So I’m sitting in bed watching Late Late Show with James Corden and he’s playing this game that resembles Hollywood Squares via Zoom.  There were 15 players, I believe, and not a single one was a celebrity.  They were just regular folks like you and me.  As they each introduced themselves, I see and hear this young lady say, my name is Chastity and I’m from Birmingham, AL.  Say what?  I’m audibly saying “yes, REPRESENT!”I know you know what I do next.  I raced to Facebook to look her up.  I know she’s playing the game, but I want to connect with her to support my homegirl.  I find her and send a friend request and we connected today.  But here’s the best part:  Chastity Webb is a loan officer at Wells Fargo and now I have a new referral partner for my buyer clients.  I look forward to w... 07/10/2020

Tile Flooring, Backsplashes & Shower Pan RepairsAn undated tile shower can make all the difference in selling a home, while a leaky shower pan with water-damaged framing can potentially kill a real estate deal.Bathrooms are one of the primary focuses of today’s building and remodeling projects. As a result, tiled showers, with their aesthetic and hygienic benefits, are more popular than ever. Tiled showers are luxurious and beautiful.  A plethora of tile colors, designs, and shapes provides endless possibilities and enhances the aesthetics of the entire bathroom.  Tiled showers also allow for flexibility when installing the latest features, such as benches, niches, windows, multiple shower heads, and steam units.  Enjoy the many benefits of a new tile shower, don't let a faulty shower p... 10/30/2015

SOLD:  Live in This Townhome for $70,000There are many advantages of owning a townhome.  People with very busy lifestyles are often attracted to townhomes because of their low maintenance.  For example, there are no expansive yards to maintain and this townhome is no different for that very reason.This townhome located at 2355 Grayson Valley Circle has a combination of carpet and hardwood flooring.  The dining area has hardwoods and is its location because the covered deck can serve as an extension of the dining room which makes it great for entertaining and cookouts.  There is a privacy fence in the backyard so both you and your guest can maintain a desired level of privacy.This is a possible short sale and is listed at $70,000.  Don't let the word "short sale" frighten you.  The selle... 01/05/2015

Two Structures on One Parcel This investor owner is highly motivated as the price suggest ($25,000) for this parcel that has 2 structures on it.  The house on the right is a 3 bedroom, 1 bath and is currently rented. The house on the left needs some work before it's ready for occupany, but even so, you must admit that this is one heck of a deal. 06/25/2014

  Do You Have Enough Insurance Coverage On Your Birmingham AL Home?   As many across the country have experienced this week, Mother Nature can wreak havoc on our lives and property.  Have you checked your insurance policy lately to make sure you have the coverage you need on your home?  A few weeks ago we had torrential rain in the Birmingham area and I had friends and family members whose homes were flooded.  Fortunately, they were spared in this most recent round of severe weather.  If your property is designated as being in a flood plain (as their's are) your mortgage company will require you to carry flood insurance.  HOWEVER, flooding can occur in low lying areas regardless of whether it is considered a flood plain or not.  Talk to your insurance agent and make sure you have the co... 04/30/2014

Please Vote to Help a Young Entrepreneur Win a Scholarship!     This morning I found out my sweet Molly is one of six finalists in a competition with Junior Achievement of Greater Birmingham, Inc! These talented kids have developed a business idea and created commercials for them.  One of these young people will win the People's Choice Award and there will also be some scholarship winners.  Voting will help determine who the winner will be.  We would LOVE for Molly to be one of them so we are asking everyone to vote for her project.  How, you ask?  It's easy!  Just click on this link to the Facebook page --> Junior Achievement of Greater Birmingham Inc.   Once you are on their page, look for Molly's project....MAGIC CITY RENEWAL and "LIKE" that post.  I haven't been able to figure out h... 04/02/2014

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN EDENTON?   BIRMINGHAM AL   REAL ESTATE INVENTORY IS LOW!   Birmingham is one of the Top Ten Markets in the US!         We would love to email you some information about every house that's on the market in YOUR neighborhood and every house that's SOLD in the past 90 days.   If you're considering buying or selling, or know someone who is.....please give The Ann Allen Team of RE/MAX Advantage South a call!  We understand it's not just a place to go home after work.....it's about enjoying life, family and friends.   * * * * * *   Looking for a local expert that can save you money?      Google one here!     Courtesy of Ann Allen, CDPE, e-Pro, SRES, ASP205.902.4868      RE/MAX Advantage South2635 Valleydale RoadHoover, AL  35244     © 2014 Ann Allen, All rights reserved  ... 03/21/2014

