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Realogy Corp. to Start Better Homes & Garden Branded Real Estate Company
2007-11-24 16:14:51
Chris Bubny's "Realty Blogging" blog has reported that there is a new real estate franchise that will operate under the popular Magazine name "Better Homes and Garden s." Realogy who bought the name licensing rights from Better Homes and Gardens already operates some big name real estate brokerages. Some of Realogy's current brokerages include CENTURY 21, Coldwell Banker, Coldwell Banker Commercial, The Corcoran Group, ERA, Sotheby's International Realty, NRT Incorporated, Cartus and Title Resource Group. Birmingham, Alabama does not need any more franchises to enter the market as we are finding more consolidation in real estate brokerage community. Click Here to See Chris Bubny's story.
Read more: Start , Branded , Estate , Real Estate

Bass Pro Shop in Leeds Construction Started
2007-11-23 20:48:26
Bass Pro Shops has broken ground on its 340,000 square foot store in Leeds , Alabama (a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama). This store should be a great start in revitalizing both commercial and residential real estate in the Leeds community. In the recent past business and residents have left  the Leeds area. The location on Interstate 20 at Exit 140 is perfect as it will reach not only the residents of Birmingham, Alabama but also the many out of state travellers that travel one of Alabama's busiest roadways. The Bass Pro Shop that opened in Prattville, Alabama has been wildly successful and we can only hope that the same results happen here, as that area of town could use a good commercial boost!
Read more: Construction

Buying a Beach House is Cheaper Yet Getting More Difficult To Finance!
2007-11-21 22:01:42
Money Magazine has written an excellent article that details the unique situation facing those who want to buy a vacation home at the beach. We are asked all the time, here in Birmingham, Alabama about the condition of the market on the coast and this article sums up our bullish attitude about buying at the beach, but without a pile of cash, that "great deal" may only continue to be a dream. While the allure of buying one of the luxury condos at a resort town like Destin or Panama City at "Fire-Sale" prices that are the result of the ridiculous run-up in sales prices over the last number of years. Additionally, owners were taking out loans on these beach homes that quite frankly made no sense (i.e. 0% down or ARM's). The problem that new buyers are finding is that the lenders are being very careful to whom and for which properties they will lend. Read more in Money Magazine about this issue.
Read more: Buying , Beach , House

November 2007 Events in Birmingham
2007-11-01 14:34:46
Several great events are coming to Birmingham in the coming weeks.  Here is a sampling of some of the happenings around town: Brookside Fall Jamboree (November 2, 6 PM) - A fun way to do some tent camping, have some fun, and get to know some fellow outdoorsmen!  For $10 per tent you can enjoy camping on the Five Mile Creek Greenway, hot chocolate and coffee, local music, story-telling, singing, and free hot dogs.  For more information call 674-5550 or visit www.brooksidealabama.com. Peter and the Wolf (November 3, 2 PM) - A twist on the classic story of "Peter and the Wolf", this presentation by the Birmingham Children's Theatre is a "symphonic fairy tale for children."  Sergei Prokofiev and Natalya Satz lead the effort for BCT in an event that is sure to please the young ones.  Tickets are $15/$10 for children.  For more info call 458-8181 or visit www.bct123.org. Mute Math (November 4, 8 PM) - What is electro-alt rock?  Find


Seller Expectations in a Buyer's Market
2007-10-09 14:41:04
Yes.  I have seen several homes sitting on the market in Birmingham Alabama for extended periods of time, and I have seen homes that have sold for less than I expected.  This has been the case in Hoover, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Chelsea...no one has been immune to the current market.  However, it really hits home when you see a home in your own neighborhood sell for significantly less than expected.  It also reinforces certain aspects that we emphasize to our sellers every day. In March of 2005, the seller's were the proud new owners of a beautiful home in Inverness Point in Hoover.  They paid what seemed to be a reasonable price at the time of $462,500.  They planned on staying in the home for a while, so they finished the basement very nicely with a bedroom, full bathroom, and media room.  The next thing you know, the company calls with a great opportunity out of town, and it is time to move the family unexpectedly.  So, what did they do?&n
Read more: Seller , Buyer , Market

Major Development Headed to Leeds Adjacent to the New Bass Pro Shop and Barber Motor Sports Park
2007-11-30 23:13:49
Continued good news for Leeds , Alabama as Daniel Corporation announced that it will build "Grand River" which will include 940 homes and an outlet mall all adjacent to the new and much anticipated Bass Pro Shop and Barber Motor Sports Park. In an article in the Birmingham News, Patrick Hickerson reported that groundbreaking should begin on the the outlet mall in early 2008 followed by the 940 house which make up the first phase of the development. The total cost of the project is almost $135 million dollars and the developers plan to make a planned effort to create an environmentally friendly development. The developers are looking to Audubon International and the Cahaba River Society to advise on the environmental aspects of the project. In a sign of a progressive city government (which Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford should take notice) the City of Leeds will contribute nearly 40 million dollars for roads and utilities. It sure is nice seeing a city pick itself up by its Bootstraps
Read more: Major , Development

Birmingham News Buries National Home Price Increase in the Middle of Article!
2007-11-30 22:33:47
In the November 30, 2007 edition of The Birmingham News, the Money Section editors ran a wire story entitled "Home Prices Decline .4%" and once again let what appears to be a national wire story bury the most relevant information deep into the article. It would have been nice if the article had been title National Home Prices Increase!". I say this because, as is mentioned in the article, home prices dipped .4% nationwide from July 2007 - September 2007 from the previous quarter (April 2007 - June 2007). This being said the more important fact is that home prices actually rose 1.8% from 1 year prior. These statistics are basically on par with the Birmingham, Alabama real estate market and are just as important to the home owners in Birmingham. I guess some occasional good real estate news doesn't make good newspaper headlines!
Read more: Article

Mountain Brook & Luxury Home Market in Birmingham Selling Again!
2007-11-28 21:42:18
It looks as if the Luxury Home market in Greater Birmingham , Alabama is starting to be an active part of the real estate market again. We have noticed more million dollar plus homes selling again. This has been the case in Atlanta for about 6 months now. Of course there is still a large inventory of luxury homes on the market but more are actually being listed and sold. Last month was the third month that we have seen Mountain Brook (with an average sales price of mid $500's) inventory stay flat instead of falling (from an inventory perspective). It was the only municipality in Greater Birmingham not to have a continued increase in number of homes in inventory and decrease of average sales price. I find the news that the luxury homes are selling again to be a welcome relief to the market in Birmingham because I believe that the good news will trickle down to the rest of market over the coming months!
Read more: Market , Again

9 Steps to Geeting Your Home Sold Fast & For Top Dollar
2007-12-06 17:00:09
The real estate market in Birmingham, Alabama is still very active, contrary to the Birmingham News' coverage. I have found that the homes that are selling and get to closing have some similarities that, upon analysis are very interesting. These similarities all relate to how the Sellers' themselves handled the sale from the time that they first thought about listing their home to the time that they were receiving their check at the closing table. If you, as a Seller, can turn  these similarities into a system of steps you will have an unbelieveable chance of Selling your home quickly and for top dollar. The 9 Steps that make up your new selling system are as follows: KNOW WHY YOU ARE SELLING, AND KEEP IT TO YOURSELF! The reasons behind your decision to sell affect everything from setting a price to deciding how much time and money to invest in getting your home ready for sale. What's more important to you: the money you walk away with, the length of time your property is on
Read more: Dollar

The Story Behind Vestavia Hill's Sibyl Temple......
2007-12-05 21:14:50
The Sibyl Temple Foundation has released a detailed history of the symbol of Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Many of us have passed the replica of the roman temple that looks out over Homewood and sits high above Highway 31 on the Brookwood Mall side of Vestavia. The following came from Sibyl Temple Foundation's website: Sibyl temple, on the crest of Shades Mountain, is a replica of the Temple of Sibyl in Rome, Italy. Built in the 1920's as a garden gazebo, it is the last remaining structure from the estate of George Ward, former Mayor of the City of Birmingham, 1905-1909 and 1913-1914. The Mayor's estate was located on what is now the site of Vestavia Hills Baptist Church on Shades Crest Road. The 20-acre estate held a commanding view of shades valley and was known for its marvelous gardens, which were unrivaled for their beauty. Ward's home was a large circular structure built as a replica of the temple of the goddess "Vesta" in Tivoli, Italy near Rome. Vesta was the go


Test Your Real Estate Knowledge.......
2007-12-04 21:43:57
Real Estate Trivia Q What two streets near the Los Angeles Beverly Center were named for a famous husband and wife comedy team? A George Burns Drive and Gracie Allen Way Q What is the most common street name in the US? A Second Street ranks as the most common street name. First Street is not #1 because many "First" streets are called "Main" Street. Q Which islands are considered the largest islands in the US? A The Hawaiian Islands with 10,456 square miles are followed by Kodiak Island in Alaska at 9,510 square miles. Q What house is considered to be the first house with running water in America? A John Headly's home built in Newport, RI in 1723, was equipped with an underground pipe from the nearby spring. Q What high-profile rental property rents for $13,500 a month although the star hasn't lived there for over 20 years? A Shirley MacLaine's name is still used to promote her Encino, CA, es
Read more: Knowledge , Real Estate

Birmingham Listings Can Sell Quick If Priced To This Market
2007-12-02 18:33:24
Our team has listed and sold 2 homes during the month of November 2007. Both Sellers understood that when we priced their homes, we were pricing the home to the current real estate market. Both were sold at full price by the Mega Agent Real Estate Team and in a market where the average listing is on the market for 109 days, it stands out that both listing were on the market less than 1 week and closed within the month. Sellers have got to make sure that their agents take a detailed look at the market and see that their home is priced in the top 20% of comparable properties, in relation to price, AND in the top 20% of comparable properties, in relation to condition of their home.
Read more: Birmingham , Quick , Market

100 Fastest Growing Suburbs by Forbes Magazine
2007-12-02 18:15:10
For a city like Birmingham, Alabama that has seen its growth in the suburbs, it is slightly suprising that not even Hoover, Alabama made Forbes Magazine 's, "America's Fastest Growing Suburbs " list. Out of 100 cities not one was from the State of Alabama. Georgia saw 6 cities make the list. Click here to read the Forbes story and see the list of America's 100 Fastest Growing Suburbs.


Empty Nesters Thinking Bigger Not Smaller
2007-12-17 14:21:21
Traditional thinking would tell us that empty nesters are ready to downsize in order to cut back on empty space in the house and save the time of cleaning and maintaining such a large home.  A recent study by Promatura, a senior-focused research and consulting firm, tells a different tale.  More home buyers who they surveyed listed "more space" as a primary driver for the move than "less space."  Quite a surprise! Read more in an article on MSN.com.
Read more: Empty

Best Real Estate Websites from Money Magazine
2007-12-16 14:35:18
Money Magazine 's January 2008 issue presented 7 of the best real estate websites. To Check Out Real Estate www.Trulia.com www.Zillow.com www.MegaAgentRealEstate.com (In Birmingham / My Input!) To Get The Neighborhood Scoop www.Outside.in To Look Up School Information www.GreatSchools.net To Get a Lay of The Land Maps.Live.com Maps.Google.com Walkscore.com While some of these websites have yet to become regular resources in Birmingham, I think they will continue to be great resources as our team uses all of these on a regular basis. Visit Money Magazine's Article
Read more: Websites

Remodeling Projects That Payoff!
2007-12-16 13:37:55
Remodeling Magazine has released its annual 2007 Cost Vs. Value Report that details the percentage of money spent on renovation projects that is recouped when a home is sold. The results indicate that unlike during the housing boom of recent years, even the most effective renovation projects are not paying for themselves as they once did. SOME OF THE BEST PROJECTS Replacement Siding : 88% Recouped Replacement Windows : 81% Recouped Remodel Kitchen : 74% Recouped Add Bathroom : 69% Recouped Remodel Bathroom : 68% Recouped Replace Roof : 66% Recouped VISIT REMODELING MAGAZINE'S ARTICLE
Read more: Remodeling , Projects , Payoff

Big Boy Toy Condos in Birmingham, Near Greystone
2007-12-14 12:08:36
Just when you thought all real estate concepts had been created, here comes RealtySouth with an new twist on condominium ownership. These condominiums will house the wealthy's RV's, Boats, and other luxury toys, all with many amenities to service and care for the toys. To better understand the concept you may want to visit their website www.bigboytoycondos.com where you can get more details on the project and many of the amenities that are included. They mention the following in their Frequently Asked Questions section of their website. WHAT IS A "BIG BOY TOY CONDO"?Big Boy Toy Condos is a unique luxury storage ownership development. Instead of throwing away rent every month to store your prized "toys", you own it just like a residential condo. IS THERE A CONDO ASSOCIATION?Yes, there will be a minimum monthly due from each owner to cover the cost of all common area maintenance, irrigation, and insurance for the whole site. WHAT SIZES ARE AVAILABLE?We have three sizes to choose f
Read more: Birmingham

Credit Score Primer: What Birmingham Real Estate Buyers Need To Know
2007-12-14 11:52:40
On 12/4/2007, Realtor Magazine published the following that is important information for all Buyers to know when trying to understand their credit score while shopping for their home loan. In the wake of the credit crisis, lenders have become much pickier about whom they lend to. Here are some basic facts that will help potential borrowers understand what they face.The measurement that most lenders use to assess applicants' credit risk is the FICO score developed by Fair Isaac Corp. The score ranges from 300 to 850.There's not one FICO score. Buyers have three: one for each of the three credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.Each credit score is based on information the credit bureau keeps on file. Since credit bureaus don't share their data with one another, the three FICO scores may differ, sometimes by as much as 100 points.The components of a FICO score are: Payment history: 35 percent Amounts owed: 30 percent Length of credit history: 15 percent New credit: 1
Read more: Estate , Birmingham , Score , Credit Score , Real Estate

Oak Hills Subdivision Planned for Birmingham
2007-12-13 17:43:53
The City of Birmingham has hired Fomation Methods to develop a 34 home subdivision, Oak Hills , on the site of the World War II era apartment complex Camellia Terrace. Construction could begin as early as this month. The location is about 1 mile from Miles College, between Fairfield and Belview Heights. The subdivison will consist of 3 bedroom 2 bath homes that have been designed by The Garrison Barrett Group and the designers have paid special attention to making sure that the homes blend with the existing homes in adjacent Belview Heights. The houses will range in size from 1367 square feet to 1600 square feet, will be ADA compliant and will have rear parking. The prices for these homes will top out at $145,000, which is a great price point in a time with such great interest rates. While the City of Birmingham technically is the owner of this project and not a true partner with Fomation Methods, I believe that we need to see more partnerships between municipalities and private busin


ALL HOUSING MARKETS ARE LOCAL!
2007-12-13 17:22:37
I received a report from the Birmingham Board of Realtors that shows exactly why it is important for all of us to pay little attention to the national media when it comes to the real estate market. This is important because our local television stations and our newspaper of record, The Birmingham News, continue to print these national stories about the real estate market even though the statistics quoted have no correlation to our local market. Even ignoring the national media, we have got to look deeper into the statistics that the local news media is reporting. For Instance, October 2007 sales were 15% lower than those from October 2006. This would be drastic, if not for the fact that the October 2006 home sales were the MOST EVER and October 2007's were the 3rd best in history. Lets all put on our "perspective glasses" please! Oh and by the way, has your local paper mentioned that the Average Sales price for 2007 has increased from 2006? 2007 should be the second best ye


Fed Cuts Rates by Another 1/4 Point!
2007-12-11 16:17:43
Good News for borrowers today from the Federal Reserve as they cut the Federal Funds Rate 1/4 point. As I have mentioned before, borrowers have got to understand that the 1/4 point cut is not necessarily correlate to a 1/4 point reduction in mortgage rates. It should help though! If you would like to read more about it vist MSNBC.com
Read more: Rates

December 2007 Events in Birmingham
2007-12-10 17:32:54
Birmingham is full of fun activities for old and young during the month of December 2007. Here are some of the exciting activities going on this month in Birmingham. Jingle Bell Run / Walk for Arthritis (December 1, 8am) - Tie Jingle Bells to your showlaces, don festive holiday costumes and support the Arthritis Foundation's mission to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases. Check In at 8am and 5k run at 9:30am at Underwood Park. Visit www.birminghamjbr.kintera.org Holiday Greenery Sale (December 1, 9am - 1pm) - Choose from bundles of fresh-cut greenery or purchase pre-made wreaths, arrangements, mailbox decorations, bows and more made by creative volunteers. Aldridge Gardens. Visit www.aldridgegardens.com  Christmas Parade in Alabaster (December 1, 10am - Noon) - Join the Alabaster community for "A Star Spangled Christmas" on Main Street in Alabaster. Visit www.cityofalabaster.com Breakfast with Santa (December Saturdays prior to Christmas) - Ma
Read more: Birmingham

New Years 2007 Events In Birmingham
2007-12-21 15:59:19
Don't have your plans set for ringing in the New Year???  Well, here are a few ideas for places to be to bring in 2008 in Birmingham , Alabama!  If you know of other events, please post them!  We would love to hear about them!  Thanks and Happy New Year! New Year's Eve Evolution Part Two - December 31, 8:00 PM - Bring in the year of 2008 with each time zone!  This cool idea features 4 rooms that are decorated and catered to reflect a city in each time zone:  New York City, New Orleans, Jackson Hole, and San Francisco.  Enjoy live bands, heavy hors d'oeuvres, Champagn toasts in each time zone, complimentary valet, party favors, and more!  380-4082 or www.workplay.com Trans-Siberian Orchestra - December 31, 9:30 PM - Birmingham is excited to have this touring rock attraction in town for New Year's this year!  The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be sure to bring you into the New Year with some great and exciting music.  BJCC Tickets $34
Read more: Years , New Years

Christmas/December 2007 Events in Birmingham
2007-12-21 15:47:05
A Few Last Minute Ideas for December 2007! The PapaJohns.com Bowl - December 22, Noon - Get out and support the local sports scene while watching some good football at Legion Field this Saturday, December 22 at noon.  254-2391 or www.papajohnsbowl.com Just a Few Cats Christmas Bash featuring Ruben Studdard - December 22, 9:00 PM - Just a Few Cats has been around since 2000 and will be a fun show with Ruben Studdard at the lead.  Come check out one of Birmingham 's American Idol's this Saturday at Workplay!  $20. 380-4082 or www.WorkPlay.com Christmas Belles - December 21,22 8:00 PM - A church Christmas program gets out of control in this Southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator.  $20. 328-0868 or www.terrificnewtheatre.com Zoolight Safari - December 21-23 and 26-30, 5-9 PM -  Enjoy the lights at the zoo while listening to your favorite Christmas music, checking out the holiday


January 2008 Events in Birmingham
2007-12-21 15:46:02
Here are some of my top picks for events that will be going on in January in the Birmingham , Alabama area in January: Annie - January 1 - 6 - Just a great family classic!  Playing at the BJCC.  Call 715-6000 or go to www.ticketmaster.com for ticket info. Zac Brown Band - January 4, 9:00 PM - This is some serious guitar playin'!  If you enjoy some upbeat acoustic-style music and appreciate good musicians, then check out this band at Workplay.  Tickets are only $10.  380-4082 or www.workplay.com Jazz in January Weekend - January 18,19, 8:00 PM - Some of the best library entertainment around happens at The Library Theatre in Hoover.  This January, The Theatre hosts a duo of budding jazz stars with Friday night higlighting the young star Rachael Price and Saturday night featuring 23-year-old Sophie Milman.  $20 for each show.  444-7888 or www.TheLibraryTheatre.com Les Miserables School Edition - January 24 - February 3 - Don't miss this classic


MERRY CHRISTMAS!
2007-12-20 08:45:44
Merry Christmas to you and your family from Collier Swecker and Mark Carlisle. May you and your family be blessed and remember the reason for the season. The Mega Agent Real Estate Team


Housing Prices Need to Decline
2007-12-19 10:44:20
In the November 2007 edition of Fortune Magazine, Fortune did an analysis in 50+ markets in the U.S. to evaluate the cost of home ownership compared to the cost of renting in each of these markets.  There is a historic correlation between these 2 markets.  When the rental market is too expensive, more renters will choose to purchase a home.  When home prices rise too much, more potential homeonwers will choose to stay in the rental market. According the the Fortune report, most markets have 3 - 5 years of price declines ahead before the rental and housing markets will be back in balance.  Only 8 of the markets surveyed by Fortune are not expected to have any price declines in the coming years.  Most of these markets did not participate in the price runups of the past several years. The overall Birmingham market may not be too far out of balance.  The broader numbers do not indicate that the average home price in Birmingham has increased significantly in
Read more: Prices , Housing , Decline

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