A week ago, on October 29^th, Franklin’s Main Street was closed for the 28^th Annual Pumpkinfest. It was the largest ever! Throngs of witches, goblins, super-heroes and princesses were seen everwhere….. and Bob Parks Realty was there! Our office was one of 11 participants in the Chili Cook Off! We had prepared weeks earlier by having our own Chili Cookoff in the office….. six hearty souls brought in their offerings and the rest of us blindly tasted and commented on them all and the concoction artfully crafted by Kathy Hardcastle (agent Loy Hardcastle’s wife) was chosen! After that honor, she agreed to make the full 21 gallons of chili for us!

Can you imagine that undertaking…… The week preceding the Pumpkinfest they bought 80 lbs of ground beef, 120 bags of spices, 160 cans of beans… you get the picture… a ton of hard work. The day before the event, Kathy made it ALL! She then ladled it into huge pots, which various Cookoff team members took home and babied overnight. At 6 a.m. the next day, we all arose and heated our chili for the big event and proceeded down to our tent area by 8 a.m. The town was already bustling! We situated our tent between the Franklin Men’s Club and The Daily Dish and decorated it to match our theme: BAD BOB’S BONANZA CHILI…. And boy, our decorations were outstanding…. Lots of saddles, western blankets, even some cattle horns thrown in. The pictures don’t do it justice!

By 10 a.m. there were vistiors up and down Main Street, and by 11 a.m. no one could move…. The day was spectacular for the event and everyone came out to play! Some of us moved down the way to help Franklin Tomorrow sell tickets to the chili tasting…. and hot dogs for the non-chili eaters in the crowd. I was a hot dog seller. Our area was so popular that we kept running out of plates and cooked dogs… by 1 p.m. we had run out of all the water and drinks we had to sell…. I finally got a chance to break away to go on my own tasting spree and of course to VOTE for BOB PARKS! I mingled with the crown and tried to influence a few in our direction…. throwing out a few loud “ mmmmmm…..GOOD BOB PARKS CHILI” several times, but I don’t know if it did any good….. I heard we didn’t win. Actually I think the Boxwood Bistro won those honors!

Before I finish, I have to name the members of our team who worked so valiantly! Loy and Kathy Hardcastle (of course), Danny Anderson, Reid Anderson, Karen Baker, Darenda Olsen, MaryJane Cochran, Kevin Pellatrio, Fran Damer, Rachel Price, Christie Mullins, Ray and Vicki Lowe, Amy Tarter, Tom Stillman, Ryan Ryforth, and yours truly of course….. And then we also want thank people who provided props for us, Bill Butler and Pam Stevenson. And, of course, our office staff who we would be NOTHING without: Julie and Lisa Benavides, and Gaila Noland. Without the excellent team work that is our office’s Hallmark, none of it would have happened! What a great place to work!

NEXT YEAR WE WIN THAT CHILI CONTEST!

Posted by:  Charlene Kimmel

This Friday, November 4th, Rutherford County begins its drive raising money for the Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity. Working with Habitat for Humanity International since 1989, Rutherford Habitat for Humanity works to build homes for families in need. The families that benefit from this organization are determined by a board of volunteers, and the families chosen are required to pay a small down payment as well as regular mortgage payments, which contribute to future home building costs. They also have to contribute their own blood, sweat, and joy to the building of the home…. 400 hours of blood, “sweat equity,” and appreciation to the cause to be exact. Rutherford County needs the help of its citizens in order to make this happen, and they strive to constantly offer unique ways to raise money. This Saturday is no different.

The Pottery Place paired with the Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity in order to make Cookin’ to Build come to a boil. Community residents painted pottery specifically for this event. These bowls and plates are part of your $15 admission fee and provide the lovingly prepared surface for you to eat all the stew, chili, or soup you desire. This custom crafted piece of art is yours to keep as a reminder of your contribution to a truly needful organization.

In addition to the pottery, the food, the desserts and the drinks there will also be live entertainment in the form of a bluegrass band with a sense of humor to match their skill. The Flea Market Hustlers will be there to liven the atmosphere and apparently continue in their search for “the perfect taco.” With original pieces and lively covers they will introduce you to “jam-grass” at its best.

Dinner, a show, and a cause that gets families off the street that aren’t looking for a handout, just a leg up. What better way to spend you Friday afternoon? So please, anytime from 11:00 am till 1:00 pm at the Murfreesboro Civic Plaza, feel free to stop in, support a family, and eat some chili.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

The kitchen is a gathering place, where memories are made, parties hosted, families bonded. The bathroom is…well you get ready there. That’s important too. And there is one place that is often overlooked in these two integral rooms, one essential surface that is often ignored while counters and handles get all the attention. While they get granite or solid surfaces and brushed nickel attention the backsplash generally gets a coat of paint. If it’s lucky.

