2010 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Caldwell Crossings, Hoover AL (Single Family Residences) Units Sold:  22 Average List Price:  $317,450 Average Sold Price: $308,073 Average Days on Market: 246   Compare 2009: Units Sold:  22 Average List Price:  $325,297 Average Sold Price: $321,736 Average Days on Market: 141   There are currently 13 homes for sale in Caldwell Crossings ranging from $225,000 to $479,900 (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!       Looking for a local expert to help with your real estate needs?   Google one here!         Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP 205.902... 02/18/2011

In her post below, fellow stager and RESA Member, Janice Sutton of 1st Stage Property Transformation, talks about the importance of staging vacant properties. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I hope I didn't scare you away! :/ I know, there are way too many of us hanging around NAKED. ( <-----Did you just click that link) ;) We think we're looking all cool with a little primping & fluffing (paint & carpet). Not! Really......like the Doctor always say's "After you've seen one you've seen them all....they all start to look alike!" YIKES! No, no I'm different! I don't look like all the rest! BLAH BLAH BLAH YIKES is right! Let's face it, hearing that you "all look alike" isn't going to help when you are trying to sell a Vacant/NAKED Home! Sure you mi... 02/15/2011

IT'S VALENTINES DAY - ARE BUYERS IN LOVE WITH YOUR HOME? We can show you how!   Our market preparation services will help you prepare your home . . .  so buyers will fall in love.    Whether your home is vacant or occupied - we have staging solutions that are affordable, convenient and professional.    Our premier and signature staging services include: Verbal Consultation Only Services Written Consultation Only Services Writen Report/List of Pre-Screened Contractor Referrals Color Recommendations for Walls (as suggested) Furniture Lay Out Design  Furniture Selection and Placement Accessory Selection and Placement Artwork Selection and Placement Furniture Rental Agreement Facilitation and copies of  rental agreement Furniture Rental Delivery and Pickup Facilitation/Supervision 3rd Party... 02/14/2011

  January 2011 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Bluff Park, Hoover AL (Single Family Residences)   Units Sold:  2 Average List Price:  $153,500 Average Sold Price: $136,500 Average Days on Market: 147   Compare January 2010: Units Sold:  1 Average List Price:  $330,000 Average Sold Price: $326,672 Average Days on Market:    1   There are currently 42 homes for sale ranging from $119,900 to $1,650,000 in Bluff Park (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!       Looking for a local expert to help with your real estate needs?   Google one here!         Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP 205.90... 02/12/2011

We have previously discussed the cost and value of home staging in  a previous blog: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2091900/the-cost-and-value-of-home-staging   In her post below, fellow home stager and RESA member, Judy Colburn of ProStaged Homes, outlines the behind the scenes costs of home staging and how it's relative to the services being provided. There are a lot of misconceptions about the cost for home staging. People always seem to be surprised and maybe even a bit shocked (and not in a good way) when they get the quote to stage their property, especially for vacant properties. First and foremost, it is important for consumers to realize that Home Staging is a cost  an investment, the final investment they will make in their current home. And like any investment, consumers rec... 02/12/2011

  January 2011 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Ross Bridge, Hoover AL (Single Family Residences) Units Sold:  8 Average List Price:  $330,012 Average Sold Price: $326,330 Average Days on Market:    7   Compare January 2010: Units Sold:  12 Average List Price:  $385,539 Average Sold Price: $393,229 Average Days on Market: 102   There are currently 44 homes for sale in Ross Bridge ranging from $229,000 to $849,900 (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!       Looking for a local expert to help with your real estate needs?   Google one here!         Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP 205.902... 02/11/2011

Snow Day in Hoover, Alabama - February 2011 This year we have had a lot more "winter weather" than we have had in the last few years.  Of course our infrequent snow storms are typically ICE storms so the whole city of Birmingham just SHUTS down. The last time we had winter weather my wife and I were on our way back from Louisiana and as soon as we hit Meridian, MS, the sleet started coming down, the roads and definitely the overpasses started to freeze over. The drive up I-59 was NOT FUN.  Last night's snow storm was not that bad - just snow.  Our dog, Maggie, really enjoyed her morning walk.  At one point her nose was covered in the white stuff.  Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.                                                Hope you enjoyed this snowy day! 02/10/2011

