Anyone else besides me yawning at the thought of a Patriots-Giants rematch?  Well have no fear, you can still have a super fun time for the Super Bowl this weekend in Nashville.

Limelight is hosting “A Super Bowl to Remember” benefitting Make-A-Wish Foundation from 3-11pm Sunday.  Half of the huge venue will be dedicated to the game with the music turned down and the tv’s turned up.  The other half will be for those less interested and will be a social zone with music and dancing.  Bueller, an 80′s tribute band, will be providing the music as well as RedHat Events, both of whom are donating their time and talents for this event.  Food will be provided by Ellendale’s, Mirko, Blue Coast Burrito, Demos’, Gigi’s Cupcakes, and more.  100% of ticket sales go to Make-A-Wish, and children 16 and under are free with a paying adult.  Tickets are $15-$20 depending on when you purchase.

The National Underground downtown is also hosting a party with live rock music by Daniel Ramirez, drink specials, and burgers.

SoBro Lounge is having a party with DeeJay GhostDogg and Terry Hudson, with 50 cent smoked wings, halftime happy hour specials, and a dance floor after the game.

Other spots to watch the game include The Melrose Pub, Batter’d & Fried, Sam’s Sports Bar, and The Crow’s Nest.

Each week, I am picking the top five sweet deals in the Nashville area.

The deals are chosen based off the following criteria:

• Attractive price for today’s top buyer pool
• Quality of finishes, style and character
• Proximity to shops, restaurants and neighborhood amenities

For buyer representation on any of these homes, please contact brian@re615.com or megan@re615.com. We can have you inside within 3-10 hours of your inquiry!

#1: $144,900||815 Powers Avenue (Rosebank neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Forest Hills REALTORS.

#2: $164,000||118 Vaden Drive (Glencoe Acres neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Crye-Leike, Inc REALTORS.

#3: $185,000||4613 Log Cabin Road (Brush Hill neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Southern REALTORS.

#4: $199,900||4902 Darlington Court (Crieve Hall Neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Bob Parks Realty.

#5: $219,900||104 Scott Avenue (Eastwood Neighbors neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of RE/Max Choice Properties.

This Friday, February 3rd, 6-9pm, Nashville Farmer’s Market is hosting Meet & 3.  The event will feature free music, art for sale, and 10 food trucks, plus beer and wine available for purchase.  Local artists will be selling handcrafted jewelry, photography, fine art, and more.  Participating food trucks include Grilled Cheeserie, Hoss’ Loaded Burgers, The Latin Wagon, and Love Shack.  Sounds like a super fun event!

A couple days ago, The Tennessean featured one of Nashville’s hip yet historic and re-developing neighborhoods, Salemtown.  Salemtown is Germantown’s neighbor, so close to downtown but with a somewhat quaint feel.  It is becoming a blend of old and new, with builders extremely optimistic about its potential.

Resident Viola Miller, who served in Governor Bredesen’s cabinet, told The Tennessean “Living in a developing neighborhood, it’s a fun place to live. We love the energy and diversity, and you couldn’t be in a more convenient place.” Convenient it is!  The neighborhood lies minutes from downtown, and borders Germantown with its popular and satisfying restaurants and city events. Also close by are Nashville Farmer’s Market (one of my personal Nashville faves), Bicentennial Mall State Park, and interstate access.

Salemtown neighborhood association president Molly McCluer describes the area she calls home as “a community, a front porch neighborhood where you can talk to your neighbors.”

Several developers have become attracted to its potential and are enthusiastic about the area. Kenner McLean Development believes in it so much that they are building four Energy Star-rated homes at the corner of 5th and Coffee Streets, with the first home estimated to be completed in the next couple of weeks. Prices here are well below those in Germantown, and a brand new build with 1500+ sq ft appealing to the energy-conscience consumer including cellulose and spray foam insulation, zip wall systems, tankless water heaters, and more, is available starting at just $211,000. The same developers are also eyeing other lots as they see so much promise in this up and coming neighborhood.