The backsplash is often the hardest working surface in your home (next to the floor of course). Splashed with food, oils, spices, sugars, liquids of every imaginableorigin these paint primed walls can make a kitchen look old and abused. You might think new hardware is the most effective way to update this but don’t ignore the backsplash.

A myriad of easy to install sheet surfaces are available to cover that poor paint, giving your walls the shield they need to endure against our everyday activities. From aluminum sheeting to river rock these choices offer a visual deviation from the standard tile generally selected. Another modern and whimsical choice is glass.

Glass tiles posses a durability and flexibility unrivaled by other surfaces. Often paired with waterproof backing and un-sanded grout the finished surface is stain-resistant, easy to clean, and visually stunning. Immediately modernizing a kitchen and updating the functionality of a previously neglected surface in one of the most important rooms of your house is a win-win for everyone, increasing home value and aesthetic appeal.

Bathrooms are another room that benefit from backsplashes, with glass tiles being a very intelligent choice. Water resistant is an obvious bonus, but what about the make-up, hair spray and toothpaste that previously permeated the primed walls under your mirrors? A wall of shimmering glass tiles solves this problem, reflecting light in a prism of home-improvement success. Enlarging spaces and visually increasing light as well as providing the water resistant surfaces all bathrooms need, glass backsplashes are an ingenious and trendy solution that proves simple and cost effective.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Meet “Harry.” Harry is a flying pig, recently acquired from an outing to the Nashville Farmer’s Market. You see, once a month the Farmer’s Market in downtown Nashville located on 8th avenue opens its stalls to the night air, allowing the stars to co-host an evening of food and fun.

You can find everything here, all types of in-season produce, fruit that glistens and vegetables so crisp you can still hear them snapping off their vines. Home baked goodies that fill the air with the scent of apples, pumpkins, chess pie and fall. Orchids in all their oriental glory, greenery in every shape and size. Gardening tools and lawn ornaments… and yes. Even flying pigs.

If you aren’t tempted enough by the lure of locally grown organic goodness the Market now hosts thirteen restaurants, ranging from Cajun to a newly opened Chinese buffet. All manner of choices are available to tantalize your tastebuds and goad your appetite. The Shreeji International Market has a mind-numbing selection of overseas ingredients to spice up any pantry, and there is even fresh fish.

In addition to all these culinary delights there is a live band for your listening pleasure, as well as a full bar, wine, and flora-infused champagne cocktails, making this one of the only “grocery” stores in Tennessee that sells wine!

So grab a glass, stroll the stalls, and remember… one night a month in downtown Nashville vegetables and fruit dance under the stars to bluegrass music, smelling of apple pie on a stick and watching pigs fly.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Brentwood, Tennessee was inundated recently with their own brand of “desperate housewives.” An estimated 15,000 of them actually. And perhaps it wasn’t just the wives, but husbands and mothers and sisters and brothers, anyone looking to purchase a peek into the newest, latest and greatest in real estate evolution on the market, available to those that can afford it. And if you can’t, you might have attended the 2011 Parade of Homes.

Specifically geared to spotlight local builders and all they have to offer, the Homebuilders Association of Middle TN hosted the 2011 Parade of Homes, affording a glimpse into the lavish and luxurious everyday amenities these homes have to tender, and the lengths these esteemed builders will go to give you everything your heart desires. From September 24^th to October 9^th people flooded the streets of Annandale, a sprawling Brentwood community that has everything you can imagine to offer, including, just maybe, the home of your dreams.

The builders that graced the 2011 Parade of Homes included Carbine Development, Legend Homes, Grove Park Construction, and Hidden Valley Homes. These builders have decided to focus on more realistic visions of grandeur, creating a style of home building based on budgetary and economic concerns in addition to lavish living. Legend Homes' founder and President, Doug Herman says it best when he was quoted as saying “Over the years, I recognized that my clients are my most priceless resource and I am a better builder because I listen to them.” While not all of us can spend a lifetime in one of the gorgeous homes in Annandale’s 221 acre planned community, all of us would be better served by builders that share that mindset.

The 2011 Parade of Homes, returning to its 35 year tradition after a four year hiatus, proffered the public a reminder that the housing communities in Tennessee are still going strong, and have more to offer than you ever could have dreamed.

Connect to our facebook page for more details!

Posted by:  Jennifer Mcclarney

Jennifer McClarney
Director of Marketing
Email Marketing@bobparks.com
Phone 615-370-8669 x 1021

Profile coming soon!