As noted in the Birmingham News (Hoover News section), the Bluff Park Chapel Lane Extension continues to gain momentum.  Hoover, AL City Executive Director Allen Pate expects bidding to begin in June, 2011 after the Jefferson County Commission accepted the city's offer to purchase a county right of way May 3, 2011.  After an infusion of federal stimulus money last year totaling $1.9 million, the project will provide direct roadway access to  Patton Creek Shopping Center, the Riverchase Galleria and Interstate 459 for Bluff Park residents and other Hoover neighborhoods north of I-459.  Currently, Bluff Park residents driving to these two highly desirable shopping communities have to either travel through the subdivision east bound and then travel south bound on Highway 31 which can be ti... 02/09/2011

  NEW PRICE!  $260,000 1721 Sandy Ridge Way, Hoover AL   PARADE OF HOMES GOLD WINNER IN THE GROVE AT SOUTHWOOD HIGHLANDS! Overview Maps Photos Description $260,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial BathroomInterior: 2726 sqftLot: 15,000 sqft Location 1721 Sandy Ridge WayHoover, AL 35244USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Ann Allen Keller Williams Realty(205) 902-4868Ann@AnnAllenTeam.comhttp://www.AnnAllenTeam.com Listed by: Keller Williams Realty Our recent listings PARADE OF HOMES GOLD WINNER IN THE GROVE AT SOUTHWOOD HIGHLANDS!BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED HOME WITH INGROUND POOLFull Brick Beauty in Rosser Cove Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby properties for sale     Looking for a local exper... 02/08/2011

  Great Dining Spots In Birmingham! THE SILVER COIN Indian Grill       Saturday evening Mike and I had dinner at The Silver Coin Indian Grill and as always it was very good!  This was the first time I tried the Lamb Vindaloo and he chose the Karahai Ghosh (another lamb dish).  We also got an order of Spinach Kulcha (leavened wheat bread stuffed with spinach and spices), which is so tasty and perfect for sopping up the all the yummy sauce!     This is a great place for family dining too!  You can enjoy Indian cuisine while keeping the kids happy with more familiar fare such as chicken fingers and french fries.  The first time we ate here we had no idea what to order because there is so much to choose from!  We needed help and our waitress came to our rescue; she asked us questions about ... 02/07/2011

  January 2011 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Riverchase, Hoover AL (Single Family Residences)   Units Sold:  4 Average List Price:  $272,550 Average Sold Price: $242,287 Average Days on Market: 202   Compare January 2010: Units Sold:  1 Average List Price:  $384,900 Average Sold Price: $366,000 Average Days on Market: 185   There are currently 58 homes for sale in Riverchase ranging from $299,900 to $1,100,000 (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!     Looking for a local expert to help with your real estate needs?   Google one here           Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP 205.902.... 02/01/2011

What comes to mind when you think of "Market Preparation" for your home?  Do you think of a clean home, one that looks neat and orderly, both inside and out?  If you answered yes, then you are on the right track.  The term "Market Preparation" means this and much more.  Preparing your home for the real estate market encompasses all of the above and it also includes making all the necessary repairs and cosmetic changes prior to listing your home. The term real estate staging or home staging, as defined by the Real Estate Staging Association, defines home staging as this:  "Real Estate Staging is the act of preparing and showcasing residential or commercial property for sale. It is a systematic and coordinated methodology in which knowledge of real estate, home renovations and creative de... 01/31/2011

The success of the sale of your home largely depends on 3 things: price, presentation, and a proactive marketing plan.  If you think it doesn't, Seller beware! Each of these is part of a 3 way selling equation, that if taken separately, has a significant impact on the length of time your home is on the market and your final selling price. Your initial list price should be determined by a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) done by a realtor.  These are the comparables to your home indicating what has recently sold (usually within the last 6 months) what is currently on the market, and what is under contract.  The figures are usually generated by your local MLS.  A realtor will usually provide this service for free when listing your home to determine the best list price for your home.  An ... 01/28/2011

