Monday Morning Coffee – worth the wait! #in

Happy father’s day to all those great dad’s out there.

 

I hope your day was as cool and refreshing as mine even though we were facing near 100 degree (stifling) HEAT here in Nashville.

 

My day began with a nice walk with Apollo . . . followed by the first greetings of the day as the girls awakened and ambushed me with the most creative home made greeting cards (My favorite kind of card).

 

I had no notion of what the day would bring. Deb had asked me a few times that week what I wanted to do for father’s Day, and i had never offered an answer . . . It seems time just flew along, and i was absorbed in the flurry of business activity we’re experiencing . . . and the literal tornado of mental pondering that comes with my decision to take on a very big idea I’ve had for a while (more on that in a few weeks).

 

After the card opening, Deb said: “Let’s go to Loveless for Breakfast!”

 

WOW!

 

Couldn’t have been a more perfect suggestion. i instantly remembered all the days I’ve spent sitting on the porch at Loveless talking to folks while we all WAITED for our turn to enjoy those biscuits, red-eye gravy, fried chicken . . . The best breakfast on the planet.

 

We piddled around for a while – after all – It’s father’s Day, we weren’t going to be late for anything

 

and headed to Loveless where we realized that we were not the only family in Middle tn to choose loveless for breakfast that morning . . . We were handed one of those beepers and told it would an hour and a 1/2 wait.

 

The Host didn’t even blink an eye when he said “An hour and a half’, and i noticed that there was NO ONE who seemed to be phased by the announcement of such a long wait.

 

You see . . . Loveless Breakfast is worth the wait.

 

We enjoyed that hour and a half together browsing through the shops and sitting a talking . . . and when it seemed like it was the “right time” we headed back towards the restaurant . . . within 5 minutes, our beeper beeped and we were seated.

 

The food was better than expected. I opted for the bbq omelet and those delicious fried potatoes . . . and of course, several biscuits.

 

at the end of the meal, deb made the observation that the servers/employees at the loveless were not frantic at all in the face of all of those masses of people coming to be served.

 

Nope!

 

these folks were calm, cool, and collected and were taking their time serving us impeccably. the Food was perfect, and we really felt welcomed and at ease.

 

The environment at the Loveless includes the good feel of down-home cooking and taking a break from the fast-paced lives to which most folks shackle themselves.

 

this set the perfect tone for a perfect day.

 

Next move for us was a couple of hours at the American Artisan festival in centennial Park where we scored the COOLEST mirror for our 1/2 bath room . . . followed by a nice swim . . . and capping the day off with grilled salmon and an easy evening.

 

From a business perspective . . . How does loveless DO that?

 

Why is it worth the wait? . . .

 

EVERY TIME! 

 

There’s no magical pixie dust here . . . It’s just good, old fashioned commitment to delivering an uncompromising level of service and quality . . . the FULL experience . . . to EVERY guest who visits? 

 

How does this translate to YOUR business/

 

i’m just sayin’

 

coffee cup’s empty – Hope you have a great week!

 

best,

 

b 

Monday Morning Coffee – TOTALLY Committed!

Good morning!

 

Just got back from a nice walk with Apollo (dog) this steamy Nashville morning and excited about the week ahead.

 

Yesterday was Deb’s Birthday, and we had a great day – a hike – some swimming - visits with friends, and mostly just enjoying each other. It was Deb’s day, and the whole family was TOTALLY committed to making it the BEST day possible.

 

Allison actually proclaimed this on Saturday night saying: “Mommy, we’re gonna make this the BEST Birthday EVER!” . . . and then she followed through by doing more than her fair share of organizing and “doing”.

 

This reminded me of a concert Deb & I attended several months ago – The Zac Brown Brown. Zac Brown just blew me away with his “theme” of the whole performance of them being there was to make sure WE (the crowd) got what we came for in terms of entertainment . . . that they were TOTALLY committed to making this the BEST show they had EVER performed . . . and that for as long as they are performing, their commitment is to make every show “Better than the last!”

