Scenes from my town, Greeneville, Tennessee

General Morgan Inn

New Federal Courthouse

Andrew Johnson National Cemetery - Greeneville, TN

Sunrise Easter Morning from The National Cemetery in Greeneville, Tennessee.

Our nation's 17th president, Andrew Johnson, was buried on top of Signal Hill in 1875. Known today as Monument Hill, the national cemetery has become a resting place for America's veterans

The land that comprises the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery was bought by Andrew Johnson in 1852. According to family tradition, Andrew Johnson enjoyed coming to this spot for peace and meditation. It is high land which has a beautiful view of the suburbs and the mountain range. During the civil war, it was used for "signaling" and was known during that time as "Signal Hill".

This tall obelisk marks the graves of President Andrew Johnson and his wife, Eliza, which was erected in 1878. Since the hill has been called "Monument Hill".

Thunder In The Mountains Motorcycle Rally Event - Johnson City, TN

The "Thunder in the Mountains Motorcycle Rally" took place in Johnson City, Tennessee on May 6 - 9, 2010. The event, which is in its 3rd year, was packed with vendors of motorcycle supplies and accessories, valuable service providers, and great food. Entertainment included biker games, stunt shows, bike shows, swap meets, live bands and drag racing. The event kicked off with the Cruise-In Blessing of Bikes being escorted by the local law enforcement. The event was great fun and something to be sure to look forward to next year.

HomeBuyer Tax Credit

From now until April 30, 2010, first-time home buyers and move-up buyers have another great reason to get on the path to purchasing a new home. The benefit to first-time homebuyers is a tax credit up to $8,000 and for move-up buyers a tax credit up to $6.500. Details are below.



First time buyers:

Credit: Equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price, up to $8,000

Who Qualifies?

• Those who haven't owned property in the last three years
• Those with income up to $225,000 for couples or $125,000 for individuals (credit phases out for people who make more than these amounts)
• Must be at least 18 years of age to claim credit
• Purchase price must be $800,000 or less.

Deadlines:

• Have until April 30, 2010, to enter into a contract for a home purchase
• Have until June 30, 2010, to close on the purchase.

Current Homeowners

Credit: Equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price, up to $6,500

Who Qualifies?

• Those who have owned and lived in their principal residence for at least five consecutive years during the past eight years
• Those with income up to $225,000 or couples or $125,000 for individuals (credit phases out for people who make more than these amounts)
• Must be at least 18 years of age to claim credit
• Purchase price must be $800,000 or less

Deadlines:

• Have until April 30, 2010, to enter into contract for a home purchase
• Have until June 30, 2010, to close on the purchase

In addition, buyers have another year to take advantage of the higher loan limit for mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac set at 125 percent of local median home sales prices, up to a maximun of $729,750 in high-cost housing markets. The limit in normal markets will remain $271,050 for FHA and $417,000 for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

PLEASE NOTE: The tax credit does not have to be repaid provided you live in the new home for a minimum of three years. Military families are exempt from this stipulation. Purchaser must attach documentation of purchase to tax return. Please consult with a tax professional for individual eligibility and implications of the HomeBuyer Tax Credit.

Falltime in Northeast Tennessee

These beautiful scenes were captured in Greeneville, Tennessee on October 23, 2009. These mountains run along the Tennessee/North Carolina state line and offer breath-taking views throughout the year. I hope you enjoy these photos and if I can assist you in exploring the Northeast Mountain region of Tennessee, please don't hesitiate to contact me. It's a great place to live!

Walking, Jogging and Biking on the Greenbelt - Kingport, Tennessee

The Kingsport Greenbelt Trail is a linear park that connects residential neighborhoods, traditional parks, downtown, commercial districts, schools and activity centers. A special feature of this unique park is a pathway for pedestrian and bicycle use. The pathway meanders through marshlands, glides across open meadows, and passes by sites of historical and aesthetic value. A creek runs along most of the trail where you can see wildlife abundantly. The trail is a total of approximately 9 miles and can be accessed at several points along the way with parking available. A map of the trail can be found at http://www.kingsportgreenbelt.com/