Did you know this? I had no idea that something as simple as filing your taxes electronically would make such an impact on our environment. It makes me stop to think what else I could possibly do to promote green living.

Electronic Tax Refunds

Take advantage of getting your money back electronically from teh IRS instead of wating for a check to arrive in the mail.  About $135 billion in tax refunds still makes its way through the mail to individuals, which means the IRS has to stuff, print, and mail some fifty-four million envelopes.

Tax Forms

Get your tax forms online.  It’s simpler, and you can file faster. Over seventy-two million tax returns are e-filed, twenty milion from home computers. If every tax return were e-filed, it would save at leaest 660 million sheets of paper – stacked to equal more than thirty-six thousand six-foot-tall IRS agents.

Source: https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:13385.11627107522/rid:81d9725a4016c20b9d435117c829bf50

Thinking about renting instead of buying a  home? You might want to take a look at the chart below. It’s a real eye opener. Interest rates are LOW and the cost of renting appears to be going UP. Obviously, now is a great time to buy a home.  With a home, you are not throwing away your money – you are investing.

Yet another dilemma – should you buy a new home or a resale? This one is easy for me. I don’t know about you, but I do not have the time or the resources to repair what may be wrong with a resale.  How do you know what you are really purchasing? What’s behind those walls?  Yuck – what has been on that carpet?!  Upon discovery of defects in a resale, the cost of repair/replacing can be quite expensive and time consuming.

A new home has so many advantages, especially if you choose the right builder. A reputable new home builder will take away the worry of surprise defects. Check into the builder’s warranty program. Do they offer an in-house warranty, or do they outsource? What are the terms, conditions, and time period? Do your research and ask questions! The answers are there. Yes, renting does take away the cost of repairs and upkeep. But aren’t you paying for it anyway? Each monthly payment goes to someone else. You have no equity.  And with a new home – you have no surprises.

Click here for more reasons to buy a NEW home.

Monica Jackson is our Project Estimator for The Jones Company in Nashville, TN

Number of years working in new home industry:    15 years

How long have you been with Jones?    7 years

Why did you choose this business?     It kind of chose me.

How did you end up in this industry?     An old friend of mine worked for a homebuilder.  His contact at a lumber yard quit, and he told me about the opening.  I applied and got the job.

Where are you originally from?     Michigan  (Go Blue!!!)        

College?    Yes

Name of College:     Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN 

Degree Received:      I didn’t graduate, decided to get married and have a family

Describe your past work experiences.  Please include what you were doing before The Jones Co.     In college I had an internship working for a commercial real estate developer. I have worked in the homebuilding business for so long, I don’t remember what it was like before The Jones Company.

Describe what you do for The Jones Company.    I have 2 primary responsibilities.  The first is to assist our sales managers.  I help them with pricing for customers, help them with finalizing option and selection paperwork, and be a source for general help that they need.  The second is to manage home starts.  I do that by keeping internal team members and external trade partners informed of job status.  I review take off paperwork for each individual home that goes out to help reduce errors and increase accuracy. I keep track of job progress to make sure we are able to start homes as soon as possible.

Why did you want to work for Jones?     I love the homebuilding industry.  My former employer (also a homebuilding company) decided to not continue building in Nashville.  I had several former coworkers/friends come to work for Jones so I thought it would be an easy transition and would keep me in the industry.  I knew Jones had a good reputation and was a very successful company in the area.

Describe your best experience or nicest compliment received from a homeowner/co-worker.     I am not normally involved directly with our homeowners.  However, I did get involved with a particular homebuyer that wanted us to build something out of the norm.  Several of us from the office met with this buyer personally to go over plans and construction options.  Just before the home closed, I went to walk through the home to check it all out.  The homeowner was at the house as well.  When she saw me, she came up to me and hugged me.  She was so pleased with the home and the whole process.   It was nice to put a face with the name and to know you were a part of the experience that made her so happy.                                     