Read the full article published by The Tennessean.

Each week, I am picking the top five sweet deals in the Nashville area.
The deals are chosen based off the following criteria:

• Attractive price for today’s top buyer pool
• Quality of finishes, style and character
• Proximity to shops, restaurants and neighborhood amenities

For buyer representation on any of these homes, please contact brian@re615.com or megan@re615.com. We can have you inside within 3-10 hours of your inquiry!

#1: $89,900||1603 Dorchester Avenue (South Inglewood neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Keller Williams Realty.

#2: $104,500||721 Dover Road (Battlwood neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Village Real Estate Services.

#3: $115,000||1119 Stockell Street (Cleveland Park neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of United States Equities Corp.

#4: $124,900||503 Stevenson Street (West Nashville Heights Neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of The Wilson Group.

#5: $149,900||1405 Russell Street (Lockeland Springs neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Forest Hills REALTORS.

Today’s home buyers have more access to knowledge than ever.  They do their research on the internet, they pick up tips from HGTV, and we’ve all learned from the mistakes that were made several years ago.  First time buyers are especially conscientious of their decisions.  They understand that they are benefitting from one of the most amazing opportunities to become a homeowner, with record low interest rates, great inventory, and extremely competitive prices. Plus they often pay less to own than rent.  

One of the things that both repeat and first time homebuyers are expressing by their decisions is that bigger is not necessarily better, not anymore.  Living beyond our means will have this affect on people.  We were able to make purchases for things we had no ability to pay for just a few years ago, and the outcome of that is stress and heartache.  We bought bigger and we spent more, because we could.  Then people started losing their jobs, those who kept their jobs stopped getting raises and bonuses, housing prices started falling, and we all realized we really don’t need all this big grand stuff.

This has lead to more and more repeat buyers coming to us to sell their homes so they can downsize, either by size, mortgage, or both.  We are all asking ourselves, do we really need all this space and all this stuff?  We are seeing more and more first time buyers who are pre-qualified for a lot higher amount than they actually end up spending.  We see tons of renters wanting to buy because it will actually decrease their monthly housing payment in so many cases.  And the trend seems to be leaning toward slightly smaller homes.

“I grew up in a large home, and my paternal grandparents built a 6-bedroom home back in the 1920s in Abilene, Texas, but my favorite home is the one I now live in (972 sq ft),” says homeowner Penny Lynn. She adds that “A smaller home certainly lends itself to less clutter–when a new item comes in, an older item leaves to be recycled, if at all possible”, and points out that using less gas and electrical resources is one way of being “green”.

One of our clients who also owns a small home has a plaque on her wall that says “Simplify Your Life”.  To me, that says it all right there.  Get rid of all the STUFF and JUNK that is bogging us down and holding us back from other pursuits and dreams, and keep what is essential and beneficial.  Our clients who decide to sell their McMansions often comment that they just don’t need all that space.  Maybe they are becoming empty nesters, maybe they bought because they thought bigger was a better investment, maybe they were trying to keep up with the Joneses.  I realize there are instances where you are a large family, work from home, maybe have a music studio, and simply require more space than most.  And we still have tons of buyers who are transitioning from their first bought homes to larger ones as their families and budgets grow, and needs change.  But many repeat buyers are deciding lately that less is more.

Although our numbers here in Nashville don’t necessarily reflect an enormously growing trend toward smaller homes, the mentality of our clients certainly has.  The Small House Movement that has swept parts of the country has not hit us yet, but we are experiencing our own downplayed version of that.

Benefits of a smaller home are not just in a lower mortgage payment, but it also usually means lower utility bills, less cleaning, and less upkeep all together.  Low maintenance living.  ”Unused space most likely equals wasted space. Who wants to pay for a space they never use?” wonders homeowner Beth Schackne, who loves her East Nashville cottage that is less than 800 square feet. “Once you start to rid your life of things you no longer need, you’ll never want to go back. Lack of clutter leads to peace of mind, and that is something on which you cannot put a price tag.”

Guest blog by Michael Butell and Dawson Ballard, are Nashville Theatre Scene NABors.

Here are some new shows getting ready to start that are well worth you checking into and enjoying a great time out in Nashville’s diverse theatre scene. Enjoy!

Christ Church Cathedral is performing “Crowns” which runs January 26-27 and again February 9-10th located at 900 Broadway with performances at 7:30pm. The funny and poignant gospel musical CROWNS, written by Regina Taylor, will be presented by Sacred Space for the City Arts Series in four performances. The production is based on the book of photos and interviews, “Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats,” by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. It is a musical tribute to church hats and the African American women who wear them as symbolic crowns and as a means of self-expression — their pride, beauty and endurance– in the presence of God. Acclaimed musical producer/director Ted Swindley (“Always, Patsy Cline,” etc.) will co-direct with Mary McCallum of SistaStyle Productions. “Church hats are a peculiar convergence of faith and fashion…. Ticket prices are $15 at the door ($13.50 in advance online) and more information is available by calling 615-255-7729 or visit www.christcathedral.org.

Tennessee Performing Arts Center is performing “Spamalot” which runs January 27-28 located at 505 Deaderick St in the Andrew Jackson Hall with performances at 8:00pm and matinee at 2:00pm. The second coming of Broadway’s #1 smash musical comedy! Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, the musical comedy sensation lovingly ripped off from the film classic “Monty Python and The Holy Grail,” now returns to spread laughter and cheer throughout the kingdom. Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. But before they can find their grail, they’re taking a little side-trip to the fair city of Nashville. Ticket prices range from $28-$65 and more information is available by calling 615-782-4040 or visit www.tpac.org. They are also performing “South Pacific which runs February 7-12. This breathtaking new production of South Pacific is based on the 2008 Tony Award® winning Lincoln Center Theater production, directed by Bartlett Sher. Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. The beloved score’s songs include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “This Nearly Was Mine” and “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame.” USA Today cheers, “Gorgeous! South Pacific doesn’t just float; it soars!” Based on James Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book Tales of the South Pacific, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan. Ticket prices range $28-$65 and more information is available by calling 615-782-4040 or visit www.tpac.org.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre is performing “God of Carnage” which opens February 4 and continues through February 18 at 505 Deaderick St in the Andrew Johnson Theatre. This show is the 2009 Tony Award-winner for Best Play by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton. The other day in the neighborhood park, little Ferdinand whacked his playmate Bruno with a stick, breaking two teeth. So it is important that the parents of the boys set the right example and sit down to discuss the matter calmly and reasonably, right? After all, nothing will be gained by behaving like children…human nature, red in tooth and claw. Yasmina Reza—the writer who drew maximum laughs from Minimalist art in Art—uses her corrosive wit to strip away the thin veneer of civilization in this Tony Award-winning comedy of manners… without the manners. Ticket prices range $20-$47.50 are more information is available by calling 615-782-4040 or visit www.tennesseerep.org.

Nashville Children’s Theatre is performing “The Watson’s Go to Birmingham 1963” which opened January 17 and continues through February 12 located at 25 Middleton St. It’s 1963, and the Watsons, an African-American family, are taking a road trip from Flint, MI to Birmingham, AL. Fourth grader Kenny’s older brother Byron has been hanging with a tough crowd and getting into trouble, so his parents decide to take him to live for a time with his grandmother down south. Soon, the whole family is crowded into the Brown Bomber, heading back to Alabama – and straight into one of the most shocking moments in American history. This show is most enjoyed by ages 8 and up. Ticket prices are $12 children ($19 adults) and more information is available by calling 615-252-4675 or visit www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org.

The Larry Keeton Theatre is performing “Kiss Me, Kate” which opens February 2 and continues through February 18 located at 108 Donelson Pike with evening performances at 7:00pm and matinees at 2:00pm. Taking its inspiration from Shakespeare, Kiss Me, Kate recounts the backstage and onstage antics of two feuding romantic couples during a touring production of The Taming of the Shrew. Sparkling with 18 classic Cole Porter songs — including “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “Wunderbar,” “So in Love,” “Always True to You in My Fashion,” “Too Darn Hot,” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” — Kiss Me, Kate epitomizes the Broadway musical comedy at its irresistible best. Ticket prices are $26 dinner and show or ($21 show only) and more information is available by calling 615-883-8375 or visit www.thelarrykeetontheatre.org.

