The 12th Annual Alabama Dance Festival will be held in Birmingham January 16-18.   The festival is put on by the Alabama Dance Council, in an effort to promote all forms of dance and making dance accessible to more people. This event attracts dancers (students and teachers) from all over the state, offering them classes and workshops, and giving them the opportunity to perform with their own companies and watch other performances too.  More than 400 dancers from all over Alabama are expected to attend this year.   But this is not just for the dancers!   It's great fun for anybody who loves to watch....or boogie!   On Saturday, January 17th, "Dance Across Birmingham" will give the public the opportunity to participate in FREE DANCE CLASSES!  There are 16 classes to choose from, and you... 01/13/2009

   Yes, you can be a runner!   I enjoy walking, and every once in a while I'll get fired up and decide to try running.  I've always wanted to be able to run and not be gasping for air.....maybe even be able to carry on a conversation with a running buddy!  The last time I tried this I guess I overdid it and my knees bothered me so bad I gave it up (after just a few days). For a while I was walking three miles every morning, but that has been hard to maintain as my business has been picking up.  Actually, it has been a while since I have even walked regularly and it didn't take long for me to start feeling really out of shape.  I've wanted to get back into my walking routine but finding the time has been hard for me. So.......I'm trying a new plan and although I was skeptical if my joint... 01/12/2009

The UTES put a hault to our market For seven straight days no calls, no showings, no nothing. The whole State was in mourning or just total shock. Every sense Utah upset our Crimson Tide Dec.2 in the Sugar Bowl no real estate activity was happening. Thank God for Tebow! We are back in business thanks to Tebow. Did you see the preformance last night. Tebow proved to all that he was the best leader and player on the field last night and should have been this season's Heisman winner . The S.E.C. is the best Football confererence in America. The  third year in a row the National Champion has come from the SouthEastern Conference. What does Football have to do with Real Estate Sales In Alabama, In Birmingham, everything! Saban will lock in another top five recruiting year and we will roll in... 01/09/2009

  Are you a wine lover?  There are many opportunities to attend free wine tastings in and around Birmingham.  Here is a list of a few of them.     Tria Market Fridays, 5-7 p.m. 205-776-8923   The Vintage Wine Shoppe Fridays, 5-6:30 p.m. 205-980-9995   Western Supermarket - Rocky Ridge Road Fridays, 5:30-7 p.m. 205-822-5920   Whole Foods Market Fridays, 5-7 p.m. Saturdays, Noon-2 p.m. 205-912-8400   The Wine Loft Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 205-323-8228   Wine'd Down Wednesdays and Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. 205-988-9463     AREA WINERIES OFFERING FREE TASTINGS AND TOURS   Morgan Creek Vineyards (Harpersville) Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 205-672-2053   Ozan Vineyards (Calera) Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 205-668-6926         Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP BIRMINGHAM ... 12/29/2008

These past couple days have been non-stop for the mortgage industry.  Refinances are coming in droves, mostly those with excellent credit that have plenty of equity in their homes and plan on being there for a while.  I am working about 15 hours a day and have not had much time for anything else. Tonight I got a message from Ms Re/Max herself, Debbie Hutchins!  Re/Max First Choice in Pelham, AL. Debbie is a top producing realtor in the Shelby County area of Alabama.  I invited Debbie to AR and what a jackpot I hit, she is a pro.  I took the number one spot in Shelby County a while back and Debbie has taken the number two featured spot.  She is hot on my heals and I am trying to keep my position.  (LOL)   I have not mastered the links and placement of photos yet, but hopefully before too... 12/17/2008

    ZooLight Safari returns to the Birmingham Zoo   13 fun nights! December 12-14, 19-23, and 26-30, 2008   5 pm – 9 pm   Members are FREE! Only $7 for non-members     Enjoy Holiday Fun, Lights and Music!   See the Zoo illuminated with more than a Half-a-Million Lights!   Winter Wonderland Train Ride*   Santa's Roller Racers*   Festival Carousel*   Story Time   Animal Demos   Visit the Barn in the Children's Zoo for photo opportunities, animals and crafts!   Synchronized Light Show to Holiday Music   *Additional Cost for All Rides Get the best deal and ride everything with the All-You-Can-Ride Wristband   Presented by Chick-Fil-A     Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE 205.902.4868 Keller Williams One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150 Hoover, AL  35244 A... 12/09/2008

