Home sales in Helena (one of the top 100 places to live in America) dropped to 13 in January 2009. This doesn't sound great - but it was better than the 7 that sold in November 2008! The average salesprice was $199,180.  Prices range from $145,000 for a 3BR, 2BA in Old Cahaba to $272,500 for a 4 BR, 3.5 BA in Riverwoods. Both Old Cahaba and Riverwoods are located off of HWY 52 near the Cahaba River. The average days on the market for sold properties was 111.  Currently there are 238 properties on the market (down from a high of 360 in November) which represents an 18.30 month supply. Helena prides itself on its family friendly atmosphere. Are you looking for a new home?  Search for a home in Helena, Alabama or the Greater Birmingham Area at my website www.ToniBird.com. 02/13/2009

  This Market Report for Dearing Downs in Helena AL looks at Market Absorption Trends for 12 months, 6 months and 3 months ending January 2009.  Please note that there were no sales closed in the last 3 months.               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           © 2009 Ann Allen, All rights reserved   Photo taken by Ann Allen, and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Ann Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Hoover AL.  Please check if Creative Commons License as been granted for this or other photography provided by Ann Allen.  Permission usually granted if credit is given with a link back.  Thank you for your understanding.   02/05/2009

            © 2009 Ann Allen, All rights reserved   Photo taken by Ann Allen, and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Ann Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Hoover AL.  Permission usually granted if credit is given with a link back.  Thank you for your understanding. 02/04/2009

  This Market Report for Amberley Woods in Helena AL looks at Market Absorption Trends for 12 months, 6 months and 3 months ending January 2009.           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           © 2009 Ann Allen, All rights reserved   Photo taken by Ann Allen, and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Ann Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Hoover AL.  Please check if Creative Commons License as been granted for this or other photography provided by Ann Allen.  Permission usually granted if credit is given with a link back.  Thank you for your understanding. 02/03/2009

It breaks my heart to share this with you..... I have struggled about whether to post about this, but since I sent out a plea for help to bring Sophie home, now that her fate is known I feel I should share with those of you that were concerned about her when she became missing. If you missed my earlier post, here it is. After many days and hours of searching, my friends finally found Sophie, deceased, in the river less than a mile from their home.  There is still no sign of Brian, the little white dog.  The circumstances of Sophie and Brian's (Brian is still missing) disappearance are still suspicious, and foul play is suspected.           ISN'T SHE BEAUTIFUL?         01/27/2009

If you are in the market to purchase a home in Helena, AL you have picked a wonderful area to raise a family, enjoy life and simply relax.  Helena is very unique.  The City caters to families and is always planning special events for family participation.  The school system is excellent and you will feel like your neighbors truly care about you.  Old Towne Helena is filled with specialty shops where you are certain to find one of a kind treasures.  Don't miss a chance to take a tour and see for yourself. For more information please contact Debbie Hutchins, Realtor RE/MAX First Choice.  www.debbiehutchins.com .  Debbie will find your dream home and I will help you with your financing.  01/26/2009

    PLEASE HELP US FIND THESE DOGS THAT ARE MISSING IN HELENA AL!       On Sunday morning, 1/18/09, Sophie (a golden retriever) and Brian (a small white dog) disappeared from their own front yard in The Cottages of Old Town Helena.  Their owners  have put out flyers, driven all over, and notified area vets and other agencies.  Friends, neighbors and strangers have been looking but no one has seen either of these much missed pets.  Sophie has never been gone for longer than 30 minutes before returing home.  Sophie was wearing a green collar with a tag and she has a microchip.   REWARD 205-337-1128   PLEASE CALL WITH ANY INFO!   THANK YOU!   01/20/2009

 Helena, located in North Shelby County, is synonymous with rapid but controlled growth.  The pace at which this city is developing has allowed it to maintain its small town charm, yet offers the resources necessary to provide the services that the residents and businesses need and deserve. Helena has grown into a city that offers a lot of the conveniences of larger cities yet still maintains its family-oriented atmosphere.  There are many pointes of interest in the City of Helena.   Enjoy summer concerts, sundown cinemas, Kids fest, the Buck Creek Festival and 4th of July celebration at the Helena Amphitheater in Old Town Helena.  At Joe Tucker Park there are walking paths around the lake, tennis courts and picnic areas. Cahaba Lily Park offers a playground, picnic pavilions, walking t... 01/11/2009

With 2008 behind us and well on our way into the New Year of 2009 let's reflect back over the real estate activity that has taken place in this beautiful community in Helena.    It is no secret that the slow economy has caught up with us here in "Sweet Home Alabama" and with the age old saying "numbers don't lie" our ever popular family neighborhood has slowed down also.  If you compare this report to the one for the complete area  Over the Mountain and Shelby County Alabama ~ A Year in Review 2008 you can see that Riverwoods Days on Market are actually on the higher side.  We have 15 Homes on the Market for Sale and Sold 24 Homes in 2008.  The slow down in sales led to the slow down in New Home Starts not just in Riverwoods but in all of the Birmingham area.  Builders across the natio... 01/09/2009

                                            Don't forget to listen for the Jolly Ole Elf on Christmas Eve! He will be visiting throughout the city atop a firetruck! Routes will start at approximately 2:00 pm. Due to Santa’s busy schedule, he will not be able to go down every street. He will be on a major roadway in every part of the city. Listen for the sirens that let you know he is near.                                        This is only a guide and is subject to change or cancellation, without notice, should an emergincy arise or inclement weather occur.  Happy Holidays from the Helena Fire Department       12/22/2008

    PLEASE SUPPORT HELENA BOY SCOUT TROOP 2!     Christmas Trees -  prices here Stacks of Firewood for $15   FREE DELIVERY!   Located at AL Highway 261 and Co. Rd. 52 across the street from the Helena Post Office     FOR DETAILS CLICK ON HELENA BOY SCOUT TROOP 2 TREE WEBSITE                         HELENA BOY SCOUT TROOP 2 APPRECIATES YOUR SUPPORT!           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            Photos taken by Ann Allen, and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Ann Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Hoover AL.  Please check if Creative Commons License as been granted for this or oth... 12/13/2008

      COME ON OUT AND PREVIEW THESE FINE HOMES IN THE EVER POPULAR New Home Community RIVERWOODS IN HELENA, ALABAMA Saturday December 6  10:00 - 5:00 Sunday December 7  12:30 - 5:00 "Come see why everyone is saying Come Home to Riverwoods!"             NEW HOMES AVAILABLE WE ALSO HAVE SEVERAL BEAUTIFUL WOODED LOTS AVAILABLE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BUILD! I WILL HAVE THE PRICE LIST AND PLAT MAP AVAILABLE FOR YOUR VIEWING.             I AM SO MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU! I WILL HAVE THE HOT COCOA READY! WILL YOU BE THERE?             12/05/2008

  Helena, 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 Helena Alabama Houses. For this report we wanted to focus in on Old Cahaba Real Estate in Helena, Alabama. Third QuarterTh Helena - Old Cahaba Houses for Sale Listed in September 2008 For the month of September there were 8 Newly listed Old Cahaba Properties for sale. The Average Price was $219,325. The Median Price was $205,000. Helena - Old Cahaba Houses Sold September 2008 For the month of September there were 7 Old Cahaba properties that sold in He... 11/29/2008

  Birmingham, Alabama - 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 Alabama houses.  For this report we want to focus on Helena AL Real Estate Birmingham - Helena Houses for Sale Listed September 2008 For the month of September there were 36 Newly Listed Helena properties for Sale. The Average Price was $190,231. The Median Price was $174,900. Birmingham - Helena Houses Sold September 2008 For the month of September there were 25 Sold properties in Helena AL. The Average Price was $193,530. The Median Pr... 11/29/2008

