Archive for the ‘Real Estate’ Category

Living in Nashville

posted by Frank Stevens 2:37 PM
Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Living in Nashville

A decision to move to Nashville now can be a lot easier than you might think. Nashville encompasses every aspect of living well, from recreational activities and entertainment to friendly neighborhoods. Nashville is a cosmopolitan city with small town hospitality. From the arts, to music, to fine dining and shopping there is something for everyone.

The median price for a home in Nashville is $209,000 which makes Nashville very desireable and affordable. Nashville and its surrounding communities have created a warm, friendly atmosphere for raising a family. A strong commitment to children is evident in the goals set forth by the region’s school systems and is carried into other educational venues. If you prefer to live in the center of the city, Downtown Nashville offers a unique neighborhood. Residences are in a wide variety of locations from large high-rise apartment buildings to small historic structures that have been renovated and upper level units above retail or office space. Downtown living offers residents convenience to entertainment restaurants and jobs. Great public transportation or easy walking distance puts you close to all the hot spots and venues that you could desire.

Some of cities advantages are it’s seasonal climate, low cost of living, active nightlife and entertainment opportunities. Due to Nashville’s longer than usual Spring and Fall, residents can enjoy more outdoor activities like hiking, camping, biking and boating. You’ll find an ambudance of parks, waterways and recreational areas to enjoy.

Employment in the city is diverse and plentiful. Industries represented are healthcare, automotive, insurance and finance. One of the largest sectors is tourism due to music industry with more than 11 millions visitors each year. Nashville is the hub of one of the most influential music scenes in the country. Music Row is the center of the recording industry for country music. Some Fortune 500 companies that call Nashville home are Dell and the Dollar General Corporation located in Goodlettsville, a suburb of Nashville. The Dollare General typically serves communities that are too small for a Wal-Mart and it competes in the dollar store industry with national chains like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar.

There is plenty of attractions to visit and explore in Nashville. The Parthenon is the only full-size replica of the acient Parthenon. The structure has the largest bronze doors in the world weighing 7.5 tons each. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the main attractions for country music lovers that lets you learn about the legends behind the music and listen to new artists in their very own amphitheatre. A visit to The Hermitage just a few miles from Nashville allows you a glimpse into the private life of our seventh President, Andrew Jackson. There you’ll walk through his historic home and gardens.

Nashvilles desireable neighborhoods, school system and metropolitan amenities making living in this great historic city a must!

Wynne Residential Corporate Housing

posted by pbcnr 10:00 AM
Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Wynne Residential Corporate Housing

When new employees are relocating, consultants take an assignment away from home, or employees are sent on an extended assignment in a region away from their home office, they all need a comfortable place to stay that allows them to worry about the job at hand rather than getting their accommodations settled. More and more companies are turning toward furnished corporate housing in these situations. These corporate apartments provide the employee with everything they need to settle in. Fully furnished kitchens even make daily meals easier.

Wynne Residential Corporate Housing has emerged as one of the leading suppliers of short term corporate apartments. With more than 20 years of experience in providing temporary housing to corporations, the government, medical personnel, military service members, individuals, and even vacationing families, Wynne Residential has developed a reputation for excellence. Wynne’s goal is to not just satisfy customers, but to exceed their expectations. That strategy has helped them grow their company and their customer base over the years. Taking a look at some of the top in-demand locations for short term corporate housing, it’s easy to see why Wynne Residential has become one of the top providers.

When it comes to Washington D.C. corporate and temporary housing, Wynne offers a wide variety of choices for different needs and different budgets. Wynne’s website offers details and photos of four of their sample properties in the DC metro area. Options include the Grand Parc, a luxurious old hotel building that is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and situated just two blocks from the White House. Others may prefer a newer building located in the bustling heart of Washington’s famed Dupont Circle. These are just two of the choices available in the DC area.

Perhaps, you’re looking for something in Florida, even near Disney. Wynne offers a number of choices for Orlando corporate and temporary housing, as well. When putting employees up in hotels, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the noise, activity and vacationing families with children, but Wynne’s Orlando properties include quiet apartment communities that are close to downtown and the theme parks, but which provide a more sedate residential atmosphere, so your employees can be ready for work.

