Your Guide to Living In Greater Birmingham

New Year's Gunshots Are A No-No

OK, OK, I am sure most of us know this already, but I do have to recognize that, yes, we are in Alabama and Alabama is in the South. (Yes, I am referring to stereotypes, but since I live here I figured it was OK for this article)

Today on Al.com I read an article, Birmingham police: It's illegal to celebrate with gunfire by Carol Robinson,and I thought I would share some of the highlights with you.   

Basically, it is against the law to celebrate the coming if the new year with gunfire.

Lt. Henry Irby, from the Birmingham Police Department, said that, "Discharging a firearm within the city limits is illegal. It can also be dangerous...Most people don't give much thought of what can happen when they discharge a firearm into the air during celebrations such as New Year's Eve, Not only could property damage happen, but most importantly, death or serious bodily injury to a person may occur." 

The Birmingham police is urging and requesting anyone with information about the "illegal discharging of a firearm within the Birmingham city limits" at contact them at 328-9311.

Plants and Child Safety

As a parent with with young children myself, I find it very useful to know just some of the plants that could be poisonous to my kids.

My wife got an email today pointing out that many of us, as parents, are very careful with the chemicals, sharp objects, stairs, and things like this, but many of us may not be as careful when it comes to plants.

So, for those of with or without green thumbs, we need to make sure we are eliminating or moving those plants which could be harmful.

The list we received had a list of some common poisonous houseplants. Let me add, that I do not know if this list is complete or not. For safety reasons, I would assume it is not complete and I would do the research myself to see if any plants I have in the house are at risk to my children's health. The common household plants we had on our list were:      

• Azalea
• Bird of paradise flower
• Lily of the valley
• Caladium
• Mistletoe
• Morning glory
• Daffodil
• Philodendron
• English ivy
• Holly
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Iris
• Wisteria

I found a website with a list called Know Your Plants... Safe or Poisonous? This might be a good place to start your search. Let's keep those kids safe. They are our future, our legacy, and our blessings.

Trussville Market Statistics November 2006 vs November 2007

With so much media coverage about "the state of the real estate market" being broadcast, I want to start doing a now and then segment to show how the market has changed from one year to the next. Also, I think it's important as a Real Estate Consultant, as a resident, or a future home buyer or seller in the Trussville Area to know the stats.

November 2007
Listed Properties (during the month): 53
Average Price: $299,297 (Median Price: $259,900)
Price Range: $83,000-$799,900

November 2006
Listed Properties (during the month): 50
Average Price: $291,145 (Median Price: $251,200)
Price Range: $107,000-$844,900

November 2007
Sold Properties: 23
Average Price: $211,853 (Median Price: $201,354)
Price Range: $28,000-$378,500
Average Days on Market: 152

November 2006
Sold Properties: 62
Average Price: $240,795 (Median Price: $234,934)
Price Range: $24,000-$429,000
Average Days on Market: 84

If you would like to be contacted as soon as homes become available in the Trussville area just let me know, or if you would like to see statistics about other areas, don't hesitate to ask.

*Note these stats are accurate as of 12/19/07 according to the Birmingham MLS. They are subject to change as agents submit listed and sold properties into the MLS.

The Loan Process Explained

Check out this video: The Loan Process Step by Step

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I found this video done by NAMB, the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, and said to myself, "I need to know this!" and I figured you did too.

I hope this helps clear up some questions about the mortgage process. 

 

 

Hoover Market Statistics November 2006 vs November 2007

With so much media coverage about "the state of the real estate market" being broadcast, I want to start doing a now and then segment to show how the market has changed from one year to the next. Also, I think it's important as a Real Estate Consultant, as a resident, or a future home buyer or seller in the Hoover Area to know the stats.

November 2007
Listed Properties (during the month): 122
Average Price: $390,853 (Median Price: $326,100)
Price Range: $64,900-$2,800,000

November 2006
Listed Properties (during the month): 138
Average Price: $414,821  (Median Price: $327,200)
Price Range: $140,000-$1,650,000

November 2007
Sold Properties: 80
Average Price: $362,354 (Median Price: $334,335)
Price Range: $151,000-$1,550,000
Average Days on Market: 96

November 2006
Sold Properties: 99
Average Price: $334,442 (Median Price: $284,880)
Price Range: $97,500-$889,000
Average Days on Market: 106

If you would like to be contacted as soon as homes become available in the Hoover area just let me know, or if you would like to see statistics about other areas, don't hesitate to ask.

*Note these stats are accurate as of 12/19/07 according to the Birmingham MLS. They are subject to change as agents submit listed and sold properties into the MLS.

Price Vs. Cost

I want to take a moment, first, to introduce a guest writer to all of you, Rob Wood of Standifer Insurance Services will be guest writing each month to educate our public about the insurance industry, trends, and programs available to help you in the insurance process. Rob works in both Georgia and Alabama. Let me add also, that we have multiple reasons for including him in our blog. One, he has helped many of our clients with their insurance needs helping them getter better rates and/or better coverage. Second, he is our insurance agent as well. We trust Rob with our insurance needs and, in our opinion, you can too.

Price vs. Cost

How cheaper can sometimes be more expensive.

  Everybody likes to save money, let’s face it we are a Wal-Mart generation. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to save money of course, but what length will you go to “save” money.

I know people who will drive 10 miles out of the way to save 3 cents on a gallon of gas (raise your hand with me if you have done this).

I want to tell you a story. I got an ipod a few years ago and I listened to it all the time. Now anybody who has an ipod knows that sooner or later the battery will go bad and it will need to be replaced. The first time this happened I sent it back to Apple and had them replace the battery, now since it was out of warranty I had to pay to have it fixed. I think when it was all said and done I spent about $75 and it took around a week and a half before I got it back. 

I continued to listen to it so much that over time the battery once again went out. This time I decided that there might be a way I could fix the battery without having to spend so much. I searched the web and found a “Do it your self” replacement battery kit that was only about $25. I decided that that it would be much cheaper if I replaced the battery than paying a professional to do it. I sent off for the kit and after a week I received it in the mail and began surgery on my ipod.

Well, I am no electrician or surgeon for that matter. My ipod was now in a coma. I went the next day to a parts store and bought a soldering tool thinking that I could revive my ipod. I have never soldered anything in my life and my ipod paid the price for my ignorance.

So I ended up spending more money and time trying to save money by doing it my self instead of leaving it to the professionals, and now instead of having an ipod that I listen to music on, I have an ipod that I use as a prop to talk to you about price vs. cost.

In the insurance business there are a lot of people trying to save money by cutting corners, whether it be going with a less than reputable company or lowering their coverages.

This could cost you an enormous amount of time and money down the road. It is very important that you talk to an insurance professional, who can talk to you about your needs and make sure that you get the right policy that fits your needs. Insurance is not something that you want to focus solely on the price. I have talked to people before who have bragged about their insurance because it was so cheap all the while they have no idea what it covers or how it works.If cheaper meant better, then no one would drive BMWs or Lexus’. The term that says you get what you pay for is so often very true. This does not mean that you should be forced to spend enormous amounts of money on your insurance, just make sure that you speak to a professional who can guide you through the sometimes complicated world of insurance. Talk to an agent you trust to help you. Make them earn your business.

If you would like to contact Rob Wood about any Insurance Needs:

Rob Wood
Standifer Insurance Services
277 Village Parkway
Helena, Al 35080
205-664-3200
205-664-5080 fax
1-866-664-3200 toll free

robwood@allstate.com

Merry Christmas!

   

“At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was obviously pregnant by this time. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn. That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors." When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Come on, let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem …(because of the) star they had seen in the east (that) went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”  

 

Taken from Matthew 2 & Luke 2

I wanted to take the time this season to keep us all reminded of the reason for the season. It’s so easy to become distracted in such a busy time. In reflecting on this story, I came to the realization that I believe this amazing story has some meaningful comparisons that can be drawn from it. Prosperity comes to mind when I read about the wise men. I consider provision, as I reflect on the shepherds. And when I think of the Baby Jesus, I think of the Gift, the thing that we pursue to take hold of more than anything else in life.

In this coming year I want to wish upon you these things. As you pursue that which is important to you in life I want to wish upon you provision on your journey. I also want to wish upon you the prosperity that comes when you pursue what is important.

Here’s to a year of prosperity, provision, and possession of the important things in life.

