Janie's Blog Clarksville,TN Real Estate Marketing Expert

Brand New Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate office in Clarksville, TN / Ft Campbell Area

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:37:44 -0600

It is with much excitement that I write this Blog for you today! Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has just opened a new office in Clarksville, TN and I get to be a part of that. I have not changed companies, but my company has affiliated with one of the best Real Estate Companies in the United States. For over 25 years, The Vaughn Team has focused on serving the needs of homebuyers and sellers in the Clarksville, Montgomery County, and Fort Campbell area. Our commitment to customer service and satisfaction in every area of the real estate transaction has enabled the company to flourish.

In today's fast moving world of real estate, it is crucial to be aware of every opportunity to better serve our clients and customers, and we are very proud of our progress and accomplishments. We must now take the next opportunity to enhance our customer experience, so it is with great pleasure that we announce our affiliation with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate®. Our Company's new name is Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Hometown Connection. You can still reach me on the same phone numbers and email address.

Joining forces with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, one of the most recognizable consumer brands that share a true passion for the home, will enable us to market your property with the same high quality sales associates that you have come to know and trust. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Hometown Connection will be one of the strongest real estate companies in the area, with a continued respect for tradition and with an eye on innovation.

If you want to learn more about how Better Homes and Gardens Hometown Connection can make a difference in your Real Estate needs, contact me and I'll set aside some time for us to talk or get together.

Janie Masterson
931 801-3348 Posted by Janie Masterson,

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

Is Carving the Turkey All You Do for Thanksgiving?

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:27:07 -0600

Hey guys, help out in the kitchen. Do some of the dicing and slicing, it's hard work especially if your wife has been on her feet all that time. Men's need to carve turkeys always amuses me. Did you ever notice that men can lounge all day in front of the television doing nothing to help with dinner, but they spring to action when the turkey is set on the table. Suddenly the women who have been cutting, chopping and peeling for hours (sometimes days) can't be trusted to hold sharp objects. Only men can carve the sacred bird.

Every year on Thanksgiving, I consider cooking something different: maybe ham or roastbeef, but I can't quite bring myself to change the tradition. But I always make sure to have a something in the freezer just in case.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

Is Your Home Not Being Shown?

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:55:45 -0500

What in the World Could be going on that Your Home is Not Being Shown by other Realtors???

Well, here we go again, just in case you're not already tired of hearing it: (1) The price is too high (2) too much clutter (3) not in a desirable location , (4) the house needs too much work. We're heard all of these plenty of time, right?

Answer to this problem is that you're listed with someone who is afraid to be honest with you.

I've been helping several agents recently with their listings and marketing through consulting, and I have found some very simple fixes above price, condition and location that COULD be the cause for lack of showings or lack of offers above the one you are waiting on.

Ask your agent today to check these things or audit them yourself. If your agent is not willing to do this, or is too busy you might also be in trouble.

Problem 1: The home isn't mapping in the MLS system.  Many agents search for properties in the agent-only section of the MLS via the "Mapping" feature. When the home is being data entered into RealTracs, one typo or not checking the "geo-coding" can cause your home not to show up to the agent. Remember, 78% of buyers report that they found their home through their buyer's agent. If Buyers Agent is searching for a home via the Geo-Coding/Mapping feature, and you're home isn't mapping correctly, it will not be found...period!

Problem 2: Poor Quality Photos. You should expect only professional level photography in this type of market. If your agent shows up with a point and shoot camera, this should be flag #1. Lighting, angles, point of view and equipment matter. I listed a home recently that was on the market with another agent for over 50 days and had average photos. The sellers said they had only a few showings and released their agent right away. I had more showings in the first week than the other agent had the entire time it was listed with them.

The homes photos were dark and shot from a poor angle. The new photo focuses on the room's light rather than the outdoor area outside the window.

Problem 3: The square footage, bedroom numbers or bathroom totals were incorrectly entered. My heart sinks every time I think of a story Brian Copeland had in Green Hills a few years ago. A home was priced amazingly and had been on the market for over 250 days. A senior couple owned it and had used "a friend" to list the home. The "friend" entered in the MLS as a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with 1200 square feet. In actuality, it was a 4 bedroom, 2 bath with well over 2300 AMAZING square feet. To top it off, it had no pictures, too. Brian called the agent's broker and reported it immediately after he had a buyer ask to see it via a drive-by, however, you may not be so lucky if you're not on a major thoroughfare!

