It’s funny how different the importance of a room in a house can go from one season to the next. Just recently a home office was a “nice to have” but really, unless you were in the minority of those that worked from home, it was truly just a bonus, and typically dependent on if you had the space to dedicate or not. Fast forward to the pandemic era and likely, you’ve been at a “home office” whether you’ve really had one set up or not for months. For those that are working from home but haven’t taken the time to really set up a good home office, now is the time to change that! Here are some of our most important tips for setting up your home workspace:

Location, Location!

In real estate, so many things are about location - and that really

If you’re seizing the moment this year by purchasing a home in Middle Tennessee, you’ll have dozens of beautiful areas to choose from. The first step toward narrowing down your dream neighborhood is determining whether the city or the suburbs are right for you. Today, we’re examining the pros and cons of life in both the city and the suburbs. 

Depending on what you prioritize at this stage of your life, you will likely feel strongly drawn toward one way of life or the other. Whichever you choose, remember that properties tend to increase in value over time, so if you decide to pack up and move into—or out of—the city, contact Parks Realty for assistance making the leap ASAP!

Pros of Living in the City

1.) Reduced Commute Time

Let’s face

For many of us here in central Tennessee, summer isn’t complete without a classic American cookout. The smell of marinated meat crackling on the grill, the feeling of sweet corn bursting on the first bite, and the light sweetness of icebox cake are things we look forward to year after year.

Despite the current need for social distancing, we hope that we’ll all be enjoying great times with friends and family before long. In the meantime, we can dream up the perfect party plans, which is what we hope you’ll do with Parks Realty’s list of Cookout Must-Haves!

Our handy guide will give you an organizational framework to use as a jumping-off point as you plan your next celebration of food, friends, and fun. Remember, there’s no shame in accepting friendly

Buying, selling, looking to rent all comes with its major stressors … but there’s something about the actual act of moving that really brings about a whole new sense of unpleasant work to be had. If you think about it, there is literally nothing else in life that causes us to literally pack up everything we own and relocate where we live our life from. It’s a wild concept and one that is essentially a ton of work, no matter how you look at it.

The good news is, as hard as moving is, being organized and taking specific steps with planning will make the move a whole lot less stressful. Here are some of our favorite tips:

Put it in a Folder

The contracts, receipts, warranties, and forms of all types quickly add up. In a time where your

Fourth of July celebrations come in many shapes and sizes, but one thing that seems to go without saying is that the Fourth is best enjoyed by gatherings outside - whether that be at the beach, a lake, a backyard, or a cul-de-sac. You may have a decades-long standing tradition, or you may be hosting for the first time, but either way, it’s always fun to throw in something new. Here are some ideas of “must-haves” to get you ready for the Fourth! Host(ess) with the Most(est) is in your future.

Lawn Excitement

No summer gathering is complete without a little play - and of course, some friendly competition can’t hurt either. The great thing about yard games is that it’s fun for all ages and all ability levels. The options for yard games are

The time has finally come, you are so close to taking those packed bags and at long last getting (insert slow clap) OUT. OF TOWN. For more of us, it’s felt like way too long since that’s happened, and it’s so easy to run out the door not worrying about what’s on the other side of that vacation, BUT we don’t recommend it. It’s already hard coming home from sweet sweet vacation days, and coming home to a weird stench (or much worse), is not the way you want to re-enter normalcy. Below are some of our go-to tips on leaving your home for vacation, worry-free.

Think Security 

There is no better protection for your home while you’re gone than simply looking like you are NOT gone. For shorter trips leave a small light on. For longer trips, it’s

You sign what feels like hundreds of papers to agree to a thirty-year relationship with a house … it may feel like signing your life away, but that’s just how buying a home feels - it’s not reality! In reality, you can sell. You can rent. You can move. However, what doesn’t change - is that for the time you do own your home, it is your very own. That means the maintenance and upkeep are all on you. Thankfully, you are not alone, and many of the problems new homeowners face are common - which means well-known solutions! Here is a round-up of some of the most common problems and solutions:

HVAC Issues 

If you’re a new homeowner you may think that the HVAC system takes care of itself. After all, it’s expensive, and more or less out of sight.

After the flurry of activity surrounding the purchase of a home, the long and luxurious process of making it one’s own may be the best way there is for a new homeowner to unwind. Today, we’re highlighting ten of the best ways to personalize your home!

No matter your budget, DIY skill level, or artistic ability, we hope these tips will guide and inspire you to have fun while you accomplish beautiful flourishes of self-expression throughout your home.

1.) Re-Make an Entrance

The entrance to your home is your first opportunity to set your home apart. A brightly-painted door, a quirky statue, a hand-shaped walkway, or bold landscaping: are any of these common approaches right for your new home?

If you’re moving into a home that has a Home

Your credit plays a key role in financial opportunities, today and in the future. Understandably, the current pandemic environment is making it more challenging. But still, there are actions you can take to protect your credit. 

Here are tips that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggested for protecting your credit during these trying times.

Request A Free Copy of Your Credit

Did you know that you're entitled to a free credit report every year? Unlike the hard credit inquiries that creditors do when you apply for credit, this free annual report does not negatively affect your score. 

Additionally, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian (the three nationwide credit reporting agencies), also provide you with a free credit report

As the nation works together to face the threat of Covid-19, it’s become clear that, in many urban and suburban regions alike, staying home is the best defense. If you are one of the millions of US citizens currently under “stay at home” orders, everyone at Parks thanks you for doing your best to remain home.

If you’re like our upbeat team members here at Parks, you’re battling boredom and loneliness during these months of isolation. To help, we're sharing 5 ways to stay busy at home! Once you’ve prepared every meal in your favorite recipe book, scrubbed your home until it gleams, and organized the garage three times over, it’s time to work your way through our favorite fun, time-consuming activities.

1.) Upskill with the help of colleagues,