    MARK YOUR CALENDARS! HELENA'S 38TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE "All I want for Christmas....." Saturday  ~  December 6th                       Don't miss this exciting annual event! Parade will begin at 2:00 at Winn Dixie and proceed on it's route to Old Town What better way to begin the Christmas Holiday season than with a Parade! Come out and support all of the people that have worked so hard to bring you this grand event! HO HO HO and a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!   DEBBIE HUTCHINS RE/MAX FIRST CHOICE 205 - 369-2474 11/27/2008

      HELENA, ALABAMA IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY! You will enjoy shopping and dining in OLD TOWN HELENA where the historical town has been preserved into a quaint shopping village with restaurants and specialty shops. The OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER  is a place for concerts, festivals, movies, weddings and special events.  Some of the annual events held here include  The Annual Buck Creek Festival, Sundown Cinemas, Helena Summer Concert Series, the July 4th Celebration featuring Elvis in Concert, Three on a String Concert and the Civil War Re-enactment.                                                                                     JOE TUCKER PARK located behind City Hall is graced with a beautiful 4 acre fishing lake with picnic areas, pavilions and nice paved walking path. T... 11/23/2008

Home sales in Helena (one of the top 100 places to live in America) have been pretty consistent throughout the year.  In October there were 28 home sales - down from 31 in September. The average salesprice was $193,661.  Prices range from $90,000 for a HUD foreclosure in Shelena Estates, to $350,000 for a new construction property in Long Leaf Lakes. The average days on the market for sold properties was 85.  Currently there are 263 properties on the market in Helena which represents a 9 month supply - fabulous in this economy! Helena prides itself on its family friendly atmosphere. Are you looking for a new home?  Search for a home in Helena, Alabama or the Greater Birmingham Area at my website www.ToniBird.com. 11/19/2008

    Today I filled up my gas-guzzling SUV for $31.22!   It was cold and windy out there, but I couldn't resist these prices! Only $31.22 to fill up my tank and my low gas light has been on for about 20 miles!   These great prices were found at the Kangaroo Convenience Store on Highway 95 in Helena AL                           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         11/16/2008

Riverwoods in Helena, Alabama is truly a Place To Come Home To! Preserving the beauty of the natural terrain, you will take pleasure in the gently rolling hills, wooded home sites, private lakes, walking trails, playgrounds and community pool! Don't hesitate!  Look over the list of homes available below and Come Home to Riverwoods! Riverwoods Homes Available  Street# StreetName Style #Bedrooms #TotalBaths #GarageSpaces Year Description YearBuilt ListPrice 467 RIVER OAKS LN 1.5Story 4 2 2 NewComplete 2007 249900 415 RIVER OAKS LN 1.5Story 4 3 2 NewComplete 2007 249900 229 PARK LAKE TRC 1.5Story 4 2 2 Existing 2003 260000 419 RIVER OAKS LN 2Story 4 3 2 NewComplete 2007 269900 205 CREEKWOOD CT 1.5Story 4 4 2 Existing 2002 279900 147 PARK LAKE TRC 1.5Story 4 4 2 Existing 2005 289900 200 PI... 11/14/2008

                                                         RIVERWOODS located in the City of Helena Helena, located in North Shelby County, is synonymous with rapid but controlled growth.  The pace at which we are developing has allowed us to maintain our small town charm, yet gives us the resources necessary to provide the services that our citizens and businesses need and deserve. Helena has grown into a city that offers a lot of the conveniences of larger cities yet still maintains its family-oriented atmosphere.  There are many pointes of interest in the City of Helena.   Enjoy summer concerts, sundown cinemas, Kids fest, the Buck Creek Festival and 4th of July celebration at the Helena Amphitheater in Old Town Helena.  At Joe Tucker Park there are walking paths around the lake, tenni... 11/08/2008