Come Home to the Shoals! ~ Florence, AL Real Estate Blog

Don't forget to FALL BACK in Florence, AL!

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:42:19 -0500

Just a friendly reminder...this Sunday, Nov. 1st, is the end of Daylight Saving Time. Don't forget to set your clocks back an hour when you go to sleep Saturday night! This is also a good time to change out the batteries on your smoke detectors.

Deidre Berry ~ Florence, AL REALTOR
Your search for Florence AL homes for sale starts HERE!

New Listing! 4 bed/3 bath Home for Sale in Florence, AL!

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:18:20 -0500

Welcome to a Home in the Shoals!

107 Moorsgate Drive
Florence, AL
$259,900

OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, 11/1/2009
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Spacious 4 bed/3 bath home in Creekwood subdivision with formal LR & DR, den with wood burning fireplace, and large keeping room/sun room. Master could be up or down; master upstairs has plenty of closets and an attached private den area or office space. New brick/iron fencing, granite in kitchen, tankless gas water heater. Home warranty provided through Old Republic.

To see more pictures, take a virtual tour!

For more information on this home or other Florence Alabama real estate, feel free to contact me...I'll be glad to help.

Deidre Berry ~ Florence, AL Realtor
Your search for Florence AL homes for sale starts HERE!

New Listing! 4 bed/2.5 bath Home for Sale in Florence, AL!

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:50:03 -0500

Welcome to a Home in the Shoals!

553 Hazelwood Drive
Florence, AL
$187,900

OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, Aug. 2nd
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Take a look at this nicely updated home with 4 bdrms/2.5 baths in the Forest Hills neighborhood! Large living areas make this a home that you can stretch out in and use for a variety of purposes. Current rec room has a fireplace and built-in bookshelves and would be perfect for a library or study! Kitchen has been updated with new flooring, countertops, hardware and stainless appliances. Patio area and screened porch (recently redone)are great for entertaining around the 18x36 inground pool...and there is still plenty of yard for the kids to play. New siding and windows installed approx. 1.5 yrs. ago, all flooring new in the last 3 yrs.

To see more pictures, take a virtual tour!

For more information on this home or other Florence Alabama real estate, feel free to contact me...I'll be glad to help.

Deidre Berry ~ Florence, AL Realtor
Your search for Florence AL homes for sale starts HERE!

New Listing! 5 bed/3.5 bath with 1 acre in Killen, AL

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:33:34 -0500

Welcome to a Home in the Shoals!

250 Plantation Drive
Killen, AL
$274,900

This 5 bed/3.5 bath home sits on a 1 acre corner lot with large fenced yard in a great neighborhood! Great room with built in ent. center, gas log fireplace & french doors leading to back deck. Columned dining room. Master on main level has sitting area & large master bath with separate vanities, whirlpool tub and walk-in closet. 2nd floor has 2 bedrooms - one has a connecting full bath, and the other is currently being used as an office. Finished basement with den (or rec room), 2 bedrooms, full bath, and garage/workshop area. New carpet on 2nd level, newer flooring on main, new light fixtures in & out, new sink/faucet & cabinet hardware in kitchen. Make an appt. to see it! Owner is a licensed Realtor.

To see more pictures, take a virtual tour.

For more information on this home or other Florence Alabama real estate, feel free to contact me...I'll be glad to help!

Deidre Berry ~ Florence, AL Realtor
Your search for Florence AL homes for sale starts HERE!

New Listing! 4 bed/3 bath with 3 acres in Killen, AL

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:39:39 -0500

Welcome to a Home in the Shoals!

515 Ruby Richardson Dr.
Killen, AL
$132,900

Take a look at this home in the Greenhill community with 3 acres, above ground pool and large deck area for outdoor entertaining. Much bigger than it appears! Enter into the open living room, kitchen and dining area. Down the hall to the left are the master bedroom and bath, and 2 additional bedrooms with a full bath across the hall. To the right of the living area there is a large room that is currently a rec room/play room but could also be a 4th bedroom. At the back of the house is your own recording studio wired for sound. There is also another full bath. If your dream doesn't include being a musician, this could be another bedroom, living area, office...there are a lot of possibilities in this home!

Take a virtual tour!