February 2014 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Crestwood, Birmingham AL (Single Family Residences)   Units Sold:  6 Average List Price:  $194,950 Average Sold Price: $179,133 Average Days on Market: 145   Compare February 2013: Units Sold:   4 Average List Price:  $184,550 Average Sold Price: $176,450 Average Days on Market:   92         Crestwood's real estate market is on the move!  If you've been waiting for the right time to put your home on the market.....the time is now!   There are currently 91 homes for sale in Crestwood ranging from $40,000 to $299,000 (per Birmingham MLS).             If you would like updated information or details for this or any community in or around Birmingham, Jefferson or Shelby Counties, please feel free to call or send me an email.  I would love to... 03/19/2014

  Not surprisingly, the December 6, 2013 Yo-Yo Ma solo concert is a sold out event.  Yes that's right, if you don't have your ticket to the event, you are out of luck and will be missing a real treat. In case some miracle happens and seats become avialable, here are the details:   What: "An Intimate Evening With Yo-Yo Ma."When: Friday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m.Tickets: Sold out. Waiting list available. 975-2787.Where: Alys Stephens Center, 1200 Tenth Ave. South. Just so you won't be caught off guard again, you can check out the Alys Stephens Performance Arts line up on their website. Here's just a taste of upcoming acts:  Take 6, Johnny Mathis, and many more.  Check it out for yourself. 12/01/2013

No Lipstick On Pigs, Investment Properties Should Be Done Right! It always amazes me how I see less than credible rehabbers try to pass off their quick fix and flip properties as 20% ROI excellent return, turn key investment properties.  Often these properties are in the lowest income, highest crime areas and the cosmetics have been done nicely, while the systems have been left.  The newbie investment buyer gets stuck with: A house with three layers of shingles on the roof, needing an expensive tear off very soon and a new roof. A 30 year old furnace and condensing  unit that needs to be replaced in a year or so. Cast iron pipes, that may work but may leak, and may have very little water pressure due to the corrosion and build up in the pipes. Very bad windows that leak heat in the wint... 11/21/2013

4 Bedroom/3.5 Bath Mt. Olive Home for Sale     Custom Built Home on 2 Acres OverviewMapsPhotosDescription $282,500 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms3 Bathrooms1 Partial BathroomInterior: 1,872 sqft Location 5265 Rosemary RoadMt. Olive, AL 35117USA Charita H Cadenhead Keller Williams Realty(205) 527-1112charita@charitacadenhead.comhttp://www.bhamwiire.com          Listed by: Charita Cadenhead/Jean Deason Our recent listings Custom Built Home on 2 AcresBessemer: Full Brick Investment Property Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby properties for sale 11/17/2013

  Don't forget about Jazz in the Park this year.  There will be a series of free Jazz concerts throughout the month of July and the 1st week in August.  Who doesn't love free.  Enjoy food, fun, family and friends.  There's no better way to chill out on a day filled with excitement. Due to the hot burning sun and summers in Birmingham, the jazz concerts have been changed to the evening hours instead of mid-day as in years past.  Also, this past Sunday, the concert was moved to Boutwell Auditiorium due to the threat of rain.  This will be the plan on future dates where the threat of rain or actual rain occur and you can still bring your own chairs to Boutwell and them them up on the floor level. 06/25/2013

  The number of residents downtown has increased 32% since 2000, with 737 planned units in the construction pipeline. A stadium for the minor-league baseball team the Birmingham Barons has been built at Railroad Park, a green space created on a former industrial site next to a rail corridor. Office space absorption was positive in 2012, with net 126,000 square feet leased out, and downtown employment density relative to the southern city’s size is comparable to Philadelphia’s business district, according to REV Birmingham.   Information from MSN 05/02/2013

  March 2013 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Crestwood, Birmingham AL (Single Family Residences)   Units Sold:  12 Average List Price:  $186,275 Average Sold Price: $176,337 Average Days on Market: 121   Compare March 2012: Units Sold:   8 Average List Price:  $143,275 Average Sold Price: $138,292 Average Days on Market: 149   There are currently 97 homes for sale in Crestwood ranging from $59,900 to $395,000 (per Birmingham MLS).         If you would like updated information or details for this or any community in or around Birmingham, Jefferson or Shelby Counties, please feel free to call or send me an email.  I would love to hear from you!       * * * * * *     Request a FREE List of Foreclosures!     Looking for a local expert that can save you money?      Google one here!     C... 04/17/2013

