I will start by saying this post has absolutely nothing to do with real estate. (and yes, I do know this is a real estate blog) When I turn on the news I hear about the economic crisis, the presidential race, the gas “crisis”, and the list goes on and on and on… but something I don’t hear much about is all of those thousands of brave men and women (heroes in my opinion) standing in the gap for our freedoms. I got an email the other say about a program that Xerox has been promoting, Let’s Say Thanks, and I wanted to spotlight it and give it some attention. When you go the site, you… Choose a card from one of the designs they have there. Enter a personal message. Press send. That’s pretty simple in my opinion. You’re done. Xerox takes the initiative to print the card and send it to the ... 10/11/2008

  One of the questions we often get asked about is closing costs. In other words, what can a buyer expect to pay when they buy a home in Birmingham Alabama. The Mobile Press Register did an article on this some time ago, Closing Costs: How Much Can You Expect to Pay? which shed some light on this. According to the article, and we find this to be true here in the Birmingham area, one can expect to pay about 3% of the mortgage amount. Let me add, this is not a definite amount, it is just an average. Something the article pointed out, that a lot of buyers may not realize, is that the agent who writes the contract should show them a form called a Net Sheet, or a Good Faith Estimate, indicating an estimation of what the closing costs should be. The article said, “When a Realtor writes a purc... 10/11/2008

In the United States, there are over 15,000 dyer fires a year. Failure to complete routine maintenance and inspections is a leading contributor in dryer fires across the nation.   Dryer vents clogged with dust, fiber, and lint is the cause of nearly 30% of all dryer fires, making it a top contributor to this tragedy. To reduce this risk, clean lint screens and traps before and after every load of laundry. Carefully wash lint screens with soap and water at least once a month to remove residue buildup from dryer sheets.  Also, be sure your vent material and installation are up to code according to city, state, and manufacturer recommendations. Replace foil or plastic vents with venting made from semi-rigid or solid metal material. Check the path of the dryer vent. Be sure it is as straigh... 10/04/2008

Karl Schiesz says his job is not complete until his customers understand how to maintain their dryer vent systems to prevent a dryer fire and to save on energy costs   Birmingham, AL --   Karl Schiesz, former Culinary Director, traded his chef hat and apron for a logo-ed uniform to own and operate a Dryer Vent Wizard, Safe Homes, Dry Clothes (DVW), franchise in Central Alabama.   DVW services prevent dryer fires, keep dryers functioning properly and provide energy savings through dryer and dryer vent maintenance, cleaning, repair, replacement and alterations.   When Schiesz decided he didn't want back into Food Service Industry and wasn't ready to retire, he looked into franchising.  Having a customer service influence earlier in his career gave Schiesz a wealth of experience on which t... 10/04/2008

Karl Schiesz is overwhelmed by letters and emails, thanking him for his service and advice on dryer vent maintenance to prevent dryer fires    Birmingham, AL -- The U. S. Fire Administration reports over 15,000 dryer fires annually; most of these tragedies could be prevented with proper dryer vent cleaning and maintenance.  About 80% of Americans have clothes dryers, yet most are unaware that annual dryer vent maintenance keeps the dryer running properly and prevents dryer fires.  Karl Schiesz, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Central Alabama, makes sure his customers understand how to properly maintain their dryer vent system to prevent a clothes dryer fire.    Karl has been in the dryer vent cleaning and repair business for over 2 years and he receives email, letters and phone calls from... 10/04/2008

The Southern Women's Show returns to Birmingham October 2-5 at the BJCC in downtown Birmingham. Food Fashion Fun Shopping Celebrity Guests Health Beauty Lifestyle   Admission: Adults $9 at the door On-line Advance Tickets $8 Groups $7 (10 or more, Advance) One free ticket for every 10 purchased Youth $5 (ages 6-12) Children under 6 free with paying adult Special Pricing: $5 Every Day After 5pm $7 Tickets Available At Piggly Wiggly For $1 Discount Coupon click here Don't miss out on all the fun!  Schedule Of Events Show Exhibitors       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 09/20/2008