For more information on this home or other Florence Alabama real estate, feel free to contact me...I'll be glad to help!

Deidre Berry ~ Florence, AL Realtor
Your search for Florence, AL homes for sale starts HERE!

Free Stuff To Do in Florence, AL and the Shoals

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:05:34 -0600

I appreciate anything that is a bargain...that's one of the reasons why I love to shop at TJ Maxx! Free stuff is even better, especially with our economy in the slumps and most people cutting back on spending. So, if you are looking for something to do that's FREE, here is a list of things to see and do in Florence Alabama and the Shoals area that won't cost you a penny:

Go for a hike: Shoal Creek Preserve (Florence), Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge (Florence), Cane Creek Canyon National Preserve (Tuscumbia), the TVA trails (Muscle Shoals) and Rock Spring Nature Trail (Cherokee)

Picnic and play at the parks: Deibert Park and River Heritage Park (Florence), Riverfront Park(Sheffield), Killen Park(Killen), Spring Park (Tuscumbia), Joe Wheeler State Park (Rogersville)...and there are many others to enjoy also!

Visit the lions. Leo III and Una are the University of North Alabama mascots and have a special home on the UNA campus in Florence.

Check out the art exhibits at Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts (Florence). Rotating exhibits through the year showcase a variety of artists.

Watch the barges and other boats move through the Wilson Dam lock at the overlook on AL Hwy. 133. Unfortunately, tours of the lock were stopped after the 9-11 attacks.

Go back in time and imagine how it used to be at the Forks of Cypress plantation ruins (Florence). The only thing left of this stately mansion are the columns.

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the water and light show choreographed to music at Spring Park in Tuscumbia. Every Fri.-Sun. nights starting in March, weather cooperating.

Visit historic LaGrange College Site Park and Pioneer Settlement (Leighton). This was the site of Alabama's first college and is now a "settlement" that recreates the pioneer lifestyle during the early 1800's.

Walk the old Railroad Bridge (Sheffield): The bridge takes you out over the Tennesse River and offers a great view!

Something that you probably won't see anywhere else...the Coon Dog Cemetary in western Colbert County. More than 185 coon dogs from across the United States are buried here.

If you are a skateboarder (or have one), check out the Florence Skate Park, also known as Cox Creek Park.

Go creek stomping! Pick a creek and follow it as far as you can go. Great for hot summer days! Bluewater Creek in Center Star has become our favorite creek stomping ground.

For more information and directions go to Explore the Shoals or Florence/Lauderdale Tourism. I'm sure I have missed some, so feel free to add to the list. Coming soon is list of FREE events, so be watching!

Deidre Berry ~ Florence, AL Realtor
The search for Florence AL Homes for Sale starts HERE!

New Listing! 3 bed/2 bath Home for Sale in Lexington, AL

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:01:50 -0600

Welcome to a Home in the Shoals!

109 C.R. 504
Lexington, AL
$62,900

Enjoy country living in this 3 bed/2 bath home that has new flooring through most of the house, new paint, and new light fixtures. Several rooms are multi-functional, so use your imagination! Two bedrooms (one could be a master bedroom) on main floor with connecting bath, and large bedroom up with private bath and walk-in closet. Nice kitchen with newer oak cabinets and breakfast area. Smaller room at the back of the house could be a small office area, play room, storage area, utility room or whatever you need!

Take a virtual tour!

For more information on this home or other Florence Alabama real estate, feel free to contact me...I'll be glad to help!

Deidre Berry ~ Florence, AL Realtor
The search for Florence, AL homes for sale starts HERE!

First Time Homebuyers in Florence, AL - Get Your $8000 Tax Credit!

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:10:03 -0600

First-time homebuyers...are you ready?? With the signing of the economic stimulus legislation (officially known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) by President Obama, if you are considering buying your first home in 2009, you have just received a nice bonus! Here is my understanding of the main things you need to know about the first time homebuyer tax credit:

1. Applies to homes purchased on or after Jan. 1, 2009 and before Dec. 1, 2009.

2. Credit amount = 10% of the purchase price or $8000, whichever is less.

3. Must be a first-time homebuyer (defined as not having owned a principal residence in the previous 3 yrs.)

4. Applies to any single family residence that will be used as a principal residence.

5. Full amount of credit available for individuals with modified adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 or $150,000 if married and filing joint return. The credit will phase out at higher income levels.

