Secret No 96: Montgomery Bell State Park

Number 96 of 100 of Nashville’s Best Kept Secrets is Montgomery Bell State Park, which is located approximately 30-40 minutes West of downtown Nashville. This parks is not only beautiful, but it’s also one of few parks with a dedicated mountain biking trail in the Nashville area. Even though a lot of state parks mention mountain biking trails, they are often shared by horseback riders, which does not go hand-in-hand on a path barely wide enough for a front tire.

The park also includes more than 100 picnic areas, rustic cabins, and campgrounds. It’s perfect for a couple, family, or even some time alone. There is also a creek that runs through the campground with some campsites located along the bank. The trails include more than 18 miles of scenic tall trees and fresh air. You can also hike the backcountry trail which has three overnight shelters open year-round.

For more information, visit: http://www.stateparks.com/montgomery_bell.html

About Bob Parks Realty

The most respected name in middle Tennessee real estate, Bob Parks Realty is home to over 400 real estate professionals serving families and home owners in Murfreesboro, Brentwood, Franklin, Nashville. Gallatin, Hendersonville, Smyrna, Green Hills and the surrounding area. For more information about Bob Parks Realty, visit www.bobparks.com.

Posted by:  Kimberly Fahey

Leslie Gannon, Relocation Manager and Tammy Carroll, Vice President of Corporate Real Estate Services at Bob Parks Realty announced that Jackson National Life Insurance company will be moving to Franklin, TN across from Nissan headquarters.

Jackson National Life Insurance is a AA rated company with eleven facilities across the country. They expect the move to occur within the next year and they plan to hire 500-700 new employees. Several executive will be relocating including the CEO Mike Wells.

This project originated from the Nashville Chamber 2010 Partnership recruiting efforts. They worked on this project for approximately 3 years and they checked out 44 cities before deciding on Middle Tennessee. Contributing factors were: education pool of workers, way of life, and balanced economy. The move is not based upon cost, it was based on Nashville as a whole and all it has to offer.

This is great news for Nashville!

For information about relocating to middle Tennessee or the Nashville area, check out these Bob Parks Realty community pages:

· Brentwood Homes for Sale, Real Estate Info

· Franklin Homes for Sale, Real Estate Info

· Hendersonville Homes for Sale, Real Estate Info

· LaVergne Homes for Sale, Real Estate Info

· Mount Juliet Homes for Sale, Real Estate Info

· Murfreesboro Homes for Sale, Real Estate Info

· Nashville Homes for Sale, Real Estate Info

· Shelbyville Homes for Sale, Real Estate Info

· Smyrna Homes for Sale, Real Estate Info

Discover why these top producing agents chose the most respected name in Franklin and Brentwood, TN real estate!

Leanne Vande Kamp
Franklin Office
615-557-8552
“Hands-down, I chose Bob Parks because of their reputation.”

Mary Ray CRS, GRI
Brentwood Office
615-456-4810
“I chose Bob Parks for their support and technology.”

Charles Stearns
Brentwood Office
615-604-3122
“Training and personal coaching is the reason I chose Bob Parks.”

Ron Shapton
Franklin Office
615-891-8260
“I love the modern downtown Franklin facility.”


For more information about joining the most respected real estate agents in town, please visit www.bobparks.com/careers.

Posted By: Kimberly Fahey

This weekend, Brentwood, TN residents may be exploring their options for some great egg-hunting, décor ideas, and Sunday events. To all Brentwood, TN families and residents, here is a list of websites and places that may help you have a more festive weekend and family fun!

Great Websites

• Cool Egg Decorating Ideas
• Home Décor from Pottery Barn
• Egg Hunting Game Ideas
• Unique Basket Ideas

Brentwood, TN Services

Good Friday

United Methodist Church
309 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN
Good Friday: Service at 7 pm
A Special Easter Program at 6 pm Saturday

Easter Fun Programs and Services

Harpeth Hills Church of Christ
1949 Old Hickory Blvd
Easter Services at 8:30, 9:45 and 10:50 am

Brentwood United Methodist Church

309 Franklin Road
Special Easter Program at 5:30 am
Easter services 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 9:30 am 11 am

East Brentwood Presbyterian Church

9000 Concord Road
Easter service at 8:30 am and 11 am
Please bring fresh flowers

Posted By: Kimberly Fahey

In addition to being one of the best places to get ahead, Williamson County was most recently named one of the most wealthiest suburbs by Forbes Magazine, not only in Tennessee but nationwide. Top on the list included many northern counties near DC, New York, and California. These wealthy suburbs are linked to more populated inner cities with a significant industry. For example, the Williamson County area in Tennessee is home to many executives employed by Healthcare Corporation of America, the music business, and other self-employed executives in a wide-range of businesses that serve these markets.

Williamson County also offers picturesque rolling-hill acreage and land development that you cannot find anywhere else. Located just a few miles from the Nashville nightlife, it offers everything that busy professionals need to get ahead, raise a family, and enjoy peaceful Sunday mornings overlooking beautiful Tennessee landscapes.

Bob Parks Realty currently has several real estate professionals serving the needs of home buyers in this area. To find an agent, visit www.bobparks.com. Following are just some of the homes being offered:

$3,495,000
125 Steeplechase
Nashville, TN 37221

Located on 4 plus magnificent Tennessee acres with phenomenal resort-style outdoor living: saltwater pool, diving area, swim-up bar, 10 person hot tub, exotic cabana and more! PERFECT 10!

Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 8 full 1 partial Square Feet: 11585 Subdivision: Warner Park Area: 10-Williamson MLS ID: 1159917

$2,994,500
132 STEEPLECHASE LN
Franklin, TN 37221

LUXURY with all the amenities! FREE housekeeping. FREE lawn & landscape care. FREE pool care. FREE trainer for your new workout rm. ALL FREE for 2 years! NO HOA fees! 2.79 acre sanctuary w/fenced yard is PRICED BELOW APPRAISAL FREE WARRANTY on builder’s personal residence

Bedrooms: 8 Bathrooms: 8 full 2 partial Square Feet: 12756 Subdivision: Warner Park Area: 10-Williamson MLS ID: 1086015

• Check out all homes and estates for sale in Williamson County
• Check out all homes in Nashville, TN $800,000 Plus
• Check out all homes in Brentwood, TN $800,000 Plus
• Check out all homes in Franklin, TN $800,000 Plus

For more information about Bob Parks Realty, visit www.bobparks.com.

Posted By: Kimberly Fahey

Brentwood, TN has a reputation for being one of the best places to live in the Nashville area. Located just a few miles from the downtown Nashville nightlife and many corporations like Bob Parks Realty, HealthCare Corporation of America (HCA), Nissan, Bridgestone Firestone, and many more. Brentwood communities are ranked very well compared to national standards. Let’s take a look:

Brentwood, TN

Median Age: 43 years

Median Income: $132,618 per year

Population Growth: 33.1%

Brentwood, TN Population Stats

Male : 49 %
Female 50%
Married 75%
Single: 24%
Families 45%

Brentwood, TN Housing Market

Average Age of a Home: 16 years

Average Home Price: $611,919

Homeowners: 93.79 %

Renters: 4.31 %

Brentwood, TN Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Search all Brentwood, TN Real Estate

Search for Brentwood Homes by Subdivision Name

Search by Brentwood School District

For more information about homes for sale in Smyrna, TN, check out these links:

• Under $200,000

• $200,000 - $400,000

• $400,000 - $600,000

• $600,000 - $800,000

• $800,000 Plus

  Posted By: Kimberly Fahey

Now is the time to think about real estate! With tax credits, the low interest rates, and with the over-correction of the local real estate market, affordability has reached levels that we have not seen for years! And, it’s unlikely buyers will see this type of market for many, many years to come.

Promising news for home buyers and owners:

• January 2010 marked the fourth straight month where homes sales increased. This is followed by 39 straight months of declines. This trend is expected to continue with a 5-10% increase throughout 2010.
• New construction experts agree that 2010 will see this number begin to climb too. A shortage of inventory is likely to occur in late 2010 in lower to mid-range price points.
• Steve Murray, a nationally recognized real estate expert notes: We are in a soft-bottom and have started a long slow recovery.

A Time to Buy!

• An $8,000 tax credit is available for first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010
• A $6,500 tax credit is available for current home owners who have been in their home for five consecutive years and plan to purchase a new or used home by April 30, 2010. (see all the details under the “client resources” link at www.bobparks.com)
• Interest rates remain at historic lows. As of late February 2010, 15 year fixed rates are near 4.5% and 30 year rates are around 5% for home loans.
• Most financial experts believe rates will begin to rise in the coming months

To list your home with the most respected name in Middle, TN real estate, click here.

Visit www.bobparks.com to search for your next dream home in Murfreesboro, Franklin, Brentwood, Smyrna, Nashville, Green Hills , Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, and more!

Posted By: Kimberly Fahey

The initial cost to implement green and healthier living in your home may seem like it’s too much, but when you compare the benefits and energy saved, you come out way ahead. The results and cost of implementing tankless water heaters, high efficiency HVAC, PEX water pipes, spray foam, etc can equal a 30-70% reduced energy bill, plus increase the overall resale value of your home. In addition to cost savings, your air quality is up to 50% cleaner.

Another way to look at implementing healthier and cost reduced living would be to consider buying a green HOME the next time you are house hunting. One of the major builders in Middle TN is Herrington Homes, LLC. They focus on building LEED® certified homes. LEED is a rating system that sets the standard for designing and building high performance healthy homes that use less energy, water, and natural resources.

Check out this green LEED home currently on the market in Hendersonville:

1547 Hunt Club BLVD, Hendersonville, TN 37066

$479,900 MLS # 1067037

Total SQ 3070

For more information on finding green LEED® certified home in Middle, TN contact Dan Herrington with Bob Parks Realty at (615) 975-9021. Click here for all homes for sale in Hendersonville.

• Bellevue Homes for sale

• Brentwood Homes for sale

• Franklin Homes for sale

• Green Hills Homes for sale

• Murfreesboro Homes for Sale

• Nashville Homes for Sale

• Smyrna Homes for Sale

Posted By: Kimberly Fahey

When it comes to looking for a house online, let’s face it, there are so many sites to choose from… too many to count. If I had to pick just one thing that I like most about the Bob Parks Realty website, it would be the focus on community information in Middle, TN! In fact, I think this is what separates Bob Parks from all others. Check out the following pages:

• Bellevue Community and Homes for sale

• Brentwood Community and Homes for sale

• Franklin Community and Homes for sale

• Green Hills Community and Homes for sale

• Murfreesboro Community and Homes for Sale

• Nashville Area and Homes for Sale

• Smyrna Community and Homes for Sale

Posted By: Kimberly Fahey

Dawne Davis
Area Brentwood
Office Phone (615) 370-8669
Mobile (615) 945-7139
Fax (615) 370-8013
Email dawnedavis@realtracs.com
Website www.DawneDavisProperties.blogspot.com
Blog DawneDavisProperties.blogspot.com


Real Estate Profile
Born in Memphis, Tennessee and educated in Virginia, Dawne spent 15 years living and working in the Washington, D.C. area. She and her family returned home to Tennessee, in 2000, settling in rural Rutherford County.
Dawne enjoyed a successful 17 year career in the world of Fundraising, which required passion, confidentiality, drive, attention to detail, superior communication skills and a true talent for relationship building.
Today, she applies her experience and expertise to real estate sales. As a Realtor with Bob Parks Realty, Dawne is committed to delivering a level of service which you expect and deserve from a real estate agent. She is a top-notch professional and an integral part of her community.

Previous experience:
* Officer of the Board and Fundraising Consultant for the John Davis Company.
* Development Director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee
* Freelance Fundraising Executive - Coordinated Presidential fundraising events for US Senate candidates in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York.

Community Leadership:
* Co-Founder and Vice President of the Board (2001-2003) of Montessori School of Franklin
* President, Parent/Teacher Organization (2001-2004) Eagleville School, Eagleville, TN
* Raised over $70,000 to successfully recruit "Kids On Stage" satellite program for Eagleville School
* Junior Achievement Volunteer Teacher, Franklin Road Academy, Nashville
* Supporter of the Make A Wish Foundation
* Supporter of the Monroe Carell, Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

Bob Downing
Area Brentwood
Office Phone (615) 370-8669
Mobile (615) 481-9813
Pager (615) 518-5244
Fax (615) 370-8013
Email downingr@realtracs.com


Real Estate Profile
I love working with buyers. My primary area of emphasis is Nashville Area 2 and all of Williamson County. I hold designations of ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) and CSP (Certified New Home Sales Professional).

One of my favorite methods of working with buyers involves automated internet search updates and frequent e-mail correspondence. Feel free to call me and see if you like my methods of operation.

Other Website Links:
www.wmnhw.com (What’s My Nashville Home Worth)

Vicki Oczkowicz
Area Brentwood
Office Phone (615) 370-8669
Mobile (615) 430-0980
Fax (615) 370-8013
Email oczk@realtracs.com



Real Estate Profile
I have been licensed since 1995 and have actively worked in real estate since then. I specialize in residential sales but also work with land and farms. I also work with relocation. I have earned the CRS, GRI, ABR and the e-pro designations.

Fran Harmon
Area Brentwood
Office Phone (615) 370-8669
Fax (615) 370-8013
Email fran@franharmon.com
Website www.FranHarmon.com
Fran's Facebook Page
Fran's ActiveRain Page

About Fran:

Fran has been active in the real estate business for over 18 years and has worked both in corporate relocation and residential sales. Numerous personal moves as a military wife have given Fran special insight into the specific challenges with every move, regardless of whether the move is across town or across the country. Working as a Relocation counselor and as a Relocation Director, Fran has been responsible for seeing that not only the transferee’s transition is smooth, but the entire family’s experience is positive. Fran has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist designation (CRS), a designation that requires completing a rigorous course of advanced training and by meeting significant experience requirements. Only 4% of all REALTORS in the U. S. can call themselves Certified Residential Specialist. Fran also holds the designations of Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), and is working toward her E-Pro Designation (E-Pro). She has been honored as Lifetime Multi-Million Dollar Producer, a Circle of Excellence recipient, and has consistently been ranked in the top 5% companywide. These accomplishments take dedication, determination and a passion for excellence. She strives to give her clients and customers top-notch service in every aspect of the transaction. A tribute to her commitment, Fran’s business comes almost entirely by referral. Fran is also passionate about her community and supports the Make A Wish Foundation, Daystar Counseling Ministries, YMCA, My Friend’s House, Habitat for Humanity, Graceworks Ministries, and numerous other community projects.

Testimonials:

“Thank you so much for all your time and patience in helping us select our new home. Your support and dedication to us throughout the home building process will never be forgotten.” – Dave & Laurie

“I sincerely appreciate the thorough and professional job you performed on the sale of our rental house. It was a pleasure for me to work with you. Thank you for the focus, dedication, and timeliness!” – Conrad Camp

“You have a knack for making clients feel they are the only people you are working for at the time.” – Anita Guisler

“As always, it was a pleasure working with Fran in selling my home. I’ve had the opportunity to work with other real estate agents and Fran provides a quality of service that exceeds most agents. She’s the “yardstick” I use to define what makes a good real estate agent. – Susan Lytle

“Fran helped me when I moved here as a single parent to find the right home for my daughter and me. Since then, she has helped me sell that home and purchase another one. She has also helped my sister find the perfect home. I am writing this because “the client for life” took on a new meaning for me this year. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer and needed chemotherapy treatments, my sister and I right away made a list of the dearest friends we have that we knew we could count on to help me through this. First on the list was Fran. She was the first baby-sitter and had the hardest night of them all. What a great gift to find an area to succeed in that also allows you to serve others and help others with genuine compassion.” – Colleen Murphy

Carol Hearne
Area Brentwood
Office Phone (615) 370-8669
Mobile (615) 497-0570
Fax (615) 370-8013
Email carolhearne@bobparks.com



Personal Profile
* Grew up in Florida
* Retired 30 years Official Court Reporter for State of FL
* Resident of Franklin, TN since 2003

Designations:
* Certified Residential Specialist, e-Pro, Affiliate Broker
Experience:
* Licensed Realtor in TN since June, 2004.
* Recipient of awards for production in 2006 and 2007
Specialties:
* Residential sales and acquisitions in Williamson, Maury and Davidson Counties
Charity Involvement:
* Make-a-Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Graceworks

Jack Miller
Areas Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin
Office Phone (615) 370-8669
Mobile (615) 308-7776
Fax (615) 370-8013
Email jsmiller@comcast.net
Website http://www.wipeyourfeet.net
Jack's Current Listings
Jack's Facebook Page

Jack Miller of the stutts-miller group is consistently one of the top producing agents with Bob Parks Realty annually and is recognized by the Nashville Business Journal as one of the Top 25 agents in the Greater Nashville Area (of 8,000 agents). Jack earned a B.A. at the College of William and Mary in Virginia and settled in Nashville in the fall of 1988 after completing his Master's Degree at the University of Tennessee. Jack, who holds a broker's license, has also earned his GRI and ABR designations and is a member of the GNAR (Greater Nashville Association of Realtors).

Jack volunteers as a youth mentor for foster and high risk children with Youth Villages and Monroe Harding as well as actively supporting Make A Wish of Middle Tennessee (Jack was the first President of MAW and served on the local board for many years).

http://http://www.midtnwishes.org
http://www.youthvillages.org/tennessee-loc.aspx
http://http://www.monroeharding.org

TESTIMONIALS:

“Clare and I were moving from Colorado and needed to find a home quickly that would meet a number of criteria. We wanted a good school system, a neighborhood for kids, and quick resale if we relocate in the next few years. The Stutts-Miller Group really responded: utilizing their Instant Access software and multiple team members working with us over several weekends, we found a great home that really meets our needs. Their follow up through closing was also very professional and helped what could have been a rough closing proceed without incident. We would recommend them to friends in a minute!” -Pete & Clare Kersten

“I wanted to pass along my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the enormous role you played in helping me to become a happy Nashville home owner. Looking back on the last 2+ months, it's clear to me that you did a fantastic job representing my interests, tracking the myriad of details surrounding the transaction with Instant Access and perhaps most importantly, always giving honest answers to my countless questions. Without belaboring the point, I'll simply say I can't imagine working with a better agent or team. I also want you to know that I'll be recommending you to future Asurion homebuyers.”    - Steve Hatzis