Victoria Stamps, MA, JD

According to TDOT's website - the dates for the completion have changed:   http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/sr840s/

Here's the updated completion dates: 

Current Construction Projects

From Highway 100 to Pinewood Road (SR 46):

• This section was let to construction in June 2007 to Highways, Inc. and includes grading, drainage, and construction of bridges and retaining walls. The paving of this section was let to contract in February 2010 to Eubank Asphalt Paving. Current schedules indicate this section could be open to traffic by the end of 2010.

From Pinewood Road (SR 46) to Leipers Creek Road:

• This section was let to construction in February 2010 to Eubank Asphalt Paving and includes the grading, drainage, construction of bridges and retaining walls and the paving. The estimated completion date is October 31, 2012.  The paving contract is expected to be let in late 2011.

From Leipers Creek Road to Columbia Pike (SR 6):

• This section was let to construction in December 2008 to Bell & Associates, LP and includes grading, drainage, and construction of bridges and retaining walls. The estimated completion date is December 31, 2011.  The paving contract is expected to be let in late 2011.

I'm always looking for a great explanation of the charm and history of Leipers Fork, TN.  I think I finally found it at tnvacation.com. Living here is like stepping back in time.  People actually care about the community and the land.  It's a wonderful mindset! 

Historic Leiper's Fork Village

Where Sustainable Tourism is a Way of Life

The story of Leiper's Fork has been a story of sustainable tourism since a group of concerned locals began restoring its village and preserving it's scenic farmland around 1995. Faced with rapidly encroaching suburban development within Williamson County, visionary community leaders identified the threat and created a plan of action to preserve its land, buildings and way of life.

Williamson County is Tennessee's second fastest growing county and has the seventh highest per capita income in the nation. Plans for SR 840, the largest state financed road in Tennessee history were announced and construction began with the intention of opening up farmland to the south of the village. Meanwhile subdivision developers were consuming family farms at a record pace from rapidly encroaching Franklin to the northwest. The moment of truth had come for Leiper's Fork. Would the community define its future or would it be defined by outside forces?

Based on this immediate threat preservation leaders knew they couldn't wait on local government to create a plan and make things happen. Their initial plan included a strategy referred to as "don't zone it, own it". Over a period of 6-12 months many historic homes, retail businesses and thousands of acres of important farmland in and around the village were purchased by a group of conservation minded buyers who believed in the preservation plan.

Immediately historic structures like the Thomas Hart Benton slave cabin circa 1801 were saved and restored to become part of a rich fabric of heritage assets available for the public to enjoy.

Historic structures including several original grocery stores, a doctor's office and a building that originally housed the county's first female academy were also restored and retooled to accommodate a high end arts and antiques district. New restaurants opened and the Leiper's Fork Merchants Association began inviting locals and visitors to participate in an ambitious calendar of cultural events.

In 1999 two farms totaling 450 acres located at the gateways to Leiper's Fork were the first farms to be protected from development by conservation easements granted to the newly formed Land Trust For Tennessee. Current Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen formed the Land Trust For Tennessee in 1999 and it now protects over 32,000 acres in thirty-one Tennessee counties.

The Leiper's Fork area has the states largest concentration of Land Trust protected family farms.

Because of its private location, natural environment and laid back way of life many well known celebrities including Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman, Michael McDonald, and Naomi, Wynonna, and Ashley Judd have helped preserve the area by buying farms as private reserves.

The key to sustainable tourism for Leiper's Fork lies in its ability to continue as an authentic working town for farmers, carpenters, painters, songwriters and artists while openly inviting visitors to come enjoy it's history, scenery and rich way of life. Leiper's Fork is not a tourist town. It is an authentic living, breathing town full of creative characters that has caught the imagination of visitors from around the world. This spirit and its close proximity to the Natchez Trace Parkway, Historic Carnton Plantation, The Carter House and downtown Franklin have made Leiper's Fork a natural location for long term sustainable heritage tourism.

I've been showing quite a properties over the last few months recently ranging in price from $850,000 - $7.5M.  I've been putting off showing a certain property because of something in the "Realtor Comments" section of the MLS.  It states:  "Proof of funds faxed over prior to showing." 