What is your personal philosophy that guides your work? (i.e., A job worth doing is worth doing right.)      Do the right thing, give 100%.  I have no regrets at the end of the day and am able to go to bed each night with a clean conscience.  I know I did my best.           

What motivates you or what personal fulfillment do you get out of your job?     I like making someone else’s life easier at their job.  I like knowing that my team mates trust me and know that I will take care of them.    

Hobbies and Interests:    I live to watch my son play baseball.  I just started making home made candles and really enjoying that so far.

Which is the best vacation you’ve ever had in your life?     Hands down, Maui

If you could have a luncheon with any three people (real of fictitious/ from any time period, dead or alive) , which three people would you choose and why?   Jesus—I would just love to be in His presence

What’s the one thing, you can’t live without?     My family

Favorite Coffee Drink: (or other beverage)-     Coffee w/ plenty of French Vanilla creamer

Favorite TV Show:     Extreme Makeover Home Edition, House Hunters (I just can’t stay away from this industry!!)

If you won the lottery, what would your DREAM CAR be?     Not really sure, I would just be tickled to have one w/ MP3 hook up, and maybe heated seats       

Tell us about your family:   Chris, married to him for over 12 years. Son, Davis just turned 12

Popular New Year’s Resolutions

1.  Spend More Time with Friends and Family
2.  Get Fit, Exercise More
3.  Lose Weight
4.  Quit Smoking
5.  Enjoy Life, Manage Stress
6.  Get Out of Debt, Manage Money
7.  Learn Something New
8.  Drink Less Alcohol
9.  Eat Healthier
10. Be More Eco-Conscious and Recycle
11. Save Money
12. Volunteer to Help Others
13. Read More Books, Watch Less TV
14. Go to Sleep Earlier

~ Buy a NEW HOME from THE JONES COMPANY !!!!

Tips for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions This Year

1. Start small and pick only one resolution

Instead of making a list of all the things you hope to change about yourself in 2012, start small and make one straightforward, simple resolution.

2. Make a specific resolution

It is a lot more difficult to stick to a vague resolution than it is to be consistent with a very specific resolution. If you want to lose weight, for example, set a specific goal about how much weight you hope to lose and by when. If you hope to lose 20 pounds in 2012, set a goal of 2 pounds each month.

3. Make a plan for how to achieve your goals

If you have one specific resolution, you will be able to achieve it so long as you make a plan. Outline a clear plan for how to get to your goal and you will be able to accomplish it.

4. Don’t wait to start on New Year’s Eve

Plan before New Year’s! If you hope to start exercising more, get into the rhythm now. If you hope to sleep more, start now. By starting just before New Year’s, it will be a slower transition when the day comes around.

5. Avoid repeating past failures by setting new habits

New Year’s resolutions most often fall apart because people fall back on old habits and cannot stick to their new choices. Avoid repeating past failures by setting new habits and sticking to them. Of course, this is easier said than done, but by taking your new resolutions slowly, you can achieve your resolution rather than jumping into it and expecting too much.

6. Positive reinforcement

Remember that change takes time! The only way you will achieve your resolution is through positive reinforcement. If you slip up, don’t give up. If you can stick to your resolution for at least thirty days, you should be able to reset your habits for 2012.

7. Make your resolution public

Sometimes peer pressure and public shame can help you in moments of weakness. By telling friends and family members your New Year’s resolution, they may encourage you to stick with it and tease you gently if you fall behind. By making your resolution public, you will be more likely to keep it to the end of the year.

Source:  http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/273228/20111227/new-year-s-resolutions-2012-tips-keep.htm

Bridget W. Thompson is the Marketing Director for The Jones Company of  TN

How many years have you worked in new home industry? 13 years New Homes, 3 years General Real Estate

How long have you been with Jones?  10 years

Why did you choose this business?  Honestly, it chose me. My degree is in Advertising / Marketing and I had training in college as a graphic designer. I saw a job in the newspaper for a graphic designer for Crye-Leike, Realtors. That was my first job in marketing.               

How did you end up in this industry?  I left Crye-Leike 3 years later to work at an engineering firm (most boring job I ever had!) and then learned of an opportunity from my previous manager at Crye-Leike, about a Marketing Coordinator position with David Weekley Homes. I went to the interview – and met Richard Chapman, who was then the Division President of David Weekley Homes in Nashville. I worked there for 3 years – handling the marketing for two divisions – Nashville and Atlanta.  Then Richard retired.  I moved to Atlanta, and didn’t want to stay there because I missed my family and friends, so I moved back to Nashville and got married. Not too long after that, I discovered that I was pregnant, and I didn’t know how I would do all the travelling (Atlanta & Houston).  Then someone told me that Richard was getting back into the industry…and  working for The Jones Company as Division President.  He hired me, and I have been with Jones since 2001.  Honestly, I saw it as God’s answer to my prayers!  I could work for the manager I enjoyed working with, and not have to travel!

Where are you originally from?   Murfreesboro, TN    

Name of College:  Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro TN

Degree Received: Bachelor of Science

Major: Advertising with Marketing & Psychology Minors

Describe your past work experiences.  Please include what you were doing before The Jones Company:  Worked for David Weekley Homes as a Marketing Coordinator – handling the marketing for their Nashville and Atlanta divisions.  Before that I worked for Crye-Leike, Realtors, in their Marketing Department, under Donna Brown, who was the Marketing Director at the time.  I learned a lot from Donna!  Before that, while I was in high school & college, I worked in retail (jewelry) sales for 9 years – with Finley Fine Jewelry, Jay B. Rudolph, and (first real job) The Gold Rush in Murfreesboro.  I have always had a job since I turned 16…sometimes 2-3 jobs at a time!            

Why did you want to work for Jones? I wanted to work with Richard Chapman again. I felt like it was the perfect place for me to be.  

What is your personal philosophy that guides your work? (i.e., A job worth doing is worth doing right.)   #1 – Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – Col 3:17   (In other words, I want to do my best in everything I do – because we are expected by God to strive for excellence and to give Him the glory.  I don’t always hit the mark, but I do my best.)   #2 – Never, ever stop LEARNING. It is the key to growth.   #3 – Don’t get discouraged by your mistakes, and don’t rest on your accomplishments.

What motivates you or what personal fulfillment do you get out of your job?   I always say that my job couldn’t be more perfect for me – because I am kind of wired strange – in that I am both a right and left brained thinker.  So, there are elements to my job that are very “left brained” or creative (advertising, copy writing, design, merchandising) but there are also elements to my job that are very “right brained” or analytical (budgeting, analyzing data) and I love it all!  Also, I get to do a great mix of both office work, and more “hands on” work out in the communities, and work with people.  My best days are days that I feel like I have contributed something to the common good (or the team as a whole)!

Josh LaWarre is the Sales Manager for Kelsey Glen in Mt Juliet, TN

Number of years working in new home industry:    12 years

How long have you been with Jones?    2 years

Why did you choose this business?    After I left the military, I worked a mall job to pay the bills and was recruited by another builder.  I took the job with uncertain expectations and ended up being pretty good at it.  Since then I have learned that I am a house junkie and I like people and problem solving, so it seems like a natural fit.

How did you end up in this industry?    I was recruited by a builder after the military.

Where are you originally from?    Cincinnati, OH/Northern KY     

Name of College:    Bradley University      

City and state where college is located:   Peoria, IL 
Degree Received:  BA I also have an MBA  Major:   International Studies       

Describe your past work experiences.  Please include what you were doing before The Jones Company.      I started my working life at 12 by carrying a sandwich board in downtown Cincinnati for a friend’s restaurant.  Since then, I have worked at a bakery, an ice cream shop, as a teaching tennis pro, as a translator, as a mover, as a copywriter intern at an ad agency.  More professionally, I enlisted in the Army right after college and trained and worked as a counterintelligence special agent.  I spent 5 years in the army, 3 of those at Ft. Campbell as a member of the 101st Airborne Division which included a deployment to Saudi Arabia in 1997.  I started in the new homes business almost a year after leaving the service in 1998 and, with the exception of 2 years out of the business, have been in it ever since.  I started as a sales assistant, made it to Neighborhood Sales Manager, changed over to Division Sales Manager for a semi-custom builder, and now am back on-site. 

Describe what you do for The Jones Company.    I create an atmosphere where people want to buy a home from me.

Why did you want to work for Jones?     I was impressed with the quality of the homes, the commitment to green building, the home designs, and the willingness/capability of management to adapt to the market.  Also, it was recommended to me by a friend whom I respect .        

Describe your best experience or nicest compliment received from a homeowner/co-worker.     Without a doubt, the nicest thing I have had happen is when families decide to buy from me a second (or third) time.  That’s the highest compliment I think a salesperson can receive.

What is your personal philosophy that guides your work?     My personal integrity is the only currency I have.  Don’t waste it.
         
What motivates you or what personal fulfillment do you get out of your job?     I am motivated by my commitment to my family. 
           
Hobbies and Interests:    Playing guitar, singing, playing tennis, spending time with my family, playing any sport or doing anything athletic, playing trivia, exploring spiritual philosophies, trivia, languages, politics.

What’s the craziest adventurous thing you’ve ever done?    How long do you have?    I have backpacked through Europe alone, rappelled from helicopters, had an AK 47 pulled on me on the highway in Saudi Arabia, competed in several triathlons, got married (twice) and had kids=0).

Which is the best vacation you’ve ever had in your life?     San Diego 2006 with Kaila, who was then my girlfriend.  No responsibilities, nothing to stress over, gorgeous weather, in love, beach, ocean, great hotel – perfect in every way.

If you could have a luncheon with any three people (real of fictitious/ from any time period, dead or alive) , which three people would you choose and why?
I’ll take The Buddha, Mohammed, and Jesus and we’ll get this whole mess sorted out once and for all.

What’s the one thing, you can’t live without?     A guitar

Favorite Coffee Drink: (or other beverage)    Starbucks Morning Joe or Pike Place roast

Favorite TV Show:     The Daily Show

If you won the lottery, what would your DREAM CAR be?     Porsche Cayenne Turbo in Meteor Grey metallic with two-tone natural leather interior.
           

Any volunteer work or community involvement?    None at the moment
           

Tell us about your family:        
          
Kaila (Wife)
Ella (Daughter 4yrs old)
Henry (Son 10 months old)

Christmas Campaign with Buddy Blue Bag

Franklin—Buddy Blue Bag wants all Franklin residents to have a Blue Christmas this season and will be educating citizens, in local retailers, via social media and on the big screen at the Franklin Theatre! Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for the Franklin Solid Waste Department and much of the trash people throw away could easily be recycled in the City’s Blue Bag Curbside Recycling program.

“Currently 44 percent of residents are participating in the blue bag program,” said Solid Waste Director Becky Caldwell. “The City recently conducted an online survey to learn why some of the residents were not recycling and one of the main reasons for not participating was residents felt the bags were too expensive and they did not know where to find the bags. So we are launching Operation Blue Christmas to educate residents.”

Beginning the end of this week, a Buddy Bluebag display will be featured at many local retailers. “We need to reach shoppers where the bags are sold,” said Communications Manager Milissa Reierson. “The bags are located on the trash bag aisle of most local grocers and hardware stores including big box retailers. More importantly the bags usually cost the same as trash bags and residents will end up using far fewer trash bags if they choose to recycle.” The blue bags are picked up once a week, the same day as a resident’s trash collection day.

Christmas Buddy will also be making his debut at the Franklin Theatre December 21, 22 and 23. Theatre goers attending the holiday movies will get some holiday recycling tips with a slide on the big screen. For more information on what is accepted in the City of Franklin Blue Bag Curbside recycling program, go to www.franklintn.gov/bluebag.

