Love Smoky Mountains

Time is running out. Attention First Time Homebuyers... Existing Homeowners

2010-02-18T13:10:00Z

Time is running out to take advantage of the Homebuyer Tax Credits that were expanded and extended to April 30, 2010.

There has never been a better time to purchase a new home.

Mortgage rates are still at historic lows and the selection of homes has never been better.

   A buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three years prior to the date of purchase
may be eligible to receive up to a maximum of $8,000.   This is a true tax credit. For example, if you
owe $1,000 in Federal Income Taxes and qualify for the maximum $8,000 tax credit, you will receive
a $7,000 tax refund.

The tax credit does not need to be repaid unless the home is sold within the first three years from the
date of purchase.

Existing homeowners can qualify for a tax credit up to $6,500 for a replacement primary residence.
To qualify the homeowner must have maintained their previous primary residence for at least
five consecutive years.

The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or no longer used as the
primary residence within three years from the date of purchase.

Remember you must be in contract to purchase a new home by April 30, 2010 and have until
June 30, 2010 to close the transaction.

Don't take chances to make a last minute purchase.

For more information please visit:    http://TomSellsSevierville.com
                                                                         http://TomSellsKnoxville.com


Always consult a tax advisor for specific advice.

Home Buyer Tax Credit - Extended and Expanded

2009-11-07T13:05:56Z

Great News for Home Buyers!

New legislation has just passed and signed into law Friday November 6, 2009 to further stimulate
the U.S. Housing market in late 2009 and early 2010.

    The First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit of up to $8,000 has been extended until April 30, 2010.

    A Credit of up to $6,500 has been added to current homeowners purchasing a replacement new or existing home
    between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Who qualifies for the Extended Credit?

   First Time Home Buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

   Current Homeowners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010
   who have used the home as their primary residence for five consecutive years within the
   last eight are also eligible.

   It is important to take advantage of this legislation since no further home buyer stimulus programs are expected.
This will be your last likely opportunity to greatly benefit financially from any future stimulus legislation.

Please visit one of my websites for more details:

http://TomSellsSevierville.com

http://TomSellsKnoxville.com

Tennessee Smokies Win North Division

2009-09-16T00:42:00Z

The Tennessse Smokies and their manager Ryne Sandberg win the North Division
at Smokies Stadium Sunday September 13th, 2009 with a 3 to 1 victory over the
Huntsville Stars. The Smokies took the series three games to one.

The Southern League Championship will be a best of five series against
the Jacksonville Suns starting Tuesday September 15th, 2009.

GO SMOKIES ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

http://blog.thomasdziedzic.com/2009/09/15/tennessee-smokies-win-north-division.aspx

Update:

The Tennessee Smokies quest for the Southern League Championship fell short Saturday
September 19th, 2009 as the Smokies lost 7 to 3 to the Jacksonville Suns who took the
series three games to one.

Congratulations to Ryne Sandberg, the players, the coaches, and support staff who made the
2009 season a memorable one for all the fans and supporters of the Tennessee Smokies !

First Time Home Buyer - Tax Credit

2009-06-01T14:05:00Z

The compromise on the House and Senate 2009 Stimulus Law provides for an
$8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers who purchase a primary residence
after December 31, 2008 and prior to December 1, 2009.

This 2009 legislation modified the 2008 law which created a $7,500 credit that
the taxpayer had to repay to the government over fifteen years.

The big difference with the 2009 stimulus law is that the $8,000 credit does not
have to be repaid to the government provided the home is owned for three years for
homes purchased between January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

This is a great benefit for First Time Home Buyers ! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity !

Visit my website for more details: http://TomSellsSevierville.com

Important Update: 11-5-2009

Recent Senate action for an extension and expansion of the Tax Credit for first time home buyers
worth up to $8,000 and offering a new credit of up to $6,500 for some existing homeowners is likely
to become law sometime this week and take effect shortly.

The expiration of the new credit is expected to be April 30, 2010. This will be your last likely chance
to take advantage of this opportunity.

WELCOME TO LOVE SMOKY MOUNTAINS!

2009-03-26T05:00:00Z

Click Arrow to play the Welcome Message

WELCOME TO LOVE SMOKY MOUNTAINS!

2009-03-23T05:00:00Z

Welcome to my site! The Great Smoky Mountains Area is a great place to visit and an even better place to live!

Please visit often and learn about this wonderful area. I hope you'll find some interesting things about East Tennessee and experience the many exciting things to see and do.

Surrounded by beautiful scenery, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a unique place where locals and
visitors can experience the rich bio-diversity and cultural heritage. You can enjoy many outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, boating, fishing, golfing, and horseback riding thoughout the area.

Credit Repair Scams

2009-03-21T15:31:00Z

Having "good credit" is important.

You don't want to be a victim of credit repair scammers.

The Federal Trade Commission has tips for you to avoid the scams and information on the
things you can do to help yourself.

FTC - Credit Repair Scams

Click the above link to learn more

Rental Scams

2009-03-21T15:04:00Z

You need to be careful when you are considering renting an apartment or home.

There are many scams that you need to be aware of.

The Federal Trade Commission has information to help you avoid the scams.

FTC - Rental Advice

Click the above link to learn more

Foreclosure Rescue Scams

2009-03-21T14:39:00Z

Don't be a victim of the many foreclosure rescue scams.

The Federal Trade Commission has information to help you avoid the scams.

Learn your legitimate options.

FTC - Foreclosure Options

Click the above link to learn more

Baby George - Knoxville Zoo

2009-03-20T17:51:00Z

George the first chimpanzee born at the Knoxville Zoo in 20 years celebrates his first birthday on July 19, 2009.
His mother's name is Daisy and his father's name is Jimbo. George is one of only a few chimps born at U.S. zoos in 2008.

http://blog.thomasdziedzic.com/2009/07/21/baby-george--knoxville-zoo-2.aspx

Daisy and Baby George - Knoxville Zoo

2009-03-19T13:26:00Z

Baby George is well cared for by his mother Daisy at the Knoxville Zoo.

http://blog.thomasdziedzic.com/2009/03/19/daisy-and-baby-george--knoxville-zoo.aspx

Fall in The Smokies

2008-10-21T20:03:00Z

Fall is a great time to visit the Smoky Mountains.
Here are some more of my recent photos I thought you might like to see.

Early Fall - Great Smoky Mountains

Early Fall - Great Smoky Mountains

Colors Changing - Great Smoky Mountains

Through the Pine Tree

Colorful Change

Golden Leafed Trees

Sweet Gum Tree

Maple Leaves

More Color - Great Smoky Mtns Nat'l Park

Look Rock Tower - Great Smoky Mtns Nat'l Park

Valley View

Contrasting Colors

Like a Painting on Canvas

Golden Pathway

Almost Pink

Mix of Red

Trees in Color

TN Valley Fair Photos

2008-09-28T15:15:00Z

Here are a few photos I recently took at the 2008 Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville.

A Newborn Holstein Calf & Cow

Holstein Calf & Cow

Jersey Heifer

Jersey Cow

Ford Tractors

May in The Smokies

2008-05-03T20:15:00Z

Here are some photos of the Smokies I took in May.

Pipevine Swallowtail

Mass of Butterflies

Smoky Mountains - "Shaconage" - ancient peoples'
word for "blue" or "land of blue smoke"

Look Rock Tower - Great Smoky Mtns Nat'l Park

Look Rock Tower - partial view towards the East

Look Rock Tower - partial view South

Look Rock Tower - partial view East

Look Rock Tower - view North towards Knoxville

Photo Gallery 3

2007-12-04T21:26:00Z

Here is a variety of nature pictures that I have taken in the past that you may enjoy seeing.

Cottontail Rabbit

White Tailed Deer

Cottontail Bunnies

Painted Turtle

Fritillary Butterfly

Red Admiral Butterfly

Swallowtail Butterfly

Hoverfly

Jumping Spider

Snail on Clover

Tree Frog

Wood Frog on Penny

Leopard Frog by Dime

Green Frog

Fox Snake

Hungry Caterpillars

McClung Museum - Knoxville

2007-11-04T15:55:00Z

Wouldn't it be nice to experience the wonder of science and decorative arts all in one place. You can also learn about Tennessee and the world through the wonderful exhibits that will capture the imagination of visitors both young and old!

There is no admission charge! Learning could never be so fun. You will explore and view science and culture from prehistoric times to the present day. Take the time to visit one of Tennessee's finest accredited museums that is a part of the University of Tennessee.

Learn more about the museum:

http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

Sunsphere - World's Fair Park

2007-11-03T19:43:00Z

What would be more fun than being inside the Sunsphere at the Knoxville World's Fair Park. You can celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the World's Fair by taking in the panoramic views and experience the history of the event.
You can see and learn some interesting facts about Knoxville through the descriptive displays.

Its also FREE! The Sunsphere observation level is open daily from 9AM to 10PM. While you're there take a stroll though the park and experience the thriving City of Knoxville.

Learn more at:

http://cityofknoxville.org/press_releases/content/2007/0705.asp

Ijams Nature Center - Knoxville

2007-11-03T18:22:00Z

What could be more enjoyable than experiencing nature and the outdoors on the grounds of the
Ijams Nature Center. This is a wonderful place to take time to explore the quiet nature trails and enjoy the natural beauty of East Tennessee. It's hard to believe that this peaceful paradise is located so close to Downtown Knoxville. This is a must see for nature lovers visiting Knoxville.

You can stroll the grounds for FREE from 8AM to dusk. You can also take advantage of the wonderful learning experience that awaits you inside the Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall.

Check out their web site for more details:

http://ijams.org/about

Great Smoky Mtns Nat'l Park

2007-11-03T13:51:00Z

Get out and enjoy one of the most exciting natural places in the world by visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Can you believe that it is entirely FREE! There is no admission or entrance fee whatsoever!

You can have the experience of a lifetime enjoying the vast diversity of what Mother Nature has to offer.

Take the opportunity to walk the quiet pathways, view the panoramic vistas, see plants and wildlife in their natural surroundings, hike glorious trails, explore the early homesteads of some of the former residents, take photographs of things seen nowhere else, enjoy peaceful woods, meadows and streams.

Here is one of my photos taken recently from the park:

Through the Trees - Cades Cove

Great Smoky Mtns. Nat'l Park Official Web Site

http://www.nps.gov/grsm

Quick Facts About Tennessee

2007-10-31T18:56:00Z

Here are some quick facts about Tennessee:

Cost of Living:

There is no state personal income tax. The cost of living in Tennesee is very reasonable. Tennessee ranks favorably with other states. The average costs associated with food and groceries, clothing, housing, transportation, utlities, health care, and entertainment are ten percent less than the national average.

Climate:

Tennessee has a generally mild climate. The average Summer temperature is 83 degrees F. and the average Winter temperature is 40 degrees F.

Culture:

Tennessee has a rich and diverse culture. Native people inhabited the area as far back as 12,000 years.

Education:

Education has always been a priority in Tennesseee. The dedication of government officials, educators, and residents has been the driving force in improving and expanding the educational opportunities throughout the state.

Recreation:

The crown jewel of Tennessse is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tennessee is blessed with some of the most beautiful land in the country. There are so many outdoor activities available throughout the year. Outdoor activities include hunting, fishing, boating, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, golf, camping and horseback riding.

Sports:

There are many professional sports teams in Tennessee. Fans can appreciate basketball, football, baseball, hockey, stock car racing, and golf tournaments.