The Woods Townhomes in Hoover Alabama - Homeowners Work Together - 05/22/08 12:05 PM
On May the 8th the homeowners at The Woods Townhomes met for their annual meeting.  The usual things were discussed such making sure everyone pays their dues and what the money goes for, people letting their pets have "accidents" in the common area where the children play, children leaving their toys unattended, cars speeding through the neighborhood, etc. 
This was a good group of people who care for each other and the value of their property.  Not everyone agreed on how to handle each item, but people were respectful of each other's views and decisions were made. One comment was made about … (0 comments)

Selling Your Home in Hoover Alabama - Get A Pre-Sale Home Inspection - 05/21/08 03:38 PM
In my blog earlier this week, I mentioned finishing the "honey do" list before putting your house on the market.  Well sometimes you need a little extra help or another set of eyes to help pinpoint what might be wrong with your house.
A Professional pre-sale inspection by a qualified home inspector is a great option.  They have a checklist that they use and can point out things that need attention. Most inspections cost less than $300. Many inspectors take pictures and can give you the detailed report online.
Professional inspections can identify problems that you can then fix before any … (0 comments)

Home Sales in Russet Woods, Hoover Alabama April 2008 - 05/20/08 05:59 PM
Russet Woods and its sister neighborhood Southwood are conveniently located 3 miles off I-459 at the HWY 150 exit in Hoover, Alabama.  Just 5 miles to the Galleria, 2 miles to Hoover High and 15 miles to downtown Birmingham this neighborhood is a great place to call home.
Five homes sold in Russet Woods and Southwood in the month of April.  Click here to see details of these properties. 
If you would like information about YOUR neighborhood, contact me at www.ToniBird.com.
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Selling Your Home? Get That Colored Mulch out of the Flowerbeds! - 05/20/08 05:42 PM
When driving down the street in a neighborhood, have you ever seen that red mulch made of recycled rubber sticking out at you?  Now I know we are trying to go "green" and recycle, however, we need to remember that curb appeal is critical to getting the most money for your home.  The red color is bad enough, but sometimes it even clashes with the color of the house and WOW. Also, because the eye is drawn to the colored mulch and not the plants, you totally loose the value of the hard work and money you have spent on planting … (0 comments)

Selling Your Home in Hoover Alabama - Finish the "Honey Do" List - 05/19/08 03:52 PM
So you're thinking about selling your home.  It's time to sit down and make a list of all those things that need to be done around the house. Houses ARE selling in Hoover and the Greater Birmingham area, but it is currently a buyer's market and the NEW owner is NOT going to want to take care of those things you haven't done over the last 5 years.  You know - some things have been bugging you for a year now and others you just don't even notice any more. Fix the rotten spot on the garage door, fix the doorbell … (0 comments)

Do Dah Day is a Big Hit - 05/18/08 09:49 AM
Yesterday was the 29th annnual Do Dah Day festival in Birmingham, Alabama. 
This event which is held in the Highland Park neighborhood, features a parade with floats and walkers - both human and animal, bands and booths.  This is the major yearly fund raiser for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and Friends of Cats and Dogs.

The parade was fun - as always, and the weather was fabulous.  Prizes are given for the best float, ugliest pet, best movie themed pet, best costume, best pet/human look alike and other stuff.  Stages were set up in Rhodes Park and Caldwell Park … (0 comments)

Regions Charity Golf Tournament Going on Now - 05/16/08 11:41 AM
Every year we have this fabulous Golf Tournament that takes place in Hoover Alabama.  It was originally started by the Bruno family back in 1992 as a way for the owners of the very successful Bruno's grocery store to give back to the community. For many years it was called the Brunos Memorial Classic in honor of Angelo and Ronald Bruno.  In 2005 Regions Financial Corporation became the "Title Sponsor" so now its referred to as the Regions Charity Classic.
Since this is a Champions Tour Event, there are many big names playing and worth seeing.  Tickets are available and not too expensive. … (0 comments)

Stop and Smell the Roses - 05/16/08 10:57 AM
Boy this has been a hectic week!  I don't think I have been in bed before 11:00 any night this week - which for me is WAY too late!   So, for all those folks who think the Real Estate market is slow right now I say WHAT are you thinking!!
All this week, though, next to my porch between the driveway and entrance has been this beautiful rose.  Every day as I pass by with my laptop and files in hand, I am reminded to "Stop and Smell the Roses".  This has helped me to take a deep breath and appreciate … (0 comments)

5 Things To Understand About Home Insurance - 05/15/08 09:39 PM
When you get ready to buy that new home, you'll need to get a homeowner's insurance poilcy on it.   There are hundreds of insurance companies in the Hoover, Alabama and greater Birmingham area, and different tyes of coverages. When you are shopping, make sure you are comparing like policies and getting the coverage you need. Talk to your prospective agent and find one that will explain things to you.  Here are some things to ask questions about.
•1.          Look for exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These coverages must be bought … (0 comments)

Home Sales in Oak Park and The Woodlands, Hoover Alabama - 05/12/08 11:53 AM
Oak Park and The Woodlands are sister neighborhoods located off HWY 93, less than a mile from Morgan Rd (HWY 52).  The Woodlands is located in Hoover Alabama and Oak Park has homes in Hoover and others in Helena, Alabama.  Many trees were left when this neighborhood was developed and several homes have nice views.
Click here for details on homes sold in Oak Park and The Woodlands from January 1st. 2008 to the present.
If you would like information about home sales in YOUR neighborhood, contact me at www.ToniBird.com.
 
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Home Sales in Lake Crest, Hoover Alabama April 2008 - 05/12/08 11:36 AM
Lake Crest, a neighborhood conveniently located between Shades Crest Road and HWY 150 in Hoover is a great place to live.  Every time I drive through there, people are out walking their dog, or mowing the grass and everybody seems very friendly.  Houses range from the Lake Crest Townhomes to large homes on the Lake.  Many homes have spectacular views.
The numbers are in for April.  Three homes sold in the Lake Crest neighborhhod in April 2008.  Two of them were in the Oakmere section.  Click Here for detailed information on those that sold.
If you would like information about … (0 comments)

Home Sales in Trace Crossings, Hoover Alabama - 05/12/08 11:19 AM
Trace Crossing is a great neighborhood located in Hoover Alabama.  The neighborhood is home to the Trace Crossings Elementary School, the new Hoover 9th Grade Center and Hoover High.  The Regions Park Baseball Stadium (formerly called Hoover Met) is located within the neighborhood as well.
Four homes sold in the Trace Crossings neighborhood in the month of April.  For detailed info on those homes sold click here.
If you would like information about homes in YOUR neighborhood, contact me at www.ToniBird.com.
 
 
 
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Does Moving Up Make Sense? - 05/09/08 02:56 PM
These questions will help you decide whether you're ready for a home that's larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it's a sign that you may be ready to move.
 
1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don't build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, and some extra appreciation that people saw in 2005 and early 2006 has withered away, but if … (0 comments)

Birmingham Alabama Real Estate ranked #3 - 05/08/08 05:28 PM
The Word Is Out!! Birmingham is a great place to Buy Real Estate. 
According to CNNMoney.com, Birmingham was #3 in its list of the 10 Fastest Growing Markets in the US.  Birmingham is expected to see appreciation of approximately 2.7% over the next year - as opposed to a decrease in prices as predicted in other markets.  Isn't it great to hear some GOOD NEWS for a change. Birmingham is a Great Place to Live and Buy Real Estate.
If you would like to search for a home to buy in the Greater Birmingham area, visit my website at www.ToniBird.com.
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Home Sales in Alabaster Alabama April 2008 - 05/08/08 04:03 PM
Home sales remained consistent in the month of April in Alabaster, Alabama.  Fifty homes closed in both March and April, up from 43 in February.  The average salesprice was $185,890 with prices ranging from 80,000 for a 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath townhome in Applegate to  $470,000 for a 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home in Sterling Gate. The average days on market for homes sold was 98.48.  Currently there are 433 homes on the market which represents an 8.66 month supply - down from the December high of 11.71 months.
Looking for a new home, search for a home in the Birmingham Area … (0 comments)

Home Sales in Helena Alabama April 2008 - 05/08/08 03:38 PM
Homes sales in Helena, Alabama dipped slightly in April - back down to 34.  There were 30 that sold in December and January and 34 homes that sold in February which then jumped to 42 in March.  The average salesprice was $196,185 with prices ranging from $90,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome at Rocky Ridge to $525,000 for a 6 bedroom, 4 bath new home in Riverwoods.  Six homes were new construction. The average days on the market for sold homes was 104.85.  Currently there are 268 homes on the market which represents a 7.88 months supply.
If you … (0 comments)

