Your realtor does it.  So does your appraiser.  Lawyers do it, doctors do it.  In fact, most business executives do it too.  I'm talking about continuing education.   In a profession that is largely regulated by new real estate laws, tax laws, lending regulations, federal disclosures, lending practices, realtors, appraisers, and lawyers are required to take continuing education courses to keep up.  But, what about staging professionals?   Staging has come along way since 10 years ago, 5 years ago, even 2 years ago.  What was once sound advice has, once again, done an about face and changed the way homes are being staged and the way buyers are buying homes.  We used to talk about having a blank canvas so that buyers wouldn't be put off by annoying colors, and only recommended white, whit... 01/17/2011

  WHOOPS!  WHO SMASHED INTO THE CALDWELL CROSSINGS SIGN?     The Caldwell Crossings Homeowners Association would love to know and is asking anyone that may have seen the accident to contact them.  This is the sign at the Crossings Drive entrance into the subdivision, just across Caldwell Mill Road from the entrance to Altadena Woods.  You can't see in the photo, but there are obvious tire tracks in the planting bed where a vehicle plowed through pansies and lighting fixtures before crashing into the sign.    Can you help?  Please call 733-6700.     * * * * * * *     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 Drive, Suite 150 Hoover, AL  35244   ©... 01/16/2011

  Mom, You Need The Big Bag of Catfood!   Mom and Dad have not owned a pet for years, but they enjoy watching the neighborhood cats that scamper around their yard occasionally.  A few weeks ago, one little kitty peeked in the window while they were having lunch.....my mom was afraid she was hungry and decided she would pick up some catfood the next time she shopped for groceries so she could put some food and water on the patio for her.  I suggested if she was going to start that she might want to get the big bag of food........     It didn't take long for word to get out....     They are still a little shy.....       But some are getting a little more at ease with me.....           Mom's kitty cafe is open for business and has lots of satisfied customers! 01/11/2011

  2010 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Riverchase, Hoover AL (Single Family Residences)   Units Sold: 37 Average List Price:  $321,448 Average Sold Price: $307,131 Average Days on Market: 183   Compare 2009: Units Sold:  43 Average List Price:  $342,027 Average Sold Price: $323,995 Average Days on Market: 159   There are currently 57 homes for sale in Riverchase (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 Driv... 01/10/2011

Would you hire a realtor to list your home without a listing contract? Would you have a doctor perform surgery on you who wasn't board certified or state licensed? What about hiring a painter who didn't have accident/liability insurance? Or would you hire a builder who had a portfolio of homes he didn't build or ever step foot in? Of course you wouldn't.  The same selectiveness should hold true when you are looking for a staging professional to stage your home. Contract:  Your staging professional should have a staging contract, between you the homeowner and the stager, that outlines the services they will perform, the length of time your home will remain staged, any and all costs that you are responsible for, terms, payment policy and any restrictions or exclusions. It should also incl... 01/09/2011

  REDUCED TO $264,900! 1721 Sandy Ridge Way, Hoover AL PARADE OF HOMES GOLD WINNER IN THE GROVE AT SOUTHWOOD HIGHLANDS! Overview Maps Photos Description $264,900 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 expert for ... 01/06/2011

Chinese Drywall: Hoover Residents to Attend Town Hall Meeting A town hall meeting will be held at 6:30 tonight at Discovery United Methodist Church in Hoover.  Amidst rising health, safety and financial concerns, residents are sending a resounding message to legislators that it's time for them to take a stand on behalf of their constituents. If you've experienced problems related to Chinese drywall, have concerns about Chinese drywall or just want to learn more about this toxic and problematic material, here are the details of tonights meeting: Date: January 6, 2011 Time:  6:30 p.m. Location:  Discovery United Methodist Church5487 Stadium Trace ParkwayBirmingham, AL 35244-4547 (205) 987-4000 ‎ According to the Birmingham News experts say the toxins in the drywall combine with moisture i... 01/06/2011

01/05/2011

Fitness Center Hoover Alabama. Looking to get fit in 2011?  Join Anytime Fitness in Hoover Alabama. Anytime Fitness club at a glance:  we've got it 24-Hour Access 24-Hour Security Convenient Parking Anywhere Club Access Tanning Personal Training Cardio TVs HDTVs Private Restrooms Private Showers Health Plan Discounts Wellness Programs cardio equipment Treadmills Elliptical Cross-Trainers Exercise Cycles AMT by Precore Spin Bike by StarTrack strength equipment Circuit/Selectorized Free Weights Racks Plate Loaded 01/01/2011

Tame the Bulge in Hoover, Alabama Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds. http://www.anytimefitness.com/en-us/clubs/2426/gym-Hoover-AL-fitness-center Anytime Fitness Hoover Alabama special offers: Come Visit us and receive a 2 week mini membership!With the 2 week mini membership - you get to work out and tan 24/7 for Free!Recieve FREE enrollment / Free membership to anytime health /FREE tanning / FREE session with personal trainer!!... 01/01/2011