Come listen to some great music, taste fresh microbrews and enjoy the view from Red Mountain at Vulcan Park and Museum when the 4th Annual Vulcan AfterTunes returns on Sunday afternoons this fall. Don't miss this unique event to socialize and meet your Birmingham neighbors.....so much fun! Ticket prices include live music and admission to Vulcan's Museum and Outdoor Observation Balcony where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city.  Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Admission:  $8 Adults, $4 Children 5-12, Kids 4 and under get in FREE (Vulcan Patron Members too!) Time:  3:00 p.m. Come listen to the sweet sounds of these exceptional artists......... September 28th:  Amy LaVere October 12th:      The Lee Boys October 16th:      The Dan Tyminski Band  ... 09/15/2008

Celebrating it's tenth anniversary, Birmingham's independent film festival will be held September 26-28 in various venues in downtown including: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Alabama Theatre Carver Theatre McWane Science Center Regions Center Auditorium Harbert Center Alabama Showplace Speakeasy Playhouse Costume Co Op & Scene Shop  The festival made it debut in Birmingham in 1999, with filmmakers from across the country and around the world coming to screen their work at the Sidewalk......always greeted by diverse crowds eager to experience the creativity of new independent films. You won't want to miss the fun and excitement!  Between screenings film-lovers and filmmakers have the opportunity to mix and mingle!  Satisfy your hunger at the Sidewalk Cafe or quench your thirst and li... 09/13/2008

Enjoy this musical production performed under the stars at Vulcan Park on top of Red Mountain in Birmingham!  Presented by Red Mountain Theatre Company and Vulcan Park and Museum.  It will be a night of fun for all ages.  Don't forget your blankets and lawn chairs! When:     September 12th and 13th, Friday and Saturday Time:       7:30 PM Tickets:  $20 (4 and under free) For more details, check it out here.   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   09/12/2008

We are well underway with 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 Real Estate. For this report we wanted to focus in on Highland Lakes Real Estate in North Shelby County. July 2008 Listed Properties For the month of July there were 20 Newly Listed Highland Lakes Homes for Sale. The Average Price was $494,162. The Median Price was $469,000. July 2008 Sold Properties For the month of July there were 9 Sold homes in Highland Lakes AL Real Estate in Birmingham, Alabama. The Average Price was $556,304. The Median Price was $54... 09/06/2008

Dryer Vent Wizard, Dryer Vent Cleaning Company, Expands in Central Alabama; Awards Franchise in Birmingham        Former culinary director makes a career change to educate consumers in his community on clothes dryer fire safety             Birmingham, AL - Greg Longe, co-president of Dryer Vent Wizard (DVW), Dry Clothes, Safe Homes, announced the awarding of a DVW franchise in Alabama.  Local resident and former Culinary Director, Karl Schiesz, will service Central Alabama to include Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair Counties, Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas. Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes is a national franchise company specializing in dryer fire prevention and "urgent response" dryer and dryer vent maintenance, repair, replacement and alterations, providing  solutions to the p... 08/19/2008

I was reading a post the other day by Maureen McCabe about Old Media New Media and was challenged to do some research of my own. Maureen pointed out that she was beginning to see a trend in the Ohio market that several people in the media were beginning to twitter. She posed the question, Does the media in your market Twitter? So, the research began to see who and what media twitters are here is what I found: For our TV media these outlets have shown up: @abc3340 @nbc13 @cbs42 Our local FOX affiliate is a no show so far. Radio: @MyFoxFinebaum - He hasn't posted in a while! I think it may have just been a follower and not the actual Paul Finebaum. Print: @Birmingham_News @BirminghamPost @LipstickBhm - a lorcal ladies magazine WebMedia: @aldotcom @bhamterminal - a local news and conversat... 08/15/2008

Clogged dryer vents allow heat and moisture to build up, allowing mold to grow and lead to potential health problems    Birmingham, AL-Karl Schiesz, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard servicing Central Alabama explains how mold is an issue with poorly maintained dryer vents.  Mold is a large group of microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter, producing spores that can be air born.  They can live everywhere, even inside our homes, growing on wet and damp spots usually found in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas.  Molds are a natural part of our environment and play a positive role outside, however, indoors, they have a potential to cause serious health problems.   "Most people are aware of the common areas where mold and mildew are present; therefore, they keep these areas clean, ... 08/11/2008