Homes Sales in Pelham Alabama April 2008 - 05/08/08 03:30 PM
Home sales in Pelham, Alabama took a jump to 42 in April.  This was up from 23 in January, 27 in February, and 32 in March. The average salesprice was $193,266 with prices ranging from $99,250 for a 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath townhome at Cahaba Manor to $550,000 for a 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath in Ballantrae. Fourteen homes were new construction. The average days on market for sold homes was 80.14.  Currently there are 328 homes on the market which represents a 7.80 month supply (down from 10.34 in March and the high of 13.73 in January).
Looking for a new home, … (0 comments)

Alabama Home Sales in North Shelby County April 2008 - 05/08/08 03:26 PM
Home sales in the Oak Mountain area - which represents North Shelby County - remain  consistent, with 74 homes closing in March AND April (up from 51 in February).  The average salesprice was $362,543 with prices ranging from a condo at Morning Star selling for $96,000 to a 5 Bedroom, 4 Bath, 2 ½ bath, selling for 1,170,000 at Greystone Legacy.  There were 3 properties selling for over 1 million and 2 in the high 990's.  The average days on the market for homes sold was 100.72.  Currently there are 804 homes on the market which represents a 10.86 month supply.
Interested … (0 comments)

Homes Sales in Hoover Alabama April 2008 - 05/08/08 03:22 PM
Home sales in the Hoover, Alabama area were down just slightly in April with 96 closed sales - There were 100 closings in March and 101 in February (up from 51 in January).
In the Hoover Alabama area, the average salesprice was $283,100 with prices ranging from $83,100 for a 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath condo in Running Brook to $850,000 for a 5 Bedroom, 4.5 Bath on Grand Avenue in Ross Bridge. Nineteen closed sales were condo/townhomes and 48 closed sales were new construction. Currently there are 916 homes on the market which represents a 9.54 month supply. Showing activity in Hoover … (0 comments)

Vestavia Alabama Home Sales April 2008 - 05/08/08 03:15 PM
Home sales in Vestavia picked up to 41 in April (up from 33 in February and 36 in March). Five sales were in Liberty Park. The average salesprice was $380,569 with prices ranging from $102,000 for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo at Montreat to 1.2 million for a 5 bedroom 4.5 redo on the Vestavia Country Club.  There was also a second redo on the country club that sold for 1.1 million and a 1.125 million sale in Liberty Park.  The median price was $313,347. The average days on market for sold properties was 57.60.  Currently there are 413 properties … (0 comments)

Homewood Alabama Market Conditions April 2008 - 05/08/08 03:10 PM
Home Sales in Homewood remain flat with 28 homes closing in the month of April 2008.  This was down slightly from the 31 sales in March, however, much better than the low of 19 home sales last October. Prices continue to drop with the average salesprice being $247,853. Sales ranged from $74,900 for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo at Valley View to $630,000 for a 4/3.5 new craftsman style home tucked away in Edgewood. The median price was $230,000.  Average days on the market for closed sales was 74.57 with saleprice being 94.2% of list. Currently there are 386 homes on … (0 comments)

Time to Get Off the Fence - 05/04/08 09:25 PM
I have been working with a client for several weeks now.  We have looked at Homes ALL OVER the Birmingham, Al area.  We have finally narrowed it down to a neighborhood and really like one house the best so it's time to put an offer on paper.  The client sends an e-mail and says they heard bad news on the radio this morning and they are not sure it is time to buy.
Well, we have been hearing bad news almost every day for over a year now.  Bad news sells, good news doesn't and every time the media gets a chance … (0 comments)

Deferred Maintenance can really hurt your Property's Value - 05/03/08 12:52 PM
I see it over and over again.  Home maintenance items that are not taken care of for years costing sellers thousands when it is time to sell.  One of the biggest ones I see is windows.   The paint starts to wear off of the window sills and the corners of the window - especially on the west side of the house where the sun is strongest.  If you catch this immediately and put some primer on the window, then paint it, that takes care of the problem.  If you let it go, the window sill rots and soon you have … (0 comments)

Moving Out of Town? - 05/01/08 09:00 AM
Moving day can be very hectic, especially if you are moving out of town ‘cause when the moving truck pulls away - you're gone.  Friends are coming by and things with the movers don't always go as planned.  Here are a few of things to think about ahead of time:
Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets.
Get copies of children's school records for transfer.
Have a special backpack or suitcase with your children's special items. Let them pack it themselves, if age appropriate.
Consider special car needs for pets when traveling. A crate keeps pets safe … (0 comments)

 
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Toni Bird

Hoover, AL

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Coldwell Banker Preferred Properties

Address: 2820 Columbiana Rd., Suite 101, Birmingham, AL , 35216

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