Realtor Extraordinaire ... Showing for 7310 Doug Hill Road

When looking to buy a home there is one thing you need to keep in mind. Value. Doug Hill is a rare find that is sure to please most buyers. Please e-mail Kate for additional information. Thanks for showing.

Realtor Extraordinaire ... Showing for 2848 Leonard Creek Road, Arrington Tennessee

Get Them in the Ground!

The bigger and better spring garden! Potatoes, onions, lettuce, radishes oh my!

Going outside right now to take updated pictures ... more to come!

Also coming with this year's garden tips: Planting patio gardens for those of you who don't live in the country.

- Kate

Happy Easter! And some good news!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE!
The proposed bill to save the TN wineries has passed the TN Senate and is quickly
moving through the TN House on its way to becoming law! MANY thanks to all of
our Tennesseans who asked your state legislators and
Gov. Bredesen to support the TN wine industry!
 
On a related note, there is another bill (SB0166/HB1155) moving through the TN Legislature
 that would create a winery shipping permit - allowing a winery to ship up to 3 cases per person
 per year to a TN resident at least 21 years old. This means that online wine shopping,
wine clubs, and shipping wine back home to TN while visiting other wineries
is about to become a possibility!
 
 If you are a TN resident over 21 years old and would enjoy being able to order wine and have it
 shipped to your TN residence or business, contact your TN legislator
(Senators and Representatives) and ask them to support Senate Bill 0166/House Bill 1155 and let TN residents have wine shipped to their TN address

Why Should I Buy?

Any investment consideration, whether it be real estate, gold or fine art, follows a predictable cycle. Let's start with optimism, the period in which many people are excited about buying a home. When the market is strong, people's purchases quickly increase in value, which leads to euphoria, which can lead to rash decision making. From euphoria starts a downward cycle. As prices start to fall, buyers go into denial, with statements such as "I'll be in the house a few years, so this won't be a challenge." After denial comes fear, as prices continue to fall, followed by panic, despondency, and depression. After depression comes hope and then optimism.

The point of maximum risk for any investment is during the euphoria stage. The point of maximum opportunity is at the lowest point, between despondency and depression. That's exactly where we are in many real estate markets today. Clients who are motivated and qualified to buy will be able to look at the market cycle and understand why now is the best time to invest in real estate.

Kate Smylie - now showing two fine equestrian estates Doug Hill and Leonard Creek.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tax Credit

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2008, Congress enacted a $7500 tax credit designed to be an incentive for first-time homebuyers to purchase a home. The credit was designed as a mechanism to decrease the over-supply of homes for sale.

For 2009, Congress has increased the credit to $8000 and made several additional improvements. This revised $8000 tax credit applies to purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

Tax Credits -- The Basics

1. What’s this new homebuyer tax incentive for 2009?

The 2008 $7500, repayable credit is increased to $8000 and the repayment feature is eliminated for 2009 purchasers. Any home that is purchased for $80,000 or more qualifies for the full $8000 amount. If the house costs less than $80,000, the credit will be 10% of the cost. Thus, if an individual purchased a home for $75,000, the credit would be $7500. It is available for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

2. Who is eligible?

Only first-time homebuyers are eligible. A person is considered a first-time buyer if he/she has not had any ownership interest in a home in the three years previous to the day of the 2009 purchase.

3. How does a tax credit work?

Every dollar of a tax credit reduces income taxes by a dollar. Credits are claimed on an individual’s income tax return. Thus, a qualified purchaser would figure out all the income items and exemptions and make all the calculations required to figure out his/her total tax due. Then, once the total tax owed has been computed, tax credits are applied to reduce the total tax bill. So, if before taking any credits on a tax return a person has total tax liability of $9500, an $8000 credit would wipe out all but $1500 of the tax due. ($9,500 - $8000 = $1500)

4. So what happens if the purchaser is eligible for an $8000 credit but their entire income tax liability for the year is only $6000?

This tax credit is what’s called “refundable” credit. Thus, if the eligible purchaser’s total tax liability was $6000, the IRS would send the purchaser a check for $2000. The refundable amount is the difference FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT
between $8000 credit amount and the amount of tax liability. ($8000 - $6000 = $2000) Most taxpayers determine their tax liability by referring to tables that the IRS prepares each year.