Now, before you tell me I have to show my client every property, know I have discussed this issue with my client (at length).  (We) have a few objections about having to "prove" my client can afford this home: 

1.  I am a Professional Realtor.  I only work with clients capable of purchasing a home.  As a Professional Realtor yourself, the simple question "is your client qualified to purchase this home?" should suffice. 

2.  I'm not a Tour Guide.  I don't make it a habit of driving people all over incarnation on weekends and holidays just for kicks. If I'm taking them to see your clients house, our intent is to purchase (something). 

3.  Privacy - It's none of your gosh darned business who my client is or how much money they have in the bank.  We live in an area chock full of celebrities and executives who make quite a bit of money.  In fact, there's MULTIPLE companies here who cater to such clientele.  Personally, I'm not comfortable sending someone's financial info to an office where I have no idea how the fax machine is set up (is it in the middle of the reception area?  is it at someone's desk?  what prying eyes can see this info?)  or how it is stored or disposed of (is it filed for future reference?  put into a data base?  tossed in a trash can?  shredded?) 

4.  Tough Times  - We are in tough times, and tough times cause people to do things they may not normally do.  Case in point, a few years ago, a high end Realtor here was caught stealing from a client's home.  Again, I'm not comfortable sending my clients financial information somewhere I don't have control to its access.  

5.  My Client, MY Info - I work hard to find my clients.  Until we want to write an offer on a property, the listing agent WILL NOT have access to my clients confidential information.  Period.

6.  Negotiation Strategy - How does it help my client to get a better deal on the house when you know they are worth 10x the amount?  Again, it's none of your dagum business how much money my client has?  All you need to know is I am bringing you a potential buyer.

6.  Not a Standard Requirement - I understand wanting to make sure people are qualified to purchase, but requesting financial info is not a standard requirement in these parts.  I see it rarely.  We originally crossed this home off the list because of this requirement.  Now 4 months later, we're only adding the house to the list now because choices are getting slim.  How many buyers are skipping over your seller's home because they don't want to bother?  If I can show my client a $7M house without faxing over funds, why is a (much, much, much) less expensive house requiring it?

Now, don't get me wrong.  I understand there are agents out there who don't pre-qualify their clients.  As a listing agent, it's your call - if you don't know the agent or aren't familiar with the company, then research that agent's sales.  If they've never listed or sold a home in that price range, then consider requesting additional info.  However, keep in mind, you may be missing out on showings because of your "proof of funds" requirement. 

So, in your area, are proof of funds required or not?

I'm fortunate my nickname (Tori) isn't very common (although it's becoming more and more common). I've googled my name in its original form (maiden name) and my married name.  Fortunately, I haven't found anything bad, just a high school volleyball player (so far, so good).  I can only imagine how Carolyn Capalbo is feeling now that her name is being tarnished through no fault of her own.  I hope this blog helps to push the "bad press" to the bottom so she can get on with her life.  Hang in there Carolyn!

The below blog is so true in Franklin TN as well.  Most homes in Williamson County tend to be 2 story.  If you're able to find a single story, it's a 1970's ranch.  Not only that, but most new homes are practically on top of each other.  I can't tell you how many "seniors" have asked me for an "Adult Community" but with larger lots.  If I could pull together all the builder's in the area, I'd remind them that Baby Boomers are a HUGE market being ignored (and offer a few suggestions).  Any builders out there want to chat?  :o) 

So, you've decided to move to the boonies.  Leipers Fork, TN to be exact.  What will you do for fun?  Well, you could always drive to "town" OR you coulda come on over and joined your neighbors in a good, old fashioned barn party! (Don't worry if you missed this particular one, there's lots of these little shin digs around here!)

This past weekend, my neighbor had her yearly "Crawfish Boil."  But, never to have a dull party, she also made sure the kids had a rockin time as well!  There was a Water slide (which turned into a bit of a mud pit by the end of the day)!  But the kid's didn't seem to mind (and as a Mom, I didn't mind eiather - there was a lot of tearless shampoo in that big ole puddle of mud - so it was clean mud! *wink*)

If getting wet & wild isn't your thing, there was a Rope Swing & Trampoline!

