Madison Alabama Home Sale Prices   After sharing the “ugly” four letter word, “down market”,  in my previous post, I’m thrilled to be able to share a bit of good news.  While our yearly sales have been declining, our Madison Alabama home sale prices are moving up!   I have pulled data from January 1-October 31st, year over year.  As mentioned in my earlier post, apples to apples!                                The average home sale price in Madison Alabama peaked in 2008 and took a sharp decline in ’09.  I’m pleased to share that we are now just a hair above ’07 prices!  While the number of homes sold in Madison Alabama was down, our sale prices are moving up!   If you need more information about Madison Alabama homes for sale, I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.   11/03/2010

    Madison Alabama Home Sales Market Report   It’s time to share that dirty four letter word....DOWN market.  Ouch.  I said it.   I pulled numbers for the past 5 years.  I have included single family home sales in Madison Alabama from January 1-October 31st,  year over year.  Apples to apples.                                   Do I think this is the end of the world?  Heck no.  I do think we are suffering and it’s very apparent.  The number of homes sold in Madison Alabama between 2006-2010 has taken a sharp decline.  While our market does fair much better than other areas, we are not untouched.  In part, I believe people are choosing to wait out the market before selling, if they can.  The days of wanting to own a McMansion are over...many owners have again fallen in love with their c... 11/03/2010

Pet Adoptions Madison Alabama There are lots of things going on this weekend especially because of Halloween, but if you have a few extra minute stop by the Publix shopping center to see some of the adoptable pets available through MARF.          Whether you're looking for a good looking cat like Domino or a little puppy like Tucker why not stop by the Publix shopping center at the intersection of Hughes and University in Madison Alabama this Saturday October 30, 2010 between 11am and 3pm.  While Domino and Tucker are adoptable they won't be there, but many of there adoptable buddies will be.       For more information about adopting, donations or volunteer work contact MARF:    info@madisonarf.org adopt@madisonarf.org donations@madisonarf.org  View Larger Map   If you need a knowledgea... 10/29/2010

Working With A Realtor...II In the my last post Working With A Realtor...How It Works I wanted to name of few misconceptions that the public had about working with Realtors.  I received some really good comments and a couple of agents added more to the list that I promised to share in the follow up and final post. Dave Minder added that sometimes a customer will ask an agent about a listing outside of the area that agent serves, sometimes way outside and they expect you to know all about it simply because it's listed by the same company brand.  Folks, I hate to break it to you, but we as agents don't know every single property that's listed.  I might also add that if you do call about a property you saw while out driving...try to at least give us an address instead of saying;  well I wa... 10/28/2010

RainCamp Charlotte...I'm Soooooo Depressed!!! I'm sooooo depressed.  I've been arranging my schedule around RainCamp Charlotte for the last week or so.  It would be my first and I was looking forward to meeting members that I've only emailed or talked to on the phone and maybe bending an elbow once or twice with them.  Of course attending classes geared toward all the stuff I want and need to learn more about also factored in there somewhere. Anyway, as life would have it...all the planning and scheduling in the world is no match for "it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings"!  Clients, classes, closings and cars all conspired against me...it ain't going to happen!  And to make things worse I just got off the phone with Craig Rutman on his way to RC with Nevin Williams...(at least I think ... 10/27/2010

Walden Homeowners Halloween Party Madison AL, Friday October 29 2010  6-9 pm        Halloween Costume Party hosted by:              Walden Homeowners Association.                                            Kids, on Friday, October 29, put on your    Halloween costume and join in the fun at    the Walden Clubhouse!                               The party is from 6-9 pm.  Drop in and show off your costumes!  Games, Pizza and Goodies of course!     Lots of Halloween fun is guaranteed!!!!       10/25/2010

Time To Put Nail In Another Sunday Evening..."Always With Me Always With You" Joe Satriani has been a favorite of mine for several years now.  His driving guitar solos fill my need for speed at least on the back of his signature Ibanez JS Series electric guitar.  Inspired by Hendrix, Clapton, Beck and working with a few other guys you might know; Mick Jagger, David Lee Roth, Steve Vai, Deep Purple and so many others, Satriani is a guitar force to recon with.  But, it's Sunday evening and I picked something by Satriani just a bit more laid back...the perfect way to end a Sunday. Enjoy!! If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you!   10/24/2010