Birmingham, Alabama - We are nearing the end of 2008, and time to continue our look at the year of market statistics for Birmingham AL Real Estate. As we have always stated that as a homeowner, potential resident, potential seller, or as a real estate consultant, we think it is always important to know the stats about what is happening with Birmingham AL Houses. For this report we wanted to focus in on Highland Lakes Real Estate in North Shelby County. Birmingham - Highland Lakes Houses for Sale Listed September 2008 For the month of September there were 9 Newly Listed Highland Lakes properties for Sale. The Average Price was $426,044. The Median Price was $407,900. Birmingham - Highland Lakes Houses Sold September 2008 For the month of September there were 7 Highland Lakes properties ... 11/29/2008

Mobile Notaries can really be underpaid.  I have working in the real estate business for a while but now am a full time Mobile Notary I love the work and the people that I have met.  One problem expansion!  Anyone out there have any ideas?  I would love to work for a bank doing closings, Title companies, or real estate companies. I have joined some websites but the work is to inconsistent.  I have been lucky lately I had two closings yesterday one today and one tomorrow.  Please excuse my first blog I am new at this.  I am a member of the American Association of Notaries. Trina Holt State of Alabama 11/22/2008

    SO…..you would like to buy a bigger, more expensive home…..   but you think you will wait because you can’t bear to sell your current home for a lower price in this market?     There’s a bigger picture to consider….just look at this example:   You feel like your home should sell for $200,000  (and a year ago it might have), but the reality is market value is down (for this example let’s use 10%) and you can only get $180,000 for it.    That’s a loss of $20,000…..OUCH!   But, you want to buy a home that would have sold for $400,000 a year ago, and it’s value is also down 10%, so you are able to purchase it for $360,000.   GOOD NEWS!  You saved $40,000, and more than made up for the hit you took on the sale of your smaller home…..by $20,000! No one can predict with any certainty when ... 11/17/2008

The Birmingham Alabama Real Estate Market got some great notoriety this month. In an article by The Birmingham News, Magazine Says Birmingham Housing Market Ready for Rebound, we find that a major magazines ranked Birmingham very well on positioning for a real estate comeback. Smart Money Magazine said that things such as a “healthy manufacturing sector, top cultural attractions and low costs for labor and land” are helping the area. Due to these things Birmingham got listed along with 25 other cities nationwide “that are primed to rally.” Congratulations to the other cities are due, but for those of here in Alabama, let’s be glad we are on the good list!   11/15/2008

  It’s nice to read some good news isn’t it? According to an article, Local New Home Sales Jump 9 Percent, September saw an increase in new home sales. Now, existing home sales did experience a drop in the Birmingham area, but this is something we expected as the economy shows a shaky side and mortgage restrictions tighten. The article also noted that the inventory of new homes on the market dropped as well to an 8 month inventory (from 9.1 months in August), and existing homes had an 11.3 month inventory. Seeing inventory drop is something we see as positive (home builders might not) due to the fact when the inventory drops, the days on market adjusts naturally, and prices stabilize because home sellers don’t become so desperate and see their budgets tighten with some of them facing tw... 11/15/2008

  What do you need to know? 80% of stroke victims had no apparent warning signs Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability Ultrasound screenings can help prevent a stroke Screenings are affordable and painless What can you do? Life Line Screening will be in Birmingham Thursday, December 18, 2008 to provide screening for: Stroke/Carotid Artery Heart Rhythm (Atrial Fibrillation) Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Peripheral Arterial Disease Osteoporosis Pre-registration is required - call 1-800-324-1841 and mention Source Code ISC6323 Screenings will be performed in Birmingham at the Homewood Senior Center for a reasonable package price of $149. Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE 205.902.4868 Keller Williams One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150 Hoover, AL ... 11/07/2008

  I was 5 years old and in my Sunday School room.  There are only two city blocks that separate the two churches, and at that time our church was constructing a new education building and our classes were being held temporarily in the old Alabama Power building (which is located between 17th and 18th streets). I remember hearing the explosion and being quickly led from the building.  As children, we had no idea what was happening.  Neither did the adults, but with the racial tension in the city, they were terrified at what could have happened.  We were so close and it was so loud!  It was the Sixteeth Street Baptist Church Bombing. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago......I'm not that old, am I?  Yet, today we have a new President-Elect who is an African American!  We really have ... 11/05/2008

  OPEN HOUSE First United Methodist Church in the heart of downtown Birmingham is offering a mid-week service of meditation, prayer and music, open to everyone in the community.     The service is based on worship practices as varied as medieval devotional services and good old-fashioned prayer meetings.  Come and be a part of this service each Wednesday in the Sanctuary building. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the service beginning with the chiming of the tower bells at 5:00 p.m.  You are welcome to stay as long as you like afterward.     First United Methodist Church 518 North 19th Street Birmingham, AL  35203 205.254.3186   Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE 205.902.4868 Keller Williams One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150 Hoover, AL  35244 Ann@AnnAlle... 10/26/2008

