Have you ever wondered what your Realtor(R) does when she is not showing homes to you? Is she sitting around chilling out, eating candy, waiting for the phone to ring? In a word: nope.  So what are some of the tasks a good Realtor does?

For every hour I spend in your presence, I’ll generally spend 10-20 hours working on your behalf, and it’s work that you will generally not ever see — unless you ask. What tasks am I doing for you? Let’s present a few of those tasks here.

1. I’m going over property listings constantly, to see if the home that fits your requirements (location, size, floor plan, style, acreage, your method of financing, and budget) has come up. I discover a listing that fits all of your demands — except you really wanted a half-acre yard, and this one is only a quarter acre. I’ll likely send it to you anyway, so it’s important that we talk often about where your priorities REALLY lie. But if you’re financing with FHA and this home is not FHA-approved, I won’t even send it. This is one of the reasons I’m often asking you “do you want to go visit this one?” — because I’ve been shopping online for you, and I know this one hits the mark closer than ANYTHING else listed for the past days, weeks, or months.

2. I’ll go check out homes in person. If I discover that this home is the first one on the block to be gentrified, then I know that you’re probably going to be paying a premium price — and I’ll share that info with you, because I want you to get a great deal. I also attend meetings with other Realtors (and I scour Realtor- only webgroups) who announce homes they are about to list. I might get first shot at a home this way — and with the lack of inventory in Nashville, being the “early bird” is sometimes the only way to snag a super home.

3. I write up offers, counteroffers, addenda, and remain in contact with your mortgage lender. I send emails to (and call, cajole, and threaten if necessary) the folks when I need a certain form signed. I arrange and attend the home inspection, the termite inspection, and when we need to get a professional out to look at the deck or the septic tank or the roof or the… If you want a radon inspection done or an estimate on how much it will cost to get the entire house repainted, I’ll arrange that and attend that too. I will arrange for professional pictures to be taken — and attend that session too. I am there for you.

4. I smooth out bumps in the road that you may not have ever even recognized. Buyers AND sellers get emotional during the buying / selling process, and I will do my best to shield you from the high drama. And I try to keep you calm, too, so you might say that I end up serving as your “home therapist.”

5. I also maintain my professional status by attending continuing education classes, keeping my dues paid, my Sentricard updated, my marketing in order. Somehow I find time to write up a newsletter and to place posts on Facebook and on my website’s blog.

So when I act as your agent, there’s a lot that goes into that relationship. It’s all the work I do to make sure you’re happy, because my goal — always — is to get you to a better place.

Many homeowners in/around greater Nashville are already looking ahead to 2016, and they are wondering what will be the hottest design trends in real estate. Here are six trends you’re going to see more of as you begin to search for your new home. These are terrific Nashville 2016 upgrades, and I’d love to see any of them in a home you choose. What do YOU think? Which one is YOUR favorite?

1. Standard tubs are out; luxurious shower stalls are in.
There’s nothing wrong with tubs, to be sure.  But the majority of us tend to be busy busy busy these days, and we welcome the chance to get a quick shower.   You’ll see more walk-in showers, more frameless options, and a significant upgrade is choosing a “rain shower” head and/or multiple jets.  If you are planning a bathroom remodel in 2016, do consider adding a luxurious shower stall with a seat installed.

2.  “Low boy” toilets are out; higher, ADA-compliant toilets are in.  As homeowners are aging in place (wink here; we’re all aging in place), we might find that our joints and knees and back are a little more sensitive these days.   So when you’re planning your 2016 bathroom remodel, change out the toilet to one that sits 2-3 inches higher.  These are generally called “ADA-compliant” toilets, and you’ll find them to be more comfortable.  Another added bonus is that toilets are much more stylish these days.  You’ll also see way fewer round toilet seats; oval seats are definitely the way to go.

3.  Ceramic tile in the kitchen is out; glass tile is in.  Glass subway tile is extremely affordable, and it comes in every color of the rainbow (and more).  Glass tile just makes sense in the kitchen, too.  The design on ceramic tiles goes out of style: haven’t you ever been in a kitchen with ceramic tile sporting an ornate flower pattern and you thought, yeah, I recognize that pattern from the 1980s?  Glass is obviously more timeless, although you do need to choose your colors carefully.  And you don’t have to choose subway tiles (generally 3×6 inches) either; glass tiles offer exciting design trends.

