The Cash Team of Clarksville Blog

Spring is upon us in Clarksville Tennessee - Are you a bird lover?  Many of our friends and clients know that Pam and I absolutely LOVE being outside in our yard enjoying our flowers, pets, and the wildlife.  The native birds in our neighborhood keep us entertained and amazed all year long and we are always searching for new ways to invite them to our Clarksville TN Home.  Hopefully the below tips will assist you and your Family in enticing birds to your yard!

 

Attracting Birds To Your Backyard:  Bird watching is a popular past time that is shared by many, but what if watching your fluttering friends was as simple as peeking into your backyard? Thanks to a few landscaping techniques, you can trade in your binoculars for a lawn chair and enjoy bird watching from the convenience and comfort of your own home.

 

 

 

 

Attracting Birds Of A Feather: If you want to attract birds to your backyard, you have to make it a place that they will be drawn to. One way of doing this is by studying the feeding and/or nesting habits of the birds that you want to attract. Like any other animal, birds have unique characteristics that are specific to their type and knowing what they enjoy will be your first step toward inviting them into your backyard.

 

 

 

 

Bird Basics:  

Birds have three basic needs-food, shelter and water. By planting familiar foliage, you will be providing a protective covering for birds. Flowers, inviting nesting areas and a birdbath will provide additional comfort for your feathered friends.

Bird food, which is commonly available at any retail store, is often specific to certain bird types. For instance, black oil sunflower seeds will attract goldfinches and chickadees, while millet seeds are appealing to doves and sparrows. If you want to attract a hummingbird, you will need to include a sugar-water feeder in your backyard landscaping. A bird feeder, which is used to house seeds and food for your backyard birds, should be cleaned regularly.

 

 

 

Just Splashing Around:  

 

 

 

Believe it or not, a birdbath is a terrific aspect to include in your landscape if you want native birds to feel welcome. This single feature offers birds a way to bathe and drink, which makes your backyard especially inviting to visiting birds. It's important to add fresh water regularly and keep birdbaths clean and free of bacteria buildup. Another popular water feature, which is great for both landscaping appeal and attracting birds, is a fountain or waterfall. The sound of trickling water will serve as an inviting habitat for birds.

House Hunting:  If you want to attract birds, you need to provide them with a birdhouse. These structures provide a safe environment for your feathered friends and offer a way for them to feel right at home. When choosing a birdhouse, you must consider the size of the bird that you will be attracting as the size of the entrance hole will greatly be determined by the bird that will be using it. A quality birdhouse must have proper ventilation to ensure proper air circulation, and the drainage capability must also be considered in order to keep the bird's nest dry and free of any water buildup.

Reflection is certainly something that I practice from time to time.  I reflect on choices in my past as well as actions to try and help me to be a better person today and into the future.  Like each of you reading this blog, I am not free of sin, but I do try to do the best I can by others whom I come in contact with, whether Family, friends or strangers.

As we continue our journey through life many of us change - I am sure I have both physically and personally but I can only hope that (at least) the latter is for the better.  Only those who know me and the Good Lord above can tell, but I sincerely hope that is the case.

Many in life let success, fame or fortune change not only who they are but also how they treat others in their lives whether knowingly or unknowingly.  At times it is fascinating to observe and I have been able to witness this in my time in the Military as well as in my Civilian life.  I guess I should not use the word 'fascinating' to define this phenomenon- sometimes it is actually sad to see, especially when you once thought highly of a particular person due to their 'down-to-earth' mannerisms (as an example) but it nonetheless happens with many.

You see it in many who aspire to elected office regardless the level.  In this case - many times it is a sense of a higher station or dare I say arrogance.  You need only to see some of the antics that happen in our National Government - some of the mannerism in public hearings or media.  I certainly cringe when a decorated General or Command Sergeant Major is being talked down to by a member of Congress (as an example).

