Essential Loans Types and Terms for First Time Buyers

It is easy for first time home buyers to quickly become overwhelmed with a slew of strange terms and phrases. In order to help beginners better understand one aspect of the home buying process, we have put together a helpful collection of some common loan types and lending terms that everyone should be familiar with when buying a home.

Parks Realty is here to help you understand what you are getting into when purchasing a home! Contact us today if you have any questions.

Understanding Loan Types

First Time Buyer

One great option for those looking to a purchase their first home is a first time buyer loan. These loans are offered by FHA-approved lenders and cater to the unique

5 Home Maintenance Tasks for November

Now that we’re well into November and the cold weather appears to be here for good, you will need to perform some basic home maintenance tasks to keep your home in tip-top shape. Parties and gatherings are very popular this time of year. Aside from making sure your home is safe and sound, these maintenance steps will get your home ready to host friends and family as well!

Clean Your Garbage Disposal

While this might not initially seem like a vital step, cleaning your garbage disposal should be near the top of any November maintenance checklist – just think of everything you put through your garbage disposal! It is incredibly easy to do and will make a noticeable difference around your kitchen!

The

How to Experience Fall In Middle Tennessee

As we settle in for another gorgeous fall in Middle Tennessee, you might be looking for ways to get outside and take advantage of the comfortable temperatures with friends and family. Middle Tennessee is not lacking in fall activities; there is truly something for everyone!

Attend a Sporting Event

Fall in the South means one thing: football! But it’s not the only options for those looking to take in a competitive and energetic affair this fall.

Image Credit: By Latics (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

If you are a football fanatic, you will have plenty of options to

The 7 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Tennessee

The autumn season is upon us, and now it the perfect time to go and see the beautiful fall foliage across the state. Tennessee is full of state parks and other places to see stunning autumn leaves. Find time this fall to take a tour of the gorgeous nature that our beautiful state has to offer!

Cade’s Cove

If you’ve ever been to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area, chances are that you’ve had the opportunity to visit Cade’s Cove. For those who haven’t had the chance to see this National Park during the fall, get in your car and take a day trip with your friends and family. With this 11-mile loop, you’ll see jaw-dropping autumn scenery every step of the way. The National Park Service recommends that

8 Home Maintenance Tasks You Need to Complete in October

As autumn finally arrives in Middle Tennessee, it’s time to start thinking about your home maintenance task list for the month of October. Each month you should be completing one or more of these tasks to ensure the stability and longevity of your Middle Tennessee home. Before November comes along, complete these home maintenance tasks ASAP!

Check Your Heating System

While Middle Tennessee doesn’t experience extremely frigid temperatures often during the fall, we still rely on our heating systems to help us stay cozy during the autumn season. However, if the first chilly night arrives and your heating system conveniently is broken, you and your family will be far from thrilled.

5 Family Friendly Middle Tennessee Halloween Events You Can’t Miss

Halloween is known for spooky haunts roaming the streets on the 31st, endless candy, and frightening haunted houses aimed at grown ups. Aside from trick or treating and cute DIY crafts, what is there for small children and those easily frightened to do during the autumn holiday? Middle Tennessee is full of exciting family friendly Halloween events that have just the right amount of “spook” for children of all ages!

Lucky Ladd Farms — Eagleville, Tennessee

Located in scenic Eagleville, Tennessee, Lucky Ladd Farms has everything you’re looking for in a Halloween attraction. First, stop at the pumpkin patch and select the perfect pumpkin for your Halloween carving activities.

Middle Tennessee’s Scariest Haunted Attractions You Must Visit This October

The month of goblins, zombies, vampires, and other frights is upon us! October is known for cooler temperatures, pumpkin patches, and of course, visits to the greater Middle Tennessee area’s best haunted houses and attractions.

Whether you prefer to shoot zombies or walk through terrifying scenarios, we’ve got your guide to the best haunted houses across the Middle Tennessee region.

Miller’s Thrillers — Columbia, TN

Calling all “Walking Dead” fans — this is the Halloween attraction for you!

Located in Columbia, Tennessee, Miller’s Thrillers features two haunting attractions along with spooky entertainment. First, be sure to try the Zombie Paintball

Start Your Career in Real Estate in 6 Steps

If you are just starting out or looking to transition into a fast-paced, rewarding career path, have you considered becoming a real estate agent? Real estate agents assist individuals and families find the perfect home and/or sell their current house. To become a real estate agent, one must follow a specific path in order to meet all of the required certifications and licensing.

Step 1: Understand the Requirements in Your State

Each state in the United States of America has different rules and regulations for becoming a licensed real estate agent. In order to get started on your new career, reach out to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission to learn more about the necessary steps for licensing.

Everything Homebuyers Need to Know and More About the TRID Changes

Did you know that on October 3rd, 2015, the closing process will significantly change for the first time in many years? The TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rules will go into effect on October 3rd, and drastically change the mortgage disclosure experience.

Here at PARKS, we want our homebuyers to be fully informed and aware of the changes taking place as these changes may affect your current home buying process.

Why The Change?

Some homeowners and home buying prospects might tell you that the mortgage disclosure and closing process is a bit complicated. The new changes, also known as the “Know Before You Own” rule, is being put into place to make the entire process

5 Tips for Making Your New Home Safe and Kid Friendly

Moving into a brand new home is a thrilling time for you and your family. Upon moving into your new home, all your children will want to do is run around, find their new room, and explore their new living space. However, one of the first thoughts on your mind will be, “How can I make this new home safe for my children?”

Follow these guidelines from PARKS to ensure that your new home is kid friendly and safe.

1) Lay Down the Law

There is a significant chance that your new home has a completely different floor plan and layout than your previous house. Naturally, your children will want to explore the new space. These adventures can potentially lead your children somewhere dangerous such as