  We have a new look for the New Year . . . We Invite You to view our new website www.thestagehand.info Happy New Year from The Stagehand Home Staging and Redesign Services® We Create Distinctive PropertiesTM   01/01/2011

Stop by our Hoover, AL health club TODAY! Anytime Fitness is the world’s largest 24 hour gym and co-ed fitness center chain We are a "True 24 hour club" we never close for our members! Our **staffed** hours are: Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm By Appointment after 6pm Saturday: 10am – 2pm By Appointment after 2pm Sunday: By Appointment Always-open convenience of a 24 hour gym Anytime Fitness of Hoover, AL, is the fitness center that fits your on-the-go lifestyle. At our Hoover, AL, health club, you can exercise any time using your own security-access key! That’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Talk about no more excuses! Affordable and low cost gym memberships in Hoover, AL It doesn't cost a lot to achieve your health and fitness goals at the Anytime Fitness gym in Hoover, A... 12/28/2010

  BREAKFAST WITH SANTA WAS LOTS OF FUN!   We had a great crowd of kids, parents and grandparents at our office in Hoover this morning for our Breakfast With Santa event!  There were plenty of goodies to eat and drink and this year we showed Christmas movies in our meeting room on our big screen television.  You know, not everyone wants to sit on Santa's lap!  There were a few tears, but mostly just smiles and fun.   My grandson was one of those that was having no part of going to see Santa, but he enjoyed the food and the balloons!  Maybe next year.......             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 Drive, Suite 150 Hoover, AL  35244   ... 12/18/2010

  LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!     ALABAMIANS ARE OBSESSED WITH FOOTBALL!   At the beginning of football season our Keller Williams Hoover Market Center decided to form it's own league and compete in a productivity rivalry.  We've had some lively team meetings each week as we got updates on each of the four teams scores (complete with cheerleaders).  Whoever thought a bunch of Realtors® could be so competitive LOL!  Well, the season has finally ended and yesterday the champions were announced.  Congratulations to The Brannon Brawlers for pulling off the big win!  They were presented with medals, trophies, 100 Grand (um, that would be candy bars) and a very special edible trophy which they shared with everyone!  At our office, we are obsessed with football and food!                 WE'RE A... 12/15/2010

  STAGED LIVING© A PUBLICATION OF THE STAGEHAND HOME STAGING AND REDESIGN SERVICES® The Holiday Season undoubtedly presents challenges when your home is on the market.  The real estate market slows during this time of the year; but, this can work to your advantage.  Having fewer homes on the market can mean less competition.  If your home is on the market, making sure your home stands out from your competition will help drive a sale of your home.  Making sure your home is market ready and in good repair will build buyer confidence. Having it professionally staged will help highlight your home's special features and attributes.  Emphasizing your home's curb appeal and architectural features are extremely important factors when staging a home. Avoid decorating your home for the holidays.... 12/13/2010

12/08/2010

  November 2010 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Bluff Park, Hoover AL (Single Family Residences)   Units Sold: 1 Average List Price:  $199,900 Average Sold Price: $190,000 Average Days on Market: 105   Compare November 2009: Units Sold:  8 Average List Price:  $201,737 Average Sold Price: $194,037 Average Days on Market: 117   There are currently 44 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... 12/06/2010

  November 2010 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Ross Bridge, Hoover AL (Single Family Residences) Units Sold:  17 Average List Price:  $310,080 Average Sold Price: $309,550 Average Days on Market:  79   Compare November 2009: Units Sold:  14 Average List Price:  $307,976 Average Sold Price: $308,624 Average Days on Market:  45   There are currently 53 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 Ch... 12/04/2010

  November 2010 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Riverchase, Hoover AL (Single Family Residences)   Units Sold: 2 Average List Price:  $344,450 Average Sold Price: $334,750 Average Days on Market: 106   Compare November 2009: Units Sold:  1 Average List Price:  $599,900 Average Sold Price: $545,000 Average Days on Market: 112   There are currently 56 homes for sale in Riverchase (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 ... 12/01/2010

  YOU'RE INVITED! Join Us For Breakfast With Santa at Keller Williams in Hoover         Keller Williams Hoover Office One Chase Corporate Drive, Suite 150   Saturday, December 18th - 9:00 - 11:30 am     Please join us for Breakfast With Santa!  That jolly old elf has promised to stop by our office again this year and we can hardly wait!  There will be lots of good food and fun for children of all ages!  Of course everyone has been very good this year and Santa is looking forward to hearing what is on your Christmas wish list!   Everyone is invited so please bring the whole family and any friends that would like to come along......and don't forget your camera!    Our office is easy to find.....we are just south of the Riverchase Galleria and the parking is a whole lot easier!   View Larg... 11/30/2010