Kenneth Bargers

I have learned more through blogging than I could have ever imagined when I joined this organization in September 2008. You see, I returned to the real estate industry in August 2008 after spending seven years as the Director of Marketing for one of the largest security firms in the United States. To me, blogging was a marketing tool that could be assigned to customer care, sales and public relations departments as an assignment to produce lead generation and periodically review the progress of the production. From a distance, it was a source that I should consider using at some point down the road as I transitioned back to my old stomping ground of real estate but I had my plan in place.

My good friend, Connie Harvey, invited me to join AR and raved about the results that I would get if I gave it a try sooner than later. I want to thank Connie for giving me excellent advice. My plate was full branding my name by following my structure and outline of what I thought would be the best path to achieve market force within my targeted sphere - and now I have added blogging and dedicated myself to visiting AR each day. What would I gain from this?

I wish to acknowledge that I was wrong in determining the value and parameters of marketing concepts and neglecting blogging as an immediate need. I have gained not only amazing networking contacts, referrals, and local recognition, but also a better understanding of real estate by reading and communicating with this high level of professionals that are members of AR. Through your experiences and suggestions I am better prepared for situations that may arise in my daily business.

Why am I sharing this with you today? With this post, I have surpassed the 10,000 point mark with Active Rain. These 10,000 points are more than just rankings and assistance with positioning. These points reflect knowledge and lessons learned thanks to professionals like you!

All the best - Kenneth

Email: kb@bargers-solutions.com | Web, real estate: www.bargers-solutions.com | Web, marketing: www.bargersmarketing.org | Blog: http://kennethbargers.com

There were 974 home closings reported for the month of January, according to figures provided by the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors®. This represents a decrease of 40.7 percent from the 1,644 closings reported for the same period last year.

"The real estate market in Middle Tennessee is clearly feeling the effects of the national economy," said GNAR President Mike Nichols . "This is the first time we have had fewer than one thousand closings in one month since February of 1994. The Greater Nashville area was slower to feel the full impact of the current national economic situation, and we are traditionally on the early side of recovery, but right now the market is slower than anyone wants it to be."

"The standard formula items, such as interest rates and available inventory are all positive. However, when people don't have jobs, or don't have confidence that their jobs are reasonably secure, they are not likely to purchase homes or other significant items. Perhaps the passing of the stimulus package this week will initiate an increase in consumer confidence, but it is likely to take some time before the market really shows solid signs of recovery," Nichols said. "It does appear that rents have increased, so once people begin to feel confident again, it will make even more sense for them to consider the purchase of a home rather than continuing to rent."

There were 1,282 sales pending at the end of the month, compared with 1,924 pending sales at this time last year. The average number of days on the market for a single-family home was 89 days. The median residential price for a single-family home during January was $165,000, and for a condominium it was also $165,000. This compares with last year's median residential and condominium prices of $179,900 and $158,890, respectively.

Inventory at the end of January was 22,509, up from 21,952 in January 2008. "Inventory is actually down in every category but farm, land and lots," said Nichols. "That is an indication that land available for development is not being purchased, as the need for new homes is limited in light of current available inventory and sales activity. There is a good selection of homes available and ready for those interested in buying now, or for when consumer confidence strengthens and sales activity increases."

Source: Greater Nashville Association of Realtors® Press Release 020909.

It's February and time for me to include my Monthly Tips and distribute to my postcard, email, and newsletter databases. This month I thought it would be informative to have a quiz on home maintenance that I found via the National Association of Home Builders and share with you. _________________________________________________________________

It's the weekend and you have a whole list of household chores to do. Oh, we know you'd rather be golfing or playing tennis or watching TV, but keeping your home in good shape is important. Your home may be the biggest investment you will ever make. Taking good care of it with regular maintenance is necessary to maintain its value and ensure it will provide a comfortable, safe shelter for you and your family for a long time.

Here is a Home Maintenance Quiz that will test your maintenance knowledge. While this quiz does not address every home maintenance project, it does provide helpful tips and reminders for chores you may have overlooked.

