a. Gather all moving materials you will need–include boxes, packing tape, scissors, newspaper, bubble wrap, and marking pens.
b. De-clutter and clean out. Now is the time to recycle or discard unneeded items so that you don’t have to pack them or pay to transport them to your new location–where you won’t need them either!
c. Label each packed box clearly as to contents and identify which room in your new Huntsville home.
Awesome circular driveway surrounded in lush landscaping will impress the most distinguished guest. Rock away the day on the covered front porch or slip through the leaded glass door with side-lights and transom enhancing the gleaming hardwood floors. A graciously flowing floor plan leads to the precious formal dining room boasting the perfect place to entertain you guests. You will love the niches to display your treasures as they are everywhere. Let the dogs and kids roam as all wood and tile floors make for easy cleanup. The cook thought of everything while designing the kitchen including gorgeous granite counters, tile backsplash and an island to spread out the culinary treats. Mom and Dad will love their retreat boasting panoramic views, stunning trey ceiling and private access to the screened porch. The luxurious master bathroom features a custom dual vanity with granite top, separate shower with body jets, whirlpool tub with jets and a walk-in closet. An additional two bedrooms are sized just right and share a bathroom with granite vanity. If you like to keep things organized you will love the huge laundry room with folding station and cabinets plus there is also a 14×6 pantry to store all your extras. The lovely screened porch with soothing ceiling fan is ideal for relaxing and gazing out at the endless view. A covered patio extends from screened porch for all weather enjoyment. Keep the kids corralled in the fenced area or let them roam beyond on their own private paradise! You will have plenty of time to play while the sprinkler system keeps your garden nourished. A three car side load garage allows for ample storage or even a workshop. Come on over and take a look! You will enjoy country living at its best with amenities galore. Bring the whole family as we are sure they will want to stay. Call us today for a private tour.
Learn more about 719 Beth Road and other Huntsville real estate by visiting MoveToHuntsville.com.
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Congress recently extended the home buyer tax credit closing date to September 30. The measure would give more time to thousands of qualified home purchasers, who through no fault of their own are unable to meet the current closing deadline of June 30; however the measure would not extend the deadline for home buyers to qualify for the tax credit. The deadline extension applies only to homebuyers who have ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, but could not close before June 30.
The April 30 deadline created a surge of home sales in April. Let’s take a look at the Huntsville real estate sales statistics in June compared to May.
Madison County/Huntsville Real Estate Sales Statistics
Huntsville and Madison County saw an increase of 10% in sold listings when compared to May 2010. The average sales price increased by 11% to $220,296. The average price per square foot remained the same in June 2010 when compared to May 2010. And the average list price increased by 11%, while homes were on the market an average of 8 days less than May 2010.
Date
Sold Listings
Average List Price
Average Sale Price
Percent SP/LP
Average DOM
Average Price Sqft
June 2010
525
$225,333
$220,296
98.87%
65
$85
May 2010
473
$200,826
$196,099
97.92%
73
$85
The increase in sales is a positive. However, much of the increase is a result of the expiring home buyer tax credits as well as seasonal activity. In addition to the increased sales, there has been an increase in the amount of inventory on the market compared to the same time last year. On average, we currently have between a 9-12 months supply of homes currently on the market in all price ranges.
For more information about Huntsville AL real estate, please visit MoveToHuntsville.com or call me at 256-508-0211.
According to this report, the prices for over 72% of the homes purchased in the first quarter of 2010 were affordable for families making an annual income of $63,800 (the median national income). One of the main reasons for this is because of the national median price: just $175,000. Adding to that is the still historically low interest and mortgage rates, as well as companies once again beginning to hire new employees. These “affordability” numbers are based on 28% or less of a family’s take-home pay.
Many new homeowners agree. The National Association of REALTORS® released the statistics for existing home sales on May 24. April saw a 7% increase in sales from March, and Freddie Mac reports that 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage commitment rates rose to 5.10% in the same month.
What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?
While this still means slow going for those with a Huntsville home for sale, this means an incredibly hot market for buyers. With over 4 million homes available for sale, sellers are definitely competing with each other. In many places across the country, homeowners have dropped their prices 10% to 50%, in an effort to attract attention.
Like most industries, the Huntsville real estate industry changes with the times. We still have the same mind-set, but the strategies we use differ from, say, before the internet. As the Huntsville real estate industry improves with the use of online and mobile tools, “change” translates to a better result on the sale of your home.
Changes to the Real Estate Industry
Due to uncertain lending practices and unregulated appraisal services, the real estate game needed to change. The National Association of Realtors® pushed for change, appraisers pushed for change, the government pushed for change and, of course (it’s the government, after all), change happened.
The government mandated new regulations for lending practices. They poured tax incentives into the economy and, simply by chain of reaction, changed the real estate industry.
What This Means to You
This isn’t bad news. In fact, it’s rather good news. The emphasis on education, a new code of ethics and advanced technology is a boon to today’s Huntsville real estate market and you, as the home seller. Why? Because you have a broader reach than ever before. As well, we, the successful agents, must keep our competitive edge on any lending, marketing and technical advantages and turn that edge into advantages for you.
Let’s face it. A lot of people like the idea of the easy lifestyle condos in Huntsville provide. While there are a multitude of positive reasons to buy a condo, many people are so glamorized by the idea that they fail to make sure condos fit their needs.
Before you jump in and buy one of the condos in Huntsville, make sure you also consider what some people consider the downside to owning a condo:
1. Space –Buying a condo means sharing an interest in it. What you own is your personal “box of air.” The rest of the condo – the common areas – is shared between the other owners.
2. Neighbors – Because you share walls and common areas, there’s a high chance that you’ll be able to hear them as they move about their own space. You’ll run into them more often, and have to coordinate with them in issues regarding the common areas.
3. Reselling – If you own a condominium and think you might resell it later, be aware that condos in Huntsville are typically more sensitive to the real estate market and take longer to recover than traditional single family homes.
We’re all trying to live greener lives, but nothing zaps your energy or your will to live greener in your Huntsville home like summer heat.
The summer heat can also assault your wallet. In fact, you can easily watch your utility bill double during the summer months.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to cool your Huntsville home for less money and less impact on the environment this summer. Here’s how.
Prep your home. Turn off heat-generating lights and appliances. Don’t use your oven. In the afternoon, close your windows and outside doors and keep window coverings drawn. At other times, use fans to create a cross breeze.
Raise your thermostat. When you’re not home, raise the thermostat to 80 degrees. Lower it two or three degrees when you are home and use ceiling fans to keep rooms cool. Moving your thermostat from 75 to 80 will lower your consumption by 15%. Your Huntsville home will still feel comfortable, and you will notice significant savings on your next utility bill.
Take a look at your windows. You’d be surprised to find out how much heat enters your home from old, single pane windows. Newer energy efficient windows with double panes block more heat and keep more cool air inside. If you can’t afford new windows now, at least cover the ones you have with heavy curtains or shades to keep out heat.
Check for leaks. Leaky duct work and poorly sealed doors can let as much cool air out of your home as an open window. Walk around your home checking under your doors and around your windows to feel for escaping air. Hire a professional to check your air conditioning systems for you. Take the time to have duct leaks repaired and seal air leaks.
Dress appropriately. There’s no reason to keep your home so cold that you have to wear extra layers of clothing when you’re inside. Wear light, loose fitting clothing. You’ll be more comfortable in slightly warmer temperatures. Keep light throw blankets handy for anyone who easily gets cold under a ceiling fan.
Implementing even one or two of these tips in your home can save you money and help the environment.
