By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On November 30, 2010
Huntsville Real Estate For Sale: 5011 Montauk Trail Owens Cross Road, Al 35763
MLS#894219
A stunning covered entry surrounded by lush landscaping will welcome you home in this all brick beauty in the Hampton Cove Area! Bursting with elegance and superb attention to detail you are sure to be impressed. Indulge in the spectacular great room illuminated by natural light beaming from the triple windows. Gather the family and toast your toes by the cozy gas log fireplace. Pamper the chef with this dreamy kitchen boasting a smooth-top range, built-in microwave plus cabinets and counter space galore. Family and friends can perch in the sunny breakfast area while enjoying delicious meals. A soothing ceiling fan makes the master retreat a nice place to rest after a long day! The luxurious master bathroom features dual vanities and a garden tub for soaking away your worries. The secondary bedrooms are spacious and perfect for the growing family. An additional room can be used for a study or extra guests. Step out on your private covered porch and submerge yourself in the gorgeous mountain views. Pamper the pooches with their very own dog run. Bring your most comfy chair and a fishing pole as the community lake is just waiting for you. Enjoy strolling with the kids to the new Goldsmith Schiffan Elementary School! Call us today for your private tour!
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On November 29, 2010
Nearly eight out of 10 Americans believe buying a home is a good financial decision, despite ongoing challenges with the economy and housing market. That’s according to the 2010 National Housing Pulse Survey, an annual report released by the National Association of Realtors®.
The survey, which measures how affordable housing issues affect consumers, also found job security concerns to be the highest in eight years of sampling, with 70 percent of Americans saying that job layoffs and unemployment are a big problem in their area; eight in 10 cite these issues as a barrier to home ownership.
Despite economic uncertainty, 68 percent of those surveyed still believe now is a good time to buy a home; while that number is down from last year (75 percent), it’s up from 2008 (66 percent) and 2007 (59 percent). Lower home prices and record-low mortgage interest rates may be attracting buyers to the housing market – more than one-fourth of renters said they are thinking more about buying a home than they were a year ago. Sixty-three percent of renter respondents said that owning a home is a priority in their future, and nearly 40 percent said it was one of their highest priorities.
Lower home prices have improved affordability. Let’s take a look at October home sales and see how improved affordability is affecting our local housing market.
Madison County/Huntsville Real Estate Sales Statistics
Huntsville and Madison County saw an decrease of 2% in sold listings in October when compared to September 2010. The average sales price decreased by 6% to $193,701. The average price per square foot increased by 1% in October 2010 when compared to September 2010. And the average list price decreased by 6%, while homes were on the market an average of 4 days more than in October 2010.
Date
Sold Listings
Average List Price
Average Sale Price
Percent SP/LP
Average DOM
Average Price Sqft
Oct 2010
329
$198,898
$193,701
97.74%
76
$82
Sept 2010
336
$211,890
$206,828
98.56%
72
$81
On average, we 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.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On November 23, 2010
If you’re like most pet owners, your pets are part of your family. Do your part to help them out and pet proof your Huntsville home for their safety.
Inspect your yard. As your dog or cat walks through your yard, harmful chemicals from pesticides, herbicides and fungicides can adhere to their fur and get on their paws. Once inside your Huntsville home, your pets will lick their feet and legs clean. This licking causes them to ingest many harmful chemicals. Keep pets away from the yard if you’ve recently applied chemicals to it, and be sure to follow manufacturer’s recommendations. Better yet, switch to pet safe yard products or a natural yard that doesn’t require chemicals at all.
Examine your garage. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts animals and is deadly if consumed in even small quantities. Just one teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat. Switch to a safer antifreeze. Look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which won’t harm animals if ingested in small amounts.
Secure items. Your pet is curious. Take the time to place medicines, cleaning solutions, and chemicals out of their way. Make sure they cannot open cupboards and cabinets. You may want to install cupboard latches and cover electrical outlets, if you have a smart pet that’s good at opening things. (more…)
It is commonly believed that the first actual celebration of the harvest and blessings from God took place in Plymouth in 1621. The festivities lasted three days and included feasting, entertainment, and competitions. For more about the holiday’s history!
Who Doesn’t Love a Parade?
The first annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in 1924. That first year, it was known as the Macy’s Christmas Parade. It was created to launch the holiday shopping season. Today, the parade is attended by an estimated three million people each year. Approximately 44 million people around the country watch the parade on television.
Other large parades which commemorate the holiday are the IKEA Thanksgiving Parade in Philly, McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago, and the UBS Parade Spectacular in Stamford.
Money-saving tips for Thanksgiving–something we would all be thankful for!
1. Have a BYOD (bring your own dish) celebration. Asking your guests to contribute to the meal is a great way to save on expenses–and on your own cooking time.
2. Keep it simple. Cut down on the number of side dishes you have. A festive table doesn’t have to be extravagant.
3. Serve boxed wine or large bottles of soda. Cans and individual bottles are far more expensive.
4. Use natural items for decorations–leaves, fruit, squash, gourds, pumpkins, and dried flowers from your garden. A large candle and colorful fruit make a lovely centerpiece. Visit a dollar store for inexpensive holiday items.
5. Check store ads for sales and coupons before you shop for Thanksgiving Day goodies.
6. If time and your schedule allow, bake it yourself. Baking all your pies at one time will also save energy costs.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On November 16, 2010
There were 1,222 Huntsville foreclosure homes for sale with 80 new foreclosures in Oct 2010. One in every 1,159 housing units received a foreclosure filing in Oct. The average sales price of a Huntsville home was $165,974 and the average foreclosure sales price was $136,297, a $29,677 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.
Huntsville Foreclosure Activity and30 Year Interest Rate
Huntsville interest rates averaged 4.23% in Oct while the number of foreclosed homes increased from 49 in Sept to 80 in Oct.
Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.
Huntsville Foreclosure Geographical Comparison
Huntsville foreclosure activity was 0.15% lower than national statistics and equal to state figures and 0.02% below Madison County statistics.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On November 11, 2010
While those who own Huntsville homes for sale are worried about the real estate market, some buyers are getting good deals. However, there are plenty of people on both sides of the market with a case of cold feet.
For instance, some with Huntsville homes for sale took them off the market. Others, who’ve thought of selling, haven’t.
The same can be said for buyers. Many potential homebuyers change their minds or still worry over that age-old question of, “Should I or shouldn’t I?”
Two Cases of Cold Feet
A 26-year old with a steady job, good paycheck and good credit, sums it up for many potential buyers. “My job’s steady and my credit is good. I keep watching the houses that go up for sale, thinking I could go ahead and buy, but then the ‘what if’s’ pop into my head. I don’t want to miss this opportunity to get a great deal and lock in a low interest rate, but there are so many unknowns…”
A former seller shares why he took his home off the market. “My wife and I decided to sell and went through the process of hiring an agent. The agent suggested having someone come in and redecorate the house. While we were looking for another place, we kept coming back to this beautiful home and started remembering what we really liked about it in the first place.”
He went on to say, “We also started thinking about all the things we no longer had to deal with. We own this home, but if we bought another one, we’d have to take out a mortgage. Our house started looking better and better. Turns out we didn’t need to move; we just needed to redecorate.”
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On November 9, 2010
The retail stores have jumped from Halloween right into Christmas but there are many fun fall and Thanksgiving related activities to take advantage of in Huntsville in the coming weeks. If you aren’t quite ready to pull out the red and green or the mistletoe and holly, you might want to consider the ideas below for entertainment.
The Turkey Trot is a great way to work up an appetite for your Thanksgiving dinner. Registration is at 7:00 AM Thanksgiving morning and the race at 8:00 AM. Spragins Hall, UAH campus Huntsville, AL 35899. (256) 716-4052. Admission is charged.
The traditional time for a Veterans Day parade is the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. At 11 AM the flag at the corner of Williams & Lowe Avenues will be raised to full mast, followed by taps & a three-volley rifle salute. This year’s theme is “Courage, Sacrifice, and Duty – We Honor Those Who Serve.”
