Insights

With holidays looking a little different this year, we wanted to share a way to enjoy some Christmas cheer! Some Nashville businesses, as well as homeowners, are going all out to make some fun experiences for the whole family. We have compiled a list of some of our favorites. Enjoy!      

We had the honor of sitting down to chat with our client Clint Pilkinton to learn more about his company Bright Event Productions. The Clough Team was lucky enough to help the Pilkinton family with a home purchase and sale this year and with that the joy of getting to know what an incredible family they are. Clint being a lighting aficionado through Bright Event Productions ordained his home with some pretty awesome lights in the Game Room and their Master Bathroom! We cannot wait for you to meet Clint and learn more about Bright Event Productions.

We hope you and your family are staying safe and staying in. We want to continue to update you on information about the Real Estate market locally as well as the climate nationally. Here are some bite size “take-aways” for Real Estate amidst COVID-19. Many have fears of a recession coming but what does that mean for the Real Estate market? “While the number of home sales is likely to take a beating, at least in the short term, experts predict that the real estate market is much more stable than it was in the last go-around.” – from a recent Realtor.com article that you can read more on HERE. A Zillow Study regarding the behaviors of the housing market during previous pandemics gave sellers a somewhat reassuring conclusion: While the number of home sales dropped dramatically during previous outbreaks, home prices stayed roughly the same (or only dropped slightly). That makes sense; fewer transactions make it harder for prices to change. Essentially, the market goes on pause during outbreaks like these. If you are researching mortgage assistance options, here is some important information to consider:  Forbearance temporarily suspends or reduces the amount of a regular mortgage payment. Forbearance is […]

Mint Tulip Nashville features some of our favorite arrangements of fresh flowers in Nashville. We caught up with the owner Christin Porter to hear a little bit about the business and her tips of the trade. Tell me a little bit about Mint Tulip Nashville?  Mint Tulip is a floral business that I run out of my home. I offer anything from subscription floral services to event floral design here in the Middle Tennessee area. You had a successful career as a Nurse at Vanderbilt before starting the business. Where and how did Mint Tulip come about? Tell me about that transition. I was working the night shift at Vanderbilt and it was draining. I was missing time with my kids as they were growing up so quickly and it was time for a change. I decided to quit and I took a few months of just being a mom. But I quickly realized that I could not sit still. I needed something to do and wanted to do something I enjoyed.  I was wanting a creative outlet while I was still at home with my kids.  I have always loved flowers and it felt like a great way to […]

Wow! 2019 ended with a bang! After a somewhat slower start to the Fourth Quarter, we were thrilled with how the year finished out. Consumer confidence was high as people put their home moves or real estate investments into motion in December. Let’s break down the December numbers a little bit and see what to look forward to in 2020.     Williamson County finished December with an Average Sales Price of $610,048, 469 total closings and an average of 36 Days on Market. That Average Sales Price is up 2.0% from this time last year at $598,342. However, the total number of closings was up 11.4%, 469 closings in December 2019 from 421 in December of 2018. December finished with only 2.3 months of inventory in the market in Williamson County, making it a great landscape for listing a home coming into the new year.     Davidson County saw great numbers as well. The county finished up December 2019 with an Average Sales Price of $436,663, 881 closings in December and an Average Days on Market of 28 days. This was a huge jump in Average Sales Price up 13.6% over December 2018’s average of $384,487. Total closings […]

We thought for Christmas this year we would round up our Clough Team Top Picks for the Home. From the Tech-Lover to the Joyful Entertainer, we have found gifts they can use in the home for everyone! Our favorite part is that for most of these items you can shop local. One of our favorite things about living in Nashville is the creativity and entrepreneurship of our community. You can click on each photo to take you to the gift! Take a look and let us know what some of your favorite gift ideas are this year. THE JOYFUL ENTERTAINER We know they are working hard. This is their season to shine. Hosting parties that swoon people off their feet or at least over serve them with cocktails until they are off their feet. For this loved one, head right over to the Registry in Downtown Franklin or check out their website here.  We love their Juliska Glass serving pieces. This Amelia Bowl would be gorgeous for serving Christmas dinner! THE MUSIC LOVER For the Music Guru in your family, we are all about the Sonos System.  Their wireless whole house surround sound speaker system is a great gift that […]

  Maybe it’s just me, but every time I fly I spend much of the flight fantasizing about more legroom. So it won’t surprise you to learn, I was pretty excited to hear the latest and greatest with private aviation from my friend and client, Elliott. Besides wanting to hear about the leg room on their private jets, we sat down to catch up on the exciting things happening at their company, Jet Linx. You can read below all that Elliott had to share about their new hanger at BNA as well as some insider info about the industry. – Wil What is Jet Linx and how did you end up in the private aviation business?  Jet Linx is a personalized approach to private jet travel through local, city specific, operations. We don’t intend to take care of everyone everywhere, but if you routinely fly out of a city where we have a Base, we offer unparalleled value and personal service. Our membership has become quite the roster of ultra-achievers, celebrities, business leaders and jet setters with schedules that demand flexibility and guaranteed service. I always wanted to do something entrepreneurial. In 2015, my dad Trey Sutter asked if I […]

Summer Deepe of Summer’s Sweet Shoppe is a busy, busy woman – but always makes plenty of time to be with family. As an entrepreneur, wife to Matt, and mom of 3 adorable kids, Ryan (10), Colton (8) and Sydney (4.5), her days fill up quickly. Most weekdays consist of gym time then cookie making while the kids are at school, followed by dinner as a family. After the kids are tucked in bed, she continues work – decorating or dedicating time to reply to emails. When did you begin Summer’s Sweet Shoppe? Tell us a little about your journey.  I started my cookie journey 10 years ago! When I started, I wanted to make cute and decent cookies for my kids. I never thought this fun hobby would turn into a business! When did you add teaching classes and offering your new academy/kits? I started teaching classes out of my house about 2 years ago and this year I launched my first online cookie decorating academy! My course allows students to watch step-by-step videos and learn how they, too, can make beautiful sugar cookies! I’m excited to be launching my monthly membership later this fall! This is for those who […]

We recently sat down with some clients and friends, Natalie Copeland, FNP-C, and Beth Higney, NP-C. They are both board-certified nurse practitioners and co-owners of Complexion. This luxurious boutique medical spa is located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, where clients can undergo the latest in non- and minimally invasive aesthetic solutions to enhance their natural beauty. You went out and started your own practice. We are so proud of you. Tell us about Complexion! Complexion is the perfect balance of a medical dermatology practice and a medspa. My partner, Natalie, and I are nurse practitioners with backgrounds in both cosmetics and dermatology. We take a comprehensive approach to skin – addressing everything from anti-aging treatments, like lasers and botox, to hormonal acne and rosacea. We can even provide our clients with prescriptions when needed. Have you always dreamed of owning your own company? Honestly, I feel like I should say yes. Truth is no. When I realized I had hit all my career goals in my twenties, I realized I had not dreamed big enough. I have always loved my job, but something was missing. I spent eight years working in a dermatology private practice and had patients […]

Cinco de Mayo, who doesn’t love a holiday that is all about tacos and margaritas? Our team does! To celebrate, we decided to try a newer to Nashville restaurant called Nada on Friday. It was the perfect kick off to the weekend. The food was incredible, the margaritas even better and the joy around the table probably the best! Not pictured below, Wil (because he didn’t want to be the only boy) and Gracie (because she is the mastermind behind the camera). We cheered with margaritas and champagne to celebrate a fabulous first quarter of the year, the addition of Debbie to the team and just the fact that we feel blessed to have as much fun as we do. As I sat around the table, I realized just how cool my job is. I get to help so many people with the one of the biggest changes in their life and I also get to be a part of the amazing journey for our team members as they do the same. I am starting to think that they inspire me more than I do them.  It brings me so much joy to see our team thriving, our clients smiling […]

Debbie Williams is the latest addition to The Clough Team serving as a REALTOR® working with buyers and sellers. Not only is Debbie an industry veteran, but she is also a long time friend of The Clough Team. We recently sat down with Debbie to talk more about her and her experience as a REALTOR®. This isn’t your first rodeo in the Real Estate Business! Tell us a little bit about your history in Real Estate?  I got my Real Estate License in the late 70’s and worked for Century 21. In 1987 I started my career in new construction with Phillips Builders which later became Beazer Homes.  I specialized in new home sales as well as resales in Williamson County communities as an On-Site Realtor in Sheffield on the Harpeth, Horseshoe Bend, Inglehame Farms and River Landing. What sparked your interest to become a REALTOR® when you did? I was looking for a new home as a new resident in Nashville and fell in love with the entire process of finding the right home so it became my life. What did you love about the New Construction world that you are excited to bring forward and use to serve […]

Tell us about MILES Auto Spa: The idea for MILES was a culmination of several things – I was coming upon the conclusion of a long career in the wireless telecom industry.  I’d always wanted to create my own business, and with the realization that I could spend time while traveling on airplanes putting the ideas down on paper, I began to piecemeal the concept of MILES Auto Spa into a business plan.  My focus groups were informal – I spoke for a couple of years to anyone who’d listen about the idea.   And received positive feedback.  Bottom line, I’m a car geek who wanted to be in an automobile related business, and made the observation there was a big opportunity for a different kind of carwash, and Cool Springs in 2006 was ripe for that opportunity. How did the business get started? Once it was determined that this was what I was going to pursue, I lined up the financing, the partnership structure, formed the LLC and purchased 1.5 acres on Bakers Bridge Road.  (Timing is everything.)   We began construction in mid-2006, completed it in February of 2007 and opened the last week of the month.  This past year, we […]

We recently sat down with Brock Fuller of Home Sweet Home Company (HSH). We are so thankful to not only have Brock and his wife Laura as friends and clients of ours, but to also have HSH create one of a kind closing gifts for our clients who are making a home purchase.   Tell us about Home Sweet Home Company? HSH started out of a class project at Belmont. I was enrolled in Belmont’s entrepreneurship program in their business department.  Upon graduation, I officially launched the business in 2014. Essentially, what we do is  find the exact longitude and latitude coordinates of your home and create one of a kind design featuring the coordinates. Those designs are created into framed prints, pillows and a few other items.  Currently we have prints for 47 states.   What was your inspiration to start the business? I interned for a company called Volunteer Traditions in 2011. You may have seen their stuff around town as they create Clothing, Hats, Decals, etc with Tennessee themes. I designed a t-shirt for them and they mentored me to take that one design and deploy it across other mediums. I took that idea and used it across […]

New Year? New Goals? New Home? Is your goal for 2019 to become a homeowner? As we closed out 2018, our team spent some time looking back on the families we were able to help become homeowners. It was our greatest gift to see them begin their journey in, not only making memories, but also in starting their wealthy journey. One of our goals for 2019 is to continue to be a trusted resource for our clients as they leverage our expert knowledge to grow their wealth through Real Estate. We strongly believe in homeownership over renting. I’m sure you have heard it before: “Homeowners are more wealthy than renters.” The question is, have you seen the data to back it up? Kyle went to the National Association of REALTORS® conference in Boston this past November. Below are some slides that NAR® released during that conference on Wealth Building. The data shows us that homeowners naturally build more wealth versus renters. Homeownership continues to be a strong long-term investment tool for building wealth while also creating your ideal home life. Your home becomes a place for monthly investing while also seeing natural market growth. Homeowners gained over $50,000 in equity […]

Fun Fact: Did you know an Elf on the Shelf is flammable? The NFPA warns that heating, winter storms, candles, trees and holiday décor (including the pesky Elf on the Shelf) all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months. In two of every five fires, decorations were too close to a heat source. Oops. My family hasn’t even been in our new home for 2 years, and *we nearly burned it down. I mean *Buddy, our Elf on the Shelf, did. He set himself up on our dining room chandelier, on top of a light bulb. What we didn’t know was, when the switch was flipped on, Buddy’s leg was melting. My son and I walked past the dining room as we headed to the bus stop, and I smelled a campfire. Luckily, I had an idea of what it was and had him wait in the garage for me because, “I forgot something.” I didn’t want him to be scarred for life that A.) Buddy just might be on fire and B.) I touched our elf, making his magic disappear. Crisis averted, lesson learned, but ho-ho-holy cow. That was a close one. Now, we have […]

  Tell us about Kore Design Group and what you do for your clients? Kore Design Group is a local small business. We work together with our clients to personalize their brand. We design Websites, Logos, Brochures, Flyers, Business Cards, Social Media Posts/Management, and any other visual aspects that their business may need. While our team is small, we are able to provide a personalized service you do not always get from marketing and creative firms. Oris how and when did you develop a passion for web design and coding? You seem to have such a knack for creative work. I’ve always loved technology. When I was about 12 years old my dad bought our family a computer. At the time, computers were ridiculously expensive, I decided to take it apart to see if I could put it back together. Thankfully, for my sake, I did. My senior year of high school,  I took the school’s first ever web design class. We used Microsoft word to build newsletter sites. I enjoyed it a lot and was hooked!  As I started my career in IT, I learned a lot by doing research and trial/error.   I’ve always had a passion for design and anything […]

Kaitlyn Kambestad is thrilled to join The Clough Team at Keller Williams! She couples her passion for offering excellent service with her love for the industry to provide an unparalleled and enjoyable experience. A people-person, she looks forward to assisting those with real estate needs.    Why was real estate the perfect fit for you? I have always felt the urge to do something creative and that involves working with people. I think my professional background combines a lot of what it takes to excel in this business, and I am so excited to see what lies ahead. How did you settle on joining The Clough Team? I truly feel that The Clough Team is made up of the best people, both in the real estate industry and life in general. My husband Eric and I worked with Kyle to purchase and build our family’s home in Ladd Park, and the experience was so different than any other I’ve had previously. The difference: She cared about us. I felt educated, advocated for, understood and excited throughout the entire process. I am genuinely honored to be a part of the best team in Tennessee. Obviously we know you’re just getting started in the business, but what […]

This month we sat down with our sweet friends who run our favorite local market. Matt and Ashlea Hogancamp saw a need for an organic, locally sourced grocery store where consumers can trust that everything on the shelves has been vetted and approved. They couldn’t find it as consumers so they opened it. We love their story and we know you will too! Can you tell us more about Herban Market, your family and your story? We both were working corporate jobs in Houston, Texas and felt like it was time to get out of the grind. We wanted to get closer to home and sold everything. We had family here and market research showed us that the area would support an organic market. How did you settle on moving to Nashville and opening Herban Market? Honestly, we were just aggravated with our food options. We were Whole Foods shoppers. I would run through the grocery store, throwing stuff in my basket, and I would pay whatever I needed to pay just knowing that it was clean. Then, I would get home, research the foods, and realized it wasn’t any better than Walmart’s Great Value Brand. That was pretty angering to us. […]

Today’s market continues to boom! Take a look at our Market Update Chart  

We recently sat down with Michael Walker from Eat Nashville. He’s a past client and has been making us drool for the past couple years with his photos from restaurants around Nashville.                     We met him for dinner at a new restaurant in East Nashville called Lyra to hear his story.   Why did you create Eat Nashville and how did it get started? So it started when I was a bit younger, single and didn’t want to cook at home. I really had a desire to engage and create community through meals. So, I found myself eating out a lot with friends. I was also having friends come to town all of the time asking where they should go to dinner or what new restaurants should they check out, etc. I was like man, I really wish there was somewhere or something I could point them to that they could check out photos and see what they liked. I finally decided that I would start something like this and see how it goes. I realized how often I was going to the same 8-10 restaurants so it really helped to spur […]

Kayce Hughes has been a client and dear friend of The Clough Team for many years. We are excited to share her story and shine a light on what a wonderful artist she is, but more importantly what a wonderful woman she is. Tell us a little bit about you? I grew up in Miami then moved to  New York. I have been in Tennessee for most of my adult life at about 24 years now. My career path started with working for Ralph Lauren in women’s clothing. I then became a mom and stayed home, leading me to start a children’s company that grew into a women’s clothing company named Kayce Hughes. I sold that business a couple of years ago and returned to my first love, painting.  I was a studio art major in college and it was something I always dabbled in after school, but only in the last couple of years it has become my full-time job.   You have been involved with several creative businesses over the years, so why art, now? You have a unique story about the launch of your art business, tell us a little about that. Art was my passion in college. […]

Summer Happenings! It’s hard to believe that summer is almost here. Kids are getting out of school, the temperature’s rising, and it’s time to get more creative with what to do in your free time. Luckily, Nashville always seems to have a bustling social calendar. From live music, to movies in the park, and tons of good food + drinks popping up, there’s always something to discover. Our summer staples: The Full Moon Pickin’ Party This has been a Nashville classic for 18 years. Sit around and watch talented musicians pick on their guitars while sipping on some cold brews…. or if you’re a musician, you can bring your own instrument and join in! (and get a discount on admission).   WHERE Warner Park Equestrian Center at 2500 Old Hickory Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37221 WHEN 7-11 p.m., Fridays closest to the full moon. May 25, 2018 June 29, 2018 July 27, 2018 August 24, 2018 September 28, 2018 October 26, 2018 Movies in the Park There’s nothing better than setting up some lawn chairs, eating food trucks, and watching a movie under the stars. Every Thursday in June, Elmington Park will be hosting Movies in the Park. Here’s this year’s […]

We recently visited with Baird Graham of The Baird Graham Company to hear more about his home building business. We view Baird as one of the premier home builders in the Nashville area and we have the distinct pleasure of representing him on some of his new construction homes.  Tell us about how you got into the construction business? After college, I came back home to Nashville and started working for KC Remodeling. As the name suggests, we did home renovations and were very involved in the process. That’s when I began to learn about construction and all of the skilled trades. I learned how much I loved the business and how it really came easy to me. Charles Penning (owner at KC Remodeling) and I still talk frequently and I consider him a mentor to this day. After working with him for a couple years, I went out on my own, and now, I am in my 13th year of owning my own company. We focus only on new construction homes. In what ways has home building changed since you first started? It really hasn’t changed leaps and bounds. I would say that technology has really improved the materials […]

Tell me a little bit about Walton’s Antique Jewelry. My grandmother started the store 44 years ago this year. She got started by selling jewelry on the hood of her car at flea markets. She would take my dad and uncle and they would play with chickens. She started at Carter’s Court, where the Bunganut Pig is today. That was before Main street became so popular. In 1973, she bought the building on Main street and moved Waltons down there. My dad started with her when he was 28 about the same time I did, and he has been in the business ever since.  You grew up around the business. At what point did you decide this was the career for you and what pushed you to it? My dad made me a job offer better than what I had (laughs). I was doing wedding and event planning out in Colorado. I thought that was my passion but the hours were long and hard. My dad told me to come to Nashville and try out the family business for a few weeks. I came in and loved it. After the first few weeks, I signed up for my first gemology class and the rest […]

When did you become a DIY Renovation fanatic? (She Laughs) I think I have always been into it. I have been watching This Old House and HGTV Renovation shows long before it was popular. So pretty much forever. Tell us a little bit about this project and the transformation? We recently purchased a 1920s cottage in the Nations with The Clough Team. It had been stripped of most of its historical character. My husband graciously gave me free reign to do whatever I wanted so I started in December and finished at the beginning of February. I installed ship lap in the Master Bedroom, Board and Batten in the two secondary bedrooms and in the Living Room I did an “Off Kilter Stud Wall”. I did this style of slanted wall in the Living Room because it actually masks the slanted floors of the old house. It tricks your eye into thinking everything is level. It’s an old house and that is the charm. Where do you get your inspiration from? Mostly Pinterest but the wall in the Living Room was inspiration from Fat Bottom, a local brewery in our neighborhood. Branch and I went to Fat Bottom one day […]

  I had the absolute pleasure of getting to sit down with Sarah Moore for a cup of coffee, an AWESOME bagel, at Proper Bagel, and a little Q&A. This girl is going to blow you away. Her creativity is inspiring, and her designs are killer. I can say this from personal experience since she designed the coolest draperies for my home. I hope you enjoy getting to know Sarah a little more as you read through our Q&A time. How did you get started in Interior design? – I am a rare bird who started with my major freshman year in college and stuck with it. Picked it in High school and never looked back. After college took a job with a commercial design firm and quickly realized residential interior design was for me. 12 years later, I am still doing what I love. What was the most exciting thing about starting your own interior design business?– I love getting to know my clients and the excitement of them seeing their homes transform. It’s an exciting day when the draperies come in or when we build a nursery for them to start their families. And my ability to use […]

Laura Prechel is dedicated to helping Maury County’s stray dogs find a home of their own. She first moved to Columbia to purchase a home large enough to foster dogs, but her ambitions to care for homeless animals soon outgrew her house. While hosting dogs, Prechel began volunteering every Saturday at the Maury County Animal Shelter. Hesitant of the shelter’s kill policy, when she learned of the efforts by Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue to relocate the dogs bound for euthanasia, Prechel continued to volunteer at the local organization. “Here, most days, the dogs don’t get out,” Prechel said. “On a Saturday, they will do a little better, but during the week, they don’t get out of their kennels.” But with an influx of animals in the Fall 2016, Proverbs could not continue that effort at the county shelter. At one point, an urgent alert was sent out by the Maury County Animal Shelter every 10 days. “We could barely get them all out, and then the next day another list would be released,” Prechel said. She then started contacting other local rescues in Tennessee, but they were all full. “Some of the dogs are six months or nine months old, and […]

Regardless of how you slice it, 2017 was a wild year in the real estate business. So strong in fact, that we eclipsed real estate sales from 2007. While many may expect 2018 to begin to return us to a more balanced market, few local or national indicators reflect that. Here are a few factors we anticipate will keep our Nashville market on the rise: Changes to our federal tax laws stand to put a damper on many markets due to the new $10,000 limit on state income tax and property tax deductions. States like Florida, Texas and Tennessee show to be winners as the lack of state income taxes leave the $10,000 deduction solely reserved for property taxes. The Mortgage Bankers Association is predicting an increase of 7.3% in mortgage loan originations across the country. Interest rates, arguably the biggest key to housing remaining affordable in our fine city, are expected to slowly increase throughout the year, but still remain historically low. According to Forbes, Nashville ranks as having the most high-wage job growth since 2011 as compared to the 70 largest labor markets in the country. No doubt, our biggest challenge to maintaining the growth is the lack […]

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, Everyone! Looking to enjoy a wonderful weekend in Nashville to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day? Then take a look below at some fun events our city has taking place over the weekend! Click on the bolded text to be linked to each event’s website. Have a fun and safe weekend!   Music City Irish Festival  This is the 14th Annual Festival and it will be held at McNamara’s Irish Pub and feature Irish Food and Music all day! There will also be a performance by The Nashville Irish Step Dancers. When: Friday – All Day Where: McNamara’s Irish Pub Lucky Stash Bash Expect DJ’s and live performances throughout the day. And don’t worry you won’t miss any of the games because Tin Roof will have a 20ft projection screen that will be displaying basketball games all day. Most importantly there will be a mustache competition that features over $300 worth of prizes for the top 3!  There will also be drink specials, a photo booth, and food trucks. When: Friday-All Day Where: Tin Roof DEMONBREUN Music City Exchange  This is hosted by Swing Dance Nashville and is great for the entire family. There will be lots of dancing and music. […]

If you’re not getting as good as a good nights sleep as possible, it may have something to do with the design of your bedroom. Try some of tips below to help ensure that your bedroom is a comfortable and as conducive to sleep as possible! Cut Clutter It is hard to wind down and focus on relaxing when you are in a messy room. Having clutter on a bedside table, or a pile of laundry that needs to be folded are both reminders of tasks we have yet to complete on our never ending “to do” list. This will most likely leave a person feeling restless or anxious about what they haven’t done yet and makes it even harder to fall asleep. Try organizing the mess and replacing it with a beautiful vase of flowers or some decorative candle handlers like in the picture below. Also, be sure to notice that in the same room there is a very minimal amount of items on the bedside table and all other potential distractions are put away. This bedroom is a great example of being comfortable, relaxing, and inspiring a good nights rest. Color Choice Choosing the right color for your […]

  We are super excited to announce that it’s time for our annual Valentine’s “Date Night” give away! The Winner Will Receive: -$100 Gift Card and Valentine’s Night Reservation’s for two at Flemings in Downtown Nashville 2 Bucca Reflexology Gift Cards $50 toward Flowers at Import Flowers     Do you want all of this to be YOURS? To enter, please complete the following: Like this photo Follow @cloughteam on Instagram and Facebook *** For an additional Entry *** Share our post on Instagram and and Tag Us in it! Hurry and Enter while you can! This contest begins February 6th and the winner will be announced Monday, February 13th!

Unless you’re lucky enough to be attending the game in Houston, most of us will be watching the game from home surrounded by friends and family. If you plan on hosting an epic Super Bowl Party then take a look at some of the tips below to make your party unforgettable. Seasoned party planners know it’s not just the food that makes a great party. Decorating is a great way to show your creativity and to be festive. One idea to show your football spirit is to make AstroTurf coasters. Cut the AstroTurf into whatever desired shape and place around on tables. This is such a great way to decorate while also protecting your surfaces! You can also use the AstroTurf as a table runner and use white paint to draw the yard lines of the football field. Another fun football decoration is to use yellow cocktail napkins. Put the yellow napkins in a bucket and label them as “penalty flags”. Also, try to incorporate the teams as much as possible. One great way is to serve dishes that are well known to each area. For example, you could serve southern soul dishes to represent Atlanta and anything with blueberries […]

Although most people feel that the kitchen and bathrooms are the most important spaces to renovate in a home, there are many other impactful improvements. Below are just a few of our favorites which we feel will make a dramatic transformation of your home.   Crown molding is a great way to make any room feel completed and even more grand. It draws the eyes to the highest point of the wall making the ceiling height feel much bigger. You can see in this room how the crown molding elongates the wall, making it appear taller. Without crown molding it likely wouldn’t feel or look as open and large. Giving your front door a facelift is another inexpensive way to change the appearance of your home and give it a new look. A new entry door can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. That said, fresh paint and a new lock set can take your existing door from weathered and drab to fresh and new. You can see in the pictures below that simply changing the color of the door makes a huge difference in curb appeal and first impressions to buyers. Before: After: Exchanging dated light […]

The ongoing discussion regarding STRP (Short Term Rental Properties) hit a head this past week as Metro Council is considering a moratorium or an outright ban on non-owner occupant STRP’s. From Joey Garrison at the Tennessean: “The proposal would be Nashville’s most aggressive action taken to limit Airbnb, which has drawn strong criticism from neighborhood activists who complain short-term renting has turned residential homes into loud disruptive party hotels occupied by travelers.” The topic is such a challenge for both new and old Nashvillians alike: how do we fuel the growth and tourism of our great city with STRPs all the while not weakening the fabric of our neighborhoods? The public hearing was held to also bring light the vagueness around the current STRP laws. Last December Circuit Judge Kelvin Jones ruled that the legislature regarding STRP’s was too vague and too confusing for citizens to understand therefore deeming the law unenforceable and needed to be amended. This amendment allowed metro to revert to its original ways, giving them the power to enforce the short term rental law. Although Judge Jones modified his original ruling he still feels that new and more clearly stated laws need to be written and enforced. […]

  Flashback Friday has us dreaming of this gorgeous farm that any equestrian would absolutely love! Curious about how the 2016 market ended, and what is predicted for the next year? Then click the link below for more information!   Market Update

  Looking to refresh your homes décor for the new year? Below are a few of the trends that Vogue Living expects to see a great deal of in 2017. Green is going to be a big color this year. From lime green to hunter green, expect to see it everywhere. Martyn Lawerence-Bullard , a celebrity designer, predicts we will see it implemented in bolder ways like wall colors, area rugs and on a smaller scale like green glasses in your serve wear. Marble and brass was a big hit in 2016 and is projected to continue into 2017. The contrast provides a great combination of a clean looks with industrial materials. Keep your eye out for this design element particularly in Kitchens and Bathrooms. (Photo Courtesy of @hawksnestbnb) We anticipate texture will also be a hot trend for the new year. To add texture to a room simply mix fabrics, materials and colors together. An easy way to give the trend a try is by draping a throw over a leather chair. In this photo, our client mixed colors and textures to create lots of depth in their gorgeous living room.   What would trends be if we didn’t […]

Although we had a record breaking and an abnormally warm Christmas, local meteorologists are now predicting we could receive snow later this week. When it comes to the cold weather there are a few inexpensive things you can do to prepare your home and family from the cold aside from running to the grocery store to clean the shelves of bread and milk. Realtor.com provides a list of simple tasks to make the process of winterizing your home easier. For example, it is very important to caulk windows and apply weather stripping to doors to keep the heat in and the cold out! By completing these easy projects you’re more likely to save up to hundreds of dollars on your heating bill. Another important part of getting your home ready for the weather is to winterize your pipes. To winterize your pipes it only takes a bit of insulation. It’s extremely important to insulate pipes that are exposed to the elements. Also don’t forget those pipes that aren’t inside but aren’t in heated parts of the home i.e. the crawlspace. Lastly, it’s never a bad idea to trim tree branches that are overgrown and could pose a threat to your […]

The Clough Team is extremely proud to share that one of our own, Kyle Shults, has recently been appointed as the Secretary/Treasurer at The Williamson County Association of Realtors (WCAR) and will serve for a term of one year. She has also received her ABR and become a member of Luxury Home Marketing Institute. Kyle has been involved with WCAR in various capacities including serving as YPN Committee Chair for two years, a member of the Board of Directors and is a Sterling R investor in Realtor Political Action Committee. We can’t wait to see Kyle excel as the newest Secretary/Treasurer at WCAR! For more information check the link below to see the article first hand! http://www.wcartn.org/news-releases/wcar-installs-new-leaders-recognizes-top-industry-achievers