Problem 4: The narrative and wording isn't present or is just plain ridiculous. In the MLS, agents can enter "Remarks" that the consumers see on all the websites (quiet, cul de sac street on slope yard, "Realtor Remarks" which are for agents only (agent bonus of $500, disclosures are available at...) and "Photo Captions" which appear below of the photos and allow 250 characters (Sitting on a large corner lot, the seller is providing a one-year home warranty and is willing to pay up to $4000 in closing costs). Is your agent using all these text areas to tell your story.

The "Remarks" section is the spot in the MLS that is picked up by every other website and agency site to describe your home. Example 1 chose to brilliantly use exclamation points instead of giving the seller their full potential narrative. Example 2's agent just didn't care enough to take the three minutes to write anything at all. Heck, I'd be happy with exclamation points at least here!

Problem 5: Your representative has a bad reputation in the agent community. Stock is too heavy and life is too short for agents and consumers to deal with jerks. Ask other agents candidly about your agent's involvement in the REALTOR community. While our code of ethics is clear that we can't bad-mouth another REALTOR, if you ask around enough in your community or find former agents, you'll get the scoop. If a buyer's agent has seven homes that are perfect for his/her buyer and your home is one of those perfect seven, why would he/she show the home of an agent that has a lose-win attitude, doesn't return calls or hasn't upheld the ethics the "good ones" keep. Is that fair? No. Is it illegal? No. A buyer's agent is actually representing his/her client BEST by safegarding them from potentially difficult negotiations and contract situations. Ask your agents about the designations they hold (all the letters that make no sense to you after their name), their involvement in their association, the awards they've won outside of sales production or better yet, check out their RECENT education history here:  http://licsrch.state.tn.us/

Problem 6: You don't have enough visuals. Again, we are in a heavy stock cycle, and buyers are "stalking" home on the net first. If 45 homes fit their needs, they will likely look at the ones they've seen the most of. If your home has been on the market for over 90 days, recently, the MLS migrated to allow agents to upload 20 photos instead of the previous 10. I can't tell you how many times I've seen three or six photos presented on a 2000+ sq ft home!

Problem 7: Your home hasn't been connected with the correct agents. As all real estate is local, there are ways to analyze the area to see what buyer's agents sold the most three bedroom homes in 37204 in 2009 so far. Your agent should know who these agents in your home's sales feature price range and exposing your address to them. When I listed a home recently in Fairvue Plantation in Gallatin, while out of my primary territory, you better believe I paid a courier $150 to deliver information to the top 80 agents who had sold homes there. You better believe I offered incentives to those top agents to come out and preview it.  (8/22/2009 note: Home went under contract within 14 days and is closed!)

Problem 8: The buyer's agents can't get in! This is my top pet peeve when I'm representing a buyer!! Most agents have a showing desk to set up the showings. If your agent handles the showings directly, this is a big red flag! "Oh, Mr. Seller, I always have my phone with me and this assure you will get the showing AND I will be able to speak to the agent myself to prep them." This is not the case! WEEKLY, YES, WEEKLY I call within 24 to 48 hours to show a home and at least one or two of the homes don't get a return call. Some major real estate companies in the Clarksville area are actually CLOSED on the weekends!

Additionally on Problem 8, as stupid as it sounds, check the key often and make sure it still works to the correct door and the lock box is clearly available. While I always call the agent and tell them there's an issue with the key, many agents won't. Consumers may be coming to your door, never getting in, finding another home and your never know! I had another key two weeks ago on one of my listings stop working, too. Obvious, but a potential problem!

Problem 9: Your home has expired or been withdrawn. What if your home is no longer active and no one bothered to tell you One customer couldn't figure out why he couldn't find his home listed on-line. More issues than that existed, but the biggest issue was that the home had expired from the MLS and she had no clue. Every agent in Tennessee is required to give you a copy of everything you have signed with 24 hours of signature. Her agent had not done this; so, she had no way of knowing she was out of contract and had been off the market for over a month!

Problem 10: The buyer's agents commission is not competitive. While there are no set commission rates for real estate, the more commission you are paying your agent, the more commission the buyer's agent will make. If a home fits my buyer's needs, I will show it regardless of commission offered, however, many agents don't share this opinion. In the new Tennessee Association of REALTORS listing agreement (which is widely used across the state, on line 81 of page 2 [as of 7/10/2009] there is a blank that shows you what the buyer's agent will receive. If your agent hasn't shown you their value enough to where you asked them to discount their normal rate, you need to make sure they are not placing your home in a low commission position. What percentage the listing agent shares with the buyer's agent is between those two agents, you NEED to know what that percentage is.

