Admin

Tuscaloosa, AL Real Estate News

By Homes For Heroes
(Affiliates nationwide for Hero Rewards)
      Homes for Heroes would like to introduce our new Affiliate, Jason Moon! “After the devastating tornadoes that hit Tuscaloosa, Alabama last year, which is where I live and work, I have been searching for a way to show the many heroes that stepped up to help with relief efforts how much they are appreciated, such as the countless firefighters, EMTs, and National Guard soldiers. Also, Tuscaloosa is home to three higher learning institutions and more than thirty elementary and high schools, with many teachers and professors giving of themselves daily to teach our students. When I found Homes for Heroes, I knew that it was a perfect program for me to give back to my community and my country, especially the heroes that serve it every day. I am looking forward to working with all my loca...
Comments 1
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
University of Alabama Homecoming 2012 Information Are you ready for Gameday in Tuscaloosa?  Did your tickets arrive last week?  If you are headed to Dallas when the Tide meets Michigan during Labor Day weekend, let me know!  I will be there, too. The University of Alabama Homecoming Committee for 2012 has a Facebook page.  Visit for all the information on Homecoming with the Crimson Tide.  Don't forget to visit the Capital Real Estate tent on the UA Quad. Have you thought about where to stay?  I'll be in my house right across from Bryant-Denny Stadium.  You might need one in Tuscaloosa, too!
Comments 2
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
University of Alabama for Retirement- Life In Alabama Series Ready to retire?  Have you considered The University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa for housing and entertainment?   One of our treasures is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)   For those who choose The University of Alabama for retirement, OLLI is a national program.  OLLI is a member based and member led.  The Fall 2012 schedule just came out!  In the past, I have taken courses on antiques, cooking, and wine appreciation.  I enhanced my knowledge of historic homes in Tuscaloosa by touring historic places with knowledgable guides.  This fall, I have some choices to make...Antebellum Alabama?  Investing during Retirement (key topic for living at The University of Alabama during retirement)? Sign Language?  Folk Arts and C...
Comments 2
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
Sorority Recruitment at The University of Alabama: The Housing Side I have the wonderful privilege of working with sorority women at The University of Alabama.  Parents have so many questions about the process, so I have combined my two loves on my other blog.  You can read about chapter house functions and sorority recruitment at The University of Alabama, as well as find two guides to the process.
Comments 2
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
  University of Alabama Housing- The Life In Alabama Series covers for students at the University of Alabama.  I'll post later to talk about GameDay Housing for football games.  In fact, I have another blog dedicated to those two topics at www.uagamedayhouse.com       Search for Homes and Rentals around University of Alabama Graduate Student Housing:  If you are looking a bit further out, search all Tuscaloosa homes for sale   University of Alabama Housing Facts   UA has enough on-campus housing for 7,700 students. But more than 75 percent of its 31,747 students live off campus. (Source:  Tuscaloosa News, January 15, 2012).  At this publishing, residential condos and homes in Tuscaloosa AL and residential homes within two miles of the University of Alabama range in price from $24,000 to...
Comments 0
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
Kiddie Condo Loan in Tuscaloosa AL Or a house.  Do not let the name fool you. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) allows parents to buy a home that their child can live in during their college years. Search for homes within two miles of The University of Alabama. The Benefits of the Kiddie Condo Loan in Tuscaloosa AL: Rent can be collected from the child’s roommates. The down payment is 3.5%. Parents receive the benefits of an owner-occupied loan program, such as low down payment (3.5%) and low interest rates (owner-occupied rates, not second home or investor rates, which are higher).  The parents are acting as a "non-occupied" cosigner. The child can build credit with mortgage payments. The Requirements of the Kiddie Condo Loan in Tuscaloosa AL: Condominiums must meet a certain ow...
Comments 1
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
So many people indicate their interest in purchasing a home...then, when they go to the loan officer, they find out that their credit issues are really hurting them.  Home ownership comes with responsibility.  A first step is making sure that your financial house is in order.  I want everyone who wants to do so to be able to take advantage of the USDA program and city grant program information that I sent out earlier this week.   I am thinking about putting together a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University for my contacts who have expressed an interest in buying a home, but need some help with their finances.  Would anyone be interested? Please feel free to also pass this on to family and friends.   Below is a link to the curriculum and the membership price:   http://www.daveramsey.com/...
Comments 0
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
Several people have asked me about the USDA Loan and $5,000 Tuscaloosa City Grant Programs for buying a home.  The USDA has extended its home loan program to Tuscaloosa and Northport for the next 12 months to help rebuild the city.  Income limit of around $74,450 for families of one person to four.  For those who have asked, your email will be to you tomorrow morning.  If you want the information, just let me know by comment, message or text.  It is best delivered by email since it has a document attachment and some links.
Comments 0
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
Minimize Stress when Buying or Selling a Home In Tuscaloosa AL by adding these simple tips to your to-do list. Did you know that moving, death, and divorce top most people's list of stressful events?  here are some things you can do to minimize stress when you are ready to make a move: Consider how long it will take from the time you make an offer on a property until the transaction actually closes.  Once an offer is received and accepted, it may take anywhere form 30-45 days to obtain financing, perform a title search, and get an appraisal.  When you are pre-approved for a conventional loan, you can shorten the timeline.  However, other loan types, such as VA or FHA may take longer. Decide whether you want to move yourself or have professional movers handle the job.  If you hire a movi...
Comments 0
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
Tuscaloosa Real Estate FAQ:  Appraisal- What is it?  My clients and customers asked many similar questions.  Many ask about appraisals, how an appraisal can help them sell their Tuscaloosa home or buy Tuscaloosa real estate.  Here is a short guide to UNDERSTANDING THE APPRAISAL PROCESSBEFORE THE APPRAISAL INSPECTIONWHY IS A REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL NECESSARY?Usually the appraisal is part of a loan application where real estate is being used as collateral or security for a loan.  The lender needs an accurate and unbiased estimate of value, which can be used in the loan application process.WHAT DOES A REAL ESTATE APPRAISER DO?A real estate appraiser values real property (land, houses, buildings, etc.), not personal property (cars, jewelry, boats).  The appraiser determines the physical chara...
Comments 1
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
Useful Tool for Those With College Bound Students by U.S. News and World Report.  Like most parents, you are probably suffering from blurred vision, crossed eyes, and a headache from comparing colleges. The article provides  three free tools for you, the weary parent of the college bound student- net price calculators, a loan calculator, and a comparison of graduation rates.
Comments 2
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
Need utilities turned on or off?  Got a problem?  Here is a list of numbers to call:  Tuscaloosa City One Call to City Hall/Information Line:  311- They can assist with Abandoned Vehicles, Animal Control, Building Code Violations, Trash Pickup, and Zoning Violations in the City of Tuscaloosa.    Water & Sewage   Tuscaloosa Water & Sewer  205-248-5500 or 205-349-0230   Buhl-Elrod-Holman Water Authority Sipsey Valley Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL (205) 333-0231   Carroll's Creek Water Authority 14462 Firehouse Road, Northport 205-333-1140   Northport Water & Sewer 3500 McFarland Blvd., Northport 205-339-702   Peterson Water Works Holt Lock and Dam Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL (205) 556-7785   Sand Springs Water Authority 13951 Hwy. 171 Tuscaloosa, AL (205) 339-9807   Electricity Alabama Power Co. 915 Queen Ci...
Comments 2
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
Actually, yes.  It will take time and effort on your part, but it is well worth it.  See below for more information.   Housing Counseling Program     Description The Tuscaloosa Housing Counseling Program offers assistance in many different housing-related matters including pre-purchase counseling, consumer education, money management, and much more.   HOME Program The City of Tuscaloosa provides one-time down-payment assistance in the amount of $5000 for qualified households to assist them in purchasing a home.     Contact 1802 41st Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL  35401 Phone:  205-248-5095   For additional information, call the Housing Counseling Office at 205-248-5095, or email Dora Drake. Qualifications Some of the basic qualifications are (but are not limited to): Must complete the HOME appl...
Comments 0
By Beth Spradley, Selling Homes & Investments in Florida and Alabama
(Beth Spradley, LLC)
This series of posts will focus on Frequently Asked Questions.  I'll be posting ten this month, then one FAQ each month after.  Feel free to send me your question.  It might just get featured, and it will get an answer.   So, you are thinking of remodeling your home.  Whenever I hear anyone talk about remodeling, my first question is always, "Have you consulted your real estate agent?"  I usually get a blank stare and an answer about how the remodel will certainly pay for itself.    Here are the facts.  Remodel for yourself and your enjoyment.  Bringing an agent in will certainly help with the process with ideas that you might not have thought about and to help you with re-sale considerations.  Today, I stopped at a contact's house to review her home remodeling plans, making some sugges...
Comments 1
By Karen Rice Madison AL Realtor, 256-348-1527 Call/Text
(Keller Williams Realty Madison)
Click here (then scroll down) to view Homes For Sale in Lenox South Lenox South HOA (205) 750-2260Update - This home has been leased.  Thank you for your interest.Gorgeous, 4 bedroom/2 bath rental home available in Tuscaloosa, AL (updated 10/15/11). The eat-in kitchen is fabulous, with plenty of cabinet and counter space, stainless appliances and lots of tile. The large, level back yard is privacy fenced with a covered back porch and extended patio. The house is located in Lenox South, close to shopping and schools.  
Comments 0
By LISA BOND - BIRMINGHAM HOOVER HOME STAGER -
(THE STAGEHAND HOME STAGING AND REDESIGN SERVICES)
  YOU'RE INVITED TO VIEW THIS GORGEOUS HOME LOCATED IN TUSCALOOSA ALABAMA MLS #84161 OFFERED BY: HAMNER REAL ESTATE 1412 UNIVERSITY BLVD. TUSCALOOSA, AL 35406 205.469.3221 Listing Agent Gail Cole    
Comments 2
By Barry (Lynn) Miller Jr.
I had a thought I am going to reduce the links from my ActiveRain blog and see if it help the SERPS for pages I really want the traffic directed to I will let you know how it goes.   I took off about 15 links that were on the right side of my blog and I took off around 25 from my signature, I am just going to start the KISS method of SEO KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID   While I have your attention I am also doing a entry website geared towards one keyword I should have it updated by this weekend I will let you know about that one as well. Check it out Logan Martin Lake Real Estate
Comments 0
By Captain Wayne - Rowlett Real Estate School, Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor
(Rowlett Real Estate School)
A career in Real Estate allows you to have flexible working hours.  This can be especially beneficial to mothers with small children and people with various lifestlyes or circumstances.  While a real estate agent can set their own hours, the amount of money a real estate agent earns depends on how much time and effort they put in.  An ambitious real estate agentwill certainly earn more in the long run than a lazy one or one whose time is too restricted.  While ultimately, the real estate agent is the one who calls the shots, a successful real estate agent is available and ready to meet with a potential buyer or seller at their customers earliest convenience.  Many real estate agents start out part-time. While a part-time career in real estate may be ideal for some, it may not be ideal f...
Comments 0
Tuscaloosa Real Estate MLS   February 2009 Real Estate Statistics # of Homes Sold: 83  New Const Sold: 24% (20 Homes) Condos Sold: .01% (1 Units)  Condos Active: 14% (253 Units)Ave Days on Market: 152  Avg Selling Price: $184,344 Median Selling Price: $145000# of Homes on Market: 1803  New Const. Active: 19.6% (354 Homes) For up to date date for the Tuscaloosa Real Estate Market visit www.chriswlee.com   Total Sales: The increase in Tuscaloosa sales by 8% from the prior month(Jan) is consistent with historic and seasonal sales trends between the two periods. In comparison, the 5-year average(04-08) increase in sales from Jan to Feb is 17%.   The increase in Alabama sales by 22% from the prior month(Jan) is consistent with historic and seasonal sales trends between the two periods. In co...
Comments 0
By Chris Lee
(RealtySouth)
"Commentary: Renewed credit panic hits markets Friday, October 19, 2007By Lou BarnesInman News All U.S. interest rates have broken lower. The mortgage-defining 10-year T-note is trading at 4.4 percent, down from 4.7 percent last week, but mortgages will be slow to follow. Even agency loans are stuck in credit fear, but are likely to approach 6 percent soon.Fed-defining short-term rates have dived almost a half-percent, a sure sign of renewed credit panic. A Fed cut on Halloween, doubtful on Monday, is now a sure thing.What the hell happened so fast?(As I recite developing misery, a note on morale to people near real estate markets, civilians and pros: Bad news is the only way for us to get the lower rates that our markets need. As Mom said, keep your eye on the doughnut, not the hole.)T...
Comments 1