Saturday, October 25, 2008

Some of our featured articles

The Online Marketing Process - Part 1 In the real estate industry the first and most important task is to drive sales leads. 85% to 92% of Home searches begin online.Part 2 - The Online Marketing Press How to make a website search engine friendlyPart 3 - The Online Marketing Process Websites are judged by the search engines on their reputation and real estate websites are no different.Where should I host my website? Hosting to most of my clients is intimidating and most don't know where to begin. When you are starting a new website you need to answer a few questionHoffman Group, Inc., and Sun Trust Mortgage, Inc., Announce Formation of Cool Mortgage, L.L.C. Hoffman Group, Inc., Teams With SunTrust Mortgage, Inc., to Benefit Oceanfront Resort Condo Buyers in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Meres Celebrates and Preserves the Natural Features While Providing Future Home Buyers with a Variety of Home Options Buyer Beware - Beware of this small phrase from Alabama Real Estate Laws Avoiding this pitfall is simple with just a few precautions by the potential buyersMortgage Caution Is Needed Bad times for the real estate industry and the countryMarket Trend Shown During Auction at Smith Lake Development Emerald Valley Estates A lot of inventory and the decrease in prices allows buyers the opportunity to be picky at great discounts.Pre-construction Condos and Resorts: Smoky Mountains Area Seeing New Trend in Investment Properties The Smoky Mountains area of eastern Tennessee continues to see tourism rise and starts of new homes soar. Condo Sales Explode In The Smoky MountainsSmoky Investments offers array of real estate services -- buying, selling, and/or investment The Good Life in Vail The Good Life! Property Team is pleased to announce its selection of CondosandResorts.com as its online partner for real estate services in Colorado, in recognition of the unique positioning, capability and focus the company has in representing resort properties and condominiums. Inspiration on Green Mountain, A Huntsville Alabama Green Development

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Attorneys should not be allowed to hold political offices

I know I am “stereo-typing” an entire industry but let's look at the facts. Also, know there are some very reputable attorneys. Some are friends I would trust almost over anyone. A good example of an attorney with integrity is Michael Brodowski in Huntsville Alabama Real Estate law.

From what I can see, most state and federal politicians have backgrounds in law, typically as attorneys. There are some industries with bad reputations, like used car salesmen, REALTORS and attorneys. These are viewed skeptically by the public. I want to talk specifically about the attorneys; we can rip on the others later.

Regardless of who you vote for this year, we have a real problem in our legal world, created by politicians. Most politicians I have met are cagey and hard to pin down with a direct answer. Then we see these people making laws for our country, which is really made to benefit them. When I meet with people, I look into their eyes across the table expecting straight answers. If I can’t get straight answers I withdraw my trust. I see the state and federal lawmakers as hypocrites who have sold their souls to the devil for power and money. There is no one who believes for a minute we are truly being represented by these people. It is so evident that their self interests out-weigh the needs of the people. They will not look you in the eye and be honest.

I have personally decided they don't care about me and my family. If things aren't changing in the right direction I will be voting against the incumbent. I am a conservative and I am convinced that we have to provide for ourselves with integrity. So, my voting will lean strongly conservative but the previous and current congress has shown they are not interested in representing me. Both parties had control of the congress in the last 10 years and their track records are abysmal.

I now support a "two consecutive terms" term limits. Our hard earned money, as taxes, should not be a personal slush fund and piggy banks for people who don't care how hard we work for our country. Then they hide behind laws they create for themselves just to fatten their pockets.

Most of these "so called" representatives make more money from outside interests than their salary. This money is made while on the clock for the United States citizens. I think we should get a cut of the excess. We "the people" should start a movement demanding 50% of the money they make on our dime.

Just remember the next time you vote to elect an attorney or the incumbent to a seat in congress, they are seeking it for personal gain.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Inspiration on Green Mountain Breaks Ground

Huntsville’s first NAHB certified community begins road construction in the first quarter of 2008.

In early February, Love Development of Alabama received the final approval for construction of the much anticipated project, Inspiration on Green Mountain. This is the first Green Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Development certified by the NAHB (National Association of Home Builder’s) Standards. “We understand there are limited natural resources available”, stated Bob Spence, managing partner of Love Development. Their company recognizes the need to minimize the environmental impact by creating communities engineered as part of the natural environment.

Deliberate care is being taken by the developer to create balance and harmony with nature. The project has multiple options for green home sites and home styles. There are three types of home sites to choose from: Manor Sites, Bluff Sites, and Estate Sites. These sites have pre-engineered landscaping guidelines designed to preserve green areas on each lot. There will be many custom designed home plans to choose. The plans are Southern Mountain Vernacular homes expressive in three distinct styles: Arts & Crafts, Victorian and Classical styles.