6. There is no repayment required unless the home is sold within 3 yrs. of the purchase, then the entire amount must be repaid.

7. The credit reduces (or can eliminate) your income tax liability. Any unused amount will be refunded to you.

This is great news for first-time buyers who might be considering homes for sale in Florence, AL! I would be glad to help you find that home, but I am not a tax professional or a CPA...so if you have any questions on how this might affect your taxes, please contact your tax advisor!

Deidre Berry ~ Florence, AL Realtor
The search for Florence AL homes for sale starts HERE!

Buyers and sellers can both win in Florence, Alabama!

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:07:36 -0600

"Low Rates Boost Housing", a recent article in the Florence, AL local newspaper, the Times Daily, noted that it's a perfect time for for buyers to buy and for sellers to sell...at least in our area. If you can buy right now, the interest rates are great! If you are thinking about selling, don't wait. The homes in the Shoals area are NOT declining in market value. As long as the property is priced right, it should sell.

Deidre Berry ~ Florence, AL Realtor
The search for Florence AL homes for sale starts HERE!

New Year's Resolutions for Buyers & Sellers

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:08:06 -0600

Now that we are a couple of weeks into the New Year, how are you doing on your New Year's resolutions? We all have probably made them and possibly have already broken some. I usually only think of my own resolutions, but I just read this article from RISMedia that suggests a few great resolutions for buyers and sellers. The author, Robert Jenson, CEO of The Jenson Group located in Las Vegas states: "While tricks of the trade abound to give buyers and sellers a leg up on the competition, there are also a number of basic pitfalls buyers and sellers should be sure to avoid lest they commence their real estate venture on shaky ground."

With this in mind, Jenson offers these New Year's Real Estate Resolutions to help buyers and sellers avoid common blunders and get the deal done: (Read more...)

Deidre Berry ~ Florence, AL Realtor
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

The search for Florence AL homes for sale starts HERE!

Yeah! It was warmer today!

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:52:04 -0600

It almost felt spring-like today in Florence, Alabama! I know I shouldn't even be complaining about our cold temperatures here because they don't even compare to those in the North. But it's all relative, right? We were at 7 degrees one morning last week...brrrr!!!! This time of year would normally average somewhere in the 30's. For those that think it never gets cold in the South, think again :)

This picture shows what my husband called "frozen fog" on our crepe myrtle tree. He may be pulling my leg...I've never heard of it (have you?), but I thought it looked really neat!

Deidre Berry ~ Florence, AL Realtor

The search for Florence, AL homes for sale starts HERE!

Christmas Scenes from Florence, AL

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:58:30 -0600

Here are a few of the sights you might see around Florence, AL and the Shoals area during the Christmas season. I know there are many more...so email me if you want to be included next year!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and especially good will, peace,
and many blessings for the New Year!

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

The search for Florence, AL homes for sale starts HERE!

Christmas Quiz - Have Fun!

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:23:15 -0600

This was emailed to me by a friend and I thought it would be a fun to pass on. Great idea for a family game at Christmas! Delete my answers, fill in your own, and share...
A Christmas Quiz for You
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both
2. Real tree or artificial? I have an artificial one, but I would rather have a real one!
3. When do you put up the tree? Beginning of December
4. When do you take the tree down? By the New Year
5. Do you like eggnog? Love it!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Barbie airplane (anyone remember those?)
7. Hardest person to buy for? My husband...only because he can't wait for Christmas and buys himself anything that might have been a good gift.
8. Easiest person to buy for? My girls
9. Do you have a nativity scene? No
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Both
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmmm...can't think of anything. It's all good!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Polar Express
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? November (hopefully!)
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, but don't tell.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Red velvet cake
16. Lights on the tree? Of course!
17. Favorite Christmas song? I LOVE Christmas songs...all of them.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay at home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? I think so :)
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Eve
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The crowds
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Santas/red & gold
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey, sweet potato casserole, green beans
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Less stress
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Anyone who loves this time of year!

Happy Holidays to all!

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

The search for Florence AL homes for sale starts HERE!

A Good Rain...and Possibly Snow!

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:30:09 -0600

After a very dry couple of years, Florence Alabama and the Shoals area has finally had a decent amount of rain! According to the National Weather Service, Florence had almost 4.5" of rain over Tuesday and Wednesday...and it's still raining. From what I heard on the news earlier today, that's more rain over a couple of days than we have had since the rains from Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The creeks and rivers around the area have been pretty low, so hopefully this will help fill them up a little. Here is a Times Daily article about the weather in Florence, AL over the last few days: "Mixed Bag of Weather".

On top of that, we may be in for some snow later this evening. Yes, it does snow in Alabama. Usually it's just a light dusting that doesn't stick around very long...but just the threat of snow and/or ice is enough to let schools out early! Lauderdale County schools (my kids are in this district) dismissed at 1:45 p.m. today and all after school activities were cancelled. They also have a delay in the morning until 10:00. I think it's kind of funny that school is delayed or cancelled for the little bit of snow we might see. We lived in Ohio before we moved here, so I was used to the kids going to school unless we were snowed in! Better safe than sorry though. So...let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

The search for Florence, AL homes for sale starts HERE!

Good News for Florence Alabama and The Shoals!

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 21:56:00 -0600

Two recent newspaper articles back up what many Florence AL real estate agents have been saying over the last few months: 1) Our housing market has not been affected as much as the rest of the country, and 2) the homes in Florence and the Shoals are still very affordable. See the articles below for the scoop!

Shoals Bucking The Trend - Economic picture rosier than most
By: Michelle Rupe Eubanks
Staff Writer

Wrapping up third-quarter figures and heading into the last quarter of the year, housing and revenue numbers for the Shoals indicate that the economic woes being experienced elsewhere in the country have yet to take as strong a hold locally. Read more...

Financial Report - Shoals housing still most affordable

The housing market in the Shoals remains the most affordable in the state, based on the third quarter Alabama Affordability Index. Read more...

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

The search for Florence, AL homes for sale starts HERE!

Cottage-Style Home for Sale in Florence, AL

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:31:55 -0600

Welcome to a Home in the Shoals!

2215 N. Wood Ave.
Florence, AL
$79,900

Cute 3 bed/2 bath cottage-style home needs new owners! It's in a great location...close to the downtown area and the University of North Alabama. The house was originally 2 bed 1 bath, but an addition to the back of the house in the past gave it a large master bedroom, full bath and walk-in closet. This addition could also be used for a den or dining room. The house has been updated with new light fixtures, flooring, paint, and a new roof. The nice back deck has plenty of room for entertaining. All appliances stay, including the washer & dryer.

Take a virtual tour!

For more information on this home or other Florence Alabama real estate, feel free to contact me...I'll be glad to help!

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

Search for Florence, AL Homes for Sale here!

Fall in Florence, Alabama

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:55:40 -0600

Fall is my favorite time of year. The crisp air, the vivid colors, the renewed energy...I wish it would last longer!

I almost missed the leaves changing this year in Florence. My family and I had left for a week's vacation on Oct. 31st, and nothing much had happened. Because of the low rainfall in the Shoals this year, I thought we might not see all of the colors. I was wrong! We got back and in just that week's time the trees had transformed.

If you haven't seen Florence, Alabama and the Shoals area in the fall, here is bit of the beautiful scenery you're missing...

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

The search for Florence, AL homes for sale starts HERE!

Spotlight on Florence, AL Real Estate Market - Oct. 2008

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:54:33 -0600

Here are the statistics for the Florence, Alabama real estate market in Oct. 2008 as compared to Oct. 2007.

Florence, AL Home Sales (including the Shoals area)
Oct. 2008

	Oct. 2008	Oct. 2007
Monthly Sales	121	159
Avg. List Price	$119,825	$133,718
Avg. Sale Price	$114,647	$126,439
% Diff. (Sale/List)	95.68%	94.56%
Current Inventory	1195	1033
Months of Inv.	9.88	6.50

All information taken from the Shoals Area MLS as of Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008.
Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Although the housing market in Florence and the Shoals is still stable, there is a downward trend in the number of homes sold and the average listing/sales price. The months of inventory available is at it's highest point since January. We are entering a period where home sales normally slow down, so it will be interesting to see what the next few months bring!

Previous Reports:
Aug. - Sept. 2008

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

The search for Florence, AL homes for sale starts right HERE!

Home Buying 101: Getting Pre-Approved

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:50:10 -0500

In years past, it has been recommended that buyers get "pre-qualified" by a lender for a mortgage loan. This usually means that you spend a few minutes on the phone giving financial information to a lender so you can find out your maximum mortgage amount. Getting pre-qualified is helpful because you know the price range of homes you can afford. However, the process doesn't guarantee that your mortgage application will be accepted and unknown problems often surface after you have made an offer on a house.

If you want to be in the strongest negotiating position possible, get PRE-APPROVED! This happens when you provide the same paperwork needed for a formal loan application and the lender has checked and verified all of your information, such as credit, employment, debt/income ratio and verifying down payment funds. You are actually APPROVED for a loan. Once you have made an offer on a house, you will formally apply for the mortgage. Certain facts may have to be rechecked depending on how much time has passed since the pre-approval.

Being pre-approved certainly can't hurt...in fact, in today's real estate market, it's almost a must! First, you may be better able to bargain with the seller if you are pre-approved. Second, when a seller receives an offer from a pre-approved buyer, they know that the buyer can secure a loan. If there are other offers, who do you think the seller will be more likely to take seriously? Why take the chance on someone that is not pre-approved?

So, if you are serious about buying a home, talk with your mortgage lender now! GET PRE-APPROVED! When you are ready, I'll be glad to help you find homes for sale in Florence, AL and the surrounding area that will fit your needs and budget. Just give me a call or email anytime!

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

The search for Florence, AL homes for sale starts HERE!

The Real Estate "20"

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:39:23 -0500

Is there such a thing as the real estate "20"... like the freshman "10"???

I've experienced it and just wondered how many of you have had the same thing happen after starting your real estate career.

My first broker gave very good advice to new agents...

Set your goals and priorities and don't let real estate take over your life.

Knowing the odd hours that a real estate career can bring, I had already set my priorities even before I was licensed. God, family, health, a little quiet time for myself...those came first. I've done well on 3 of the 4. Health, however, has gone by the wayside! It didn't take long for exercise to stop and fast food has become the norm. I've got to get this under control. I know that I don't have as much energy and I'm sure that my eating habits along with no exercise are most of the problem.

So, this week I've tried to do better. I haven't had any fast food - yeah! I've taken my dogs for a long walk one day and did an exercise video another day. Today is dog walking again. I'm going to make time for exercise...no matter what! I'm going to make healthier food choices. Tina M's Blog post "Get Lean" has some good ideas about making changes for your health.

My goal...take care of my health and still be a great real estate agent!

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

The search for Florence, AL Homes for Sale starts here!

The Best Kept Secret in Alabama - Florence, AL and the Shoals!

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:41:33 -0500

It's amazing how many people are thinking about or wanting to relocate to the Florence, AL area. Just over the past month I have talked with potential buyers from Texas, Florida, Ohio and Tennessee, and showed homes to buyers from Texas, Illinois and Delaware. Over the past year, I have personally helped clients buy homes in the Shoals area who moved from Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin. And this doesn't even count the buyers moving from within the state!

Now this may not seem unusual for those in BIG cities, but for our smaller area, I find it really interesting that we are getting so many people moving here from out of state. I should include myself in that group....we moved from Ohio! (More about why we chose to move in another post.)

So what's the draw?

Or as those that were born in the area and have lived here all their lives ask... "Why did you move HERE?"

There seems to be a general consensus among those that have moved. Here are their reasons, in no particular order:

Reasonable housing prices - more house for your money!
Low property taxes
Low crime
Friendly people
Family/church oriented community
Temperate change of seasons

If you are considering moving to the Florence, Alabama area, come and visit us. I think we will win you over and you'll soon be part of the group that has found the best kept secret in Alabama!

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

The search for Florence, AL homes for sale starts here!

Are You Ready to be Scared?

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:26:47 -0500

It's been a long time (high school days) since I have been to one of those haunted houses that pop up around this time of year. My husband had been talking about wanting to go...so on the spur of the moment last night we decided to try one out!

Graystone Manor in Killen, AL has been rated as one of the best and scariest haunted attractions in the South. I have to admit...I screamed (and laughed because of my screaming) through the whole thing! It was much better than the ones I remember from high school. This is the Manor's second year of business and it seems to be pretty popular if the crowds waiting to get in are an indication. It was built in an old flea market and takes advantages of twists and turns through different rooms and even several trips outside to the "graveyard" area. There are about 30 live actors and over 40 mechanical robots (very realistic in the dark!). For some cool pictures of the Manor, go to http://graystonemanor.net.

The attraction is located just east of Florence, AL on Hwy. 72, opposite Brooks High School in Killen, AL. It is open Thurs.-Sat. from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. During the week of Halloween it will be open every night. Ticket prices are $13.50 for weeknights and $15.00 for Fri. and Sat. There is also a fast pass option for $20. We took advantage of the fast pass and went to the head of the line!

If you are ready to be scared, don't miss it!

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

Search for Florence, AL homes for sale here!

New Listing! 4 Bed/3 Bath Home for Sale in Florence, AL

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:16:34 -0500

Welcome to a Home in the Shoals!

8180 Hwy. 17 - Florence, AL
$134,900

If you are wanting a home with character, take a look! This 4 bed/3 bath home has hardwood floors throughout (even in bedrooms), an updated kitchen with eat-in bar area, 11+ foot beadboard ceilings on main level, a large dining room and living area with wood burning fireplace. The upstairs library has built-ins and a computer/sitting area. There is even a barn with hayloft and electricity. This is all on 3.27 acres and within walking distance to the elementary/high school.

Take a virtual tour!

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

Search for Florence, AL Homes for Sale here!

New Listing! 4 Bed/3 Bath Home for Sale in Florence, AL

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:51:31 -0500

Colonial Style Home with 3+ acres

Location: Florence, AL

If you are wanting a home with character, take a look! Hardwood floors throughout (even in bedrooms), updated kitchen with eat-in bar area, 11+ foot beadboard ceilings on main level, large dining room and living area with wood burning fireplace. Library upstairs with built-ins and computer/sitting area. There is also a barn with a hayloft and electricity. This is all on 3 acres and within walking distance to the elementary/high school. A great place to live and play!

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Deidre Berry

(256) 648-6747

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Pricing

Price: $134,900

Flexibility: Negotiable

Property Location

8180 Hwy 17
Florence, AL 35634
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Features

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

Year Built: 1950

Lot Size: 3.27 acres

School District: Wilson

Square Footage: 2764

Agent Name: Deidre Berry

Broker: CRC Realty, Inc.

MLS #: 365221

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Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

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Barn

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"What's The Neighborhood Like?"

Deidre Berry, Realtor ~ Florence, Alabama (CRC Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:30:24 -0500

When looking for a new home, we all want to know about the area where we might be moving, right? We want to know about the neighborhoods and if they meet our needs. We want to know about the crime statistics and about the schools.

"What's the neighborhood like?" is a question I am asked frequently as a real estate agent in Florence, Alabama - especially from out of town clients. As much as I would like to answer that question...guess what? I can't. I have no way of knowing why you are asking and federal law (The Fair Housing Act) prohibits me - and all Realtors - from discriminating in any way based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap.

There are a few things that you can do to find out about neighborhoods in Florence, Alabama and the Shoals area. Here are some suggestions:

> Go out for a drive! Take a look at the neighborhood during different times of day. Talk to the people that live in the neighborhood.

> You can find demographic information online at the United States Census site, or ZIPskinny which provides information by city or zip code.

> Sex offenders are listed by city and zip code at the Alabama Dept. of Public Safety website.

> For school information, search the Alabama Dept. of Education website or go to School Data Direct to search by school or district.

> The local police are there to help - contact them and ask about crime in a particular neighborhood. The Florence, AL Police Dept. Annual Report for 2007 charts the crime statistics for Florence.

> For more information about the Florence, AL area and other helpful links, go to my website.

So, I may not be able to answer the question, but now you have some resources that might help!

Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com

Search for Florence, AL homes for sale

The idea for this post came from Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate. Thank you!