PamelaStevenson

Boston on the 4th

My husband had his annual sales meeting the week of the 4th of July. This year the meeting was in Boston. Fortunately, I was able to attend the meeting with him this year. I could not think of a better place to spend the 4th and see the fireworks than in the historical city of Boston. We were in Boston about four years ago and managed to see a great deal of the city at that time, but it was great to be back and see more. We took a trolley car tour around the city. On the 4th we went to see the Boston Red Sox play at Fenway Park. We had fantastic seats and the weather was great. It was my first professional baseball game. We finished off the 4th by watching a fireworks display unlike anything that I have ever seen. The fireworks were on a barge in the middle of the Charles River. We watched the display with our friends from our hotel room. We had a very enjoyable holiday in Boston. I hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July as well.

New Listings on Center Hill Lake

Whenever we have any free time, my husband and I like to head to Center Hill Lake (unless there is a UT football game at home-another story for later).  I have been fortunate enough to be able to co-list three great building lots and a home at Johnson Chapel.  There is a ramp at Johnson Chapel Recreation area and lots of room for family fun.  All of these lots have lake view and two are an approximate three minute walk to the water.  However, I ride whenever possible.  The home and two acre lot is an exceptional offering.  It has tons of additional parking plus a two car garage and a one car detached garage.  Be sure to look at all three of my new photo albums that show the area (cabin, 3 lots, and Johnson Chapel Recreation Area).  Shown by appointment only.  Give me a call.

Living in Franklin

I love living in Franklin.  However, that was not always the case.  When my husband and I started looking for our first home to buy in the mid 70s, we were sure that we wanted to live in the Green Hills area or the Crieve Hall area in Nashville.  After exhausting our search our real estate agent surprised us by saying, "There is this really cute home in Franklin that I think you would like."  It was a Saturday afternoon and we had spent a tiring morning looking at homes.  I'm in the back seat saying, "No, I don't want to move to Franklin; it's too far out."  My husband says, " Okay, let's look." Needless to say, later in the day we had bought our first home in Franklin.  Franklin was not then what it is now.  I cried the first weekend that I went to the grocery store.  We moved into our first little home on February 26, 1977.  I eventually transferred to a teaching job in Franklin and spent the next thirteen years teaching English at Franklin High and working some as a librarian at Franklin and Pinewood Elementary School. We have grown to love this little town and the history that surrounds it. Our boys were able to attend public education; they were lucky to be able to go thru school with the same group of friends.   It is true that some major changes have taken place in the last 30 years, but there is no where else that we would want to live. In my panel, Franklin at a Glance, you will be able to see some of the charm that won us over and has attracted many people to this county.

Patriotism

SHOW YOUR PATRIOTISM WITH PRIDE BY RAISING YOUR FLAG ON EACH OF THESE DAYS:

New Year's Day - January 1

Inauguration Day - January 20

M.L. King Day - 3rd Monday in January

Lincoln's Birthday - February 12

Washington's Birthday - February 22

President's Day - 3rd Monday in February

Easter Sunday

Patriot's Day - April 19

Mother's Day - 2nd Sunday in May

Armed Forces Day - 3rd Saturday in May

Memorial Day - Last Monday in May

Flag Day - June 14

Father's Day - 3rd Sunday in June

Independence Day - July 4

Labor Day - 1st Monday in September

Columbus Day - October 12

United Nations Day - October 24

Veteran's Day - November 11

Thanksgiving Day - 4th Thursday in November

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - December 7

Christmas Day - December 25

All Election Days

Buying Large Tracts of Land

Every transaction in real estate is different, but the ones that will surprise most is those dealing with more than five acres of land.  First of all, choose a lender in the area where you are purchasing a tract of land.  Be sure to ask up front if that lender makes loans on acreage, especially anything over five acres.  I just recently tried to complete a deal with a lender from out of state on a large tract of land with a home in a neighboring county.  In the eleventh hour the lender tells my client that they will only lend a percentage of the sales price because they don't lend money on large tract of land.  They would only lend on the house and five acres.  The lender will not return my phone calls and has yet to send me a denial letter, which left my buyer and me in a bind.  However, the seller and his agent agreed to terminate the contract with the return of my buyer's earnest money.  I will also share with you that large tracts of land may not have comparable sales that go back only six months as they are sometimes considered unique properties. Tax records may have to be searched for FSBO's (for sale by owners) or the appraiser may do a cost analysis.  However, most lenders use the comparables.

Homeowners Update-My Newsletter

Hello!  I know I already made one post today but I just remembered that I wanted to let everyone know about my Homeowners Update that is sent out every month.  It has great information in it for any homeowner.  If you would like to be on my mailing list please contact me and let me know!  I would be happy to add anyone on.  You can choose for it to be sent to you monthly or quarterly.  Just let me know!  Thanks!

Center Hill Lake

My husband and I just spent a few days at Center Hill Lake, opening up our cabin at Johnsons Chapel.  Our friends, whom we haven't seen in ages, just got back from China, but they did manage to come down and spend a couple of days with us.  My family came down on Monday for our annual cookout.  The weather was great and I managed to rest, since I try to avoid sun. The face of Center Hill has really changed since we bought our cabin in 1980. The homes are becoming more expensive and especially so if they are anywhere close to actual water.  Our friends behind us have their lake home for sale.  It sits on several acres and is a really nice place. Hope that everyone had a great weekend and is ready to get back to work.

My First Attempt at Blogging

As a baby boomer, this is a monumental task for me. Blogging.....who would have ever thought. So here goes!  The last ten months have been pretty busy since my niece announced her engagement last fall.  Her wedding became a family affair, and I do mean a family affair.  I'm very proud of her and her husband Robbie.  Everything became a little crazy at the end with graduation the week before the actual wedding.  Take a look at the  pictures.  The wedding was beautiful and the weather cooperated. Her wedding dress came from Mere Elegance in Cookeville, TN,  and the catering was done by Grade A Catering also located in Cookeville.  During all of this frenzy, I was still able to contine my work in real estate with Bob Parks Realty out of Franklin, TN. Stay tunned for my list of hot shopping areas located in and around the historic town of Franklin as well of some neat places for eating.  I will be heading to Center Hill Lake this weekend, where my husband and I will offically open our cabin for the summer.  As usual we will have a large family gathering on Memorial Day.  For those of you traveling, have a safe trip.  And remember, if you are looking to move this way, give me a call.