started two new blogs:
GuideMeHome2Nashville.com and GuideMeHome2NashvilleRutherford.com, which has gotten our agents in the flow of writing, being creative and having fun. We are building a library of information for friends and clients who may be moving or relocating to the Middle Tennessee Nashville area. Our agents are specialists within their geographic service area and able to help clients get connected within our communities. We provide an Internet Website Guide (Click Here for more info) of information to help with the relocation / moving process.

So, you see “social networking” can help us stay in touch and provide information while being creative and having fun. I say go for it, jump in and start social networking!

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

Third in Series of blogs about our family’s relocation from California to Tennessee.

In January 2007, life continued as usual for us in California. Our little town of Kerman lies in the San Joaquin Valley, (about 20 miles west of Fresno) which is in the southern half of the Central Valley home to many of California’s most productive agricultural efforts. The Central Valley stretches approximately 400 miles from north to south and is around 42,000 square miles, making it roughly the same size as the state of Tennessee.

Typically in January and February, the yearly cycle would start again with pruning and tying vineyards. In almond orchards, bees would be placed for pollination. By March and April, the landscape would be dotted with farmers on their tractors driving long hard hours to nowhere in particular.

If fortunate enough to have had an abundant rain year, irrigation water would begin its long trek through the intricate canal system originating at Pine Flat Lake in eastern Fresno County. Pine Flat is an artificial lake with a storage capacity of 1,000,000 acre-feet. On dry years, irrigations from Pine Flat could be delayed up to May, making farmers dependent on pumping water from wells strategically placed throughout vineyards and orchards. It is important to mention that the average rainfall in the San Joaquin Valley totals about 10 inches a year (rainfall years being measured July 1st to June 30th); therefore irrigation water is crucial to the survival of farm land in Fresno county.

Summer would arrive with long, sun-filled days, cloudless skies, and beautiful, cool desert nights. Every so often record breaking heat waves would encompass the Valley with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for weeks on end. The months of August and September would bring the stresses of harvest, and the reminder of just how dependent a farmer is on the graces of Mother Nature..

Regardless of the weather, the land always demands the dedicated attention of the farmer. Whether it is the 2 a.m. changing of irrigation water, or the long-awaited day of harvest, the farm is ever present in the mind of the farmer. But we cherished our life on the farm and were blessed with many things, among them our health, friends and family and the realization that we made a difference in the world with hard work and perseverance.

Next - August 2007 and never say never

Read Part II of this post here.

Posted By: Christine Nale

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Annual Conference at the Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Tough job I know, but someone has to do it. This year our theme was, "The Power of The Bold" which was the event of the year! We had a wonderful opportunity to hear from some of the best strategic thinkers in our industry ~ Ken Lowe, Scripps Network, Steve Harney, Steve Harney Inc., Michael Stave, The Staver Group, Matthew Ferrara, Matthew Ferrara & Company. They shared ideas and insights on navigating through the current challenging economic times so that our business continue to thrive.

Every year about this time I look forward to seeing my friends from around the world ~ and I do mean around the world! We have nearly 700 members in the United States and 37 foreign countries. That’s the strength of our network! We are all independently owned real estate firms who come together to share and learn from one another. We had international members from China, Bahamas, Italy, Australia, Spain, Canada, Mexico, and Switzerland. One of the most fun things I like to do is search luxury properties at www.relohomesearch.com in other countries. I'm able to see what properties are for sale and what the real estate practices are in that particular country. One of the benefits of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World website is anyone can search single family homes, condos, or luxury properties at www.luxuryportfolio.com The website also provides what currency the country uses and the information is in 9 different languages.

One of the Workshops I attended was the Luxury Portfolio™, Fine Property Collection Spring Workshop. It was attended by over one hundred luxury property specialists from around the world. My favorite thing was the luxury property tour of two properties currently listed for sale by our member in Scottsdale, Arizona Best Real Estate. One was a furnished luxury condo overlooking the desert mountain view with easy access to shopping, golf and restaurants. The complex even had its own private wine storage for residents. Then we traveled a short bus ride to Desert Mountain Club to a home designed by Lee Hutchinson and built with incredible attention to detail. The home was cut into the side of the mountain with an infinity pool, indoor and outdoor living. We shared an awesome lunch and headed back to town, needless to say I wanted to escape and hang out the rest of the day.

I also attended a session on Social Networking or Web 2.0, which included texting, blogging, podcasts, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. We even had our own “Twitter” group at the conference following each session and keeping everyone informed and on track. I learned what a “hash tag” is and how to update and receive “tweets” on my blackberry. Am I high tech or what? Social networking is an exciting way to stay in touch with friends, family, clients and business associates around the world. I personally think social networking provides a high tech way for high personal touch while building relationships with all the people I want to stay in contact with.

