Home Tips You Can Use To Add Value To Your Home For Sale Part 1  Part 2 to follow. Ready to list your home for sale?  Need a few tips that will help to sell your home faster and for more money?  Here are a few home tips to help your home make a better impression to potential buyers. Of course you may call or email me first and I'll be glad to evaluate your home for the tips that best meet your needs.  I can help you save money by spending it where it's needed and will give you the most bang for the buck.  Not ready to make that call yet...here's a list of home tips that will get you on your way. Home Tips That Add Value To Your Home 1.  Although a buyer will most likely hire their own home inspector it's a good idea for you the seller to hire one prior to listing that will point out are... 08/03/2014

Making A Difference In My Community Thank you Donna Foerster Some of you know that I'd prefer to just do things in the community and help individuals anonymously when I can, but being a team player I'll forego all that and let you know some of the things my company @Homes Realty Group and I are involved in. @Homes Realty agents annually participate in our own Make A Difference Day where we go out into the community helping to paint, clean, build wheelchair ramps or trim bushes, whatever is needed for those unable to do those things for themselves. We also are sponsors and volunteers for Make-A-Wish Foundation Huntsville Chapter.  The 5K run is an annual event we are proud to sponsor. Another event we are proud to be a part of is visiting the Floyd E. "Tut" Fann State Veterans Home here ... 07/31/2014

Choosing The Right Paint For Your Madison And Huntsville Alabama Home In Madison and Huntsville Alabama as in other areas there are many newly constructed homes coming on the market featuring the latest trends, features and paint colors.  I believe any home including existing homes should try to emulate current trends as they typically are what buyers are looking for. When considering to list or if buying a new home choosing the right paint for your home presents many options.  Different parts of the country seem to favor color schemes that can differ dramatically from one area to another, the focus of this post will be the types of finish that can generally be applied somewhat universally.   There are six paint finishes to consider for various effects, textures, light reflective nature... 07/31/2014

The New Rumor...Another ActiveRain-Trulia Takeover By Zillow It seems like we get past one rumor that turned out to be true and yet we've survived despite all the apprehensions only to have another rumor gaining foothold.  I don't want to perpetuate a rumor, but it's out there and being talked about by rather reputable sources.  I also have to admit that I'm less positive about this rumor, but as Marc Davison of 1000watt closed out his email/article these words make a lot of sense to me:  "Nothing is softer than water, yet it can overcome rock. It does not fight. It flows around its opponent. Formless." -- The Forbidden Kingdom To view the email:  Zillow, Trulia and you The rumor apparently is that Zillow has its eye on Trulia which as we all know has ActiveRain neatly tucked under its ... 07/27/2014

Selling My Home As-Is Or Make Needed Repairs As a Realtor in Huntsville Alabama I'm confronted with this topic all the time.  I hope the following will shed a little light on the topic of selling your home "As-Is". Selling My Home "As-Is" If you find yourself in the position of having to sell quickly, you need to let your agent know that up front so they communicate to you and prioritize what items need to be addressed.  Also, the "As-Is" seller should be aware that FHA requires certain Minimum Property Standards that apply and therefore limits some of your market segment planning on an FHA loan. Many sellers just want or need to sell their home and move quickly for a variety of reasons, still others don't have the financial ability to make a lot of necessary repairs and consider sellin... 07/20/2014

4th Of July Fireworks Display Madison And Huntsville Alabama 2014   There are several areas around Huntsville and Madison Alabama that will put on fireworks displays.  Here are just a couple of the more popular venues around town. One of the more popular places to be for 4th of July fireworks display is the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville Alabama.  Located along I-565 it's easy to find...just look for the Saturn V rocket.  There will be a "Kids" zone, moon bounce, face painting and more.  The 274th Army Material Band will provide entertainment from 6:00 to 9:00. Hours:  6:00-10:00Location: US Space And Rocket CenterParking: $20More details visit:  US Space And Rocket Center  Another great place to view fireworks is at Dublin Park in Madison with activities for everyone.  Musi... 07/03/2014

Madison Alabama Dublin Park 35758...Part 1 Are you new to Madison Alabama and haven't heard of Dublin Park?  Looking for a little outdoor or indoor recreation?  Let me introduce you to the park that's sure to bring year round fun to the entire family.  Dublin Park in the heart of Madison Alabama is the place to go.  Under the administration of the Madison City Parks and Recreation Department, Dublin park is dedicated to providing indoor and outdoor activity for the whole family.   The lake at Dublin Park entrance along Madison Pike road. The Dublin Park main administration building housing meeting rooms, basketball courts, double court gymnasium and indoor swimming pool. Dublin Park Recreation passes are available to residents and non-residents of Madison Alabama, however, rates are adj... 07/03/2014

Home Buying Don't Get Hung Up On Dollars Per Square Foot  Many times as a Realtor when I work with clients buying a home they will often compare dollars per square foot as a measure of a homes value from one neighborhood to another and use that to guide them when making an offer.  While it makes sense to them and on the surface it makes sense to a lot of people, you really need to look at what is behind the numbers, when you can rely on the numbers and when you should not. Comparing homes using dollars per square foot works well when comparing similar sized homes and lots in the same or similar community with similar amenities and levels of finish...it's even a good idea to include the same builder...you need to compare apples to apples.   If for example homes in the modest Potters Mill... 06/29/2014

Emails And Text Messaging An Imperfect Form Of Communication I recently read a post by Maria Gilda Racelis; The Agent's Tone Makes Me Want To Sell The Home Maria's post reminded me of emails and text messages I've received and sent where the meaning or tone of that message was totally misunderstood or taken the wrong way.  While not always possible, I'm all for picking up the phone or meeting someone face to face, the person can see your face and you theirs, hear the tone in voices and see body language so that messages will be received as they are intended.   When sending and receiving text messages the use of "U" instead of "you" or "LOL" instead of "laugh out loud" or is it "lots of love?"  Of course, there are many more acronyms that lend themselves to a kind of open interpretation ... 06/25/2014

The Ledges Jones Valley Huntsville Alabama For complete details and photos of available homes for sale in the Ledges, follow this link:  The Ledges Of Huntsville Mountain.  Follow this link for past posts about the Ledges of Huntsville Mountain, Huntsville Alabama  35802.  At the bottom of Huntsville Mountain and entrance to the Ledges you are are greeted by the Ledges Gate House.  There's just no other community in Huntsville Alabama quite like The Ledges, nothing really compares.  Created at the top of Huntsville Mountain is the very exclusive 750 acre, gated community of The Ledges.    150 acres are set aside as residential development including estate homes, townhomes, villas and cottages that reflect new-southern historically correct architecture prevalent in historic downtown Hunt... 06/23/2014

Oh For The Good Old Days Of Winter Here In The Village Of Providence It doesn't look like I'm ever going to get used to this weather here in Huntsville Alabama.  Most of the people I meet that have lived here all their lives even admit that summers can be a little warm, I would add more than a little warm for this Northern boy!  With temps in the mid to upper 90's this week I'm longing for the good old days of winter when these photos were taken.  This is the Village of Providence, a remarkable community that continues to grow both in popularity and with the new Phase 8.  The following link will provide listing details and photos of available homes, town homes & lofts in:  The Village of Providence   Oh well...back to reality...and it's not too bad with this view of down town Huntsville... 06/18/2014

Town Homes For Sale Overland Cove Huntsville Alabama     Up to date link for:  Huntsville Alabama Townhomes For Sale Overland Cove Search MLS Listing Overland Cove Town Home community is convenient and an easy commute to shopping, the Redstone Arsenal, Cummings Research Park just north of the Village Of Providence,   Overland Cove here in Rocket City is built by one of Huntsville Alabama's award winning builders and should be on your "must see list" when searching for that new home.  The resort style community living offers; pool, clubhouse and fitness center, Home Owners Association fees for the townhomes are approximately $600/year and includes common ground maintenance, clubhouse & pool, yard maintenance, pest control, termite contract, exterior water.  Homes are two car rear entry o... 06/16/2014

Magnolia Village Huntsville Alabama The following link is updated daily to begin your Magnolia Village home search: Magnolia Village Huntsville Alabama Homes For Sale.   If you're currently looking for a new home then Magnolia Village Huntsville Alabama is an option to consider if you will be working at the Redstone Arsenal, Cummings Research Park or most anywhere in Madison or Huntsville Alabama.  Magnolia Village is located about one minute west of the Redstone Arsenal making for an easy commute.   Magnolia Village is comprised of  Townhome, Patio Homes  and single family detached homes across from the desirable and much sought after Lake Forest community with pool, clubhouse, tennis and a beautiful lake for recreation.  Magnolia Village residents will have access to and enjoyment of ... 06/16/2014

Standing Out From The Crowd Your Huntsville Real Estate Resource According to the National Association of Realtors its membership as of May 30, 2013 was 997,148 members.  With nearly a million members...if you don't look different...if you're not doing something different or if you are not seen by the public as a "value add" and more importantly if you are not ALWAYS putting your clients best interest first it's fairly easy to get lost in the crowd.   One of the things I first did to set myself apart from the crowd was to hang my license with a brokerage that not only looks different, but is different; @Homes Realty Group We are a different kind of office with a different kind of agent, Just click on the photo above to check out one of our several websites that's in the top 1% of real e... 06/13/2014

Mortgage Definition - It May Not Be What you Think  Are you buying a new house?  If so and if you are like most people, you will need the services of a lender...I can suggest a few goods ones that will work hard for you.  Sooner or later the "M" word will be used...and exactly what does Mortgage mean?  Merriam-Webster defines Mortgage as:   Mortgage "A legal agreement in which a person borrows money to buy property (such as a house) and pays back the money over a period of years".   I think most people have this understanding of what a mortgage is,  and M-W goes on to say : "a conveyance of or lien against property (as for securing a loan) that becomes void upon payment or performance according to stipulated terms", also, "the instrument evidencing the mortgage".  So far so good, but be... 06/12/2014

How To Prepare For Emergencies Part 3 This post follows two earlier posts by Your Huntsville Real Estate Resource;   How To Be Prepared For Emergencies In Your New Home  Part 1 How To Be Prepared For Emergencies In Your New Home Part 2 This is the last in my series of how to prepare for emergencies in your new home by taking extra measure protecting your investment, your home and your safety.  Surviving a disaster is just the first part.  Recovering from a disaster may take much longer and requires more advance planning. Begin by designing your home for survival. The following are a few suggestions beyond the basics that will increase your chances of survival and being prepared for most emergencies. Preparing for Damage Hurricanes - inspect areas of your home for possible construction d... 06/09/2014

Open House, Caravans, Broker Open Etc, What Do They Mean In Your Area? Open House, Caravans & Broker Opens are all tools that can be used by your Realtor to help your home sell, giving it more exposure and gaining additional feedback that can be used to address issues that may not be readily apparent.  Sellers should sit up and take notice, however, this post is really directed at Realtors across the country asking what these different marketing methods and others mean to them and how they differ.  I recently wrote a post about a home I entered into a Realtor Caravan that won "Home of the Week" and inspired this post.  I want to ask the question of other Realtors how an Open House, Brokers Open, Caravans or any other marketing tool differs in areas other than Huntsville Alabama. Open Ho... 06/08/2014

Past Events That Got Me To Point "B" In Real Estate  That I would have a future in real estate was never a real consideration until I was 27 or so when my father and I bought an old Victorian with the intention of rehabbing and flipping it, the topic of a past post.  I had for a long time prior to that been interested in architecture; majoring in college at one point and business as well.  I also had a small remodeling and painting company with couple of life long friends.  At a younger age a friends mother who was a real estate broker thought I should become a real estate agent, but my head wasn't in the right place for that at 17, but never the less she planted the seed.  Anyway, back to the Victorian.  It took much longer to rehab that house than I originally estimated, but it turned... 06/06/2014

How To Be Prepared For Emergencies In Your New Home Part 2 List of Public Storm Shelters in the Tennessee Valley area provided by WHNT 19 News  Northern Alabama and more specifically my area of Huntsville and Madison have to deal with tornadoes and flash flooding and knowing how to be prepared for emergencies is important to your safety. After moving to your new home or neighborhood, knowing how to be prepared for emergencies in advance might well save you or a family member's life. In Part 1 I discussed the basics for inside your home.  Know your Home: Learn how to turn off gas, electrical and water lines in the event of a disaster.  Memorize the easiest exits from all rooms in your home.  Keep hallways and doorways clear of clutter. Create a Kit; Create and maintain an emergency kit a... 06/01/2014

A Fitting Memorial Day Re-Post ************* Earlier, December 5, 2013, I posted this Article and thought it would be fitting as a re-post on Memorial Day.  These men also served their country...some get visitors some are forgotten or have no family and I will also be thinking of them today. *********** At Homes Realty Group Visits Floyd E. "Tut" Fann State Veterans Home @Homes Realty Group has a philosophy of giving back to the community.  Each year all @Homes agents are involved in several community events with the sole purpose of making a difference...making things better for the community.  Some of the events that we sponsor or volunteer time, money, lunches and breakfast to are: Make-A-Wish foundation, Lincoln Village, Huntsville Inner City Learning Center, Make A Difference Day, H... 05/26/2014