4.  Cherry and oak cabinets are out for kitchen cabinets; modern paints are in.  As a Realtor(R), I get to visit a lot of kitchens, including brand new builds, and gauging by my clients’ reactions, painted kitchen cabinets — especially pure, stunning white, and a second version generally called “milk” paint — always get the biggest happy responses.  Obviously, pure, stunning white cabinets scream cleanliness, and they allow the other colors in the room (the countertops, the appliances, the hardware) to shine.  But a slightly less formal version, the “milk” paint, is also gorgeous: it’s still light and clean, but the ivory tint with small flecks of brown that just makes you feel comfortable; it’s more forgiving.  In your 2016 remodel, you’ll often see the horizontal and vertical veins stained in a darker color, too.

5.  Granite is not “out”, but quartz is getting more “in”!  Granite remains a popular choice in all kitchens, so I can’t bear to write that granite is “out.”  But in high-end kitchen remodels, you’ll see a lot more engineered quartz taking center stage.  One of the more popular brands of engineered quartz is called Silestone.  It comes in as many colors as granite, and apparently it requires even less maintenance.  But this beauty comes with a price, of course.  Generally, Silestone is about 30% more expensive than granite.  If you are seeking a high-end remodel for your countertops, Silestone is a great choice.  There’s lots of choose from in countertops these days.  Expect to see remodels with concrete counters and those with rare woods as well.

6.  High-end appliance models are out; name brands are in.  I’ll cover this point quickly.  Those who seek high-end kitchen remodels used to choose the top-of-the-line, most expensive appliances in their remodels.  But the 2016 trend you’ll see is that more standard, respected brand names are sufficient.  We know they’ll last for the number of years we’ll need (before we tackle our next kitchen remodel).  Saving a little money on name brand appliances allows you to devote those funds elsewhere.  Makes sense.

One of the lessons that was drilled into your Realtor(R) when she was studying for her license is “under all is the land.”  So my last 2016 upgrade to discuss is not land, but flooring.

7.  Make-do, good-enough flooring is out; real wood flooring is in.   Oak flooring is timeless, no question there.  But if you choose a hand-scraped version (where, as in the photo, you can see the slight waves in each plank), you have just upgraded your floor to something phenomenal.  Cherry (more red), hickory (more taupe), birch (more white), and maple are other popular hardwood choices.  The flooring makes a big statement about your home, so don’t be afraid to “go big” for your flooring choice.  Hand-scraped is not significantly more expensive, so it is an excellent choice.  (I might be showing too much enthusiasm here).

These are all good ideas for your 2016 remodel.  Once you’re ready to find that home, please give me a call.  Happy 2016!

If you hate popcorn ceilings (as so many of us do), the most common recommendation is to get out the hose with a sprayer attached, several good paint scrapers, a couple of ladders, and scrape away. Oh yeah, buy several tubes of Ben-Gay, too, because your shoulders are going to ache!  It is certainly tedious work, and if your home was built in the 1950s or 1960s, there’s a chance they may be asbestos under that popcorn.

The Lighter Side of Real Estate published an alternate: put up interlocking wood paneling.  The result is beautiful, so take a moment to click on the link below to witness the project step by step.

Popcorn Ceilings!

Your Nashville home will almost certainly fetch a better price with these stylish (new) ceilings.  Enjoy!

On August 31, Realtor.com published the nation’s Top 20 Hottest Real Estate markets.  I’m pleased to report that Nashville made the list!

I have been personally offline for the majority of August due to a hospitalization, surgery, and my subsequent recovery.  But Autumn is nearing, and by the time the weather cools off just a little bit, I will be ready to again help those who are interested in selling or buying in/around Nashville, TN.

Read the full article here:  http://www.realtor.com/news/trends/the-hottest-housing-markets-of-august-2015/

Call me at 615.870.4094 or email me at sfelton@realtracs.com when the leaves start to fall!

• Spencer McKee

• 1,133 views

Known for being one of the most lively, energetic cities in the country, Nashville can also be pretty pricey.  However, there are plenty of awesome suburbs in the area that make it easy to experience the big city life on a budget.

Here are the 10 most affordable suburbs in the Nashville area.