Usually we see lower commissions on multi-million dollar properties or commercial listings. This $200K home is listed giving the co-op agent 1% when all of its competing home sellers are offering 2%, 2.5% and 3%!

Problem 11: You! So many times we want to point the finger at the agent or his/her marketing deficiencies, however sometimes you're the problem. You are consistently turning down appointments or you don't check your voicemail to confirm showings until the showing request time has long passed.

Being very professional, I remind my sellers in the listing consultation of these obvious principles. If you want to sell, you have to show! Last weekend, I was trying to show my buyers a home and the seller has gone out of town and won't return until Thursday of this week. The seller locked the storm door, and I had no way of getting to the lockbox for the house key. If an agent is working to get you the showings, but you have overnight guests, a birthday party, want to watch football, or you need an extra two hours of sleep on Saturday morning is causing you to say "NO" to the showings, I would suggest that you (1) to not be on the market or (2) find an agent who will keep you in line (kindly, of course).

Janie Masterson (GRI, CLHMS) is a daily sales and listing agent in the Clarksville, TN - Ft. Campbell, KY market. She prides himself on her experience, advanced Real Estate education, and production. Janie works with the Vaughn Team.com Real Estate located in Clarksville, TN and has been a licensed Realtor since 2002. She began her career in Brevard County, FL and continues to maintain her Florida license as well as Tennessee. She has attended all classes and passed exams with high scores for her continued education in the Real Estate Industry. Her approach to permission-based real estate sales has brought her many new clients who are confident that they have chosen the best Resource Resource for Real Estate in the area.   Janie is a member of the Council of Residential Specialist, the National Association of Realtor, the Clarksville Association of Realtors, the Tennessee and Florida Association of Realtors. Janie is a leader in social networking and is in the process of building a national agent network for relocation sales. Janie's constant internet presence and advertisements of her listings have brought many prospective buyers to her listing clients.

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

Save on Energy Costs with the Correct Ceiling Fan Settings

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:23:39 -0500

Turn your Ceiling Fan blades forward "in a clockwise" motion for the winter!

Via Lennar Corporation (Lennar Corporation):

How should the ceiling fan rotate during summer and winter? Is your ceiling fan on the proper setting? It could save you energy dollars if it rotates correctly.

Ceiling fans provide great air circulation and you can optimize these benefits by ensuring the rotation of the blades is correct for circulating warm air or a cooling breeze.

During the winter when you are using your heat, to help circulate warm air that is trapped on the ceiling, blades should turn ‘forward' in a clockwise motion. This movement will push up the air and pull the warm trapped air down the sides of the room improving heat distribution.

During hot summer weather when you are running the air, to help produce a comfortable breeze that cools the skin, blades should rotate in a ‘reverse' counter-clockwise motion. The air movement has the same comfortable effect as when you fan yourself with a magazine to get relief from hot, stifling air.

Ceiling fans in themselves do not heat or cool a room, but the air movement or circulation they effect by the correct blade rotation, can greatly improve the comfort of your living space. You can also save in energy costs when the ceiling fan is on the correct setting to support your cooling or heating efforts.

Find more information and useful tips about ceiling fans on the Energy Star website.

Be sure to check out Lennar on these social media sites:

Lennar's Family of Blogs:
The Open Door by Lennar
Lennar Communities
Lennar Cares

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

Clarksville, TN Leads the Nation in Economic Stability

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:07:42 -0500

Clarksville Leads the Nation in Economic Stability - Erika Kurre Local Fox News

As cities across the country struggle to keep their budgets in the black, one middle Tennessee city is among the fastest-growing in the nation! Clarksville is not only expanding, it's recovering from the recession quicker than others.

Clarksville-Montgomery County planning director David Riggins says, "We're not at all surprised we've been ahead of the curve." While most cities are in the red, Clarksville has a green light for growth. Riggins says, "Where other places have become stagnant or actually gone backwards in the economy, we've at least held our own and in some cases advanced." Riggins is talking about his hometown where real estate values are on the rise, as the ninth fastest growing city in the nation.

A Moody's report rated Clarksville as one of just 23 cities in the country, where the recession is turning around. Mayor John Piper believes there are several reasons and attracting business is key. Piper says, "We have an education system-- both through our school system and APSU, which has been a great partner with hemlock. We have a workforce at ft. Campbell which turns out highly qualified people that are willing and capable of working. And with the southern hospitality, it's just a great combination."

Among the most recent additions to the economy-- a 77,000 square foot nursing and rehabilitation center. TN Health Management COO Mark Davis says, "We operate 31 other facilities here in Tennessee but this is the largest investment we've made so far." Health Management chose Clarksville to grow and expand-- putting dozens of Tennesseans to work as early as next week. Davis says, "There's gonna be a few new jobs. I'm gonna say about 30-40 new jobs will be created." This 14-million dollar investment is just one of several developing in Clarksville now. The biggest among them-- Hemlock Semiconductor Group now in it's construction phase. City officials say their hard work is paying off. Piper says, "Its just continuing to do the things that seem to be working." Mayor piper also credits Ft. Campbell for the city's stability. Clarksville has reorganized it's debt and is also building a 30-million dollar marina, along with new trails and pedestrian ways.

http://tinyurl.com/ykm4zsb

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

Air Conditioning Inspection

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:01:02 -0500

Should you have your Air Conditioner checked?

Via Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina):

How do you know if your air conditioner is broken. Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin's kids show you what home inspectors look for when they inspect the air conditioning on a house. Home inspectors are looking for a 15-20 degree differential from the return to the registers. If you differential is too low your fan speed could be too high or you could be low on Freon. If your differential is too high you fan speed could be too low or your filter could be dirty. Either way if your differential is too high or too low you will want to call a lisenced HVAC contractor. If you have any other air conditioning or home inspection questions please visit Preston at his website http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

Casper the Friendly Ghost!

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:22:36 -0500

Have you seen the movie "An American Haunting"? it's based on a true story from right here in Adams, TN. Not too far from where I live! I stay as far away from the actual property and the cave as other call it and I would never, ever go on the tour. But for anyone that is interested here is some information on the Bell Witch.

There is no greater ghost story in the history of America than that of the Bell Witch of Tennessee. Many books have been written on this subject! The strange occurrances were in Robertson County between 1817 and 1821 but in short, the family of a local farmer named John Bell was plagued by a mysterious and violent spirit for nearly four years. The haunting involved spectral creatures, disembodied voices, unbelievable violence and even resulted in the death of John Bell --- all at the hands of the infamous Bell Witch.

The haunting began in 1817 when the Bell family began experiencing strange phenomena in their home. First, the house was plagued with knocking and rapping noises and scratching sounds.

Blankets were pulled from beds, family members were kicked and scratched and their hair pulled. Particularly tormented was young Elizabeth Bell, who was slapped, pinched, bruised and stuck with pins. At first, John Bell was determined to keep the events secret, but soon confided in a friend, who then formed an investigative committee. John Bell's friends soon learned that the strange force in the house had an eerie intelligence. It soon found a voice and from that day on was seldom silent.

The spirit identified itself as the "witch" of Kate Batts, a neighbor of the Bell's, with whom John had experienced bad business dealings over some purchased slaves. "Kate" as the local people began calling the spirit, made daily appearances in the Bell home, wreaking havoc on everyone there. People all over the area of soon learned of the witch and she made appearances, in sounds and voices, all over Robertson County.

The ghost became so famous that even General Andrew Jackson decided to visit. He too experienced the antics of the witch and his carriage wheels refused to turn until the witch decided to let them.

John Bell fell victim to bouts of strange illness, for which Kate claimed responsibility. While he was sick in bed, the spirit cursed and prodded him, never allowing him to rest. One day, he went to bed and never recovered. He was found senseless in his bed one morning and a strange bottle was found nearby. Bell's breath smelled of the black liquid in the bottle, so a drop of it was placed on the tongue of a cat and the animal dropped dead. John Bell soon followed suit and Kate screamed in triumph. She even made her presence known at his funeral, laughing, cursing and singing as the poor man was buried.

Kate didn't vanish immediately after the death of her proclaimed enemy, though. She stayed around, threatening Betsy Bell to not marry the man that she truly loved, Joshua Gardner. The witch would never say why, but she did allow the girl to later marry the local schoolteacher, Richard Powell. Kate soon left the family but promised to return in seven years. She did come back and plagued the family again for two weeks. She soon departed but many believe that she may not have gone far.

Who was the Bell Witch? Was she really a ghost, who claimed to be connected to a living person? Or did the resentment and the hatred of the real Kate Batts create an entity of its own? Or could the haunting have been poltergeist activity linked to Betsy Bell? No one will ever know for sure -- but whoever, or whatever, the Bell Witch was, many believe that she has never left.

More on the story as we get closer to Halloween...................

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

Things To Do in Clarksville, TN ~ Dunbar Cave is a Lot of Fun and Very Unique

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:52:40 -0500

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area in Clarksville, TN attracts thousands of visitors each year to its natural beauty, scenic hiking trails and enchanting cavern. It also offers fishing, picnicking, golf and cave tours.

The historic 110-acre park was acquired by the state of Tennessee in 1973 and is dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

History

The 8.07-mile cave is the 75th longest cave in the United States and has been occupied by man for thousands of years.

More than 30 rare cave drawings and etchings have been discovered in the cave and are on public display. While they can't be carbon dated because the process would destroy them, they are estimated to be a part of the Mississippian Era, which is around 700 to 1300 AD, based on remnants of torches found in the area.

Included in these pictographs are religious symbols and a Mississippian supernatural warrior.

The cave is named after Thomas Dunbar, who lost the cave to its modern discoverer, Isaac Rowe Peterson, in a legal battle in 1792. Peterson had explored the area in 1790 and staked a claim to the cave and surrounding area. He then returned to North Carolina to move his family to their new home in Tennessee.

Dunbar, unaware of the claim, explored the area during Peterson's absence and settled on the land with his family. Peterson returned with his family in the spring of 1791 and a dispute arose over the ownership of the land.

The county court in Clarksville determined Peterson was owner of the land and granted him clear title.

Although Peterson was the first settler to find the cave, it retained the name of Dunbar, the first occupant of the land.

In the days before air conditioning, the cool atmosphere of the large cave was a natural attraction for local people, leading it to become a natural entertainment area. A resort was built at Dunbar Cave in 1901, and dances were held in the cave through the 1940s.

The dances were publicized in advance and featured the Big Bands of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and Kay Kyser. Country entertainer Roy Acuff bought the cave property in 1948 and staged his Saturday Night Radio Dance Broadcast from the site.

Park Features

Special programs are conducted by the park staff on topics ranging from wildlife to wildflower identification, along with guided tours and slide shows. Check the program schedule for current programs.

The Visitors Center is a restored remnant of the area's early resort era and has been made accessible for people with disabilities.

The building once served as the bathhouse for an adjacent swimming pool, the footprint of which can still be seen outside. But today the building houses exhibits, displays and literature aimed at interpreting the geological and ecological significance of the cave and man's use of the cave through time.

The center also contains the park manager's office, restrooms and a water fountain. Picnic tables are behind the Visitors Center overlooking scenic Swan Lake.

The 15-acre lake is fed by the cold, clear waters from the cave, and it is a popular local fishing spot. Special fishing permits are not required, but all state fishing regulations must be observed.

Tours and Hiking

Guided cave tours are conducted Wednesday through Sunday from June through mid-August at 1 and 3 p.m. Groups are limited to 20 people per tour and reservations are required. The cave tours are offered on weekends during the spring and fall.

Tours cost $5 per person. Participants must be at least 3 years old and able to walk one to 1 1/2 miles without being carried. All participants should bring a flashlight equipped with fresh batteries. Some flashlights may be available for rent ($2) at the Visitor's Center. Photography is not allowed in the cave.

Cave explorers working for the state continue to probe remote sections of the cave system, and some rare creatures have been found, including crayfish, salamanders and the eyeless, unpigmented cave fish.

There are three well-maintained nature trails in the park that range from a leisurely walk to a strenuous hike. All trails begin and end at the Visitor's Center.

The Lake Trail is an easy two-thirds mile hike, while the Short Loop (one mile) is in the moderate category. The Recovery Trail is a 1.7-mile moderate hike.

We are planning a day at Dunbar Cave real soon and my family is so excited that Mom is actually going to take a day off and have some FUN!

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

Have you Ever Lost Your Wife in a Supermarket?

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 22:00:08 -0500

First One:

The man approached the very beautiful woman in the large supermarket and asked, "You know, I've lost my wife here in the supermarket. Can you talk to me for a couple of minutes?"

"Why?"

"Because every time I talk to a a beautiful woman my wife appears out of nowhere."

Another one:

Did you hear about that guy who was asked to be a Jehovah's witness?

- He refused becuase he hadn't seen the accident.

Okay just one more:

Waiter: "How did you find your steak, sir,"?
Young Man: "Quite accidentally, I assure you.
I moved that piece of lettuce and there it was."

Ya'll have a great weekend! Janie

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

The Neighborhood is Such An Important Element When Looking For Your New Home

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:57:50 -0500

Clarksville, TN and Ft. Campbell, KY have some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the country. I have a tour of Clarksville that I provide to all of my relocating buyers. Give me a call and we'll hop in the van for a nice ride, a scenic tour, and a nice bite to eat at a local restaurant that you'll love.

1. Make a list of all of the amenities that are close by in the neighborhood you are considering as your new residence. Keep in mind what distances and routes to each of these places are acceptable and what are not.

2. Determine what the best features of the neighborhoods are. This is especially helpful if you are deciding between a few different neighborhoods.

Are there parks nearby?
Is it scenic and visually appealing?
Are there quiet areas, streets, culs de sac?
Are the people friendly in the neighborhood?
Is the neighborhood clean? Yards, streets, parks?
Are there nice trees and foliage?
Do the lots have large or small yards?
Are there walkways and are they easily accessible?
Is it a safe neighborhood?
What are the market values of the homes in the area?
Are there many houses for sale?
How long ago was the community developed?
What is the average age of the people in the area?
Are there families with small children in the area?
What is the proximity to schools?
Are there community events or organizations?

3. Walk around in the neighborhood. The best way to determine the cleanliness and friendliness of the neighborhood is to walk around in it and meet its residents.

You can reach me anytime on my cell at 931 801-3348 or visit me on the web at WWW.JANIEMASTERSON.COM OR EMAIL AT JANIE@JANIEMASTERSON.COM

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

CLARKSVILLE, TN HOME OF FT. CAMPBELL,KY 101ST AIRBORNNE WELCOME HOME

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 09:12:06 -0500

CLARKSVILLE, TN HOME OF FT. CAMPBELL,KY 101ST AIRBORNNE WELCOME HOME

Sgt. Matthew Castine, 24, kisses his son, Xavior, on Saturday morning after returning from a 15-month deployment to Iraq as his wife, Kala, looks on. Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team remove their gear after returning to Fort Campbell early Saturday from a 15-month deployment to Iraq. Miguel "Iston" Maldonado, 3, anxiously waits with his mother, Elizabeth, 22, for their soldier, Sgt. Miguel Maldonado, a member of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans" to return at 1:30 a.m. Saturday from Iraq. (Jake Lowary/The Leaf-Chronicle Thank you Lord for bringing our soldiers home to us.

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

TOM AND JERRY? I DON'T THINK SO, HOW DO YOU GET RID OF MICE?

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:20:24 -0500

It's that time of year again and my neighbors are all starting to worry about the mice coming into their new homes since this time last year this subdivision was A FIELD. I did a little research and this is what I found. Very interesting stuff on a very uninteresting subject.

The house mouse is one of the most troublesome and economically important rodents in the United States. House mice thrive under a variety of conditions; they are found in and around homes and commercial structures as well as in open fields and agricultural lands. House mice consume and contaminate food meant for humans, pets, livestock, or other animals. In addition, they cause considerable damage to structures and property, and they can transmit pathogens that cause diseases such as salmonellosis, a form of food poisoning. Plus we hate them!

IDENTIFICATION

House mice are small rodents with relatively large ears and small black eyes. They weigh about 1/2 ounce and usually are light brownish to gray in color. An adult is about 5 to 7 inches long, including the 3- to 4-inch tail. Ugly little creatures!

Droppings, fresh gnaw marks, and tracks indicate areas where mice are active. Mouse nests are made from fine shredded paper or other fibrous material, usually in sheltered locations. House mice have a characteristic musky odor that identifies their presence. Mice are active mostly at night, but they can be seen occasionally during daylight hours. Oh My Gosh!

BIOLOGY

Although house mice usually prefer to eat cereal grains, they are "nibblers" and will sample many different foods, the mice last year ate through my son's back pack in the garage to get to an old pack of crackers. Mice have keen senses of taste, hearing, smell, and touch. They are excellent climbers and can run up any rough vertical surface. They will run horizontally along wire cables or ropes and can jump up to 12 inches from the floor onto a flat surface. Mice can squeeze through openings slightly larger than 1/4 inch across. House mice frequently find their way into homes in the fall of the year, when outdoor temperatures at night become colder.

In a single year, a female may have 5 to 10 litters of about 5 or 6 young. Young are born 19 to 21 days after mating, and they reach reproductive maturity in 6 to 10 weeks. The life span of a mouse is probably 9 to 12 months. Can you Imagine??

MANAGEMENT

Because house mice are so small, they can gain entry into homes and other buildings much more easily than rats. As a result, house mouse infestations are probably 10 to 20 times more common than rat infestations. Effective control involves sanitation, exclusion, and population reduction. Sanitation and exclusion are preventive measures. When a mouse infestation already exists, some form of population reduction such as trapping or baiting is almost always necessary.

A key to successful long-term mouse control is the limitation of shelter and of food sources wherever possible. Trapping works well when mice are not numerous, or it can be used as a follow-up measure after a baiting program. When considering a baiting program, decide if the presence of dead mice will cause an odor or sanitation problem. If so, trapping may be the best approach. Removal of mice should be followed by taking steps to exclude them so that the problem does not recur.

Several types of rodenticides are used in baits. The anticoagulant rodenticides are most commonly available and can be used in and around buildings. Because all rodenticides are toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife, take special precautions to prevent the poisoning of nontarget animals.

Sanitation

Because mice can survive in very small areas with limited amounts of food and shelter, their control can be very challenging, especially in and around older structures. Most buildings in which food is stored, handled, or used will support house mice if the mice are not excluded, no matter how good the sanitation. While good sanitation will seldom completely control mice, poor sanitation is sure to attract them and will permit them to thrive in greater numbers. Pay particular attention to eliminating places where mice can find shelter. If they have few places to hide, rest, or build nests and rear their young, they cannot survive in large numbers.

Exclusion

Exclusion is the most successful and permanent form of house mouse control. "Build them out" by eliminating all gaps and openings larger than ¼ inch, through which mice will enter a structure. Steel wool makes a good temporary plug. Seal cracks in building foundations and around openings for water pipes, vents, and utility cables with metal or concrete. Doors, windows, and screens should fit tightly. It may be necessary to cover the edges of doors and windows with metal to prevent gnawing. Plastic screening, rubber or vinyl, insulating foam, wood, and other gnawable materials are unsuitable for plugging holes used by mice.

Traps

Trapping is an effective method for controlling small numbers of house mice. Although time-consuming, it is the preferred method in homes, garages, and other structures where only a few mice are present. Trapping has several advantages: (1) it does not rely on potentially hazardous rodenticides; (2) it permits the user to view his or her success; and (3) it allows for disposal of trapped mice, thereby eliminating dead mouse odors that may occur when poisoning is done within buildings.

Simple, inexpensive, wood-based snap traps are effective and can be purchased in most hardware and grocery stores. Traps can be baited with a variety of foods; peanut butter is the most popular because it is easy to use and very attractive to mice. Set the triggers lightly so the traps will spring easily.

Multiple-capture live traps for mice, such as the Victor Tin Cat and the Ketch-All, also are available from hardware stores and pest control suppliers. They can catch several mice at a time without being reset, so labor requirements are reduced.

Set traps behind objects, in dark corners, and in places where there is evidence of mouse activity. Place them close to walls so mice will pass directly over the trigger. Traps can be set on ledges, on top of pallets of stored materials, or in any other locations where mice are active. Use enough traps to make the trapping period short and decisive. Mice seldom venture far from their shelter and food supply, so space traps no more than about 10 feet apart in areas where mice are active.

An alternative to traps are glue boards, which catch and hold mice that are attempting to cross them, in much the same way flypaper catches flies. They are available at many places where other rodent control products are sold. Place glue boards along walls where mice travel. Do not use them where children, pets, or desirable wildlife can contact them. Nontarget animals that become caught on the glue board can be removed in most cases by using vegetable oil as a solvent to loosen the glue. Glue boards lose their effectiveness in dusty areas unless covered. Extreme temperatures also may affect the tackiness of glue boards.

One problem with live-catch traps and glue boards is that you need to dispose of the live mice. Cervical dislocation is an acceptable method of euthanasia. For mice caught on glue boards, this means taking a sturdy rod or stick and delivering a sharp blow to the base of the skull. Drowning is not considered humane, although it is sometimes suggested by trap manufacturers. Releasing live-caught mice back to the outdoors frequently promotes increased mouse problems.

Baits

Baits to control rodents are formulated with an attractant (generally food) and a rodenticide (toxin). Most rodenticides used to control mice around the home are already mixed with an attractant in commercially ready-to-use baits. The rodenticides in these baits are either anticoagulants or other rodenticides such as single-dose toxicants and chronic rodenticides.

Anticoagulant Rodenticides. Anticoagulants cause death as a result of internal bleeding, which occurs as the animal's blood loses the ability to clot and capillaries are damaged. The active ingredients are used at very low levels and the onset of symptoms is delayed, so the rodent does not avoid the bait janie masterson because of its taste or the onset of illness. When prepared with good-quality cereals and other bait ingredients, all anticoagulant baits provide good to excellent house mouse control if placed in suitable locations for the mice.

