Roughly an hour northeast of downtown Nashville, in Westmoreland, is a 173 acre nature conservancy called Taylor Hollow, one of the last remaining vistas of natural wildlife, flora and fauna untouched by man in middle Tennessee. Saturday, January 21^st will provide the novice nature lover a look into the topographic background of the Hollow, unencumbered by the vast amounts of wildflowers that grow in the spring and summer. Taylor Hollow Falls might even be persuaded to showcase some ice formations if the cold holds out.

Roger McCoy of the Natural Heritage Inventory Program will guide the hiking tour along established paths and off-trail in order to experience the winter landscape up close and personal. Winter hikes allow for an off-trail experience not recommended in the warmer months because so many of the rare wildflowers are easily damaged and while most people might not think of signing up for a guided tour outdoors in the dead of winter, it’s a perfect activity to experience yet another side of middle Tennessee and its vast array of beautiful protected land. Tennessee actually has 82 different natural areas protected and maintained by the state as ecological preservations.

Make sure to dress warmly, protect your extremities, and hope that this beautiful dusting of snow lasts long enough to add another dimension to your hike. Reservations must be made by January 18^th (call (615) 532-0437 or e-mail ), and the hike will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the 21^st at 671 Phillips Hollow Road, Westmoreland, Tennessee. Bring your bottled water, a couple snacks, a camera, and a healthy appreciation for all that Tennessee does to protect the wilderness around us.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Tennessee is home to the world’s largest garage sale!

Number 95 of 100 of Nashville’s best kept secrets is the world’s largest garage sale being held on August 5 through August 8. The garage sale headquarters is in Fortress, TN along highway 127 and runs through Dunlap TN, Pikeville TN, and Clarkrange, TN., but it does not stop there. For 675 Miles, the garage sale starts in Gadsen, Alabama and ends in Hudson, Michigan! The sale always starts on the first Thursday in August and runs through the following Sunday. To map your route and get directions, click here.

Items for sale include just about anything you can imagine from antiques, oddities, clothing, to furniture and much more! In fact, the yard sale is so large and long that any organized effort to rent space for vendors is almost impossible. Most of the time local shop and land owners along 127 will put their own signs out to let others know that they do or do not have space available to set-up their shop. There are not any strict rules or regulations. For example, vendors can make their own hours, but they will want to open early because just like any neighborhood yard sale, most people shop early in the morning for the best deals!

For more information, please visit: www.127sale.com

For more information about the most respected name in Middle, TN real estate and homes for sale, visit www.bobparks.com.

Posted by:  Kimberly Fahey

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

In addition to being nominated for Best in Nashville Business, the Greater Nashville House and Home magazine awarded Bob Parks Realty with the “The Readers Favorite Award.” This is a huge honor because the award is based upon the opinions of Middle Tennessee home owners and magazine readers. They cast their votes and stories for their favorite real estate companies, designers, builders, landscapers, and more. 

The 450 plus real estate professionals at Bob Parks Realty are dedicated to providing only the highest level of care for families, communities, and home owners in Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Smyrna, Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Green Hills, Shelbyville, the Nashville area, and Florida’s Emerald Coast. Again, receiving this award is a proud moment as the organization continues to be the Most Respected Name in Real Estate serving Middle Tennessee, Seacrest Beach, and Santa Rosa Florida.

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

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

At www.BobParks.com you can search for all homes for in Middle, TN by subdivision name! Check out these links for real estate information and homes for sale in your neighborhood:

• All Franklin, TN Homes for Sale by Subdivision
• All Murfreesboro, TN Homes for Sale by Subdivision
• All Brentwood, TN Homes for Sale by Subdivision
• All Nashville, TN Homes for Sale by Subdivision
• All Smyrna, TN Homes for Sale by Subdivision

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

Despite the decline in real estate sales, Bob Parks Realty, the most respected name in Middle, TN real estate has not stopped their mission to serve Middle Tennessee residents. Bob Parks Realty invested a significant amount of money and time to local charities and to implement state-of-the-art web technology that better serves residents and real estate agents.

2009 Charity Involvement

Bob Parks Realty raised more than $123,000 for Middle TN communities throughout 2009 and helped save many lives by coordinating two blood drives. The thrill of finding families their perfect home is second only to the joy of giving back to Middle TN residents.

• $30,000 to Mercy Ministries
• $24,000 for Christmas for Kids
• $22,000 for Make a Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee
• $12,000 for the Tennessee School for Blind. And More than $121,000 over the past ten years.
• $14,000 for Christmas for the Children. And over $100,000 for the past ten years.
• $2,300 to Mobil Meals
• $1427.43 to Mitchell Neilson School
• $1751.78 to Jack Anderson School
• Bob Parks Realty helped save many lives by coordinating two blood drives for Red Cross Blood Mobile
• $15,635 to various other charities

Advancements in Web Technology: www.bobparks.com

Community involvement is not the only thing that sets Bob Parks Realty apart from other real estate companies. Www.bobparks.com is a local company that can compete with nationally-known online real estate giants like realtor.com. The Bob Parks difference is the focus on Middle Tennessee communities and families.

About Bob Parks Realty

Bob Parks Realty is the most respected name in Middle, TN real estate. To find your next dream home or to become an agent , visit www.bobparks.com.

Connect with Bob Parks Realty On

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

LINKEDIN

Posted By: Kimberly Fahey