Tim and Pam Cash - Clarksville TN Real Estate Professionals

Let the festivities begin! Clarksville's 22nd Annual Riverfest Celebration began this afternoon and will continue through tomorrow. Getting bigger and brighter every year, this year's events aim to impress all Clarksvillians. Next year should see an even grander event with the Clarksville Marina scheduled to open.

If you have not made plans to attend Clarksville's Riverfest tomorrow you should really check out the schedule. Something for all and a guaranteed great time. The weather is predicted to be grand.

Budweiser Stage

Gateway Stage

River of Cultures Stage

For more information on Riverfest, please visit www.clarksvilleriverfest.com

Admission is FREE!

Greetings from The Cash Team. Have you ever been wondered what the benefits of home ownership were for you and your Family? The decision to purchase a home is exciting and a major investment for your future - likely one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime. Because there is only so much of it to go around, real estate is the top choice for many investors and the desire for most Families. This article is designed to highlight some of the many benefits of home ownership and how buying a home can often turn the American Dream into a reality.

One of the most profitable markets in real estate is rentals, which means that many families are paying to live in a home that isn't their own. In some cases, renting a home is necessary. For all others, the money that would be spent on rent could instead be used to pay a mortgage. In fact, monthly rent payments often exceed that of a typical mortgage payment. One of the greatest benefits of home ownership is putting money into something that you can call your own and knowing that the monthly payments are going toward your home's equity.

Speaking of equity, many properties experience a growth in value as more development moves into the area or the economy strengthens through an increase in job opportunities. If this happens, home values soar and owners can bask in the glory of their newfound profit. When you purchase a new car, it depreciates the moment that you drive off of the lot. When you buy a home, however, it has the potential to appreciate year after year. There are few things in life that can offer you a return above and beyond your original purchase price, but a home can.

When you own a home, you will enjoy the freedom of decorating and making any changes that you choose without needing the permission of a landlord or property owner. In addition, you may even be able to use your home's equity to finance some needed improvements and/or repairs. In some cases, these changes may even increase the value of your home. An upgraded kitchen or bathroom, hardwood flooring or an additional room are examples of changes that could result in added value.

Another advantage of home ownership is the tax benefits that are available. The interest paid on a home mortgage as well as most property taxes paid are tax deductible. For additional information on deducting mortgage interest and property tax, consult the IRS or a tax professional.

In addition to providing yourself and your family with a feeling of stability and permanence, home ownership can also help strengthen your credit profile through timely mortgage payments and a steady financial history.

If you have been considering the purchase of your first home, remember to take advantage of the $8,000 Tax Credit that is available through the 30^th of November 2009. Contact The Cash Team today for all your Clarksville TN Real Estate needs. We are ready to help you realize the dream of homeownership in Clarksville.

Many of you have probably heard the hoopla and fan-fare surrounding the President's Address to our Children which is set to happen at 1100 CST this coming Tuesday. I like many other parents have mixed feelings about this unusual (but not unprecedented) broadcast.

As not to attempt to place a political spin on this particular post, the following is an excerpt of the President's intended message: "During this special address, the president will speak directly to the nation's children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The president will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning." This quote comes directly from the U.S. Department of Education website rather than from CNN or Fox News.

As parents of one of the children that President Obama is planning to speak to, I must tell him and anyone else who may want to know that our daughter knows the importance of both persistence and success in not only school but in life. She is a well mannered child and we try hard to shield her from the politics that are put out there each and every day.

Really for us the President's wanting to speak to our children is not what causes concern - rather the 'in class assignments' that are being put out by OUR GOVERNMENT. Here is an excerpt, again from the U.S. Department of Education website of what my daughter's class assignment will be (7th Grade):

• Teachers may engage students in short readings. Teachers may post in large print around the classroom notable quotes excerpted from President Obama's speeches on education. Teachers might ask students to think alone, compare ideas with a partner, or share their thoughts with the class. Teachers could ask students to think about the following:
• What are our interpretations of these excerpts?
• Based on these excerpts, what can we infer that the president believes is important in order to be educationally successful?
• Create a "concept web." Teachers may ask students to think of the following:
  • Why does President Obama want to speak with us today?
  • How will he inspire us?
  • How will he challenge us?
  • What might he say?
• Do you remember any other historic moments when the president spoke to the nation?
• What was the impact?

Now, possibly it is just me, but what is the method to the madness behind such an assignment? Are the records from Tuesday's assignment going to be collected and sent to a new department within our government who will be charged to read each on and report back to the administration? What is the cost beyond the millions already spent to prepare?

Our daughter is inspired by many - Her mother, her teachers, and possibly me among others. We also challenge her to do better in school, to be a better person, a better dancer. You get the idea.

Due to all of the visibility that has went on from this, teachers and administrators are scrambling and working overtime to get word out to the parents. In the Clarksville Montgomery County School District, parents need only send a written note with there child if they would prefer their child not watch this address. What is not known is whether your child (should you choose for them not to be a part) will have to be a part of this assignment prior to the President's address to our children.

Again, the President speaking to our children is not really what is at issue with us. While we are still undecided as to whether we will send a letter with her to school or not, what disturbs us, as parents and as Americans is the assignment that is being directed by the Department of Education.

I would encourage each parent out there to review the message on the Department of Education's website along with the assignments by grades to make an informed decision as to whether or not you believe your child should be involved in this science (or is it social?) project. Thankfully for us, our daughter is not easily influenced. Most likely we will sit her down tomorrow and let her be a part of this decision as to whether or not she would like to participate.

God Bless our Country and our Children! They are the future.

I must admit this is dated picture but one of my favorite shots. I love the birds here on our 5 acre haven. The blue birds nest in the various houses we have put up for them. When mowing, we always have one perched, waiting to swoop down for a meal. The pond streams offer them a great source of water.