  2013 EPISCOPAL PLACE GUMBO GALA Sloss Furnaces - Birmingham AL  April 20th  11 am - 2 pm       Looking for something fun to do this weekend?  How about music, family entertainment and GUMBO?!!!  Lots of gumbo......40 teams will show off their cooking skills and compete for prizes and there will be PLENTY of yummy gumbo to sample!  It's all for a great cause.....Episcopal Place provides affordable housing and other services such as transportation and housekeeping that allow residents to age in place and remain independent.  Proceeds from the Gumbo Gala will benefit the 148 seniors and young disabled adults that live at Episcopal Place.    Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children 12 and under get in free.    The Gumbo Gala will be at Sloss Furnaces, which is located at 2... 04/16/2013

  WE LOVE KYLE ZUMBATHON EVENT! Riverchase United Methodist Church April 5, 2013 6:30pm - 8:00pm   Birmingham's Zumba Instructor Community invites you to help raise awareness for ALS by attending their WE LOVE KYLE ZUMBATHON EVENT this Friday evening.  Kyle, the son of Tiffany Hood (who is a Zumba instructor) was diagnosed with this cruel disease a year ago.  It is also known as "Lou Gherig's Disease", and there is no cure.  When my grandmother was diagnosed with ALS nearly 30 years ago we thought it was a rare disease.  Sadly, my father-in-law and the father of a very close friend also passed away from the very same disease.  Not so rare after all.   The ZUMBATHON will raise money to assist the family with Kyle's medical and home care expenses with 100% of the proceeds going to The Kyl... 04/04/2013

Blind Boys of Alabama Perform with Henry Pinion and the ASO March 16 This is a performance that you don't want to miss.  The 5 time Grammy winning gospel group, the Blind Boys of Alabama have been performing together  since 1939 when the started the group at The Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind. They are nationally recognized. Admittedly the founder, Jimmy Carter, says that when they started back in 1939, they never could have imagined the roads that they would travel.  This concert should be a real treat. 03/01/2013

Winter Wonderland at McWane Center in Birmingham, Alabama I have never met a kid that wasn't fascinated by snow and trains (not necessarily together).  In Birmingham Alabama, the McWane Center has the best of both worlds with it's Winter Wonderland PLUS The Magic of Model Trains.  There, kids can play in the fluffy artificial snow.  They can ride the rails on the train exhibit.  And on top of that, they can enjoy ice fishing, sock skating, and an incredible giant slide. It's all happening now at the McWane Center.  The Magic of Model Trains ends January 10, 2013 and The Winter Wonderland ends January 6, 2013.   You can take the kids (or just yourself) to check out the Winter Wonderland daily from 9am to 6pm.   And besides these 2 events, there are others for this holiday season as well.... 12/20/2012

Give the Gift of Reading Encouraging a child's love of reading is one of the greatest gifts that you could give a child.  Even when kids find reading a daunting task, developing that love for reading is a gift that pays tremendous dividends. Barnes and Noble Bookstore and California Pizza Kitchen (the Summit and Galleria locations) are aiding in the cause.  From December 10-14, 2012, simply go to Barnes and Noble Bookstore and purchase a children's or young adult book (you'll need to present this voucher).  A percentage of your book purchase will be donated to the Libraries of Jefferson County. Then head on over to California Pizza and drop off the book(s).  While you're there, enjoy a magnificent meal, present this voucher and 20% of your check will be donate to the Libraries of Jeffer... 12/08/2012

Multiple Inspections on the Same Home This post was inspired by a post by James Quarello Inspected Once, Twice, Three Times.  James was called upon to do a home inspection on a home that had already had multiple home inspections.  He found some issues that had appeared to be overlooked by previous inspectors and those oversights were the focus of his post. But here's what I've always wondered: What happens if a prospective home buyer calls upon a home inspector that has already inspected the home? Does the home inspector inspect the property again for the same fee even though he has already recently inspected it for a fee? Does the home inspector decline to inspect the home because he has already inspected it recently for another prospective home buyer Does the home inspector provide hi... 06/25/2012