Monday Morning Motivator - & Some Points to Ponder... - 08/31/09 05:43 AM
 
Monday Morning Motivator - & Some Points Points to Ponder... A good deed is never lost: he who sows courtesy reaps friendship; and he who plants kindness gathers love. ~ Basil As I start this new work week, I will be mindful of sowing the seeds of kindness and courtesy.  By doing so, I will ensure a bountiful harvest of peace, prosperity and good will...

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...
… (25 comments)

(Not so) Speechless Sunday - Looking Out My Backdoor... - 08/30/09 07:32 AM
Yesterday, I got a real treat - not a treatment. For the past several months I have been nurturing my moon flower vine. Over the past few days, my efforts have been rewarded by an abundance of beautiful, fragrant, brilliantly white blooms. Yesterday, there were over 30 blossoms. The soft subtle fragrance from these beautiful 6" blooms filled the back yard with the pleasing scent very reminiscent of a fine perfume. The kind that only mother nature can supply...

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com Helping YOU Live YOUR … (28 comments)

inspecting Foreclosures - Part V - Environmental Issues - 08/29/09 06:21 AM
When one is purchasing a distressed property or a foreclosure, there are often many hidden issues that the trained eye of a professional inspector can reveal. One major issue that I find with foreclosures are environmental issues - primarily fungus. In the state of TN, we legally cannot call it what it really is but have to refer to it as a "mold like substance" or "what appears to be fungal activity of some type" due to legalities. After the suspect material is tested by a certified lab, then and only then can we refer to the suspect material as "MOLD" … (19 comments)

Inspecting Foreclosures - Part IV - Windows - Part II - 08/26/09 06:08 PM
As I stated in the earlier, window issues cover a wide range. Failed seals in insulated windows probably accounts for the huge portion of items written up in the report. Failed seals can range from a slight discoloration or lack of clarity to the obvious milky calcium stains. More often than not, the trained eye of a professional inspector can tell the difference between a good window and one that has failed.
Repairs to failed seals can vary. There are some window revision companies that can "salvage" these windows by drilling a small hole in the exterior of the window and spraying … (6 comments)

Inspecting Foreclosures - Part IV - Windows - Part I - 08/26/09 05:41 PM
As I stated in the earlier segments of this series, one has to do their "due diligence" when purchasing foreclosures. For the most part, the properties are distressed, and the maintenance is not on par as compared to other properties in the market place. One are that can cause huge areas of expense are windows. For the most part, most properties built since the mid-80's are of the double pane construction, and depending upon the age and the manufacturer, the quality will vary drastically. The older anodized metal frame windows, will generally have a myriad of issues ranging from failed seals … (2 comments)

Inspecting Foreclosures - Part III - Mechanical Issues - 08/25/09 08:21 AM
In Part I of the series Inspecting Foreclosures, I talked about the importance of conducting the inspection and in Part II of Inspecting Foreclosures, I touched on the subject of lack of maintenance. Mechanical issues surrounding the heating and cooling systems, water heaters and kitchen appliances are a huge concern for many potential buyers. If the property is less than 12 years old, one can generally make the assumption that the major appliances will be about that same age. The home inspector will take a look at the serial numbers and guesstimate the age of the units based on the manufacturers … (13 comments)

Inspecting Foreclosurse - Part II - Exterior Issues - 08/25/09 07:24 AM
In Part I of the series Inspecting Foreclosures, I talked about the importance of conducting the inspection and the necessary "due diligence" needed to undertake in order to make an informed decision on these properties. More often than not, the main conditions found with foreclosures revolves around maintenance - or lack there of. When the home owner gets caught between the proverbial rock and a hard spot of making the decision as to whether to fix the broken gutters or repair damaged siding or eat, doing even the most minor repairs will not be a high priority. Neglecting even the smallest … (4 comments)

Inspecting Foreclosurses - Part I - 08/25/09 06:48 AM
Call them what you want, Short Sales, REO's, Bank Owned Sales, Seems like it is taking forever sales, every large community has them. With so many of these already in the mix of inventory and new ones being added on a daily basis, it can be difficult for the real estate professional and the buyer alike to make the decision as to whether to invest in one of these (providing the buyer is willing to wait) or go with a quicker transaction and purchase an existing non-bank owned property. Should you choose to go the route of purchasing a bank owned … (5 comments)

