Huntsville makes Best Christmas Towns in the US

Not normally two words associated together, Christmas and Huntsville. Huntsville does not reach the inches of snow that blanket other northern cities over the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Years. It is nice for the city to be on the list of Best Christmas Towns in the US. This list was put together by thelocaltourist.com. This list is more than a simple sentence, it gives a good quick write up on why its on the list. You will not only read why Huntsville is on the list, but other cities as well such as Taos, NM and San Juan, PR. Its a fun read for the upcoming season.

RealEstateofHuntsville

Holiday Safety Tips and Top Golf Opens Friday

Just two quick items on the plate today. The first is a Safety Tips video from the Huntsville Fire and Rescue team. Some may seem like common sense, but it never hurts for a quick review.



Next is Top Golf is opening at 9 AM this Friday according to the article at AL.com. More information can be found at the AL.com link.

Upgrades vs. Maintenance: A Continual Showdown

For many years now there's been a constant banging of the drum of what equates Maintenance/Upgrades.  Some of the time its subjective, some of the time its objective, and the other third is completely off the wall.  We see sellers many times try to get buyers to pay for everything that they've done to get the house in selling shape.  But its not going to work that way when the activities that were engaged in were maintenance of the house to keep it in working order.

Let's go with a few quick examples that make sense (hopefully):
Repairing or Replacing the home's roof.  This is wear and tear.  Loose shingles, storm damage, water leakage...This is basic maintenance.  If the seller decided not to sell, they would still have to make the repairs to keep the house running.

Lawn care & exterior house cleanliness.  This is another maintenance issue. Keeping landscaping looking nice, weeding, making sure the grass is cut below a certain level (prevent rodents & snakes from hiding in and attacking passerbys).  Trash being kept out of sight when its not collection day.  Any other items which may need to be stored and not flowing over the yard (tools, projects, escaped items from trash).  Its all maintenance to keep the house looking good, and also in this case sometimes within city limits you can be fined for an untidy yard.  No one wants to walk next to five foot grass which holds surprises.

Now the flip side:  Appliances, CounterTops, and Remodeling are just a few examples of Upgrades.  Appliances can be upgrades to more energy efficient and high quality stainless steel models instead of the old plastic energy hogging devices.  Changing from the old style of 50's & 60's countertops to something definite and substantial such as granite is a major upgrade that works well with new kitchen cabinets for that extra storage which everyone seems to need.  Remodeling.  Remodeling can really be an upgrade if done correctly.  Completely redoing a bathroom making it a full bath from a 3/4 bath and having nice double vanity and whirlpool tub.  Bringing new quality landscaping to a bland yard with no excitement.  Adding an entertaining deck to the patio can be included if done right.  These are just a fraction of upgrades that can be done.  But the main point here is that Upgrades are only Upgrades if the work has been done with quality in mind, and not haphazardly.  This subpar work leads buyers to know they'll either have to do serious maintenance upkeep or scrap and redo all over again with the knowledge it'll cost them extra.

Whether the Upgrades you do to your home bring any value with it is another story completely...and we'll save that for another day.


Today's Tidbit:  Everyone have a Merry Christmas, and be safe out there.  We know the driving tends to be a bit hectic.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes

The Post-Turkey Day Low - What you can do now.

So here we are after the turkey day and the shopping days.  Everyone should feel sated or low that the excitement is now past and everything is returning to a type of calm.

If you're a seller you can use this opportunity to take a look around and get your house into the holiday mood.  Make it inviting.  The holiday time always gives everyone a little better boost of mood.  Why not enhance their experience by showing you care instead of a sterile house with no decorations.  You can do this by doing some livening up of the living room.  This is the comfort room to show off and make a big splash.

You only need small things to make a big impact going beyond the tree.  Some simple ideas would be stringing garland across the mantle of a fireplace.  Small candles on the coffee table or small poinsettias in empty spots.  Wreaths on doors or windows.  Pine cones in a bowl on the coffee table.  A beautiful quilt draped on a couch or chair.  Christmas cards in the open.  Right out in the open have candy canes & peppermints in a jar for family, friends and visitors.

Remember you're not only doing this for family and friends but also to their guests they bring with them to visit you.  Make them feel warm, comfortable, and able to have a fun time.

Today's Tidbit:    Some information for locals on upcoming event.
TINSEL TRAIL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

• 12/01/2012 - 12/01/2012
• Times: 4:30 PM, open to the public until 11 PM
• Address: Big Spring Park, West Huntsville, AL 35801
• Phone: (256) 361-9275
• Admission: No admission charged

Featuring a total of 200 small trees, 4 large flagship trees at each entrance & the city of Huntsville's tree in the center of the trail.

Trees will line the sidewalk & be fenced in, so the trail will be fully paved.  The trees will be lit  every night especially Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year's Eve.

This year will also include performances every Friday & Saturday night & Sun. afternoon in the gazebo.

 To sponsor a tree visit www.tinseltrail.com or emailinfo@tinseltrail.com.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes