About Montgomery County, TN

While, I like many other Clarksvillians have mixed emotions on this, especially since we are incurring debt upon our city, now we can only hope that this results in a positive aspect on the City of Clarksville. It is my hope that both business and citizens of Clarksville can gain from such a move. Certainly it will attract more people to the Cumberland.

My concern, beyond the 32 million new debt incurred is the 'rumor' that some of our city officials could have a business or personal interest in this new venture. I sincerely don't want to see the City of Clarksville stained by such as has been the case in the past. We are a great city which is growing, and with that comes growing pains.

A few years back there was a private investment group that attempted to build a marina which was met with opposition. Such a move as what transpired in the special session should have been put up on a special referendum on the November ballot to allow the citizens of Clarksville to have a say prior to millions being spent. Sadly that did not happen.

Again, I hope that this turns into a profitable venture for the city of Clarksville and that we see our money back and then some.

Read the whole article here: Council Okays 32 Million in Debt

Regards

Tim and Pam Cash
Crye-Leike Realtors
931-338-1375 or 931-436-7617


The Cash Team - Making dreams come true one home at a time. Proudly serving the citizens of Clarksville and the Soldiers of Fort Campbell. To view available Clarksville properties, please visit our website at www.cashsofclarksville.com or email us at thecashteam@cashsofclarksville.com and we will run a custom search for you. Finding you and yours the perfect property in Clarksville Tennessee and surrounding areas is our goal.

I was rather shocked to open my email today and find that Senator Corker had responded to my concerns with the Auto Industry Bailout. While this was sent back the first time the CEOs went to Washington in their luxury jets with hat in hand, it still was reassuring that I know that someone on his staff has read the email. I would love to believe that he personally responded, but reality is that it was most likely a staffer - nontheless, it was a response to my concerns which I sincerely appreciate.

With the latest begging that started today, it will be interesting if Senator Corker and others on the Hill be still be skeptical (as I am) with the new push for a 'loan' which now far exceeds 25 billion dollars. And, oh, by the way, two of the three pretty much said they could survive without a handout. Makes one wonder. Anyhow, I thought I would share in hopes that this will encourage others to write their Senator or Congressperson their opinion on this very important matter:

Dear Mr. Cash,

Thank you for taking the time to contact my office with your opposition to plans for a bail out of the major American automakers. Your input is important to me, and I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts.

I fully understand and appreciate the contributions to the American economy that have been made by General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler. As I am sure you are aware, these companies employ many Tennesseans and make up a sizeable and valuable portion of our state's manufacturing and retail sectors. From the plant in Spring Hill to suppliers and automotive dealerships across the state, the impact of a major corporate failure for these companies would be felt at multiple levels throughout Tennessee.

But I have been troubled by a number of issues surrounding the so called Big Three's proposal. Their contracts with the UAW and many other long-term obligations for which they have been unwilling to take tougher positions, along with changes in the automobile market and restrictive state laws that limit their ability to rapidly adjust to major changes cast great uncertainty on their future economic viability. If we in Congress were to give $25 billion to these companies now, without them making needed changes, I do believe they would be back again in a few months asking for more public support.

On November 18, 2008, I attended a hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and heard testimony from the CEOs of the Big Three Auto Manufacturers and the President of the United Auto Workers Union. I was given the opportunity to discuss with them the specifics of their loan request and how that money would be used. Precise details, much to my dismay, were not forthcoming, and I was disturbed by the lack of planning that became apparent during their testimony. Between this hearing and personal discussions with industry insiders, I came to the conclusion that this package would not be an appropriate response to the current problem. Many of my colleagues agreed with this assessment, so much so that the bailout bill did not even come before the full Senate for a vote.

This week, the Big Three are scheduled to submit a report to Congress detailing how the funds they may yet receive would be used. Following this report, we are scheduled to have more hearings in the Banking Committee on the topic, with a likely vote to follow the week of December 8. Once I have received this report, heard new testimony, and have had a further chance to evaluate the viability of these corporations, I will make a final decision on this issue based on the new information. But unless there are significant changes, I am highly skeptical of making any loan to these troubled corporations.

Moving forward, we in the Senate will continue to monitor our country's economic situation. I assure you, the difficulties being faced by Tennesseans during these times of economic uncertainty and hardship are of the utmost concern to me, and I and my staff will be using all the resources and options at our disposal to help in the months ahead.

Thank you again for your letter. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with me as I serve you in the United States Senate.

