Justin Holder- Bob Parks Realty

Have St. Pat's Day Plans? Please come support Beesley

Please join us on St. Patrick's evening at the historic Oakland's mansion for the annual Beesley Humane Fundraiser/Dinner.  The event helps support the Beesley Animal Clinic, whose board I'm proud to serve.  PLEASE come join us!  It's always a fun evening that supports a great organization.  Hope to see you! Learn more about Beesley by CLICKING HERE.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
Celebrating the tireless support of John M. Key, DVM and Dr. and Mrs. Robert Colvard
When: March 17, 2009, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Oaklands Historic House Museum
900 North Maney Avenue
Cost: $35.00 per person
RSVP by March 7, 2009
Phone: 217-1030 for information

Interview with Bob Parks

Here's a great article I had seen a while back with "The Bob."  An exceptional man.  Click Here.

REDUCTIONS on some GREAT properties!

During my weekly update calls to all my sellers this week, a few have decided to make some reductions to jump ahead of the competition.  Here are the reductions:

• 9018 Ridgen Mill, Lenox Village- REDUCED to $170,000.  Seller will also entertain a lease-purchase!
• 1205 Grantland Avenue, Murfreesboro REDUCED to $158,900.  Cute cottage!
• 676 Harding Place, Nashville- REDUCED to $170,000.  Very convenient to 65 or 24.

For more information on any of these listings, visit my website at JustinHolder.com or visit the Bob Parks Realty site by clicking here.

Amazing Home with Land Listing

Last week, I listed an incredible property in Lebanon, TN about 20 minutes outside of Murfreesboro and just a couple miles from 840.  The 4,500 sqft home sits on 35 parklike acres.  It features a gated entrance, 3-car garage + workshop, 10-stall horsebarn, swimming pool and gorgeous views.  See the FULL tour of 11991 Stewarts Ferry Pike by CLICKING HERE.

Facebook- My link to your life.

Well, if you havent gotten on the Facebook bandwagon by now, you're really missing the boat!  I joined a few months ago, after being pressured by a friend of mine.  Well...I was immediately addicted.  So, now I've gotten most of my clients and friends to join- even my retired neighbors.  They're loving it!  They're finding people they went to school with 50 years ago!  Please join...and then please join my page.  I would love to be your friend on Facebook.

Tour NEW listing in Lenox Village in Hi-Def!

I have a GREAT new listing in Lenox Village in Nasville.  We priced aggressively at $175,000.  See all the photos at www.JustinHolder.com or see the HI-Def video in the link below!

Click here for a Video Tour

Taste of Stones River another HUGE success!

Wow...what a weekend!  The United Way's big Taste of Stones River was this weekend, where about 50 restaurants came and brought their best dishes.  The event went great, but the hours leading up to the event were not as great.  We made a decision, about 14 hours prior to the event, to move it inside...due to the hurricane aftermath storms that were headed in.  So, until way after midnight, we were  Jenny & Jarrod Grubb and Rachel & I were lugging everything inside, with additional help from the mall manager and PR director.  It was quite a night, but well worth the HUGE turnout the next day.  Jenny & Jarrod are pictured above, along with Brian Hercules- this  years campaign chair.  I think he volunteers about 300 hours a week for UW.  He's a great guy.  Visit the United Way site at www.UWRutherford.org. 

I've gone Hi-Def!

Justin Holder, Bob Parks Realty

George...not now...I'm busy.

First, I need to take a moment to thank some of my fellow agents in the Franklin area for going to preview a new listing of mine on Moores Lane in Cool Springs.  If you ever wanted to be close to shopping, Brentwood and I-65, this is going to be a prime place. Email me for more information. 

Anyway, afterwards we went to Stoney River in Cool Springs for dinner.  If you haven't been, it's an amazing place-especially if you are a carnivore.  The steaks are their specialty. 

A car fanatic, I instantly noticed this new S550 when we pulled in and immediately knew who NO SHOW was.  When we went in, we were seated close to none other than George Jones.  Not in sequins or anything fancy, he was in a polo shirt and jeans enjoying a quiet dinner with Nancy.  Of course, George got the nickname "No Show" and "Possum" from when he had a tendency to not make it to his concerts.  Where else but Tennessee?  Have a great Memorial Day and thank a serviceman for everything they do and have done for us. 

United Way's 20 Under 40

Yesterday was the United Way's 20 Under 40 high tea held at Central Park.  What a great turnout.  Many of the women were in hats and it was just a great event.  It was benefiting United Way and was chaired by the lovely Kristen Demos, who does an amazing job at everything she does.  Great job!

JazzFest this weekend!

Featuring: MTSU's Jazz Ensemble I, The Rutherford All-County Jazz Band, Joe Johnson, Jeff Hall, The Jamie Simmons Sextet, The U.S. Army Ground Forces Jazz Guardians, & Nicholas Payton

              

Main Street's JazzFest is more than just a concert, it's an event! It's a place to people-watch, eat, drink, shop, mingle, relax, soak in the rays, and of course, hear some of the best contemporary live jazz. Admission to JazzFest is Free, and all are welcome.

              

See you there!

Thanks, Murfreesboro Police Department

My Letter to the Editor from today's paper.  We should be very proud of our police force. 

Last week, I had the rare opportunity, through Leadership Rutherford, to do a ride-along with Murfreesboro Police Officer Travis Henderson through an entire Saturday night patrol shift.

When I mentioned to others that I'd be taking this ride, I was told I would see the worst of parts of Murfreesboro. However, I actually ended up seeing quite the opposite. The area that we patrolled all evening was statistically and historically the highest rated in crime activity. It was an area that would probably be, for most, one of the last zones that an officer would want to regularly tackle, much less specifically request. That was not the case in Officer Henderson's assignment. Following regular patrol training, Henderson requested to stay in this area/zone.

Throughout the evening, I met more officers that weren't merely in their assigned area, but in their area of expertise. As Officer Henderson said, this is his office. He's on each of those streets daily. He knows the cars, he knows the houses and he knows the families. He's built relationships with those folks, not merely as the patrolling officer, but as one of the officers that has a genuine care and concern for his community.

I appreciate these officers for looking much beyond what could be considered a mere obligation, to what is an opportunity — an opportunity to make a big difference. Thanks for showing me one of the best parts of Murfreesboro — folks like Officer Henderson who intentionally improve our city daily.

Good friend receives well deserved honor

Though he may not be 12 years old anymore (as seen in this photo) or may not wash dishes (as often), my good friend Peter Demos continues to raise the bar in the restaurant industry. 

If you live in Murfreesboro, have visited here, or even driven through...most likely you've seen the Demos' billboards boasting something like "Voted Favorite Restaurant in Rutherford County for ___years."  I cannot remember how many years, but you get the gist-basically since forever.  The Demos family continually serves up dishes of honor, integrity and respect. 

Peter was featured this past week in the Nashville Business Journal centering not only on his involvement in his company, but also a recent mission Peter has been pursuing.  A mission that involves the skewed system of unemployment law.  Read all about it by CLICKING HERE. 

Peter is well deserving of this honor for many reasons, but especially for always having the chutzpah to stand up for what you believe, regardless of what's popular or convenient. 

By the way, if you haven't visited Demos' lately, you'll have to break bread with them soon.  They've just introduced an expanded menu that will make you want to visit their table even more often!    

Quite an experience

Yesterday was quite an experience as we went through another day of Leadership Rutherford.  As usual, it was a jam packed day.  We went from meeting with the folks at the Murfreesboro Fire Department to meeting with Judge Don Ash, Chancellor Corlew and the amazing Judge Donna Scott Davenport. 

Following the spots on the square, we went over and toured the county work house and the new jail as well...which is progressing quickly. 

Then came the real excitement-as we were on the way to tour the County jail, our bus was hijacked.  A man came on to the bus letting us know he was taking control of the group.  After the bus driver rounded the next corner, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department had their swat team ready and stormed the bus! Talk about a wild experience!  The threw in flash bombs, jumped on the side of the bus with suction  cups and flooded the inside of the bus.  Of course, it was a big setup, but none less tense.  Thanks to all the folks we met with for a great experience! 

Congrats United Way!

Wednesday was the much anticipated United Way Victory Celebration, celebrating the gifts from donors and companies all over the county. Over 450 folks joined the UW for the lunch. 

Due to the generosity of over 270 volunteers and amazing businesses, the United Way of Rutherford & Cannon County raised over $2.6M for 48 local non-profits.  Though my wife may be the president, I could not be more passionate about UW.  They have a hand in more good than we'll ever realize.  Congrats! 

Get moving! Marymont Springs lots already closing!!

How exciting!  Lots have already started closing in Marymont Springs! There's nothing much more exciting than the start of something that has been very anticipated.  We are currently taking reservations for lots and for custom homes for Marymont Springs.  I have an updated plat of what's available.  Call me today!  Direct:  615-423-3654.  Justin Holder

Part of a great company

A few weeks ago was the Bob Parks Realty Christmas for the Children program.  This program started years ago, when the agents of our office wanted to find something for Bob for Christmas.  Bob said that what he'd prefer, in lieu of a gift, was for the agents to use that money to help some folks that were less fortunate.  So...that's where it all began! 

Bringing us to now, we're now helping several hundred kids celebrate a Christmas that would not have been quite as bright.  Folks from our office work hard all year to raise money, organize and plan for this to be an amazing day for those kids.  A day complete with carols, lunch, entertainment, MTSU football players and finally Santa (which I've been honored to play the past couple years).  It's the highlight of my year and makes me even more proud to work with such great people. Below is Bob in the black jacket.  Click any photo to enlarge.   

