Nashville goes into party mode during the summer months, which gets its residents out into the streets and its visitors flocking to Music City from all corners of the country. From patriotic celebrations to music-filled festivals, there's always something to do and delicious food to enjoy.

These are the best July events taking place in Nashville this year:

Let Freedom Sing! July 4th in Music City

Nashville has earned a reputation for having one of the best patriotic parties to celebrate Independence Day. The city hosts a free event downtown on July 4, where attendees can enjoy food, live music and of course fireworks at the end of the night. Let Freedom Sing! is a family-friendly event event that takes place all day, and includes activities

Celebrate the diversity of the Nashville community with the largest LGBTQ event coming to Nashville in June, and many other events leading up to it. Nashville PRIDE brings people together from all walks of life to create awareness of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and others in the area while creating a more vibrant community. Live performances, an extensive vendor marketplace, and family-friendly activities provide opportunities to support the goals of Pride events in Nashville. Those that can't make it to Nashville PRIDE can find many other events scheduled throughout the month.

Looking to generate more awareness about this important cause or take part in upcoming events? Learn more about Pride events and have a great time getting out in

Gutters serve an important function, helping to drain runoff away from a roof. A clogged or damaged gutter becomes ineffective at protecting windows, doors, siding and the foundation from potential water damage. When selling a home, dirty gutters often become an inspection item of potential buyers. Explore a few basics when it comes to home gutter maintenance.

When to Clean Gutters

Individuals cleaning their gutters as a DIY project should schedule time to do so at a minimum of twice a year. More frequent cleaning may be required in locations prone to storms or when roofs lie beneath trees. Homeowner may be able to clean a gutter themselves when they can safely use a ladder and access the roof. Individuals with multi-story homes may want to hire

Some may be looking to buy their first home and know little about closing on a home. An approved buyer is quite busy leading up to the closing. From arranging a move to changing utilities, finding new medical professionals and more, there are many tasks that will be done in anticipation of moving into a new home.

Avoid potential disappointment and get all affairs in order to have the necessary funds and make arrangements for closing on a home. Planning ahead can make for a smoother home closing process.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

The Final Step to a Home Purchase

Closing on a home is the final chapter to buying a home. A lender

The right countertop material is not only functional but complements the rest of a room. While some may find a granite or marble countertop an attractive option, others may be open to laminate, concrete and other types of countertop materials. Check out a few of the most common countertop materials used on kitchen cabinetry and more today.

Granite Countertops

Homeowners may find that granite countertops help with the resale value of a home as they are often an elegant touch to a luxury home. Expect granite countertops to be more expensive than many other options. This durable material is made from natural stone, quarried from igneous stone deposits. Many people like the beauty of a unique stone surface. It is also heat and scratch resistance. The

Owning a vacation home can be an incredible opportunity, but sometimes certain circumstances dictate the need to sell the property. No matter what the circumstances may be, selling a vacation home, even in areas like Goodlettsville, is like many other property sales despite the additional considerations that should be kept in mind.

What Makes It Special

Selling a vacation home in many ways is like selling one's primary residence, except that there are a few special things to keep in mind for a successful sale. A general rule of thumb when dealing with vacation property is that the more information one can provide to potential buyers, the better.

Oftentimes people like to rent out their home when they aren't using it, and while this works

As homebuyers approach the mortgage process, the options can become an alphabet soup of industry acronyms and terms: fixed-rate, ARM, 30-year, jumbo, FHA, Fannie Mae, USDA, and the list goes on and on. Each loan product has its unique benefits and qualifications, and some apply to certain individuals but not others. For some individuals planning to purchase a Nashville area home who have served in the country's armed forces, a loan from the Veterans Administration may be a valid option.

Who Qualifies for a VA Home Loan?

First off, what is a VA home loan? The Veteran Affairs home loan originated as part of the GI Bill of Rights, passed in 1944 and signed into law by Franklin D. Roosevelt. The intention of the law was to provide a series of

After fixing up the home and putting it on the market, it's now time to get ready to show it off to every interested buyer. Here are six easy-to-follow tips that can help improve any home showing so buyers can focus on your Murfreesboro home's best features.

Remember Curb Appeal

The outside of the home is the first thing all buyers will see when they come to visit it. Put the home's best foot forward and keep the lawn nicely trimmed and the gardens neat and tidy. Even a little landscaping can go a long way when it comes to making a home inviting.

Hide the Pets

No one wants to walk into a home only to have an excited dog jump on them. To make visitors more comfortable, consider taking pets to a kennel for a few days until the commotion has

The siding for a home isn't just one of the first things a person notices about a home, it also serves as a protectant against the elements. The average return on investment for replacing the siding is at least 80 percent when it comes to the resale value of the home, so it pays to invest in a quality material that fits the style of the home. Learn the pros and cons between the different materials, and what qualities to look for before upgrading your home.

Wood or Brick

Wood is one of the most popular materials for homes because it rolls out the welcome mat for everyone who graces the doorway. The warmth of wood is not only gorgeous, it's also easy to install and energy efficient. However, it's also one of the most vulnerable types of siding a

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers a wide array of loan programs aimed at promoting development in rural areas, including single- and multi-family housing programs, community facilities, and rural business-cooperative services. As a homebuyer, the USDA's single-family home loan program works to guarantee home loans and, in some cases, makes direct loans for the purchase of homes and property. If you are interested in pursuing a USDA loan, be it in Goodlettsville or elsewhere, be sure to explore the following loan options.

Single-Family Housing: Direct Home Loans

Known as the Section 502 Direct Loan Program, this USDA program provides payment assistance to low-income families. The payment assistance subsidy reduces the