One of the sessions being offered was, “Improving Your Communication and Productivity” which I served as a panelist on with Judy Gray from Cam Taylor Company in Ohio and MaryLou Lee with Watson Realty Corp. in Florida. We shared tips to get and stay organized, along with strategies in Outlook to manage emails and information and time management strategies. We are all doing more with less and one of the top tips was about how to create folders and rules in Outlook to manage emails.

My favorite session was on Short Sales and REO business! The session was lead by Debbie Robinson with RealtySouth in Birmingham, Alabama and Blaise Coco with Coco, Early & Associates in Mass. With the increased number of foreclosures and “at risk” mortgages in many markets, we have challenges and opportunities for brokers to help serve clients. Debbie and Blaise shared strategies on how to provide valuable service to clients in short sale situations. Bob Parks Realty has Realtors to help clients learn more about short sales and how to deal with this situation.

Networking Night was awesome! It allowed everyone to visit the booths from other real estate companies and our vendor partners who serve our LeadingRE network. One of my favorite booths is Red Letter Promotions, Joe Spano! He does an awesome job with promotional and marketing items and is so much fun to work with. His branded products encompass everything from marketing kits to holiday cards which provides a solutions to our members.

I must say we had a break on Saturday afternoon when we just “had to share lunch out by the pool”. The sun was wonderful, food was delicious and the friends were the best part! Until next year ~ hugs to everyone! Think Nashville, think Bob Parks Realty. Ya’ll come visit!

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

Second in Series of blogs about our family’s relocation from California to Tennessee.

My second trip to Middle Tennessee was in July 2004 while in route to Florida to celebrate my uncle’s 70 birthday party. This time my Mother and I spent 3 days here, visiting my sister and her fiancé , shopping and eating our way around Gallatin and Hendersonville. I remember visiting Old Time Pottery, Hobby Lobby and Panera Bread. I was impressed with the rolling hills, the stately brick homes and the close proximity to Old Hickory Lake. I brought home trinkets from my travels in Tennessee and told all my friends back in California how wonderful the people are. Not too much of a surprise, given the “Southern Hospitality” reputation the south is known for. Didn’t really think much more about Tennessee, other than when I caught up with my sister either by phone or email.

Now, for a little history about me, my husband and our lives in California. We lived in a small agricultural community, west of Fresno, in a town named Kerman – population 10,000. My husband, a 3rd generation farmer, was born and raised in this town; building our home ¼ mile from where he grew up. We lived in the country, surrounded by grape vineyards and most recently almond orchards with their trees lined up like soldiers standing guard over the terrain. During the months of February, March and April, the trees and vines would spring to life erupting in pastels of pink and green transforming the stark, flat landscape into a watercolor painting.

Spring has always been my favorite time of year and as farmers we welcomed the promise of another abundant year on the farm.

Next…Life on the farm.

Read Part I of this post here.

Posted By: Christine Nale

This is a first in a series of blogs about our family’s relocation from California to Tennessee.

People often ask me “What made you choose Gallatin?” The answer is really very simple – the people.

I had actually traveled to and from Middle Tennessee only a couple of times prior to making the decision to move here. The first was by accident. During the August 2003 East coast blackout, my husband and I were in route to New York to assist my elderly parents in packing up their long-time home in Westchester County. While in the Dallas/Ft Worth airport, we were informed that no flights were being permitted to land at LaGuardia airport. Instead of waiting it out in Texas, my husband and I decided to fly to Tennessee and stay with my sister, who had just moved to Hendersonville in June. We literally were in Tennessee for no more than 12 hours, 8 of which were overnight.

Stay tuned…more to follow.

Posted By: Christine Nale

Nashville is located in the heart of Tennessee along the Cumberland River. With its rich history in country music, down home southern hospitality, Nashville has many things to offer. Whether you are just visiting or plan to relocate to this area, Nashville is a great place to live, work and play.

With its diverse work opportunities in the music industry and health care industry, Nashville and its surrounding counties have been named “Smartest Place to Live” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine.

Click Here for more information.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

What the new "First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit" really looks like and how it could change the look of the real estate market across the country...

NAR opposes mortgage interest deduction provisions on President Obama's Budget Proposal which was released February 26th. As currently drafted, the plan changes the mortgage interest deduction by reducing the amount of mortgage deductibility on families earning over $250,000. It will be interesting to see how it affects people relocating to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and the home values across the country. Click here to read more and to view the Government Affairs Tax Credit Chart.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

Wondering what Bob Parks thinks about the 2008 real estate market in Nashville, Tennessee? 2009 will be a great opportunity to purchase real estate with the interest rates being at an all time low! For more on Bobs thoughts, click here.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll