Twickenham Historic District, Huntsville Alabama, 35801, History of Huntsville, Part 1 A History of Huntsville Alabama: The Twickenham Historic District, first of a three part series.  How did Huntsville Alabama become this NASA base and hub of government contracting?  What was it before it became the sprawling city that it is?  It was the Appalachian Trail’s shoestrings. The heavily wooded foothills of the Appalachian Mountains were first traversed and settled by John Hunt in 1805, from whom Huntsville eventually inherited its name. However, the land was first purchased, plotted, sold, and named Twickenham by Leroy Pope, in honor of the English home of poet Alexander Pope.  The name only lasted a short while though; Twickenham was renamed Huntsville in 1811.  Huntsville grew quickly, a... 11/04/2011

The game being touted as "the game of the century" is being played this Saturday, November 5, 2011!  THE GAME between two undefeated teams:  ALABAMA VS. LSU!  No matter who you cheer for, ALABAMA OR LSU, it promises to be an exciting game! Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM - and the local bars are gearing up for fun!  Baumhower's Wings in Huntsville is gearing up for what they are also calling "the game of the century".  Also gearing up for the big game is Knuckleheads Sports Bar in Madison, Alabama.   While many people will be watching the Alabama Vs. LSU game at home -- quietly -- or with friends and/or family, many people flock to the local bars because, as one fan says:  "Bars are more fun because there are more tv's AND thats where the fans are!" Whatever you do for the Alabama vs. ... 11/03/2011

Home Sales, Huntsville Alabama, October 2011 & 2010   Statistics time frame from Northern Alabama MLS October 2011Property Type:  Single family homes Madison County Current year October 2011   Total Homes Sold:  83,  Total Sales:  $12,688,725,  Average Sales:  $152,876,  Median Sales:  $140,000,  Average Days on the Market:  114, Average list to sales price:  95% One year ago October 2010   Statistics time frame from Northern Alabama MLS October 2010  Property Type:  Single family homes Madison County Total Homes Sold:  88,  Total Sales:  $14,899,574,  Average Sales:  $159,209,  Median Sales:  $153,000, Average Days on the Market:  76,  Average list to sales price:  96%     If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison Alabama or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you ... 11/03/2011

Buying a "Flipped" House (past Foreclosure) in Alabama - Things You Need to Know!    As a professional Real Estate Agent in the North Alabama area for several years, these are the things I think any potential buyer should know about buying a foreclosure, and, specifically, a previous foreclosure bought by an investor, "fixed up" and "flipped". In Alabama, the Right of Redemption Law exists: this law allows the original owner to reclaim their property up to one year AFTER foreclosure date!  YES - this is TRUE!  One year!  Now the previous owner (or other persons) must pay the foreclosed amount, plus 12%, plus all MANDATORY repairs (not cosmetic!) to reclaim this property; and in the State of Alabama, less than 1% of such properties are claimed.  HOWEVER, in dealing with these types of pr... 11/02/2011

Plantation South, Condominiums, Huntsville Alabama, 35802   Affordable and tucked away on a little hill top Huntsville Alabama's Plantation South Condominiums are hidden gems just minutes away from downtown Huntsville Alabama and Madison.  Plantation South is an older condominium complex just a short drive south on Memorial Parkway in South West Huntsville Alabama.  Having a ten minute commute to downtown Huntsville and an even shorter trip to gate 1 of the Redstone Arsenal, Plantation South Condominiums offer a good alternative to pricier and less convenient areas.  This condominium  community is also in the highly rated Virgil I. Grissom High School district, convenient to shopping and easy access to many fine restaurants like Rosie's Cantina (link to a different location, but the sam... 10/29/2011

Klos Diamond Center, Diamonds And Service in Huntsville Alabama This post was inspired by Read Klos, owner of Klos Diamond Center here in Huntsville Alabama and the service I received from him.  I firmly believe that most businesses offer similar products and services in their respective market and what truly distinguishes one business from another is their knowledge, commitment to service and the quality of their product.   Today I stopped for lunch at Terranova's Restaurant near my office in the Village of Providence.  Next door to Terranova's is a jewelry shop, Klos Diamond Center.  It so happens that I needed a new battery for my watch so this was the perfect opportunity to save myself further embarrassment such as yesterday when I was 40 minutes late to a showing...fortunately so w... 10/27/2011

Sweet CeCe's, Frozen Yogurt and Treats, The Village Of Providence, Huntsville Alabama I visited Sweet CeCe's Frozen Yogurt and Treats when it first opened here in the Village of Providence, Huntsville Alabama and to be honest I saw the potential for disaster.  The idea is to build your own treat using the yogurt and sorbet dispensers and then add the fruit, candy, cookies or nuts topping it off.  Great idea in theory, but it was a little hard to control the levers that dispensed the yogurt and sorbet and in the hands of kids it was simply a recipe for over flowing cups of stuff all over the floor.  Add to that the fact that there appeared to be a pressure "regulation" issue in the machines...my first visit saw three kids covered in yogurt from highly pressurized, exploding yogurt/sorbet... 10/24/2011

First Time Home Buyers in Hampton Cove, Huntsville, AL   The Hampton Cove neighborhood in Huntsville, Alabama is the perfect location for first time home buyers.  Being first time home buyers is always a big step and you have to make sure that not only the home meets your expectations, but the community exceeds your needs and desires as well.  This neighborhood truly does have everything first time home buyers are looking for! Hampton Cove got its name, just as that.  It is in the cove of the valley between the breathtaking Monte Sano Mountain, Green Mountain and Keel Mountain.  Never short on views, this community thrives on its great location and rigorous outdoor activities.  In addition, it has has 28 stocked lakes and 20 miles of sidewalks and paths, perfect for active first time ho... 10/24/2011

The Village Of Providence, Huntsville Alabama, Car Show, 2011, Part 2 This is the second part of the Village of Providence Car Show, 2011, Huntsville Alabama.  I hope you enjoy the photos and maybe fire a few memories for those lucky enough to remember some of these beauties or to have owned one.  Be sure to check out the previous post, The village of Providence, Huntsville Alabama, Car Show, 2011, Part 1.  Remember "War of the Rose's with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner? Audi A8...the engine is in the rear. '61 Corvette next to one of it's younger cousins. Carrol Shelby's AC Cobra...still one of my all time favorites.  It's nickname used to be the "neck breaker" back in the day because of its quickness off the line and coming out of each gear...the car would pin you to the back of ... 10/23/2011

The Village Of Providence, Huntsville Alabama, Car Show, 2011, Part 1 Car 54 where are you???...well, obviously at the annual Village of Providence car show in Huntsville Alabama. After just looking out of my office window it was clear the Village of Providence car show was well underway and that was my clue to walk across the street to snap a few photos.  The ground construction/development you see at the top of the photos below is the site of a new Marriott hotel and shops.  Below is a 356 Porsche Super 90 Ford GT and it's engine compartment A little bit of something for everyone. Check out the next Village of Providence Car Show post. If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison Alabama or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you! I also kn... 10/23/2011

The Village Of Providence, Huntsville Alabama, Car Show 2011, Benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation The Village of ProvidenceSunday October 23, 2011Time: 1-5 P.M.7 Town Center Dr.Huntsville, Alabama 35806More info: (256) 714-4857   It's finally here, the Village of Providence Car show.  Set aside time from house hunting and all the other things that you cram into a weekend (because you can't get it done during the week) tomorrow October 23, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m. for the annual Village of Providence Car show here in Huntsville Alabama.  Car enthusiast's are guaranteed an afternoon of eye popping, polished chrome and sheet metal and maybe a little drooling.  Automobiles of all types from Hot Rods and old classics to trucks and newer ultra high performance vehicles. All proceeds go t... 10/22/2011

I'm so disappointed we won't be able to make the Salsalabama Jam costume party this year. Last year was a lot of fun and the performances were first-class. This year promises to be even bigger and better at the Von Braun Center. When: October 22nd and 23rd, 2011 Where: Von Braun Center and Rocket City Dance Club Organizer: Salseroblanko What: Salsa Workshops for all levels of dancers; from beginner to advanced / Performances / Costume Party   10/17/2011

If This Doesn't Move You To Action I Don't Know What Will I've just read a post "This isn't about a Polictical Statement, it's about the state of America today..." by Kevin J. May and wasn't going to leave a simple comment and be on my way.  I re-blogged his post and sent the email below to the parent company of the Casa Monica hotel.  I hope this moves you to do the same. Below is the address to Kessler Enterprise and the email I sent them in case you can't read the small print. sales@kesslercollection.com To whom it may concern, Regarding the firing by your company of Sean May for wearing the American Flag.  I’m just one of the many individuals that are left shaking their heads over your decision to fire Sean May from his position at the Casa Monica hotel for refusing to take off an A... 10/15/2011

The Village Of Providence, Huntsville Alabama, There is Always Something Going On There is always something going on in the Village of Providence, Huntsville Alabama.  Tonight as I sit at my desk just putting the finishing touches on a purchase contract and closing out another great day in real estate...windows open because it's so beautiful out I noticed an unusual amount of noise coming from the street.  Well, there was a party going on in the Green Space a half block from my office so I took a break to investigate. When I got to the park there were tons of kids running and having a good time.  Booths were set up for games and of course there were the giant blow up slides and bouncing areas.  It turns out this event was for the Village of Providence K-8 Fall Festival raising donations... 10/14/2011

Secure Your ID Day 2011, U.S. Space And Rocket Center, Huntsville Alabama    Are all those documents that were very important at one time and containing very personal information about you...you know the kind of stuff an identity thief would love to get their hands on...are all those outdated documents just piling up and you want a safe way to be rid of it all??   The U.S. Space and Rocket Center has the answer to help you out.  Known as "Secure Your ID Day", bring up to three boxes or bags of documents and two computer hard drives to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Go to the Davidson Center parking lot. Phone U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville Alabama:  1-800-63-SPACE Hard drives must be removed from computers, CD's, flo... 10/14/2011

Taste of Huntsville 2011 10/13/2011

Indian Creek Cove Subdivision, Huntsville Alabama, 35806 For all homes in Northern Alabama go to my website:  nickTpappas.comor call: 256 230-5933  Indian Creek Cove is in the Monrovia and Sparkman school district off of Douglas & Indian Creek Roads.  Located just a few minutes north of The very popular Village of Providence, Indian Creek Cove is close to University Hwy shopping and areas of employment as well as Cummings Research Park and the Redstone Arsenal.  Just to the east of Indian Creek Cove is Jordan Lane (Hwy 53) for quick access to University and Research Park Blvd. a direct route to I-565 and the Redstone Arsenal.  Close to most everything and yet has that out in the country feel as you can see by the cotton field just across Douglas Road and Indian Creek Cove Subdivision.  ... 10/12/2011

A Few Photos After Make A Wish 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, Village Of Providence, Huntsville Alabama Today's Make A Wish 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run in the Village of Providence benefiting children in Alabama by all counts was a success.  I'm told that over $20,000 was donated by local business and participants.  There were many activities besides the main event including face painting, the giant blow up slides and pumpkin painting at the Village Cafe.  Below are a few photos of the day and now it's on to a new week.    If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison Alabama or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you! I also know outstanding agents in all states and Canada should you need help relocating to a new area. 10/09/2011

Make A Wish 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, The Village Of Providence, Huntsville Alabama, October 9, 2011 Supporters of the Make A Wish 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run were out in force today collecting donations and signing up volunteers and participants for tomorrows event.  Below is my Broker Elizabeth Cooper Golden @Homes Realty (waving) and Allison Haines of Knology donating their time and money in support of the Make A Wish Foundation's Fun Run benefiting children directly here in Alabama.  The tent will be in front of the Mellow Mushroom Restaurant until 8:00 p.m. this evening and again tomorrow at noon, volunteers will be on hand to direct supporters, receive donations and sign up runners.  I will also be on hand helping out where ever needed.  If you are in the area of The Village of Providence on O... 10/08/2011

Rocket City Moms, Huntsville Alabama Are you new in Huntsville Alabama or maybe Madison Alabama and want to know the best places to take your kids for all things fun, entertainment, educational?  Need to know about schools in the area or home schooling, family friendly parks or even great mechanic's?  Then visit RocketCityMoms.com to find out what they are all about.  You'll find tips on area attractions, restaurants where your kids can eat for free.  Local resources and support groups...absolutely everything someone new to an area needs to know...all the important stuff and so much more.  Rocket City Moms is the organizer for Familypalooza, an event at the park in The Village Of Providence.  A chance to get acquainted with area business that you and your family will want to know about.... 10/08/2011