Do's and Dont's The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents to Prevent Dryer Vent Problems Clean the lint filter before or after each load. Don't forget to clean the back of the dryer, where lint can be trapped. Cleaning Dryer Vents Annually Recommended The interior of the dryer and venting system should be cleaned periodically by qualified service personnel to prevent dryer vent problems. If you notice the drying time is longer, clean dryer vents thoroughly to ensure proper airflow. Install Dryer Vent Tubing - the Right Kind Replace plastic, vinyl and aluminum foil venting with rigid or flexible metal vents. No Flammable Substances in Dryer Do not dry clothing/fabric on which there is anything flammable (alcohol, cooking oils, gasoline, spot removers, dry-cleaning solvents, etc.). Flammable... 08/06/2008

We are well underway with 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 Real Estate. For this report we wanted to focus in on Highland Lakes Real Estate in North Shelby County. Third QuarterThJuneJune 2008 Listed Properties For the month of May there were 13 Newly Listed Highland Lakes Homes for Sale. The Average Price was $457,285. The Median Price was $459,000. June 2008 Sold Properties For the month of May there were 15 Sold homes in Highland Lakes AL Real Estate in Birmingham, Alabama. The Average Price was $460,780. The Me... 07/26/2008

Highland Lakes Subdivision Homes for Sale and Homes Sold - We are well underway with 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 Real Estate. For this report we wanted to focus in on Highland Lakes Real Estate in North Shelby County First Quarter 2008 Listed Properties For the month first quarter there were 72 Newly Listed Highland Lakes Homes for Sale. The Average Price was $580,534. The Median Price was $444,900. First Quarter 2008 Sold Properties For the first quarter there were 22 Sold homes in Highland Lakes AL Real Estat... 07/18/2008

Highland Lakes Subdivision Homes for Sale and Homes Sold - We are well underway with 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 Real Estate. For this report we wanted to focus in on Highland Lakes Real Estate in North Shelby County Second Quarter 2008 Listed Properties For the second quarter there were 62 Newly Listed Highland Lakes Homes for Sale. The Average Price was $522,097. The Median Price was $489,900. Second Quarter 2008 Sold Properties For the second quarter there were 44 Sold homes in Highland Lakes AL Real Estate ... 07/18/2008

As you know each month, we aim to provide you a service partner who can meet your needs as a resident or future buyer of Birmingham AL Real Estate. This month, we want to spotlight Devon Dadon. Devon Dadon provides, hair, ,nails, skin care, and many other spa and salon services to many people in the Birmingham area. In fact, I trust her with my hair as well each month! (whats left of it) Here, at the bottom of this post we have a coupon for a 20% discount that is good through August 1, 2008. When you go buy to see her make sure to tell her that Jason Secor, Stephen Wolfe, and the Living In Greater Birmingham Team sent you!   05/24/2008

Yesterday was the 29th annnual Do Dah Day festival in Birmingham, Alabama.  This event which is held in the Highland Park neighborhood, features a parade with floats and walkers - both human and animal, bands and booths.  This is the major yearly fund raiser for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and Friends of Cats and Dogs. The parade was fun - as always, and the weather was fabulous.  Prizes are given for the best float, ugliest pet, best movie themed pet, best costume, best pet/human look alike and other stuff.  Stages were set up in Rhodes Park and Caldwell Park and several bands played to entertain the crowd.  There were thousands of very well behaved dogs in the park.  I also saw a turtle, parrot, and snake.  Didn't see any cats :-).  I'm sure there were a few there somewhere.... 05/18/2008

10 fastest growing real estate markets10 homes for sale in hot marketsSee what you can get for the median home price in 10 cities where prices are still climbing. Birmingham's home prices should show steady growth, increasing a projected 2.7% over the next 12 months. 12-month forecast: 2.7% Median home price: $156,000 One year price change: 2.9% Five year price change: 29.4% Change in foreclosure rate: 20% information from cnnmoney.com 05/08/2008