Posts Tagged ‘Huntsville Alabama’

Here are the Huntsville, Alabama Real Estate Sales Statistics for the month of April 2009.  

 
April was a green month for Huntsville, Alabama real estate!  Lots of positive movement in most of the areas throughout both Madison and Huntsville was witnessed by home sellers.  Even though home prices have dropped over the past year in each area, it is nothing like most similarly sized cities throughout the US.  With the continuation of population growth and job opportunities, along with low mortgage rates, Huntsville, Alabama real estate is still seen as a great investment for families and an even better place to call home.   

When looking back to this time 3 years ago, for instance, the average Huntsville homes sale price was in the low $160K's!  When you compare this to areas in Florida or California, it's staggering to see how well our market is holding up during this difficult financial time; pricing in Florida and California have plummeted to prices that haven't been seen since the mid-80's!   Huntsville, Alabama real estate truly is holding strong!  Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss the market with me or get a comparative market analysis of your current home.

"Art is a BLAST!" This is the theme of the 28th Annual Panoply Festival in Huntsville, AL. A tradition for the Huntsville area this festival is held every year in the last full weekend of April. Starting at 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 24th, the festival kicks off with an array of exciting activities.

Big Spring International Park in downtown Huntsville is the setting for the weekend extravaganza that includes competitions in photography, visual art, playwright competitions and fiddling as well as Alabama's own local talent. This festival is a favorite of the young and young at heart alike. The wide assemblance of talent and activities is what makes the draw of the crowd well over 100,000 every year.

Artists abound whether it is of the typical type or weaving, pottery sculpture or airbrushing. The artist create masterpieces on site while you watch. "Arts in Action" is a huge draw every year for the crowd that enjoys watching the artists at work. They will be happy to explain their chosen field and answer any questions for the aspiring artists in the crowd. Who knows? You may find your next masterpiece here.

The Arts Central Tent is open for viewing the array of art available all year through the Huntsville Arts Council. They will have brochures listing the year's upcoming shows and special events. Don't forget to enter the drawings for artwork, tickets and other great items.

This is a family fun weekend with kid friendly shows and their own "make-n-take" activities. The wide array of food available will tickle the palate. There are even fun competitions for the food vendors with a "Taste of Panoply". Of course, you know the real winners are the festival goers who get to eat the food. 

Mountain Valley Songwriters Competition will be joining the festival for the 9th year in a row. The competition will be on Saturday and is judged only on the music and lyrics; not the singer's voice. So you may win even if you cannot carry a tune. However, if you want you can have someone else to sing your song for the competition.  Another great feature of the festival is the 10 minute playwright competition. This allows anyone to submit their script for consideration of being produced by a panel of judges. You may be a novice or an established playwright. The theme is determined every year and the winners enjoy their play being produced plus a $50 stipend. 

The Panoply Arts Festival is just what the name implies - a magnificent array of the best in the Huntsville, AL real estate area when it comes to art of all kinds. From face painting for the kids to the different cultures represented, this is one of the most diverse events in the area. The top off every night of the festival are the fireworks which light up the sky with a bevy of colors. Nightly at 9:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and closing night at 8:00 p.m. this is one of the much anticipated parts of the evening.

It is hard to choose a favorite part of the festival as the whole experience is so much fun. The one thing you will like about the Panoply Festival is it is good wholesome fun for the entire family. So whether you are a new visitor, yearly returning arts fanatic, or a Huntsville, AL home owner, come and enjoy the art, enjoy the food and best of all enjoy yourself!

If you are in the area looking at the Huntsville homes that are available for sale, you may want to stop for lunch or dinner at one of these fine Huntsville, Alabama restaurants. For dine in or take out, McAlister’s deli will offer up a gigantic chalkboard filled with over 100 items for lunch and dinner. There is bound to be something on this menu that sounds tempting.

If you think you are in the mood for Thai food, Phukets Thai Restaurant is your stop for soups and salads and pork filled rolls, curries and more. This is a premiere eating spot and you will find their food delicious. You may have to look around at the Huntsville homes several times just so you can come here to eat. What place would be complete without an Italian restaurant and a Mexican restaurant?  Lucinaos Italian is the Huntsville connection and Rosie’s is the Mexican restaurant that you will want to try next.

Emma’s Tea Room is an exceptional treat in Huntsville homes. This is a Victorian décor home that is perfect for lunch or tea. Named for the owner’s daughter this is the perfect place to take your daughter to lunch or go with a friend. You will not regret the decision from the moment you walk up the steps to the grand porch. The friendly atmosphere the residents of Huntsville provide make it just like home. With the friendly atmosphere, if you are looking for Huntsville homes due to a relocation or for whatever reason you have chosen the right place.

If you would like more information on the Huntsville homes area and places to visit (and eat!) please visit my website for a vast array of links to some great sites.

September 26-28, 2008

Big Spring Jam is a three-day music festival which takes place each year in Huntsville, Alabama. Originating in 1993, the Jam traditionally happens on the fourth weekend in September, beginning Friday and ending Sunday. Featured musicians come from all over the country, consisting of rock, country, alternative, christian and more.  Bands are various, from local, emerging talents, old favorites, and the favorites of todays's hits.  Big Spring Jam also holds an annual 5 kilometer race.

An odd title of for beginning of autumn event, but in actual fact the festival is actually named after the location it is held at within Huntsville, Alabama, Big Spring International Park , which is in downtown Huntsville, convenient to Huntsville home owners and easy to find for visitors.

Being a not-for-profit event, Big Spring Jam is unlike the average large music event, where proceeds  benefit local charities, health and human services agencies, and arts and entertainment organizations not only in Huntsville, Alabama, but throughout North America.  It is organized each year by the Huntsville Heritage Foundation along with the Von Braun Center.

Some of my favorite bands that will be hitting the stages this year include:

Buckcherry  ~  Kansas  ~  Kenny Rogers  ~  Mercyme  ~  Sister Hazel  ~  Styx  ~  The Guess Who  ~  The Presidents of the United States of America ~  Three Dog Night

Here's a map of where your fun begins!

Tickets range from $25 for single day to $60 for the full "Jam Fan Weekend"!  Tickets cease to be sold after Sept. 26^th at Noon.

For more information on other upcoming events with the Huntsville homes area, please contact me anytime - I'd be happy to suggest places to visit or attractions to see.

Huntsville, Alabama is one of the premiere places to visit if you want to experience the true south. If you are planning a trip to this area to purchase your next Huntsville home, you may want to take some time to check out some of the attractions that are sure to make a return visit a must. The scenery in this southern town is something to behold and many of the new Huntsville homes are made to reflect the deep history of this area. Of course, there are older homes that do the same.

If you are here searching for a Huntsville home, take some time to enjoy what the area has to offer, such as the Huntsville Botanical Garden. This encompasses 110 acres of land with the most stunning flowers you will ever see. There are paths through the woods and an aquatic garden that takes in about 5 acres. A garden railway will be a thrill for the kids and a butterfly house which is open every year from May to September.

Another renowned attraction is the Constitution Village which is a large part of the history of Alabama. The true to life Federal building are open for touring. The unique part of this attraction is the villagers who are dressed to resemble the people of the era.

No visit would be complete without a stop at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. The largest space attraction in the world, this is definitely worth a stop on your visit. Do not forget the U. S. Space Camp Training Center where everyone can try a simulated mission, which also has summer programs for the kids to experience what its like to be in space.

For more information on Huntsville, AL attractions, please visit my website where I have an extensive list of top places to visit.  You may also bookmark this page for future visits, where you can learn more about Huntsville, Alabama and what this wonderful southern town can offer you.

Our city ranked 4th on the "Fastest Growing Metros" list according to research forecasts created by Moody's Economy.com website. 

It's not shocking news that the Southeast and Western portions of the United States are booming.  Both of the cost of living and doing business in these areas are often cheaper than in big coastal States and cities.   Take Alabama.  Our State has some of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, including Huntsville, Alabama, which is projected to have a fourth largest change in "gross metropolitan product (GMP)" of a staggering 26.36% between the years 2007 to 2012.

Huntsville, Alabama's projected GMP growth (population) has been forecast at just over 15% by 2012, due to the defense, aerospace and technology industries that drive the Huntsville, AL economy.  The area's Redstone Arsenal (home to the Army's missile and space commands), is expanding greatly due to the US military base realignments (BRAC) which is creating as many as 12,000 new jobs in the area.

Another Alabama boon is ThyssenKrupp's announcement in 2007 to construct a $3.7 billion steel plants in Mobile, located in the southern portion of the State.  Such growth is not new to Alabama; since the mid-1990s, Alabama has also become a manufacturing center for automakers like Chrysler, Toyota and Hyundai.

To be certain of the accuracy of these forecasts, the GMP is not the only method used to measure a metro area's economic stance.  Personal income growth, job growth, housing starts and population growth are all other factors that were considered, but ultimately a close look at the output of goods and services was possibly the best method of determining how strong an economy will be several years to come.

This is just another great review that Huntsville homes has received lately.  And yet another great reason for people to relocate to such a thriving city.  If you would like more information on Huntsville homes and what this city can offer you, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.

Before putting your Huntsville, AL home on the market for sale, a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) should be obtained from your Realtor of choice.  Standard CMA’s should include the following information:

1.         Active Listings

The purpose of including active listings in the CMA, is because they are your competition for buyers.  Since sellers can ask whatever they want for their Huntsville, Alabama home, active listings are not used for any other purpose since some of these active listings are not priced realistically (and will subsequently remain on the market for a long time). 

2.         Pending Listings

Huntsville, Alabama homes that are pending, are those that are under contract but have not closed as of yet.  These listings help indicate in which direction the market is moving, and will, therefore, help you determine what price may get your home sold more quickly.

3.         Sold Listings

Homes that have sold within the last six months are the best comparables to be used when pricing your home.  These are also the Huntsville, AL homes an appraiser would use when appraising your home for the lucky buyer. 

If your home is very unique and there are very few of the other type of listings available to compare with, withdrawn, canceled or expired listings may be used to help determine the right price to sell your home. 