 

WOW!

 

How great would life be for ALL of us if EVERYONE thought this way?

 

People LOVE doing business with businesses that think this way . . . This is the kind of stuff that results in what musician call “Cult Followings” – Marketers call “Viral” – and jealous competitors call “LUCKY!”

 

I believe this is the attitude that keeps folks young. With commitment at this level, I can only imagine a life full of excitement and Joi de vivre.

 

Are you COMMITTED to doing YOUR part?

 

I’m just sayin’

 

Hope you have a great week! (Better than the last)

 

Best,

 

b

PS – I remain committed to making every real estate transaction better than the last . . . Please think of me when you or someone you know gets the itch to move. I enthusiastically stand ready to serve

 
–
Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Keller Williams Realty

Connect with me @ Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Plaxo

Call me: 615-568-2123

Read my Blog: http://activerain.com/blogs/barryo
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

http://www.owengroupnashvillehomes.com

Barry Owen’s Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks

http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Simply & BOLDLY Living the FourFold Way in Open Space!

Quintessentially connected to the real estate industry to offer the ultimate experience for Home Buyers and Sellers in Middle Tennessee . . . Inquire within!

Serenity within minutes of Nashville @ $217,500 #in

Crisp and clean and ready to move in

Fully Fenced (New 1YR) Back yard

“man room” – Kid’s Play Room – Walk-out Basement Level

Great Room – Living Room – Main Level – Open to Kitchen

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146 Scenic Harpeth Drive is a wonderful house now available for the ever-so-tasteful price of $217,500. With 2352 Square feet of pristine and nicely up-dated living space, this home offers what I consider to be the PERFECT house for folks who have a need for some “healthy separation” from each other.

 

Crisp and clean and ready to move in

 

What I mean by this is that the main level can be the “formal” level where the “more responsible adults” hang out . . . complete with a wonderful Updated Kitchen with sunny eat-in area . . . very central and comfortable Great Room and a formal dining room . . . and the Master Bedroom Suite.

Then we go downstairs to mingle with the (perhaps) “less refined crowd” . . . I’m thinking “Man room” or”Kid’s Hang-out” . . . Down “there” is a FULL Walk-out Basement with 9 foot ceilings (does not feel like a basement dungeon) . . . with 2 bedrooms, a full bath, the utility (washer and Dryer) room and a nice sized Bonus room . . . With direct access to a rear patio and a lush, FENCED back yard.

 This home is a wonderful place to go every day after a long day doing whatever you do to make a living

 

One of my FAVORITE parts of this homse is its LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!

Only @ 1 mile from I-40 – Myth busting the notion that Kingston Springs is “far away” . . . It’s not more than 30 minutes from virtually anywhere in the Greater nashville area that you’d want to go.

"man room" - Kid's Play Room - Walk-out Basement Level

Fully Fenced (New 1YR) Back yard

Kingston Springs, TN ranks up there as one of my favorite little towns surrounding Nashville. Just a few miles West . . . Suprisingly close . . . Only @ 20 minutes from Downtown via I-40. What I like most about it is the TREES and hills and GREENERY and QUIET and the PEOPLE. It’s just a whole nother world . . . a little Garden of Eden by its own right nestled up close to a bustling metropolis.

 

Because I seem to be technologically challenged this morning, I’m publishing phots of this property in a bundle (below). I think you’ll agree that it’s a special property and invite you to take a look in person . . . Just connect with me.

and of course . . . I would be honored to help you with ANY real estate needs you or anyone you know has in Middle Tennessee . . . there are some GREAT deals out there . . . and if you’re selling, you might be pleasantly surprised by the relative health of the market.

Turn off the TV and call a LOCAL expert – ME

I’m just sayin’

 

Best,

b

Barry Owen

Keller Williams Realty

615-568-2123 Direct

615-822-8585 Office

catch me on Facebook, Linkedin, Plaxo

Email – barryo@comcast.net

Great Room - Living Room - Main Level - Open to Kitchen

 

 

Monday Morning Coffee – Rebuilding/Recovery #in

Good morning!

