misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: What's happening in and around Birmingham, Alabama March 5 - 7, 2010? - 03/05/10 09:54 AM
What's happening in and around Birmingham, Alabama March 5 - 7, 2010? 
There are a variety of activities and events to choose from including several benefiting worthy organizations.  I hope you find something you will enjoy!
Semele (March 4, 10 a.m.; March 5-6, 7:30 p.m.) UAB opera presents this work by Handel. Alys Stephens Center. 975-2787.
Anne Frank and Me (March 4-6, 7 p.m.; March 7, 2 p.m.) Children's Dance Foundation. $8. 870-0073. childrensdancefoundation.org
Pianomen (March 4-6, 8 p.m.; March 7, 3 p.m.) Virginia Samford Theatre. $20. 251-1228. virginiasamfordtheatre.org
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (March 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 8 … (7 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Snow fell on Alabama! - 02/13/10 06:25 AM
Snow fell on Alabama!
The state of Alabama often uses the song "Stars Fell on Alabama" in marketing materials.  There has even been talk of changing our state song to "Stars Fell on Alabama".  However, yesterday it was not stars that were falling on Alabama, but something we rarely see....snow.  Snow in Alabama typically shuts us down.  Even though the roads stayed clear in the Birmingham area, many schools and businesses closed early in anticipation of possible hazardous road conditions.  Apparently Alabama was not alone.  The national news reported last night that snow was on the ground in 49 of the … (7 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Should you wait until spring to put your home on the market? - 02/06/10 02:42 PM
Should you wait until spring to put your home on the market?
Would you like to sell your home?  Perhaps you need to sell your home?  No matter whether you need or just want to sell your home, now is the time.  There are federal tax credits of up to $8000 for 1st time buyers and up to $6500 for repeat buyers. In order to receive the tax credit, buyers must have a home under contract on or before April 30th and close by June 30, 2010. 
Motivated, qualified buyers are looking for homes now.  Don't miss this window of opportunity. … (15 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: What's happening in Birmingham Alabama? Feb. 4-6, 2010 Events - 02/04/10 08:06 AM
What's happening in Birmingham Alabama? Feb. 4-6, 2010  Events
Below is a sampling of what's happening in and around Birmingham, Alabama over the next few days.   Enjoy and have a safe weekend!
2/4 Thursday
Jewtopia:Terrific New Theatre presents "Jewtopia," the longest-running comedy in both off-Broadway and Los Angeles history. Thursdays are TADA! Nights--pay what you can afford.  Details: 328-0868; www.terrificnewtheatre.com.
2/5, Friday
Benefit: The Phoenix Ball, at The Club. 7:30 p.m.-midnight. Tickets: $40. Benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Alabama. Details: email: birminghamphoenixclub@gmail.com.
Jewtopia:Terrific New Theatre presents "Jewtopia," the longest-running comedy in both off-Broadway and Los Angeles history.  8 p.m. Tickets: … (10 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Hoover, Alabama 3rd quarter Home Sales 2009 increase over 3rd quarter 2008 - 01/29/10 02:05 PM
Hoover, Alabama 3rd quarter Home Sales 2009 increase over 3rd quarter 2008
Hoover Alabama is a city with much to offer for both residents and visitors.  It is a great place to live with many wonderful homes for sale.  Based on information derived from Birmingham, Alabama MLS, the days on market in 2009 were greater than 2008.  However, the month to month sales for the 3rd quarter of 2009 as compared to 2008 reflects an increase in the number of Hoover, Alabama homes sold. 
*Below is a chart showing the numbers.

