Stupid Stuff… - 03/31/11 04:49 PM
Stupid Stuff… Let's face it. It is still a buyer's market. They still sit in the driver's seat with both hands firmly on the wheel that drives this real estate machine. Home inspections are one of the many roads that buyers can go down to either drive down the cost of the property or back out of the purchase altogether.  During the course of the inspection, I often get asked by nervous agents and buyers, "Finding much?" "Just stupid stuff." I often reply with a smile. Stupid stuff. The incompetent, sloppy substandard workmanship that makes one roll their eyes, scratch their … (23 comments)

Thankful Thursday… - 03/31/11 06:09 AM
Thankful Thursday…How many times have we heard that same old tired, worn-out, over-used, over-worked term; "Real estate is local". Well, it is. I don't know what the numbers from GNAR (Greater Nashville Association of Realtors) will be for the month of March, but it has to on par or above as compared to the waning days of last year's <choke> "First time home buyers" fiasco. Both John and I have been very busy this past month. Can we sing a chorus or two of "Hallelujah" Brothers and Sisters? Ah-h-h-h, sing it to me... It's always a good feeling when marketing efforts … (45 comments)

(not so) Wordless Wednesday… - 03/30/11 06:25 AM
(not so) Wordless Wednesday…Every year I am taken aback as I gaze upon the forest floor as it starts to awaken. I marvel as I view the hillsides, yawning in an array of color. The warm Tennessee sun, once again works its miracle and brings life anew. Wild flowers, too numerous to count, stretch skyward as they push back the blanket of leaves that have kept them safe as they slept so peacefully, like a babe against its mother's bosom. My heart smiles as my footfalls trod the meandering path up the hillside. I reckon it's true; wild flowers don't care … (25 comments)

AS IS... - 03/29/11 05:47 AM
AS IS… AS a home inspector, there is no phrase in the English language that instills more dread in my heart and soul than when I hear my customer say, "Oh yeah. We're buying the property AS IS." Now, the tricky part IS, what IS the definition of "IS"? Does "IS" mean that the property IS in okay condition? - Good bones but a lot of cosmetic issues, bumps, busies normal wear and tear or IS it ready to have an encounter of the third kind by some run-away bulldozer? What ever the case, these inspections can be either a piece … (38 comments)

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... - 03/28/11 06:08 AM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder…I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.      ~ Kobe Bryant It is but human nature to be in the game, be part of the team. I know when I'm engaged in an activity that involves competition and team members, I want to play and stay in the game as long as I can. However; I find that starting the game and sitting on the bench pose two very different challenges. … (31 comments)

(not so) Speechless Sundae... - 03/27/11 06:25 AM
(not so) Speechless Sundae…Here I sit, staring at a blank screen knowing that I should type something. Not that I need to, but because I want to. There is a difference. I can only speak for myself, but when I have to do something, my heart is really not into it. Maybe its something to do with the human condition. I go through the motions all the while asking that inner person: Do you really want to do this? No. Will it be 100% when done? Probably not. Will it acceptable? Probably. However, when I do something because I want to, … (33 comments)

Redbud Winter... - 03/26/11 05:58 AM
Redbud Winter…While the blooming of the daffodils and crocus, are attributed as the first harbingers of Spring, the blooming of the Redbuds is the reminder that winter still lingers. Every year, just as I start getting used to the warm, sun-drenched days of Spring, and begin to think that Old Man Winter is a distant memory; he slaps me with his cool, icy breath, reminding me, that he is not about to bow out gracefully. His cold, harsh breath stings my cheeks, turning them a color only to be rivaled by those of the Redbud trees that dot the landscape here … (59 comments)

Friday's Fotos ~ It's the Sharp Eye that Gets the Shot… - 03/25/11 05:36 AM
Friday's Fotos ~ It's the Sharp Eye that Gets the Shot…It's not unusual to see several photographers on my morning walk around the lake. Oftentimes, we aid each other, telling them where wild life may be lurking or there is an interesting shot around the next bend. Since, I am usually walking at the crack of dawn, I often see things that are often missed by others. Walking the south shore, I saw several camera toting jocks hoofing it down the beaten trail, lugging what seemed to be several tons of cameras and lenses. Asking the usual, "Anything interesting?" "No, haven't … (48 comments)

