Wiping your Android Securely

Wiping your Android phone doesn’t really erase your data – here’s what you need to do http://drippler.com/drip/wiping-your-android-phone-doesn-t-really-erase-your-data-here-s-what-you-need-do Via j.mp/drippler_app

RIGHT OF REDEMPTION MAY BE CHANGING TO 6 MONTHS

Legislation is working on changes to Alabama Right of Redemption.

Real Estate Sales Increase 14% Over This Time A Year Ago

Birmingham Metro Area residential sales in September improve 14% over last year
Sales: According to the Greater Alabama MLS, the Birmingham metro area* residential sales totaled 1,166 units in September, an improvement of 14.3 percent or 146 units from the same period last year. Maintaining sales above the thousand unit per month threshold is a symbolic benchmark that Birmingham sales routinely eclipsed prior to the recession and its return on a consistent basis signals that the market continues to gradually recover. September represents the seventh consecutive month that the market has achieved this benchmark.
Forecast: September sales results were 6.4 percent or 70 units above of our monthly forecast. The YTD sales forecast through September projected 9,978 closed transactions while the actual sales were 9,750 units, representing a variance of 2.3 percent.
Birmingham Metro Area residential sales improved 14% from last September. YTD sales are up 6%. Inventory has declined 48% from the September 2007 peak. Infograph courtesy of ACRE. All rights reserved.Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE) 
Supply: The Birmingham area housing inventory in September was 7,099 units, a decrease of 8.8 percent from September 2013 and 47.6 percent from the month of September peak in 2007 (13,560 units).
August inventory in the Birmingham metro area also decreased 4.0 percent from the prior month. This direction is consistent with seasonal patterns & historical data indicating that September inventory on average (09-13) decreases from the month of August by 1.8 percent.
According to the Greater Alabama MLS, the Birmingham metro area market, there was 6.1 months of housing supply in September versus 7.6 months of supply in September 2013, representing a decrease of 20.7 percent. The realignment is even more impressive when compared to its September peak of 14.7 months in 2010 and the 5-year average of 10.5 months from 2009-2013.
The "months of housing supply" is a simple calculation - homes listed (supply) divided by homes sold (demand). In general, seven months is considered the point of equilibrium during the month of September. Birmingham Metro Area is one of the most balanced markets in Alabama during the month of August.
Demand: September residential sales decreased 1.8 percent from the prior month. This direction is consistent with historical data indicating that September sales, on average (09-13), decrease from the month of August by 8.5 percent. As a general rule of thumb associated with seasonal buying patterns, sales traditional peak in June or July and begin to gradually decline as the market enters the Fall/Winter period.
Existing single family home sales accounted for 84 percent (up from 83% in Sept'13) of total sales while 13 percent (same as Sept'13) were new home sales and 3 percent (down from 3% in Sept'13) were condo buyers.
Pricing: The median sales price in September was $175,000, an increase of 6.1 percent from last September ($165,000). The September median price did slip 1.4 percent when compared to the prior month. This direction contrast with historical data ('09-'13) indicating that the September median sales price traditionally increases from the month of August by .3 percent. For the year through September, the median price has risen 1.1 percent when compared to the same period in 2013.

Recovery Stretches to Ninth Consecutive Month; 89 Markets Reaching Full Recovery

A recently released market index shows significant improvement in the top 100 markets this month. Results show that 60 of the top 200 midsize markets have fully recovered their loss in home prices due to the housing bubble burst. These advancements bring the total markets with full recovery to 89 (30 percent), up two from the previous month’s 87. While the number of top 100 markets achieving a full recovery increased by one from the previous month to 29, there is also noticeable improvement in the number of midsize markets seeing full recovery.
The December Local Market Index, recently released by Homes.com, is a price performance summary of repeat sales of U.S. properties. Utilizing home pricing data, the Index shows year-over-year gains for single-family properties in all 300 top U.S. Markets.
All of the 200 midsize local markets continued to show gains year-over-year for the single-family index. On a monthly basis, Medford, OR saw the largest gain, with a 1.56 index point jump. For the seventh consecutive month, Anchorage, Alaska and Hilo, Hawaii continue to be the top two performing markets on a year-over-year basis. Anchorage takes the top spot, increasing by 18 percent, followed by Hilo with a more than 15 percent increase. The West continues to dominate the midsize markets, with 9 out of the top 10 markets increasing on an annual basis. On a monthly basis, the top 10 midsize markets are largely split between the South, West, and Midwest regions.
The latest Homes.com Local Market Index reports the following:
• Year-over-year increases in all top 300 markets.
• Monthly increases in 82 of the top 100 markets and in 167 of the 200 midsized markets.
• Los Angeles, California is the top gaining market on a year-over-year basis, with a 27.48 index point or 16.74 percent increase.
• Honolulu, Hawaii is the number two gaining market on a year-over-year basis, with a 26.21 index point gain for the top 100.
• California markets [San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, Calif.; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Calif.; Bakersfield-Delano, Calif.] are the remaining 3 in the top 5. Year-over-year, they increased 25.89, 24.97, and 20.65 index points, respectively for the top 100.
Highlights from the Homes.com Rebound Report for the top 300 markets show:
• 89 markets have made a 100 percent rebound, indicating a complete recovery. This is an increase from 87 markets in the previous reporting period.
• The most recent fully recovered markets are Greensboro-High Point, NC (103.4 percent) and Greeley, CO (102.86 percent).
• The percentage of recovered midsize markets is slightly ahead of the top 100 markets. Out of the 89 markets achieving more than 100 percent rebound this month, 60 or 30 percent are midsize and 29 or 29 percent are top 100.
• Dominating the top 100 rebound markets, the South, with 15, includes markets with energy-based economies in Texas and Oklahoma.
“Despite the holiday season and the early winter storms in most of the nation, the number of top 100 markets to reach or surpass their peak prices at the height of the boom in 2007 increased to 29 markets, according to December’s data,” says Brock MacLean, executive vice president of Homes.com. “With the largest year-over-year housing market price increases in seven years, the U.S. housing market is in a great position to continue making steady gains in 2014.”

Housing Recovery Picks Up Steam despite Persistent Headwinds

 With home prices and household formations rising and household balance sheets healing, the ongoing housing recovery is expected to gain momentum next year even as several challenges remain, according to economists who participated in a recent National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Fall 2013 Construction Forecast Webinar.
“The cards are in play for a decent and fairly strong recovery in 2014 and particularly in 2015,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “From the standpoint of GDP growth, housing has been a plus, growing at two, three and four times the rate of the rest of the economy in recent quarters.”
Helping to spur the housing rebound was an increase in home prices over the past year, driven in part by tight inventories of new and existing homes for sale and gradual gains in employment.
“We expect to see price increases moderate in the next few years as we see additional inventory on the market and investors back away as the bargains disappear,” said Crowe.
Another bright spot is rising household formations that were delayed during the downturn as college graduates and young professionals were forced to move back in with their parents or double up as roommates. At the height of the housing boom, the U.S. was producing 1.4 million additional households every year. That figure plunged to 500,000 during the depth of the recession and today is now back up to 700,000.
Meanwhile, households across the nation have been increasing their savings and shedding debt. “They’ve corrected a lot of excesses and feel more comfortable about moving forward,” Crowe said, noting that the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index shows that the percentage of consumers who believe that now is a good time to buy a house is back up to levels last seen near the housing boom.

However, Crowe cited several headwinds that are impeding the recovery.
“Credit conditions are much tighter now, builders are increasingly facing labor shortages, lot supplies are tight, building material prices are rising, and inaccurate appraisals are hurting home sales” he said.
“You can’t charge more than you can get an appraisal for,” Crowe added. “Even though we are seeing price increases in labor, land and materials, 36 percent of builder recently said they had lost at least one sale over appraisals coming in below the cost of production.”
A Solid Outlook
NAHB is forecasting 924,000 total housing starts in 2013, up 18 percent from 783,000 units last year.
Single-family production is expected to rise 17 percent this year to 629,000 units, jump an additional 31 percent next year to 826,000 and surpass the 1 million mark in 2015.

The Buyer's Market is over.

Listing Inventory has dropped.
If your looking for your next home and see one you like you might want to go ahead and put an offer on it before you proceed looking at others. The odds are that it will have others making an offer as well. The best ones go first!

Mobile listing search.

Existing Home Sales and Prices Continue to Rise in February

Existing-Home Sales and Prices Continue to Rise in February
February existing-home sales and prices affirm a healthy recovery is underway in the housing sector, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Sales have been above year-ago levels for 20 consecutive months, while prices show 12 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases.
February sales were at the highest level since the tax credit period of November 2009.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says conditions for continued housing improvement are at play. “Job growth in the improving economy and pent-up demand are causing both home sales and rental leasing to rise. Though home prices are rising much faster than rents, historically low mortgage rates are still making home purchases affordable,” he says. “The only headwinds are limited housing inventory, which varies greatly around the country, and credit conditions that remain too restrictive.”
Listed inventory is 19.2 percent below a year ago when there was a 6.4-month supply.
The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $173,600 in February, up 11.6 percent from February 2012. The last time there were 12 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases was from June 2005 to May 2006. The February gain is the strongest since November 2005 when it was 12.9 percent above a year earlier.
“A strong rise in home values is contributing to housing wealth recovery, which has risen by $1.4 trillion in the past year and looks to top that increase this year,” Yun says. “The extra consumer spending arising from growth in housing wealth is expected to be $70 billion to $110 billion this year.”
Distressed homes–foreclosures and short sales–accounted for 25 percent of February sales, down from 34 percent in February 2012. Fifteen percent of February sales were foreclosures, and 10 percent were short sales. Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 18 percent below market value in February, while short sales were discounted 15 percent.
According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 3.53 percent in February from 3.41 percent in January; it was 3.89 percent in February 2012.
NAR President Gary Thomas, broker-owner of Evergreen Realty in Villa Park, Calif., says interest rates remain extraordinarily low. “In the history of mortgage interest rates since 1971, the 30-year fixed rate has been below 4 percent in only 15 months, and those have all been in the past 15 months,” he says. “Even with rising home prices, affordability remains historically favorable because home prices over-corrected during the downturn. This means there is still great value for buyers in the current market.”
All-cash sales were at 32 percent of transactions in February, up from 28 percent in January; they were 33 percent in February 2012. Investors, who account for most cash sales, purchased 22 percent of homes in February, up from 19 percent in January; they were 23 percent in February 2012.
“There was an upward bump in the shares of investor and all-cash closed purchases in February. These sales result from purchase offers during the holidays when shopping activity by traditional home buyers slows, but investors, who typically pay cash, remained active,” Yun says. “This is a seasonal pattern, but we’re now seeing a general increase in buyer traffic, which is 25 percent above a year ago.”
Single-family home sales are 8.7 percent above the 4.01 million-unit pace in February 2012. The median existing single-family home price was $173,800 in February, which is 11.3 percent higher than a year ago.
In the South, existing-home sales increased 2.6 percent to an annual level of 2.01 million in February and are 14.9 percent above February 2012. The median price in the South was $150,500, up 9.3 percent from a year ago.

Why Keeping the House in Divorce Could Land You in the Poor House After http://divorcemoneymatters.com/why-keeping-the-house-in-divorce-could-land-you-in-the-poor-house-after/

Mobile Search For Properties

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Housing Continues to Gain Ground.

The economy seems to be transitioning to a slightly stronger growth path according to Fannie Mae's Economic & Strategic Research Group. Increased taxes and reduced government spending will keep growth at a subdued pace in the first half of the year before activity picks up in the second half. 

The improving performance of the housing market is expected to continue through 2013. Boosted by strengthening home prices, which may incite more potential buyers to enter the market, housing should contribute to GDP on a growing basis and help to counteract the fiscal headwinds. Other primary growth drivers will include consumer spending, manufacturing, and business capital investment. 

Our outlook is bolstered by the employment picture, which is trending better than previously reported, as well as the momentum in manufacturing and energy production. We also expect the housing recovery to broaden this year. However, the degree to which these drivers will serve to offset the headwinds from ongoing and forthcoming fiscal contraction is still to be determined.

Absolute!

Please forward this on if you are in agreement - get those "privileged so-and-so's" to live like the rest of us!!!

And when was the last time your congressman or senator asked you what you thought?

This is non-partisan... and an idea whose time may have come in order to be discussed more openly by more American voters.

"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests". - Patrick Henry -

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971... before computers, before e-mail, before cell phones, etc.

Of all the amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land... all because of public pressure.

I'm asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

Congressional Reform Act of 2011

1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message. Maybe it is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!

If you agree with the above, pass it on. If not, just delete.

You are one of my 20+. Please keep it going.

Change begins with you.

.

"Live as though everything is a miracle..."

Thank you,
Bruce Weaver
Realtor, GRI
RE/MAX Classic
Phone:
205-352-4229
Fax:
866-822-3730

Real Estate Advisor: May

----- Forwarded message -----
From: "Bruce Weaver" <a55023@real-estate-mail.net>
Date: Mon, Apr 25, 2011 11:05 am
Subject: Real Estate Advisor: May
To: "b weaver" <pellcity@gmail.com>

Real Estate Advisor: May 2011 Getting Through the Big Move Cut Back - Moving can be a difficult task. Don't make it more work than necessary by moving furniture, clothing, art or other belongings that you don't actually want or need anymore. Look for opportunities to de-clutter your life and get rid of excess possessions. Hand it Down: Tell your friends and family you're paring down possessions. You'll feel better, and it'll be easier giving up that expensive couch or antique bureau if you know your best friend will make good use of it. Yard Sale: The tried and true yard sale can help you can get rid of things you don't use and avoid paying to move them. As a bonus, you'll make some extra cash that you can spend on new things in your next home. Donate: Consider donating unwanted or unsold items to charity. Many charitable causes have free pickup services for donations that make giving your unwanted furniture and items as easy as picking up the phone and scheduling a pickup time. Packing- The thought of organizing and packing up a house's worth of clothing, kitchenware, and other items can be daunting to say the least. Even if you are using professional movers, you likely will want to pack and organize certain items yourself. By having a packing strategy, you can make it through the first stage of the move with your sanity intact and avoid last minute panic as the moving trucks pull up. Inventory: Taking a rough inventory of your stuff will give you a general idea of how many moving boxes you will need. If you will be using a moving company, it's not a bad idea to make a written or photographic inventory to make sure you don't lose anything during the move. Box Right: Make use of suitcases and plastic storage tubs you already own before searching out moving boxes. You can re-use old cardboard moving boxes, but make sure the cardboard is still in good shape rather than risk damaging any of your items. Purchase frame boxes to protect your pictures and mirrors. Other Supplies: Purchase high-quality packing tape and plenty of bubble wrap to help safeguard your belongings during the move. Specialty packing paper or packing fill can be used for box fill instead of newspaper to remove the risk of scratching fragile items. If you will be moving on your own, you should rent furniture pads, straps and furniture dollies from the rental truck company. Have a Packing Plan: Begin by packing the items you use least often. Pack one room at a time, making sure to clearly label the contents and which room they are intended for. You can also use a numbering or color coded system to help indicate which boxes have the most frequently used items. Pack Smart: Large boxes should be filled with lighter items such as clothing. Save heavy items like books and dishes for smaller boxes that for easy lifting. Make sure each box is packed full, but also check the weight of packed boxes before sealing. "Essentials" Box: Pack one box to keep close at hand (i.e., not buried in the back of the moving truck). The idea is to have easy access to items you may need during the move or immediately after your arrival at the new home. ID Your wallet, checkbook and/or ATM card Bottled water Toothbrush, toothpaste and soap Any prescription medications Aspirin Snacks that don't require refrigeration or cooking (granola bars, nuts, bread, PB, etc) Paper cups, paper plates and plastic utensils Towels Sheets Scissors and tape Closing documents if you're buying a new home Important files Medical records Pet food and pet littler, if applicable Before Moving Day - Keep People Updated: Contact or visit your local Post Office to obtain a Change of Address form. You can also obtain this form online at http://www.usps.com. Give a change of address to the following: Banks, schools, friends & family, insurance companies, doctors and specialists, cell phone providers, credit card companies and magazine and newspaper subscriptions. Clean in Waves: Trying to clean your whole house at once (either before or after moving day) can be an overwhelming prospect. Instead, begin cleaning any rooms in your house that have been emptied such as closets, basements or attics. Get Help- One of the most important moving tips: you don't have to do it alone. Move with the Pros: A professional moving company can take the care of all the hard work, leaving you to kick back and supervise. If you feel like avoiding the packing stage as well, most companies will pack your items for an additional fee. Prices and reliability can vary widely between companies, so compare quotes from at least three local companies before choosing a moving company. Don't rely on over-the-phone price quotes from the moving company you select: make sure the moving company comes to your home to accurately assess the space and approximate weight of your shipment. Make sure to check their history with the Better Business Bureau or American Moving & Storage Association. Moving Consultant: If the mere sight of a cardboard box leaves you feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring someone to handle the nitty-gritty of your move. These consultants are the relocation industry's answer to wedding planners and travel agents -- they can arrange for movers, pack your stuff, switch over your utilities, and transfer school and medical records. If you can swing the price tag, or if your company is covering relocation costs, a consultant can make your move relatively stress-free. Portable storage: Companies like PODS, U Haul and 1-800-PACKRAT will deliver a portable storage unit right outside your door. Before making the call, make sure you have enough parking on your property to accommodate the size of the temporary storage unit. Fill the storage space at your own pace. When you're finally ready to move, give the service a call and they will deliver the storage pod to your new home. Portable storage units still force you to do all the work, but they are a low cost solution and can serve as an alternative if there is a gap between the time you need to leave your old home and can access the new property. Rental trucks: Renting a box truck can be a cost-effective alternative to hiring a moving company -- as long as you plan ahead. A 10-foot moving truck will generally hold an apartment's worth of stuff; while a 24-foot truck can accommodate a three-bedroom house. It's best to choose a larger truck; you won't have to cram items into a smaller space, and for cross-town moves you will avoid wasting time on multiple trips. Read the fine print about mileage allowances and fuel surcharges, and make sure you know the rules regarding when and where you can return the truck. Depending on the size of the truck and length of the move, you may consider adding supplemental insurance through the rental company in the event of dings or dents to the truck. Friends and family: Free labor is great, but you'll likely still need to rent a moving truck (unless everyone in your family has a super duty pickup). Make sure you have every possible detail taken care of before your volunteer labor force shows up; the last thing you want is to leave your friends and family waiting while you pack the last boxes or run to go pick up the rental truck. Ask friends and family to help with packing and loading to a reasonable degree, and expect to return the favor when it's their turn to move. And common courtesy calls for you to provide lunch and refreshments for your friendly work crew. After the Truck is Loaded - Once you have everything packed away into the trucks, you'll want to pass through your house and check off a few final items before getting on to your new home. Damage Control: Check for any damages to walls, doors or frames caused by furniture being moved. The last hassle you need is to lose part of your security deposit or have any issues with the homebuyers because your furniture dinged a door frame or left a scratch in the wall. Leave Behinds: Re-check the house for anything you might have accidently forgotten. Look through the attic all closets, the garage, any crawl spaces, the medicine cabinet, and the drawer under your oven. Back To Top Bruce Weaver Phone Number: Direct: 205-965-6761 Business: 205-352-4229 Toll-Free: 877-829-7653 Office: 205-408-1306 Email Address pellcity@gmail.com Web Site www.bweaver.remax-alabama.com Mobile Search bweaver.m.remax-alabama.com Mailing Address RE/MAX Classic 6801 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 210 Birmingham AL 35242

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Real Estate Advisor: April

----- Forwarded message -----
From: "Bruce Weaver" <a55023@real-estate-mail.net>
Date: Fri, Mar 25, 2011 1:05 pm
Subject: Real Estate Advisor: April
To: "b weaver" <pellcity@gmail.com>

Real Estate Advisor: April 2011 Water-Saving Landscaping Tips As signs of sunshine start to peek through the fog of winter, we grow nearer to the season marked by the hum of lawnmowers and the smell of freshly churned soil. Spring, and the joys (or chores) of landscaping, are nearly upon us. Depending on your point of view, gardening and yard work can either be a necessary evil or a cherished escape into the fresh air. But whether you're a minimalist landscaper or have the greenest of thumbs, the added expense of landscaping water bills can be an unpleasant reality every spring and summer. The tips below are just a few ways you can responsibly make it rain without draining your wallet dry. Harvest the Downpours - Setting up your own rain barrel is an easy way to save a significant amount of money each season. For every inch of rain that falls on 750 sq ft of roof, you can collect 450 gallons of water. That means many areas can gather upwards of a thousand gallons of water every year. That's water you can use to hydrate your houseplants, flowers, vegetable garden or lawn. In addition to saving you money on water bills, using natural water is environmentally sustainable (cities spend a lot of money and energy treating and pumping water into homes). Plants will also grow better with rainwater compared to chlorinated and fluoridated tap water. Rain barrels can be fairly easily constructed out of old garbage cans, a few washers, a spigot, caulking, and a hose clamp. By connecting one of your home's downspouts to the barrel, you will harness some of the rain collecting power of your roof. If Do-It-Yourself is not your cup of tea, premade rain barrels can be purchased at most home improvement stores, usually ranging from $100-$200. When setting up your rain barrel, make sure to place it on a platform (bricks, etc.) roughly a foot or so off of the ground to make it easier to fill up watering cans and also to give more pressure if you decide to hook it up to a hose. Mulch Ado - Adding a layer of mulch to landscaped areas doesn't just serve as an aesthetic touch; it's also one of the most effective and environmentally-friendly defenses against weeds that threaten to steal moisture from your plants. Mulch layers are air and water permeable, making them easy to plant into. Organic mulches such as hay, grass clippings, leaves and shredded bark will also improve the soil quality as they decay over time. Rubber, plastic or rock/gravel mulch layers can also be used with positive results. Clamp Down - Nothing wastes water quite as much as a needlessly running hose. Attach spray nozzles to all garden hoses to avoid leaving the water running. Spray nozzles also provide you with a little extra "oomph" of water pressure for watering hard to reach plants. Hold the Sprinklers - Using sprinklers can be a hassle-free way to water your lawn and plants, but if left on too long they can cost you a bundle while over-saturating your landscaping. Some sprinklers nowadays are equipped with built-in timing mechanisms and routines. As an alternative, you can install a simple faucet-mounted timer that remembers to shut off the water supply so that you don't have to. Pay Attention to the Weather - Overwatering your plants and lawn costs you money, isn't good for the plants and results in a great deal of water runoff. Keep in tune with just how much rainfall (roughly speaking) your yard is soaking in. This can be accomplished either by monitoring local weather sites or by setting up a simple rain gauge in your yard. Typically, plants need about an inch of water per week during the growing season. If you have sprinklers set on an automatic timer, make sure to adjust it as needed during periods of seasonal rainfall. Let it All Soak In - Unlike traditional sprinklers, soaker hoses aren't susceptible to water loss through evaporation. Soaker hoses slowly drip water into the soil. When covered over with mulch, they have proven to be an extremely efficient watering method. Back To Top Bruce Weaver Phone Number: Direct: 205-965-6761 Business: 205-352-4229 Toll-Free: 877-829-7653 Office: 205-408-1306 Email Address pellcity@gmail.com Web Site www.bweaver.remax-alabama.com Mobile Search bweaver.m.remax-alabama.com Mailing Address RE/MAX Classic 6801 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 210 Birmingham AL 35242

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Shaun and Haley Jernigan

New homeowners in Aspen Ridge!

Thank you,
Bruce Weaver
RE/MAX Classic
Direct: 205-352-4229
Fax: 866-822-3730

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March Update 2011

Subject: Real Estate Advisor - March 2011

Real Estate Advisor: March 2011 Architectural Styles at a Glance When beginning your home search, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the onslaught of both real estate terminology and architectural descriptions. For the uninitiated, phrases like "French Colonial" or "post-war bungalow" seem like another layer of jargon designed to confuse the average buyer. The overview below will help you familiarize yourself with the basic characteristics of some of the most common residential architectural styles in the U.S. Victorian Style Victorian architecture refers to several styles developed during the reign of Queen Victoria. The Victorian styles evolved largely from the Victorian idea that architecture (along with fashion, furnishings, among other things) should be beautiful rather than practical. The last true Victorians were constructed in the early 1900s, but contemporary builders often borrow Victorian ideas, designing eclectic "neo-Victorians." These homes combine modern materials with 19th century details, such as curved towers and spindled porches. Common Elements: Any and all exterior finishes, from brick to shingles to terra cotta Different exterior wall textures or materials on the same facade Asymetrical facade with extensive wood or brick patterning or detailing Extensive ornamental and decorative accents, usually in one of the following themes: delicate posts and spindles, raised classical columns, fancy half-timbering, or intricately patterned stone or brick Front entryway and significant part (or all) of front facade covered by a porch Bungalow The name "bungalow" originates from India, where it indicated a small, thatched home. In the United States what we call bungalows became popular during the 1880's in California, in part as a reaction to the elaborate nature of Victorian style. The style grew in popularity throughout the early 20th century. Common Elements: One or one-and-a-half stories Wood, brick or stone exterior finishes Rectangular building with low profile Simple facade with few decorative details Projecting, covered front porch with entryway set off to one side Interior Characteristics: Kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms laid around central living room Craftsman A descendent of the bungalow style, the craftsman gained popularity at the turn of the 20th century. Often called the "California bungalow", these homes feature overhanging eaves, a low-slung gabled roof, and wide front porches supported by columns. Common Elements: Exterior or natural materials, like wood or stone Asymetrical facade Large porch with square pillars or columns holding up the corners Ornamental braces Stone chimney One story Relatively low-pitched (flat) roof Interior Characteristics: Built-in china cabinets, nooks, desks, etc. Exposed beams. The beams on the porch and inside the house are often exposed. Open floor plan. The Arts and Crafts Movement rejected the small, boxy rooms like those in Victorian houses. Ranch Style The ranch style home emerged in the 1930s and grew in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, coinciding with the growing role of the automobile in American lifestyle. The style draws on elements of Spanish Colonial and Prairie and Craftsman homes, and is characterized by its one-story, pitched-roof construction, built-in garage, wood or brick exterior walls, sliding and picture windows, and sliding doors leading to patios. Common Elements: Exterior finished in stucco, wood, brick or some combination thereof Low-pitched roof with medium to wide overhanging eaves Side or rear glass doors which slide open to a porch or patio area Attached garage Cape Cod Many of the first homes built in the United States were Cape Cod-style homes constructed in the New England colonies. Many of the Cape Cod homes on the market today were built after World War II, when thousands of returning soldiers and their young families needed inexpensive housing. A 20th-century Cape Cod is square or rectangular with one or one-and-a-half stories and steeply pitched, gabled roofs. It may have dormers and shutters. The siding is usually clapboard or brick. Common Elements: Large, central chimney. The large, central chimney is located directly behind the front door, with the rooms clustered around it in a rectangular shape. Steep roof. Cape Cods have steep roofs to quickly shed rain and snow, and a shallow roof overhang. Windows and dormers. Two windows on each side of the door, and often a dormer on each side of the chimney to open up the attic. Captain's stairway. "The second floor, often kept for boarders or 'seafaring' men, was accessed by a narrow stair, or 'captain's stairway,' which has incredibly steep risers and shallow treads to minimize the use of the first-floor space," explains David Karam, an architect and builder from Brewster, Mass. Shingle siding. Weathered gray shingles are one of the most recognizable elements of a classic Cape Cod, but newer homes are built of brick, stucco and stone. Colonial As the nations of Europe settled the new world, they brought their unique architectural styles to the Americas, building their new homes in styles that reminded them of, well, home. "Colonial architecture" encompasses a number of individual styles including Georgian Colonial, Spanish Colonial, French Colonial, Dutch Colonial, and Federal - although Georgian is often the style referred to in the colloquial sense of "colonial". Georgian homes find their roots in both Italian Renaissance and the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. These homes are often marked by a centrally located front door, evenly spaced double-hung windows and simple side-gabled roof. Traditional Colonial homes have paired chimneys, decorative doorways and plain, symmetrical fronts along with a generally rectangular and formal style. Common Elements: Brick or wood exterior Small front porch with white rectangular columns topped by a triangular gable or pediment leading up to the front door Rectangular building Symmetrical facade -- same number of windows on either side of the front door, etc. Two or more stories Relatively steep roof pitch Interior Characteristics: Living rooms on first floor and bedrooms on higher floors Spanish/Mediterranean Spanish Colonial homes date back to the original Spanish colonies and missions throughout the American Southwest, and are characterized by stucco walls, tile roofs and enclosed courtyards. Today the term Spanish Colonial Revival is used to describe homes built in the early 20th century that incorporate various elements of Mediterranean architecture. The stucco siding and small windows of the Spanish Colonial style make the homes very energy efficient. Common Elements: Stucco exterior finish (usually in earthy, cream, or pinkish tones) Flat, red-tiled roof Small, circular accent windows Wide, square pillars on front facade Arches over doors, large windows and porch Square or polygonal towers Interior Characteristics: Tile floors, arches, wrought iron light fixtures Tudor Built mostly in the first half of the 20th century, Tudor homes can be found in established communities in practically every region of the country. Tudors have half-timbering on bay windows and upper floors, and facades dominated by steep cross gables. While this highly recognizable style was often the choice of the wealthy for grand mansions, modest interpretations of the style are prevalent as well. Common Elements: Steeply pitched roof, sometimes with mock thatch Large rectangular chimney with an ornate, cylindrical pipe-or "chimney pot"-on top Patterned brick or stone exterior, or plaster with half-timbers Decorative exposed wood framing known as "half-timbered" construction Asymmetrical façade Entryways are often arched and outlined with decorative brick or stonework. Windows placed in groups of two, three or four. Tall or narrow windows, multi-paned, with panes sometimes arranged in a diamond pattern. Front door of vertical wood planks Modern Modern architecture refers to designs influenced and inspired by the modernism movement in art and literature. Modern architecture was a rebellion against classical architectural tradition, and as a broad movement that spanned many decades, it incorporated elements of art deco, arts and crafts, and ranch home design. Common Elements: Open living spaces - Modernist homes usually feature open floor plans that combine spaces for dining, relaxing and entertaining. Clean, geometric lines - modernist homes emphasize spare geometric forms. Technologically advanced materials - Rather than traditional wood and plaster, modernism advanced the use of new materials like iron, concrete, steel and glass. Back To Top RE/MAX Classic Bruce Weaver Address RE/MAX Classic 6801 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 210 Birmingham AL 35242 Phone Number Direct: 205-965-6761 Business: 205-352-4229 Toll-Free: 877-829-7653 Office: 205-408-1306 Email Address pellcity@gmail.com Web Site www.bweaver.remax-alabama.com Mobile Search bweaver.m.remax-alabama.com

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October Update

The First Time Landlord: Determining Rent Price As a landlord, determining how much to charge for rent can be a difficult prospect. Setting a realistic market rent will be crucial to making the most out of your investment, regardless of whether you're renting out your former primary residence following a move, leasing an investment property or renting out a vacation home on a seasonal/weekly basis. If you set rent too low you may end up leaving money on the table. On the other hand, if you ask too much in rent you risk having the property stay vacant for long stretches or seeing high tenant turnover. Calculate your cost Before you begin determining how much you can or want to charge in rent, it's prudent to first gauge your total cost incurred from owning and renting the home. Your total cost will include mortgage payments, maintenance expenditures, any paid utilities and professional services you may require (such as property management, tax help or legal consultation). Avoid being too conservative when estimating potential maintenance and repair costs. The cost of owning and renting out may not directly dictate the rent you charge in all cases, but it will serve as a vital baseline value which you can refer to as you get closer to setting a rent price. Potential rental rates based on home value Professional real estate investors often determine rental prices by looking at the total value of the home. A common rule of thumb is that for homes up to about $100,000, you can charge approximately 1.1% of the home's value in rent ($1,100/month). With increasing home values, the percentage you can realistically charge will become smaller as the rental pool becomes more limited. For example, if your home is valued at $400,000, you may only be able to charge .75% of its value, or $3000/month. In general, calculating rent in this fashion is mostly a useful theoretical exercise that can provide some framework for you to work within. While in some cases you may be able to price rent purely based on the current value of your home, in most cases the realities of the local rental market will play a far greater role in determining how much rent you can realistically hope to charge. Understanding the renters in your market Before investigating actual rental rates in your market, it's important to actually understand the nature of the rental market and area renters. The needs of renters differ from those of potential buyers. For example, most renters will not be as interested as buyers in top of the line fixtures or brightly painted interior walls, because most lease agreements will prevent the tenant from changing such elements to meet their own taste. Things that will interest many renters include sturdy carpet that will resist wear and tear, appliances in good working order and plenty of storage space. In addition, rental markets are often defined on a highly local level - notice how rental classified are often divided by neighborhood or sub neighborhood. The needs and wants of renters in your local area will greatly influence how much rent they are willing to pay for your particular property. For example, a five-bedroom luxury house with attached three-car garage may have a tough time commanding high rent if located in a neighborhood whose rental demographic is predominantly students, single professionals or young couples. By the same token, a modestly sized studio or cottage will not rent for nearly as much in a suburban area popular with families and pet owners. Establishing market price To truly devise a competitive rent price, you will want to thoroughly research the prevailing rents of comparable homes. Start by scanning newspaper ads or online classifieds such as Craigslist to assess the price range for similar units in your area. Make sure to sample listings that are of comparable size and amenities, and which are near enough to your home to fall under the local conditions of your micro-market. Once you locate some comparable properties, visit them to better compare their amenities, location, condition and level of maintenance with your own home. Rental listings often vary a great deal from what is advertised to what you see in person when looking over the property, and often this discrepancy can help explain drastic differences in advertised rent. Visiting three or four homes in person will give you the best idea of how your home stacks up against the competition. Long term strategy Before you settle on a final rental price for your property, take some time to consider what your overall goals are with the rental unit. Are you focused on making a profit from the unit or recouping as much of the ownership cost as possible? If so, you may decide to charge rent on the high end of the market, at the risk of experiencing higher tenant turnover or longer periods of vacancy between occupants. If instead your goal is to ensure steady rental income from the unit, minimizing periods of vacancy, you will likely want have a pricing strategy more geared towards attracting long term tenants.

What In the World Is HAFA?

September Update

Tips for Buying New Construction Buying a brand new a shiny, un-lived in home has a certain amount of appeal. There is no previous homeowner who has affected the home or who has emotional ties to the home that will factor into the negotiation process. New homes are usually built with floor plans that reflect the latest, most popular design trends. In many ways, buying new construction is an entirely different animal than buying an existing home. While you still need to determine your budget, decide which home features are must-have and secure financing; the process of buying new construction involves a number of different steps. Representation Always have independent agent representation when considering new construction. The builder will have sales agents of their own, but they are paid to represent the builder's interests, not yours. Many will use pressure tactics to encourage you to sign the contract. A buyer's agent will act as your fiduciary and provide unbiased information on the pros and cons of any potential transaction. If you find developments that you are interested in learning more about, channel everything through your own independent representation. Protecting your own welfare is paramount. Learn About the Development(s) Buying a home in a planned development necessitates careful research of the development and neighborhood itself - more effort than you might otherwise put into learning about an existing neighborhood surrounding a resale. · Drive around the neighborhood to get the lay of the land. Are street grids easy to learn, or confusing. What community amenities are in the development, and how conveniently are they located in relation to available homes? · Are homes built right on top of each other, or does each lot have breathing space between houses? Are houses laid out such that similar models are not side-by-side, or does each street have an overly "cookie-cutter" feel to it? · Visit open houses for any home models that fit your budget, size requirements and general home needs. You may need to allot several days to this task to avoid rushing through each open house. Bring a camera to document details of each model - this way you don't have to rely on either your memory or marketing materials provided by the development. · Inquire with the city or county planner's office to learn about what is in store for the area around the development(s) you are interested in. Is that bucolic country neighborhood destined to besiegement from an array of shopping complexes and office parks? Is a seemingly too-distant neighborhood due to be linked by future mass-transit into core areas? · Research the bylaws and rules of the homeowners association, if one exits. Some subdivisions have HOA's with strict rules and regulations restricting things such as exterior paint colors, outdoor sheds, landscaping and vegetable gardens. Violating these guidelines can result in expensive penalties, while living by them may be too stifling for some. Research the Builder(s) Accurately and fairly reviewing a builder's history is a crucial step if you're considering the purchase of a newly built home. Don't rely on information provided by representatives of the builder or subdivision, as it will be their goal to represent the builder in the best possible light. Go to the courthouse to see if any liens or lawsuits have been filed against the builder, and verify how they were resolved. Check with the Better Business Bureau for any serious complaints against the builder registered by past homeowners or subcontractors. If at all possible, contact homeowners currently living in homes previously constructed by the same builder to see how they feel about the quality of craftsmanship after having actually lived in the home. Experienced real estate agents should also have a good understanding of which builders have a good reputation locally, and which do not. Be Cautious with Upgrades and Extras 5 Home Features That Excite Buyers 1. Stainless Steel Appliances: Many buyers like the sleek, powerful appearance of stainless steel kitchen appliances. Part of the attraction may be that a home kitchen with stainless steel appliances suggests the professionalism of a commercial kitchen. The modern look of the appliances themselves can be incorporated into almost any kitchen design (from modern interiors to more traditional styles). A stainless steel finish is not for everyone, however, so keep in mind that the appeal of these contemporary gadgets will not be universal. 2. Hardwood Floors: Hardwood floors are sought after by home buyers across all property types and architectural styles. Hardwood flooring has a timeless style and is more durable than other types of flooring. Synthetic wood floors are an option for owners who can't afford hardwood - just know that most potential buyers will know the difference right away. 3. Quality Fixtures: Upgrading the smallest details can often go a long ways to improving your home's appeal to buyers. Replacing outdated or lower-quality doorknobs, faucets, light switch/outlet covers, and drawer pulls can be a relatively inexpensive way to make over a bathroom or kitchen. You can also greatly enhance your home's appeal by updating lighting fixtures throughout your house, but keep in mind that higher-end lighting fixtures can get expensive fast. Whenever replacing fixtures, make sure the replacements coordinate with both any remaining fixtures and the interior aesthetic of your home. 4. Surround Sound: The popularity of larger flat panel and projection screen televisions in recent years has in turn generated greater interest in advanced home audio that compliments near cinema-quality picture. Building a surround sound system into your living/media room can entice potential buyers who may be excited by the idea of a new dimension of home entertainment but disinclined to go through the process of installation and setup. 5. Slab Kitchen Countertops: Granite countertops get a lot of attention as a must-have finish for any contemporarily designed kitchen, but in reality a number of other slab materials can be used to achieve a similar look at a lower cost. One of the major selling points of granite countertops is how easy they are to care for: the hard, nonporous surface is much easier to clean than a tile counter top with grout lines. Solid Synthetic surfaces (such as Corian), composite stone (such as Silestone), limestone, soapstone, marble, quartz and butcher-block slab counters all come with easy care and a more attractive appearance than laminate or tile countertops. Upgrades to the home itself are features (such as hardwood flooring or high end appliances) that you pay extra for to improve the home based on your tastes. Builders can make a lot of money on upgrades, because they get the parts and labor at favorable rates and generally tack on a large markup. Make sure you know the base feature list of the model you are purchasing by heart. When the builder offers upgrades, make sure you understand exactly what is being offered by asking questions and taking notes. Do your own research to compare the cost of the feature plus installation as offered by the builder with what it would cost to have the work done independently after move in. If the builder's version is far and away more expensive, bidding the work out to independent contractors after you move in is probably the smart move. If the costs are similar, however, it may be less stress to have the work completed by the builder in advance. Hire an Independent Home Inspector Many people who purchase new construction fall into the trap of thinking that because the home is newly built, the important step of getting a detailed home inspection is unnecessary. Simply put, new construction does not guarantee sound construction, and skipping a professional inspection can leave you open to future problems that might crop op as a result of building flaws or cut corners. Even homes built by the most scrupulous contractors can have defects that are not obvious to the untrained eye. Many builders will proved an all-inclusive home warranty as a part of the purchase agreement. This should not dissuade you from getting an impartial inspection: most warranties have a limited lifespan, and many original issues with home construction may not become apparent until many years later. Shop for Lenders Builders almost always have a preferred lender (sometimes even an in-house mortgage company), and will typically try to steer you to using this lender to secure the mortgage for your new home. Some builders will even offer deals on the purchase price of the home or free upgraded - contingent upon you using their lender. Using the builder's lender, especially without first shopping around for mortgages and other sources, is highly problematic. A mortgage provider who has a working relationship with a builder or development is out to make sure they can get you into a loan for the property. What they aren't necessarily doing is making sure you get the best deal. Always shop around for the best possible rate, lowest closing cost and fewest hassles.

Foreclosures and other Listings

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See current listings, current foreclosures in Birmingham, current MLS listings, or create and save your own specific search for property.
Thank you,

Bruce Weaver
RE/MAX Classic
Direct: 205-965-6761
Fax: 866-822-3730
www.bweaver.info

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