 
It is a great time to buy!  Interest … (2 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: What's happening in Birmingham Alabama this weekend? - 01/29/10 12:34 PM
What's happening in Birmingham Alabama this weekend?
If you are looking for something to do in and around Birmingham, Alabama this weekend, below are a few things to consider:
Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus (Jan. 27-31). BJCC. $13-$89. 715-6000. ticketmaster.com
Bus Stop (Jan. 14-16, 21-23, 28-30, 8 p.m.; Jan. 24, 2:30 p.m.) Birmingham Festival Theatre. $20; $15 students; Jan. 21 pay-what-you-want, $5 minimum. 933-2383. bftonline.org
Barnstormer (Jan. 28-30, 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 31, 2 p.m.). Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre. $30. 324-2424.
Up with the Joneses (Jan. 29, 10 p.m.) The Nick. $6. 252-3831. thenickrocks.com
Aida (Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m.; … (6 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: 94 Shopping Days Left to Receive Federal Tax Credit - 01/26/10 02:17 PM
94 Shopping Days Left to Receive Federal Tax Credit
Would you like to purchase a home?  Perhaps your first home?  Perhaps you are a repeat buyer?  There are federal tax credits of up to $8000 for 1sttime buyers and up to $6500 for repeat buyers. There are many homes available for sale in the Birmingham Alabama area including Jefferson and Shelby counties that are great values.  Contact me for information on these homes as well as how qualified buyers can take advantage of the tax credits. In order to receive the tax credit, you must have a home under contract on … (13 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Update to prayer request for families of fire victims. - 01/24/10 03:49 PM
Update to prayer request for families of fire victims.  While it will not stop the grief, it may help begin the healing.  The Hoover Alabama fire department has determined the source of the fire that killed the young women.  Foul play is not suspected at this time, but the person responsible has been arrested.  He was the motel's on-site maintenance man. ..an illegal resident.  The man had the renewal of his work permit denied in late 2007.
Please continue to pray for the friends and families of these young ladies ad for the person responsible for the fire.
 
 
 
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misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Is BOA required to follow short sale guidelines? - 01/24/10 01:53 PM
Is BOA required to follow short sale guidelines?  I showed a property today that is a short sale listing.  Later I learned that BOA holds the mortgage on the property and has told the listing agents that it will be 60-90 days before they will respond to an offer.  It is my understanding that if a lender accepted bail-out money they have to abide by the government guidelines for short sales and render an answer within 10 days.  Am I the one who is mistaken (it would not be the 1st time!!!) or is BOA thumbing their nose at the guidelines? … (7 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: How much should you spend on your upcoming home purchase? - 01/20/10 02:14 PM
How much should you spend on your upcoming home purchase?  There are guidelines that determine what mortgage amount a buyer can qualify for.  To make that determination, you should contact a lender.  I'm not qualified to make that determination.  However, once you are told how much you qualify for, should you actually spend that amount?  Maybe yes.  Maybe no!  As your buyer's agent, I would recommend that you consider many things...in particular, your lifestyle.    What are you comfortable with as far as a monthly payment?
 No formula factors in the things you enjoy doing.  How often do you like to eat … (6 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Would you know what to do if you were caught in a hotel fire? - 01/20/10 01:24 PM
Would you know what to do if you were caught in a hotel fire?  Four young ladies with promising futures tragically lost their lives last Saturday night in a hotel fire in Hoover, Alabama.  Unfortunately the flames spread so quickly they had no chance to escape, as the fire was on the front of the building where the only exit to the room was.  My heart goes out to their families and friends.
This is a situation none of us ever want to be caught in.  I was in a hotel with a fire when I was young, and even though … (4 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: What does an increase in interest rates cost? - 01/14/10 03:33 PM
What does an increase in interest rates cost?
The following is a table showing the cost per $1000 financed at various interest rates - principal and interest only.
 
On a $200,000 30 year loan, your payment will increase roughly $30 per month for every ¼ % rise in interest rate.  On a 15 year loan the increase will be approximately $26.  If you are thinking about buying a new home in the Birmingham or Shelby County area, don't delay.  Interest rates are going up and you may qualify for tax credits up to $8000. Call me for details.
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misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: When is it good not to be #1? - 01/14/10 02:47 PM
When is it good not to be #1?   Even though in 2009 Alabama saw a 156% increase in foreclosures over the previous year, we ranked 30th in the nation for number of foreclosures.  Foreclosures in Alabama for 2009 was 1 in every 107 households compared to a nationwide rate of 1 in every 45 households.  Don't get me wrong, the number of homes foreclosed is not good.  I don't like to see anyone lose their home. However, Alabama has fared well in comparison to many states and to national averages.  This is one list that we as Alabamians can be grateful … (15 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: And the winner is... - 01/07/10 03:52 PM
And the winner is...
 In an exciting, nail biting, heart stopping, close game, the Crimson Tide has beat Texas and is taking home the National Championship trophy for the first time in 17 years. It has been a year of firsts for Alabama...1st Heisman trophy, 1st National Championship under head coach Nick Saban, and the 1st time Alabama has beat Texas. Congratulations Alabama...# 1!!!
 
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misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Anticipation!!! - 01/07/10 10:33 AM
There are many things we anticipate in our lives.  Having been born, raised and lived all of my life in Alabama, I've been an Alabama fan for as long as I can remember.   Like thousands of other fans, I am anticipating today's BCS National Championship game.  I am hoping for an Alabama victory and am excited that we could win our 13th National Championship and first in 17 years.  Having had an undefeated season so far, beating Florida to win the SEC title  and Mark Ingram bringing Bama its first ever  Heisman Trophy , nothing could be sweeter than winning the championship … (4 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Do you know the statistics regarding the number of church fires caused by candlelight services? - 12/19/09 01:40 PM
What about the number of injuries and/or deaths?   The Homewood Alabama fire chief had announced that he intends to enforce a little known fire ordinance on Christmas Eve requiring a permit to hold a candlelight service.  Worse than that, the churches holding candlelight services will be required to hire 4 off duty fireman (regardless of the size of the church or number of persons participating) to be on-site at a cost of $100 each.  This is an extraordinarily high cost especially for the smaller churches considering the candles stay lit for around 1 1/2 - 2 minutes. 
Many questions have been … (17 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Is this a sign of good things to come? - 12/14/09 10:57 AM
I am working with a buyer who selected 7 homes to view which she had found on the Internet.  In calling to set-up the showings, I found that 3 of the 7 have just gone under contract.  Inventory is decreasing, sales are up over this time last year, and the percentage of sales price to list price is also up.  Days on market are a little higher...but you can't expect everything can you? 
Now is a great time to sell as well as buy a home.   If you have any questions related to the current market conditions in Birmingham, Alabama, Shelby … (13 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Independence Day --- How can we say "Thanks" to our military? - 07/02/09 07:31 AM
 
 
As 4th of July approaches and we celebrate our freedom, I think of it as a time to be grateful to the men and women of our armed forces who make sacrifices daily to insure that freedom.  Today a friend shared a video demonstrating how we can easily and quickly express our gratitude to those who serve in our military.  I'd like to pass it on.  Please take a look.  It is only a 30 second video and can really make a difference.  Have a safe and happy 4th!
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misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Memorial Day Thanks to Our Military - 05/24/09 01:56 PM
In observance of Memorial Day tomorrow, I want express my thanks for the men and women who have sacrificed their lives, as well as, to all of the men and women who serve and have served to protect our country and the freedom of each and every American.  It is important that we recognize both the sacrifices made by the military and their families.  THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU!
 
 
 
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misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Are you ready for RED DAY? It's coming!!!! - 05/06/09 04:39 PM
In keeping with our culture and KW Cares, on May 14, 2009 Keller Williams agents across North America will spend the day volunteering in various capacities to help others in the communities where we live, work, and play. Take a peek at this Keller Williams Red Day Pep Rallyfrom YouTube to see what is in store.  Then on May 14, 2009 keep an eye out in your local area for KW agents serving the community.

For information about Keller Williams  Realty or homes in the Birmingham metro area contact:
Renee L Norton
Keller Williams Realty
205-914-0857                                                                                                    ReneeL@KW.com                                                                                                      http://www.Bham-Listings.com
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