Fall Time Tasks Around the House I’m really enjoying connecting with you all this way and giving you a little more of me.   The fall leaves are such a beautiful part of our area and the crisp rainy days are what it is all about! Bonfires, smore's, camping trips, football games, family time, and so much more! Fall is one of my favorite times of year here. Growing up in California, fall wasn't really a thing! Our trees were evergreens or palm trees and I didn't experience the beauty of fall until I was living in Tennessee. It also meant I had no idea you had to do some of these things! We didn't get much rain and had concrete patios instead of wood decks. I had no idea! So, I'm going to include some information for you all that I wish I knew! Let’s talk FALL TIME and what we should do for our HOMES! This is just a quick little list of things you may not think to do but should probably check out soon before the weather gets cold! Let’s get to cleaning out gutters and cleaning out the garage for a fresh coat of paint! Welcome to fall time in Tennessee!   Clean/ seal your deck- J.B. Sassano, president of Mr. Handyman, recommends “walk around the deck and sprinkle water on several different areas. If water soaks into the boards, it’s time to reseal the deck. If water forms a puddle or beads up, the deck is repelling water and will be safe for the winter.”   How to protect deck wood in the winter- Check for loose nails and screws. Tighten or replace fasteners as needed. Power wash the deck on a day no colder than 40 degrees. Inspect for cracks or areas that are splintering. Fill cracks with epoxy wood filler. Add a water-repelling stain to protect from melting ice and snow.   Winterize your driveway- Most people don’t give their driveway a second thought when winterizing the home. However, snow, ice and salt can take its toll on concrete and asphalt surfaces. Pull Weeds: If grass or weeds have sprung up throughout your driveway or sidewalk, pluck them out before fixing and sealing the gaps. Repair Cracks: During the winter, water can collect in and worsen existing cracks in concrete and asphalt. Use concrete caulk to patch hairline cracks and concrete sealer to fix larger gaps. For cracks in asphalt driveways, applying asphalt crack sealer will do the trick. Clean and Seal the Surface: Before the temperatures drop below 40 degrees, pressure wash your driveway and seal it with a concrete or asphalt sealer to prevent damage from snow and salt.   Clean your fireplace   Check  all heating and air units   Stock up on sidewalk salt, firewood and windshield wiper fluids   Clean all gutters   Remulch and winterize the gardens   Winterize Pools and Irrigation Systems   Disconnect Hoses from Outdoor Spigots   Switch fan direction- Ceiling fans should turn clockwise in the colder months, which pushes warm air back down into the room. Most fans have a simple switch that reverses the direction. (I didn’t even know this til recently!)   Clean up your lawnmower and other yard tools   Prepare your patio for winter- Clean your patio furniture thoroughly before putting it away for the winter. Empty the dirt in any decorative clay or ceramic pots – otherwise it can freeze and crack the pots. More importantly, check for any cracks or dents in your deck or patio. Any small problem you have now will grow bigger during the cold season, especially if water gets into the cracks and freezes.   Add a fresh coat of paint- The weather is still warm without being oppressive, so now is the perfect time to redo the outside (and maybe even the inside) of your home with a fresh coat of paint. With the milder fall temperatures, you will be able to keep your windows open to get rid of the fumes quickly.   Look at weather-proofing- Doors and windows should be sealed against the elements with weather stripping and/or caulking. These protective materials keep nasty weather out and the heat in—cracked, chipping, or otherwise damaged seals can cause much higher energy bills as you lose heat to the outdoors. Also check that doors and windows are properly attached to their frames, with no gaps or cracks.   Clean out the garage- Old paint cans/ junk Old sports equipment Baby gear Overused holiday decor Ancient electronics Unfinished projects The real nitty gritty list- Wash walls/ windows/ seals/ baseboards Clean washer and dryer Dust door frames and window frames Clean grouts Clean under and in refrigerator and in dishwasher and oven Flip mattresses Switch seasonal clothing Polish wood furniture Dust fake plants Dust ceiling fans Trash expired foods Run cut lemons and ice through the garbage disposal Test smoke detectors and monoxide detectors, replace batteries ‍  