This Monday morning finds me thinking about rebuilding and recovery because there’s a LOT of that going on in my world.

Nashville is in that phase of the flood escapade we are experiencing, and we are now learning the fine art of patience as we all find ourselves silently begging for everything to go back to EXACTLY what it was before.

The truth that hurts is that it’ll NEVER be the same again.

Transformation has happened – out with the old and in with the new way and beliefs and fears.

Questions like: “If I rebuild, what are the odds that my house will flood again?”

and: “If a flood can unexpectedly wreak such havoc, what other potential disasters lurk in our near future?”

Some folks are now worried about Earthquake because we sit near enough to one of the continents largest faults which (if it shifted) would likely reconfigure virtually every inland waterway from the Mississippi River Eastward for 300 miles or more.

My best advice to flood vicitms is: “If you’re worried about future flooding, move to higher ground.” Life’s too short for you to keep your family in a place that you consider to be dangerous.

There are myriad reasons folks can conjure in their minds as to why they CAN’T do it.

I say there is NOTHING you can’t do if your focus is long range. Sure, things might suck now, but hang in there . . . it’s a cycle, and your sunshine is coming . . . Just keep on moivin’ on one step at a time towards SOMETHING.

Same goes for the economy and the real estate market.

At the risk of sounding wreckless and in denial, I’ve gotta say that this too shall pass. The discomfort many people are feeling/experiencing is real but not permanent.

Even if the government had not done a THING to bolster the faltering economy, Americans would have found a way . . . We would have prevailed . . . and the Economy would return to “health”

The “Experts” tend to look for positive signs . . . I think to keep HOPE alive for people tragically affected . . . or because it helps sell more advertising space.(while the media tends to look for drama)

Here are a few recent discoveries that show poitive trends towards recovery.

- Interest Rates for Mortgages remain at an Historic LOW.
- Lenders now feel free enough to begin offering some more appealing loan options to stimulate the higher end housing market . . . Things like 7 year Adjustable Rate Mortgages for jumbo loans (over $417,000) . . . and “blended” loans with 1st and 2nd mortgages for well qualified Buyers or refinace.
- The inventory of available continues to fall and sales continue to rise resulting in a healthier absorbtion Rate . . . the supply of available homes is trending DOWN every month.
- The Over $417,000 Housing market is beginning to MOVE (Recent news hit that the $2-5 Million dollar market has had an astounding recent recovery.

Watch that number – If you see @ 5-7 months of supply, that means a fairly balanced market.

Many pockets in the Middle Tennessee real Estate Market are already in that range . . . and some are quickly approaching it.

Sales are now happening at a comfortable pace here in Middle tennessee.

My bottom line thins morning as I see the bottom of my coffee cup is this:

No matter the trauma/drama you face, don’t take you eye off YOUR ball – Your goals and dreams and PURPOSE because these life events are just that and they WILL pass.

Have patience and know that it’s a cycle . . . and accept that things are ALWAYS changing.

enjoy the ride

and don’t forget to contact me if you or anyone you know has a need for real estate advice/counsel . . . wants to buy or sell a house . . . or just wants to learn more about what’s going on in the local and National markets.

Hope you have a great week!

Best,

b

Monday Morning Coffee

Well – It’s Tuesday Morning because Monday morning I was steeped/consumed in my ritual of preparing baby back ribs for the oven for our holiday feast. The ribs turned out great, and I got the usual ribbing for having a beer at 6 AM.

I have an especially high regard for Memorial Day as a day to celebrate our good fortune of living in such a fantastic country and honoring those fallen soldiers who “got us here” and are dying every day to keep us “here”.

I hope you were able to enjoy the day and perhaps take just a moment to reflect on the meaning of the day.

Every holiday, our youngest daughter Allison (Who asks LOTS of questions) asks what the holiday is all about. I’m a pretty good story teller, but I know that my facts aren’t always accurate, so when Allison asks such questions I usually turn to my good friend WIKI . . . and type “Memorial Day Wiki” in google . . . That’s where I find the Historical references and origins of whatever “it” is that Allison wants to know about.

She always ends up getting more information than she really wanted, yet she indulges me by pretending that she is listening to every word . . . and we BOTH always learn something new . . . because she ASKED the question.

Allison asks LOTS of questions . . . and therefore is ALWAYS learning.

How cool is that?

Seth Godin wrote a great little blog post yesterday:

Redoubling to system failure
Every 18 months for the last decade, the world has doubled the data it pushes to you.

Twice as much email, twice as many friend requests, twice as many sites to check, twice as many devices.

When does your mind lose the ability to keep up? Then what happens? Is it already happening?

Email this • Subscribe to this feed • Share on Facebook

I wrote him a quick email confirming that I believe it IS already happening.

In fact, i am noticing a trend all around me that people now are beginning to shift towards who we really are as humans . . . social animals . . . and that the best medicine for us is simplicity and genuine contact with each other.

We are returning to more face-to-face, belly-to-belly interaction where we can hear and share laughter and PLAY and have FUN!

I would Much rather have coffee with you or take a walk in the park with you than to swat at IMs and facebook exchanges all day with you.

Truth is . . . It’s more satisfying, and we can learn more from each other in person . . . Just as Allison and we learn more by researching answers to her many questions.

I believe the internet now has “enough” there and enough people are comfortable with it that it can now better serve as a tool for leveraging learning . . . but it’ll never replace direct human interaction.

Coffee cup is empty . . . Time to start another great week – 1st week of Summer Break for the kids . . . See ya at the pool.

Best,

b

Oh yeah! Don’t forget to keep your ears open for folks thinking about buying or selling a house. I truly believe that there has NEVER been a better market in which to BUY a hose than right NOW. Rates under 5% . . . and many houses are VERY reasonably priced . . . we are close to the bottom . . . buy LOW . . . NOW!

Call me!

–
Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Keller Williams Realty

Connect with me @ Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Plaxo

Call me: 615-568-2123

Read my Blog: http://activerain.com/blogs/barryo
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

http://www.owengroupnashvillehomes.com

Barry Owen’s Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks

http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Simply & BOLDLY Living the FourFold Way in Open Space!

Quintessentially connected to the real estate industry to offer the ultimate experience for Home Buyers and Sellers in Middle Tennessee . . . Inquire within!

Monday Morning Coffee!

Today is the first day of the final week of school for most young people in Middle Tennessee.

WOW!

THAT came fast this year.

I can see all of the parents in varying degrees of panic as the reality of the impending change in routine begins to take root in their brains.

We LOVE our children . . . even more when their schedules are complete such that they are not under-foot 24/7

Having routine seems to be a critical component for children. We find that when routine changes, they are “off” and tend to act out a bit more . . . the whining and bickering increases in volume.

Is routine not also critically important for us adults?

For me, every day begins with the brewing of the morning nectar (coffee) followed by a 30 minute, strenuous walk with dog Apollo . . . Then a quick check of the calendar and mental registering of the plan for the day . . . Prepare myself . . . Then I “start the blender” (Wake up the children) . . . breakfast . . . and then we’re off to dive into our respective days.

My work also has routine. Blog early in the morning . . . Lead Generate (Follow up with clients and prospects and look for new business) . . . Network meetings around lunch . . . and client meetings most afternoons.

I seldom have a “bad day” when I am able to hold to my routine . . . I routinely have a “bad day” when I allow an interruption of my routine.

Here’s my point. We ALL have routines. If and when we fall out of those routines, we only have ONE person to blame for that – OURSELVES.

So . . .

Living Intentionally means being aware of routine and knowing when you’re in your groove and when you’re not.

Many people recently affected by the flood or children no longer occupied 8 hours each day in school are finding themselves panicked because of fear of broken routine. I say the ONE, SINGLE thing you can do to stay in your groove is to maintain the rhythm.

Sure, there will be new and complicated interruptions, but the closer you can stay to your routine the faster your ship will return to an even keel.

As always, my routine includes seeking opportunities to help people with their real estate needs. My hope is that you will contact me any time you hear of anyone around you talking about moving . . . That’s a routine adjustment like none other, and I’m a trained professional who can smooth the rough edges throughout the process.

My best to you.

Hoping to connect personally with you soon,

b

Monday Morning Coffee

On May 17, 2010, at 7:29 AM, Barry Owen wrote:

Good morning!

The 3rd week of May begins with rain that fortunately did not create more widespread flooding.

Seems the news folks now have a newfound passion for the “Flood Warning” – That’ll pass when a tornado touches down somewhere. They’re fickle that way

This past week has been a week of “Waking up and smelling the coffee” for a LOT of people as the initial shock of the floods is wearing off and the reality is settling in that we must now focus on returning to a “New Normal”.

I have consulted with many folks about what their options are with respect to a flooded house –

Fix and sell?

Fix and move back in?

Finding a contractor who isn’t opportunistic.

Finding the MONEY to fix?

Working with FEMA and/or insurance companies?

There are MANY options out there, but the truth is that there is no single option that fits for everyone, so each conversation goes very differently.

I held an open house yesterday in a beautiful house in Horseshoe Bend 910 Riverbend. Horseshoe Bend is a fabulous neighborhood majestically situated within a Bend of the HARPETH RIVER – YIKES!

Many houses flooded and there is a massive clean-up effort under way.

Unfortunately, Metro decided to use the Edwin Warner Park Model airplane field (across from Steeplechase) as a holding field for flood debris, so you’ve got to pass a stinky mountain of debris to get to Horseshoe Bend – a morbid dose of stinky reality.

and it RAINED all day . . .

I had NO visitors at my Open House . . . I have a special place in my heart for the underdog . . . This is an area that needs all the attention it can get (Bellevue).

The real estate market is showing some initial signs of coming back to life after a couple of weeks of dormancy.

Buyers are now moving about the market.

Interest rates are at an Historic LOW now, and will likely increase soon as the European financial markets continue to be weird.

and as those interest rates climb and the housing inventory declines, INFLATION cannot be far behind , , , which means higher prices for EVERYTHING.

so . . .

If you or anyone you know has even the slightest itch to move, my opinion is that this is almost the perfect storm for you to do so . . . Just contact me, and I’ll take it from there.

Coffee cup is empty – time to sign off.

Hope you have a great week.

Look me up on twitter, Facebook, Linkedin or follow my blogs (links below)

Best,

b

If you would like not to receive these weekly real estate market commentaries for Nashville in the future, simply reply “remove”

–
Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Keller Williams Realty

Call me: 615-568-2123
Text me: http://www.mycricket.com/send-text-message-online
email me: barryowen@kw.com
Read my Blog: http://activerain.com/blogs/barryo
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

http://www.owengroupnashvillehomes.com

Barry Owen’s Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks

http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Simply & BOLDLY Living the FourFold Way in Open Space!

Quintessentially connected to the real estate industry to offer the ultimate experience for Home Buyers and Sellers in Middle Tennessee . . . Inquire within!

910 Riverbend

Inglewood – East Nashville Paradise

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1427 Inglewood Circle N
“They” say that a picture is worth a thousand words . . .

I say that in the case of this particular house, these pictures are worth a MILLION words.

This is positively one of the most exceptional homes I have seen available on the “East side” in Nashville . . . Just North enough Inglewood to be out of the urban foot-traffic zone.

The neighborhood is remarkable because it’s a little slice of heaven . . . a unique street (pocket) of homes on large lots.

Welcome to 1427 Inglewood Cr North. This home was built in the 1930′s and offers 2 side porches, a multi-level deck, hot tub, swimming pool and just under an acre of a fully fenced in yard! Have coffee in the gardens, or take a dip in the pool…

There is not a part of this house, that hasn’t been considered for enjoyment—the gardens have both perennials and annuals

The living room is just off the entrance, and has newly finished hardwoods, a woodburning fireplace (currently with gas inserts) Side porch access and good spaces

The Dining room is just off the kitchen and includes a spacious pantry, new lighting and french doors for privacy

The kitchen was recently renovated, with Tile Counters, New Paint Top of the Line Appliances Kenmore Stainless Steel Refrigerator, Bosch Dishwasher, Gas Stove (all stay) Ample Kitchen Cabinets With Under Lighting, New Faucets and Hardware New Kitch

1st Level Bedroom with Large Closet and fresh paint

Sunroom, has new hardwood floors, fresh paint and a FULL bath w/shower

2nd first level bedroom with fresh paint and large closet

Large Master Bedroom, with dressing room, NEW Bathroom, includes a clawfoot tub, separate vanities, separate shower, built-ins

Dressing Room with Lots of Closet Space

First level bath with linen closet, tub and pedestal sink

Master Bath—Added by current sellers

Patio off Masterbedroom

Separate Shower

2nd level 4th bedroom, with fresh paint and large closet

2nd level 5th bedroom with fresh paint and large closet

Basement Laundry Room—with New Cabinets, and tile floor—plus a closet

approx. 1300 sqft of unfinished basement—currently used as a workout room, and storage space—plus includes a workshop!

Hot-tub remains—deck was custom built 3 years ago! This is a great home!

virtually maintenance free salt water pool!

The listing agent on this beautiful property is my wife Debbie Guthery Owen. when I agreed to blog about the listing, I realized that there was FAR too much here to do it justice in a blog post.

This is a house where Deb and I have attended numerous parties and gatherings. We have fond memories of our children learning to swim in that pool . . . Hanging out with the neighbors around a fire pit . . .

FABULOUS!

We’d buy it ourselves if we hadn’t just bought a new house and sworn off moving for another 10 years

If you like what you see and read here, you’ll LOVE seeing the real thing in person. Just give Deb a call @ 615-485-8833 or email her @ dguthery@comcast.net

But be careful . . . Deb can sell ice to Eskimos

and this house sells itself . . .

I’m just sayin’

Best,

b
Barry Owen
Real estate Broker
Keller Williams Realty
615-822-8585
Lic # TN 251071
Cell 615-568-2123
Blog: http://www.activerain.com/blogs/barryo

BREAKING NEWS! Recent home Price reductions stun Local Nashville Buyers! #in

The “BREAKING NEWS” may not be as urgent and important as you might have hoped. After all, how often IS “BREAKING NEWS!” really all that urgent or important to you personally anyhow?

Seth Godin wrote a great little blog post about this here

My “BREAKING NEWS!” in this message has to do with 2 listings we have that have recently been reduced to ridiculously low prices . . . and the simple truth that if you are in search of:

A great deal in Williamson County not too far off the beaten path . . . and adjacent to one of the best Parks (Percy warner Park) in Middle Tennessee – 910 Riverbend Rd in Horseshoe Bend now @ $499,877

OR

How ’bout a Cool little Condo in the Heart of Green Hills for less than $115,000 ($114,877) with fresh tile and hardwood flooring throughout – 220 Summit Ridge Dr in Four Seasons

and finally . . . If you’re into hanging out and brainstorming great ideas . . . Join us for our 3rd Friday Lunch every month @ 11:30 @ Chinatown in green Hills (Nashville, TN) next to Donut Den. This is informal and agenda free – Just a good time to share thoughts about issues and opportunities around the real estate market in Middle Tennessee.

The Tax Credit is soon to expire, and there’s time to get under contract if you get yourself MOVING on identifying a property . . . These are 2 very smooth options

I’m Just Sayin’

Best,
b
Barry Owen
Real estate Broker
Keller williams Realty
615-822-8585
615-568-2123
Blog: http://www.activerain.com/blogs/barryo