Your Agent Sux ~ Big Time... - 12/31/09 01:09 PM
Your agent sux ~ big time...
You know how it is when you are getting your hair cut. Conversations meander from one topic to the next. Somewhere between college football scores and horses, the topic took an abrupt right hand turn somewhere south of Albequerque, and went to real estate.
The person cutting my hair was selling their house and was talking about their agent. The more they talked the more I was taken aback by the lackadaisical approach this person's agent was taking at selling this property. All I could say was, "Your agent SUX - Big Time."
As the … (12 comments)
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Friday's Fotos... - 12/31/09 04:02 AM
Friday's Fotos...Photography is an art form. Sometimes, the artist will see a subject and manipulate the light by using filters, camera settings or even photo-shopping to bring out the desired effect. Shooting in the field is a different story. Being at the right place at the right time is the photographers equivalent to winning the Lotto. I call it, just getting lucky. I really got lucky to capture this scene in upper Michigan a few years back...
Happy New Year... Complete Home Inspections/Complete Video Promotions © 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc./complete video promotions | brentwood, … (21 comments)
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Inspecting Older Properties... - 12/30/09 06:09 AM
Inspecting Older Properties ~ Decks...
So you or your buyer are looking to purchase an older property. For the sake of argument, let's assume that it was built to some sort of acceptable trade standards by competent tradesmen. Does the property conform to today's building standards? Probably not. Building standards continually change and are subject to the interpretation of local building authorities.
A home inspector is a generalist, and should stay abreast of the building standards of the municipalities in which they practice their craft. Yesterday, I wrote an article about inspecting the steps on older properties. Today, I will address … (20 comments)
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Inspecting Deck Steps... - 12/29/09 10:22 AM
Inspecting Deck Steps...
For the safety of personnel, deck steps should conform to more recent local municipal standards. Some do. However, most do not. There are several reasons for this. Many steps and handrails were built to older standards that may have been acceptable when the property was built. A classic example of this is the handrail on this set of steps.
Some years ago, the wide top plate and spindle spacing on this set of steps was acceptable in most building jurisdictions. Today, the handrail has to be approximately 34-36" in height and has to be constructed in a manner … (15 comments)
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Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... - 12/28/09 04:38 AM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce In a few days, we will stay with the tradition of ringing out the old year and ringing in the new. What is it that you want the new year to bring? Peace? Prosperity? Love? On January 1, you will turn the page to start writing your script for your new year. Start planning your script. You do not … (17 comments)
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Christmas at Opryland 2009 - 12/27/09 06:31 PM
Nashvillians are lucky to have a world-class hotel the caliber of Opryland. It was not too long ago, the Hotel only had the one atrium, the Magnolia room. Through the years, the additions of the Cascades and the Delta has added much to the hotel complex. Every room has a different theme and water features. The dancing fountain in the Delta Room is really a sight to behold. I hope that you enjoy the video. Complete Home Inspections/Complete Video Promotions © 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc./complete video promotions | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com Helping YOU … (6 comments)
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(not so) Speechless Suday... - 12/27/09 05:23 AM
Photography. The art of taking the mundane, common, everyday scenes we see day in and day out; and transforming them into something pleasing to the eye. Some appropriately call it eye candy. Years ago, I was transferred to the upper mid-west. The stark contrast between my beloved hills of TN and my new home got me to thinking, "What have I done?" I remember stepping off the plane at a small rural airport, slowly shaking my head and saying, "What a God-forsaken place."The eye of the camera, allowed me to see what my two eyes and first impressions could not. If … (23 comments)
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Why Do Resolutions Fail? - 12/26/09 07:11 AM
Tis the time of they year, when many professionals start making resolutions. Okay, for the sake of this exercise in futility, let's take a few minutes to write down all the things we resolve to do in 2010! Loose weight? That's a good one. Make more money? Spend more time with the fam? Cool!! Looking good. Keep writing, keep writing. Done? Good!!! The next step is easy. Read it. Wad it. Toss it. You have quickly, effortlessly and painlessly placed where our resolutions generally wind up. And, you did not have to spend a small fortune at the gym! As great … (19 comments)
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Wii, Wii, Wii all the Way Home... - 12/26/09 06:31 AM
Let's face it, we ♥ our video games. One of the hottest games in the Nashville area is the Wii. I have been eyeballing this game controller for some time and when the price dropped $50.00 these few off the shelves faster than Santa can slide downt the chimney! The search begins. Target! No dice! Wal-Mart. See that guy? He bought the last one. Drats! The same old story, store after store. Give up? Me? Heaven forbid.Got lucky! The day before Christmas, I swung into a store on my way to the office. The clerk said they got one in on … (20 comments)
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My Timely Gift ~ Merry Christmas - 12/25/09 05:39 AM
Time. One of those commodities that we have so little precious of. Time. It definitely is not on our sides. Time. Like sand through the hourglass, we let it slip through our hands. Time. It's our enemy and our friend. Hollywood has done a wonderful job, to create timeless classics depicting this beautiful Season we celebrate. Some of these movies and characters we can possibly relate to. Scrooge, Bob Crachet, George Bailey, Alvin... Alvin? Who dat?Today, I have taken the time to wrap 4 very special gifts to my extended ActiveRain family. 4 timely gifts. But there is a catch... You can only pick one. … (21 comments)
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Twas the Night Before Christmas - Southern Style... - 12/24/09 08:27 AM
Twas the night before Christmas 'an who wudda thunk,
not a creacher was stirrin', not even a skunk.