One thing I hope I never find in myself is feeling like I am owed something in this life.  I hope that I never look down upon another human being.  I hope that I continue to treat others as I would like to be treated.  I hope that I never feel that my place in this world is any more important than my fellow man.  I hope that I remember that I get up each morning and put my pants on the same way as the most arrogant person in this world does.

In the end, we should always reflect upon our life from time to time and make adjustments as necessary.  Sometimes the climb to the top is quick and easy - the question is, will anyone be there to catch you if you fall?

 

Freedom does not come free - Neither should Higher Education

One of the stories in the headlines today was that of public college tuition hikes and cutbacks in various degree programs.  This has caused quite a stir by many who feel that you and I should pay for their higher education rather than to work to earn it.  Comments such as 'I am owed', 'how dare they' and even a feeble attempt to blame the past administration of our country were posted in the comments section.

Is this really where we have went in our country?  Are we really a society that feels that we are ENTITLED or OWED certain luxuries or benefits just because of our upbringing or where we are from?  What ever happened to putting in a hard days work or what of those who work full time and attend college at night while raising a Family?  What of them?

I personally do not see this as a national tragedy that funding to a public university would be cut when it pertains to our tax dollars.  Call me cold hearted, but I believe that those who want to pursue higher education WILL do so.  This may mean that they need to do as I did and join one of the various Armed services in return for the college fund (yes, that is why I initially joined).  Granted not all are physically able to do this - those should be the focus of any monetary assistance, but like any government program, it would be prone to fraud and should be monitored closely.

What is that you say?  Not all want to join the service?  That is your right - indeed it is.  If you do not want to serve our country in some capacity (Active duty or National Guard/Reserves) I am sure that you could find employment and work your way through college should your Family not have the resources.  Possibly, instead of protesting you could use this time to help our government come up with creative ways that you could serve in a non-defense public service such as a public works program, youth program, etc.  There are so many jobs out there that the government to put our youth to work doing in return for monetary assistance to attend college - and it would probably make this country that much better.

In the end, you would have the satisfaction of knowing you earned your degree by your hard work in service of our country as well as your efforts in the class room.

Now, if we were speaking of K-12 public schooling funds being cut - that would be a reason for action. 

As always - just my thoughts.  That is one of the privileges of being a citizen of the United States - your right to speak your mind.  God Bless America!

As most of you know, Pam and I are a Clarksville Real Estate Team - The Cash Team.  Being best friends, married for 18 years, and her being the love of my life why wouldn't I want to be a team mate of hers?

My lady works hard - there is no doubt about that and I suppose I don't give her the credit she deserves.  She took the plunge first, about year before I retired from the Army.  While I am the 'Tech Guy' of the team, she is the 'Face' (don't want my ugly mug out there much) and does a phenomenal job of negotiation and client relations face to face and via the telephone.

Myself and a good friend of mine Art Agnew had talked about getting into Real Estate when we retired - made sense because both of our wives were in the business (Art and Thea make up Team Agnew).  Well, I retired first but we both decided to take the course together and both got our license at the same time - but I digress (Just wanted to put a plug out there for my buddy).

Being a team in life is hard enough, but when you bring business into the equation it is much like oil and water at times.  Pamela Ann is more reserved and does not easily get rattled, while I am most certainly more aggressive and simply do not know how to pull my foot off the pedal.  It is either pedal to the metal or in park when it comes to me - really no middle ground so you can see where there are sometimes a bit of head butting that goes on (or rather a knock on my head with a rolling pin to get me in line).

Sometimes it is good to reflect of the life you have and the blessings that God has bestowed upon you.  I must admit I don't do this enough.  Our success in our lives and in business, as well as our beautiful daughter's raising is more to do with Pamela Ann's steadfast resolve and her ability to see the forest for the trees. 

So, to my darling wife and business partner I would like to say publicly that I thank you for your hard work and dedication toward assisting Families in the Clarksville TN Real Estatemarket, for keeping me in check (and putting up with me), for taking care of the home and our daughter during my Military Career and still to this day and lastly for loving this old goat.  A man couldn't ask for more.

 

DIY Home Improvements are a great way to put some equity into your home without paying to have a professional come in.  Sometimes however, your money is put to better use to hire a professional to do the work. 

I am one of those guys who knows his limitations.  I was not raised with a hammer in my hand - honestly don't know if my dad knew how to change the oil in the car.  Not his fault as his dad was not handy either.  I can tell you that thanks to my father-in-law, brother-in-law and some great friends, over the years I have learned enough to be dangerous with a few different improvement jobs such as laying tiles and installing trim work.  Even so, I am very cautious when contemplating a major improvement or remodel on my home.

A couple of weekends ago, after a few months (or was it a year) of prodding by my darling wife, I finally decided the time had come to install that floor in the basement.  The process looked simple enough, but I was wary and almost paid to have it done.  Thanks to Clif, Carol and Jake who shared not only their time but their expertise and tools we were able to knock it out in a couple of days.  I must say that I am pleased with the results.  Having seen many laminate floors in my time showing Clarksville TN Real Estate, I can tell you that there are many who would have been better off paying to have the job done right the first time.

You know, those floors that look like rolling hills?  Edges sticking up?  Gaps all over the place?  The ones you walk on and think you are walking on a matress?  While I am sure that many of the homeowners who listed these homes were proud of the job they did, in all actuality they did more harm than good.  Know your limitations and if you are going to do the job - do it right!

Same holds true with tile jobs.  Tile is a relatively cheap project, but it is back breaking, time consuming and certainly attention to detail ensuring the tile lines up, that the thin-set is not too thick under one tile and not too thin under another - oh yeah - is it the right consistency?  Too many times you walk into a home that is listed on the Clarksville TN Real Estate market that has a floor that looks like what it is - a complete amateur job that needs to be torn out and redone.  Folks, a person looking for a home, for the most part do not want to have to immediately replace the flooring (unless we are talking a bargain price or foreclosure).  Most folks will simply move on to the next property.

There are many great DIY projects that you and your Family and take on.  The above two examples are certainly doable by the 'Average Joe' but if you are going to do it (especially with friends) - don't rush, study up and above all - do it right.  Remember, most professionals in these type of projects are simply guys and gals that have been doing it for a while and have learned from their mistakes.

Some other DIY projects to improve your home:

- Crown Molding

- Lighting Fixtures

- Plumbing Fixtures (unless you are me - I DON'T DO PLUMBING)

- Landscaping

- Painting (as much as I hate it)

Again, if you set out to take on a DIY project around the home:

- Do your homework - research, research, research

- Solicit the assistance of friends (Pizza and Soda go along way!)

- Take your time, but also set aside the time to get er done!

- Don't cut corners.

Here are a few websites you might find helpful in your planning and preparation:

http://www.doityourself.com/

http://www.diynetwork.com/

http://www.diyideas.com/

http://www.bobvila.com/

http://www.lowes.com/cd_How+To+Library_615580068_

http://www.hgtv.com/

http://www.homedepot.com/

DIY Home Improvement projects can be the most rewarding work that you have ever done or the biggest nightmare you have ever had.  The choice is really up to you - Know your limits and research research research! 

Clarksville TN makes Business Week's list of best places to raise your kids:  2010

It was only a matter of time before our great city of Clarksville TN was found out!  I have said for years that Clarksville one of the best kept secrets in Tennessee.  Whether you are a Soldier assigned to Fort Campbell, KY, a Retired Soldier looking to settle down or a private citizen looking for a job in Corporate America, Clarksville is the place to be in Tennessee.

Clarksville offers a great public school system as well as some great private schools, a low cost of living and Clarksville TN Real Estate values have not been inflated, thus keeping the market stable through the recent Real Estate crisis.  Located just minutes to downtown Nashville going East on I-24 and minutes to Land Between the Lakes going West on I-24, Clarksville is the perfect place to raise a Family and to call your home. 

Way to go Clarksville!  To read the article click here:  Best Places to Raise Your Kids: 2010

For more information on Clarksville TN click here:  Clarksville TN Info

To search homes for sale click here:  Clarksville TN Homes for Sale

 

Another Clarksville Home Sold by The Cash Team.  Pam and I thoroughly enjoyed assisting John and Michele in finding the perfect property in Clarksville TN, and I am confident that we did just that.  Hopefully this will ease some of the stress as they PCS from another state here to the Clarksville and Fort Campbell area.  We would like to thank the Williams Family for having the trust and confidence in us to care for their Clarksville Real Estate needs.  If there is ever anything that we can do to assist - please remember, our service does not end at the closing table.

	Residential	MLS No.
Status SOLD!!	Area 77	List Price $359,900
Type Site Built	Er/Ea Exc. Right to Sell	Media
Address	City Clarksville	Zip 37043
County Montgomery	Sub/Dev Sheffield Woods	MLS Map
Lot Number	Tax ID	Deed Book/Page
Directions

 

I wanted to share the following video with all:  Trace Adkins and the West Point Glee Club

As many know I served our Country proud for just over 20 years.  I lost many dear friends during my service as I am sure that many reading this have seen their share of loss whether it be a husband, wife, father, mother or friend to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Please take a few moments to watch this video and KNOW that those who gave the ultimate sacrifice did not die in vain, but rather to keep you and I safe and to keep our enemies off of our Nation's doorstep.

God bless our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines and the Families who support them each and everyday.  Tonight when you get ready to turn in - take a moment and say a prayer to our Lord and Savior for those who are on the front lines this very day as well as for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and their Families.

It takes a special kind to stand up and say "Send Me".

Ways To Reduce Your Heating Bill

With this being one of the coldest winters in recent memory, the following tips may be a bit overdue, but certainly worth your while as a homeowner or even as a tenant.  As everyone knows - when the temperature outside begins to fall, our heating bills quickly start to rise.  For many homeowners, keeping their house warm in the winter means paying a hefty heating bill - Pam and I are right there with you. Fortunately, there are some ways to help reduce those costs and keep a little extra cash in your pocket for a rainy (and warmer) day.

Open up those blinds!  Even though it may be cold outside, the sun still tries to peak through on occasion. When it does, make sure to open your curtains and/or blinds in order to welcome the sun's heat into your home. This will help to add a touch of warmth to help keep your heating costs down. After all, the time for seeking shade from the sunlight is in the summer.

Check your Water Heater Temp!  Did you know that the settings on your water heater could be affecting your heating bill? It's true.  Check your owner's manual or ask a local expert about the ideal settings for your water heater which, if turned down, may still be able to heat your water adequately while reducing your heating bill.

Have you checked your 'R' Value lately?  Insulation is used to maintain your home's temperature. Some houses, especially older ones, may require additional insulation to keep the cold air out during the winter and the warm air in. The latter is especially important if your goal is to lower your heating bills. Check with a local insulation professional about upgrading or replacing your outdated insulation.

Adjust that thermostat!  Turning the thermostat down when the house is empty or at night (when you can snuggle up under the covers) will help to reduce your heating costs.  We have installed programmable thermostats in order to better control our home's temperature and have certainly noticed the difference.

Window Woes?  If you feel a cold draft near your windows, chances are good that it isn't the only direction that the air is flowing. Specifically, air leaks or gaps in your window can cause the warm air to leave your home, which can result in a rising heat bill. If you notice a draft, use caulk to seal the area or hire a professional to repair any cracks or imperfections that may be causing an airflow problem.

Now that you know how to keep your heating costs down, it's important to note a certain amount of fresh air must be able to enter the home in order to prevent a buildup of moisture, which could lead to mold during the winter. In other words, don't prevent a natural airflow by making your home excessively airtight.