Hickory Wild Subdivision Looking for the perfect neighborhood? Not sure where to start? Find out in our new series of blog posts with different neighborhoods explained for you! This adorable subdivision is located in the Rossview area of Clarksville and just off the interstate and close to the Kentucky state line. The subdivision is zoned for Kirkwood Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Minutes to downtown Clarksville, Fort Campbell, and Wilma Rudolph, this community is perfect for everyone with a clubhouse, community pool, community playgrounds, and much more. It can be easily accessed from exit eight on I24, Rossview Road, or Dunlop Lane, making for a quick commute to Nashville. Off the beaten path, you will find minimal traffic and children playing in the numerous cul-de-sacs, parking alleyways, and on the residential streets. The community is centered on the Community Playground and Pool House. Find it on a map Here. Originally developed in 2008, the homes have a variety of builders while keeping a uniform appearance throughout the development with mostly brick homes. The community maintains the yard, continuing the uniform appearance of homes. The neighborhood has rear access garages in most of the homes and does not allow street parking. Wrought Iron fencing are the only allowed fencing materials throughout the neighborhood, which allows for the subdivision to maintain the light and airy feeling throughout. Craftsman Style finishes can be found in the homes along with modern clean lines. Many of the original homes have the much-desired basement. The Subdivision has a Homeowner’s Association that is managed by Ghertner & Company. Updated HOA information can be found HERE. Price Range: $225,000 - $425,000 HOA Fee: $160 Monthly Community Amenities include: Sidewalks Underground Utilities Community Playground Community Clubhouse Community Pool Trash Pickup included in HOA dues Lawn Care included in HOA dues Have questions about this or any other subdivision in the area? Ask us HERE Check Out Homes Currently For Sale and Rent in Hickory Wild HERE    

  Winter can be a beautiful time of year with snowflakes dancing around and creating a winter wonderland. However, with that beauty comes danger, especially when it comes to ice damming. Ice damming is when ice forms on your roof, blocking water from flowing off the roof properly. Instead, the water pools behind the ice, eventually making its way through your roof and causing structural damage to your home. In this blog post, we will explore what ice damming is, how it happens, and most importantly, how to keep your home safe from the damage that it can cause. What is Ice Damming?   Ice damming is a phenomenon that occurs when snow and ice accumulate on your roof, melting, and refreezing. When temperatures rise during the day, the snow and ice on your roof melt and flow down towards the edge of the roof, where it is cooler. Here, the water refreezes, forming a dam that grows larger over time. As water continues to melt, it pools behind the dam, and if it is not properly channeled off the roof, can cause significant damage to your home.   How Does Ice Damming Happen?   Ice damming occurs when specific conditions are present. Firstly, the temperature needs to be below freezing, and there needs to be snow and ice on the roof. This can happen when there is a big cold front, and temperatures drop dramatically. The combination of low temperatures and snow creates the perfect conditions for ice damming to occur. Secondly, the presence of heat sources in the home can contribute to ice damming. When heat escapes, it melts the snow, which eventually refreezes and contributes to the formation of ice dams.   How to Keep Your Home Safe?   The best way to take care of ice damming is to prevent it from happening in the first place. It's important to take preventive measures before a big cold front hits. Firstly, ensure that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. This will ensure that heat does not escape, contributing to ice damming. Secondly, ensure that your roof is maintained regularly. Clean gutters, remove any debris or leaves that may accumulate, and trim any overhanging tree limbs that may damage your roof. Finally, consider replacing your old, damaged roof with a new one that is durable and can withstand harsh winters.   What to Do if You See Ice Damming?   If you notice ice dams forming, don't panic, but act fast. You can take a few steps to prevent further damage. Firstly, use a roof rake or broom to clear snow from the edges of the roof to prevent the formation of ice dams. Secondly, use calcium chloride or another ice melt to create channels in the ice dam so that water can flow off the roof. Thirdly, consult professionals if the ice dams are too big or you notice water damage inside your home. Ice damming can be a problem during winters, but by taking preventive measures and acting fast, you can keep your home safe from damage. Ensuring that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated, maintaining your roof regularly, and replacing old, damaged roofs with new ones are some steps you can take to prevent ice dams from forming. If you do notice ice dams forming, take action immediately to prevent further damage. With these measures, you can enjoy the beauty of winter without having to worry about the damage that comes with ice damming.