To create the most accurate CMA, the following information is gathered from other Huntsville, Alabama real estate that closely resemble your own home:

Square footage - this is the size of your home that is air-conditioned and/or heated.  Homes will be used that are between 200 to 400 square foot smaller or larger than your home.

Year built - only homes that were built within the same time period as yours should be used when possible.

Location - a home located within the suburbs would be a poor choice for a home that is located in the heart of town.  Similarly, a home with a view of the lake or mountains, would be priced differently than a home without such a view. 

Condition - your Huntsville, Alabama home will be priced according to the type of amenities, upgrades and condition it possesses.  This includes how many bedrooms, bathrooms, various updates, basements, swimming pool, etc.

Please let me know if you are interested in having an accurate Comparative Market Analysis created for your Huntsville, AL real estate.  I would be happy to set up an appointment at your convenience.

The Huntsville Times reported on Wednesday of this week that four people in Huntsville, Alabama were sent to hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning.  It has been suggested that the carbon monoxide was leaking from an improperly ventilated hot water heater, which apparently nearly killed these individuals.  So I thought it was the perfect time to discuss exactly what carbon monoxide is and how you can protect your family against something like this happening to you and them.

The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicates that carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and/or death.  CO can be found not only within combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, but also appliances within your Huntsville, Alabama home including gas ranges, stoves, water heaters, and washers/dryers.  The CO from these sources can build up within the home and can affect the people and animals when they unconsciously breathe it in.

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.  Extreme levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death.  Because CO poisoning can often mimic other illnesses, such as the flu, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose.  Each year more than 500 Americans die from  CO poisoning.  Here's how you can prevent having your family adversely affected by CO poisoning:

~ hire a qualified serviceman to check heating systems, water heater and any other gas, oil and/or coal burning appliances within your home each year;

~ do not use portable flameless chemical heaters within your Huntsville, AL home;

~ when purchasing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association;

~ install a battery operated CO detector in your home, and each time you change the time on your clocks (each spring and fall) check or replace the battery.

For more information on Carbon Monoxide safety, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm.  I hope this information was helpful and maybe make a difference in somebody's future well-being.

For three days (right on cue - the last full weekend of April - April 25th through the 27th) Huntsville, AL becomes an Artstravaganza! For the past 25 years, the Panoply Arts Festival has "hit the streets" in the heart of Huntsville Alabama, and this year is no different.

A perfect family environment that children, teens & adults alike can enjoy, this outdoor festival features presentations, demonstrations & fun, while promoting & enhancing the arts. Activities range from the "Official Alabama State Fiddling Championship," to hands-on workshops, "Homegrown Talent Contest", various stages featuring jazz, bluegrass, gospel, musical theater, ballroom dancing, a songwriter’s showcase, kid-friendly performances, an interactive drum circle & more.

This jam-packed feast of all your senses has been ranked in the "Top 20 Events" by the Southeast Tourism Society. In fact, Gov. Bob Riley announced the outdoor phenomenon as one of Alabama's Top 10 Tourism Events for the year in 2007! Without fail, Panoply continues to satisfy the entire Tennessee Valley & neighboring states by bringing the arts to life.

Huntsville, AL skies will be illuminated all three nights with a jaw-dropping display of fireworks to end the day off with a bang! Friday and Saturday nights fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and Sunday's at 8 p.m.

The kids will revel in the FREE hands-on activities in both the Kids Art Yard and Panoply’s unique "Global Village". Here, several “workshops” will help your child uncover some hidden talents in the artist sense, including the Panoply Percussion Tent and the Stamp it Out! Tent (greeting card making).

It truly is a MUST GO event! Maybe I'll see you there!

Check out other upcoming events in Huntsville, AL.

Your source for Huntsville, AL Real Estate and Community Information.

Huntsville, AL is filled with many high quality communities, including golf communities such as Hampton Cove.  This planned neighborhood located in the foothills and valleys of Monte Sano Mountain, is showcased with white Kentucky three rail fences and beautiful landscaping, including the lush waterfall and fieldstone springhouse which greet you at the main entrance.

Development of Hampton Cove real estate began in 1992 and is composed of twenty (20) different neighborhoods.  Living options ranging from 1,800 to 8,000 square foot estate luxury homes, family-sized homes, zero lot-line patio homes, and town homes are available. Three of these communities have contracted lawn maintenance services provided for the owners.

You will find within Hampton Cove, which comprises of 2800 acres, three Robert Trent Jones Golf Trails, the Hampton House, a Nature Preserve, several parks, twenty-eight lakes, and over twenty miles of community sidewalks and paths to enjoy walking, biking and exploring.

There are a wide range of businesses surrounding the Hampton Cove area, which include grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, banks, gyms, medical & dental offices, and a Wal-Mart Superstore.

Those relocating to Huntsville, Alabama through BRAC, will find the Redstone Arsenal close at hand.  Also nearby are the Marshall Space Flight Center, Cumming’s Research Park, and the downtown Huntsville area. 

To view other Huntsville, AL real estate communities available, please click here.