Thursday, June 20, 2013

Tomorrow 6/21/13 is the First Day of Summer...Huntsville events, road funds, and new entertainment districts

With the first day of summer looming around the corner what is everyone up to.  Seems like there are vacations about to go on or are being planned.  Everyone is getting involved in activities and volunteer groups on one thing or another, or people are taking more of an opportunity to go out more with families and friends.

Our local visitors center has put together more upcoming events.

In other news: One of our team members spotted Mayor Battle on the corner of Byrd Spring and South Memorial Parkway when he was discussing the deferred road funds for Byrd Spring & Lily Flagg.  And with the new open container legislation that has passed the city is putting out more information on the entertainment districts known as Quigley and Meridian.


Today's Tidbit: Remember rule of safety for summer, keep drinking even if you don't feel thirsty.  Dehydration can still hit you when its humid out and doesn't feel as hot.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

6/18/13 - Yes Mortgage Rates Are Going Up! Mortgage Rates for Huntsville Alabama Area

Its true we haven been climbing upwards with mortgage rates.  Better to lock in your low rate now!


INSTITUTION Conv.
30-year fixed
Rate/points/APR
Conv.
15-year fixed
Rate/points/APR
5-Year ARM
Rate/points/APR
Yearly cap
Lifetime cap
FHA
Rate/pnts/APR
30yr
VA
Rate/pnts/APR
30yr
Last Update
Renasant Bank
(256) 382-2828
3.75/0 2.875/0 NA/0
(0 APR)
2/5 3.375/0 3.375/0 17-Jun-2013 2:47:35 PM

Servis First Bank
(256) 722-7821
3.75/0 2.875/0 NA/NA NA/NA 3.25/0 3.25/0 17-Jun-2013 11:19:26 AM

Charis Mortgage Corporation
(256) 885-4044
3.750/0
(3.750 APR)
2.875/0
(2.875 APR)
NA/NA NA/NA 3.250/0
(3.250 APR)
3.250/0
(3.250 APR)
17-Jun-2013 10:33:20 AM

REDSTONE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
(256) 882-8500
3.875/0 3.0/0 2.5/0
(0 APR)
2/5 NA/NA NA/NA 17-Jun-2013 10:06:42 AM

Progress Bank
(256) 319-3630
3.750/0 2.875/0 2.500/0
(0 APR)
2/5 3.125/0 3.125/0 17-Jun-2013 9:43:19 AM

First Bank Mortgage Partners
(256) 533-5576
3.875/0 2.875/0 2.5/0
(0 APR)
2/5 3.25/0 3.25/0 17-Jun-2013 9:09:17 AM

First Commercial/Synovus
256-288-2316
4.000/0 3.000/0 NA/NA NA/NA 3.375/0 3.375/0 14-Jun-2013 1:30:20 PM

PNC BANK
256-382-4560
3.75/NA 2.875/NA 2.25/NA NA/NA 3.25/0 3.25/0 14-Jun-2013 11:57:41 AM

Supreme Lending
(256) 715-9465
3.99/0 3.00/0 2.875/0
(0 APR)
2/5 3.625/0 3.265/0 14-Jun-2013 10:09:37 AM

South Bank
(256) 535-6000
3.750/0 2.875/0 2.50/0
(0 APR)
2/5 3.25/0 3.250/0 13-Jun-2013 11:54:15 AM

Starkey Mortgage
(256) 533-2362
3.875/0 3.00/0 2.75/0
(0 APR)
2/5 3.5/0 3.5/0 11-Jun-2013 2:48:46 PM

Huntsville Metro Area Homes

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

What to take with you when viewing a home

A tiny post today on something not normally thought about.  What to take with you when viewing a home?

Pen - Have at least two in case one goes bad.

Notepad/Notebook - Have something to write on to take notes about what you see.

Drink or Bottle of water - Not for actual drinking but to moisten the mouth and throat for speaking with the realtor or others.  You wouldn't believe how raspy a voice can become when viewing homes.  Leave the drink in the vehicle when you enter the house.

Flyer or Printout - This can either be in the flyer box in front of the house or an online printout of the property.  Something you can take back with you to make it easy for you to remember room by room.

Questions - Always come with questions.  There are many to ask if not specified in online information, flyers, printouts, public tax records.  You can find out more about a property if you just ask.

These are the basics, but there are other optional that you can bring if you want.  Electronic measuring devices would be one great example of something that a potential buyer can bring.  Sometimes, those stretch out measuring tapes can't get in certain areas or move in ways you want them to.

Today's Tidbit:  Remember rules of etiquette when entering someone else's home.  I.E. Don't touch something that doesn't belong to you.  Its ok to turn on light switches, etc, but don't try to swing from the ceiling fan or use the seller's exercise equipment.  Likewise sellers shouldn't be demanding of potential buyers that come into their home such as taking off shoes or having potential buyers wade through dirty laundry in the hallway.


Thursday, June 6, 2013

Its June, Everyone's thinking about hitting the pool but what about Safety?

Just a short post today, but quite an interesting read.  We came across this last week from the National Association of Home Builders, or NAHB for short, and thought it would be great to share with everyone.  Everyone knows at least someone with a pool.  Below are tips that NAHB has put together. Enjoy!

swimming pool safety should include fencing and other layers of protection
Summer is just around the corner! Spending time in the back yard in the swimming pool and with the grill going is a great way to enjoy time with friends and family. However, it’s important to blend fun with safety.

While the pool is a great place to have fun and relax, it is an unfortunate reality that drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children nationwide. Collapsing decks and open fire from grills and firepits are also other hazards that can be easily avoided with a few safety tips.

Fencing: Isolate the swimming pool with a minimum four-foot-high enclosure to temporarily close off a pool, spa, or hot tub not being used when children are visiting. Make sure it has a self-closing, self-latching gate.

Safety covers: Install an impenetrable casing that completely covers the pool, spa, or hot tub to prevent access to the water when there is no supervision.  Make sure to cover portable hot tubs and padlock them.

Alarms: Get an alarm, which are available for doors, fences, and as a clip-on for children, to detect unwanted entrances to your pool, spa, or hot tub.

Rope and float lines: Place a rope or float line across the pool to let swimmers know where the deep end separates from the shallow end.

Rescue equipment: Locate equipment such as a life ring or shepherd's hook near the pool in an easily accessible spot, and ensure they are kept in good condition. These can be used to pull someone to safety when in trouble.

Install drain covers: Suction entrapment is an unfortunate hazard in some swimming pool designs where circulation drains, which children like to play with, create a strong suction and hold a child or even a grown man underwater. Make sure drain covers are installed properly. 

Posted emergency information: Post CPR information and warning signs, as well as the emergency telephone number -- 911 -- near the pool, spa, or hot tub.

Deck inspection: Every spring, have a professional remodeler or inspector check that your deck or balcony is in stable condition, particularly after a heavy winter of snow or rain. Look for termite or insect damage, decaying wood, and that all bolts and screws are tightened. Clean any leaves and mildew that can cause the surface to be slippery.

Railings and banisters: Rails should be at least 36 inches tall and spaced no more than 4 inches apart, so small children can’t squeeze through them. Any open space behind stair tread should also be no more than 4 inches wide. Banisters and rails should be secure.

Grills, firepits and outdoor fireplaces: Any open flames should be operated with close supervision. Never leave any unattended, including candles, and keep them away from flammable surfaces.

Outside telephone: Keep a cordless or poolside telephone nearby so you don’t leave children unattended while you answer the phone. It’s also a good idea to have one handy to summon help, if needed.

These are great ways to help ensure that your family remains safe while enjoying time in the backyard. It is important to remember, however, that these should not replace adult supervision.  When children have access to any body of water, near an open flame or on a deck, a designated adult should always be alert and aware.

Today's Tidbit:  Always remember to keep your pools clean and areas around it free of debris and toys.