Good Night Active Rain… - 03/24/11 08:04 PM
Good Night Active Rain…I don't always have the time to say thanks to all the folks who read and comment on my posts. Needless to say, ActiveRain is a wonderful community made up of thousands of fine, friendly folks. I oftentimes wish there were more hours in the day. But alas, even with the hour gained by springing forward, there still does not seem to be enough time to do what needs to be done. Yes, we all must do what we can to eke out a living, spend time with the fam, socialize with our ActiveRain friends, and oh yes, … (12 comments)

Radnor Lake ~ Tennessee First State Wildlife Area… - 03/24/11 06:22 AM
Radnor Lake ~ Tennessee First State Wildlife Area…Radnor Lake State Natural Area was the first of its kind here in Tennessee. Needing a place to furnish water for steam locomotives and livestock for the Rador Train yard, the L&N Railroad purchased a track of land in the Overton Hills area of southern Davidson County in 1914. Originally used as a private hunting spot for railroad executives and guests, all hunting was banned by 1923 and declared a wildlife sanctuary. In 1962, a developer purchased the property with the intent to build subdivisions overlooking the 85 acre lake. Public outcry to preserve … (28 comments)

(not so) Wordless Wednesday... - 03/23/11 06:25 AM
(not so) Wordless Wednesday…Have you ever been walking or doing something and get that feeling that you were being watched? Yesterday, while engaging my morning walk at Radnor Lake Wildlife Refuge a few miles from the house, I had that feeling. Who - Who-o-o-o-o's out there I queried?About 20 yards off the path, I saw the culprit nestled in the fork of a tree. Thankfully, I had long glass on the camera and was able to get a few good shots. Who-o-o-o knows, maybe I'll get lucky and see something different on this morning's walk...

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Photography Tips and Cheats… - 03/22/11 07:37 AM
Photography Tips and Cheats…We all like to take and look at good photos and ActiveRain has many talented photographers. Spring is here and the urge is to grab the camera and start snapping pics to share with our friends. Here's a few tips and cheats that will work with any camera whether it be point-and-shoot or DSLR.

What's there not to like about the colorful display and bountiful flora of trees this time of year? While mass displays are great in some instances; sometimes, small, more intimate settings adds beauty and mystique.Good photos often take time. Don't get in a … (32 comments)

Time for Spring Renewal… - 03/21/11 09:38 AM
Time for Spring Renewal…As the sun moves across the imaginary line that divides the seasons, so too must I cross that line and move into another season in my life. It is time for me to toss the heavy, dreary, drab colors of winter and don the light, airy, pastels of Spring. To me, Spring is a time of renewal - Spiritually, physically, psychologically and emotionally.Just as hope springs eternal from the depths of my innermost being, it is time for me to spring into action and make hard but necessary decisions. Spiritually, Easter is on the horizon. A time to … (52 comments)

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... - 03/21/11 06:50 AM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder…Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is? - Frank Scully How tall can a tree grow? Does sunlight or water limit the size and photosynthetic capacity of a leaf? While trees are beautiful to look at, give us shade and provide places for birds to nest, they are limited in stature. How tall can you grow? While we may reach a physical size, there is no telling how tall we can grow emotionally or spiritually, if we but take the time to go out of our way, risk … (19 comments)

(not so) Speechless Sundae... - 03/20/11 01:24 PM
(not so) Speechless Sundae…Slowly but surely, old man winter has been releasing his icy grip and Spring-like weather has been inching ever northward. Soon, lush, green, dew covered meadows; cobalt blue skies with puffy, cotton-like clouds; and abundant sunshine will displace gloomy shades of gray and brown. While we are not there yet, leaves are popping from dormant buds, and the robin's songs of spring are on the warm southern breezes. "Tomorrow", she sings. "Spring will be here tomorrow"...

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Photography Tips and Cheats… - 03/17/11 05:09 AM
Photography Tips and Cheats…Spring is just around the corner and soon, budding photographers will be copping some rays and enjoying what Mother Natures brings forth as they buzz from flower to flower, snapping photos and uploading them to share with their friends here in ActiveRain. But sometimes, Maw doesn't play well with others or produce the scene that we envision. So do what any good photographer does - cheat!