Source:  http://www.franklintn.gov/index.aspx?page=25&recordid=1188&returnURL=%2findex.aspx

Pass on the salt…

Protect your driveways, walks, and steps by removing snow and ice promptly. 

Take care not to gouge paved or brick surfaces while chipping ice. If you cannot remove a stubborn layer of ice, use cat litter or sand for traction. They are safe for driveways, walks, steps, and nearby grass or shrubs. Avoid applying salt in any form.  Repeated thaw and freezing with salt and chemicals can damage concrete, brick, mortar, and asphalt, and salt will kill grass, shrubs, and trees. Provide an outdoor floor mat to prevent the cat litter or sand from being tracked into the house. Another mat just inside the door will provide additional protection for carpets and floors.

Carrie M. Smith is the Sales Manager for The Hunt Club and Berry Hill in Hendersonville, TN

Number of years working in new home industry:    9 years

How long have you been with Jones? … Mid October 2011

Why did you choose this business?    Love houses!

How did you end up in this industry?    Thought I would give it a try back in the day. Glad I did!

Where are you originally from?    Grand Blanc, MI      

Name of College:    The Ohio State University       

City and state where college is located:   Columbus, Ohio  
Degree Received:  BA I also have an MBA  Major:   Communication/English, MBA Finance        

Describe your past work experiences.  Please include what you were doing before The Jones Company.      I was in General Real Estate right before I came on board. Before that, I worked with Perry and Debbie at Fox Ridge Homes. I worked for Pulte and for Gross Builders in the past as well.

Describe what you do for The Jones Company.    Anything and everything I can to sell homes.

Why did you want to work for Jones?     I have a friend that works here and he really thought Peder rocked and he thought that I would like it here.         

Describe your best experience or nicest compliment received from a homeowner/co-worker.     The best compliment for me is when people call me that I have sold to in the past because they trust me and had a good experience.

What is your personal philosophy that guides your work?     It’s 5 O’clock somewhere ~ Kidding.  If you love your job you will never work a day in your life.
          
What motivates you or what personal fulfillment do you get out of your job?     I like selling homes because it is problem solving. I find out what they need and how I can find a solution. Hopefully, it is one of my homes.
            
Hobbies and Interests:    Love to boat, love to cook and bake, love the outdoors, Kickboxing, can’t resist puppies, I like projects, I collect carebears, college football, march madness, anything Ohio State, live sporting events, live music, I love cars, fishing, going to the gun range, sleeping in

What’s the craziest adventurous thing you’ve ever done?    Ask me in person.

Which is the best vacation you’ve ever had in your life?     Almost a month in South Africa.

If you could have a luncheon with any three people (real of fictitious/ from any time period, dead or alive) , which three people would you choose and why?
My dad, because he was taken way too soon.
Woody Hayes, Cause he is just pure Ohio State awesomeness
Marilyn Monroe, Elvis or Dale Carnegie not sure who to choose.

What’s the one thing, you can’t live without?     Toothbrush

Favorite Coffee Drink: (or other beverage)    Raspberry Woodchuck

Favorite TV Show:     Tosh.0

If you won the lottery, what would your DREAM CAR be?     One that does my laundry.  If I won the lottery I’d buy lots of different cars.            

Any volunteer work or community involvement?    I help feed the homeless under the Jefferson Street Bridge once a month.            

Tell us about your family:                    
3 Dogs
Yellow Lab, Jake
American Bulldog, Buckeye
Boxer, Bella

Be comfortable in a properly insulated New Jones Home.

Peder and Joe demonstrate how The Jones Company properly installs insulation in your New Home. Click here.

 Insulation Installation – The Jones Company overlaps and staples the wall insulation to ensure that there is no air leakage. We also seal the joints of the wood with caulk, as well.  Many builders simply shove the insulation between the studs, and don’t overlap and staple the paper.