If you are looking for a quiet destination to celebrate fall, as well as experience a little living local history, less than an hour away from the city center of Nashville you will find the sleepy little town of Adams, Tennessee. When you drive through the town with a population of roughly 566 people and historical plaques on most of the home fronts, you normally won’t see much other than stately old oaks blazing with fall colors and white rockers.

The Adams Antique Mall and School House Cafeteria is a wonderful detour from big city life. Built in 1913, and rebuilt in 1920 after a fire ravaged the building, the Bell High School served as the only local school for 55 years. The cafeteria still functions today and serves a fulfilling home cooked lunch five days a week, with an old-fashioned blackboard boasting the daily specials. The Adams museum is in the same building, and there are two floors of antiques for you to browse after you have eaten your fill of southern fare.

If the name “Bell” sounds familiar, Adams is the home of the “Bell Witch of Tennessee.” Actually believed to be an entity nicknamed Kate, sent by a furious neighbor, the Bell’s Witch tormented the Bell family for years. Numerous books have been written, and the legend is widely taught in our public schools.  The Bell Witch Cave is still open for tours, and special October tours are available by appointment only. Be prepared for a lively tour through wrought iron gates into a low hanging tunnel, stepping over rocks and trailing your hands along walls festooned with friendly spiders. And make sure you wear footwear you don’t mind getting wet: perched just over the Red River the cave entrance is often swollen with water, and a misstep will put you ankle deep!

Adams is also a popular canoeing destination. With shuttles running daily during the summer and by appointment during the winter you can relax on the Red River for anywhere from three to six hours, traveling up to 12 miles. The slow moving waters make this an easily enjoyable activity for family members of all ages.

Visit our facebook page for more details!

Posted by:  Jennifer Mcclarney

For the past 25 years, Historic Downtown Franklin has traveled back in time about 150 years to a Main Street in the time of Charles Dickens. This year the transformation will take place Saturday, December 11th from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, December 12th from 12:00 noon to 5pm. It is a free festival and attracts thousands of visitors over the weekend.

There are hundreds of volunteers who participate and dress as characters from Dickens’ stories. There are also vendors and street performers. Everyone is invited to join in by dressing in costume or just coming and enjoying the beautiful Main Street in downtown Franklin TN with more than 70 unique shopping and dining destinations!
You can find more information by going to Historic Franklin’s website.

Come and join us and don’t forget to stop by the Bob Parks Realty office on Saturday! It will surely be a wonderful time and what a great way to experience a bit of Christmas!

Posted by:  Jody Stahly

200+ community and business leaders have been reaching out to friends and associates to recruit 300 new Rutherford County Chamber members. The first ever “Membership Event” started on Tuesday, September 28th and will continue on Wednesday. Bob Parks Realty was well represented at the Event.

Kendra Cooke (Lady Luck) arrived with her dealers in the Bob Parks Auction truck on Tuesdaymorning. Justin Holder was spotted in the Chamber enjoying his time in helping recruit.  

To hear more about the even check out these articles:
Chamber membership drive kicks off today
Chamber spices up membership drive 

Posted by:  Jody Stahly

Five Senses restaurant is having a Friends & Family Tuesday for all Bob Parks Agents and Staff on October 5th and 19th! If you dine at lunch or dinner and ask for the Friends & Family discount they will give you 10% off your check and donate it to Christmas for the Children!

So dine out on Tuesday October 5th and 19th and help make Christmas fabulous for some special kids!

Posted by:  Jody Stahly

The billboard read, “Buy Real Estate Now.” As a broker in the local real estate market I wasn’t sure how to take what I saw. Part of me was amused and part of me was concerned. Amused because I’m not sure that a sign would make someone say, ‘Gosh, why didn’t I think of that. Let me call my favorite real estate agent right now and tell them that I’m ready to buy a house.’ Concerned because our industry is not about telling you, the consumer, what you need to do…we’ve probably been too guilty of this in year’s past. Why didn’t the next one read “Sell Real Estate Now” as if by some magical power we could inspire you to do what makes our industry money.

Our job is this - provide individual customers with exceptional advice about their real estate needs. And when it is time to buy or sell, we create exceptional experiences during that transaction. We are not able to do that with a billboard, but rather with a visit over lunch or coffee, a chat on the phone as we take time to listen to what you want and need.

Maybe for you it is the best time to buy. But, I first have to know if you need a bigger or smaller home. Or know if you are excited about home values and interest rates being at historic low levels. Or if you are an investor with some liquidity looking to real estate as part of your retirement portfolio. If any of these fit you, don’t look for a billboard for your answer. Call your favorite agent and schedule an appointment and begin the process of making the wisest decision for you and your family.