1. White Bluff

Key Stats:

• Median household income: $45,637
• Median home value: $117,800

A tiny town of around 3,000 residents, White Bluff tops this list thanks to a high level of overall affordability in each category we looked at.  The cost of living is very low, homes are affordable, and the people don’t spend all of their paychecks on bills each month.

If you’re looking for a great place to live on a budget while still having access to Nashville, this might be the town for you.

2. Greenbrier

Key Stats:

• Median household income: $52,500
• Income spent on rent: 19.4 percent

Only 23 miles north of Nashville, Greenbrier is a great suburb with a small community feel.  While this city is away from the hustle and bustle of being downtown, its close proximity to Nashville will give you access to all of the world class shopping and entertainment you want.

Perfect for people that don’t necessarily want to live in a huge city, but still want all the amenities, Greenbrier is the best of both worlds.

3. La Vergne

Key Stats:

• Income spent on rent: 28.4 percent
• Median home value: $132,200

Taking into account the median household income and median home value, La Vergne is the most affordable suburb on our list.  While the home value is a little higher than some of these other Nashville suburbs, the median household income is also boosted quite a bit.

Another plus for this town is that the local industry is booming, as this city is home to one of two huge printing plants for the international Lightning Source publishing company, as well as large employment centers for Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. and Schneider Electric.

4. Burns

Key Stats:

• Income spent on rent: 28.8 percent
• Median home value: $129,900

Hopefully Burns’ 1,500 residents won’t mind that we’re sharing their secret about how awesome their tiny town is. The cost of living here is extremely low, meaning that every dollar you spend here will stretch a long way.

With an average household income of close to $50,000, this is a great place to save some dough during the early stages of your career in the Nashville area.

5. Springfield

Key Stats:

• Median household income: $38,750
• Median home value: $129,300

With several local parks, it’s easy to relax in this beautiful part of the state at places like the J. Travis Price Park and Garner Street Park.  Plus, Springfield is only a 30 minute drive from all the awesome live music in Nashville.

This a great place for a young family that’s new to the Nashville area as they’ll be able to find plenty of things to do in the local area without blowing their bank account.

6. Smyrna

Key Stats:

• Income spent on rent: 28.6 percent
• Median household income: $51,539

Smyrna was listed by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best places in the country to retire, probably because a retirement fund can be stretched pretty far there.  With an average home value of $150,000, expect to find neighborhoods that are nice and affordable.

A town that started as an agrarian community on a railroad, Smyrna has since grown into an economic and recreational powerhouse of the region.  With huge employers like Nissan, Asurion, and Taylor Farms in the area, finding a good job won’t be too difficult.  There are also 10 parks in the area and seven miles of greenway trails for running and biking.

7. Ashland City

Key Stats:

• Median household income: $38,984
• Median home value: $117,600

Nestled on the banks of the Cumberland River, Ashland City is regularly recognized for how beautiful the local area is, with tons of outdoor recreational hotspots and stunning views.  It’s definitely a place where you’ll want to have a boat and the good news is, you’ll probably be able to afford it.

While the median household income might seem a bit low, it’s important to note that the cost of living and cost of home ownership is on the lower side as well, making Ashland City a very affordable suburb to call home, especially with so much natural beauty to enjoy.

$80,0001657 Neptune Rd, Ashland City

8. Cross Plains

Key Stats:

• Income spent on rent: 23.3 percent
• Median household income: $50,096

Another tiny town of less than 2,000 residents, Cross Plains is great for commuters. While the lower population means that there won’t be as much going on locally, the very low percentage spent on rent means there’s plenty of money left over to basically make Nashville your second home.

Offering the quintessential small town life, Cross Plains is definitely worth checking out if you’re trying to find a spot near Nashville on a budget.

$169,9005002 E Robertson Rd, Cross Plains

$279,90081 Deer Run Rd, Cross Plains

9. White House

Key Stats:

• Median home value: $173,800
• Income spent on rent: 30.7 percent

The Nashville suburb of White House is only 22 miles from downtown.  With a fun and friendly local atmosphere, this city has put a ton of effort into bringing new business to the community in recent years.

The future’s looking bright in White House, meaning that you should take advantage of it’s affordability while you still can.

10. Gallatin

Key Stats:

• Median home value: $159,000
• Median household income: $68,021

Home to great schools, great roads, and a low tax rate, the Nashville suburb of Gallatin really is the total package.  With over 30,000 residents and a beautiful location on the Cumberland River, there’s always something going on here.

