Why is 2009 A GREAT Time To Be A SENIOR? - 10/30/08 10:47 AM
 
Yvette Smith is a friend of mine who lives in Williamsburg, VA.  She has done her homework and written a great article which she has graciously allowed me to pass along to my Birmingham area readers.....
 
Via YVETTE SMITH REALTOR IN WILLIAMSBURG VA WILLIAMSBURG VIRGINIA HOMES FOR SALE:
WHY is 2009 a GREAT Time To Be A SENIOR? 2009 is a GREAT time to be a SENIOR because Social Security benefits will increase 5.8%!!  Courtesy of Uncle Sam, in January over 50 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits will benefit from this 5.8% raise, which is the largest since … (6 comments)

Halloween 2008 - Trick Or Treat Fun in Ivy Brook.....Pelham AL - 10/28/08 05:22 PM
 
 
The Ivy Brook Homeowners Association is planning a night of Halloween fun for the neighborhood Trick or Treaters!
 
There will be a Costume Contest….to participate you can visit one judge or all three….each judge’s house will be marked with a sign.  Visit between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.
 
In addition there will be a Pumpkin Decorating Contest.  The judges for this contest will be touring the neighborhood between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. to pick out the top 3 pumpkins!
 
 
 

 
 
 
With only one entrance and exit, Ivy Brook is one of … (9 comments)

Pumpkins, Pansies & Fall Color at Myers Plants & Pottery in Pelham AL - 10/27/08 03:20 PM
 
 Myers Plants & Pottery is bursting with Autumn color!
 
A fun place to visit throughout the year, it is especally colorful in the fall with the huge selection of pumpkins, fall flowers and pottery items.
Be sure to visit their website at Myers Plants & Pottery to see the many items and services they offer!
 
2935 Highway 31 South
Pelham AL
35124
 
ENJOY THE COLORS!
  
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
… (24 comments)

Open House at First United Methodist Church in Birmingham AL - 10/26/08 11:40 AM
 
OPEN HOUSE
First United Methodist Church in the heart of downtown Birmingham is offering a mid-week service of meditation, prayer and music, open to everyone in the community.
 

 
The service is based on worship practices as varied as medieval devotional services and good old-fashioned prayer meetings. 
Come and be a part of this service each Wednesday in the Sanctuary building.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the service beginning with the chiming of the tower bells at 5:00 p.m. 
You are welcome to stay as long as you like afterward.
 
 
First United Methodist Church
… (7 comments)

FHA Down Payment Assistance Program Alternatives - 10/25/08 05:51 PM
This information is just too good not to pass along......

Via Justin Williams - Loan Officer:
 
The Bad News…DAPS Going Away The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 eliminates seller-funded down payment assistance programs (DAPs) as an acceptable source of funds for FHA loans for all lenders. Officially, the Act eliminates seller-funded DAPs on FHA loans with final credit approval issued to the borrower on or after Oct. 1 2008
But There is Good News… FHA Alternatives
FHA Cash to Close Savings Plan FHA Sweat Equity FHA Bridal Registry Account 1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit City Free … (9 comments)

Why should the seller pay for an inspection? - 10/25/08 01:27 PM
Sellers in today's market have a lot of competition.  I thought I would share Bobby Stevens' post......he has some great points to consider to give sellers the advantage they need!

Via Bobby Stevens ~ Eugene, Oregon Realtor:
I encourage every one of my sellers to get a whole house and pest and dryrot inspection up front, before I list their home in the MLS and launch the marketing campaign. Sometimes the reaction I get is "That's the buyers responsibility - why should I pay for an inspection?"
This is what I tell them:
For many buyers and sellers, the most stressful … (8 comments)

Hey Bloggers!.......What Kind of Reputation Do You Have Online? - 10/24/08 08:17 PM
I received another great article from Mike Blaney.....this one is called Ever Wonder What People Are Saying About You?
As bloggers, we need to be mindful of how our writings affect our reputations.  Mike references a resource he has found.....150+ Resources and Tips To Help You Manage Your Reputation Online (courtesy of Dan Schwabel, who is a personal branding expert).
Be sure to check out some of Mike's other great ideas at Good Ideas Are A Dime A Dozen......But Implementation Is Priceless.  Be sure to check it out and subscribe!  Here are links to a couple of my previous posts that were inspired … (30 comments)

All Aboard! Ride the Pumpkin Patch Express at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera AL - 10/24/08 12:27 PM
Bring the entire family and enjoy a train ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express!  You will travel to the Pumpkin Patch where you can participate in lots of fun activities.  There will be hayrides, clowns, facepainting, a jumpstation, and a Giant Pumpkin (included in ticket price)!  You can even pick your own pumpkin to take home from the patch for $6!  Don't forget to bring your camera!
 
 

 
Tickets
Adults $14
Children 2-12 $10
Under 24 months are FREE
Advance Purchase is recommended - buy them online
 
Departures 
Every Saturday in October at 10 A.M., 1 … (2 comments)

Upward Sports....Your Child Doesn't Have To Sit On The Bench! - 10/24/08 11:30 AM
Upward Unlimited is a children's sports organization that is based on the fundamental idea that children love to play, but don't necessarily have to win to have a great time.
 
Every child get to play......a substitution system provides equal playing time for each child.
Every child wins.......receiving special recognition after each practice and game.
Every child learns......quality coaching and guaranteed playing time improves skill development.
 

Upward sports programs are available for boys and girls from K5 through 6th grade and include:
 
Basketball Flag Football Soccer Cheerleading  
In the Birmingham area there are about 3,000 children participating … (3 comments)

REQUIEM by Gabriel Faure.... Presented at First United Methodist Church in Birmingham AL - 10/22/08 04:37 PM
 
Requiem
 
by
Gabriel Fauré
 
 
 
Presented in memory of the Saints of First Church
 
 
 
 
Orchestra provided through contributions
to the Hugh Thomas Music Performance Fund
in memory of Kathryne McDorman
 
 
Scores and parts provided through contributions
to the Music Library Fund
in memory of Sam Glenn
 
  
                           Choir and Orchestra conducted by James Cook
      Solos by Daniel Szasz, Christina Carol, Gannon Love, Bert Pitts
 
 
 
First United Methodist Church                          November 2, 2008
Downtown Birmingham                                   … (10 comments)

Antici-pation.....Doin' The Time Warp (Again) in Birmingham AL.....Rocky Horror Fun! - 10/18/08 08:18 PM
 
FANS OF THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW WILL ONCE AGAIN DRESS TO IMPRESS AT THE ROCKY HORROR MASQUERADE BALL AT THE ALABAMA THEATRE IN BIRMINGHAM AL!!!!!
 
This great old movie palace is the perfect place to host this annual event!  Even if you aren't a fan of the movie, if you like to people-watch, you won't want to miss this one!
 
WARNING!.......BAWDY FUN! 
 
Thursday, October 30th
 
The doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with costume contest registration until 8:15 p.m. (categories include Best Rocky Horror Character Look-
A-Like and General Category).  Participants need to … (19 comments)

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events.....The Alabama Symphony Orchestra in Birmingham AL - 10/18/08 06:31 PM
 
Experience the Alabama Symphony Orchestra with Justin Brown (Music Director and Principal Conductor)
 
 

 
 
October 24   The Da Vinci Concert (in collaboration with the Birmingham Museum of Art)
October 30   Brown Celebrates Bernstein
November 7-9  Sibelius & Schumann
November 21-22  Brown Plays Mozart
 
For more information, times and venues call 205.251.7727 or visit the Alabama Symphony website.
 
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
3621 Sixth Avenue South
Birmingham, AL  35222
Box Office:  205.251.7727
 

Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP
BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE
205.902.4868
Keller Williams
One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150
Hoover, … (1 comments)

Join Your Friends and Meet Some New Ones At the Blue Monkey Lounge in Birmingham AL - 10/18/08 05:02 PM
The Blue Monkey Lounge is a wonderful martini bar located on Cobb Lane in the historic Southside area of Birmingham.  

The atmosphere is reminiscent of the days of the speakeasy, with comfortable seating, private nooks, low lighting and great music.  You can also enjoy an outdoor patio that has a special feel of its own, adjacent to Cobb Lane's rustic brick alley.  Although the Blue Monkey specializes in Martinis, they have an extensive drink menu of beers, wines, cocktails and more.  They are also well known for their selection of fine cigars.
Join them for Happy Hour daily from … (6 comments)

Bring Your Family To The Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden AL! - 10/18/08 03:44 PM
 
 
TAKE A COVERED WAGON RIDE
 
AND PICK OUT YOUR OWN PUMPKIN
 
PLUS MUCH MORE FAMILY FUN!
 

 
The Great Pumpkin Patch is open through October 31, 2008
Monday - Thursday  8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.pm.
Friday & Saturday  8:00 a.m. until dark
Sunday  1:00 p.m. until dark
 
DIRECTIONS:
From I65 take Exit 284 (Hayden/Corner exit)
Travel 10 3/4 miles east on Highway 160
Turn left on Highway 45.....The Great Pumpkin Patch will be on your right
 
CHECK OUT THESE OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO!
Petting Zoo
Pony Rides
Train Rides
Hayrides
Inflatables
Night … (0 comments)

Alabama Voter Registration Deadline - 10/16/08 09:49 AM
THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER IN ALABAMA TO VOTE IN THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS OCTOBER 24TH!
 
 

 

 
QUALIFICATIONS:
MUST BE A UNITED STATES CITIZEN MUST BE AN ALABAMA RESIDENT MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD HAVE NOT BEEN CONVICTED OF A DISQUALIFYING FELONY (OR HAVE RIGHTS RESTORED) HAVE NOT BEEN DECLARED “MENTALLY INCOMPETENT” BY A COURT  
TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET REGISTERED CLICK HERE!
 
 

Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP
BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE
205.902.4868
Keller Williams
One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150
Hoover, AL  35244
Ann@AnnAllenTeam.com
 
© … (5 comments)

Extended Personal Tax Returns Are Due October 15th! - 10/12/08 04:07 PM
Did you file for an extension of your 2007 personal tax returns?
Those returns are due October 15, 2008!  That is this Wednesday folks!
In your hurry to get your returns in the mail, remember......
Include copies of your W-2s Review returns for accuracy Sign and date your returns Don't forget to include your payment if taxes are due  
I recommend paying a little extra for Certified Mail and requesting a return receipt for proof of delivery.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO RECEIVE YOUR STIMULUS PAYMENT.....BUT YOU MUST FILE BY OCT. 15TH TO GET YOUR PAYMENT THIS YEAR!
For … (7 comments)

Don't Miss BOO AT THE ZOO For Halloween Fun in Birmingham AL - 10/12/08 03:12 PM
 
HALLOWEEN IN BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA
 

 
 
 
Don’t miss the 17th annual BOO AT THE ZOO!
 
Oct. 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26, 2008
 
5 pm – 9 pm
 
$7 for members and non-members (tax included)
 
WEAR YOUR FAVORITE COSTUME!
 
HERE’S WHAT’S NEW FOR 2008:
 
Ride every ride with the new “All-You-Can-Ride” wristband - $10 Fright Lights Spooktacular – music, lights and action (located in Auditorium) Second train for the Haunted Train Ride with enhanced ride thematics Trick or Treat Alley Entertainment on the Wildlife stage on select nights New and Improved Hay Ride … (4 comments)

Lower Gas Prices In Birmingham AL! - 10/12/08 11:32 AM
Gas prices in the Birmingham area continue to drop each day.....who would have thought $3.26 for a gallon of regular unleaded would be something to celebrate?
The Raceway station on Highway 31 in Pelham often has some of the lowest prices around......
This picture was taken Sunday, October 12, 2008:

 
Compare that to these prices in Hawaii!  (Info courtesy of Richard Dolbeare)
 

Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP
BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE
205.902.4868
Keller Williams
One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150
Hoover, AL  35244
Ann@AnnAllenTeam.com
 
© 2008 Ann Allen, All rights reserved
 

 

… (6 comments)

New Alabama Law Requires Buyers To Withhold Sales Tax In Certain Real Estate Transactions - 10/08/08 03:01 PM
The Alabama legislature recently passed a new law that became effective August 1, 2008.  Details and forms needed for compliance can be found by clicking on Act No. 2008-504.
What Does The Act Require?  The buyer of a property located in Alabama, which has been obtained by sale or transfer from a nonresident of Alabama, is responsible for withholding a percentage of the sales price (or gain) and remitting to the Commissioner of Revenue of the State of Alabama on behalf of the seller.  This also includes any related tangible personal property.
What If The Buyer Fails To Withhold?  He becomes personally … (13 comments)

My Friends Had A Copperhead Infestation.....But A Professional Solved Their Problem! - 10/05/08 05:33 PM
I recently posted a story a friend told me about her misadventure with a snake.  It brought back memories of another snaky story......and if you like to garden, this one should get your attention.......
Some friends of ours bought a home several years ago.  They worked hard in their yard to transform it from an area that had been neglected to a beautiful retreat with gardens and a walking path.  They enjoyed working in the yard, and they spent a lot of time there to keep it maintained. 

It wasn't too long before we began to hear stories of them finding copperheads.  They would find them … (23 comments)

SNAKE!!!.......Realtor To The Rescue! - 10/02/08 10:46 AM
 had lunch yesterday with some friends and heard this crazy story that I knew I would have to share:
One of these ladies is the site specialist at a new home community in our area.  She got a panicked phone call one day from one of the neighbors.  There was a large snake in her yard and she needed help!

It just so happened that the site superintendent was meeting with my friend, so they both took off to the neighbors' house to see if there was anything they could do.
Sure enough, there was this huge snake!  My friend … (56 comments)

 
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Ann Allen CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO REALTOR® ~ Hoover AL Homes for Sale

Hoover, AL

More about me…

E21 Realty

Address: E21 Realty, 100 Concourse Parkway, Suite 135, Hoover, AL, 35244

Office Phone: (205) 989-7215

Cell Phone: (205) 902-4868

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I write about people, places, things to do and anything else that inspires me, including articles related to finance and the Birmingham area real estate market.








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