Electronic Devices

Although mice are easily frightened by strange or unfamiliar noises, they quickly become accustomed to regularly repeated sounds. Ultrasonic sounds, those above the range of human hearing, have very limited use in rodent control because they are directional and do not penetrate behind objects. They also lose their intensity quickly with distance. There is little evidence that electronic, sound, magnetic, or vibration devices of any kind will drive established mice or rats from buildings or provide adequate control. Despite their lack of effectiveness, many such devices continue to be sold through magazine advertisements and at some retail outlets.

Predators

Some dogs and cats will catch and kill mice and rats. There are few situations, however, in which they will sufficiently control rodent populations. Around most structures, mice can find many places to hide and rear their young out of the reach of such predators. Cats probably cannot eliminate existing mouse populations, but in some situations they may be able to prevent reinfestation once mice have been controlled. In urban and suburban areas, it is not uncommon to find rodents living in close association with cats and dogs, relying on cat and dog food for nourishment. Mice frequently live beneath doghouses and soon learn they can feed on dog food when the dog is absent or asleep.

Call in the BIG GUYS ~~The pest control experts are definately your best bet if you have a problem.

www.janiemasterson.com janie@janiemasterson.com

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

305 Welchwood Dr Clarksville TN 37040 ~~ SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:34:05 -0500

Links

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Description

This is your perfect starter home on 1/2 acre. Spacious 3 bed, large eat in kitchen, upgraded windows, over sized one car garage, wired for surround throughout home. Great family room, fabulous yard, close to everything. Storage barn and shed convey!

Features

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	1
Parking Spaces:	5
Year Built:	1977
Subdivision:	Welchwood Estates
Lot Size:	100x235
Garage Size:	1
School District:	Northeast
Square Footage:	1400
Agent Name:	Janie Masterson
Broker:	Crye-Leike, Realtors
Patio/Deck:	Patio

Location

305 Welchwood Dr Clarksville TN 37040

vFlyer Id: 1665849

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

Just a Little Humor!

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:19:55 -0500

A very drunk man comes out of the bar and sees another very drunk man.
He looks up in the sky and says, "Is that the sun or the moon?"
The other drunk man answers, "I don't know. I'm a stranger here myself."

These need to be written.

Q: What do you call a pig with three eyes?
A: A piiig.

Q: What goes Oh, Oh, Oh?
A: Santa Claus walking backwards.

Q: What do elephants have that no other animal has?
A: Baby elephants.

Depending on where you live, students will enjoy this one.

Q: What do you call a hippie's wife?
A: Mississippi.

Q: What did the ocean say to the beach?
A: Nothing, it just waved!

Love, Laugh, Sell Real Estate

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com

Do you Have a Marketing Plan to Sell Your Home?

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:50:44 -0500

CLARKSVILLE,TN HOME OF THE 101ST AIRBORNNE WELCOME HOME!

Create a Marketing Plan

Selling a home can entail a variety of marketing strategies. Once listed with me, your home will be quickly entered into the local MLS (Multiple Listing Service) for Middle Tennessee and placed on www.janiemasterson.com and Crye-Leike.com. Most of my work will be quiet and unseen - yet important. The quiet telephone calls, the work with contacts, arranging for and marketing open houses, the follow-ups with open-house visitors, conversations with ad respondents, web postings and other outreach efforts are all part of the process required to sell homes. I will post your home for sale on over fifty other sites, including yahoo, trulia, zillow, frontdoor, etc.

You and I will create a marketing plan for your home that will help distinguish it in our local marketplace and attract buyers to your property. This may include posting your listing on the Internet, holding an open house and more. I, as your Sales Professional will use the Crye-Leike customized Marketing System to create a personalized selling program for potential buyers. It's purpose is to sell a home at the best price possible in the shortest amount of time. Call me and I'll give you some of my past clients contact info and you can speak to them regarding my marketing efforts and timely sales.

Most buyers begin their search for a new home on the internet, that is where I concentrate my efforts in Marketing! I am a Marketing Expert and my listings SELL. I listed a home two weeks ago and it was under contract 8 days later. We had 4 showing and one other offer that the seller turned down before he accepted the final offer on the 8th day!

JANIE MASTERSON, REALTOR, GRI, CLHMS JANIE@JANIEMASTERSON.COM

Janie Masterson, Realtor, GRI, CLHMS

2106 Trenton Rd, Clarksville TN

Direct 931 801-3348

Email: janie@janiemasterson.com