All across the country, Wynne properties offer comfort and convenience. With a range of options from Atlanta to Boston, and from Miami to Pittsburgh, Wynne Residential can help you with all your short-term corporate housing needs. Designed to be move in ready, Wynne’s furnished apartments include everything from kitchen utensils and dishes to DVD players and coat hangers. With their signature single call service, Wynne takes care of all the details for you and your employees.

Arizona- Main Tourist Attractions

posted by Frank Stevens 3:43 PM
Sunday, May 24, 2009

Arizona- Main Tourist Attractions

If you’re planning to take a trip to Arizona, you are in for a treat. It is not only the weather in Arizona that attracts millions of visitors every year. There are many interesting and unique places to visit and sights to see. It is almost impossible to see them all in one trip. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the state:

The Grand Canyon

No trip to Arizona is complete without a trip to the Grand Canyon. The South Rim is the most popular area of the Canyon. Once you arrive at the gate, you will receive a copy of the park newspaper which will include a map and directions around the park. The best views of the Canyon can be seen on East Rim Drive at Grandview Point. Along this road, you will also find the Tusayan Ruin, an 800-year-old pueblo. The highest point on the South Rim the Desert View and its watchtower. There are several hotels in the park, all run by Grand Canyon National Park Lodges in a variety of price ranges. Close by is the Mather Campground and Trailer Village to accommodate campers.

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden, created in 1938, houses one of the world’s largest collection of desert plants. There are 50 acres in the Garden that are home to hundreds of cacti and succulents including 139 rare plant species. The Gardens have five walking trails, each elaborating on a different desert theme. Many animals and birds make their home in the Desert Botanical Garden and, if you go in the late afternoon, you are more likely to see them active once the heat of the day has dissipated. The Garden is also host to many special events over the year, including photography and gardening classes, musical concerts and plant sales. The Desert Botanical Garden is on North Galvin Parkway in Phoenix.

Kartchner Caverns

If the Tucson area is on your list of Arizona locations, the Kartchner Caverns are a fascinating stop on your journey. The Caverns were discovered in 1974 and were eventually sold to the state. Over 85% of the formations in the Caverns have never been touched by humans and remain almost perfectly preserved. Many formations grow here including stalactites, stalagmites, and soda straws. The Caverns are also home to various unique types of quartz. There are several guided tours available in the caves that require walking with few opportunities to sit down so plan accordingly. There are very few items allowed inside the Caverns so be prepared to leave purses, diaper bags, cameras, sunglasses, and strollers in the car.

Traveling in Arizona has much to offer and there is sure to be something that appeals to each and every family member. The natural and rugged beauty of Arizona coupled with the sun-drenched cultural scene makes it one of the most eclectic and memorable states in the Union.

Beaches Near Temecula, California

posted by Frank Stevens 11:39 AM
Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Beaches Near Temecula, California

Taking a weekend vacation to Temecula Valley in California offers many activities and sights for everyone in the family. Nestled into the foothills of Southern California, Temecula has a thriving wine industry with thousands of acres of grapes planted in rolling fields. There is a world class casino and resort in the valley that attracts gamblers and high rollers from all over the world. There are bike trails and hiking excursions, moonlit walks in the hills and balloon rides.

Not only is Temecula an easy trip from locations like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix, it is close to some of the most spectacular beaches on the California coast. Rather than sharing the beaches to the north with LA residents, visitors to Temecula can drive south on Interstate 15 and quickly reach more relaxed and quirky beaches within an hour.

Oceanside is a town nestled on the California coast just south of Camp Pendleton. It is home to the longest wooden pier on the western coast of the United States measuring just under 2,000 feet long. Oceanside offers not only beautiful public beaches but hosts outdoor festivals throughout the year including the Day of the Dead Festival held around November 1 and a spectacular fireworks display viewed from the pier on the 4th of July. The California Surf Museum resides in Oceanside and scenes from the movie Top Gun were filmed here.

Carlsbad

Just south of Oceanside lies the town of Carlsbad. Carlsbad has been a favorite resort town to San Diegans since its incorporation in 1952. Its beautiful beaches can be enjoyed year round. Carlsbad is one of the most diverse towns on the California coast and has a strong Latino population, making for great ethnic restaurants and architecture.

