In case you haven't heard...Tennessee is having a holiday from sales tax!!! Make sure to mark August 4 - August 6, 2006 on your shopping calendar. BOTH state and local taxes are going to be suspended on specific items stated in the mandate. The majority of the items exempt from tax are "back-to-school" related items and some clothing items. Yes, you will be able to purchase these items without paying ANY sales tax on these dates!
The items that are exempt are as follows:
CLOTHING:
Belts
Caps
Coats
Dresses
Gloves
Hats
Hosiery
Jackets
Jeans
Neckties
Pants
Scarves
School Uniforms
Shirts
Shoes
Socks
Sneakers
Underwear
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Binders
Bookbags and Backpacks
Calculators
Chalk
Compasses
Composition Books
Crayons
Erasers
Folders
Glue/paste/paste sticks
Highlighter Pens
Index Cards/Index Card Boxes
Legal Pads
Lunch Boxes
Markers
Notebooks
Paper
Pens
Pencils/Pencil Boxes/Sharpeners
Protractors
Rulers
School Supply Boxes
Scissors
Tape
Writing Tablets
COMPUTERS!
Computers with a purchase price of $1,500 or less, NOT FOR USE IN TRADE OR BUSINESS, are exempt from sales tax. A computer is defined as a CPU along with various other components including monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, cables to connect components and preloaded software.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to stock up for school supplies and SAVE the TN state and local sales tax....to spend on something else! At least your money will go a little bit farther on these dates.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Rain Tree Day Spa & Salon
Much to my surprize, I had a client give ME a gift certificate to have the works done at the Rain Tree Day Spa located in Murfreesboro, TN. I must admit that I could get used to having the spa treatment performed on me on a regular basis.
The atmosphere was very relaxing and the employees were incredibly friendly. Everyone just seemed so happy to be there and loved what they do! The facial was so relaxing that I actually fell sound asleep. Kendra did my facial and was both professional and friendly. The massage was a much needed stress reliever and was completed by Courtney. I've had massages that were a little too rough, or a little too light, and not always enjoyable. Courtney seemed to have the technique down to perfection and her touch was just perfect for me! I don't even know how to begin with the the spa manicure and pedicure...they were a real treat! You start off by relaxing on a luxuriously padded bench while you soak in warm sudsy water with stones in the bottom of the stone sink. My feet (and body) just loved relaxing in this position for a few minutes. You then go through an hour of the best smelling lotions, oils, scrubs, peach parafin dips, and even heated mittens on your hands. They will wrap your pampered feet in hot steamy towels that will make you go "Ahhhh." Jeremy did my spa mani and pedi and they were the absolute BEST I have ever received. He really took his time and pampered me. I will definitely be going back and asking for Jeremy soon!
The Rain Tree Day Spa is located in Georgetown Square on Northfield Blvd. This is right behind the Kroger that faces NW Broad Street. I would highly recommend giving the Rain Tree a try and would ask for Jeremy, Cortney and Kendra! If you do not live in Murfreesboro, it is definitely worth the drive over to receive their services. I would have to give this business a 5 star rating! Thanks Rain Tree!
The atmosphere was very relaxing and the employees were incredibly friendly. Everyone just seemed so happy to be there and loved what they do! The facial was so relaxing that I actually fell sound asleep. Kendra did my facial and was both professional and friendly. The massage was a much needed stress reliever and was completed by Courtney. I've had massages that were a little too rough, or a little too light, and not always enjoyable. Courtney seemed to have the technique down to perfection and her touch was just perfect for me! I don't even know how to begin with the the spa manicure and pedicure...they were a real treat! You start off by relaxing on a luxuriously padded bench while you soak in warm sudsy water with stones in the bottom of the stone sink. My feet (and body) just loved relaxing in this position for a few minutes. You then go through an hour of the best smelling lotions, oils, scrubs, peach parafin dips, and even heated mittens on your hands. They will wrap your pampered feet in hot steamy towels that will make you go "Ahhhh." Jeremy did my spa mani and pedi and they were the absolute BEST I have ever received. He really took his time and pampered me. I will definitely be going back and asking for Jeremy soon!
The Rain Tree Day Spa is located in Georgetown Square on Northfield Blvd. This is right behind the Kroger that faces NW Broad Street. I would highly recommend giving the Rain Tree a try and would ask for Jeremy, Cortney and Kendra! If you do not live in Murfreesboro, it is definitely worth the drive over to receive their services. I would have to give this business a 5 star rating! Thanks Rain Tree!
Friday, July 28, 2006
Mortgage Rates Decline Slightly
Investsors grew hopeful this week that the long string of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve is drawing to a close, resulting in a slight decline in mortgage rates. The rate on a 30 year, fixed rate home mortgage dropped to 6.72 as a nationwide average. This is down from 6.80 last week. The 6.80 rate was the highest rate for mortgages in over four years.
McCulloch House to be Demolished
Attempts to stop the demolition of the pre-Civil war McCulloch House were abandoned today by the Friends of Stones River National Battlefield. The Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University determined that although the house was originally built in 1838, it no longer held any historic value. Over the years the home had been modified and "renovated" to the point that the original character of the home no longer remained. Most of the remaining house dated back to 1920, 1930, and even 1980. The Friends of Stones River try to save everything that is related to the civil war Battle of Stones River. Representatives stated that they were saddened by the news. During the Civil War, the home served as the headquarters for Lt. General William J. Hardee.
The property is currently owned by Howard Wilson and his partner Brian Burns, of Signature Homes. They plan to have the property rezoned to accomodate a planned residential development with 29 townhomes.
The property is currently owned by Howard Wilson and his partner Brian Burns, of Signature Homes. They plan to have the property rezoned to accomodate a planned residential development with 29 townhomes.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Home Inspectors Must Be Licensed
I am pleased to report that the State of Tennessee is finally requiring home inspectors to be licensed! As a Realtor and a buyer's agent, I have always used home inspectors that were competent, knowledgeable, qualified, and always went above and beyond the call of duty in inspecting homes. However, as a seller's agent, there were many times that the buyer of my seller's home used an inspector that had not been so carefully selected. Many of these inspectors were just out for a quick dollar, and often made the home inspection process much more difficult (for both buyer and seller) than it needed to be.
No longer will anyone be able to hang up a shingle and call themselves a home inspector! Now they will have to complete a grueling licensing process, agree to maintain their qualifications through continuing education every two years, and pass a test that proves competency. They will also required to maintain a minimum level of insurance. The State has put a complaint process in place for consumers to use if they are not happy with an inspectors service.
Currently, 31 states have written regulations for home inspectors in place. TN finally put their licensing requirements in effect on July 1, 2006. While the system is not perfect, it will definitely get rid of some of the individuals who were in the business for quick profit, and those who were simply not qualified to be doing inspections for home buyers.
No longer will anyone be able to hang up a shingle and call themselves a home inspector! Now they will have to complete a grueling licensing process, agree to maintain their qualifications through continuing education every two years, and pass a test that proves competency. They will also required to maintain a minimum level of insurance. The State has put a complaint process in place for consumers to use if they are not happy with an inspectors service.
Currently, 31 states have written regulations for home inspectors in place. TN finally put their licensing requirements in effect on July 1, 2006. While the system is not perfect, it will definitely get rid of some of the individuals who were in the business for quick profit, and those who were simply not qualified to be doing inspections for home buyers.
Money Mag names Murfressboro BEST Place to Live!
CNN and Money Magazine placed Murfreesboro, TN as number 84 of their top 100 BEST places to live in 2006!
Murfreesboro is a wonderful community and the home of Middle Tennessee State University. Unlike a lot of communities, you will find many lifelong residents in Murfreesboro that have families connections to the community that go back for several generations. People love Murfreesboro and tend to stay in this city. Children grow up and want to stay in Murfreesboro rathern than move away from their home town that happens so often after college.
The job market in Rutherford County has had unpresidented growth this past year. At one point in 2006 Rutherford County was the strongest job market in the nation!! Our housing prices are very affordable based on the average income per household. Schools are good and commute times are short. You will find that most resident of Murfreesboro feel that they have an excellent quality of life and find this a great area in which to live, work, and raise a family.
Murfreesboro is the exact geographic center of the state and has easy access to interstates and is only a short drive to popular destinations such as Atlanta, Chattanooga, and the Great Smokey Mountains and Gatlinburg.
The state has added another exit off of I24 for Murfreesboro, named Medical Center Parkway. This exit opens up the "Blackman" area of the city and will surely result in even more development in the area. An upscale mall, called The Avenue, is under construction and should be open in October 2007. There was also a recent announcement for a 10 story hotel and convention center to be opened in 2008 by Embassy Suites.
You will find that Murfreesboro is a vibrant and growing community that has somehow managed to keep the "home town." Residents here are very friendly and family is important in this town. Murfreesboro may still be "small" but you will find everything from a Symphony, to the award winning Children's Discovery Center Museum, to gourmet dining at Five Senses or B. McNeel's Restaurants. Locals were very excited about the opening of Bonefish Grills, The Chop House, and Carabbas this year!