One of my favorite cheats is the early morning dew or misty rain look. But who wants to lie down on wet, soggy mulch or grass in order to get … (109 comments)

Good Night ActiveRain… - 03/16/11 08:28 PM
Good Night ActiveRain…Two things you can say about technology, you either swear by it or at it. Years ago, when I entered the digital age of photography, I had to learn a whole new way of shooting pictures as some of my older manual lenses didn't work too well with my old D50. Enter the age of purchasing newer lenses - Yeech. One of my favorite lenses, a 101mm f1.8 Macro set seldom used due to the fact that I was swearing at the newer technology. I reckon that that there were many of us that had expensive manual lenses that … (29 comments)

(not so) Wordless Wednesday… - 03/16/11 06:28 AM
(not so) Wordless Wednesday…Let's face it, some pictures speak for themselves. There are times when one picture is truly worth at least 999 words - give or take a few if you know what I mean. Words can ere express or paint such detailed images when compared to the wordless equivalents captured by the lens. What's there not to love about our 4 legged companions? Like children, they do the darnedest things, get in to odd predicaments and give us reasons to smile. Yes, we love our pets. Where would we be without them?

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Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... - 03/14/11 06:14 AM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder…"Some day my boat will come in, and with my luck I'll be at the airport." - Anonymous What makes one person lucky and the other unlucky? Is luck the determining factor as to whether you win or lose in the game of life? I once heard a much wiser man say, "Faith will move mountains but you better bring along your shovel and be prepared to help with the work." While luck may determine the cards you are dealt in this game we call life; your knowledge and skill to play them with … (36 comments)

Addicted… - 03/13/11 02:56 PM
Addicted…Everyone, at one time or other, gets habitually obsessed with something. Some can't get in enough golf, gardening or blogging here on ActiveRain. Me? I'm addicted to <blush> Harry Potter, the "Chosen One". Now before you go about pronouncing me daft or "Loony Tunes" and calling for the men in the white coats to fit me with those unflattering extra long sleeved shirts, there is some madness in my methods. Soon, I will be taking the grand kids to Universal Studios in Orlando and must be able to talk fluent Dumbledore, Lord Voldermort, and the other protagonists, Ron and Hermione. Like … (16 comments)

(not so) Speechless Sundae… - 03/13/11 07:15 AM
(not so) Speechless Sundae…Sunday? Already? Talk about time having wings! And, if that's not bad enough, we lost a precious hour of it somewhere in the wee hours of the morning. <sigh> Speaking of time, and time well spent. Yesterday's AB-So-o-o-o-LuteLy Gawgis weather found me grubbing in the garden beds, shedding the shirt and copping some rays. Periodically, breaks were taken to admire some of my handy work and take photos of the smiling faces that were enjoying this picture perfect day...

 
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Spring Fever… - 03/12/11 06:22 AM
Spring Fever… Spring Fever. Those unexplained physical, psychological, emotional and oftentimes euphoric spells of gladness often associated with the arrival of Spring. It's time to get elated, shake off the blues and blah's of winter, and as Grandma used to say, "Go outside and 'git' the stink 'outta' your britches." Officially, the start of Spring is just around the corner. However; yesterday, Mother Nature gave middle Tennesseans a tantalizing treat to savor by blessing us with copious amounts of blue skies, warm sunshine and flowers. Succumbing to this first, of what I am sure to be many more bouts of Spring … (38 comments)

Good Night Active Rain… - 03/11/11 08:40 PM
Good Night Active Rain…Today was one of those picture perfect days here in middle Tennessee. Yesterday's gray, bitter cold and dampness gave way to bountiful sunshine and more moderate temps. After the work day was done, it sure felt good to soak up some rays and enjoy the treasure trove Mother Nature's delights. Talk about eye candy for the soul! I sure hope that tomorrow brings more of the same. Good night all, see you on the morrow...