Sincerely,

Bob Corker
United States Senator

I read a blog a bit earlier today in respect to approaching prospects through expired listings and thought it to be a great topic to blog about. Up front, I will say that Pam and I do solicit expired listings, but only after a bit of research to ascertain why a listing has expired.

While many will be quick to say that the expiration is due to the market conditions, I beg to differ. Granted 10 - 20 percent of the time it is due simply to the area, but the other 80 percent of the time is boils down to the following:

• PRICE SELLS. The property was overpriced to begin with. This could be because a Realtor was only concerned with getting the listing, or it could be that the owner was set on a certain price regardless of what the data in the area shows. We have lost a few listings because we would not agree to price a home outside the market analysis - better to lose the listing than to have it expire or languish and thus lose valuable resources, money and time in a futile attempt to sell the property. If the property is priced right the first time - it will sell.
• MARKETING. Believe it or not, there are many Realtors who only put one picture of the property on the MLS and sometimes none at all. I don't know the statistics on Visual Tours but I will go out on a limb and say it is no greater than 35%. Agent Open Houses, Mailings, Announcements, Internet Marketing, etc should be utilized. To attempt to sale the home solely utilizing the MLS and one photo is simply not taking care of your client.
• Curb Appeal. First impressions are lasting impressions. Just yesterday we had a showing of one of our listings. We happened to walk in as we were showing the listing right after. The agent and their client both commented on how clean the property was. If you have a vacant listing - as an agent, you have to go by at minimum of once a week to make sure that everything is in working order - no leaks - no vandalism - no dead bugs - etc. Keep some febreeze in the cabinet - a mini-vac in your car - Windex and paper towels.

I am sure that there are other reasons that listings expire, but for the most part, if the above three items are attended to, the home will sell in a steady market like we have here in Clarksville.

Every agent wants listings, as do we, but we want more than just to have our name in the yard - we want to make sure that our client's needs are met and that their Real Estate experience is a positive and lasting one. We have a limit right now on our max number of listings at any given time. Why you might ask? Simple, we do not want to overextend and want to ensure every client receives the utmost attention to their needs and concerns. In the end, it is as much about the relationship as it is the sale.

Regards

Tim and Pam Cash
Crye-Leike Realtors
931-338-1375 or 931-436-7617


The Cash Team - Making dreams come true one home at a time. Proudly serving the citizens of Clarksville and the Soldiers of Fort Campbell. To view available Clarksville properties, please visit our website at www.cashsofclarksville.com or email us at thecashteam@cashsofclarksville.com and we will run a custom search for you. Finding you and yours the perfect property in Clarksville Tennessee and surrounding areas is our goal.

In today's Real Estate market, no quote could be more true. With over 70 percent of prospective buyers searching for their new home via the internet, it PAYS to take quality photos and the more the better of your listing.

While you may be saying that this is obvious and wondering why I am even bringing this up, you would be surprised at the poor quality photos that are out there and in many cases - no photos at all. Makes it kind of difficult to effectively market a home whether you are an owner attempting an FSBO or a Real Estate Agent.

Pam and I take hundreds of pictures when we take a listing. This is for still shots and as well as for our visual tours, which we also do for each listing. Many times we go back two or three times till both the client and us are satisfied that the home is being properly represented. This is a must.

Just like first impressions are lasting impressions - so too is a picture (or pictures) worth a thousand words.

Tim and Pam Cash
Crye-Leike Realtors
931-338-1375 or 931-436-7617


The Cash Team - Making dreams come true one home at a time. Proudly serving the citizens of Clarksville and the Soldiers of Fort Campbell. To view available Clarksville properties, please visit our website at www.cashsofclarksville.com or email us at thecashteam@cashsofclarksville.com and we will run a custom search for you. Finding you and yours the perfect property in Clarksville Tennessee and surrounding areas is our goal.

Many are Eligible for Tax Relief and Freeze Programs and have mot applied. The Tax Assessors office has sent out yellow brochures and many have yet to tak advantage of this program. The following groups can qualify for the Tax Relief and Freeze programs:

• Elderly Homeowners

• Disabled Homeowners

• Disabled Veteran Homeowners

• Disabled Veteran Widow(er) Homeowners

The Tax Freeze allows property taxes to be "frozen" at current rate. Must be 65 or older and provide proof. Annual income cannot exceed $31,780.

More information and the complete story can he found HERE in the Leaf Chronicle