  Fun Stuff To Do Around Birmingham! ALDRIDGE GARDENS   LET'S HAVE A PAINTING PARTY & WHIMSICAL WOODLAND SPRITES       Aldridge Gardens has two fun classes coming up that will give you the chance to explore your creative side!   Sunday, January 30th from 1:30 - 4:30 Beverly Klamer will be your instructor for Let's Have A Painting Party.  You will paint two 8" square paintings on 3" gallery wrapped canvas that you can display in your own home or give as a gift.  This class is $38 for members, $50 for non-members and includes all supplies needed to complete both paintings.   The following Saturday, February 5th you can learn to make your own little fairy creatures from okra pods and other natural materals which will be supplied.  Whimsical Woodland Sprites will begin at 2:00 and will be t... 01/27/2011

  Hoover Alabama Housing Market Data   Hoover Market Data   (1/2009 thru 12/2010)   1/2009 - 12/2009 1/2010 - 12/2010 Change New Listings 1949 2012 3.20% Closed Sales 929 994 7.00% Median Sales Price  $261,960  $265,000 1.20% Percent of Original List Price Received At Sale 93.80% 94.30% 0.60% Average Days On Market Until Sale 114 99 -12.80% The Local Housing Market in Hoover Alabama seems to have gotten a little better last year.  Yearly data for 2010 compared against data from 2009 shows that home prices have gone up as well as the number of homes sold.  The Average Days on the  market has dropped despite more listings on the market.  If you have any questions about this data or would like to buy or sell a home, please feel free to give me a call at:  205-520-3039. You can also do your... 01/26/2011

  2010 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Bluff Park, Hoover AL (Single Family Residences)   Units Sold:  57 Average List Price:  $201,324 Average Sold Price: $191,001 Average Days on Market: 137   Compare 2009: Units Sold:  71 Average List Price:  $204,304 Average Sold Price: $196,149 Average Days on Market: 118   There are currently 39 homes for sale in Bluff Park (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!       Looking for a local expert for to help with your real estate needs?   Google one here!         Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP 205.902.4868 Keller Williams One Chase Corporation Dr... 01/25/2011

When it comes to staging, inevitably most people are interested in one thing:  How much does it cost?  And, really, the question should be:  How much is it worth?  Staging and interior redesign fees largely depend on the scope and detail of each project. Each property is viewed first and quoted individually, and no two properties are ever the same. Most staging jobs vary significantly in price, depending on the size of the home, number of rooms being staged and the degree of staging services provided, as well as the quality and style of inventory being used.  Our fees also include time spent for a furniture lay out plan for each room being staged for both vacant and occupied homes, selection of accessories and artwork, shopping if necessary, as well as room editing and general home orga... 01/21/2011

A new YMCA in Hoover AL at the former Bruno's site at the intersection of Highway 150 and South Shades Crest is scheduled to open November 1, 2011.  This is a significant quality of life development for this community and is long overdue, especially for residents in Lake Cyrus subdivision who had to endure this past summer without a Swim & Tennis Club.  With the nearest multi-purpose, full-featured fitness facility over 15 miles away, the new YMCA in Hoover AL should quickly build a large membership of residents from Lake Cyrus, Lake Crest, Russet Woods, Trace Crossings, Ross Bridge, Bluff Park and others.    With plans proposed for installation of a pool, the former Bruno's site is ideal for this purpose as it is located on 10 acres with over 53,000 square feet of quality building spac... 01/21/2011

As a member of the CORT/Berkshire Hathaway National Preferred Home Staging Network, we have exclusive access to hundreds of styles of furniture and accessories for your staging needs. Whether it's one piece, one room, or several rooms, we can provide you with the style that's right for your home.  Whether it's vacant or occupied, we have solutions that will complete your look for potential buyers.  ALL PHOTOS COURTESY CORT Furniture Rental - a Berkshire Hathaway Company Affordable - We offer affordable staging solutions for all budgets and all home sizes, because one size doesn't fit all.  Large or small, we do it all!   Convenient - We handle all the details - from the hand selection of your staging inventory to the delivery, installation and pick up supervision  It's really that easy!... 01/20/2011

  2010 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Ross Bridge, Hoover AL (Single Family Residences) Units Sold:  172 Average List Price:  $331,869 Average Sold Price: $331,353 Average Days on Market:  76   Compare 2009: Units Sold:  124 Average List Price:  $370,413 Average Sold Price: $368,314 Average Days on Market: 104   There are currently 46 homes for sale in Ross Bridge (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!       Looking for a local expert for to help with your real estate needs?   Google one here!         Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP 205.902.4868 Keller Williams One Chase Corporation ... 01/18/2011