  Requiem   by Gabriel Fauré       Presented in memory of the Saints of First Church         Orchestra provided through contributions to the Hugh Thomas Music Performance Fund in memory of Kathryne McDorman     Scores and parts provided through contributions to the Music Library Fund in memory of Sam Glenn                                 Choir and Orchestra conducted by James Cook       Solos by Daniel Szasz, Christina Carol, Gannon Love, Bert Pitts       First United Methodist Church                          November 2, 2008 Downtown Birmingham                                                11:00 AM       Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE 205.902.4868 Keller Williams One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150 Hoover, AL  35244 Ann@AnnAllenTeam.com   © 2008... 10/22/2008

  FANS OF THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW WILL ONCE AGAIN DRESS TO IMPRESS AT THE ROCKY HORROR MASQUERADE BALL AT THE ALABAMA THEATRE IN BIRMINGHAM AL!!!!!   This great old movie palace is the perfect place to host this annual event!  Even if you aren't a fan of the movie, if you like to people-watch, you won't want to miss this one!   WARNING!.......BAWDY FUN!    Thursday, October 30th   The doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with costume contest registration until 8:15 p.m. (categories include Best Rocky Horror Character Look- A-Like and General Category).  Participants need to arrive early to make the registration deadline.   Costume Contests are at 8:30 p.m.  The movie will be shown immediately following the contest.   TICKETS ON SALE NOW!   General Admission Tickets $14 Advanced…..$17 Day... 10/18/2008

  Experience the Alabama Symphony Orchestra with Justin Brown (Music Director and Principal Conductor)         October 24   The Da Vinci Concert (in collaboration with the Birmingham Museum of Art) October 30   Brown Celebrates Bernstein November 7-9  Sibelius & Schumann November 21-22  Brown Plays Mozart   For more information, times and venues call 205.251.7727 or visit the Alabama Symphony website.   Alabama Symphony Orchestra 3621 Sixth Avenue South Birmingham, AL  35222 Box Office:  205.251.7727   Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE 205.902.4868 Keller Williams One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150 Hoover, AL  35244 Ann@AnnAllenTeam.com   © 2008 Ann Allen, All rights reserved         10/18/2008

The Blue Monkey Lounge is a wonderful martini bar located on Cobb Lane in the historic Southside area of Birmingham.   The atmosphere is reminiscent of the days of the speakeasy, with comfortable seating, private nooks, low lighting and great music.  You can also enjoy an outdoor patio that has a special feel of its own, adjacent to Cobb Lane's rustic brick alley.  Although the Blue Monkey specializes in Martinis, they have an extensive drink menu of beers, wines, cocktails and more.  They are also well known for their selection of fine cigars. Join them for Happy Hour daily from 5:00-7:00 p.m.....$1 off all beer and wine, $2 off all cocktails 'Tini Tuesdays.....10 specialty martinis $5 all night Monkey Around Wednesdays.....Signature Blue Monkey Martini $5, Miller High Life $1.50 all n... 10/18/2008

  HALLOWEEN IN BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA         Don’t miss the 17th annual BOO AT THE ZOO!   Oct. 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26, 2008   5 pm – 9 pm   $7 for members and non-members (tax included)   WEAR YOUR FAVORITE COSTUME!   HERE’S WHAT’S NEW FOR 2008:   Ride every ride with the new “All-You-Can-Ride” wristband - $10 Fright Lights Spooktacular – music, lights and action (located in Auditorium) Second train for the Haunted Train Ride with enhanced ride thematics Trick or Treat Alley Entertainment on the Wildlife stage on select nights New and Improved Hay Ride Planet of the Apes Haunted House Experience   FOR MORE DETAILS SEE HERE   Boo At the Zoo is presented by Brunos/Food World   Birmingham Zoo 2630 Cahaba Road Birmingham, AL  35223     Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP BIRMINGHAM AREA R... 10/12/2008

Gas prices in the Birmingham area continue to drop each day.....who would have thought $3.26 for a gallon of regular unleaded would be something to celebrate? The Raceway station on Highway 31 in Pelham often has some of the lowest prices around...... This picture was taken Sunday, October 12, 2008:   Compare that to these prices in Hawaii!  (Info courtesy of Richard Dolbeare)   Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE 205.902.4868 Keller Williams One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150 Hoover, AL  35244 Ann@AnnAllenTeam.com   © 2008 Ann Allen, All rights reserved         10/12/2008