Everything Homebuyers Need to Know and More About the TRID Changes

Did you know that on October 3rd, 2015, the closing process will significantly change for the first time in many years? The TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rules will go into effect on October 3rd, and drastically change the mortgage disclosure experience.

Here at PARKS, we want our homebuyers to be fully informed and aware of the changes taking place as these changes may affect your current home buying process.

Why The Change?

Some homeowners and home buying prospects might tell you that the mortgage disclosure and closing process is a bit complicated. The new changes, also known as the “Know Before You Own” rule, is being put into place to make the entire process

5 Tips for Making Your New Home Safe and Kid Friendly

Moving into a brand new home is a thrilling time for you and your family. Upon moving into your new home, all your children will want to do is run around, find their new room, and explore their new living space. However, one of the first thoughts on your mind will be, “How can I make this new home safe for my children?”

Follow these guidelines from PARKS to ensure that your new home is kid friendly and safe.

1) Lay Down the Law

There is a significant chance that your new home has a completely different floor plan and layout than your previous house. Naturally, your children will want to explore the new space. These adventures can potentially lead your children somewhere dangerous such as

6 Home Maintenance Tasks for September

Guess what? The autumn weather is on its way! Whether you’re a fan of the crisp fall weather or not, the season is almost upon us. The changing of the seasons means it’s once again time to take care of your Middle Tennessee home. Remember to schedule time between football games and the last of the backyard barbecues for these September home maintenance tasks.

Start Saving on Your Monthly Energy Bills

For some, the introduction of colder weather signals the switch to indoor heating. While it may be all too tempting to turn on your heating system during September, it’s in your best interest to put on a sweatshirt instead. The switch from cool air to warm air requires your HVAC system to work harder. If you’re

Tips for Hosting a Fun, Flawless Labor Day Party

Labor Day is a public holiday in the United States of America honoring the American labor movement and contributions our workers have made to the well-being and strength of our country as a whole. This holiday is celebrated annually on the first Monday of each September.

Labor Day Weekend is just around the corner. In fact, it’s this weekend. If you’re hosting a party for friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors at any point this weekend, be sure to use these party planning tips to your advantage.

Invite Your Guests Ahead of Time

Some of us have flexible schedules while others need to adhere to a strict daily timeline. In order to give your guests enough time to rearrange their schedules

5 Ideas for Transforming Your Extra Bedroom Into Something Fantastic

As the fall semester starts at colleges in the Middle Tennessee area, many parents are finding themselves with an empty bedroom. Their son or daughter has taken their belongings, clothing, and more to their new dorm room and are embarking on a new adventure. While parents are excited for this pivotal moment in their child’s life, they are now left to decide what to do with the extra room.

Many parents choose to leave the room as is, which allows the child to use their room whenever they come home. On the other side of the spectrum, some parents use this opportunity to turn the empty bedroom into a something new. If you find yourself longing to complete a DIY remodeling project,

Launch Your Career to New Heights With PARKS

When you’re looking to take the next big step in your career, look no further than PARKS. With over 10 sales offices, 575 agents and 40 years in business, PARKS has built a solid reputation of being professional, innovative, and exceptional. We’re always looking for the next great professional to join our team to help make a difference across the Middle Tennessee community.

Why Should You Join PARKS?

While we could talk for days about the amazing team and opportunities available at PARKS, we describe our company and culture with the 4 P’s:

Pacesetter

PARKS has been named the #1 Residential Real Estate Firm in Middle Tennessee with $1.4B in gross sales and 5,686 company transaction

Exciting After-School Activities You Have to Try This Year

As a parent, you are constantly performing a balancing act of finding after-school activities that are exciting AND educational. It’s a difficult task, but you can do it! When you’re looking for an activity that’s fun, healthy and promotes learning, try out one of these activities.

Create Healthy and Silly Snack Art

When your child rushes through the door after a long day at school, one of the first things they’ll want is a delicious snack. Instead of simply handing them a granola bar and calling it a day, make an activity out of it.

Image credit: Pinterest

You can create a variety of art projects/landscapes/images with snacks. Who knew that combining snack time and play time

An Indoor Home Maintenance To-Do List for the Month of August

It’s no secret that Middle Tennessee falls victim to the hot, overbearing, and uncomfortable August heat year after year. Whether it’s humid or just plain hot, the last thing you want to do is go outside and complete yard work. Instead, this month’s home maintenance guide takes you inside to cool off, check on trusty appliances, and ultimately, check more items off of your to-do list.

How’s That HVAC System Doing?

You may have noticed this tip in previous PARKS home maintenance articles. It’s imperative that you monitor and check on your HVAC system a few times per year. Be sure to look for any signs of distress, leaking, odd sounds, and even foul smells.

If you are concerned

Fall Gardening in Middle Tennessee — 4 Simple Tips You Need to Know

The fall weather is slowly, but surely, approaching. As kids head back to school in just over a week or so, we’ll begin to experience cooler temperatures and the beautiful fall weather our area is known for. With the introduction of this weather, our gardening and lawn care practices need to adapt to accommodate cooler weather, less ‘sun time’, and even different insects!
 
You can never be too prepared for the fall weather, especially when it comes to tending your garden. Keep your Middle Tennessee garden and yard looking lively all throughout autumn with these gardening tips.

Aerate Your Lawn and Garden

In order to thrive, your lawn must be aerated to the water and nutrients to

5 Kid-Friendly Activities You Have to Do Before Summer Ends

Whether we like it or not, the school year is almost here. In addition to buying school supplies and picking out a new backpack, make sure to spend the last few precious weeks of summer with your children doing one or more of these fun and entertaining activities. Luckily for Middle Tennessee residents, our region is packed with plenty of awesome summer activity options!

Take a Hike Through Middle Tennessee

The beautiful summer weather only lasts for so long! There are plenty of places to go hiking in the Middle Tennessee area. Bring your children to one of these great hiking options before school starts:

• Cedars of Lebanon State Park
• Cummins Falls State Park
• Fall Creek