If you would like more information on Murfreesboro, please call me at 615-566-3789 or emai me at Sherri@SherriWellborn.com. I'd love to help you find a new home in our wonderful community!
Murfreesboro is a wonderful community and the home of Middle Tennessee State University. Unlike a lot of communities, you will find many lifelong residents in Murfreesboro that have families connections to the community that go back for several generations. People love Murfreesboro and tend to stay in this city. Children grow up and want to stay in Murfreesboro rathern than move away from their home town that happens so often after college.
The job market in Rutherford County has had unpresidented growth this past year. At one point in 2006 Rutherford County was the strongest job market in the nation!! Our housing prices are very affordable based on the average income per household. Schools are good and commute times are short. You will find that most resident of Murfreesboro feel that they have an excellent quality of life and find this a great area in which to live, work, and raise a family.
Murfreesboro is the exact geographic center of the state and has easy access to interstates and is only a short drive to popular destinations such as Atlanta, Chattanooga, and the Great Smokey Mountains and Gatlinburg.
The state has added another exit off of I24 for Murfreesboro, named Medical Center Parkway. This exit opens up the "Blackman" area of the city and will surely result in even more development in the area. An upscale mall, called The Avenue, is under construction and should be open in October 2007. There was also a recent announcement for a 10 story hotel and convention center to be opened in 2008 by Embassy Suites.
You will find that Murfreesboro is a vibrant and growing community that has somehow managed to keep the "home town." Residents here are very friendly and family is important in this town. Murfreesboro may still be "small" but you will find everything from a Symphony, to the award winning Children's Discovery Center Museum, to gourmet dining at Five Senses or B. McNeel's Restaurants. Locals were very excited about the opening of Bonefish Grills, The Chop House, and Carabbas this year!
If you would like more information on Murfreesboro, please call me at 615-566-3789 or emai me at Sherri@SherriWellborn.com. I'd love to help you find a new home in our wonderful community!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
The Avenue starts construction - Opens Fall 2007
Excitement is building as the ground breaking has finally begun on construction of "The Avenue." Developers of the 805,000 sq. ft. shopping mall closed on the 24.5 million dollar land purchase last Friday, and construction began Monday. It is anticipated that the upscale mall will open in the fall of 2007 ~ just in time for the busy holiday shopping season! A list of tenants was released and include: Romano's Macaroni Grill, Longhorn Steakhouse, Aveda, Carter's, Champs Sporting Goods, Lane Bryant, Limited Too, Off Broadway Shoes, Osh Kosh B'Gosh, Ann Taylor Loft, Barnes and Noble, Belk, Best Buy, Chico's, Cost Plus World Market, Dick's Sporting Goods, Jos. A. Bank, New York & Company, Talbots, Ulta and White House/Black Market.
The upscale shopping center is the focus of the 400 acre planned development that will be located on Medical Center Parkway and North Thompson Lane just off of I24. When finished, the mall will contain more than 110 restaurants and retail stores.
The growth in Murfreesboro Tennessee and Rutherford County has been phenominal. The addition of this new mall is simply confirming the upscale direction that the community seems to be going. It will certainly open up a whole new avenue of dining and shopping and keep many residents, and their money, in Murfreesboro instead of driving to nearby Brentwood and Franklin, in Williamson County.
The upscale shopping center is the focus of the 400 acre planned development that will be located on Medical Center Parkway and North Thompson Lane just off of I24. When finished, the mall will contain more than 110 restaurants and retail stores.
The growth in Murfreesboro Tennessee and Rutherford County has been phenominal. The addition of this new mall is simply confirming the upscale direction that the community seems to be going. It will certainly open up a whole new avenue of dining and shopping and keep many residents, and their money, in Murfreesboro instead of driving to nearby Brentwood and Franklin, in Williamson County.
Embassy Suites to build Hotel/Convention Center
Murfreesboro TN has been selected as the location for a new Embassy Suites 10 story hotel and conference center. The doors to the new Embassy Suite Hotel are scheduled to open in the spring of 2008. John Hammons, hotel developer, is requesting that Murfreesboro purchase the 15 acres of land needed for the Hotel/Conference center and then lease the land back to Hammons. The cost to the city of Murfreesboro is estimated to be $5.88 million and funds would come from the city's undesignated fund balance. Building a hotel/conference center in Murfreesboro has been a major goal of the city since Destination Rutherford began in 2002.
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