With Thanksgiving knocking at the door and everyone scattering to spend time with family and loved ones over a delicious meal, this holiday is also a great reminder that we have so much to be thankful for in our lives. Real Simple came up with 110 Things to Be Thankful For This Year. They are not only making us thankful but giving us a little laugh. We at the Clough Team we are so thankful for all of our past and present clients who have given us the opportunity to help them in their real estate endeavors.Wishing you all a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving filled with laughter, love, and a lot of Turkey! Dishwashers. Gilmore Girls streams on Netflix (and the much anticipated revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is on the way!). Your parents—because no matter how old you are, they can still solve any problem. Fireplaces. The local farmer’s market. The time you get to spend re-reading your favorite books, even if you mask it as “bedtime stories.” Roasted pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie, and all of the fall flavors. Sweater weather. Sunday afternoons, with coffee and a good book. Big piles of leaves that you’re never […]

Into the third quarter of the year, the Middle Tennessee Housing Market is doing well, and constantly improving! Let’s look at some of the numbers for the year so far. In Davidson County, closings on single family homes are up 5.3%, the average sales price is up 12.9% to $331,000. The median price is up 17.8% to $265,000. Williamson County single family home closings had a moment increase and are up 2.6%, the average sales price is up 4.8% to $498,000 and the median price is up 5.1% to $430,000.   In an Existing Homes vs New Homes Analysis, the data shows that in Davidson County, 79.8% of sales have been existing homes, and the other 20.2% were new homes. In Williamson County, 66.5% of homes sold were existing, while the other 33.5% were new home sales. With the amount of infill construction in Davidson County, we were a bit surprised to see that such a large percentage of sales are coming from re-sale homes. As you can also see by this graph, the average annual sales price in our markets have fluctuated, but as of the last few years, they have been on the rise, and continue to do […]

We’d first like to start by saying THANK YOU to all our wonderful clients. We’ve developed some of the best relationships, had great business and made some fantastic memories because of you all. We can never tell you how much we truly appreciate you and your business. Receiving your kind words and referrals mean so much, and we are extremely grateful. On Thursday, June 16th, we were able to host a client appreciation cocktail hour for all of our wonderful clients at the “O” Gallery in the historic Marathon Music Works. Throughout the night, we got to see many of you all, look at some great artwork, share a drink and reflect on some of the great business you all have brought! This token of gratitude is very small in comparison to what you all continue to do for us, but we hope that you know how grateful we are to call you clients and friends. We took a few photos during the event, and wanted to share them all with you. Again, thank you to all who came out to the event, and thank you to all of our great clients. We are so thankful for you! THANK YOU […]

No one would get bored with this back yard, but if you do get bored, check out some of these events going on in Nashville this month! Duran Duran: The Paper Gods Tour with Chic featuring Nile Rogers Ascend Amphitheater July 6 Chris D’Elia Zanies Comedy Night Club July 7-9 LeAnn Rimes with the Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center July 8 Red, White and Zoo Nashville Zoo at Grassmere July 8 Rock and Blues Jam Harp and Fiddle Nashville July 8 4th Annual Red, White and Brew Sevier Park July 9 Guns N’ Roses: Not In This Lifetime with Chris Stapleton Nissan Stadium July 9 Roots of a Rebellion Backup Planet w/Omega Swan Exit / In July 9 American Sound and Beauty: Guitars from the Bachman-Gretsch Collection Country Music Hall of Fame Thru July 10 Steve Tobin: Southern Roots Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art Thru September 4 SummerFest Gaylord Opryland Thru September 5 Bellissima! The Italian Automotive Renaissance, 1945-1975 Frist Center for the Visual Arts Thru October 9 Macchine Italiane: A Tour of Italy’s Motoring Spirit Lane Motor Museum Thru May 22, 2017

One of our favorite holidays is right around the corner, the 4th of July! But this is not always the favorite for everyone in the house. Dog owners know, that the loud noises of the fireworks can be harmful and scary to their furry friends. This time around though, we want to give you some tips and tricks on how to keep your dogs happy and comfortable during the big fireworks show. According to a blog post by the New York Times (nytimes.com), 40 percent of dogs experience noise anxiety, especially during the summer months. Things like thunderstorms and fireworks seem to do the most damage. This condition makes dogs do whatever they can to escape the noise. So what can you do as a pet owner to help settle those furry friends’ nerves? The Humane Society (humanesociety.org) gives us three great tips and tricks on how to make these noises much less scary. Tip 1 – Create a Safe Place Create a place where your dog can go when they get scared. A place where they feel comfortable and safe, all from their perspective. Keep an eye on where they go whenever they get scared or frightened. Whether it […]

Midtown One of the best places to spend an evening, Midtown Nashville has a lot to offer. From one of the many hotels, restaurants or bars, this is the place to be for a fun night! Offering both casual and fine dining, Midtown Nashville is one of the best spots to find Nashville’s best food. Midtown Cafe, a casual fine dining local favorite offers great steaks, seafood, locally grown produce, numerous wines both by the glass and by the bottle, and some of the greatest cocktails Nashville has to offer. Another fabulous option would be South Street Original Crab Shack & Authentic Dive Bar, or better known just as “South Side”. This incredible Cajun restaurant offers delicious and spicy options, in large portions. Equipped with a convertible dining room as well as an open upstairs called the “Treehouse”, this place is a perfect destination after a long day at work. A Nashville staple, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is a place only for those who have a taste for spicy food. Offering some of Nashville’s best southern food, Hattie B’s has delicious side items, along with beer that pairs perfectly with the spice. If you wear a Hattie B’s ball cap […]

You’ve probably seen photos of Nashville’s full scale replica of the Parthenon. Add some delicious restaurants, a wide array of festivals, incredible venues and one of Nashville’s best parks and you have West End. West End has a lot to offer in the food category. Start with Mason’s, a delicious southern inspired restaurant located in the Vanderbilt Hotel with an interesting twist. Mason’s offers a wide variety of southern foods while exploring the Appalachian foodways and always using the freshest ingredients. If you’re in the mood for Italian, try Maggiano’s.  Their menu features classic pastas and flatbreads as well as chicken, seafood, steak and veal options and their desserts are delightful. Arguably Nashville’s original burger joint, Roiter’s Restaurant has been a favorite since 1945, which offers delicious burgers and other delicious southern cuisine. Looking for a fun filled place to take the kids for dinner or to go watch the big game with friends? Jed’s Sports Bar & Grille is the place to go. Offering what is likely the most TV’s of any Nashville Restaurant, Jed’s always has something for everyone. There is a foosball table and darts, as well as corn hole out in the front yard when the […]

  Here are some great events we think you and your family will love this month! Harry Connick Jr. Ryman Auditorium, June 12-13 Underland Adult Tea Party Belle Meade Plantation, June 13th Nashville International Puppet Festival Nashville Public Library, June 17-19 Macchine Italiane: A Tour of Italy’s Motoring Spirit Lane Motor Museum, through May 2017 Bellissima! The Italian Automotive Renaissance, 1945-1975 Frist Center for the Visual Arts, through October 9th Sundays LIVE Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage: Home of the People’s President, Each Sunday through the end of July OZ Arts Fest OZ Arts Nashville, June 21-25 The DeMarco Murray Foundation Youth Football Camp D1 Sports Training, June 17-18 Triple A Nashville Sounds Baseball First Tennessee Park, all summer through September

We love country music and we love Nashville. This weekend is one of the biggest for both. Starting today through Sunday night, CMA Fest will take place all over downtown Nashville. We thought we would pass along some recommendations on who to watch for, and when and where to see them! With 14 stages, and dozens of award winning artists, this is a weekend in Nashville you don’t want to miss! For the full schedule visit www.cmaworld.com Wednesday 11-11:40a Chris Young kicks off the weekend 11:50a-12:35p Old Dominion 3:15-3:45p Steve Moakler 6:15-7p Frankie Ballard Thursday Chevrolet Riverfront Stage 10-11a Jake Owen 12-12:30p Brothers Osborne 2:15-2:45p Chris Janson 3:45-4:15 Scotty McCreery Nissan Stadium 7:55-8:15p Charlie Daniels Band 9-9:30p Dierks Bentley 10:15-10:45p Rascal Flatts 11-11:30p Jason Aldean Friday Chevrolet Riverfront Stage 10-10:30a Brandy Clark 12:15-12:45p Kane Brown 1:45-2:15p Chase Bryant Nissan Stadium 8:30-9p Chris Stapleton 9-9:30p Sam Hunt 9:45-10:15p Eric Church 10:15-10:45p Hank Williams Jr. 11-11:30p Carrie Underwood Saturday Chevrolet Riverfront Stage 10:45-11:15a Love and Theft 11:30a-12p Rodney Atkins 1:45-2:15 Jana Kramer 3:15-3:45 Michael Ray Nissan Stadium 8:30-9p Chris Young 9:45-10:15p Florida Georgia Line 10:15-10:45p Steven Tyler 11-11:30p Blake Shelton Sunday Chevrolet Riverfront Stage 10:45-11:15a Kellie Pickler 12:15-12:45p Jon Pardi 1:45-2:15p Cam […]

Downtown Nashville is one of the main reasons why Nashville is called the “Music City”. Many world class entertainment venues call this neighborhood home, and have made downtown what it is today. On any given day, at any time, you can hear live music in this neighborhood. Broadway is full of bars that constantly have live music, cold drinks and always a good time, better known as a “Honky Tonk”. Places like Tootsie’s, Full Moon Saloon, Layla’s Bluegrass Inn and Legends Corner are all apart of what is called “Honky Tonk Highway”. For those who are of legal drinking age, these bars are some of the hottest places to kick back and relax after a long day of work. You never know who you may hear performing either! Country music superstars such as Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney and even Garth Brooks got their starts in these very bars. Another music destination that calls Downtown home is the legendary Ryman Auditorium. Often called the “Mother Church of Country Music”, this beautiful former church and a home to the Grand Ole Opry, has hosted thousands of shows from Chris Stapleton, to John Legend all the way to James Brown. Artists are always […]

This area of Nashville is one that is known by many visitors. From housing the largest outlet and retail value shopping destination in Tennessee, to the world famous Grand Ole Opry house, the Opryland / Music Valley neighborhood is full of fun and entertainment. Or enjoy a show on the General Jackson Showboat! With performances showcasing up and coming Country Music stars, along with a delicious meal, this is a perfect date location. Stay the night in the gorgeous Gaylord Opryland Resort and take a stroll around the interior, take a ride on the indoor river, look around in the multiple shops and dine in one of the 18 delicious restaurants. Among other things to do in the area, discover Music Valley with places such as The Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theatre, The Nashville Palace and Willie Nelson & Friends Museum & General Store. Bring the whole family and enjoy with round of mini golf or even a go cart race at Grey Ole Golf & Karts! With loads of things to do in this neighborhood, for both families,couples and singles, Opryland / Music Village has helped bring a great reputation to Nashville.

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s a great idea to step back and take an honest look at your curb appeal.  What would buyers see if they drove up to your home?  First impressions are lasting impressions.  If buyers see paint peeling, a crack in a window or an unkempt yard, they are likely to speculate that there are other, more substantial things wrong with the home.  That first impression can make all the difference in the amount of money a buyer is willing to offer, or if they’re even willing to make an offer! Here are some suggestions to enhance the curb appeal of your home: Mow the lawn, clean up the yard, and prune the shrubs Scrub or paint the front porch and door Check porch/deck and hand railings to ensure they are secure Wash the windows to make them sparkle Pick up and put away toys and bikes Check that outdoor furniture is in good repair, or store it away Add charm with pots of flowers Repair and paint/stain the fence, if necessary Repair the roof, gutters and downspouts as necessary You might even consider paying a home inspector to do a pre-listing inspection […]

The average homeowner spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs.  As summer nears, hear are some simple energy saving tips to lower your utility bills. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees when you are away Do your laundry efficiently by using the cold or warm water setting.  Always use cold water to rinse clothes. Replace your air conditioner filters.  Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use.  Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit. Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren’t in use.  Most new electronics use electricity even when switched off.

The weather has finally turned a bit warmer and it’s time to create or freshen up your outdoor living space.  Here are a few tips to get you started! Use umbrellas or awnings to shade and protect your outdoor seating areas.  Use fans, heaters, misters, fire pits or trees to help regulate the temperature. Be creative with your seating.  Use hammocks, upholstered furniture, large rocks or logs, wrought iron chairs or cushions. Fire, lighting and fragrance can be used to create a relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind. Wind chimes, music and water can also be used to enhance the ambience of your seating area.  It’s an excellent way to mask the sounds of the busy world on the other side of the fence. Having tall plants and thick hedges can provide an excellent barrier from neighboring yards or streets, limiting their view of your space, while providing you with a beautiful view of nature. Get creative and reap the benefits of your efforts all summer long!

As you prepare for your spring planting, keep these tips in mind to ensure you have a beautiful garden for years to come. Establish the outline of the bed design that you would like for your landscaping.  Avoid being too conservative when it comes to laying out the planting beds.  Make the beds at least 4′ wide at their narrowest point. Take into consideration the size of the plants once they mature.  Allow some room for growth so that your landscape will come together and look nice five years from now. Raise the beds at least 10″ with good, rich topsoil.  Topsoil is expensive, and toting it is hard work, but don’t let either of these points enter into your decision of how much topsoil to buy.  It is the most important step you can take to ensure a successful flower bed. Don’t waste your time or money installing plastic or weed barrier cloth over top of the soil.  They don’t normally work and removing them is time consuming and tedious.  Instead, opt for a chemical weed control or an organic alternative. Do not plant your plants too deep.  They need to breath so they have the ability to transfer […]

If you’ve never landscaped your property or you’re just looking to freshen things up, here are five tips to get you started. Sketch a simple drawing of your yard depicting your house, streets, walks, driveway, patios and utilities.  Identify potential uses for different areas of your yard- vegetable gardens, flower beds, lawns and play areas. Think about sun and wind for both summer and winter.  Mark the areas of your yard needing shade or wind protection.  Highlight areas where landscaping height or width may be restricted.  Try adding a focal point to the entrance area.  If unsightly utility areas are visible from your house or patio, a screening wall or hedge may be needed.  Don’t forget to screen off unsightly areas from the neighbors. The color of your plantings should compliment your home’s color.  Also consider the textures of trees and shrubs and how foliage will look year-round.  You’ll also want to establish bed lines at this point. When you are ready to make a purchase, avoid buying damaged plants.  The plants you use should be of specimen quality to make sure you get the best look possible.

Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to freshen up your home.  Here are four tips to help you decorate for Spring. Pack away the dark and bring in the light!- Replace heavy, dark drapery and linens for light, cool colored ones.  Bring the outdoors in- Place potted plants throughout the home to bring in soothing aromas and calming views.  Introduce new spring colors into your home- Yellow, Vibrant Green, Red, Coral, Blue, Begonia Pink, Sweet Lavender & Blue Turquoise are some lovely Spring colors.  Rearrange your space to make the outside view a focal point- When rearranging your spaces, clean under furniture, dust shelves, and touch up paint to make everything fresh and clean.

The thought of someone breaking into their home is enough to keep many people awake at night.  Here are a few tips to help keep your home, and your family, safe. Keep Your Home From Being An Easy Target- Protect your home by discouraging intruders from making it their next target.  Burglars are less likely to victimize a house that looks occupied or protected by a security system. Follow These Simple Steps When You’re On Vacation Or Away From Home Put lights, stereo or TV on a timer to give the appearance that someone is home. Secure sliding glass doors with pins to prevent both horizontal and vertical movement. Don’t stop your newspaper or mail deliveries; it signals you’re away.  Ask a friend or neighbor to pick up your deliveries instead. Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway to give the appearance that someone is home. Keep Yourself Safe When You’re At Home Lock doors and windows when you’re home alone.  Forty percent of home invasions occur because a door or window was left unlocked. Look through your peephole viewer to see who’s there before opening the door. Always request identification from sales people or repairmen before […]

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you may make.  Here are a few practical considerations that buyers should be mindful of. Be Realistic: There are no perfect homes.  Decide what is important to you, and make sure you find a home that has the features you require.  Be prepared to compromise on some of the items on your wish list. Decide On A Price: Get pre-approved for a loan, not just prequalified.  We have several trusted lenders that we would be happy to recommend.  Make sure you consider not only the amount of the loan the lender will allow, but also what you feel comfortable spending every month.  Take an honest look at your budget, or create one if you don’t currently have one. Choose Carefully: Buying a home is much more permanent than renting.  Purchase a home that you are prepared to keep for a while.  Select a home that will be reasonable to maintain, in both utilities and/or repairs.  Also make sure you’re thinking of what the future might look like for you over the next five to seven years.  If you’re planing to have kids, adopt a pet, or maybe start a business […]

Winter can seem to drag on and on and the short days and cold weather can leave you feeling uninspired and unmotivated. Here are a few ways to help you combat the winter blahs and refresh your life! 1. Give A Room A Bright New Look If your house is contributing to your blahs, supercharge a room or two with summery decorative elements. Adding a fresh coat of paint on the walls or adding bunches of fresh flowers, candles or accessories from favorite vacations won’t just warm the room; it’ll warm you too. 2. Get Rid Of The Clutter Take advantage of all the time spent indoors by organizing closets, cleaning out the fridge, purging old files and tackling any other home projects that you won’t feel like doing once the weather warms and you spend less time in the house. 3. Add Splashes Of Color To Your Wardrobe Throw on a bright scarf, necklace or sweater to remind you that spring is just around the corner! 4. Get Outside And Play Bundle up and get outside for some exercise, especially on sunny days. Sunlight is a natural mood-enhancer and exercise stimulates and warms the body. If you’re looking for […]

Your home is one of your biggest investments and we want to help you protect it…and save a little money on your energy bill!  These ten tips will help you make sure your home is ready when the cold weather hits. Don’t forget to disconnect any garden hoses, drain them, and store in your garage or storage area.  You might also want to consider insulating exterior water faucets to prevent freezing.  Lowe’s has styrofoam insulating covers that work perfectly for under $2 each. Be sure your foundation vents are closed to prevent freezing air from getting in your crawlspace. If the vents are left open it will keep your floors cold, causing the heat to run more, and it can possibly cause your water lines to freeze and break. Clear all gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris to prevent rainwater from backing up and freezing. Caulk and weather strip around windows and doors to prevent air leaks. Check furnace filters and make sure the thermostat is working properly.  It’s a good idea to have your HVAC unit(s) professionally serviced twice a year for optimal performance. If you have a fireplace, check your damper to make sure it’s closed and […]