By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On December 22, 2011
December is indeed a busy month for most folks as they shop, plan, party, and attend religious, social, and cultural events. It begins too soon after Thanksgiving and ends with a bang as it ushers in a new year. It is a season unto itself, one filled with excitement, symbols, customs, reflection, and a general sense of good will. Four major celebrations occur during December, both secular and religious (or a combination of the two) and include the following:
December 20 -28. Hanukkah (or any one of a dozen spellings).
This Festival of Lightsis an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean revolt of the second century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is observed by the ;lighting of the candles on a nine-branched menorah,one candle on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night, and it is customary to give children one gift (gelt) each night. Although it is based on a military victory, it is actually considered a time to celebrate Jewish independence and religious freedom in general. Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish year; in the United States, however, its closeness to Christmas has brought greater attention to Hanukkah and its gift-giving, special foods, and games.
December 25. Christmas
The religious basis: Christmas is a Christian holy day which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is typically celebrated on December 25th, and the word Christmas comes from “Christ’s mass.” The story of the birth of Christ is told in the opening chapters of the gospels of Luke and John. Each contains different elements of the Christmas story. The visit of the Archangel to the shepherds and the birth of Jesus in a manger are from Luke. The story the visit from the Wise Men bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are from Matthew.
Over the years Christmas has also become a very popular social holiday with an emphasis on lighted and decorated trees and wreaths, exchange of presents, caroling, special foods, and the colors red and green. Christmas traditions abound throughout the Western world, many of which have secular origins, some with their roots in ancient folklore and pagan beliefs. Click here to learn about a wide range of Christmas customs.
December 26-January 1.
Kwanzaa. Neither political nor religious, Kwanzaa is a reflective holiday which was created in the 1960’s to foster pride and unity among African-Americans. Kwanzaa is a week -long celebration honoring universal African-American heritage, family life, and culture. It features activities such as lighting a candle holder with seven candles—each representing an important principle of life–and culminates in a feast and gift giving. Visit Wikipediafor much more information about this holiday.
December 31. New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve is a social holiday observed annually on December 31, the final day of any given year in the Gregorian calendar. In modern societies New Year’s Eve is often celebrated at festive gatherings, during which participants dance, eat, consume alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to say goodbye to the current year and celebrate the incoming one. The observance of New Year’s Eve generally extends through midnight of January 1. It is a holiday celebrated throughout the world and has many different names. The dropping of the ball in Times Square and the singing of Auld Lang Syne are symbolic of this holiday in the U.S.
Here are outstanding power point presentations dealing with each of these holidays. Although the site is designed primarily for children, the extensive array of topics and interesting information provides excellent reading for adults, too.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On December 21, 2011
A recent survey by Houselogic.com, the consumer website from the National Association of Realtors®, finds that jobs and the housing market will be two of the most important issues for voters in the 2012 election. Nearly one-third of respondents said housing will be the top issue on their mind when they head to the polls next November.
Respondents were asked “What issue area will have the greatest impact on your vote in 2012?” National security, healthcare, and energy/environment trailed housing and unemployment by wide margins:
Jobs/unemployment – 54 percent
Housing – 27 percent
National security – 8 percent
Healthcare – 4 percent
Energy/Environment – 2 percent
Other – 4 percent
With unemployment still high, it is easy to see why so many Americans are concerned about the job market. However, employment and the housing market are inextricably linked because economic growth and job creation cannot occur without a housing recovery.
Now take a look at the Huntsville AL real estate sales for November.
Madison County/Huntsville AL Real Estate Sales Statistics
Huntsville AL and Madison County saw an increase of 9% in sold listings in November 2011 when compared to October 2011. The average list price decreased 3% to $192,808 and the average sales price decreased by 3% to $186,888. The average price per square foot dropped by $7 per square foot, while market times decreased by 10 days.
Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special. In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.
Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.
Statistics are based on information for the North Alabama Association of Realtors and are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On December 16, 2011
A familiar seasonal scene is one in which family and friends sit around a blazing fire with a brightly lighted tree, stockings hung from the mantel, and colorfully wrapped gifts adding to the cozy and festive atmosphere of your Huntsville real estate. A setting lovely to imagine–and to experience–but also, one which requires safety precautions. Holiday fires claim the lives of more than 400 Americans each year, and approximately 3 people per hour are treated in an emergency room for seasonal injuries.
At this time of year when lists play such a large role in our lives, it is also necessary to revisit a safety checklist to ensure an accident-free holiday for your family, guests, and even your pets. The U.S. Fire Administration offers these suggestions:
DECORATIONS:
Inspect lights for damage and link no more than 3 strands together. Use only UL approved and follow directions.
Beware of overloading outlets.
Don’t leave on when you’re not home.
If you prefer a live tree, make certain it is fresh when you buy it and water, water, water!
Never leave lighted candles unattended, near combustible materials, or within reach of children or pets. Make certain to extinguish them before retiring for the night.
FIREPLACES:
Place the tree in your Huntsville real estate at least 3 feet away from the fireplace.
Keep a screen in front of the fire to prevent flying sparks.
Remove stockings hung with care when the fireplace is in use.
Never burn wrapping paper in your fireplace and risk a flash fire.
GUESTS:
When entertaining friends at your Huntsville real estate, be certain that you have childproofed your home–not just to protect breakables but also to protect young ones. (more…)
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On December 13, 2011
Traditionally, both sellers of Huntsville AL real estate and those looking to purchase a home have avoided doing so during the winter months, especial in December. Because the last month of the year is a time of many religious, social, and cultural celebrations, most people feel they are too busy to deal with real estate matters and/or are convinced that the market is pretty much dormant until at least early spring. Not so, say many Realtors! Not only do many folks have vacation time in December and are thus free to house shop, but the slower months are often the ones where buyers are really serious and prices have been reduced.
Lower prices. Because many people are too busy to house hunt now, the slackening of demand is reflected in softer house prices.
Less competition. With fewer active house-hunters out there, you are unlikely to end up in a bidding war, and sellers will be willing to negotiate.
Favorable mortgage terms. Because there is less demand for mortgage money during the holiday season, lenders may be willing to shave a few basis points off the interest rate or to forgo some of their fees in order to get your business.
Tax deduction. If you close on or before December 31, you are likely to be eligible to deduct the interest component of your first monthly mortgage payment and any money you paid for points from your taxable income for this year.
If you’re a seller, check out Realtor.om for a long list of reasons that support their belief that December is a good time to sell your Huntsville AL real estate. Some of their arguments include:
Less competition. People who look at your home over the holidays are serious buyers who have fewer homes from which to choose.
Business moves. January is traditionallya month where employers have to move so they can’t wait until spring. They have to buy now– you’re there to capture that market.
Advantagefor you. By selling now, you have the opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer for next year when houses are less and you’ll have more opportunities and properties to choose from.
Timing. Many potential buyers want to settle before the end of the year for tax reasons.
Step into a magical world of holiday delight, as the already beautiful Burritt Mansion is decked out for the holidays by local designers & decorators. It will amaze young & old alike.
You can feel the quality and the special touches as soon as you pull in the driveway of this lovingly cared for home. Beautiful landscaping surrounds the brick pavers leading to the covered front porch. Spacious formal rooms with gleaming hardwood floors, crown moldings and natural lighting are sure to impress your guests. The fantastic family room boasts a soaring trey ceiling, hardwoods and a cozy gas fireplace. From the lustrous granite counters to the extra large pantry the cook is sure to be please with this kitchen. A dreamy master suite features a trey ceiling, dual vanities and a walk-in closet. The additional bedrooms share a tiled bathroom with dual vanities. Grab your favorite beverage and step out on the screened porch, offering the ultimate place to unwind. The hobbyist in your family will be amazed by the 2 plus car garage with workshop. Call today to see this nugget before it’s gone.
Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special. In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.
Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On December 6, 2011
Despite all the stories you hear on the news, buying Huntsville AL foreclosures doesn’t have to be a negative experience. Here are 3 tips to make the process smoother and more profitable for you:
Tip #1: Allow plenty of time for the whole process.
Huntsville AL foreclosures take longer to get to closing than traditional homes. What takes so long? As you probably know, there are a lot of foreclosures happening now. That means there is a large backlog of foreclosures lenders have to process before they get to yours.
Another common problem that extends the buying time for foreclosures is title issues. Before closing, the new mortgage lender needs to prove that you have a clean title so they feel safe lending the money. Each step of a foreclosure increases the amount of time before you can close.
If you can’t be patient, don’t drive yourself crazy by purchasing a foreclosure. But if you can be patient, the wait can be well worth the savings.
Tip #2: Flash your cash.
Because bad loans weaken the banks’ bottom line, they will usually accept a lower sales price with a cash offer over a higher sales price that requires financing. So, the more cash you can flash, the better your chance of getting a great deal.
Pay close attention to the condition of Huntsville AL foreclosures.
Foreclosures are offered “as-is.” Do a walk-through of the property before making an offer to ensure it’s worth the price. Include a final walk-through in the real estate contract to assure the home is in the same condition as it was when the offer was made. By including an escape clause, if the current residents trash the place, you have the option to walk away. (more…)
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On December 1, 2011
There were 524 Huntsville AL foreclosure homes for sale in October 2011 and one in every 1,092 housing units received a foreclosure filing. The average sales price of a Huntsville home was $156,399 and the average foreclosure sales price was $149,012, a $7,387 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.
Huntsville AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate
Huntsville interest rates averaged 4.07% in October while the number of foreclosed homes increased from 67 to 87.
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 AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison
Huntsville AL foreclosure activity in October was 0.09% below national statistics, 0.01% below state figures and 0.02% below Madison County statistics.
Huntsville AL Foreclosure Activity by Month (more…)
This Festival of Lights is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean revolt of the second century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is observed by the ;lighting of the candles on a nine-branched menorah, one candle on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night, and it is customary to give children one gift (gelt) each night. Although it is based on a military victory, it is actually considered a time to celebrate Jewish independence and religious freedom in general. Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish year; in the United States, however, its closeness to Christmas has brought greater attention to Hanukkah and its gift-giving, special foods, and games.
The religious basis: Christmas is a Christian holy day which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is typically celebrated on December 25th, and the word Christmas comes from “Christ’s mass.” The story of the birth of Christ is told in the opening chapters of the gospels of Luke and John. Each contains different elements of the Christmas story. The visit of the Archangel to the shepherds and the birth of Jesus in a manger are from Luke. The story the visit from the Wise Men bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are from Matthew.
Kwanzaa. Neither political nor religious, Kwanzaa is a reflective holiday which was created in the 1960’s to foster pride and unity among African-Americans. Kwanzaa is a week -long celebration honoring universal African-American heritage, family life, and culture. It features activities such as lighting a candle holder with seven candles—each representing an important principle of life–and culminates in a feast and gift giving. Visit Wikipedia for much more information about this holiday.
New Year’s Eve is a social holiday observed annually on December 31, the final day of any given year in the Gregorian calendar. In modern societies New Year’s Eve is often celebrated at festive gatherings, during which participants dance, eat, consume alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to say goodbye to the current year and celebrate the incoming one. The observance of New Year’s Eve generally extends through midnight of January 1. It is a holiday celebrated throughout the world and has many different names. The dropping of the ball in Times Square and the singing of Auld Lang Syne are symbolic of this holiday in the U.S. 
