Meli Gerogianis, e-PRO

As realtors we get to meet many professionals such as inspectors, appraisers, builders, electricians, plumbers, landscapers... you get the picture. We're not by any means experts on any of the above, but we do learn a lot from them during the years. Since fall is fastly approaching, I thought I'd share with you a few tips on reducing your heating bill this fall and winter season.

I'm sure you've heard it before, but it's true: Inspecting insulation, sealing gaps and maximizing the heating and hot-water systems are all great tips that really will save money in the long run. According to the Department of Energy, the cost to heat an average home is approximately $1,400. Experts say you can save close to half of that if your home is winterized properly. To do it right, look at various areas where heat may escape or may not be used efficiently. Here are a few steps to get you started:

• Inspect your insulation: Since warm air rises, the most effective way to save on heating is to have adequate attic insulation. Look for your ceiling joists. If you can see them, you need more insulation.
• Plug the gaps outside: To keep cold air out, seal up all cracks on the exterior perimeter of the home, including areas around windows and outdoor faucets. Use standard caulking or Sidewinder Caulk that's appropriate for use in temperatures below 40 degrees. Inspect the exterior of your home and apply the caulk wherever you see cracks, gaps or holes.
• Stop leaks from inside: seal up cracks inside the home, including cracks around the windows and around electrical outlets on exterior walls that can create a tremendous leak of warm air. Use a standard caulking gun to apply caulk to areas where you can see a crack or feel a draft. If new windows aren't in your budget, use a window insulation kit such as the one available from Duck brand. The kit is easy to install and costs about $3 per window.
• Maximize your heating system: Have a professional inspect your heating system every year to ensure that it's operating properly.
• Keep your hot water Hot: On average, it takes about 14 percent of your overall utility bill to provide hot water. Savings add up when you wrap a whater-heater blanket around the water heater, insulate your water heater, insulate your water pipes and install a timer on all electric water heaters.

The 110-acre park is one of Clarksville's most scenic areas and it is honeycombed by caves and sinkholes, the most prominent being Dunbar Cave. This 8.1 mile cave has historical, natural, archaeological and geological significance. Excavations revealed that this cave has been occupied by man for thousands of years, drawn by its constant stream flow and natural air conditioning.

The cave and surroundings were a mineral springs resort at the turn of the century. In the 1930's and 40's the huge cave entrance served as a naturally air-conditioned venue to Big Band performances. Later, the cave was owned by country music legend Roy Acuff and hosted some of Nashville's biggest names in entertainment.

Dunbar Cave is located 60 minutes northwest of Nashville and about one and a half miles northeast of downtown Clarksville, TN in Montgomery County. Dunbar Cave is the most prominent of several caves located in this designated natural area.

There are three trails on the natural area that range from a leisurely walk to a fairly strenuous hike. All trails begin and end at the visitors' center. The Lake Trail is only 0.67 miles, it's partially paved and easy. The Short Loop is 1.1 miles (moderate) and the Recovery Trail is 1.9 miles (also moderate)

The park also has several picnic tables located just behind the visitors' center on a hill overlooking Swan Lake where you can have a wonderful time with your family. (Picnic area is not wheelchair accessible.)

Cave Hikes - One of the most favorite activities is the cave hike. Participants need to make a reservation in advance, be at least three (3) years old (able to walk for 1-1/2 hours without being carried) and each person must have or rent a flashlight (required-one per person). Photography is not allowed in the cave. The cost is $5.00 per person, $2.00 per flashlight rental. You must call the visitor's center for reservations.

Fishing - is also a popular activity on beautiful Swan Lake. The lake is fed by the cold, clear stream that flows from the mouth of Dunbar Cave. Since it is only 15-acres in size, boating and swimming are not permitted. A valid TN Fishing License is required.

The park is opened daily 8:00 am - sunset. The visitor's center is opened daily - - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. For additional information you can contact the visitor's center at 931-648-5526

Brought to your by

Meli Gerogianis
Real Estate Consultant
931-378-9601

Here are a few quick and easy things for the sellers to set up their house for a successful sale. You can include some of these items in your cards or flyers you mail out to your customers!

1. Hire a professional organizer for a day to maximize space in small rooms and closets. When everything has a place, the house appears large, clean and easy to maintain.

2. A kitchen makeover can yield a great return when you're selling your home. Even small improvements like a new stainless microwave and lighting are highly appealing to homebuyers.

3. A healthy lawn entices homebuyers to see the inside of the house. If the lawn is currently patchy and dry, replace it in a single weekend with fresh sod.

4. Shrubs and colorful plants add curb appeal to your home. Choose plants native to the region that are drought tolerant for added low maintenance value. (The local gardening shop can help with the selection of the right plants.)

5. Add some color! Fresh paint in vibrant but neutral tones will give your rooms a clean, updated look. Painting is one of the simplest, most cost-effective improvements a homeowner can make.

6. Replace carpets and area rugs that have stains or show significant wear. Hardwood, ceramic tile or lacquered and etched concrete floors, all wear well and are popular with homebuyers.

7. Bathroom updates are king! A new vanity, updated lighting and a ceramic tile floor pay dividends with homebuyers. If the toilet is old, it's a good idea to replace it when you install the tile.

