It’s that time of year again, when the temperatures fall and the costs of heating your Huntsville home go up. Do you worry about the increasing cost of heating oil and the rise in energy prices? Then you may want to try these suggestions for saving on your home’s heating costs:
Check all your home’s air vents to see that they are clean and free from any blockages. Replace your furnace filters to keep the system running efficiently.
Weather seal your home. Look around all the door and window frames on your house for obvious gaps and spaces that could let cold air into your house. Fill in the gaps with a silicone caulking, sold at all hardware stores. For high traffic areas like the doorway, you may want to apply a vinyl or metal weather-stripping to help block the cold.
Set your thermostat lower. Find the lowest setting that will keep you warm and leave it there. Keeping your thermostat at a consistent temperature helps avoid unnecessary energy losses from changing temperatures.
”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.
Yesterday, I was driving through the city, wondering if a potential buyer was going to show up to look at some Huntsville condos I’m showing. I’d had a bad day; the car didn’t want to start, what I’d planned to wear was dirty, I’d run out of milk and so on, and so on. Needless to say, I wasn’t in the best of moods.
As I stopped at a light, grouching because the light would make me late, I happened to look over and see a woman with her daughter. The little girl had holes in her coat, a ragged hat, torn up shoes and a teddy bear missing an eye that she clutched as she smiled up at her worried mother – who had a “Please help” sign in her hands. As I drove on to show the Huntsville condos, and further throughout the day, that little girl’s smile stuck with me.
Last night, I came across a news broadcast about a family of five living in a one-room apartment after losing their house and I remembered that little girl. All of this comes down to one thing…
It’s coming up on Thanksgiving, people are searching turkey recipes, decorationsare being pulled out… and the current problems in the world make it hard to find something to be grateful for. However, they’re there if you only look.
If you have a home and you’re trying to sell it, it’s understandable that you might be upset if it’s not moving. As hard as it may be, however, remember that at least you have a home to sell.
If you’re looking for a home to buy and you can’t afford the fancy one you wanted but you can afford a slightly smaller one, remember – at least you can afford something.
If you’re upset that your job isn’t paying enough, you’re working long hours or not enough, remember the millions that no longer have a job.
Whatever your problem that may be weighing you down when Thanksgiving rolls around, remember that it truly could be worse. It is worse, for so many people.
I’ll even start the list: I’m grateful for all of my clients. I’m grateful that I have Huntsville condos and homes to show and potential buyers that want to see them. For my readers, my friends, my family and my own home… Happy Thanksgiving, and may you always have something to be grateful for!
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Madison Information — Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky
It’s now official! Madison AL has been ranked as one of America’s ‘Best Places To Grow Up’ according to US News and World Report. Here’s what they say about Madison…
Madison, Ala.: Of the roughly 43,000 residents in the friendly, churchgoing town of Madison, Ala., about 12,000 are under 18 years old. And this bedroom community of Huntsville, Ala., offers no shortage of outlets to keep these young folks active. “There is an event almost every weekend—whether it is in Madison, Huntsville, or Madison County—that families can attend,” says Paul Finley, the mayor of Madison. Children can take advantage of the area’s expansive outdoor amenitieswatching beavers plunge into Bradford Creek or rabbits dart through the 130-acre Rainbow Mountain Trails park. And if they behave well enough, perhaps some lucky children can even persuade their mom and dad to send them to Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in nearby Huntsville.
Forbes.com has ranked Madison County, AL 1 in the latest survey of the Top 10 Affordable Places To Weather The Downturn. Forbes considered factors such as well-priced homes, enviable job growth and proximity to vibrant cities when deciding where the best places are to live in these recessionary times.
Madison County, AL is an easy commuting distance to Huntsville with a population of 312,734.
Last year unemployment reached a 20-year high of 6.5%, but Madison County experienced 3.4% job growth.
Moody’s Economy.com provided an affordability index for each county. A score of 100 indicates that a family earning the median income in the surrounding metropolitan area can afford to buy a median-priced home. The higher the score, the higher the affordability. Madison County’s score was 221.02.
The median property tax is $577 and the per capita income (in 2006 inflation-adjusted dollars is $27,065.
Learn more about Madison County real estate at MoveToHuntsville.com or give us a call, 256-508-0211.
Your friends will be impressed by the remarkable renovation of this 1 story, 2800+ square foot home in the Mountain Brook neighborhood of Madison. This sight to behold includes 4 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. A dramatic living room with 12 ft. vaulted ceiling welcomes your most distinguished guests and the gracious dining room with stunning Palladium window is ready for your first dinner party. And a casual family room with gas fireplace is ideal for less formal gatherings. The designer kitchen with its granite counters, stainless appliances, tile backsplash, pantry, and breakfast bar is open and family friendly. The Master suite provides the perfect sanctuary at the end of a busy day with a jetted tub, separate shower, dual vanities and tile flooring. A sun room, overlooking a fenced yard is a great place for warm weather entertaining or just THE place to relax with a good book. Additional updates include new paint, carpet, fixtures and roof. This is the ultimate home and ready for you to move right in!
For more information on 119 Montrose Drive in Madison or other Huntsville area real estate, visit MoveToHuntsville.com or give us a call,256-508-0211.
Impress your guests with this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in the Liberty Park neighborhood of Huntsville in the Hampton Cove area.This gracious home offers an impressive Great Room with gas fireplace that is open and spacious and room for the whole family to relax together. The formal Dining Room is ideal for those special dinner parties with its moldings and wood flooring. The charming kitchen is a cook’s delight with an abundance of cabinets and work space. Included are recessed lighting, work island, pantry, stainless appliances, and tile back splash. the master suite is sure to please with dual sinks, whirlpool tub, separate shower, and whirlpool tub. Additional amenities include hardwood flooring, smooth ceilings, and crown moldings. An extra large covered patio overlooks and extremely large yard…largest in the neighborhood… and a nature preserve, providing all the privacy you could want. This lovely home is ideal for entertaining and relaxed family living!
For more information on 5055 Patriot Park Drive or other Huntsville real estate, visit MoveToHuntsville.com or give us a call, 256-508-0211.
Mark your calendars!! The Alabama Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend, August 1, 2 & 3, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, and clothing free of state sales or use tax. Local sales and use tax may apply – see list of participating cities and counties.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take advantage of making purchases without having to pay sales tax. It’s a great time for back-to-school shopping!
Only specific items qualify as tax exempt and guidelines must be followed, so click on the details for the information directly from the state.
And for a great deal when buying Alabama real estate, visit my website, www.MoveToHuntsville.com.
Little change is expected in Huntsville AL real estate sales of existing homes over the next few months, before notably improving during the second half of the year, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors.
Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, said the market will come into clearer focus this summer.“Existing home sales could start to show a sustained increase within a few months, unless there are some additional economic problems or excessive inflationary pressure,” he said.“The wider access to affordable credit should increase sales activity notably this summer as pent-up demand begins to be met.”
Let’s take a look at the Huntsville and Madison County real estate market activity for this March to see how the spring is looking so far:
Huntsville/Madison County Market Statistics
Although the Huntsville/Madison County real estate market saw a 25% slowdown in sales in March 2008 when compared with March 2007, price increases continued to defy the national trends. The average list price and average sale price were both up 13% over last year, bringing them to $217,300 and $213,598, respectively. Homes were on the market an average of 10 days longer than in 2007, and the average price per square foot increased by $5 to $91/sf. The ratio of sales price to list price remained about the same from last year.
Date
Sold Listings
Average List Price
Average Sale Price
Percent SP/LP
Average DOM
Average Price SqFt
March 2008
422
$217,300
$213,598
98.30%
99
$91
March 2007
563
$188,855
$186,498
98.75%
89
$86
Now is a great time to buy or sell Huntsville AL real estate.To get started looking at homes, please visit MoveToHuntsville.com or search the MLS here.For more personalized service, please call me at 256-508-0211.
Statistics are based on information for the North Alabama Association of Realtors and are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Abandon apartment life and enjoy the privacy and comforts of this ranch style 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in the Knox Creek neighborhood of Madison. You’ll relish in a master suite with dual vanities and tile flooring. Entertain in the casual and spacious great room with wood-burning fireplace for cooler evenings. Prepare meals in the cook-friendly kitchen with breakfast bar. And relax on the private patio overlooking the meticulously landscaped and treed backyard surrounded by fencing.
”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: 
Yesterday, I was driving through the city, wondering if a potential buyer was going to show up to look at some Huntsville condos I’m showing. I’d had a bad day; the car didn’t want to start, what I’d planned to wear was dirty, I’d run out of milk and so on, and so on. Needless to say, I wasn’t in the best of moods. 
Madison
Mark your calendars!! The Alabama Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend, August 1, 2 & 3, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, and clothing free of state sales or use tax. Local sales and use tax may apply – 