Aside from having six parks and plenty of recreational sports, Gallatin is also home to huge companies like Gap, Inc. RR Donnelley, and Servpro Industries, Inc.

Search Homes For Sale In Gallatin

$320,000109 Meadowlake Dr, GallatinBed: 3 Bath: 2 2,483 Sq. Ft.

Our Methodology

To create this list of affordable Nashville suburbs, we considered the following criteria, taking into account what people on a budget might be most interested in:

• Cost of living
• Median home value
• Percentage of income spent on rent
• Affordability ratio (median home value divided by median household income)

We then averaged those scores into one overall score and the places with the ten lowest scores made up our list of the ten most affordable Nashville suburbs.

For this list, we sourced data from AreaVibes, business listings, and the 2013 U.S. Census American Community Survey.

Want to see how all 21 Nashville suburbs stacked up? Take a look at the table below:

Here is Sharon’s perspective on many of the various greater Nashville neighborhoods. But do recognize that your mileage may vary!

12th South
If, in the course of a single afternoon, you need a sparkly sequin-encrusted ballgown (or suit), a yoga lesson, a yummy cheeseburger and a hibiscus popsicle, 12th South is the neighborhood for you! All of these offerings (and tons more) can be found with a few blocks walk in 12th South. Because of the proximity to Belmont, Music Row, and Vanderbilt, 12th South homes are among the most popular residences in all of Nashville. Add to that the gorgeous Sevier Park with its weekly farmers markets and its new community center, and you have a neighborhood where everybody wants to live.

Downtown /The Gulch
Living downtown means that you must embrace the all the happenings of Music City: not only the music, but also the pedestrian and vehicle traffic lured to the Bridgestone Arena, Music City Center, the Ryman, LP Field, and the 60+ bars and restaurants. Enjoy neon lights, souvenir shops, people both on task and those who are simply wandering around, including tourists who may have imbibed a drink or two? If that kind of energy excites you, living downtown will be a dream. Downtown: Ambrose Lofts, Art Avenue Lofts, Bennie Dillon Bldg., Church Street Lofts, the Cumberland, Kress Lofts, Viridian.

The Gulch attracts young adults who wish to reside right in the heart of active Nashville. The Gulch is just a bit south of downtown Nashville but it has a seriously trendy vibe. There’s plenty of shopping and entertainment, different, and non-run-of-the-mill dining options: 25+ bars and restaurants, a grocery store, a bike sharing spot, and workout places. The Gulch is the first neighborhood in the South to receive “LEED for Neighborhood Development” certification from the United States Green Building Council. Gulch: Laurel House, Mercury View Lofts, Pine Street Lofts, the Icon, Terrazzo, Velocity, Twelve Twelve.

Belle Meade
Drive south on West End and turn left at the bronze horse statues. You’ll be within a small, 3-square mile area that contains some of the priciest homes in all of Tennessee. Its 3,000 residents have a per capita income that’s among the highest in the nation. Former residents include Al & Tipper Gore, Taylor Swift, and the former Postmaster General of the U.S. Belle Meade is part of Metropolitan Government, but they retain their own independent status, with their own Police Department and mayor. Enjoy visiting the Belle Meade mansion there, Percy Warner Park, or the fabulous Cheekwood botanical gardens. And if you live in Belle Meade, we certainly encourage you to join the Belle Meade Country Club so you can enjoy their 18-hole golf course, which originally opened in 1901 and was completely redesigned in 2004.

Vanderbilt/Belmont/Hillsboro
Middle Tennessee is home to 14 colleges and universities, but among the most famous are Vanderbilt and Belmont, located within a healthy walking distance of each other. Speaking of healthy, Vanderbilt’s Medical Center, and its first-rate Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, both sit at the top of the “We’re Proud of Nashville” list. Belmont faces, and is steps away from, Music Row, and they are also known for having hosted the Presidential debates. With these two powerhouse institutions, you shouldn’t be surprised to know that housing in the Vanderbilt/ Belmont/ Hillsboro Road area is scarce and pricey. If you don’t mind getting a little further away, check out the Edgehill community that covers about four blocks bordered by Edgehill Avenue. Don’t live in Nashville without regular visits to Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro Village. And you continue down 21st/Hillsboro Rd., you’ll then enter Green Hills. These areas are Nashville at its best!