Embracing Change: The Journey of Moving to a New City for a Job Change can be daunting, especially when it involves uprooting oneself and venturing into unfamiliar territory. While the prospect of moving to a new city for a job might seem overwhelming at first, it can also mark the beginning of an exciting chapter filled with growth, opportunity, and adventure. As someone who has embarked on this journey numerous times, I've come to realize that the experience of relocating can be both challenging and rewarding, pushing us beyond our comfort zones and shaping us in ways we never imagined. Embracing the Unknown The decision to move to a new city for a job often comes with a mix of emotions - excitement for the fresh start, apprehension about the unknown, and nostalgia for the life left behind. It's crucial to acknowledge these feelings and understand that it's perfectly normal to have reservations. However, it's equally important to embrace the unknown and view this transition as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Researching the New Environment Before making the big move, thorough research about the new city is imperative. Understanding the local culture, lifestyle, cost of living, and available amenities can ease the transition process. Exploring the city virtually through online forums, social media groups, and city-specific websites can provide valuable insights into what to expect, helping to establish a sense of familiarity even before arrival. Plus, as a REALTOR®, I'm always happy to give out my personal recommendations when asked. Almost every city, and even most neighborhoods, have social media groups that can help you feel at home before you arrive. These same groups and forums can help you decide which area to call home and even help you find the perfect real estate agent to help guide you on your journey.  Building a Support System One of the most significant challenges of relocating is leaving behind a well-established support network. However, it's essential to remember that a new city offers the opportunity to forge new connections. Engaging with colleagues, attending local meetups, and joining community events can facilitate the creation of a new support system. Additionally, maintaining regular contact with friends and family can provide a sense of comfort during the initial period of adjustment. Adapting to the New Lifestyle Each city has its own unique rhythm and lifestyle. Adapting to the local way of life can be an enriching experience. From exploring local restaurants to immersing oneself in the city's cultural activities, embracing the new lifestyle allows for a deeper understanding of the community and its traditions. Learning about the city's history and attractions can foster a sense of belonging and make the transition smoother. Balancing Work and Personal Life Amidst the excitement of a new job and a new city, it's crucial to strike a balance between professional commitments and personal well-being. Establishing a daily routine that includes time for relaxation, hobbies, and social activities can help prevent burnout and foster a healthy work-life balance. Setting achievable goals, both professionally and personally, can provide a sense of direction and purpose, making the transition more manageable and fulfilling. Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth Moving to a new city for a job inevitably comes with its fair share of challenges. From navigating a new commute to adjusting to a different work culture, each obstacle presents an opportunity for personal and professional growth. It's important to approach these challenges with an open mind and a willingness to learn, as each hurdle surmounted contributes to an individual's resilience and adaptability. Celebrating Milestones and Achievements Every small victory is a step forward in the journey of settling into a new city. Whether it's successfully navigating the local transportation system, establishing meaningful connections, or achieving milestones at work, celebrating these achievements can instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. Acknowledging one's progress, no matter how small, reinforces the idea that every challenge overcome is a testament to one's resilience and determination. Looking Ahead with Optimism As time passes and familiarity with the new city grows, what was once unfamiliar becomes a place to call home. The initial uncertainties and anxieties transform into a sense of belonging and an appreciation for the diverse experiences the new city has to offer. Looking ahead with optimism, one realizes that the decision to move was not just about a job but about embarking on a transformative journey that enriches the tapestry of life. Moving to a new city for a job is not just a change of scenery; it's a profound journey of self-discovery, resilience, and adaptability. It's about stepping outside one's comfort zone and embracing the unknown with an open heart and mind. While the initial steps might seem daunting, the rewards of personal and professional growth make the experience worthwhile. So, if you find yourself at the crossroads of a similar decision, remember that every challenge is an opportunity and every step forward is a testament to your strength and courage. Embrace the change, for it might just lead you to the most enriching chapter of your life.