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

 

   

Mountain Brook Market Statistics November 2006 vs November 2007

With so much media coverage about "the state of the real estate market" being broadcast, we want to start doing a now and then segment to show how the market has changed from one year to the next. Also, we think it's important as a Real Estate Consultant, as a resident, or a future home buyer or seller in the Mountain Brook Area to know the stats.

November 2007
Listed Properties (during the month): 27
Average Price: $809,835 (Median Price: $627,855)
Price Range: $299,900-$3,499,000

November 2006
Listed Properties (during the month): 27
Average Price:  $769,701 (Median Price: $611,718)
Price Range: $255,000-$2,750,000

November 2007
Sold Properties: 22
Average Price: $643,075 (Median Price: $502,000 )
Price Range: $225,000-$2,102,000
Average Days on Market: 61

November 2006
Sold Properties: 20
Average Price: $574,283 (Median Price: $525,000)
Price Range: $285,000-$1,300,000
Average Days on Market: 90

If you would like to be contacted as soon as homes become available in the Mountain Brook area just let us know, or if you would like to see statistics about other areas, don't hesitate to ask.

*Note these stats are accurate as of 12/19/07 according to the Birmingham MLS. They are subject to change as agents submit listed and sold properties into the MLS.

Ruffner Mountain

Ruffner Mountain is an urban nature center sitting on more than 1,000 acres in the middle of Birmingham... and good things are happening there.

I was reading some articles about Ruffner Mountain today, which led me to mention it here. One was Rooting for Ruffner and the other was Sen. Richard Shelby, others gather in Birmingham for Ruffner center groundbreaking.

According to the articles, Ruffner Mountain just had a groundbreaking for a $4.5 million Tree Top Visitor Center. Along with this is planned the purchase of another 500 acres of land, which would make Ruffner Mountain the largest nature preserve in the nation.

The nonprofit which runs Ruffner Mountain was formed 30 years ago but has lacked the resources and infrastructure necessary to take on such an undertaking. They are planning on its new grand opening to be in the fall of 2008.

According to Rooting for Ruffner, when you..."Throw in the plans for the Railroad Reservation Park in downtown Birmingham and the proposed Red Mountain Park to the west, and you get a glimpse of possibilities that could truly transform the metro area, with green space spanning across the city and offering an array of recreational activities. The collective parks could be a great tourism attraction, drawing in people who like to bike, hike or just experience nature in great big chunks. But just as important, the parks would add quality to the lives of people who call the Birmingham metro area home. (If it encourages Birmingham residents to lead healthier, more active lives, all the better.) "

To learn more about Ruffner Mountain visit the Ruffner Mountain website.

It's just one more reason why the Greater Birmingham Area is a great place to live!

Vestavia Hills Market Statistics November 2006 vs November 2007

With so much media coverage about "the state of the real estate market" being broadcast, I want to start doing a now and then segment to show how the market has changed from one year to the next. Also, I think it's important as a Real Estate Consultant, as a resident, or a future home buyer or seller in the Vestavia Area to know the stats.

November 2007
Listed Properties (during the month): 46
Average Price: $498,615 (Median Price: $359,900)
Price Range: $209,000-$2,750,000

November 2006
Listed Properties (during the month): 52
Average Price: $410,535 (Median Price: $296,250)
Price Range: $187,000-$1,675,000

November 2007
Sold Properties: 23
Average Price: $503,691 (Median Price: $384,500)
Price Range: $180,500-$1,250,000
Average Days on Market: 171 (The seems high! The average DOM for 2007 is still less than 90 days.)

November 2006
Sold Properties: 29
Average Price: $384,152 (Median Price: $315,000)
Price Range: $168,900-$963,230
Average Days on Market: 78

If you would like to be contacted as soon as homes become available in the Vestavia area just let me know, or if you would like to see statistics about other areas, don't hesitate to ask.

To see how much your Vestavia Home may be worth or to search all of the homes for sale in Vestavia and all its communities visit VestaviaHomeSearch.com

Learn more about Vestavia at Vestavia Hills Alabma Real Estate Guide and Community Tour, an earlier post giving a brief history and video of the Vestavia Hills area.

*Note these stats are accurate as of 12/19/07 according to the Birmingham MLS. They are subject to change as agents submit listed and sold properties into the MLS.