East Nashville
Can you say eclectic? East Nashville is that, for sure. Cross the Cumberland River and within a few blocks of one another, you’ll find 1930s homes that have been gentrified to sleek contemporary residences and other homes that are badly in need of some tender loving care and a new paint job. You’ll find a slate of young musicians and songwriters in East Nash, and many others who couldn’t possibly tell you what a “tweet” is. If you’re looking for great food, there’s a cool new restaurant or bar on virtually every corner – and next month, expect something new to pop up somewhere. East Nashville has limitless energy and a great sense of community. Ready to join the party? Let us know in advance, because East Nash homes fly off the market!

Germantown/Salemtown
Just north of downtown, residents of Germantown/ Salemtown are understandably proud of their neighborhood features, including Farmers Market, the Bicentennial Mall, a direct line of sight to the Capitol, and the just-completed new Nashville Sounds baseball stadium. With most of the buildings and homes originally erected in the 1830s-1860s, by 1970 or so, many structures were condemned. Hence, over the past 15 years, Germantown has sprung back to life. It boasts a diverse collection of residents with lots of high-rise lofts, apartments, and condos. Werthan Lofts, for instance, used to be a bag factory. If you want tall, new, modern, trendy, consider Germantown. And there are plenty of niche restaurants to visit (Red Bicycle Coffee and Crepes, for one)!

West End/Nashville West
The piece de resistance of West End is Centennial Park, and no visit to Nashville is complete without an afternoon spent there. Centennial Park is filled with dog walkers, Frisbee players, kite flyers, crafts fairs, and those who simply enjoy the fresh outdoors. There are places to live within walking distance to Centennial Park, but most folks will choose a place down Murphy Road, Charlotte Avenue, or White Bridge Road, three streets (with their off-shoots) that comprise a high percentage of Nashville dwellers. Keep headed out Charlotte and you’ll arrive at Nashville West, a recently-developed shopping mall that has just about anything you could ask for. Bobbie’s Dairy Dip is a popular draw; it’s down Charlotte Avenue.

Crieve Hall
Located midway between I-24 and I-65, Crieve Hall offers a good location for virtually any commute. It also offers a prime opportunity for folks who want to find a perfectly functional home that they might choose to “flip.” Many of the brick ranch homes in Crieve Hall were built in the 1950s and can be purchased for a moderate price. Then, with some design choices and a little modernization, you will have an impressive home that will command a higher sales price. This photo is of Crieve Hall Elementary School, which helps to identify the fact that this area is definitely family-friendly.

Green Hills
Green Hills is one of Nashville’s crown jewels; it’s certainly one of the most attractive and prestigious places to live in/around Nashville. There’s the Green Hills Mall with an excellent cinema, desirable shops including Nordstrom, Kate Spade, Macy’s, Tiffany’s, and the Container Store, and the only Cheesecake Factory in town. There’s Parnassus Books, best-ever Chinatown, Trader Joe’s, and the yoga studio that Nicole Kidman visits. A half mile away, find the Hill Center, with Whole Foods (and the Parks office. Those windows above the Whole Body sign? That’s our office). And in Green Hills, you’ll find the famous Bluebird Café. Green Hills has its own post office, a great public library, and important construction is always occurring here. More important than all these “non-residential” features, there are many stately and classy places to live. There are lots of reasons to choose the Green Hills neighborhood for your home; let us help you find the right place.

Sylvan Park / The Nations
If you find yourself in a neighborhood where the majority of the streets are named after states (Indiana, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Nebraska, Utah – you get the idea), you’ll be in The Nations. When these homes were built in the 1920s, 1930s, and after WW2, city planners thought state names might make buyers a little more comfortable, feel a little “homier.” We guess it worked, because these neighbors have a great community spirit. It’s no wonder, really: there’s a wonderful park and several easy-going restaurants where everybody knows your name—and if they don’t, you’ll feel welcome anyway. Play some golf at McCabe Park, then stop in for a beer and a dog at McCabe Pub.