The infrastructure construction and home site layout are in progress, and will last for several months. The first home will begin construction late in 2008. Presales of Phase-I will begin in a few months but reservations maybe submitted at anytime. Bob Spence and the Inspiration staff will be overseeing all phases of sales and construction.

Inspiration on Green Mountain offers residents world-class amenities designed to embrace nature at her finest. At Inspiration Point Clubhouse, reserved exclusively for home site owners, residents can cool off in the refreshing waters of the pool or challenge themselves with a workout in the fitness room. The outdoor pavilion area, overlooking the pool, provides panoramic bluff views of the Flint River Valley below and is perfect for outdoor entertainment and gatherings with family and friends. For a relaxing afternoon, take a walk along quiet streets or venture below the bluff to explore nature on a meandering trail of hardwood canopy, budding dogwood and cool, green landscape.

Huntsville is experiencing explosive growth and Huntsville AL real estate is strong. Inspiration on Green Mountain is a needed project of Huntsville Homes for sale. Green is becoming more important for our planet and this community will set the standard for Huntsville Alabama and northern Alabama. The surrounding area has abundant green space. With the majestic mountains, lush meadows and flowing waterways, it is a nature lover’s paradise. As the population grows, Love Development of Alabama, is designing communities to complement our nature and create a heritage for years to come.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Inspiration on Green Mountain, A Huntsville Alabama Green Development

Located in Southeast Huntsville on Green Mountain, Inspiration on Green Mountain will be Huntsville's first NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) certified Green Development. The project will have grand mountain views and feature some of the last remaining bluff views of the valley below.

Simply put, we will blend the best of yesterday's traditions with the needs of today's lifestyles What is Green? This is the biggest question when people first hear of it. Green is really environmentally friendly homes with all aspects of the grounds, construction methods, features and amenities designed to be environmentally healthier. Green development methods reduce the impact that construction has on an area. These practices go beyond average conservation efforts and take into consideration nature with attempting to leave many of the natural resources in place. Think of it as trying to form a house to its environment instead of just scraping and leveling the land to make it easier for construction. You can help the environment, reduce your power bills, use environmentally safe materials, reduce the impact on the building site, and leave a healthier place for your family. A point made by Bob Spence of Love Development.

Love Development of Alabama will be carefully selecting architects, builders and contractors who understand and share this vision. There are doom and gloomers out there who go to far about the environment. What about sensibility for our environment? This country was built by the preceding generations who wanted to make it better for our generation. This is the philosophy of the developer and this development will be built by those who want to improve the area for those to come.

"Simply put, we will blend the best of yesterday's traditions with the needs of today's lifestyles", stated Spence. This community will offer all the features to fit your needs.. In phase one of the project there will be approximately thirty three home sites released. Construction is slated to begin in February 2008. Inspiration on Green Mountain will be one of Huntsville Alabama Real Estate premier neighborhoods. It will feature builders and architects who have experience in The Ledge's and Providence.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The Return Of Big Union Power

I would like to make some statements here. I have never supported the power of big union. I have always seen unions as almost the first lobbyist group in the United States. When the union was about the person and not about the system it was a good thing. When power of the union became about the control of the members' dues (the money) the membership lost their real power. I am 40 years old and for most of my life I have felt that unions were counter productive to capitalism. I watched the liberal agenda toward entitlements and felt the unions were a very large part of this.

With this current economic situation we are in, I am beginning to question my thinking about unions. My general feeling about them will not likely change. I see the upper leadership of unions and our government wanting those positions because of personal agendas toward power and money.

HERE IS MY POINT!
There is the potential of a trucker strike in this country. Is this a good thing? NO!
However, with diesel fuel nearing $4.00 per gallon the average person needs some kind of power to combat the higher prices. There needs to be a serious threat to the taking away of windfall profits leading to out control inflation. The average working person is now paying food inflation of 30% over one year ago. Our fuel costs are up more than 100% from 2003,

I think there will have to be several strikes in several industries to create a balance in our economic system. With Exxon profiting at about $1,000,000,000 (1 Billion dollars) per quarter we have a responsibility to our children to take drastic measures as average citizens.

It will hurt our ability to function, but I think the hard working truckers of our country should go on strike. They should plan a strike for about one week. Just to test the waters. Do you realize that it would make a lot of supply in our market. It would create excess supply like gas, and excess produce. Excess supply will drive down prices. It will hurt at the boardroom level. If the strike doesn't help balance the system then they should strike for a whole month.

I think becoming a member of a union may be the best weapon we have over out of control profit taking, spiraling inflation, higher prices, and jobs lost overseas.

I want to reiterate, THIS WILL BE PAINFUL. The average worker in this country is feeling the pain now, with no real concern from the members of the government, nor the boardroom. The workforce needs to pass along the pain. Rising unemployment with strikes will give a blackeye to the government. It will slow down the economy, increase supply and decrease profit.

I am convinced this is a great answer. It would likely help us with the illegal alien problem. If the jobs dry up there is no real reason to be here illegally. If we slow down the supply we will slow down spending. We need a major slowdown in spending.

I think we will see a trucker strike this year. It will likely help in the long term future.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Huntsville Alabama is a great place to call home

Huntsville has become one of the best cities to live in the United States. Huntsville, with its surrounding natural beauty like the lakes, rivers and mountians, is also a very-high tech city. Known as the "High-tech Capitol" of the south, it would compare with Silicon Valley.
Huntsville is home to Redstone Arsenal, an Army Base where extremely sensitive high-tech weaponry is developed. This isn't all the city has to offer. Huntsville has been home to many large companies. Boeing, NASA, Toyota, Ford, Marshall Space Flight Center, and Northrop Grumman are just a few of the hundreds of large companies in Huntsville.

The estimated population of the city of Huntsville is near 170,000 residents. The estimated population of Madison County is around 310,000. Huntsville has many great things to offer its residents. Lower cost of living such as propoerty taxes, a clean healthy environment, many natural resources, less congestion across northern Alabama, great schools, family friendly environment and an overall sense of being home. Huntsville is warm, friendly and inviting. The nearby surrounding areas include: Madison, Athens, Decatur, Hartsell, Cullman, Arab, Guntersville, Scottsboro, Harvest, New Market, and Fayetteville Tennessee.

Housing in Huntsville is holding steady. The average price of a home is around $200,000. Homes in the area stay on the market for an average of 90 days. The lifestyles and communities around Huntsville are as varied as the people. Southeast Huntsville is the most popular place to live. Schools, conveniences and proximity to Redston Arsenal create its popularity. The City of Madison is another very popular place. It is just five minutes from the airport and borders Research Park.

What is near Huntsville? Nashville is just two hours north, Birmingham is about two hours south, Atlanta is about three hours away and Memphis is about four hours away. Some of the best fishing in the world is at Lake Guntersville, less than thirty minutes from Huntsville.
There are two major hospitals in Huntsville: Crestwood and Huntsville Hospital. Huntsville Hospital is located Downtown on Governors Drive and Crestwood is located just off Airport Road.
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate

Communities range from Ranch style neighborhoods to communities such as Inspiration on Green Mountain. Inspiration is an NAHB certified Green development, first of its kind in Huntsville. Traditional homes are very common in Huntsville but a need for condos and luxury homes is rising. Two major projects are Chaney Place Condominiums with 2 and 3 bedroom units. Also there is McMullen Cove with its sprawling 5500 square feet castles. There is a large span in pricing. A basic three bedroom two bath home could go for as little as $100,000 and the homes in McMullen Cove in the upper $900,000.

Huntsville is preparing for almost exponential growth over the next few years. BRAC, Boeing and many other companies are expanding operations in northern Alabama. We are seeing a very large migration from nothern states. if you haven't yet, check-out Huntsville Alabama. You owe it to yourself to find out what is happening here.

View some of our additional posts.
Due Diligence needed in Huntsville Foreclosures
Huntsville Al Real Estate
Inman News Huntsville Alabama
Huntsville Homes

Additional Real Estate consultation is available by calling (256) 513-1801

Friday, February 29, 2008

Overcoming Higher Gas Prices

It is amazing that just five short years ago we were paying less than $2.00 per gallon for gasoline. In 2003 I was paying around $1.60 for a gallon of regular. The days of low prices are gone and any excuse is a good one to raise the price of gas. These rising gas prices have taken a toll on the economy and the cost of living. If gas prices and food were calculated into inflation it would be off the chart. We will chronicle the experience of a consumer. We will, for privacy reasons call him Joe (average Joe). We will have Joe give us regular reports on how much his purchases have increased in price. Joe wants to find a way to conserve gasoline to help his wallet and increase the gasoline supply.

There is only one way for consumers to combat gas prices, use less gas. Using less gas will give more back into the supply chain decreasing demand. Less demand will drive down prices. At first glance it may seem impossible for the individual to decrease gas consumption. There are creative ways to do this and keep your lifestyle. Here are a few.
  • If you are thinking of selling your home you could buy a new one closer to work
  • If you live near bus stops you can take city transit, this will become more popular as gas prices push near $4 per gallon this year.
  • Hybrid / Electric cars - The technuology has improved a lot over the last few years.
  • Car pool - We give this one five stars, it is a way to share the expenses with others and cut your gas consumption in half.
  • Change jobs - if you are thinking of changing jobs try to find one closer to home. If you can work from home change to it.
  • Scooter - Unless you live and work in low traffic areas we don't suggest this one. There are enough drivers who are distracted by cell phones and other things. You might not survive long with this option. You are at the mercy of all drivers.
  • Trips / Vacation - Run your trips and vacations as close to home as possible. Seeing the sights of America is a great thing but try shorter trips. If you keep your trip to a couple of hours you would reduce gas consumption and strengthen your local economy.
  • Reduce your electricity use - Reducing your electricity will reduce the amount of fuel used in some electricity production.

Saving money on gasoline will free up more money for you and your family and is the only control we have over the increasing costs of gasoline.

More suggestions will be written in time, especially for Huntsville Alabama.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Huntsville Homes Sales Holding Steady 2006 and 2007

Huntsville homes sales saw a significant increase from 2005 to 2006; 11% to be exact. The sales volume in 2005 was 4175 homes in the range of $100,000 to $500,000 per home selected for units sold. The total dollar volume sold for 2005 was $816,455,378 and the total volume sold in 2006 $935,341,910 an increase in total dollar sales of 14.5%. The average sales price in 2006 was $202,000 up from $195,558 in 2005 an increase of 3.3%. Indicating a better standard of living.

From 2006 to 2007 the sales volume in quantity of homes stayed about level. We did continue the trend of the increased total dollar volume and the average sales price per home. In 2007 the total sold volume was $985,972,253 an increase of 5.1% over 2006. The average sales price $212,494 an increase of 4.6% over 2006. So the standard of living did increase in 2007.







This chart shows the number of units sold 2005 through 2007. We have generally shown an increase in quanity of homes sold. The data above shows we are also seeing more purchases of higher priced homes.









If you would like additional data about Huntsville Alabama real estate stats feel free to contact me at (256)513-1801.

Friday, February 15, 2008

How I got into Real Estate

Several clients have asked me why I got into real estate. This may sound a little sappy but I first got into it to provide a better living for my family. I was going to change careers but where did I want to be. I have a genuine desire to help people. I have worked in sales and marketing positions in the past. After a lot of heartfelt prayer and consideration real estate was the best place to put my passion for people and my past experience. It has been a very rewarding move for me.

I get to assist in the needs of others and provide for my family at the same time. For me it has been the best move I have ever taken. I have hired in as a new employee with other companies but I needed to make more of a difference. In positions in the the past I always felt like a number. My position was only there to assist in making profit for a shareholder. This always left me with a hollow feeling. I have certainly learned over the years it isn't about how many zeros are on the check.

I like to get paid for working but I want to make a true differnce. In real estate I can build a business and leave a legacy for my children. I can make a difference for the people I come in contact with. That is why I went into real estate. I can really see myself making a differnce in my community. It isn't about making profit in Huntsville Alabama.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Mortgage Caution Is Needed

NAR is urging the U.S. congress and President to pass a stimulus package. If passed it should help re-energize the economy and help certain buyers purchase homes. In the bill Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would have less contraints.

The new bill will have a positive affect if passed. Helping the overall Huntsville Alabama Real Estate market. I hope the new proposed bill is put together with certain built in precautions to ensure we don't overheat the housing market. When we do things to over stimulate the economy there is always a backlash; a payday so to speak. The entire country is now paying the price for the over inflating of the real estate market.

It is very easy to be an arm chair quarterback on such things and criticize others. However, I hope everyone learns a valuable lesson for years to come. I want the economy to be good for my children and grandchildren. We need to be good stewards with our blessings. I am a conservative by nature but part of the problem has been greed and taking to much profit. I can't believe I am saying there is such a thing as too much profit. Excessive profit taking is not a good thing. There are always consequences on everyone.

Many areas of the country are very depressed right now. I have several clients from Florida and Michigan. In their states foreclosures are out the roof, both states are experiencing a mass exodus and there is property for sale everywhere. In these two areas property taxes are twice as much as Alabama. In Florida especially, insurance rates are 500% more than three years ago.

Overall Huntsville is doing very well economically. It is our responsibility to keep it that way.