Real Estate Agents Held To A Higher Standard So what's this post about?  It's about letting the public know that we are held to a higher standard...that we hold ourselves to a higher standard to serve our clients better. As a Real Estate Broker, Associate Broker, former Appraiser and investor, I've always worked in the best interest of my clients and done everything possible to represent my profession to the highest standards.  I understand that there is a negative perception of real estate agents to some degree largely due to the behavior of a few less ethical agents and the mistaken idea that real estate agents make scads of money (most don't).  I'm proud of my profession, thoroughly enjoy it and am very serious about changing that negative perception one client at a time.  Of the hun... 10/22/2010

Highland Lakes, Madison AL:I'm really glad I had my camera today while out driving in Highland Lakes. The weather is perfect and it was so clear, I could see all the way to the rocket and downtown Huntsville.Homes For Sale in Highland Lakes, Madison AL 10/21/2010

Madison Alabama The Villas At Madison Condominiums For Sale 35758 Does the idea of no more lawns to cut or maintain appeal to you?  The low HOA fees at The Villas at Madison will take care of that for you and so much more.  Included in the small monthly HOA assessment are items that you would normally have to pay for and schedule separately or on your own, such as; exterior building maintenance, yard maintenance,common grounds, exterior insurance, trash removal pest control, exterior water and sewer.  Additionally there is a pool and clubhouse.  If you are considering down sizing or no longer want to deal with many of the considerations with home ownership, The Villas at Madison might be just what your looking for. The Villas at Madison is a very desirable and affordable condominium com... 10/17/2010

Are You Ready For A Little Stevie Ray Vaughan...The Sky Is Crying I need to start posting these tunes a little earlier, but it seems this is the time of evening when I really get into the music and think of my AR friends.  We recently celebrated John Lennons birthday and remembered what he meant to the world...his politics...his music and he is missed.  Another musician that I miss is Stevie Ray Vaughan.  It's hard to believe that he's been gone this long, but I remember well in 1990 when he died in a helicopter crash just moments after leaving Alpine Valley in Wisconsin en route to Chicago...there were no survivors, but his music like John Lennons lives on. If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you! 10/15/2010

Madison Alabama Bar-B-Q Thomas Pit Bar-B-Q Restaurant 35758         I've been eating at Thomas Bar-B-Q for the last 4 years...ever since I moved to Madison Alabama.  There's no good excuse for not writing about it until now, but I'm glad the light finally went on.  Thomas Bar-B-Q is owned and operated by James Thomas second generation in the same location for the last 44 years.  His father Issac opened the business and taught his son the secret of success...put out an outstanding product with a huge side dish of friendly service.               This is where the magic happens...the smoke house...and I say that with a certain amount of reverence, because through the door of this building passes some of the best smoked beef, pork, ribs and chicken that I have tasted. Of course taste is com... 10/14/2010

Your Realtor Made A Mistake (ME) And I'm Going To Make It Right! Okay, so why would I admit such a thing in this forum for all to read?  It's simple...if I make a mistake I'm going to make it right!  None of us are perfect least of all me and my ego isn't that big that I can't accept blame.  We all make mistakes, but it's how we deal with those mistakes that lets the world know who we are.  Recently I wrote an offer for clients and it was eventually accepted by the sellers (no kidding...it was a great offer and there was the tiny issue of the mistake in wording I used). Without getting into the details of the contract I will only say that I accidentally substituted the word including for excluding.  This Faux pas will end up costing my clients between $300 and $600...nope that's not goi... 10/11/2010

This Mustang Brought A Few Memories Racing Back From The Past On the way back to the office after showing one of my listings here in Madison Alabama, I saw this Mustang...a quick U-turn and moments later I'm back to the corner where it's current owner parked it with a for sale sign. Now, I'm not knocking the new Mustangs because I'd love to have one, but this was the original of that body style and this was what my car looked like, same color, same model, just not the same year.  This is a '69 Mustang Mach I, automatic...what??...(couldn't have been a gearhead!) mine was a '70.  My baby had a manual 4 speed with a Hurst shifter and just enough engine work to keep up with the big boys on the road at that time.  This car had a $29,500 price tag...guess I should have hung on to mine.  I tr... 10/10/2010

Do You Ever Feel All Used Up...Maybe It isn't always so bad on a Friday Night Another Friday night is upon us, the break between the work week and the working weekend that is the life of a Real Estate agent.  On Friday nights I like to listen to music and unwind a bit from the week and recharge for Saturday and Sunday and tonight I'm beginning with Mr. Bill Withers.  Many of you are familiar Lean on Me, Just the Two of Us, or Ain't no Sunshine, but my favorite Bill Withers song is Use Me  released in '72 when artists were still putting out great music.  Well, that's my opinion anyway.  Most of us have heard the studio version, but I kind of like this live selection.  Have a listen and I hope you enjoy...maybe reminisce a bit of those years if you're old enough.  HAPPY FRIDAY!! If you ne... 10/08/2010

Madison Alabama The Reserve At Bridgefield 35758 Homes For Sale The Reserve At Bridgefield Madison Alabama is one of our newer neighborhoods of homes one to five years old.  The Reserve At Bridgefield is a very desirable subdivision and location connected with Bridgefield subdivision it shares the same convenience of location and schools, West Madison Elementary, Liberty Middle and Bob Jones High.  There are currently two homes for sale priced at $284,900 and $422,400. 4 bedroom/4 bath and 5 bedroom/ 5 bath respectively.  Two homes have sold in the last three months within 4.0% of list.  The Reserve At Bridgefield is located just a few minutes south of University (HWY 72) and west of Wall Triana.  Shopping is an easy ride only minutes away and for that elegant shopping experience, Bridg... 10/07/2010

Madison Alabama Homestead Subdivision 35758 I'll be glad to answer all your questions about Homestead or any other subdivision in Madison or Huntsville Alabama.  My cell: (256)230-5933 Websites: http://NickTPappas.com or  http://nickpappas.thesummitrealtors.com/ Homestead subdivision in Madison Alabama is an established neighborhood of very affordable modestly priced homes.  Current homes for sale are priced from $159,900 to $181,500.  Homestead is located just south of University (HWY 72) and west of Wall Triana.  Shopping is only minutes away along University and for a more elegant shopping experience, Bridge Street Towne Centre is a 15 minute ride where you'll find upscale shops, the Monaco Cinema and many fine restaurants.  Old downtown Madison Alabama and the newer shopping area on... 10/06/2010

Madison Street Festival Madison Alabama 35758...Part 3...We Don't Need No Stinking Park Pictures...Give Us Cars Everyone had a good time at the festival, but enough of people in the park...let's see some cars!! Back with a few more car photos and if you have the time...check out the video of a '67 Cobra at the end, this was when cars sounded like cars...wish I could say that I was there for that ride, but alas no such luck. There's no question about it...Carroll Shelby's '65 Cobra was my favorite car there...hence the slightly larger photo.     If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you! 10/04/2010

Madison Street Festival Madison Alabama 35758...Part 2 Last week I did a post of quiet Old downtown Madison for the up coming Madison Street Festival here in Madison Alabama.  Yesterday October 3, 2010 was the day of the Festival and I stopped by to get a few photo's of street scenes and the Corvettes that I knew would be on display sponsored by the Vets with Vettes organization.  I did take a lot of photos mostly of the cars displayed, new and old alike.  Parking wasn't easy especially since I arrived late in the afternoon (had floor duty earlier), but I did manage to see some really nice cars.  Because I took so many car photos, I plan to do another post with more of the cars at the Festival.  I hope you enjoy the following photos and if you live in the area be sure to stop by next ye... 10/03/2010

Friday Night's "Stranglehold" Music To My Ears...Are You Ready To Rock? Back in '75 Ted Nugent and the boys, Cliff Davies, Rob Grange and Derek St. Holmes got together in Atlanta Georgia to do a demo.  Ted Nugent had never before played the guitar licks you are about to hear...and I'm sure this is not the first time you've heard "Stranglehold".  What they ended with was a rock song that would officially launch the "Motor City Mad Man's" career.  With the exception of some overdubbing on Derek St. Holmes vocals and two of Nugent's harmonized feedback tracks"Stranglehold" was done in one take.  You just can't get more real or truer than that.  Enjoy.  If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you! 10/01/2010