First class doesn't always cost more...

If you've looked over any of my blog, you'll find that Rachel and I really enjoy traveling.  Thanks to Blackberry and other gadgets available today, along with an amazing assistant, I'm able to conduct business pretty seamlessly from just about anywhere.

Last week, Rachel and I were in DC for a meeting with United Way.  Since we travel quite a bit, we're pretty versed in all the different rental car options.  Now, in the past, I generally always searched for the lowest rate more than the rental car chain.  That's all changed the past few times that I have used Enterprise.

Customer service and the art of "wow-ing" the client is something I tend to be pretty obsessed with noticing.  The little touches go a long way with us.  When we arrived in DC, even as busy as the airport was, the Enterprise desk was smooth as silk and immediately began casual conversation....not just the ole "Name please...when will you be back...etc."  Nope...they came right up, called me by name and shook my hand.  Also, noticing that Rachel had a boot brace on due to a recent fall, they asked what vehicle would be most comfortable for her.

Within the time that we signed and walked out the door, our Volvo was already pulled up and ready.  They sincerely asked if they could offer us any recommendations on local spots of interest and wished us a fun trip.

Why would they do this, many would ask?  They don't really have to work for the business as they have a pretty captive and consistent flow of people.  I guess they figure....why not?  Why not offer first class service and a little "experience" along the way?  I see now that Enterprise has not become the best by chance, but by strategy--a strategy of sincerity.  Whether it's in Baltimore, Boston or Boca Raton...you can bet I'll be lined up with them again...ready for a great "experience."  Great job! 

Marymont Virtual Tour

Today was a gorgeous day to check out the updates on Marymont Springs.  See the virtual tour by clicking here. 

Marymont Springs Blog up and running!

The Marymont Springs Blog is up and running which will allow me to keep you up to date on the progress of our new lifestyle community! Visit www.MarymontSprings.ORG

If you haven't been out to the site, go take a look when you're in the area.  If you're heading down 96 (Franklin Road) away from Murfreesboro, take a left on Rucker and it's a mile or so on your right.  You'll see the berm that's already built up with fresh landscaping.  It's going to be quite an entrance, gated and impressive reflecting pools! 

We're excited to announce that we have 100 on the waiting list, so reserve your dreamlot soon! 

BIG Announcement!

I'm excited to announce I will have a listing presence in Marymont Springs, our new luxury lifestyle development.  If you haven't heard about it, visit the www.MarymontSprings.ORG

I will announce the full details soon!  If you have questions prior to, please contact me direct at 615-423-3654. 

Enjoy the week!

A rare...rare opportunity...

Did I mention RARE?  Wow-yesterday was an amazing day.  It was the first full day of Leadership Rutherford and it started off with a bang. 

We had an interesting morning of misc facts about our community from the perspectives of the insurance business, real estate business and economic development....but nothing like what would come in the afternoon!

We were hosted in the afternoon by the Air National Guard at the Smyrna base.  I would have never dreamed there was so much going on at that particular base.  We heard from the head of Counterdrug Task Force, a Major regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction and were eventually lead out to the landing strip, where the base had assembled several Black Hawk helicopters to take us on a tour of Rutherford County.  Now...you must understand what an honor this was--my neighbor (Colonel Terry Ethridge, who is now Secretary of State) told me that even when he was head of avionics, he was unable to get clearance for his own wife to ever get a ride in the Black Hawks.  It's a privilege that only Leadership Rutherford enjoys...and "enjoy" doesn't start to explain it!

We rode with the doors open the whole time and I was on an end seat with an amazing view. We went all over Murfreesboro, Smyrna and north Rutherford County.  Again, it was a treat and honor and we can't thank the Air National Guard for their gracious hospitality. 

Viva Las Vegas!

You know the old saying "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"?  Well, I subscribe to that philosophy.  Rachel and I left early Sunday morning and returned Thursday night after a few days in ole Las Vegas. 

We went with our next door neighbors, Kelly & Steve.  I have a new appreciation for all of my folks that are sad about leaving their homes and their neighbors.  Having great neighbors is one of the most rewarding aspects of homeownership. 

I must admit that I did gamble-to the tune of $20.  However, I did master the 5 cent machine and returned $173.  Not so bad.  Enjoy the week!   

Thanks Atmos!

Rachel and I had a big time Thursday night, as we were hosted in the Atmos Energy skysuite for the MTSU vs. Western Kentucky game. 

We had a great time with our friends Brian and Pat Hercules and the rest of the Atmos gang.  Though the game was not victorious...you wouldn't have known it in our box!  Thanks Brian, Pat and Atmos!

This is a GREAT clip...makes your day!