Hendersonville / Gallatin / Sumner County
If you’re a water baby – think fishing, skiing, or relaxing in a boat on a fine lake – you’re going to put Hendersonville on your short list. It has 26 miles of shoreline on Old Hickory Lake and yet it’s less than 20 miles from downtown Nashville. There’s no wonder why Hendersonville is growing by leaps and bounds: over a billion dollars of new construction projects are underway to keep pace with the demand. Indian Lake Village, a planned community within Hendersonville, is simply a treasure trove of all the things you need (including electric car charging stations). Gallatin, a few miles further east, offers a bit more elbow room with their homes and boast of several industries within a short commuting distance. Gallatin is the county seat for Sumner County: home of beautiful land, great schools, and friendly neighbors. Newcomers to Nashville will find living in Sumner County very pleasant.

Goodlettsville
Goodlettsville stretches among three counties (Davidson, Robertson, and Sumner), so there’s a very broad area covered by the 37072 zip code. Folks who reside as far north as Greenbrier, as far east as Moss-Wright Park off Caldwell Drive, all the way south to Madison and west to Joelton may sport a Goodlettsville address. And it’s certainly a “good” – make that great — place to live. There’s the popular Rivergate Mall, excellent industries (including Dollar General), home choices on ¼ to 400 acres, a low crime rate, and lots of antique shops. A rich history and modern conveniences: that’s Goodlettsville – and it’s where Sharon lives.

Mt. Juliet / Wilson County
Are you one of those who had a Blackberry™ before anybody else? Then you traded it in for an iPhone because you just knew in your heart that iPhones were the next big thing? Then you’re the right person for Mt. Juliet and Wilson County. For Nashville natives, Mt. Juliet was always “out there,” a long drive indeed of some fifteen miles. But Mt. Juliet city planners were visionaries: they built the enormous Providence Marketplace and they brought the Music City Star, a commuter train running to/from Nashville. To accommodate these visionaries, there are lots of beautiful new single family homes to fit any budget – and there’s still space where you can get a home custom-built. We think those city planners knew that as Nashville expanded, Mt. Juliet would grow accordingly. They were right: Mt. Juliet experienced a 91% jump in population from 2000 to 2010. If you like being on the cutting edge, Mt. Juliet is tailor-made for you. Plug in the commuter train times into your new Apple™ watch!

North and Northwest Nashville
By our definition, North and Northwest Nashville means traveling up I-24 to the Bordeaux, Joelton, and Whites Creek areas. Two universities, Fisk and TSU, are big draws here. This area of town is rarely scrutinized by folks, and we just don’t understand why. Whites Creek is home to probably the best nursery (Bates) in the entire city, and it also features Fontanel, where you can find a zipline, a distillery, a good restaurant, a concert amphitheater, and a Southern Living model home. Richards, a Cajun restaurant, is ½ mile away. In Whites Creek and Joelton, you can easily get an acre of land with your $250K price tag home, so if you need just a bit of elbow room, come explore this area. I think the best line to define North and Northwest Nashville is from an Alan Jackson song: we’re “not as backward as we used to be…” Small town charm, small home prices, large lots. What’s not to love?

Bellevue
If we were to turn the clock back some 50 years, you’d find sprawling farms and cattle throughout what is now Bellevue. But you’ll be hard pressed to even think of Bellevue’s agricultural past (unless you’re at Loveless Café, eating biscuits and homemade jelly). Now, Edwin Warner Park, the Harpeth River, and the lovely drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway has motivated thousands of folks to call Bellevue home. It’s a quick drive into Nashville and there are homes and lots of condos to fit every budget. Yes, Bellevue suffered a great deal in the May 2010 flood, but Nashville residents showed their strength and unity in rebuilding Bellevue so that it’s even better now – and we’ll have to wait another 495 years for a similar flood.

Williamson County
This post has to be a little longer because everybody wants to live in Williamson County. First of all, it’s the most affluent county not only in Tennessee but also it ranks in the top 25 wealthiest counties in the United States. Practically any national survey of Tennessee gets a boost because of abundant Franklin/Williamson County resources. No wonder: Williamson County is a creative county with an abundance of entrepreneurs, a highly educated workforce, and probably the best schools in the state. There are at least seven distinct “major” neighborhoods in Williamson County, listed here from west to east: Fairview, Thompson’s Station, Spring Hill on the southern border of the county, centrally located Franklin, Brentwood on the northern border, Arrington, and Nolensville. Each has its own charms, so let’s choose just a word or two to describe each neighborhood. Fairview? Most affordable of the Wilco choices. Thompson’s Station? Exclusive and private, and rapidly gaining in popularity. Spring Hill? Home to Nissan, so lots of diversity and variety there and a housing boom. Franklin? Heartbeat of Wilco; lots of opportunity. Brentwood? It’s divided into even smaller neighborhoods, which makes you’ll certainly make friends with all your neighbors! Arrington? Farmland is still available, so great for equestrian lovers. Nolensville? Perfect blend of quaint and modern—and you must visit Nolensville Feed Mill.