Now, lest the adults feel left out, the Corn Hole Game was getting a little bit competitive!  There's a disagreement afloat about who actually won the championship!  I'm sure they'll figure it out next year!

The best part of the day was the hospitality of my neighbor and her husband.  As usual, there was plenty of food and drink to keep everyone happy! (this is just one of the HUGE pots of crawfish boiling - never mind the BBQ, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, and a slew of other yummyness!)

Of course with that much food, there were plenty of drinks aflowing.  This led to some.... horrid rockin' Karoke (later in the evening).  (*I refuse to post pictures of the Karoke as it will incriminate the heck out of my drunk silly neighbors! And they have plenty of ammo can tell stories on ME, so I'm not going there!)  :o) 

Oh... and while you're here... don't forget to check out the scenery!

If you're looking to move to Franklin, TN or any of our surrounding communities, give me a call.  I'd love to help you find neighbors as wonderful as mine!

With spring finally popping it's head out, we've had some beautiful days here in TN.  It's the perfect time to get outside and do something new!

For the vast majority of my real estate career, I've focused on the internet to meet new clients.  Why?  Because when I moved to TN in 2001, I didn't know ONE PERSON.  Not one.  Within 3 months, I met my husband and started my merry little life.  I never had took the opportunity to develop new friendships outside of my marriage.  As an only child, I've always been quite comfortable by myself (I can be quite the hermit if I don't make an effort to be otherwise!).  

Don't get me wrong, I HAVE friends - but they are long term friends that are scattered throughout the world(throughout time, we've all moved to different locales - some being much further away that others.  Thank God for Facebook to keep us in touch!)

So.... I finally, this year, decided to start getting out without my husband.  NOT because I don't love him (I love him dearly), but because I NEED to meet people.  I WANT to meet people.  I WANT to have more face to face contact with people outside my marriage - whether they are potential clients (or, more importantly, potential FRIENDS). 

BUT HOW?!?!!?

How?  That was the question that has kept me from getting out all these years.  I'm not the type to join something like Rotary, Lions Club, or some other Service Club (even though my Dad has been a Rotarian for as long as I can remember and would LOVE for me to join).  I'm not the kind to join a "woman's organization." (too much drama when you get that many women together! LOL!)  I'm no longer single, so mingling in bars is definitely out of the questions (LOL!).  So, HOW do you meet people without looking desperate?  EASY - you join an organization where EVERYONE is trying to meet people!  I joined Meetup.com.  There are 359 groups in the Nashville area alone. 

What interests you? 

Hiking?  Canoeing?  Writing?  Singing?  Photography?  Singles (straight)?  Singles (Gay)?
Women's Support Groups?  Men's Support Groups?  Networking?  Wine?  Dining Out?  Bunco?
Backpacking?  Scrapbooking?  Paranormal Research?  Camping?  Pubs?  Pugs?  Beagles?  Poodles?
There's even one called C.L.U.B Realtor!

If you are interested in it, chances are someone else is too and there's a group for it!  Don't be shy... check it out!

GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY!  You might just meet a new friend (or a new client!)

A few days ago, I wrote a blog about Shorts Sales & Article 11.  It stated, if you don't know how to do short sales, Article 11 of the Code of Ethics requires you to (a) admit your inexperience to your client and bring in someone with experience to assist you or (b) don't do it. 

It was a blog I wrote off in response to Walter Hayes blog about Realtor Lawsuits.  I didn't really think about writing a featured post.  I didn't really think of it as more than an expanded view of the comment I had made on his blog. 

Needless to say the fact that it got 109 comments and was re-blogged 5 times here on AR caught me by surprise.  The 1709 views and 1320 clicks shocked me even more!  Evidentially, I stirred up a bit of emotion on both sides of the view.  The comments, IMO, are a better read than the article itself!

BUT... that's not the most surprising part about it.  THIS THING WENT GLOBAL!  Well, maybe not exactly global, but it is all over the place right now! 