5. How does withholding affect my tax credit and my refund?

A few examples are provided at the end of this document. There are several steps in this calculation, but most income tax software programs are equipped to make that determination.

6. Is there an income restriction?

Yes. The income restriction is based on the tax filing status the purchaser claims when filing his/her income tax return. Individuals filing Form 1040 as Single (or Head of Household) are eligible for the credit if their income is no more than $75,000. Married couples who file a Joint return may have income of no more than $150,000.

7. How is my “income” determined?

For most individuals, income is defined and calculated in the same manner as their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on their 1040 income tax return. AGI includes items like wages, salaries, interest and dividends, pension and retirement earnings, rental income and a host of other elements. AGI is the final number that appears on the bottom line of the front page of an IRS Form 1040.

8. What if I worked abroad for part of the year?

Some individuals have earned income and/or receive housing allowances while working outside the US. Their income will be adjusted to reflect those items to measure Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Their eligibility for the credit will be based on their MAGI.

9. Do individuals with incomes higher than the $75,000 or $150,000 limits lose all the benefit of the credit?

Not always. The credit phases-out between $75,000 - $95,000 for singles and $150,000 - $170,000 for married filing joint. The closer a buyer comes to the maximum phase-out amount, the smaller the credit will be. The law provides a formula to gradually withdraw the credit. Thus, the credit will disappear after an individual’s income reaches $95,000 (single return) or $170,000 (joint return).

For example, if a married couple had income of $165,000, their credit would be reduced by 75% as shown:

Couple’s income $165,000
Income limit 150,000
Excess income $15,000

The excess income amount ($15,000 in this example) is used to form a fraction. The numerator of the fraction is the excess income amount ($15,000). The denominator is $20,000 (specified by the statute).

In this example, the disallowed portion of the credit is 75% of $8000, or $6000
($15,000/$20,000 = 75% x $8000 = $6000)

Stated another way, only 25% of the credit amount would be allowed.
In this example, the allowable credit would be $2000 (25% x $8000 = $2000)

10. What’s the definition of “principal residence?”
Generally, a principal residence is the home where an individual spends most of his/her time (generally defined as more than 50%). It is also defined as “owner-occupied” housing. The term includes single- family detached housing, condos or co-ops, townhouses or any similar type of new or existing dwelling. Even some houseboats or manufactured homes count as principal residences.

11. Are there restrictions on the location of the property?

Yes. The home must be located in the United States. Property located outside the US is not eligible for the credit.

12. Are there restrictions related to the financing for the mortgage on the property?

In 2009, most financing arrangements are acceptable and will not affect eligibility for the credit. Congress eliminated the financing restriction that applied in 2008. (In 2008, purchasers were ineligible for the $7500 credit if the financing was obtained by means of mortgage revenue bonds.) Now, mortgage-revenue bond financing will not disqualify an otherwise-eligible purchaser. (Mortgage revenue bonds are tax-exempt bonds issued by a state housing agency. Proceeds from the bonds must be used for below market loans to qualified buyers.)

13. Do I have to repay the 2009 tax credit?

NO. There is no repayment for 2009 tax credits.

14. Do 2008 purchasers still have to repay their tax credit?

YES. The $7500 credit in 2008 was more like an interest-free loan. All eligible purchasers who claimed the 2008 credit will still be required to repay it over 15 years, starting with their 2010 tax return.

Some Practical Questions

15. How do I apply for the credit?

There is no pre-purchase authorization, application or similar approval process. All eligible purchasers simply claim the credit on their IRS Form 1040 tax return. The credit will be reflected on a new Form 5405 that will be attached to the 1040. Form 5405 can be found at www.irs.gov.

16. So I can’t use the credit amount as part of my downpayment?

No. Congress tried hard to devise a mechanism that would make the funds available for closing costs, but found that pre-funding would require cumbersome processes that would, in effect, bring the IRS into the purchase and settlement phase of the transaction.

17. So there’s no way to get any cash flow benefits before I file my tax return?

Yes, there is. Any first-time homebuyers who believe they are eligible for all or part of the credit can modify their income tax withholding (through their employers) or adjust their quarterly estimated tax payments. Individuals subject to income tax withholding would get an IRS Form W-4 from their employer, follow the instructions on the schedules provided and give the completed Form W-4 back to the employer. In many cases their withholding would decrease and their take-home pay would increase. Those who make estimated tax payments would make similar adjustments.

Some “Real World” Examples

18. What if I purchase later this year but can’t get to settlement before December 1?

The credit is available for purchases before December 1, 2009. A home is considered as “purchased” when all events have occurred that transfer the title from the seller to the new purchaser. Thus, closings must occur before December 1, 2009 for purchases to be eligible for the credit.

19. I haven’t even filed my 2008 tax return yet. If I buy in 2009, do I have to wait until next year to get the benefit of the credit?

You’ll have a helpful choice that might speed up the process. Eligible homebuyers who make their purchase between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009 can treat the purchase as if it had occurred on December 31, 2008. Thus, they can claim the credit on their 2008 tax return that is due on April 15, 2009. They actually have three filing options.

If they purchase between January 1, 2009 and April 15, 2009, they can claim the $8000 credit on the 2008 return due on April 15. They can extend their 2008 income-tax filing until as late as October 15, 2009. (The IRS grants automatic extensions, but the taxpayer must file for the extension. See www.irs.gov for instructions on how to obtain an extension.)
If they have filed their 2008 return before they purchase the home, they may file an amended
2008 tax return on Form 1040X. (Form 1040X is available at www.irs.gov)

Of course, 2009 purchasers will always have the option of claiming the credit for the 2009 purchase on their 2009 return. Their 2009 tax return is due on April 15, 2010.

20. I purchased my home in early 2009 before the stimulus bill was enacted. I claimed a $7500 tax credit on my 2008 return as prior law had permitted. Am I restricted to just a $7500 credit?

No, you would qualify for the $8000 credit. Eligible purchasers who have already claimed the $7500 credit on a 2008 return for a 2009 purchase may file an amended return (IRS Form 1040X) for the 2008 tax year. This amended return will enable them to obtain the additional $500 credit amount.

21. If I claim my 2009 $8000 credit on my 2008 tax return, will I have to repay the credit just as the 2008 credits are repaid?

No. Congress anticipated this confusion and has made specific provision so that there would be no repayment of 2009 credits that are claimed on 2008 returns.

22. I made an eligible purchase of a principal residence in May 2008 and claimed the $7500 credit on my 2008 tax return. My brother, who has never owned a home, wishes to purchase a partial interest in the home this spring and move in. Will he qualify for the $8000 credit, as well?

No. Any purchase of a principal residence (or interest in a principal residence) from a related party such as a sibling, parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle is ineligible for the tax credit. Since you and your brother are related in this way, he cannot qualify for the credit on any portion of the home that he purchases from you, even if he is a first-time homebuyer.

23. I live in the District of Columbia. If I qualify as a first-time homebuyer, can I use both the $5000 DC credit and the $8000 credit?

No; double dipping is not allowed. You would be eligible for only the $8000 credit. This will be an advantage because of the higher credit amount, plus the eligibility requirements for the $8000 credit are somewhat more easily satisfied than the DC credit.

24. I know there is no repayment requirement for the $8000 credit. Will I ever have to repay any of the credit back to the government?

One situation does require a recapture payment back to the government. If you claim the credit but then sell the property within 3 years of the date of purchase, you are required to pay back the full amount of any credit, including any refund you received from it. A few exceptions apply. (See below, #24). Note that this same 3-year recapture rule applies, as well, to the $7500 credit available for 2008. This provision is designed as an anti-flipping rule.

25. What if I die or get divorced or my property is ruined in a natural disaster within the 3 years?

The repayment rules are eased for many circumstances. If the homeowner who used the credit dies within the first three years of ownership, there is no recapture. Special rules make adjustments for people who sell homes as part of a divorce settlement, as well. Similarly, adjustments are made in the case of a home that is part of an involuntary conversion (property is destroyed in a natural disaster or subject to condemnation by eminent domain by an authorized agency) within the first three years.


26. I have a home under construction. Am I eligible for the credit?

Yes, so long as you actually occupy the home before December 1, 2009.

WITHHOLDING EXAMPLES:
Note: The impact of estimated tax payments would be the same.

Situation 1: Sally plans her withholding so that her withholding is as close as possible to what she anticipates as her income tax liability for the year. When she fills out her 1040, her liability is $6000. She has had $6000 withheld from her paycheck. She also qualifies for the $8000 homebuyer credit.

Result: Sally’s withholding satisfies her tax liability and reduces it to zero. She will receive a refund of the full $8000.

Situation 2: Nick and Nora file a joint return. Nick is self-employed and makes estimated payments; Nora has taxes withheld from her salary. When they compute their taxes, their combined withholding and estimated tax payments are $11,000. Their income tax liability is $9800. They also qualified as first- time homebuyers and are eligible for the $8000 refundable tax credit.

Result: Ordinarily, their combined estimated tax payments and withholding would make them eligible for a refund of $1200 ($11,000 - $9800 = $1200). Because they are eligible for the refundable tax credit as well, they will receive a refund of $9200 ($1200 income tax refund + $8000 refundable tax credit = $9200)

Situation 3: Cesar and LuzMaria both have income taxes withheld from their salaries and file a joint return. When they file their income tax return, their combined withholding is $5000. However, their total tax liability is $7200, generating an additional income tax liability of $2200 ($7200 - $5000). They also qualify for the $8000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.

Result: Cesar and LuzMaria have been under-withheld by $2200. Ordinarily, they would be required to pay the additional $2200 they owe (plus any applicable interest and penalties). Because they are eligible for the refundable homebuyer tax credit, the credit will cover the $2200 additional liability. In addition,
they will receive an income tax refund of $5800 ($8000 - $2200 = $5800). If they owed penalties and/or interest, that amount would reduce the refund.

- Kate and Artwork by Lucas Antoniak

NonViolent Communication

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life
Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.

NVC Cheat Sheet, By Kate for you

1. The concrete actions we are observing that are affecting our well-being.
2. How we feel in relation to what we are observing.
3. The needs, values desires, etc. that are creating our feelings.
4. The concrete actions we request in order to enrich our lives.

I. Observing without Evaluating.

Observation with evaluation mixed in: Doug procrastinates

Observation without evaluation: Doug only studies for exams the night before.

II. Identifying and Expressing Feelings.

Words like “ignored” express how we interpret others, rather that how we feel. Here is a sampling of such words.

Abandoned distrusted put down
Abused interrupted rejected
Attacked intimidated taken for granted
Bullied misunderstood unheard
Cheated neglected used

How we are likely to feel when our needs are being met

Affectionate enthusiastic overjoyed
Amazed excited moved
Appreciative friendly pleased
Calm fulfilled radiant
Cheerful gleeful satisfied
Concerned happy serene
Delighted intrigued touched
Encouraged mellow upbeat

How we are likely to feel when our needs are not being met

Afraid disgusted irate
Agitated disheartened jealous
Angry displeased jittery
Annoyed disturbed leery
Ashamed dull listless
Bewildered exhausted miserable
Cold furious panicky
Dejected helpless perplexed
Detached hesitant repelled
Discouraged impatient scared

III. Basic Human Needs

1. Autonomy – to choose one’s dreams, and plan for fulfilling dreams and goals.

2. Integrity – authenticity, creativity, meaning, self-worth.

3. Celebration – to celebrate achievements, dreams fulfilled and losses (mourning).

4. Interdependence – community, appreciation, emotional safety, love, respect, support, trust, understanding, warmth, honesty.

5. Play – fun, laughter.

6. Spiritual Communion – beauty, harmony, inspiration, order, peace.

7. Physical Nurturance – air, food, exercise, protection, rest, sexual expression, shelter, touch, water.

IV. Request – clear and positive

Good Requests:

- I would like to drive below or at the speed limit.
- I’d like you to tell me one thing that I did that you appreciate.

Not Clear Requests:

- I’d like to get to know you better. (This is not clear, maybe state: I’d like to have lunch next week.
- I’d like you to prepare dinner more often. (This is not clear, maybe state: I’d like you to prepare dinner twice a week.)

- Kate and Amazing Artwork by Lucas Antoniak

Healthiest Housing Markets

BuilderOnline.com rated the top Healthiest Housing Markets and Nashville, TN was number 11!!

My client sent this article to me today.

"Promising developments indicate that housing may be close to bottoming out." and "Some markets will undoubtedly recover before others. Builder, with the help of Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, recently analyzed the strongest and weakest among the 75 major home building markets. Five of the healthiest were in Texas cities that added jobs last year and experienced very little depreciation in home prices, if any. Several markets in the Carolinas, Fayetteville, Ark., Indianapolis, and Nashville, Tenn., also made the list of the 15 strongest markets, which tended to be places where pricing didn't get out of control during the housing boom."