8. For a fun element, add a fire pit or solar oven to your backyard. This popular entertainment feature can be permanent or portable and adds value.

9. Visually increase the square footage of your home without demolition. A single large mirror adds perceived depth. Full-view glass doors as well as de-cluttering lend to the feel of a spacious, more open room.

10. A water filtration system is a distinctively green feature that sets the home apart in a homebuyer's mind. Pure water right out of the tap means savings at the grocery store and less waste in the landfill.

Look forward to reading your best tips and advice in your comments!

With foreclosures skyrocketing and the prices of everyday goods rising, pets have become hidden victims. As many people are being displaced from houses to apartments that don't allow pets, they leave their cats and dogs with shelters, or even worse, abandon them altogether. Home inspectors and real estate agents have found starved, dehydrated, and terrified dogs, cats, rabbits, and even horses. I personally had two similar occurrences earlier this year. The first one was a Pit-bull left chained in the backyard of the property with no food or water and in the freezing cold. Even though it took several phone calls and days, that had a happy ending - I was able thru the local HS to find a family that adopted him! The second one did not have such a happy ending! By the time the inspector and I were able to enter the abandoned property, the young dog that was left behind had died. And as a pet owner myself, I am still broken hearted over that!

Foreclosure is an incredibly stressful situation and people make rash decisions when they're under that kind of stress. A lot of animal shelters across the country are overwhelmed with the number of animals they have to handle. According to the Humane Society reports, the number of abandon animals doubled from 2006 to 2007, and it has gone up again in the first part of 2008. It is a very sad situation, but with the main reason being economic, whether it is a foreclosure, loss of income from sudden layoff, or any kind of hardship, makes it harder to deal with. When people cannot afford to provide food and shelter for their children, the pets don't even enter the picture.

So, please, if you are a Real Estate professional that deals with short sales and/or foreclosed properties, help the owners whenever you can, to make arrangements for any pets they might have. If nothing else can be done, at least call on Humane Society for help. They will do whatever they can to take these animals in and hopefully find them a new, loving home! We CAN make a difference!

Are you a golf fan and either live in the Clarksville TN / Ft. Campbell KY area or are planning to move here? Want to know about our golf courses and what they have to offer? Below is some basic information on some of our golf courses.

Swan Lake Golf Course
581 Dunbar Cave Road Clarksville, Tn 37043

Swan Lake is an 18-hole, 6,065-yard course located at beautiful Dunbar Cave State Natural Area. This par-71 course features dining facilities and annual green fees. Daily green fees are $16.00 (18-holes) and $9.00 (9-holes) weekdays. Daily green fees for weekends and holidays are $21.00 (18-holes) and $11.50 (9-holes). Cart rentals are $11.00 per person (18-holes) and $5.50 per person (9-holes). Private cart fees are $9.00. (Map & Directions)

Mason Rudolph Golf Course,
1514 Golf Club Lane Clarksville, Tn 37043

Named for former PGA tour member Mason Rudolph, a Clarksville native, is a 9-hole, 2,008-yard course located at 1514 Golf Club Lane. This par-30 course also features annual green fees. This short layout will reward good shots and provide a fun golf outing for everyone. Online tee times may be available at Mason Rudolph Golf Course or at nearby golf courses, usually offered at a discount from the normal rate of approximately $12. Also a driving range is available.

Country Club Golf Course,
334 Fairview Lane Clarksville, Tn 37043

Clarksville Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole regulation length golf course in Clarksville, Tennessee. This medium-length layout features 4 sets of teeboxes for the enjoyment of golfers of all skill levels. Online tee times may be available at Clarksville Golf & Country Club or at nearby golf courses, usually offered at a discount from the normal rate of $57.

Eastland Green Golf Course,
550 Clubhouse Lane Clarksville, Tn 37043

The Eighteen Course at Eastland Green Golf Course is an 18-hole regulation length golf course in Clarksville, Tennessee. This medium-length layout has adequate length for a regulation course. Some holes are quite challenging and interesting, but overall it can be somewhat forgiving. There is another course at this same golf club, the Nine Hole Course. Online tee times may be available at Eastland Green Golf Course or at nearby golf courses, often at a substantial discount from the going green fees rate of approximately $25-$34

The Nine Hole Course at Eastland Green Golf Course is a 9-hole regulation length golf course in Clarksville, Tennessee. This championship layout provides for a fun golf experience for golfers of all skill levels. Difficulty level of the course is unknown at this time, but will be provided soon. There is another course at this same golf club, the Eighteen Course. Online tee times may be available at Eastland Green Golf Course or at nearby golf courses, often at a substantial discount from the going green fees rate of $22-$25

Senior Citizens - Both courses offer a discount on weekday green fees to players 55 years of age or older. There is also a senior discount on annual green fee. Students - Mason Rudolph Golf Course offers students a discount on daily green fees.

For any additional information you can contact the following:

City Golf Courses Main Office
581 Dunbar Cave Road
Clarksville, Tn 37043
(931)648-0479
(931)553-2411 Fax

Golf Course Information - courtesy of Meli Gerogianis, Real Eastate Consultant, 931-378-9601