Encinitas

Encinitas is a small coastal community of approximately 58,000 residents. For its small size, it hosts no less than 11 beaches. There are activities for everyone on Encinitas’ beaches. Swami’s Beach is a popular hangout for surfers and was the subject of the Beach Boys song, Surfing USA. Encinitas Marine Life Refuge lies just off the coast of Swami’s and offers an underwater park for scuba divers. Moonlight Beach is family-oriented and patrolled by life guards.

Solana Beach

Solana Beach lies just north of San Diego and is one of the oldest resort towns on the coast. Solana Beach is a quiet relaxed beach area with a rugged coastline consisting of cliffs with staircases to the beach below. Solana Beach has a variety of activities available including surfing and scuba diving. Tide Beach also offers opportunities for tide pooling at low tide.

A trip to Temecula is not complete without a quick side trip to the coast. The beach towns between Temecula and San Diego offer a multitude of personalities and activities that will keep the whole family entertained.

Moving to the South

posted by Frank Stevens 10:30 AM
Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Moving to the South

Anyone who has moved from the north to the southern US knows that there is a world of difference between the two places. Customs are different, the foods and beverages of the South are revelations and the events that mark the change of seasons are completely new.

Moving from the colder northern climes of the US to Atlanta, for example, opens up a new world of culinary and gardening possibilities. The heat of the summer produces okra, peppers, eggplants, and melons and restaurants that cook seasonally will reflect these fresh ingredients in their menus. Even the cooler days of late fall and early spring produce collard greens, carrots, and lettuces.

A new resident of Atlanta who has grown up in the north will find the gardening seasons exhilarating. No more hard freeze at the end of September or October. No more waiting for the snow to melt and the ground to soften in May. Gardening in Atlanta is practically year round with only a few light frosts during the dead of a Southern winter.

The change of the seasons in the south is just as marked as in the north, but the transition is more genteel. Winter means sweaters and light jackets when outdoors. The change over to spring is noted with blooms in March as the trees and shrubs once again kick into full gear. Summer is upon us when the nights are sultry and hot and fragrant moonflower and jasmine wind their way around fences and tree trunks. Autumn means cooler temperatures just right for a long walk in the woods and the abundant harvest of summer vegetables.

The first thing a northern gardener will learn in Atlanta is that, rather than the winter being too cold to grow vegetables and flowers, the southern summers can be to hot for some plants who prefer more temperate growing conditions. Tomatoes may languish in the heat of July and August but thrive in June and September. The benefits of the Atlanta climate on the flip side are many. Watermelon and cantaloupe that are difficult to keep warm for long enough in a northern environment grow unchecked in the heat of a southern summer. Lettuces, broccoli, and carrots can grow practically all winter long in the cool afternoons and warm evenings of November and December.

For those who love flowers, buying a house in Atlanta also generates delight in those used to more severe northern weather. In the north, azaleas and rhododendrons are purchased for a small fortune, allowed to be outside for a few months in the summer, and otherwise generally succumb to a slow death on a windowsill in the colder months. Atlanta is literally covered in azaleas and rhododendrons which bloom wild in riotous color in March and April and herald the beginning of spring in the south.

Moving to Atlanta can open up a world of possibilities that are unknown in the north- gardening in shorts in January, spending Christmas Day on the golf course, and enjoying fresh seafood and local produce year round. It’s like being on a permanent vacation.

Orange County Golf Course Homes

posted by Frank Stevens 2:12 PM
Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Orange County Golf Course Homes

There are many real estate websites available to you when you start your search for a new home. You can go onto almost any real estate broker’s website and pull up their listings. Many of them even include access to all of the MLS listings for both themselves and other agencies. You can sift through pages and pages of pictures, measurements and statistics on your own and try to put together a list of properties you would like to see.

However, if you’re looking for a home adjacent to a golf course, it’s important to speak with someone who knows the ropes and has experience selling similar homes in the most popular golf communities.

Orange County Golf Course Homes (ocgolfcoursehomes.com) is a real estate website that specializes in golf course properties in the county. The website gathers all of the listings for golf course properties into one place to assist buyers who only want to view golf properties. The company offers the best of both worlds, immediate access via the web to listing information and pictures as well as personal service and advice from two of the most experienced realtors in the county.

The two realtors behind OC Golf Course Homes, Dave Myszko and Marty Samuel, can also assist those who wish to sell their golf course properties. Both are experienced real estate professionals who don’t believe in being satisfied with the usual real estate marketing techniques. They go right to the source- golfers looking to purchase a home. OC Golf Course Homes maintains a database of over four million golfers around the world and implements a unique direct marketing strategy to reach those potential buyers. A package is sent to each member of the database that includes photos, a virtual tour and a brochure highlighting the features of each of their listings. This ensures that each listing is exposed to the maximum market potential, not just those who read the local newspaper.

The website also provides a wealth of information about the local Orange County golf community. It includes links to each of the golf courses in the county paired with listings for homes surrounding each course. As the realtors have been community members for many years, they are both intimately familiar with each course.

Most of OC Golf Course Homes’ listings come from word of mouth referrals as the company has carved out a unique niche for itself in both the golf and real estate markets. Clients who appreciate the company’s professionalism and experience pass along the name to their golf aficionado friends looking to either buy or sell a home next to a course. Clients are invited to annual events in order to celebrate their connections and to keep in touch.

OC Golf Course Homes is something of an anomaly in the real estate industry. Its focus on golf communities allows it to find the perfect course-side location for each of its buyers and allows sellers to find interested buyers from around the world.

Winter Vegetables

posted by pbcnr 1:07 AM
Saturday, October 4, 2008

Garden 4 Less Presentation

Despite the wind and plummeting temperatures, there is plenty to do in the garden at this time of year. Plants sown earlier in the season will now be ready for harvesting, such as broccoli ‘Early Purple’, parsnip ‘White Gem’ and kale ‘Dwarf Green Curled’ (links).

Planning Ahead

To ensure a supply of vegetables throughout the winter months, it is useful to plan ahead. After the summer vegetables have finished, begin preparing your soil and buying your seeds for the next crop. From spring to midsummer, sow ‘Autumn King 2′ (link) for carrots which hold well in the ground until needed. Leek adds a subtle flavour to casseroles and takes only sixteen to twenty weeks to mature. It is also an excellent choice for small plots, taking up little room in the bed. Try ‘Musselberg improved’ (link), which can be harvested from late autumn onwards.

Winter Vegetables In late April or May, plant onion seeds and store the mature bulbs for winter use. ‘Cipolla Tonda Musona’ is an attractive snow-white variety with a mild taste.

For Something Different

For a welcome splash of colour during dark evenings, sow chicory ‘Cicoria Variegata de Castelfranco’ from May-August. Eaten raw the leaves provide a zesty accompaniment to plain lettuce, or they can be added to soups and stews for extra flavour.

Newcomer broccoli ‘Romanesco’ is a show-stopper when served as part of a hearty winter feast. The pyramidal spears are delicious when steamed and tossed in butter, and can be harvested from early November onwards. Sow in spring for a superb winter crop.

Winter Sowing

Since garlic requires a cold spell to develop, plant in November or January to ensure a harvest in mid- to late summer. Pre-order your garlic with garden4less to avoid disappointment, and store in a cool dry place until ready to sow. Divide into individual cloves and plant approximately ten centimetres below soil level. During August the leaves will begin to turn yellow, indicating that the bulbs are ready to harvest.

Broad beans, such as ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ (link) can also be started in late autumn, although they will require some protection against frost. Try our winter frost fleece (link), an economical way to protect delicate plants.

Storage

To prolong your supply, store winter roots in a cool, dry spot after lifting. Discard (or eat!) any that are damaged to avoid spreading rot to healthy specimens. Line an old wooden crate with an inch of dry sand and lay carrots head to tail in rows. Cover with the same amount of sand and repeat until full. Finally, secure the boxes well to prevent mouse intrusion. To enjoy onions and potatoes throughout the winter, ensure that they are protected from frost. Regularly inspect them throughout the winter, removing any that appear green or damp.