BuilderOnline.com article:

11. Nashville, Tenn.
2008 total building permits: 8,142

Nashville, the 20th largest home building market, operated under the radar of the national housing boom. It didn’t ramp up wildly during the boom years, and it’s not contracting viciously during the bust. Median home prices remain an affordable $159,800, propped up by a growing job base. Seventy percent of the residential construction is single-family. Some of the market’s resilience stems from above-average population growth of about 2.3 percent a year. Back in the day, 2005, Nashville accounted for 16,654 permits; it now runs at about half that level. But that’s a better performance than most major markets.

Buy Doug Hill . . . pictured above. It is located 25 minutes outside of downtown Nashville - just a hop, skip and an interstate drive away.

- Kate

Kate Cooks

Remember a couple of days ago when it was warm and sunny? Well it is not right now! So I thought I would brighten your day with a new recipe!

I've been into Crock Pot Cooking lately. Why? Because I was able to cook this delicious meal yesterday and clean the house at the same time - it was a beautiful moment for me. It was like a warm sunny day, well ok, it was close.

Bonus! This meal is economical. Who doesn't like that right now?

Kate Cooks Chicken in a Crock Pot

Ingredients:

1 pound of hormone free chicken breasts

1 green bellpepper

1 onion

4 garlic cloves

1 can of green olives

white wine from a box (hey its hard times! Anyone want to buy one of my listings so I can upgrade to bottled wine?)

1 box of free range chicken broth

1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (adds a little spice but feel free to use plain)

A couple of spoonfuls of tomato paste

Seasonings - Salt, pepper, dash of sugar, oregano, thyme, rosemary (just sprinkle them in to taste)

2 cups brown rice

serve with a side of sauteed broccoli or salad

and you can have a glass of box wine to drink (I like Angel Juice Pinot Grigio)

TOTAL COOK TIME 4 hours on Low.

1. Plop the chicken in the bottom of the crock pot and season with salt and pepper.

2. Chop up your onion, garlic, bellpepper and toss those in the pot.

3. Add can of tomatoes and pour some chicken broth and wine till the juices almost reach the top. You can use any measurement of broth versus wine. Also add your tomato paste and seasonings. Cover and don't peek.

4. Cook 2 hours, chop your mushrooms and add them. Do a thick chop.

5. 30 minutes left add some olive juice and olives. Add as many as you like! Take the chicken out and tear it up and put it back in the pot.

6. Brown rice takes about 1 hour to cook. I used the rest of my chicken broth and water to cook the brown rice. I also added as little olive oil.

Presto! It will be fantastic. Serve this yummy food over the brown rice and don't forget your side of greens!

I hope you enjoy,

-Kate

Update on Arrington Vineyards

From Arrington Vineyards:
Thank you for your overwhelming support and response
to yesterday's email concerning the threat to Tennessee's Wine Industry

Many of you have replied with some great questions about this incredibly complex issue.
Here are some answers to your FAQs:


Are Tennessee's wineries really threatened with closure and if so..why?
This is a "Constitutional" problem. A Federal Court is demanding that Tennessee change its winery laws. If TN does not change its winery law, then closing the TN wineries is an option the Federal Court may choose to enforce its demands.

Why can't the Federal Court change the law themselves?
Because the Courts can only affirm or strike down laws, they cannot change or CREATE laws.


Why is a Federal Court demanding that Tennessee change its "Grape and Wine Law"?
Because a wine shipping lawsuit was brought before the US 6th Circuit Court - Jelovsek v. Tennessee. While the Federal Court was reviewing the TN laws that regulate wine, it discovered that parts of the "TN Grape and Wine Law" discriminated against wineries and vineyards outside TN.

How does TN law "discriminate" against out-of-state wineries and vineyards?

The TN "Grape and Wine Law" includes wording that says: a TN winery can ONLY be owned by a current TN resident, TN wineries MUST to use TN grapes, and ONLY TN wineries can hold wine festivals in TN. A Federal Judge declared these rules unfair. Why isn't Oprah allowed to buy a TN winery? Why can't a Kentucky vineyard sell grapes to a TN winery? Why can't wineries located outside TN hold wine festivals inside TN?


But why does it matter if TN laws are unfair to those outside TN?
Because the Commerce Clause of the US Constitution prohibits a state from passing legislation that improperly burdens or discriminates against interstate commerce...and that is why a FEDERAL Judge is demanding the change to a TN law.



So what can be done to fix this?
The TN "Grape and Wine Law" has to be changed to meet the Federal Court's demands.

How does the law get changed?
TN wineries are working with TN legislators to change the law. House Bill 1549 and Senate Bill 0944 will change the wording in the "Grape and Wine Law" so it won't discriminate against out-of-state vineyards and wineries.

Does House Bill 1549 and Senate Bill 0944 do anything else, like allow wine to be sold in grocery stores or allow wine to be shipped to my house in TN?
HB1549 and SB0944 only change the wording in the TN "Grape and Wine Law" so that TN wineries can keep doing what they have been doing for the past 30 years while following the Court's demands. However, keeping the TN wine industry alive is another positive step for wine in TN, which will hopefully lead to more positive steps, like wine shipping and wine in grocery stores.


What happens if the TN Legislature does nothing?
Then a Federal Court will decide the TN wine industry's fate. Because the Court cannot "create" new law, they will not be able to change the laws regulating the TN wine industry..only strike them down...perhaps closing TN wineries.

How would closing the TN wineries affect the state of TN?
In a report done by MKF Research in 2007, the TN wine industry supports over 1600 full time jobs and has a positive economic impact in TN worth over $140 million! Closing the wineries would result in a huge negative ripple effect of lost jobs and lost revenue.


So, the TN Legislature wants to fix this, right?
We hope so! However, when it comes to passing new legislation, NOTHING is ever easy or "taken for granted". This issue seems easily fixed, but we have to get the word out and explain to our legislators why they have to pass these bills SOON!

Why are there TWO bills - HB1549 and SB0944?
Both bills say the same thing. The bills must pass by a majority vote of BOTH the TN House of Representatives and the TN Senate, then signed into law by the Governor. Thus, bills get introduced to both governing bodies, but not usually with the same number.

If this issue is so critical, why is the general public just now hearing about it?
This situation began with the Court decision on October 24, 2008. Elections then occurred Nov. 4, and the current TN General Assembly (Legislature) did not begin session until last month. Thus, it took until now for the TN wine industry to decide how to address the problem, propose legislation, find sponsors in the TN House and Senate, and get the bills introduced. Now comes the most critical step: getting the bills passed into law (i.e. getting TN legislators to vote "yes")!

Why isn't this getting much coverage in the Tennessee media?
The word is just now getting out - now that the winery bills have been filed and the issue is high priority. There has been some recent media attention, including last week on Nashville's WKRN News2 , and the lead story last night on Nashville's 10pm WSMV Channel 4 news. TN winery websites will soon be posting this info...and you are welcome to join this "cause" on facebook.com. Search facebook causes for "Save TN Wineries".


How can someone like me help?
TN legislators represent the people of Tennessee...so make your voices heard! If you don't already know your State Representative or State Senator, go to www.capitol.tn.gov/legislators to find them. Then contact them (via phone or email) and ask them to support TN wineries by voting yes on House Bill 1549 and Senate Bill 0944.

Also, please contact Gov. Phil Bredesen's office and ask him to support these bills as well. Govenor Bredesen can be reached at 615-741-2001 and phil.bredesen@state.tn.us

Thank you for your continued support of Arrington Vineyards and the Tennessee Wine Industry!

Kip Summers
Winemaker/Partner
Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards
6211 Patton Road
Arrington, TN 37014
www.arringtonvineyards.com
(615) 395-0102

This message was sent from Arrington Vineyards to ksmylie@realtracs.com. It was sent from: Arrington Vineyards, 6211 Patton Road, Arrington, TN 37014. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below.
Manage your subscription

Save Arrington Vineyards!

All Tennessee Wineries, including Arrington Vineyards,
are in real danger of being forced to close!
 
The STATE of TENNESSEE was sued in Federal Court over direct wine shipping rights.
 
The 6th Circuit Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on shipping wine. However, while reviewing Tennessee’s wine laws, the Court declared parts of the Tennessee Winery Law unconstitutional.  The Court is demanding changes to the TN Grape and Winery Law.
 
The Tennessee Farm Wineries Association (TFWA) has introduced bills in the TN Legislature to fix the unconstitutional language in Tennessee's Grape and Wine Law per the US 6th Circuit Court ruling.  House Bill 1549 and Senate Bill 0944 will fix these constitutional problems and allow TN wineries to continue operating just as they have for the last 30 years.
 
Without this new legislation, TN wineries will probably be forced to close their doors by the Federal Court, leading to the loss of over 1600 jobs and the loss of over $140 Million of positive economic impact in TN.
 
PLEASE contact your TN Representative and TN Senator and ask them to CO-SPONSOR  HB1549/SB0944. This is CRITICAL for the survival of the TN Wine Industry!
 
Also, PLEASE contact Gov. Phil Bredesen's office and ask him to speak up and support TN Law and Tennessee's response to the US 6th Circuit Court decision.
 
Your  expediency is crucial!  These bills are moving QUICKLY through the TN Legislature.
 
 To find out who your state legislators are, go to:
 www.capitol.tn.gov/legislators 
or
www.votesmart.org.
 
 Gov. Bredesen can be reached at:
    Governor's Office
   Tennessee State Capitol
    Nashville, TN 37243-0001
   Phone: 615.741.2001
    Fax: 615.532.9711
    Email: phil.bredesen@state.tn.us 

Great News!

From CnnMoney.com:

Existing home sales in surprise jump

Sales of existing homes in December rose 6.5% from November. But prices continued to fall, down over 15% from last year.

By Catherine Clifford, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Last Updated: January 26, 2009: 10:29 AM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The number of existing homes sold in December rose 6.5% from the previous month, according to a housing industry report released Monday.

The National Association of Realtors said that home sales increased to a seasonally-adjusted, annualized rate of 4.74 million units. That's up from a revised 4.45 million units sold in November and more than the 4.4 million units projected by a consensus of industry analysts as reported by Briefing.com.

Still, December's existing home sales are down 3.5% compared with December of 2007, when the seasonally-adjusted, annual rate was 4.91 million.

Thanks to the sales increase, the number of homes available on the market decreased 11.7% in December from the previous month, to 3.68 million existing homes for sale. That represents a 9.3-month inventory supply at the current pace of sales, down from a 11.2-month supply in November.

Bargain prices are bringing buyers back into the market. The median existing home price was down 15.3% to $175,400 from December 2007, when the median price was $207,000. The median price measures where half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less.

For all of 2008, there were 4,912,000 homes sold, which was the lowest volume since 1997, when there were 4,371,000 homes sold. The 2008 sales volume was down 13.1% from the 5,652,000 existing homes sold in 2007.

So hurry and buy my listing at 7310 Doug Hill Road, Fairview, TN.

Remember, the story of the turtle and hare is fictional.

E-mail to schedule your private showing TODAY!!

-Kate

Consider the Location

How many times have we read an advertisement that utilized the phrase: "Location location location." Too much right? 

When planning a move you must first consider the location. This task can be accomplished by asking your Realtor, reading the local newspaper, contacting the local Chamber of Commerce and visiting different areas of town.

Please do not be fooled! Picking a location is tricky. It is truly a self evaluation moment.

How did I end up picking a location? Well I wanted my horses in my backyard, I love big dogs, I like the quiet, growing a garden and needed to be centrally located for work (I work mostly Rutherford and Williamson County). I needed land that wouldn't be beyond my management capabilities and would be a safe place to live. These are just a few of my reasons that will hopefully get you started thinking about your own. Ultimately for me to find the desirable location it took 3 years, 7,000 miles on the car, and two rejected contracts.  

Happy Hunting and Don't get Discouraged,

Kate  

Consider Buying a Home and then Renting . . .

This home in Murfreesboro is offered at $102,900. This property has the potential to be a perfect investment property because it is located in close proximity to Middle Tennessee State University and the housing market in Rutherford County is stronger than Williamson and Davidson County. With three bedrooms and two baths this would be a perfect home to rent to students or a small family. Send an e-mail to schedule your private tour.

Think about investing in real estate.

Merry Christmas!

How to stay warm

1. Wear 3 layers of clothes, a coat, two socks, gloves, hat and snow boots. Side note: post winter dressing you may look something like the abominable snowman.

2. Buy my listing on Doug Hill and sit next to the fireplace at night.

3. Buy my listing on Leonard Creek and sit next to the fireplace at night or in the outdoor jacuzzi (exiting may be chilly).

4. Look at the interest rates and that may ignite a fire under you . . .

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dutch Stew

1 pound of stew meat - I prefer Hereford from the Fresh Market here in Nashville, TN
1 small onion
handful of organic baby carrots
4 garlic cloves
1 celery root
1 leek
2 yukon gold potatoes
1 tsp sweet paprika powder
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp coarse mustard
1 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp curry powder
1 cup beef broth
1 cup of german beer
salt & and fresh pepper
3 tbsp butter
fresh thyme
rice

1. Chop up the onion, garlic, cloves, and celery root and set aside in a bowl.
2. Cut your stew meat into small bites. Season the stew meat with the mustard, salt and pepper - rub rub
3. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large pot, once melted add meat and cook for about a minute.
4. Add all the things you chopped in step one.
5. Stir it around till the meat begins to look a little more cooked, like a medium rare, if you cook it too much it will be tough. And add the paprika, flour, curry and sugar to sprinkle over the meat near the end of cooking. (Mix these ingredients in a separate bowl.)
6. Add 1 cup of beer and 1 cup of broth and the fresh thyme leaves.
7. Cover with a slightly tilted lid and simmer on very low for 75 minutes.
8. Welcome back! Now add your potatoes and one leak root (no leaves) and simmer for 35 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
9. Start tasting towards the end of cooking. By the way aren't you loving the delicious aroma! My house smelled like this wonderful stew for hours after cooking. You may want to add a little more salt and pepper at this point. Just taste and season accordingly.
10. Start cooking your rice after completing step 9. I would use a separate pot with fresh water, a beef bullion cube, and salt. Cook a cup of rice.
11. Once everything is cooked spoon the stew over just a little bit of rice. I like more stew than rice.

This recipe is slightly varied from one that I found on Dutch Girl Cooking

This meal is perfect for a winter day. Eat stew in front of a roaring fire :) Live Well - Kate

Living in Arrington, Tennnessee

Arrington was the best-kept secret location. However, since Arrington Vineyard’s arrival, people are beginning to feel a pull to Arrington. Stillwater golf course community, King’s Chapel and Blackhawk are a few upscale subdivisions to settle in Arrington. With rolling hills and sweeping vistas, convenient country living can be found in Arrington.

Arrington is centrally located between Nolensville, Murfreesboro and Franklin. Perhaps you feel like dining at the newly famous Martin’s barbeque in Nolensville? Travel to Five Senses or B’McNeels for fine dining in Murfreesboro. Enjoy downtown Franklin’s festivities. Downtown Nashville is just a 40-minute commute. Living in Arrington will make it possible for you to enjoy all that Nashville has to offer . . . if you actually decide to venture away from home, because some of the neighbors prefer quiet evenings on the back porch, watching deer, horses, cows and wild turkey.

If you are a horse enthusiast, two fine equestrian facilities are located in Arrington: Chasing a Muse Dressage Farm and Tammy Crawford’s Travelers Rest dressage training stable. Also in Arrington are Bonnie’s Barnyard, Tractor Supply and Arrington Feed.

Living in Arrington is a different lifestyle. Here are some of my favorite Arrington images:

A southern gentlemen driving his beat-up Ford truck with his golden lab in the back of the pickup, baby cows calling for their momma, wild turkey scattering, Leonard Creek and fresh snow on rocks, fog rolling over the hills, rain and rainbows, hearing birds, Sunday drives through the fields in a Gator, waving at your neighbor and talking over the fence, fresh vegetables from the garden, a sign that says “honk for tomatoes,” picnics at the vineyard and neighbors that feel more like family than acquaintances.

2848 Leonard Creek, Arrington, Tennessee

Channeling southern grace with two front covered porches and appropriately appointed hanging wooden swings. Glide through the wooded gates and under a grove of trees to your horse stable. Travel down through the valley to listen to Leonard Creek in the winter. Sweeping vistas abound with ever changing artwork as a backdrop to your perfect country home.



The grove



Leonard Creek borders the property.



2848 Leonard Creek Road is Exclusively Offered by Kate Smylie with Pilkerton Realtors. This home is being offered for $1,300,000 including 20 acres, 40x100 stable, Dressage Arena, and a fenced pasture for horses.