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Going Viral… - 03/08/11 06:40 AM
Going Viral…Over the past week, there have been several excellent posts about commenting. And why not. We all like to have folks comment on our well articulated thoughts and efforts. Sometimes, we will strike a chord with our readers and the "Suggest" button is pressed. If we are lucky, we are rewarded accordingly. Sometimes, we just get a plethora of comments, scratch our heads and wonder what prompted such a response? When something I write goes viral, I am humbled.I'm nothing special, nor do I have the talents and gifts that so many writers here in the rain have. I am … (42 comments)

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder… - 03/07/11 06:10 AM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder… The best vitamin to be a happy person is B1.      ~ Author Unknown Trust, honesty and respect are some of the attributes we’d like to see more often in ourselves and folks we associate and live with. Finding happiness is a personal journey which starts from within. Finding it is can be elusive for some. Happy people to tend to be more energetic, decisive, creative, social, trusting, loving, and responsive. Having a positive philosophical view of life and maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle with meaningful pursuits often brings more happiness than stuff that … (44 comments)

(not so) Speechless Sundae… - 03/06/11 06:22 AM
(not so) Speechless Sundae…
What do you do on a dreary, drizzly, gray, day that's fit for neither folks or fowl? Pop on down to the Lawn and Garden show at the Fairgrounds in Nashville, TN.The sights and sounds of Spring will soon make one forget that it is still winter, and spring is just around the corner. One of my personal favorites were the flower arrangements. Sorry for the poor quality, but there is only so much one can do considering the lighting conditions and no tripod. I reckon, it is the thought that counts...

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Kibitzing… - 03/05/11 07:24 PM
Kibitzing…What can I say? Folks like to kibitz. Unwanted, meddlesome advice; given at inopportune times is not only vexing, but sometimes, it can be downright irritating.Some feel that they must contribute their 2¢'s worth to make themselves feel knowledgeable or important. <sigh> Must be an ego thing.Then too, some just want to make their presence known to all. Jump in with all 4's, so to speak, and yap away. And so it went with my unexpected assistant who insisted on kibitzing during the inspection. Sometimes, kibitzers give fun and pleasant distractions - so all is not that bad, after all...
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That "Damned Inspector"… - 03/05/11 06:28 AM
That "Damned Inspector"…It's about time!!! Some one has finally put on offer on your Million dollar listing that has been sitting like an ugly toad waiting for some princess to wander by and give it a smooch. Your spirits rise as you work through the final details of the transaction; cash sale, folks luv the property, want to take possession by the end of the month, and oh yeah, they want an inspection. Damn! <sigh>But what could possibly be wrong? The money's in the bag. After all, it is a Million dollar home, located in a prestigious, gated community. The property … (106 comments)

Walk & Talk, but Nix the Gum… - 03/03/11 05:30 AM
Walk & Talk, but Nix the Gum…By now, most of us should have mastered the ability to walk, talk and chew gum to demonstrate our dexterity and multitasking capabilities. Let's face it, it is a natural part of every day social interaction, but when it comes to videos, folks stand stoically in front of the camera and drone on. Boring... For your next video, try this trick. Set your camera on a swivel head tripod and have a friend pan while you walk through the room pointing out the features. This not only shows off the room, but there is something … (32 comments)

Deadly Sins of Indoor Photography ~ Part 3… - 03/02/11 06:33 AM
Deadly Sins of Indoor Photography ~ Part 3…We all like to make a good impression and want to put our best foot forward. However; sometimes we stumble. Some mistakes are easily correctable, some we just can't overcome. As I had mentioned in an earlier post, indoor photography is the most challenging of all photo arenas, yet so many take a cavalier approach when taking/posting photos for their listings. My goal is not to teach you the mechanics, but to make you aware of the many sins that most novices make. Good photography can make or break your sale. Today, as promised, … (59 comments)

Deadly Sins of Indoor Photography ~ Part 2… - 03/01/11 06:09 AM
Deadly Sins of Indoor Photography ~ Part 2…We all like to look at good photos, I know I do. Having done freelance work on a semi-professional level, I see the good, bad and indifferent not only in my own work, but in others as well. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Deadly Sins of Indoor Photography - Part 1, indoor photography is the most challenging aspect of photography there is, even for the pros. Today, I will continue this series with part two. Sin #5: Reflective Objects: Most novices and even some pros break the cardinal rule when it comes … (94 comments)

 
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Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297

Brentwood, TN

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Complete Home Inspections, Inc.

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

Office Phone: (615) 661-0297

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