As always, thanks for trusting our company with your real estate needs.

-Bob Parks

Posted by:  Jody Stahly

Jody Stahly
Corporate Services Coordinator
Email: jody@bobparks.com
Phone (615) 790-7400

I started with Bob Parks Realty the summer of 2007. I am the assistant to the Company Coach, manage the website and all online leads, assist with marketing, assist with phones and daily duties at the Franklin office, and much more! I very much enjoy my job at Bob Parks Realty. I have a 13 year old daughter and reside in Murfreesboro TN. I am originally from Nebraska and will be a Husker fan forever!

Avant Garde Clothes and Designer Shoes at a Discount. Real Designers!

The statement “discount designer” is overused. When I hear this statement, in advertising for example, my first thought is “every store thinks they carry designer clothing.” This is not the case at UAL, which makes it number 94 on my list of Nashville’s Best Kept Secrets.

UAL is located at 2918 West End Avenue near Centennial Park. Do not be put-off by the home-made window décor and poster board hand-written ads, which can be very misleading to the treasures inside. They carry some the best-of-the-best including Gucci, Dolce Cabbana, Veletino, Stella McCartney, and more, all at 50-75% off. They always have a wall of designer jeans for only $9.99 each.

Even at 75% off, a Gucci suite can still cost you a few hundred bucks. What I love is all the other designer’s clothes that are just as beautiful, but not as expensive. For example, a few weeks ago, I purchased a 1980’s inspired jumper short set for $26.00. I have seen many jumpers at other stores, but this one had a touch of sophistication with special attention given to the buttons and waist tie. For anyone who loves real designer clothing at a discount, I recommend UAL!!!!

Here is their information:

UAL
Centennial Park
2918 West End Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
Phone: (615) 340-9999

www.shopual.com

As always, for more information about real estate and community information in the Nashville area, visit www.bobparks.com.

Posted by:  Kimberly Fahey

Bob Parks Realty Corporate Office: Brentwood, TN—Bob Parks Realty just announced that middle Tennessee residents now have access to all residential real estate listings via their mobile phone, smart phones, and GPS enabled phones. Simply text PARKS to 59559 and enter the street address for more information on any home for sale—anytime—regardless if it’s a Bob Parks Realty listing or not! It works on all MLS listings in the middle Tennessee region. You’ll receive back a text with basic property information such as number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square feet, lot size, and asking price.

There’s More!

Is your mobile phone GPS enabled? If so, you can have homes for sale in middle Tennessee find you. With any GPS enabled phone you can find basic property information on the five nearest properties for sale (hosted on MLS middle Tennessee region). Move down the street, refresh your phone, and find five new properties, it’s that easy!

Bob Parks states, “Our goal is to give middle Tennessee home buyers the information they need—when they need it. This is also a cutting-edge service to our home sellers that will help increase offers in a buyer’s market.” Parks continues, “Bringing the latest in real estate technology to middle Tennessee is an ongoing goal for us. We hope they find this texting service convenient and helpful.”

About Bob Parks Realty—www.bobparks.com

Known as the most respected name in middle Tennessee real estate, Bob Parks Realty is home to over 400 agents in Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, Mt. Juliet, Nashville, Smyrna and the surrounding areas. Bob Parks Realty is a member of Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partnership 2010 Program. This means we are the first to know about growth within the Nashville area, which allows us to bring in new residents to the area. In addition, we offer a full menu of residential real estate services including relocation expertise, mortgage assistance, residential development, auction services, a commercial real estate division, property management, and much more.

Visit www.bobparks.com for more information.

Posted by:  Kimberly Fahey

Linda Miller, a top producing real estate professional from The Premier Property Group (PPG) joined over 8 Bob Parks Realtors and more than 25 Nashville area residents for cocktails and real estate information about Hwy 30A, Rosemary Beach, Seacrest, WaterSound, Seaside, Watercolor, and other communities. With the new direct flights via Southwest to the Emerald Coast the crowd was very excited about the opportunity to live in the beautiful coastal area. Brain Tyler also joined the event to let locals know about the new town of Alys Beach. His presentation included everything that makes this town extraordinary including the European style architecture and the future of the area in 10 years.

PPG is very excited that this event will bring three potential new home owners to the area to see how beautiful it truly is in person.

About The Premier Property Group

Located in the heart of the Emerald Coast is The Premier Property Group. A new dynamic real estate firm that is ranked among the top 10% performers by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors. PPG is your best choice when it comes to finding your dream home on The Beach.

For more information visit, www.theppg.net.

Posted by:  Kimberly Fahey