The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight has ranked Huntsville among the top ten cities for median home price appreciation when compare to 300 metropolitan areas in a fourth-quarter home price appreciation index. Huntsville ranks 9th with 3.78 percent appreciation for the year, 1.64 percent appreciation for the quarter and 33.26 percent appreciation over the past 5 years.
Huntsville real estate is definitely holding its own compared to other parts of the country. These statistics along with the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit, an abundance of inventory and record low interest rates, make NOW a great time to buy Huntsville real estate. You can learn more at MoveToHuntsville.com.
Cold weather is here, and your Huntsville home utility bill may be bearing the brunt of the weather. You can do a few simple things to reduce the amount of money you have to pay out this winter.
Your windows are the most common place that your home is vulnerable to the elements. Here are a few things you can do to minimize energy lossaround your windows:
Find The Source Of The Leak
In order to know where repairs need to be made, you have to find the source of the leak. One way is to feel for drafts along all the seams of the windows. If the leak is too small to be felt by your hands, you can hold a candle near each window. When the flame changes, you’ve found the leak.
Seal the Windows
You can use silicone caulking to seal the seams of the window. Silicone caulk can be found in most Huntsville home improvement stores. You’ll need to buy a caulking gunto apply the silicone.
To use a caulking gun, you simply insert the caulk into the gun. Slice off the tip of the caulking tube, and gently squeeze the handle to push the caulk out. Maintain an even pressure as you apply the silicone caulking. This way, you’ll get a thin even line of caulking.
If you have old, wood windowsyou may need to seal the window off completely with plastic. Fortunately, you can buy plastic sheeting with double-sided tape already attached from any hardware store. To apply the plastic to your windows:
Clean the windows with warm soapy water.
Measure the window and precut the plastic.
Remove the non-stick backing off the tape. Attach it along one corner of the window. Continue applying it to the rest of the window.
Use a blow-dryer to shrink any wrinkles in the plastic.
By insulating your Huntsville home against the cold weather, you can avoid spending a lot of money on your utilities this winter.
Thinking of buying a new Huntsville home? Let me help you find a well-insulated home that will keep you warm without breaking the bank. Call me today at 256-508-0211 or toll free 800-803-0053.
Display your style and live in luxury at this all brick ranch in Harvest. You’ll enjoy the 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2255 square feet of bright open spaces. The elegant foyer greets your guests into the formal dining room. Family time will be extra special in the oversized great room with a cozy gas log fireplace, high ceilings, and plenty of light. The cheerful kitchen with an abundance of cabinets and counter space, plus a breakfast bar is perfect for creating your culinary masterpieces. The sunny breakfast area overlooks the private lot. You may never leave this master suite fit for a king with a walk-in closet, dual vanities, separate shower and a whirlpool tub for bubble baths. Rain or shine your backyard cookouts are sure to be memorable on the covered patio overlooking the secluded backyard, extensive landscaping with stone borders and a sprinkler system to keep the flowers blooming. Don’t miss the opportunity to entertain inside and outside of this beautiful home on one of the largest lots in Arbor Springs.
Come on home and enjoy this private end unit with 1220 square feet in Huntsville. The welcoming Great room offers laminate flooring and a wood-burning fireplace for those chilly winter nights. The family-friendly kitchen with breakfast area includes a microwave, dishwasher and new tile floors. Retreat to the spacious master suite with walk-in closet and private bath. Invite your friends to a barbeque on the private deck overlooking magnificent mountains views. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the community pool and tennis courts with yard and exterior maintenance covered. This is an opportunity for home ownership you won’t want to miss!!
Learn more about 11112 South Memorial Parkway and other Huntsville real estate by visiting HuntsvilleHomesOnline.com.
Designed for entertainment this 4-bedroom, 3350 SF ranch in Huntsville delivers all the comforts of home.The captivating dining room with wood floors, beautiful chandelier, and French doors is perfect for special dinners. Your family will enjoy gathering around the fireplace or gazing out the windows in the large greatroom. The cook will come alive in the sprawling kitchen with tile floors, tile backsplash, stainless appliances and an abundance of cabinet and counter space. You will have plenty of space to spread out your culinary masterpieces.Retreat to the master suite complete with walk-in closet, hardwood floors, separate shower and a custom vanity to pamper yourself. The 3 additional extra large bedrooms have hardwood floors, ceiling fans and plenty of closet space.Also included is a fully finished basement/recreation room with fireplace, 3/4 bathroom and massive wet bar. Escape to the sunroom and relish in the endless view of trees. The 2-car garage plus 2 storage rooms will keep you organized. Enjoy your home while the in-ground sprinkler system keeps the yard looking green.A real gem nestled in the woods and conveniently located to all your entertainment needs.
Learn more about 106 Jones Valley Drive and other Huntsville homes for sale by visiting MoveToHuntsville.com.
To get a Huntsville home to sell during a buyer’s market, it needs to look better than the other houses on the street. Making just a few quick changes can make all the difference when trying to best the competition. Here are a few things to do to make your home stand out:
A Fresh Coat of Paint
Few things can spruce up a Huntsville home like a fresh coat of paint. Be sure to pick a neutral color. Potential buyers won’t be able to see themselves decorating and living in the home if they see too much of someone else’s personality in the wall color. Most home improvement stores will have color cards you can look through, this will help you find the most neutral color you can live with. While you’re at it, get rid of all the knickknacks and other items that may clutter up your home, and the prospective buyer’s mind.
Fix The Flooring
You don’t have to buy new carpet, but you need to make sure it’s clean and in good condition. Be honest, if you wouldn’t want to inherit the flooring, no one else will either. If after cleaning and making repairs the carpet does not look up to par, replace it. Repair any gouges in the linoleum or hardwood floors. Don’t let bad flooring ruin your chances of a good sell.
Keep Up The Maintenance
Before selling your home, walk through each room and make a list of what needs to be done. Take note of the little things. Look at the window frames, the caulking in the bathroom, and check out the condition of your gutters. Do they need cleaning or is bigger repair in order?
Have someone come out and inspect your furnace and air conditioner for needed repairs. Even the plumbing should get a once over. The roof of your house needs to be inspected too. Arrange to make repairs as soon as possible.
If you’re unable to make these needed repairs, be prepared to lower the price of your Huntsville home as much as two dollars for every dollar of repair work needed. These simple things can make the difference in a buyer’s market.
Thinking of selling your Huntsville home? Let me help you sell it as fast as possible for the best price. Visit MoveToHuntsville.com or call me today at 800-803-0053, 256-508-0211.
It is nice to bring good news to Huntsville homeowners, when so much of what is going on in our country these days is troubling and down right depressing. TVA, Tennessee Valley Authority announced last week it is reducing power rates in April by 7 percent.
Rates were cut by 6 percent for bills beginning in January. These cuts are on the heels of last year’s sharp 20 percent rate hike which began in October.
TVA estimates bills will come down $4 to $9 a month. Thank you TVA from all Huntsville homeowners!
Your Huntsville real estate agent may say that you must provide earnest money when making an offer for a home. It’s usually in the form of a check, and the funds will be verified by your mortgage company prior to final approval of the loan.
This earnest money reassures the home seller you’re indeed serious about the offer you’re making. Once the terms of the deal are worked out between you and the seller, the earnest money is placed in an account held in trust until your loan closes. Then the money will be used for your down payment and closing costs.
What if the Deal Falls Through?
If the deal falls through at any time, any cancellation fees are paid out of the earnest money. The remainder of the money continues to be held in trust until you and the seller agree on the disbursement of the money. If the deal is canceled early in the process, it’s usually a simple matter of the seller signing over the deposit to you.
A Romantic Valentine’s Day In Your Huntsville Home
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to stir up love in your Huntsville home. With the current economy, however, you may find yourself wondering how you can afford anything special. In the spirit of happy, healthy relationships everywhere, here’s an inexpensive Valentine evening to keep the romance:
Romantic Dinner
Although “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” isn’t necessarily true, a romantic meal is a great way to start off the evening. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken Parmesan ($20) – Two large chicken breasts, rolled in herbs and breadcrumbs; bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Melt sliced mozzarella over the top. Your favorite pasta, cooked al dente. Place the cooked chicken on a serving of pasta, with Marinara or spaghetti sauce spooned over the top. Serve with toasted garlic bread (or toast, buttered and flavored with garlic) and a side salad.
143 Coy Wilborn Lane, New Hope AL 35760 Mls #292527
Retreat to your own oasis in this peaceful park- like setting with 3 Koi ponds on 1 acre lot in Oak Grove Village, New Hope AL. Completely updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath 2000 square foot ranch is waiting for your family. Relax on the covered front porch or stroll along the lush gardens. The beautiful interior is in immaculate condition with an attention to detail, including 10 foot vaulted ceilings. You’ll enjoy the gracious formal living room with gas fireplace. Formal and informal dining areas provide bonus space for your family. The cook-friendly kitchen with breakfast area overlooks your own private sanctuary. The spectacular family room with gas fireplace and a wall of windows to bring the outdoors in will be the favorite gathering spot for your family. Dad is going to love the 2-car attached garage plus 2 car detached garage with utilities. Don’t miss the opportunity to retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, simply by coming home!
Find more info on 143 Coy Wilborn Lane in New Hope AL and other Huntsville real estate at HuntsvilleHomesOnline.com.
