I'm Just a Small Fish In a Big Pond, But I Can Swim Too This message is for home sellers and small real estate firms everywhere. For Home SellersPlease know that listing your home with a BIG franchise company does not guarantee the sale of your home.  If you chose an incompetent or less than capable agent who works for a BIG firm, your home is likely to be just a sitting duck ust like it would be if you listed it with an incompetent agent at a small firm.  Please know that small firms have agents that are just as competent as your perceived notion that bigger is better. What really matters is that you select an agent that you can have confidence in no matter what company s/he works for whether big or small.  What matters is that you hire someone based on their merits and who can stand o... 06/10/2011

Do You Remember the First Time You Did It? I do.  I remember it like it was yesterday or rather yesteryear.  What am I talking about?  You know what I'm talking about.  Well maybe not.  Especially if you're a property virgin. If you are thinking about buying a home, then you are old enough to remember how scary many of your "first" expediences were. That's expected and buying a home is no different.  It can be a little frightening. One of the best things that you can do is: Educate yourself on what to realistically expect and where to start Build you a team of real estate professionals (agent, loan officer, home inspector, title company, etc) that will confidently guide you through the process every step of the way. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Attend our First Time Home Buyers Sem... 06/09/2011

Birmingham Alabama 1st Time Home Buyer Seminar Update We are making process on the upcoming first ever 1st Time Home Buyers Seminar.  Here are the details so far: Capacity:  Limited to 45 people For Info: Contact Charita Cadenhead at (205)-321-1200 Final details to follow so keep coming back.   View Larger Map 06/07/2011

I had a really great interview with a young couple on yesterday and they simply amazed me.  I think that every seller, including sellers of expired listings, should take notes on this couple's approach to selling a home.  No decision was made on yesterday, but watch the video and you'll discover why.  06/06/2011

            Photos taken by Michelle Mickwee and may not be reproduced without express written permission. 06/05/2011

Video:  Bham WIiRE's First Ever 1st Time Homebuyer Seminar, Birmingham Alabama Summer 2011 I am looking forward to a very exciting time for our first ever 1st time homebuyers seminar. For more details, contact me, Charita Cadenhead at 205-321-1200.   06/05/2011

      Ann Wade Parrish and Cassie Moore are working on a book project that is going to feature some of Birmingham's most lovable pups!  Wouldn't you love for your special pet(s) to be included?  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Animal League of Birmingham.     If you would like your dog to be included in "The Hottest Hounds In Birmingham" you can make an appointment by calling 205-335-8298.  Upcoming dates for photo shoots are:   June 6th from 4:00-6:00 PM June 17th from 4:30-6:30 PM June 26th starting at 4:00 PM           * * * * * * *     Looking for a local expert to help with your real estate needs?   Google one here!     Courtesy of Ann Allen, CDPE, e-Pro, SRES, ASP205.902.4868Keller WilliamsOne Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150Hoover, AL  35244       © 2011 Ann Al... 06/03/2011

ACTIVE REAL ESTATE FORECLOSURES FOR SALE IN BIRMINGHAM AL- 06/03/2011 Your FREE ACTIVE REAL ESTATE FORECLOSURES FOR SALE IN BIRMINGHAM AL- 06/03/2011 list has been posted. http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=7015728485 These are Single Family Homes 'Active' on the Birmingham MLS. These homes are ripe for the picking. Don’t Let them pass you by. ACT NOW!! I hope you have an awesome day, packed with smiles while searching for your active Birmingham AL Real Estate Dream. U.S. home prices rose slightly on a monthly basis in April, the first such increase since the expiration of a federal homebuyer tax credit program in mid-2010, according to data aggregator CoreLogic. A home-price index compiled by CoreLogic showed national home prices in April up 0.7 percent month-... 06/03/2011

New Nextage Realty Office in Birmingham, AL! - Real Estate Careers - Become A Real Estate Agent The Magic City, otherwise known as Birmingham, Alabama, ranks as one of the most important business centers in the Southeastern United States. It’s the home of the oldest baseball field in the United States, Rickwood Field, and of “Friends” alum Courtney Cox, who goes back to visit every Spring and Fall. If she’s ever in the market for mansion in her beloved Birmingham, she’s in luck. Birmingham is the location of our newest Nextage Realty office! Congratulations to Freddy Guerra, proud owner of Nextage Elite Realty. The office is located at 2105 Lorna Ridge Lane, Birmingham, AL 35216.  Welcome to the team, Freddy. Birmingham sounds like a fantastic city and, being the first office in Alabama... 06/02/2011

ACTIVE REAL ESTATE FORECLOSURES FOR SALE IN BIRMINGHAM AL- 06/02/2011 Your FREE ACTIVE REAL ESTATE FORECLOSURES FOR SALE IN BIRMINGHAM AL- 06/02/2011 list has been posted. http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=7015718548 These are Single Family Homes 'Active' on the Birmingham MLS. These homes are ripe for the picking. Don’t Let them pass you by. ACT NOW!! I hope you have an awesome day, packed with smiles while searching for your active Birmingham AL Real Estate Dream. U.S. home prices rose slightly on a monthly basis in April, the first such increase since the expiration of a federal homebuyer tax credit program in mid-2010, according to data aggregator CoreLogic. A home-price index compiled by CoreLogic showed national home prices in April up 0.7 percent month... 06/02/2011

  April 2011 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Highland Lakes, Shelby County AL (Single Family Residences) Units Sold: 2 Average List Price:  $417,200 Average Sold Price: $409,000 Average Days on Market:   51   Compare April 2010: Units Sold:  4 Average List Price:   $393,500 Average Sold Price:  $372,500 Average Days on Market:  133   There are currently 61 homes for sale in Highland Lakes ranging from $264,900 to $1,700,000 (per Birmingham MLS)     Don't forget to join the Shelby County Community Page!   If you would like updated information or details for this or any community in or around Birmingham, Jefferson or Shelby Counties, please feel free to call or send me an email.  I would love to hear from you!       Looking for a local expert to help with your real estate needs?   Goo... 05/31/2011

An Absolutely Gorgeous Day in Railroad Park on Memorial Day (Hot But Still Gorgeous) Yesterday was hot as the dickens in Railroad park but the people, the music, the sights and the overall ambiance made it enjoyable and bearable.  Below is just a short video of just one of the bands (I did all of you favorite and didn't include the video where you could here me singing as I was recording.  The video is just a soundbite.  05/31/2011

It's 91 Degrees in the Shade and Railroad Park is Heating Up for Memorial Day The event started this morning at 10 o'clock and will go on all day long until around 9:30 or 10:00 tonight.  I rode by to snap up some early photos but I suspect when I do back to enjoy the concert (early this afternoor), it will be a packed park. Cars are already starting to line the streets.  But an attendee told me that the best of the bands start around 1:00 this afternoon.  But you know how folks are.  Everybody wants to come early to get a good parking space and a seat front and center.   Today in Railroad Park, there will be a Pickin' Up the Pieces Tornado Relief Concert. It won't cost you nothing but you can help a family in need by bringing donations of blankets, ethnic hair products, toiletries, bab... 05/30/2011

  April 2011 Market Statistics for Homes Sold in Crestwood, Birmingham AL (Single Family Residences)   Units Sold:  7 Average List Price:  $166,178 Average Sold Price: $155,521 Average Days on Market: 114   Compare April 2010: Units Sold:  14 Average List Price:  $179,200 Average Sold Price: $170,996 Average Days on Market: 193   There are currently 131 homes for sale in Crestwood (per Birmingham MLS).         If you would like updated information or details for this or any community in or around Birmingham, Jefferson or Shelby Counties, please feel free to call or send me an email.  I would love to hear from you!       Looking for a local expert to help with your real estate needs?   Google one here!     Courtesy of Ann Allen, CDPE, e-Pro, SRES, ASP205.902.4868Keller WilliamsOne Chase ... 05/29/2011

  Fun Stuff To Do Around Birmingham! SALSA SHOWDOWN Saturday, May 28th from 2-6 PM PEPPER PLACE   Where can you find the best salsa in Birmingham?  Come to the Salsa Showdown at Pepper Place and you can cast your vote for your favorite in 4 categories:  Best Salsa, Best Queso, Best Guacamole and Best Specialty Dip.  Local restaurants will be competing to claim the top prizes which will be awarded by a jury of local celebrities.  There's going to be live entertainment, a Hot Pepper Eating Contest, kids activities and more!  With plenty of sunshine in the forecast it will be a great day to get out and enjoy the festivities, taste some yummy food and enjoy a cool Margarita!   Tickets are $15 - 12 and under get in free.   View Larger Map    * * * * * * *     Looking for a local expert to he... 05/28/2011

 Birmingham Alabama Helping to Pick Up the (Tornado) Pieces:  Memorial Day 2011 at Railroad Park Pickin' Up the Pieces Tornado Relief Concert. I won't cost you nothing but you can help a family in need by bringing donations of  blankets, ethnic hair products, toiletries, baby items, nonperishable food items and other goods For your musical pleasure, enjoy music by: Birmingham Heritage Band Neo Jazz Collective, Vann Burchfield. When:    Monday, May 30, 2011 (Memorial Day) Where:   Railroad Park, 1600 First Ave. S., downtown [map]. For Time:      10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, email info@magiccitysmoothjazz.com or call (205) 616-1735. 05/26/2011

  Fun Stuff To Do Around Birmingham! FREE PURE BARRE CLASS Tuesday, May 24th from 6-9 PM North Green at the Lofts of Edenton     Pure Barre is an exercise technique that tones your whole body, particularly targeting your abs, hips, butt and arms.  Unlike some methods it is easy on the joints, using small isometric movements for strength training along with lots of stretching.  This evening you can try it out for free!  All you need is something to exercise on....you can bring a yoga mat or even a towel will work.    This special event is sponsored by Pure Barre 280 which is located at 5426 Highway 280 East, Suite 6, Hoover AL.  (Click on the link and LIKE their Facebook page)   I have an appointment late this afternoon and will probably not be able to attend Pure Barre in the Park, but ... 05/24/2011

  I'll Dig In The Dirt For Birmingham Home Sellers!     I did it today!  Did I plant flowers to add a little color for increased curb appeal?  Nope!  I dug a little hole and buried a St. Joseph statue in their yard.  This is not part of my usual marketing strategy, but these homeowners (who are currently in another state) asked if I would do this for them.  I told them I'd be glad to and set out to find out just what needed to be done.  The tradition of burying a St. Joseph statue is a centuries old practice to help sell a home but for me it was a first.   I called around and found a local store that stocks them.....little ones, bigger ones, painted ones, even kits with instructions on how exactly they must be buried and a prayer.  After talking with the store owner he convinced me I di... 05/23/2011

ACTIVE REAL ESTATE FORECLOSURES FOR SALE IN BIRMINGHAM AL - 05/21/2011 Your FREE ACTIVE REAL ESTATE FORECLOSURES FOR SALE IN BIRMINGHAM AL - 05/21/2011 list has been posted http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=7015627061 These are Single Family Homes 'Active' on the Birmingham MLS. These homes are ripe for the picking. Don’t Let them pass you by. ACT NOW!! I hope you have an awesome day, packed with smiles. With T-minus mere hours until the rapture comes, it's no surprise the folks who know for a fact they'll be left behind are trying to figure out what to do with the earthly possessions of those headed for heaven. And is there any better outlet for the common man to air his concerns than Craigslist? We thinketh not. Check out ACTIVE REAL ESTATE FORECLOSURES FOR ... 05/21/2011

  Fun Stuff To Do Around Birmingham! DO DAH DAY Celebrating Our Four-Legged Friends!     Birmingham loves Do Dah Day!  This annual event is a favorite of many locals and their pets and will be held Saturday, May 21st in Caldwell Park and Rhodes Park off Highland Avenue on Birmingham's Southside beginning at 11:05 AM.     There will be food, beer and t-shirts, but most of all there will be pets, costumes and a whole lot of fun!  All proceeds from the event are donated to local animal charities.  The day is a lot of fun for everyone, but it's really all about helping animals.   There will be animals available for adoption and booths that are collecting donations for animal relief to help victims of the recent tornadoes.     So dress up your four-legged friends and come spend a day of fami... 05/20/2011