Did this literal dark cloud have a silver lining? Well, a lot had to be repaired so I was now presented with the opportunity to meet some local vendors.  I had contacted several for each phase who came out to estimate repair costs. Our foundation was compromised (5 feet of water in our basement cracked a block foundation wall). Our drainage system, gutters and lawns all incurred negative impact as a result of a downpour that Noah and his Arch would have been impressed with. I had 14 different bids on the various jobs. The following is a short list repair people who I’d recommend:

•  Mid–State Ornamental Ironworks

Block and concrete work is their meat and potatoes. Mike and Bruce did a great job saving my basement retaining wall. Rather than rebuilding the entire wall, we lowered the cost by installing “pilasters” in three places where the wall had cracked as a result of the flood. Fast, clean, and good!

• Chuck Thompson

Chuck showed up with a dump truck and Bobcat and leveled the front of my property that had major issues after the storm. He mentored me in re-seeding my front yard. I admit that I had fun growing my first front lawn. Thanks Chuck! (Don’t call me if you’d like help over seeding your lawn)

•  Richard Stein

Contemporary Designs in brick, tile and stone. Not only did he recommend other great vendors, he didn’t rip me off by creating a job for himself when there wasn’t one!  Richard came out and gave me some free advice that will save me thousands. Wow!

•  Alford Roofing.

The gutters needed replacing and I’ve hired Chance at Alford to do the job. He and his father Mark came out Friday to take the old gutters down, and put in the aluminum fascia. The actual gutters will be installed within the next few days. I told Chance that there was no insurance money for these repairs (true) and he worked with me on the price. Call or email me if you’d like to know the results of his efforts.

More soon,

Mark

We know traditionally February 2nd is a big day for you. This year’s prediction of six weeks more of winter is greatly appreciated by one and all. We, in the Nashville residential real estate market, are writing to inform you that, despite your prediction of a longer winter, Nashville homes are selling at a brisk pace that might even suggest an early spring thaw. A hot spring for Nashville home buyers and sellers from this current trend might be anticipated. Please know that even though we respectfully acknowledge your prediction of an extended first quarter chill, home sales in Nashville, Tennessee are warming.  Granted our insight is based solely on statistical data supplied to us from the Nashville Multiple Listing Service.  We can’t rely on the accuracy of simply looking at our shadows. To those of us in the Nashville real estate market, the climate currently feels a little more like spring than your prediction suggested. Helpful information regarding this season’s Nashville home sales upswing can be found at: www.home2nashville.com.

We’re looking forward to your next years’ annual visit.

Regards,

Mark

Here are the facts as reported by the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors:

2010 BEGINS WITH INCREASE IN HOME SALES

There were 1,033 home closings in Greater Nashville during January, representing a 6 percent increase from the 974 closings reported during January of 2009. Condominium sales were up considerably.

The median residential price in January was $159,000 for a single-family home and $154,550 for a condominium. That compares with median prices of $165,000 for both condominiums and residential in January of last year. There were 1,295 sales pending at the end of January, compared with 1,282 at the end of January 2009.

Inventory is down to 22,233, compared with 22,509 in January of 2009.

Just A Reminder…

Lenders are currently offering fantastic rates for home mortgages. Don’t miss out on your Federal Tax Credit, and these historically low rates.