I had noticed my "Google Alerts" had picked up a bit, but I've been busy so I'd just been deleting them and not really looking to see what they had to say. That is, until I was sitting in a meeting yesterday.

The meeting was comprised of about 15 people - all from different offices - title people, mortgage guys, home inspectors, Realtors, Appraisers, etc.  An issue of ethics arose and a Realtor starting talking about an email she got which was about Short Sales & Article 11...  and then started quoting my blog. 

I was STUNNED!  LOL!  I couldn't help it, I blurted out "I wrote that! Who sent that to you?"  She couldn't recall, it was "some email about important issues."

When I got home, I decided to check out those Google Alerts.  It seems that "little ole blog" is now quoted on other professionals blogs (giving me credit) - ranging from loan professionals, short sales companies, attorney websites, etc.  Not just in my state, but other states as well!  The fact that it's actually being included in informational emails that are being sent to professionals across the country just blows me away.  Apparently, I made a pretty big impression with that little ole thing.  AND... my google juice is going nuts!

So what's my point to THIS blog?  It has nothing to do with my article.   

1.  Write from your heart, you NEVER KNOW how big it might get!

2.  It works in reverse as well - because of #1, BE CAREFUL what you write - you never know how big it might get!

3.  BE CAREFUL about comments you place on a blog and HOW you express them.  You never know where they will go!  You may think only a few people will see it, but it's now out there forever.  One snarky little comment saying "I don't care what the COE says, I'll do it anyway" could RUIN your reputation. 

Leiper's Fork GuitarFest

On May 1, the historic village of Leiper's Fork will host "GuitarFest: A Six String Celebration of guitars and the amazing people who play them." The guitar exhibit has been fifteen years in the planning and represents a once in a lifetime collection of iconic vintage guitars very rarely seen in public.

EXHIBIT:  Among the prize collection will be a complete set of 1924 Gibson Lloyd Loar instruments, a 1954 prototype Fender Stratocaster, several 1958-60 Gibson Les Paul Standards and pre-war Martin flat tops, as well as many other Fenders, Gibsons and Gretches.

CELEBRITY GUITARS: Several celebrity guitars will be on display including Eric Clapton's 1958 Gibson Explorer and Johnny Cash's black Danny Ferrington guitar. 

The Exhibition will be at the Leiper's Creek Gallery and doors open at 11 am.

None of the instruments on display are for sale, but they are the stuff that dreams are made of.

ENTERTAINMENT:  Beginning at noon several of Nashville's top players will be on hand to entertain, give informal lessons, share advice and just plain talk about the guitars they love to play.

CONCERT:  On stage at the Lawnchair Theatre will be none other than legendary guitarist Larry Carlton with his special guest four time Grammy nominee Robben Ford.  Larry, whose career spans four decades, has played on hundreds of hits from artists as diverse as John Lennon, Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson and Barbra Streisand. His distinctive guitar playing can be heard on over 100 gold albums.

Also sharing the stages will be Rick Vito {Fleetwood Mac}, Jack Pearson {Allman Brothers}, Andy Reese, Ladd Smith & Carl Miner, Mel Deal, Colin Linden, Fly Amero {Orleans}, Classical Guitar sensation Virginia Luque, Texas Blues legend Bugs Henderson, Guthrie Trapp, Reggie Young, Russ Barenburg and many surprise guests, and we do mean BIG surprises.

WHEN/WHERE:  The Lawnchair Theatre concert will begin at 3 o'clock with performances before and after on the world famous Puckett's Grocery stage.  Be sure to come early and bring your lawn chairs but please no alcohol or coolers.


COST:  FREE!  ... all for the love of guitars! 

DONATIONS:  Donations will be accepted for our Save the Franklin Theatre campaign.

Are you late on your house payments?  Are you getting daily calls from your mortgage company?  Do you not know where to turn?  If you are in this situation, it's not too late!   You can't be helped if you don't reach out for assistance.  

Below is a list of links that can help you get out from under this - but ONLY IF YOU DO IT!