The tote sacs were nailed to the fence row with care,
in hopes that the beer truck soon would be there.
Jus' dressed in my tee-shirt and old Vols baseball cap,
'twas scarfing a pizza, (my late bedtime snack).
When out in the drive, there rose such a clatter,
why it startled ol' Blue, Woof! What's the matter?
10 lights on the rack, monster tires and raised deck,
I new in a moment - not yer ordinary … (19 comments)
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Christmas Lights in Princeton Hills... - 12/21/09 03:31 PM
Christmas Lights in Princeton Hills... Princeton Hills subdivision in Brentwood, TN is an upscale neighborhood that really goes all out for Christmas decorations. Folks from all over the county drive to this area of Brentwood just to enjoy the beautiful homes and Christmas decorations. I took the liberty to film a few of the many homes that have been decorated. I hope that you enjoy...
Merry Christmas Michael Thornton© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.comHelping YOU help others live THEIR American Dream...
… (7 comments)
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Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... - 12/21/09 05:05 AM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... May the spirit of Christmas bring you Peace, The gladness of Christmas give you Hope, The warmth of Christmas grant you Love. ~Author Unknown A few thousand years ago, three wise men brought the "Christmas Child" three gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Three gifts, fit for a King. Being greatly moved by this unselfish act, this King bestowed upon us all three gifts; Peace, Hope and Love. Use them wisely this season and throughout the upcoming year...
Merry Christmas Michael Thornton © 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | … (17 comments)
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Merry Christmas... - 12/20/09 08:20 AM
Merry Christmas ~ Southern Style... While cruising through da hood t'other day, jammin' to the tunes on radio, I pulled the camcorder out of da sack and started shooting. Christmas lights and houses dat is. I hope y'all like the video/musical Christmas Card. The video can only but begin to capture the elegance these fine homes have... Merry Christmas from da hood... Wishing one and all a prosperous new year... © 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream
Part duex tomorrow...
… (16 comments)
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(not so) Speechless Sunday... - 12/20/09 03:51 AM
(not so) Speechless Sunday... I was looking through some old photos that I took at a State Park in AZ I took a few years back. I stumbled on this interesting contrast of colors. I really enjoy shooting in the desert southwest. The contrasting colors can be so vivid. Real eye candy for those bitten by the shutterbug...