In recognition of our veterans, the Veteran’s Memorial Museum will hold a free admission Open House following the parade in downtown. (256) 883-3737 (more…)
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On November 5, 2010
In today’s real estate market, it’s helpful when homeowners add incentives to sell their Huntsville homes. Incentives may include paying a portion of the buyer’s closing costs, reducing the sale price or offering a home warranty.
Many sellers and buyers are unaware of the advantages of home warranties, so below are answers to some frequently asked questions about home warranties:
What is a home warranty? A home warranty is a policy that covers the repair or replacement of home systems and appliances. They are typically annual policies that can be renewed and usually cost between $250 and $500.
Who pays for a home warranty? Either the seller or the buyer can pay for the home warranty, but sellers usually cover the cost as an incentive for selling their Huntsville home. Sometimes real estate agents offer home warranties as a closing gift.
What is covered? This will depend on the terms of your warranty. Most warranties cover the air conditioner, dishwasher, furnace or heating system, water heater, duct work, garbage disposal, inside plumbing, electrical systems, range and oven, and telephone wiring. Check with your home warranty for your specific coverage.
What is not covered? Again, this will depend on the terms of your warranty. However, most warranties do not cover outdoor sprinklers, certain faucet repairs, refrigerators, washers and dryers, garage door openers, spas, and pools. Check with your home warranty for your specific coverage. (more…)
At first, there is excitement. The idea of buying a new home pulses in your veins and you can’t wait to get started. You’re like a runner in the blocks just itching to begin. Your muscles twitch in anticipation with every piece of Huntsville real estate you see. That’s when the real adrenaline rush kicks in.
Start Out Slowly
Keep to a steady, consistent pace and you’ll make it to the finish line. There’s so much to do before you can get your Huntsville real estate. Home appraisals, inspections and financing to apply for…
You start to think about all the ‘what ifs,’ like what if you don’t get the financing, what if something goes wrong, what if… goes on forever.
Stay Mentally Tough
Don’t give into periods of self-doubt. Remember all that you’ve done and have faith in yourself and your real estate agent. Think about how hard you’ve worked and how rewarding it will be when you’re in your new home.
Hit the Wall
You feel like you simply can’t go on any more and the ordeal is never going to end. Your mind hurts from the strain, but you keep pushing onward because it’s the only direction you can go after coming so far. Remind yourself that you’ll get past this feeling. Keep day dreaming about that finish line.
Breakthrough Bliss
Suddenly things begin to happen. Home inspection reports come back. Financing is approved. You begin to breathe easier, the pain goes away, and you are sailing free and clear toward the finish line.
The Finish Line
You sign all the papers at closing and the keys are placed in your hand. Congratulations! You’re a winner.
When you’re ready to buy a home, I can help you from start to finish. Contact me today at 800-803-0053, 256-508-0211 or email me.
Inspect your yard. As your dog or cat walks through your yard, harmful chemicals from pesticides, herbicides and fungicides can adhere to their fur and get on their paws. Once inside your 
To our national birds
1. Have a BYOD (bring your own dish) celebration. Asking your guests to contribute to the meal is a great way to save on expenses–and on your own cooking time.
A 26-year old with a steady job, good paycheck and good credit, sums it up for many potential buyers. “My job’s steady and my credit is good. I keep watching the houses that go up for sale, thinking I could go ahead and buy, but then the ‘what if’s’ pop into my head. I don’t want to miss this opportunity to get a great deal and lock in a low interest rate, but there are so many unknowns…”
Huntsville’s best corn maize. Discover why getting lost means finding fun. Open Wed.-Thurs. 5-9 PM, Fri. 3-11 PM, Sat. Noon-11 PM, Sun. 1-5 PM, closed Mon.-Tues. (256) 508-2380.
Who pays for a home warranty? Either the seller or the buyer can pay for the home warranty, but sellers usually cover the cost as an incentive for selling their 
Keep to a steady, consistent pace and you’ll make it to the finish line. There’s so much to do before you can get your 