All the bells and whistles are tooting at 7012 Eagle Park Circle. A spectacular ranch featuring all the amenities that allow you to just sit back, relax and enjoy life. As soon as you enter the ambiance will charm you with gleaming wood floors, columns, crown moldings and a flowing floor plan. Immediately on your right the study or living room with double doors allows you to close off your work space or entertain privately. A formal dining room illuminated by a large window with transom is sure to be the place to enjoy family dinners. A cook’s dream-come-true kitchen with gorgeous stainless appliances, smooth-top range, tile backsplash and an island offers guests a place to perch while you whip up something wonderful. The delightful breakfast area is the perfect place to start your day with peaceful views of the outdoors. Your family will love the awesome great room with triple windows providing an abundance of natural light while a cozy gas fireplace enhances the atmosphere. Mom and dad will love their suite featuring a supersized walk-in closet, garden tub, and separate shower. You will never have to bend over to brush your teeth at the raised vanities. The two additional secondary bedrooms are ample in size and share a lovely bathroom, naturally lit by a transom over the tub. A large laundry room with cabinets is perfect for keeping things organized. Step out on your new covered patio and take pleasure in the gorgeous mountain views from the privacy of your own backyard. No need to worry about watering the grass as the sprinkler system will keep your garden green. A three car garage allows for ample parking and a workshop too. Sparkling in everyway! This beauty will not last long. Call today for your private tour.
As you may be aware, there are two primary ways to sell and buy Huntsville homes. One, FSBO (For Sale By Owner), means just what it says – the owner sells the home. The second, of course, is selling the home through a real estate agent. What you may not be aware of is the main reasons why so many choose to hire an agent, whether buying or selling Huntsville homes.
Should you hire an agent? Of course, I’m going to say yes. However, what I really want you to do is make up your own mind after reading. Only you can answer this question because only you know your situation, but you need to know the facts:
Fact #1, for buyers – Real estate is one of the biggest areas of fraud in the U.S., and a fraud in which the scammer is less likely to be caught. Instances abound where an unsuspecting buyer has bought a home that still belonged to someone else. Someone else who had no idea their home was up for sale in the first place. You won’t be able to get your down payment back, because the con artist will be long gone with it. Agents deal directly with the homeowner whose name is on the title. If a licensed real estate agent represents a home, you know it’s really for sale.
Fact #2, for sellers – Real estate agents have access to many marketing venues that individuals don’t. FSBO sellers are limited to a few websites on the Internet versus the multitude of websites agents use to advertise homes for sale. With the knowledge agents gain through training and experience, the marketing available to agents, and the resources agents have at their fingertips, you have a much better chance of selling your home with an agent than on your own. If you don’t mind having your home sit on the market for awhile, FSBO may be the way to sell. However, if you need your home to sell sooner rather than later, you need an agent.
You’ve finally decided that, yes, you can afford to buy a Huntsville home. After years of frugal saving, hard work and patient waiting, the timing is great. You don’t want to wait anymore, so you rush out and start looking for homes. It is, after all, a buyer’s market, and you’re a buyer.
Now, if you read about real estate, you’ve probably considered your credit. Is my credit strong enough? Is my score high enough? Some go to lenders and request preapproval. A few request prequalification. Many, however, go to the “free” credit score searches.
Of those who use the credit score searches, some find a Huntsville home they want to buy. They then confidently take their credit reports to the lenders and find out the lenders don’t care about the reports. Others find out that the “free” doesn’t really mean free.
Generally, these credit reporting services are helpful, but most aren’t free. You sign up to get your report and, in the fine print, you’re agreeing to enroll in services that require a monthly fee. The services you end up paying for can be somewhat helpful. But many people sign up not knowing what they’re getting into. If you want those types of monthly services, research the companies and don’t fall for scam sites, because they’re out there.
Why won’t leaders use the credit reports you take to them?
They can’t use the credit scores you bring to them. In fact, they’re required to request credit scores on their own. And, the credit reports lenders get may not reflect what you receive from the reporting services you hired.
Typically, lenders use the median FICO Scores from three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Those FICO Scores may not be the same from bureau to bureau. Some of the “free” credit places provide these scores, but usually from only one bureau rather than all three.
1. MAKE RESERVATIONS EARLY
national income). One of the main reasons for this is because of the national median price: just $175,000. Adding to that is the still historically low interest and mortgage rates, as well as companies once again beginning to hire new employees. These “affordability” numbers are based on 28% or less of a family’s take-home pay.
Due to uncertain lending practices and unregulated appraisal services, the real estate game needed to change. The 
1. Space –
The summer heat can also assault your wallet. In fact, you can easily watch your utility bill double during the summer months.
Fact #1, for buyers – 
strong enough? Is my score high enough? Some go to lenders and request preapproval. A few request prequalification. Many, however, go to the “free” credit score searches.