Murfreesboro / Rutherford County
Murfreesboro and Rutherford County is largely defined by its past impressive Civil War history (Stones River) and its present day Middle Tennessee State University. MTSU is the largest undergraduate school in Tennessee with ~26,000 students, so you can probably tell that this place rocks! If you have any ideas about buying investment properties, you can’t go wrong in Rutherford County; do try to pick a home or condo that’s within a short commute to the MTSU campus. And be prepared to act fast: we have seen homes listed one day and sold the next. Rutherford County is hot, hot, hot! Plan to cool off with some coconut ice cream from Noodle House Thai restaurant in LaVergne! Rutherford County is economically vibrant and you’ll find whatever it is you need here, even if your wish is to purchase an entire apartment complex or a 45-acre farm complete with cows.

Southeast Nashville (Antioch; Hickory Hollow)
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much home you can get in the Antioch and Hickory Hollow areas. Besides lots of well-known restaurant and shopping opportunities, the Hickory Hollow neighborhood features the Global Mall at the Crossings with clothing and shoe stores, and an international selection of choices, including Asian, African, Latin, and Middle Eastern wares. And with a new community center, a branch library, a Nashville State Community College campus, a Carmike 8 movie theatre, and a practice area for the Nashville Predators, the entire area is under major revitalization efforts. The Antioch area offers lots to do and lots of excellent opportunities to locate a beautiful home, and to try a new international food. Get to know your neighbors and create a friendly block party atmosphere!

Now that it’s January — and it’s cold everywhere (some places more brutally cold than others) — I decided that the best January advice I could give should focus on three elements:

• keeping the water pipes in good order
• maintaining suitable warmth conditions even if you lose power for a short while
• convincing warm-seeking pests to go elsewhere.

Today in Nashville, the high is expected to be 40 degrees.  But the weatherman announces that tomorrow, we should expect the temperature to drop some 50 degrees — to a high of -5 or so.  Brrrrrrr in advance.  But that weatherman’s prediction inspired me to share this advice.

First, water.  Your water pipes, both inside and outside, will freeze with extended periods of below 32.  And as we all know, when water turns to ice, its space expands and you could end up with busted, leaking pipes which do an enormous amount of damage.  In fact, even a 1/8″ crack in a pipe can leak 250 gallons a day!  So if you haven’t already insulated your pipes, locate your water shut-off valve and learn how to turn off the water to your home! The most vulnerable pipes will be those in kitchens and bathrooms that are on outside walls and uninsulated water pipes in your attic, garage, basement, or crawlspace.  Keep your kitchen/bathroom cabinet doors open to gain warmth from inside the home.  And it does work to leave a pencil-thin stream of water dripping.

I hope you do not have to deal with a power interruption.  But if your area gets an ice storm, you could possibly face several hours, even days, without electricity.  If you do not have alternate sources of heat (such as a generator, a fireplace or wood stove, a kerosene heater, or even an oil lamp), heed this advice.  First,  focus on maintaining heat in one room (generally, your bedroom: make a “camping” game out of it with your children. Actually, if you have tents, erect them not only as part of the game but also because they retain warmth due to their minimal size (just like igloos!).  Put clear shower curtains over the windows: that way, some warming natural light can still filter in.  And bundle up: put on several layers of clothing, a hat, a couple of pairs of socks.  Place extra throw rugs and towels on the floor to keep your feet from getting cold.  Finally, eat foods with a little “staying power” even if you don’t have electricity, such as granola bars, bananas, almonds, peanut butter sandwiches.

If you’re cold, the outdoor creatures like mice are also looking for a warm place to hang out.  Yes, put out a few traps, but the main advice is to do a thorough examination of how they got into your house in the first place.  Put that on your project list after the weather turns reasonable again.