Working to have a safe Huntsville home environment is important to everyone. We want our children to have safe water, clean air, fresh food and a healthy earth for their future.
One area where you might consider decreasing your impact on the environment is in your own home construction. There are several ways you can have a safe and clean green home construction.
Find a “green” builder to help with your Huntsville home. Search the Internet for professional green builders. It takes a special contractor to coordinate the elements of home building to ensure maximum energy savings. Buying green materials is just one step toward having a green home. To achieve ultimate efficiency, the different structural parts of plumbing, electricity, gas lines, and framework need to be coordinated.
Buy green materials from different vendors. Shop around to ensure you are getting the best deal. One vendor may sell stone at an exceptional price, but his timber may be overpriced. Natural supplies can be in short availability in some areas. Natural builders and vendors are working together to build a greener home construction industry, but it is still a business. It is your responsibility as the homeowner to make sure that you are getting the best deal.
Continue the “green” theme with your home decorations and furnishings. The construction of your green home saves resources and energy. You can reduce your impact on the environment even further by using energy saving appliances, eco-friendly interior paint, and sustainable wood flooring in your home.
Building your Huntsville home using green construction is a great start to a cleaner, brighter future.
I can help you learn more about green home construction options. Call me at 800-803-0053, 256-508-0211 or email me at mike@movetohuntsville.com for more information.
There were 1,346 Madison County AL foreclosure homes for sale with 114 new foreclosures in November 2009. 1 in every 18,583 housing units received a foreclosure filing in November. The average sales price of a Madison County AL home was $172,641 and the average foreclosure sales price was $148,623, a $24,018 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.
Madison County AL Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index
Madison County AL foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or repossession notice – each month. Home price appreciation is based on month-over-month percentage change of the Home Price Index. The Home Price Index is calculated from home sales records.
When people think of environmental concerns, very seldom do they think of their home environment. Mold spores, carcinogens, allergens and more can fill up your Huntsville real estate and create a bad environment. Here are a few ways to make sure your indoor air quality is as good as it can be:
Check for mold. Mold has a distinctive odor; somehow, it manages to smell both wet and dry, as well as musty. It can grow around windows, in the bathroom and in your air ducts. For windows, bathrooms and small areas within your home, you can clean the mold yourself wearing protective gear and using the right mold cleanup methods.
Check the ductwork. Mold, dust, insect parts and other small to microscopic pollutants settle in ductwork and then, when the air is turned on, flow out into the various units. I recommend leaving this job to professionals with the proper equipment. Research green janitorial services in your area that specialize in environmentally safe cleaning practices and provide good indoor air quality through the practices.
”The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”
~ Burton Hillis
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated festivals globally and is no longer viewed as a purely religious holy day. It is now a time enjoyed by people of many countries and faiths, and there are numerous universally recognized icons which we associate with the yuletide. In fact, these symbols have become so commonly associated with the celebration of Christmas that when we see Santa riding on a reindeer, a mantle hung with stockings, coniferous green trees decorated with tinsel and ornaments, or houses festooned with evergreen wreaths and mistletoe, we know that the magic spirit of the season is upon us.
The tradition of the Christmas stocking dates back to approximately 250B.C. in Asia Minor. There Nicholas, rich man who became a very generous Christian priest and a saint, is said to have secretly filled the stockings of three poor sisters with gold, thus giving them a dowry and allowing them to marry. Legend has it that after that “miracle,” neighbors of the fortunate women followed suit with their stockings, and the tradition slowly spread across the globe. Children throughout the world now hang stockings–or even put out shoes–to be filled with small gifts and food by Santa (Saint) Claus (Nicholas). Many people create their own stockings, personalizing them for themselves or for others and often providing a family activity that is fun for all. Find instructions for making your own Christmas fireplace stockings.
Along with the Christmas holly, laurel, rosemary, yews, boxwood bushes, and, of course the Christmas tree, mistletoe is an evergreen displayed during the Christmas season and symbolic of the eventual rebirth of vegetation that will occur in spring. But perhaps more than any other of the Christmas evergreens, it is a plant of which we are conscious only during the holidays. One day we’re kissing under the mistletoe, and next day we’ve forgotten all about it (the plant, that is, not the kisses).
THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE!
And ’tis the season to decide what presents to give, to buy the presents, to wrap the presents, to mail and/or deliver the presents. Whew!–time-consuming and somewhat exhausting unless you’ve discovered online shopping. Here are just a few ideas: EasyXmas.com, Gifts.com, Overstock.com, Amazon.com, Fragrance.net. There are hundreds of other sites just waiting to display their wares and ship them for you. Some even offer free holiday shipping or will do the gift wrapping for you.
Gorgeous full brick home on a king size lot in Trail Bend. A formal dining room welcomes you into your new home with lush carpeting and plenty of seating for a dinner party. The spacious great room with soaring ceilings, gas fireplace, and hardwood floors is perfect for gathering family and friends. But don’t let them stop there because there is more room to roam outside. Party central in your 18 x 34 saltwater pool, perfect for lots of backyard fun. No need to worry about guest tracking in from the pool as there is a nice pool house with 3/4 bathroom. The best part is you still have a large backyard that you never need to water since it has it’s own in-ground sprinkler and there is even more space to play beyond the privacy fence. With all this do not forget to pamper yourself in your master suite featuring a garden tub, separate shower, walk-in closet and dual vanities. Don’t miss this wonderful home, call today for a private showing.
Invest in the future and watch your dreams come true from the covered front or rear porch of your new home in Union Grove, AL. With a short commute to the city you will have time to enjoy this GORGEOUS PROPERTY with approximately 8 acres, mature trees and views many only dream of. This three bedroom ranch boasting hardwood floors, gas fireplace and a true country kitchen is yours for the taken. Your family will enjoy watching their future unfold.
Picnics on your own grounds or enjoy the views from the dine-in area. Snuggle up in the great room next to the gas fireplace and dream up your plans! Create your own masterpieces in the detached workshop with ¾ bath. Build your dream home or enjoy the nice home already on this private piece of property.
Learn more about 1886 Rescue Road and other Huntsville real estate by visiting MoveToHuntsville.com. Search all Huntsville real estate and homes for sale.
Pending home sales have risen for nine months in a row, a first for the series of the index since its inception in 2001, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in October, increased 3.7 percent to 114.1 from 110.0 in September, and is 31.8 percent above October 2008 when it was 86.6. The rise from a year ago is the biggest annual increase ever recorded for the index, which is at the highest level since March 2006 when it was 115.2.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said home sales are experiencing a pendulum swing. “Keep in mind that housing had been underperforming over most of the past year. Based on the demographics of our growing population, existing-home sales should be in the range of 5.5 million to 6.0 million annually, but we were well below the 5-million mark before the home buyer tax credit stimulus,” he said. “This means the tax credit is helping unleash a pent-up demand from a large pool of financially qualified renters, much more than borrowing sales from the future.
Let’s look at November Madison County/Huntsville real estate sales to see how the housing recovery is progressing locally.
Madison County/Huntsville Real Estate Sales Statistics
Madison County and Huntsville real estate saw a decrease of 8% in sold listings in November when compared to October 2009. The average sales price increased by 3% to $188,818. The average price per square foot increased by 10% when compared with October 2009. And the average list price increased by 3%. While homes were on the market an average of 5 days less than October 2009
Date
Sold Listings
Average List Price
Average Sale Price
Percent SP/LP
Average DOM
Average Price Sqft
Nov 2009
444
$192,493
$188,818
97.92%
63
$84
Oct 2009
485
$187,527
$183,594
98.29%
68
$76
For more information about Huntsville real estate, please visit MoveToHuntsville.com or call me at 256-508-0211.
Huntsville ranks as #9 in the list of the World’s Smartest Cities published by Forbes.com.
“Huntsville has long had a “smart” core to its economy–a legacy of its critical role in the NASA ballistic missile program. Today the area’s traditional emphasis on aerospace has been joined by bold moves into such fields as biotechnology.”
Huntsville area was named the #1 economy in the nation by Kiplinger.
Enjoy an Introduction to Huntsville:
Interested in moving to Huntsville? Learn about Huntsville real estate at MoveToHuntsville.com.
Have you heard of the first-time homebuyer’s tax credit extension? Last month, President Obama signed the extension to help first-time homebuyers(who didn’t get their sales in by November 30th) buy a house that meets their needs. What about those who already own Huntsville homes, are doing well and want a larger home?
To those who already own a home, Merry Christmas! The Workers, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 didn’t just come with an extension; it came with improvements. Those in governmental positions of authority reasoned that if someone wanted to get a bigger home, they should get some kind of help too, thus further helping the overall real estate market.
If you own a home, you can now receive up to $6,500 in tax credits for buying one of the Huntsville homes for sale. The actual wording is “$6,500 or 10%.” Here are a few of the important points you need to know:
It doesn’t matter if you’re buying or selling a home, consulting an experienced Huntsville real estate agent is a smart move. Here are five steps to finding your perfect agent:
Ask about experience Although many new Huntsville real estate agents are good at what they do, ideally, you want to work with an experienced expert. Someone with extensive experiencecan efficiently get through the process and streamline the fine details.
Confirm costs Before getting in too far, find out if you are both on the same page when it comes to costs. Make sure to outline everything in writing ahead of time. This way you eliminate surprises in fees later.
Discuss turnaround time Find out whether or not your Huntsville real estate agent can find or sell a property within the timeframe you desire. Many factors can affect such turnaround, but it’s good to discuss these details in the beginning to help you get a feel for your agent’s track record.
Inquire about online listings These days, 80% of home buyers start by viewing listings online. Make sure your agent has the capability to show you homes online and showcase your home for sale online. If not, this may be a sign that their office is not up to date.
Check availability Learn about your agent’s schedule. If he or she is splitting real estate time with another job, you need to know that upfront. This will help you determine whether or not this agent has the commitment you’re looking for.
Finding the right Huntsville real estate agent can take some time. It’s worth the effort to secure the most capable person for the job.
I’d love to have the opportunity to interview for the job as your real estate agent. Call me today at 800-803-0053, 256-508-0211 or email me at mike@movetohuntsville.com.
Working to have a safe Huntsville home environment is important to everyone. We want our children to have safe water, clean air, fresh food and a healthy earth for their future.
Check for mold. Mold has a distinctive odor; somehow, it manages to smell both wet and dry, as well as musty. It can grow around windows, in the bathroom and in your air ducts. For windows, bathrooms and small areas within your home, you can clean the mold yourself wearing protective gear and 
”The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”
priest and a saint, is said to have secretly filled the stockings of three poor sisters with gold, thus giving them a dowry and allowing them to marry. Legend has it that after that “miracle,” neighbors of the fortunate women followed suit with their stockings, and the tradition slowly spread across the globe. Children throughout the world now hang stockings–or even put out shoes–to be filled with small gifts and food by Santa (Saint) Claus (Nicholas). Many people create their own stockings, personalizing them for themselves or for others and often providing a family activity that is fun for all. 
And ’tis the season to decide what presents to give, to buy the presents, to wrap the presents, to mail and/or deliver the presents. Whew!–time-consuming and somewhat exhausting unless you’ve discovered online shopping. Here are just a few ideas: 
To those who already own a home, Merry Christmas! The Workers, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 didn’t just come with an extension; it came with improvements. Those in governmental positions of authority reasoned that if someone wanted to get a bigger home, they should get some kind of help too, thus further helping the overall real estate market. 
It doesn’t matter if you’re buying or selling a home, consulting an experienced 