Monday Morning Motivator - Do What is Important... - 08/24/09 05:54 AM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... Zig Ziglar once said, "It's not the situation, but whether we react (negative) or respond (positive) to the situation that's important." Today, I will take a more positive approach to the negative situations that arise in my life. I choose not to allow my mind and body to be drained by the negative energy surrounding the situation. Rather, I choose to use the positive forces in the universe to fill my mind and body with the positive forces to overcome all obstacles.
Today is a new day! Life is Good indeed...
Wishing … (28 comments)

(not so) Speechless Sunday - The Garden... - 08/23/09 06:06 AM
(not so) Speechless Sunday... I passion for gardening is almost equal to my passion for photography. Talk about a mind escape... There is something to be said about the therapeutic benefits of working in the dirt. But how about water? Talk about added benefits. I enjoy working in my ponds almost more than I do my garden beds. Much cooler on these hot summer days! And, I can even reach out an pet one of my Koi... Although land borne plants and flowers are beautiful, most pale in comparison to some of their water borne cousins... Have a Great relaxing Sunday, … (21 comments)

Colored Text Series - How to Put Easily Put Color in Your Posts... - 08/19/09 04:54 AM
Yesterday, I  wrote a 2 posts "Colored Text Series - How to Get Color in Your Responses..." and "Colored Text Series - How to Get Color in Your Responses - Part II..." The first in the series was for MAC users who use the Safari browser and Part duex was for PC users. The last in this series is how to get colorful posts. This will work with both MAC's or as TLW puts it "Pieces of Crap" - Gotta luv that woman... In order for this to work, download Firefox and install on your computer. Next you will need to … (64 comments)

Monday Morning Motivator - Do What You Really Enjoy... - 08/17/09 04:13 AM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... Samuel Butler once said, "People are always good company when they are doing what they really enjoy!" To do something well you have to like it. While that idea is not exactly novel, there are too many folks trapped in jobs that they do not like. Very much imprisoned in dead-end careers. It is time to break those chains of bondage, and quit marking time. Your dreams and full potential are just beginning to blossom...
Today is a new day, for the rest of your life...
Wishing all y'all a great start … (24 comments)

Nashville's One Million Dollar Home Buying Challenge - 08/15/09 05:24 AM
Who: You, The First Time Homebuyer What: One Million Dollar Home Buying Challenge Where: Hotel Preston - 733 Briley Parkway When: Today, August 15th 9AM - 1PM First time home buyers. Now is your golden opportunity to cash in on the $8,000 Stimulus package and help stimulate Nashville's economy to the tune of $1 MILLION DOLLARS. All we need is 125 first time home buyers to purchase their American Dream before November 30, 2009, and we will be able to pump $1 Million Dollars into our local economy. Be sure to come out and listen to the several guest speakers talking … (8 comments)

Hobnobbing - ActiveRain Style... - 08/13/09 04:58 AM
Today, Twang Town hosts two of ActiveRain's finest - Missy Caulk and Bob Stewart. Bob and Missy will be talking at a FREE seminar being hosted by Larry Brewer and Keller Williams - 9175 Carouthers Parkway; Cool Springs. This seminar will be between 0900 and 1200 CST. Have questions about blogging and SEO? I am sure that between Bob and Missy, any and all questions will be answered. If not, dumb looks are still free. It'll be fun hobnobbing with these guys. Who knows, this old blog dog might learn some new tricks. You will too. C'mon, set a spell, and … (25 comments)

Common Roofing Issues - The Series... - 08/11/09 07:33 AM
Good home inspectors will do whatever it takes to give their clients a good inspection. Although there are differing thoughts about getting on roofs, I rarely do, especially if it is raining. (I find that at my age I do not bounce well.) So in order to give my clients the standard of care they deserve, I take several pictures of the roof covering through a high powered telephoto lens. I alway pack my 300mm and 500mm to take several pictures of the roof covering materials. What you are looking at are the shingles starting to lift and pull loose from … (14 comments)

Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony... - 08/09/09 03:36 PM
Next Sunday, August 16, The 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, will be hosting a welcome home ceremony to all Vietnam Veterans no matter what branch of service they served in. The event is to honor and welcome home all Vietnam Veterans who never got the recognition and welcome home that they deserved. To participate, all Vets should enter Fort Campbell at gate 7 by 2:00. They are requested to wear casual patriotic attire. Busses will transport everyone to Hanger 3 where they will be honored by the new Commanding General, Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, families, friends and other patriots. … (9 comments)

