misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: 944 Lake Circle, Hoover, Alabama 35244 - 05/03/09 01:21 PM
This fabulous lakefront home has every amenity you could want. ..A large formal dining room, a kitchen that is a cook's delight with granite countertops, lots of cabinets, separate icemaker, gas stove and warming drawer.  This home features lots of built-in storage with bookshelves and nooks, crown molding, plantation shutters on the main level and blinds upstairs.   A wood burning fireplace with gas starter and door leading to the screened porch are found in the family room.  All bedrooms and the family room offer views of the lake. There are hardwood floors throughout the main level and in the upstairs loft.  … (6 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Southlake Cove Hoover, Alabama - 05/03/09 10:36 AM
 
Southlake Cove is a charming community in Shelby County located within the city limits of Hoover.  It was built around Rutherford Lake and is a part of a larger development, Southlake.  The development is conveniently located close to shopping, dining and entertainment near I65 less than 10 miles from UAB and major medical facilities. 
Most homes in Southlake Cove were built in the early to mid 1990s and many have been updated.  The community is unique for its location in that it offers the lake with fishing and also allows pontoon boats.  Many of the nearby close-in communities with lakes … (0 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Hoover Public Library - A Happening Place - 04/21/09 05:26 PM
Hoover Alabama is home to a most welcoming and happening library.  The 2009 Summer Calendar is full of activities for all ages and many interests.   In addition to the regular library books, computers, etc., the Hoover Library is home to Coffee-ol-ogy Coffee Café - a place to meet and eat as well as sample delicious gourmet coffees and espressos.     Check it out at www.coffeeology.net .   
The Plaza has a great line-up of various performances, art demonstrations and foreign language conversations.
Go to www.TheLibraryTheatre.com to see what's scheduled and to purchase tickets for the 2009-2010 season which go on sale in … (2 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Rain, Rain, Active Rain and More in Alabama - 04/19/09 05:39 PM
In 2007 Alabama suffered a severe drought.  If today is any indication, we are off to a good start rainfall wise this year.  With late afternoon and evening flash flooding, rain fell at a rate of 5 inches per hour.  I got caught in the first round taking down open house signs...and for the record there were no pictures allowed!  I could not have been any more wet if I had jumped into a swimming pool.  My son looked up in amazement upon hearing the sound of water squishing from my shoes as I stepped through the front door when I … (4 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: What do you really know about Birmingham Alabama? - 04/19/09 04:35 PM
The answer to that question is "Maybe not as much as you think"!  As Alabamians, we have grown accustomed to being the brunt of jokes.  We often top the lists of the "Worst" and end up at the bottom of the lists of the "Best".  However, Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama has much to offer.  We have great restaurants...some national award winners, wonderful museums, unique shops, fabulous bar-b-q, acclaimed golf courses, resorts and spas.  Although Alabamians are not proud of all of Birmingham's history, it is a city of progress.    If you don't believe me just take a look at … (2 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Tax Day Tea Party - 04/15/09 03:31 PM
According to news reports, several hundred people turned out at Hoover Alabama's Veteran's Park tonight for one of several "Tea Parties" held today around the Birmingham metropolitan area and across the United States. Residents were protesting "taxation without representation" and excessive government spending that is creating debt to be passed on to our children and yet to be born grandchildren.  There were people carrying signs to express their sentiments, and some were speaking through megaphones.  Many of the signs expressed anti taxation and anti government slogans.  On a positive note, we do live in a country where one is allowed to … (4 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: 100th Blog - 03/31/09 05:28 PM
I have not blogged very much in the last year or so, but am trying to spend more time here at AR these days.  I find a wealth of information here and am always interested in the opinions of others, as well as the market conditions in other areas.  I just realized that this is my 100thblog on AR. For real...NO APRIL FOOLS! I will however, find someone to have some fun with today.  After all, we must keep our sense of humor these days!
Make it a blessed day!
Renee
 
… (9 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Have you ever sold your listing for another agent? - 03/24/09 12:22 PM
I know this happens in new home communities when we register our buyers or train them well to let the other agent know they are working with a Realtor.  Recently there was an agent who had set up an appointment to show a listing of mine. Her buyer had a death in the family and needed to reschedule.  The agent had plans for the time her buyer was available and time was of the essence.  I offered to show the house to her client at the time that was convenient for the buyer.  The agent acted a little surprised, but grateful. 
… (7 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Update ---Times when only prayer will do... - 09/23/08 04:42 AM
In the wee hours of the morning, I asked for prayer for my son who was facing great obstacles this morning at 9:00.  I just wanted everyone to know that God is good!  (Of course we knew that already!).  Prayers were answered and my son is OK for now.  
Thanks to everyone.  I knew I could count on you and am so grateful to be a part of the AR community!
Make it a blessed day.  Mine has been already!
Renee
… (5 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Mega Camp - Mega Experience! - 08/27/08 02:06 PM
I am currently in Austin TX, having attended an awesome Keller Williams 3 day intensive training event Called Mega Camp.  This year's theme was "Shift".  We all know regardless of what area you live in, the real estate market has shifted.  This shift does not mean doom and gloom...it means things are different.  There are many opportunities for first time home buyers, move-up seller/buyers, those who are selling to relocate as well as investors. 
If you are waiting to buy, trying to time the market, you will miss your opportunity.  The time is now!  If you are in the market to … (4 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Loss Mitigation - Time for an Overhaul??? - 07/24/08 04:37 PM
In today's market, we are faced with high inventories and, due to tougher mortgage qualifications, lower buyer pools.   Many people can't pay for the homes they own and are facing foreclosure.  Lenders are so overloaded with customers in default, that they can't even look at short sale offers in a timely manner.
I recently submitted an offer that was input on the lender's computer but never assigned to a person for review, despite daily calls to loss mitigation in an effort to stop a foreclosure.  The home in question is now back on the market, after the lender foreclosed, at a … (3 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Tommy Snowden Lived The Culture - 06/11/08 05:41 PM
Keller Williams Realty is all about the culture.  It is not your typical real estate brokerage.  We recently had a team of agents transfer their licenses to our office after attending a one day training event where one of the team members looked at the other and commented "Dorothy...This is not Kansas!" Our businesses are based on the principles of honesty and integrity, and "doing the right thing".   As e say "Win win or no deal!" Our priorities are God first, family second and business third.  We are encouraged to build businesses worth having and lives worth living.
Keller Williams Hoover Market center mourns … (4 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Remembering Those Who Labor For Us All on This Labor Day - 09/02/07 07:51 AM
We need to show more sympathy for these people. 
     * They travel miles in the heat.      * They risk their lives crossing a border.      * They don't get paid enough wages.      * They do jobs that others won't do or are afraid to do.      * They live in crowded conditions among a people who speak a different language.      * They rarely see their families, and they face adversity all day every day.   I'm talking about our troops!     
As many of us, real estate agents included, celebrate Labor Day on Monday with the day off...a day of rest, let us not forget … (6 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Rain, Rain, There is Active Rain in Birmingham! - 08/29/07 07:07 PM
You would have to live here to understand.  I have lived in Birmingham for over 30 years and I do not ever remember such dry conditions.  My grass has been cut only 2 times this summer.  Dying grass and plants do not enhance the curb appeal of real estate either.  We have been on severe watering restrictions, with our rainfall for Birmingham over 21 inches below normal for the year.  There are some areas (Tuscaloosa and Anniston) where conditions are even worse than here.  It has been pouring rain for the last few minutes.  What a wonderful sound it is!  But I am … (4 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: 510 Davis Acres Drive, Alpine Alabama 35160 - 06/20/07 09:28 PM
What you can buy for $19,900 in Alpine Acres near Talladega Alabama!

 
***REDUCED PRICE*** Owner motivated to sell!!!
Over 3 acres with hardwoods offering lots of privacy
                                      
yet close to golf course at Alpine Bay Resort,        just up the road from Waters Edge, a gated water front community on Lake Logan Martin  and only about 15 min. from Honda plant. Talladega Superspeedway is also nearby! Come build your Dream Home or Get Away Retreat!  Golfers, fishermen, tennis players, those who love boating, water skiing, and other water sports  or just a quiet haven...it is all near … (2 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: 708 28th St SW Birmingham AL 35211 - SOLD - 06/14/07 07:07 PM
WHAT $34,900 WILL BUY IN BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA 
 
***REDUCED***Investors Bring Offer Now!*** Many repairs and maintenance issues have been addressed. Just painted throughout.  New electric hot water heater. New vinyl in kitchen.  New carpet over hardwoods.  3 bedroom, 2 bath, kitchen, separate dining room, living room and den. Still needs some work, but priced accordingly. At this price home will be sold "AS IS". This home has a lot of space.  Owner is open to many options including owner financing...Bring an offer today!  Make it your home, flip it or turn it into a rental.  Den could be used for a 4th bedroom. … (4 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: Happy 40th Birthday Hoover Alabama! - 05/25/07 05:10 PM
Hoover is home to world-class neighborhoods, shopping, recreation, and schools which make it an inviting place to live.  Hoover offers living accommodations for every stage of life.  It is a city where you'll find affordable, as well as luxury apartment living, established neighborhood developments, first-rate retirement communities, and everything in-between. Hoover is home to Alabama's largest mall, The Riverchase Galleria Mall.  Other shopping and restaurants are abundant throughout Hoover as well. Among Hoover's many well-known communities are Greystone, Inverness, SouthLake, Riverchase, Bluff Park, Lake Crest, Lake Cyrus, Ross Bridge, The Preserve, and many more!  Hoover schools are well-respected across the state … (0 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: What $4,499,000 Will Buy in Birmingham Alabama! - 04/28/07 05:53 PM
The 2007 Decorator Showhouse benefiting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. It is approximately 10,000 square feet, including the guest house, has just been totally updated without compromising the character of this wonderful old home, which sits on approximately 3 acres in Old Mt. Brook.  All brick and limestone exterior, solid mahogany doors, herringbone hardwood flooring, hand-carved museum quality moldings, 1640's French mantle over fireplace in great room and chandelier from the old Tutwiler Hotel. Wired for home theatre and music systems with surround sound. Carport and three car garage. If you are anywhere near Birmingham, you must see this gracious beauty!  The Alabama Symphony … (2 comments)

misc writings by a birmingham alabama real estate agent: WHAT $24,900 WILL BUY NEAR LAKE AND TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY! - 04/27/07 04:25 PM
NASCAR fans you could be there in minitues!

Over 3 acres with hardwoods offering lots of privacy, yet close to marina and golf course at Alpine Bay Resort, just up the road from Waters Edge, a gated water front community on Lake Logan Martin and only about 15 min. from Honda plant. Only minutes from Talladega superspeedway as well.  Come build your Dream Home or Get Away Retreat! 
Renee L Norton, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty
205-914-0857
www.Birmingham-listings.com
ReneeL@KW.com
… (0 comments)