Merry Christas to one and all. Wishing all my ActiveRain friends and family a prosperous new year... © 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream
… (14 comments)
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3 Tips for Better Holiday Pictures... - 12/19/09 07:17 AM
3 Tips for better Holiday pictures...Tis the season to take Holiday pictures and share them with your ActiveRain friends and family. Here are a few tips that I have learned over my 30 years behind the lens to have you shooting like the pro you knew you were. #1 - Use manual settings on your D-SLR. I prefer to use Aperture Priority settings. Set the aperture to the maximum f-stop (smallest number) you have. Depending upon the lens this will generally be f 5.4 or f 4.5. This will open the iris to allow maximum light into the camera sensor. Using … (125 comments)
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Friday's Fotos... - 12/18/09 04:25 AM
Friday's Fotos...I have always enjoyed photographing nature. A few years back, I had an opportunity to visit the high desert in Arizona. If you think of a desert as being a sandy wasteland barren of all life, guess again. I believe that some of the most beautiful flowers grow on cacti. What do you think? © 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream
… (19 comments)
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Don't let common electrical issues kill your deal... - 12/17/09 07:49 AM
Don't let common electrical issues kill your deal...Deal killers! That is what many folks call home inspectors. Get real! Did we really kill the deal or did the condition of the property your clients are selling send the potential buyers trekking at warp speed to the next property? It has been my experience that most folks walk from deals based on the sheer number of neglected maintenance issues. Maintenance issues that can be easily corrected. Many listing agents and home sellers alike do not want to look at the 800 pound gorilla sitting in the corner. It is far too easy … (21 comments)
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Photo of the Day... - 12/17/09 06:24 AM
Photo of the day...I am sure that most men have used the wise crack, "Did you enjoy your trip? See you next fall." as they chuckle at a family member or colleague that has stumbled over something as simple as their own two feet. Fall and trip hazards on steps and stairways are really no laughing matter. Every year thousands of folks are severely injured and even killed falling down stairways. By the looks of the frayed insulation on the wiring, it looks as if this has been a problem for quite some time. I hope that I will not be … (9 comments)
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(not so) Wordless Wednesday - the world as seen through the eyes of a bug... - 12/16/09 06:00 AM
(not so) Wordless Wednesday - the world as seen through the eyes of a bug...I remember some 20 years ago, when I purchased my macro lens for my Nikon F3. I could hardly wait to "pop a can" in the camera and go shoot something. I was not prepared for the to the world that was waiting. The world that we see takes on a whole new dimension when seen through the eye of a macro lens. I often refer to it as the world as seen through the eyes of a bug. Although old, the macro lens is still one … (30 comments)
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How close are you to a disaster? - 12/15/09 02:51 PM
How close are you to a disaster? The hard drive in your computer spins at 75 mph day in and day out. All is fine until one day, "Oh Crap!" $%☟☝‡†¿¿, your hard-drive goes kaput! Your heart melts down to your shoes as reality sinks in. All your files and programs are lost forever. What do you do now? The question is, when was the last time you backed up or cloned your hard drive? Data back-up's will restore your storage files, but what about those programs that you use day in and day out? Not to mention the hassle that … (19 comments)
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Inspecting water heaters - Part 2 - 12/11/09 06:13 AM
Inspecting water heaters - Part 2Water heaters are something we take for granted. They set unnoticed in the corner of the garage or utility closet. When looking for a new home, buyers and agents alike seldom take note of this appliance, save for turning on the tap to see if it is working. Home inspectors need to look at the safety features. Today I will address TPR valves. Temperature/Pressure Relief (TPR) valves need to be installed on all water heaters. Water heaters are pressure vessels that can explode under the right conditions. The TPR valve prevents this from happening. All TPR … (13 comments)
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Inspecting Water Heaters - Part 1 - 12/10/09 06:00 AM
Inspecting Water Heaters - Part 1Water heaters are one of those modern conveniences that most folks take for granted. That is, until something goes wrong. As Murphy's Law would have it, this will be the major appliance that will head south shortly after moving into your new home. This often becomes a major bone of contention when dealing with home warranty companies. The serial plate reveals a lot of information, if you know how to read it. The serial number reveals the age. This water heater was manufactured 7/99 and is 10 years old. The capacity is 40 gallons, it is … (36 comments)
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Are The In-laws Killing Your Deal? - 12/07/09 05:03 PM
Are The In-laws Killing Your Deal?Let's face it folks, because of the stimulus package, more and more of us are working with first time home buyers. Along with the befits of having a potential deal and a paycheck, also comes the baggage - the whole famn dam. Not only do you have nervous home buyers to contend with, now you've got Aunt Nillie griping about the color of the wall paper in the master bath. Dang it, it just doesn't match those new towels she just purchased at the thrift store as a house warming gift.And let's not forget Uncle Will. … (79 comments)
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Nashville, TN - The Athens of the South - 12/04/09 06:57 AM
Nashville, TN - The Athens of the South Nashville, Tennessee has had many nicknames. Because of all the rocks strewn over the landscape, it was known as "Rock City". Today, it is known as "Music City USA" because of its ties to Country Music and the Grand Ol Opry. But before Nashville was dubbed by its current nickname; it was known as and is still referred to by many as: the "Athens of the South".
Nashville earned the nickname, "The Athens of the South" by the mid 18th century. Nashville … (14 comments)
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Lighting of the Green... - 12/03/09 05:59 AM
Lipscomb University's 5th annual Lighting of the Green was held this past Tuesday night. This annual event was hosted by singer/songwriter Amy Grant. The lighting of the green is more than a kick-off to the annual Christmas season. Lipscomb has partnered with 2nd harvest food bank to raise money and 300,000 pounds food for the thousands of Tennesseans hard hit during this economic period. This years line up included greats such as former Gaither Vocal Band singer Guy Penrod. Guy sang several solos and joined with Amy on stage to do a few duets.
… (22 comments)
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