Are you missing some of the entertainment and activities in the Huntsville/Madison area? Well you are not alone!  I know when we moved to the area I felt the same way. I just could not find advertising on events on tv or print media in a timely matter, and yes i know that i can google to find what i need. But, the question is, some people may not have the time or frankly dont want to have to google on a website to find everything they need. Anyway, most businesses have what we call a hook to keep you associated with there services or product and continue sending you information. 


It is becoming more challenging to search a site without giving up something like your email and in most cases setting up a name and a password. I have at least 10 passwords counting. Where will this end? I realize my tone may sound a little resistant to change and you are probably right. Some things should remain personal. I may be fighting a loosing battle, but I know someone will agree with me. As a local Realtor. I have taken the time to do some research for you to get you up to date on the latest happenings. 


My resource center was designed with you in mind. Huntsville is a growing city and there are always things to do. You may need to be reminded of those things and that is the purpose of this blog.  As your resource center I am going to attempt to share all that I know and more so that you will be able to enjoy the city through the summer months.  

 The sales of new homes are soaring in 2012, and the housing market is back on track. According to Oscar Gonzalez from the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors, in February 2012 homes sales rose by 6.07 percent when compared to this same time last year and jumped by 13.36 percent when compared to January 2012. 


So what does this mean for you? It means being able to own a home for you and your family at a cheaper price than previous years with more properties available for you to choose from. Mr. Gonzalez explains further saying At $160,250 the February 2012 single-family home median price – the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less – dipped by 4.90 percent from January 2012 and by 0.29 percent from February 2011. 






This is great news for the economy, and the future home buyers.  For now we can see the future is getting brighter, and the dream of owning a family home is not just a dream anymore!

We all know how stressful it can be packing up, and moving to a new home. It can be even more stressful if you don't have everything taken care of before the big move. 


To make sure you are ready here are your top 5 moving tips:


Take care of business first. Make sure that all paperwork is signed, for your new home as well as the home you're a moving from. If you are moving from a rented home/apartment make sure all fee's were paid, and you have given a 30 day notice. Nobody wants to find out later they have to come out of their pocket more than they should have to.


Collect A LOT of boxes. Boxes are your friend when it is time to move. You can collect boxes as you start packing from local retail stores, moving companies, and even just asking around. 


Reserve moving truck early as possible. If you need a moving truck, reserve it at the earliest time possible. Moving trucks are always booked, and you want to make sure you have the truck you need to move your things from A to B. 


Call friends and family in advance to help. Heavy lifting? Or just have a lot of stuff? Let someone know you need help, and ask if they are available ahead of time. Make sure you have the help you need lined up so you can plan your move accordingly. 


Organization is key. Organizing boxes, and figuring out what's going to go where could mean the difference in having your items arrive in one piece, or having a few things broken when you arrive. Make sure you don't rush, and take the time to label and separate so that everything.


Are you thinking about making a big move to the Madison area soon? Call Jennifer Walker at 256.684.9550 or email her at jwalk525@hotmail.com. 

Spring is in the air – flowers and weeds are starting to bloom and the customer’s looking to buy or sell their homes is blooming too! 


 Yes, this is considered to be the busiest time of all in real estate. I absolutely believe the weather plays a major role in real estate sales and activity, especially the spring season. 


 We are starting to get some warm days and it just lifts our spirits as a whole. Everyone is coming out of hibernation from the winter and holidays blues, including the flowers in the garden. In gardening the correct term is dormant. Although this is considered a metaphor, I tend to believe it is true. During this time of the year the beautiful weather brings out the best in all of us. It is nothing like embracing a beautiful day and letting it motivate and inspire situations in our lives, including deciding to buy or sell a home. 


 Previewing a home on a beautiful day in the spring captures the essence of nature and the land surrounding the home or community. Springtime just breeds new beginnings whether it is spring cleaning, painting a room, renovating a kitchen, adding new plants to freshen up the landscape and/or purchasing a home. It all goes with the spring season. 


 New communities are springing up like flowers all over the place. Homeowners are putting their homes on the market to make their next move and buyers thinking about purchasing are out checking out all the possibilities to build or purchase a new home. 


 As a real estate agent the statistics in sales supports my thoughts and we too love spring time with the goal of selling more homes and blooming along with our clients. 


 It is just a great time to bloom. If you can see a hint of gardening in this post, you are correct. Gardening is what I love to do. Let’s bloom together.

 In 2012 there are so many debt conscience young people, whether they are married or single they are looking into investing in a home of their own. The problem is the first time home buyer needs a little help knowing what to look for, and that's exactly what this blog is here for.


Here is the guide for the first time home buyer:


Find a Realtor. Even with all the research tools at your fingertips; hiring a Realtor can give you security and help guide you through the process of finding your dream home. (See Why Hire A Realtor for more information.)


Don't Rush. Loan documents and purchase contracts are legally binding. Do not fall under the pressure that you have to sign the papers right then and there. Take a minute to look over everything, and make sure you have a understanding of what the documents are holding you to.


Location, Location, Location. Find schools, hospitals, restaurants, and even calculate how far you have to travel to work in the morning. You can also look into property taxes, and crime statistics. All of these things come into play in how good an investment your home turns out to be. 


Look for assistance programs. Investing in a home can be pretty expensive. You have down payments, your loan, and then closing costs as well.  Look into loan programs that offer loans for down payments, and closing costs. Also, there are non profit and state/government programs that can help out with grants, or low interest loans so you won't have to pay the costs upfront.  


Pre-Approval financing. Don't fall in love with a home before knowing what you can afford.  Knowing how much you get approved for when financing a home helps you aim at houses in your budget. 


Have home inspected. When making an offer to the seller try including a condition, or contingency that will indicate no major problems with the house. 


Figure out housing expenses. The cost of just maintaining a home is shocking to most first time home buyers. Do research on the usual costs, and build a emergency fund for the first year of living expenses.


Don't settle. Even though it is important that you stick to your budget, do not settle on anything less than satisfactory to your needs. You want to still be proud of your purchase 5-10 years down the line.


Ask questions. It is confusing understanding everything in those documents when you are a first time buyer. Make sure you ask your Realtor questions about everything you aren't sure about.


Know your budget. Know how much you can afford monthly, and annually when purchasing a home.  This is key to you comfortably being able to enjoy your new home.


Are you a first time home buyer with a few more questions? Contact Jennifer Walker at jwalk525@hotmail.com and get all the information you need.