Why Should you Work with a Real Estate Agent

1. Realtors lower your risk. When you are represented by a Realtor, your agent can help assure that you are buying a home in Huntsville, AL that is safe, sound and priced fairly according to the current market.
2. Realtors understand the current market. Realtors have valuable experience that cannot be learned overnight or "on the fly". As experts in the Huntsville and Surrounding areas (or if your are not in Huntsville, your state/area), they can assist you with home buying strategies and proposals that will land you the right house at the best price and terms.
3. Realtors understand the complexity of a real estate transaction. Realtors work with contracts on a daily basis. They can help you understand what you are signing and why. They are there to explain the process from offer to closing. Your Realtor is on your side! 
4. Realtors keep the deal rolling and negotiate on your behalf. They not only facilitate the paperwork but they also orchestrate the buying and selling process and attend the required meetings and appointments throughout the transaction. They also negotiate terms that benefit their clients far beyond the purchase price.
5. Realtors work for the Buyer at little or no cost. It is in their best interest to work quickly, diligently and to utilize all the resources available to help their clients meet their needs.
6. Realtors know what to look for in a home. They can help you determine whether a home is a smart investment or how the value compares to similar homes.
7. Realtors have access to new construction and resell listings. The MLS gives them access to the most recent information regarding home sales and newly listed properties. They also have access to databases of new communities and new construction.
8. Realtors can point you in the right direction when it comes to other professionals. They can recommend home inspectors, home appraisers, pest inspectors, contractors, mortgage professionals, etc.
9. Realtors provide an objective point of view. Since a home is an emotional process, it's easy for people to get lost in the moment. Having an objective third party that knows and understands your needs will help you keep focused on the goal.
10. Realtors have done it before. Since most people buy and sell only a few homes in their lifetime, there's a good chance that laws and regulations change since their last transaction, not to mention the market changes as well. Realtors keep abreast of the changing laws, regulations and market trends and are more than willing to share that with you. Having a Realtor representing you can save you time, money and stress.

If you are in Huntsville, AL and looking for a Realtor who will work for you give me a call: 256-701-4266. I LOVE real estate, that's why it's my job. Reduce your stress and put all the work in my hands. You won't regret it. Click on the Visit Our Website link above for more information.

**Listing of the Week - 114 Preston Wood Drive**

              

This beautiful full brick home is packed with amenities located in Whitworth Farms in Madison, Alabama.   Less than 5 years old this home is on the market after only one owner. 

Immaculate Kitchen with Hardwoods

Take a look at this kitchen! There is more than enough cabinet space and a pantry in this kitchen to maximize storage for all the china and food you can imagine. It doesn't skim in size either. This kitchen is large enough for several cooks at a time without bumping into each other. Not to mention the beautiful hardwood flooring and impeccable back splash and great lighting.

~Memorial Day is a Time to Remember & Honor~

Memorial Day is when the men and women who died while serving in the Armed Forces are remembered. Take the time out to honor and remember them today!

Bittersweet - School has ended and Summer has officially begun

Find Time to Enjoy Your Family This Summer for FREE!

       So, I know if you are like me at all you are just glad the school time rush is OVER. No more "I need money for my field trip" or " we have our new fundraisers, can you take this to work?"

        While you love your kids and appreciate the school what I call the “school hussle” is over – THANK GOODNESS!! Finally you get a break – but now what?? Will the kids go to camp? What will we do with them that will not take ALL of your money?

      Well, fret no further. I’ve researched using the rocket city mom, the city of Huntsville, and the library website all sorts of things that will be FREE to do with the kids this summer. That’s right I said FREE!!! Your local library may have some things as well so if you are in Hampton Cove, Madison, and even Gurley Alabama – DON’T Worry they have things to do for free as well for all ages. Activities such as reading groups, teen writing groups and even a couple of science experiments.

Did you know there are places to watch movies for free both inside and outside this summer? So Gear up for Summertime FUN in the SUN with your family!

 



Reduce Your Energy and Maintenance Costs

Fifteen things you can do to reduce energy and maintenance costs:

1. Turn down the hot water heater to 120°F. It's a waste of energy to heat water hotter than most people can stand.

2. Get a water heater blanket. Many older water heaters and even fairly new ones aren't well insulated. A water heater blanket saves money by keeping the heat in.

3. Wrap insulation around exposed hot water pipes. Good quality pipe insulation makes the water 2° to 4° warmer and delivers it quicker. The first three feet leaving the heater and the last few feet coming back are key.

4. Check for running toilets, leaky faucets and under sink plumbing. They cost you money and lead to mold.

5. Check attic insulation. If you have an unfinished attic, have at least 6" of insulation, (more in the northern U.S.).

6. Put in a programmable thermostat. This automatically adjusts temperature, so you only pay for heating or cooling the house when you're actively using it.

7. Install ceiling fans. Their air circulation effect lets you put your thermostat 1° or 2° higher in summer and 1° or 2° lower in winter. Set to blow air down in summer and up in winter.

8. Replace the air handling filter. This is behind a slotted panel in the air handler. Note the size and stock up. A dirty filter makes the system work harder. Check every two months.

9. Clear all air vents. Make sure vents aren't blocked and look in to see they're dust bunny free.

10. Air-dry some laundry. Put up a rack in the laundry room or a clothesline outside. Air-dry a third of your laundry and you're running the dryer a third less of the time.

11. Choose reliable, energy efficient appliances. Paying a little extra for quality and reliability will save you lots over the long haul.

12. Seal out air. Air leaks are money leaks. Look for them around windows and doors, and then seal them up.

13. Monitor foundation cracks. If you have cracks in basement walls, cover the ends with masking tape with the date. If the cracks grow, call in a specialist. Foundation problems are way cheaper to fix sooner than later.

14. Plant shade trees near your home. They cool the house in summer, saving money on air conditioning, and add value to the property.

15. Write down a home maintenance checklist. Include tasks you should do monthly, quarterly, and annually. Review each month. You'll save tons of money over time.