Street Theatre Company is performing “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” which opens February 2 and continues through February 12 located at 1933 Elm Hill Pike. This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum know as “the relationship.” This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, to those who have dared to ask, “Say, what are you doing Saturday night?” It’s everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit. “This is a show for anyone who’s ever been in love, in lust, dumped, married, divorced, chronically single, happily alone, romantically confused or sexually frustrated. In other words, this is a show for everyone. Seeing “I Love You…” is perfect for a first date, a night out with pals, your 50th anniversary – everyone will love this show.” Songs like “Single Man Drought,” “A Stud and a Babe,” and “On the Highway of Love” will leave the audience howling and perhaps bring back memories of their own “unique” dating experiences. Reviewers have said of the show, “It’s SEINFELD set to pop music!” and “If this show were a blind date, you’d feel relieved, grateful and pleasantly surprised.” Ticket prices range $12-$16 and more information is available by calling 615-554-7414 or visit www.streettheatrecompany.org.

Each week, I am picking the top five sweet deals in the Nashville area.
The deals are chosen based off the following criteria:

• Attractive price for today’s top buyer pool
• Quality of finishes, style and character
• Proximity to shops, restaurants and neighborhood amenities

For buyer representation on any of these homes, please contact brian@re615.com or megan@re615.com. We can have you inside within 3-10 hours of your inquiry!

#1: $90,000||3111 Brick Church Pike (Parkwood Estates neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Barnes.

#2: $155,000||3709 Moss Rose Drive (Moss Rose neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of New Hope Realty Group, LLC.

#3: $159,900||1009 Mitchell Road (Rosebank neighborhood)

Additional Photos Coming Soon. Courtesy of Village Real Estate Services.

#4: $169,900||5328 Hunters Ridge (Villages of Brentwood Neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Fridrich & Clark Realty.

#5: $179,900||1125 McChesney Avenue (Inglewood neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of The DeSelms Team.

Our sweet and savory city is being featured in this month’s edition of Bon Appetit! The tasty article takes readers on a tour of some of Nashville’s most delicious restaurants, from trendy and high end to hole in the wall, and is lead by Black Key’s singer/guitarist and Nashville resident Dan Auerbach (whose song “Lonely Boy” I’m totally hooked on right now).

One of my own faves, Mas Tacos, is mentioned.  Man how I love this place.. it’s a taste explosion!  The very hot (literally) Prince’s was visited also, along with Arnold’s Country Kitchen, Capitol Grille, and Martin’s BBQ in Nolensville, which the writer described as “barbecue so addictive that states should regulate it.”  Gotta love that!

Read the full article here.  Disclaimer:  if you aren’t hungry right now, you will be.

Each week, I am picking the top five sweet deals in the Nashville area.
The deals are chosen based off the following criteria:

• Attractive price for today’s top buyer pool
• Quality of finishes, style and character
• Proximity to shops, restaurants and neighborhood amenities

For buyer representation on any of these homes, please contact brian@re615.com or megan@re615.com. We can have you inside within 3-10 hours of your inquiry!

#1: $89,900||3825 Hutson Avenue (Maplewood neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of RE/Max Choice Properties.

#2: $129,900||5010 West Durrett Drive (Caldwell Hall neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Brentview Realty Company.

#3: $139,000||4008 Kennedy Avenue (Inglewood neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Keller Williams Realty.

#4: $164,000||2835 Bronte Avenue (South Inglewood Neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Benchmark Realty, LLC.

#5: $188,500||3413 Dakota Avenue (Sylvan Heights neighborhood)

Click photo for full photos and information. Courtesy of Benchmark Realty, LLC.