1. How often do forced-air furnace filters need to be changed?
2. What part of the faucet usually needs to be replaced when you have a water leak?
3. Should you run hot or cold water through your garbage disposal?
4. How often should the moving parts of garage doors be oiled?
5. What tools can you use to unclog your drains?
6. What tool can be used to unclog a toilet?
7. What faucet part needs to be cleaned every three to four months?
8. What can you use for traction on icy sidewalks, steps and driveways?
9. Where should the fire in your fireplace be built?
10. What will prevent soot and add color to the fire in your fireplace?
11. Where should your firewood be stored?
12. What helps keep unpainted concrete floors easy to keep clean?
13. What should you use to clean unpainted concrete floors?
14. When can you clean hardwood floors with water?
15. Do hardwood floors need to be waxed?
16. What is the best polish for vinyl floors?
17. When is basement condensation at its maximum?
18. Why should noisy water pipes be fixed promptly?
19. Why should frozen pipes be thawed slowly?
20. How often should your roof be inspected?
21. What should be regularly checked on your security system?
22. To ensure your safety, what household equipment uses batteries that must be checked regularly to make sure they are operable?
23. What do you use to fill nail holes and cracks in plaster walls and gypsum wallboard?
24. What is the white powdery substance that develops on masonry walls?
25. At what temperature should your water heater be set?
26. How often do skylights need to be inspected?
27. What is a simple solution you can use to wash extremely dirty exterior windows?
28. What can you use to help a window slide easily?
29. What should you look for when you inspect your siding yearly?

Click ANSWERS and compare. Source: National Association of Home Builders.

Printable version of Home Maintenance Quiz.

Whether you are a Nashvillian or a visitor to this wonderful area I would like to recommend a relaxing night out in Nashville. It has been awhile since we have been out to enjoy a good meal and entertainment so we decided to meet some friends for an early dinner and great music.

I highly recommend Criallo's Restaurant in the Cool Springs area. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is enhanced by the live music; jazz was last night. There were four of us and we each had a different entree that was prepared to perfection. (The adult beverages were also tasty!) This was a terrific start as we lingered for about 3 hours and enjoyed the company of good friends and good food. To learn more about Criallo's, please visit www.criallos.com. You will not be disappointed.

To say that there is no bad music in Nashville is an understatement. There are numerous venues throughout the city that offer terrific live music each night. One of the mainstays in Nashville is 3^rd & Lindsley. 3^rd & Lindsley offers a variety of live music each night with two sets. The genre' ranges from R&B, Rock and Roll, Alternative, and soft folk and rock. We have been there numerous times to unwind and relax and have always had a great time. The patronage is for all ages and if you enjoy good music than this is the place for you. This coming Saturday, 3^rd & Lindsley will be hosting a 50^th Birthday event for Jonell Mosser (www.jonellonline.com). Jonell is one of Nashville's success stories in music. To learn more about this venue and the calendar of music, please visit www.3rdandlindsley.com.

Whatever your choice is for a night out on the town - enjoy Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville is a highly ranked destination to visit or join us and settle in to call it home. A Night Out in Nashville is waiting for you!

Home Sales Trend Remain Consistent in December

There were 1,422 home closings reported for the month of December, according to figures provided by the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors®. This represents a decrease of 32.5 percent from the 2,109 closings reported for the same period last year.

For the fourth quarter there were 2,213 closings in Greater Nashville, which represents a 35.6 percent decrease from the 6,856 closings during the fourth quarter of 2007

And, there were 24,246 closings year-to-date in 2008. That is a 29 percent decrease compared to the 34,221 closings reported through December 2007.

"The Greater Nashville real estate market was down throughout the year, but at a reasonably consistent level," said GNAR President Mike Nichols . "While the fourth quarter was down more than was the trend earlier in the year, it is encouraging to note that December closings increased in every category compared to the prior month. It is not expected that there will be any immediate major change in the trends, but the spring selling season may bring some added energy to the market throughout the region."

There were 1,250 sales pending at the end of the month, compared with 1,771 pending sales at this time last year. The average number of days on the market for a single-family home was 91 days. The median residential price for a single-family home during December was $163,750, and for a condominium it was $134,062. This compares with last year's median residential and condominium prices of $187,900 and $169,750, respectively.

Inventory at the end of December was 21,274, down from 22,301 in December 2007.

"With more than 20,000 homes on the market currently, there is a great selection for those considering a purchase," said Nichols. "From seasoned investors to first-time buyers, this can be an excellent time to buy. Tax incentives, exceptional interest rates, a broad selection of homes and other key factors have created a very favorable situation for potential buyers."

Source: Greater Nashville Association of Realtors.