Plumbers & Sawzalls... - 08/09/09 03:04 PM
I really hate seeing an instrument of diabolical cutting abilities in the hands of plumbers. They WILL get the pipe run to the intended place no matter what. In the case of the attached picture, some plumber has done the dastardly deed of cutting an engineered floor joist in order to get the pipe installed. Now there are things you can do with engineered lumber and there are things you cannot do. One thing you cannot do is cut the top or bottom rails as these are part of the structural system. Although this area has had this fault for several … (10 comments)

(not so) Speechless Sunday - Brooding Over What Might Have Been... - 08/09/09 06:33 AM
(not so) Speechless Sunday... Late yesterday afternoon, I was archiving some digital photos on one of my 1TB hard drives. While doing so, I came across this long forgotten image of a dove brooding her clutch of eggs. Sadly, a late spring storm destroyed the nest and I never got a chance to see this family get raised. Instead of brooding over the loss of what might have been, the busy couple undauntedly started building another nest high in one of the pines in the front yard. Far from predators and protected from the storms, this pair raised their new family. … (26 comments)

Tennessee Tax-Free Weekend Continues... - 08/08/09 02:36 PM
The Tennessee "Tax Free Weekend" continues for the second straight day. This is an excellent time to stretch your shopping dollar by not having to pay the 9.25 - 9.75% state sales tax on items such as computers, printers, back-to-school supplies and clothing. I was even out and about today scarfing up on the savings. Kinda nice to know that you hard earned dollar can buy almost 10% more... For a complete list of what you can purchase go to the TN Department of Revenue Website. Hurry! This event ends at 11:59 PM tomorrow... Have a great Saturday, Y'all... 8-) © … (7 comments)

Tennessee Tax Free Holiday... - 08/07/09 07:35 AM
Today starts tax free weekend here in the Nashville, TN Area. Just in time for 'Back to School'! This weekend, the 9.25% state sales tax has been removed from many back-to-school items. The state tax holiday starts Today, August 7 at 12:01 AM and runs through Sunday, August 9 11:59PM. For more information on what is exempt check the Department of Revenue Website. Y'all have a G-r-r-r-reat day... ;-) © 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com Helping You Live YOUR American Dream... … (12 comments)

Nashville's First Time Home Buyers Event... - 08/06/09 09:04 AM
Coming August 15th 2009, Nashville, TN's  first Million Dollar Home Buyer Challenge. This event will be held at the Hotel Preston; 733 Briley Parkway conveniently located off I-40 (Opryland Exit). This event is being sponsored by Titan Home Loans. Here is ActiveRain blogger Dianne Clayton from Exit Realty of the South to tell you about this exciting event... Y'all have a G-r-r-r-reat day... ;-) © 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com Helping You Live YOUR American Dream... … (4 comments)

One Million Dollar Home Buying Challenge... - 08/06/09 06:14 AM
Two local businessmen are sponsoring an open invitation to the community for first time home buyers to take advantage of the $8,000 stimulus package being offered by the government. The concept is that if 125 new home buyers can purchase new homes by the 30th of November, the combined revenue generated could stimulate the local economy to the tune of 1 Million dollars. I just finished producing and uploading the video to You Tube a few minutes ago. Take a look at the 60 second spot and give your feed back. I would appreciate it. Y'all have a G-r-r-r-reat day... ;-) … (8 comments)

Photo of the Day... - 08/04/09 06:56 AM
Good home inspectors will use all their senses while inspecting a property. The other day, while inspecting a more "experienced" property in Brentwood, I could feel that the master bath area had a noticeable slope. Mental note to self - something is definitely amiss under the house. Needless to say, what a mess! Some hard working "tradesman" had tried to jack the floor up using screw jacks and cinder blocks in lieu of proper foundation pads. I hate seeing these because as the house goes through cycles, the cinder blocks will sink into the ground rendering the jacks ineffective. Notice the … (21 comments)

 
Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297 (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.) Ambassador_large

Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297

Brentwood, TN

More about me…

Complete Home Inspections, Inc.

Address: 217 Jamestown Park Road, Suite 12, Brentwood, TN, 37027

Office Phone: (615) 661-0297

Cell Phone: (615) 473-8803

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog