Huntsville's $383 Million in updating roads

We have not seen this on local news yet and thought we would pass it along. This was just released by the City of Huntsville today 9/3/14: Updates, upgrades, and expansions of Huntsville area roads. Please click the links below from the City of Huntsville to read both the article and the PDF document of projects.

Press Release from City of Huntsville

For a list of current roadway projects in PDF format.


Huntsville Metro Area Homes

Pool Information To Help You In Your Selection

Recently we have seen more and more salt water pools being installed by owners. So the question has to be asked which would be a better choice for you if you are looking into purchasing one. Many choices concerning pools tend to be personal preferences whether they be financial, convenience, or taste.

Regular pools need to maintain a certain level of chlorine which is added based on a pH value. The chlorine has to be purchased every month, and the chlorine can be an irritant to the eyes, skin, and hair to those that are sensitive. The initial set up for these pools are less expensive than their salt water counterparts, but still do need monthly pool cleanings and filter inspections. An ionic purifier can help with the pool sanitation by releasing small amounts of copper and silver to stop the growth of algae and bacteria.

Salt water pools use less chlorine by way of a chlorine generator that takes salt and through electrolysis forms chlorine.  By this process there is no harsh chlorine smell, is better for people with sensitive skin or chlorine allergies. As always there is maintenance. The chlorine generator must be maintained at the right levels specifically inside the control box, and salt is usually purchased once or twice a year. Salt water pools can cause corrosion of materials such as stone and other pool surfaces, pool lighting and other equipment. It can also leave calcium deposits. A maintenance and cleaning around the pool can cut down on this type of corrosion. Also pool cleaning for salt water pools is usually every three months. Now as with regular pools, there can be an irritant. In the case of salt water pools it is irritant to the eyes for those sensitive.  Just for quick information, usually salt water pools have between 3,000 to 5,000 parts per million while ocean salinity has 40,000 parts per million. The costs of salt water pools other than the initial set up can depend on your area of the country, utility costs, etc.  But there is an increase in the electric bill and it all depends on the filter motor & generator, pool size, generator size and local utility rates.

Remember as with location and company, costs and rates from anything from initial set up, chlorine/salt purchases, to equipment purchases, utility rates will all vary.  So do some shopping around and ask others who have pools. See how they like it and who they used. Reviews and personal interactions will always help you to make an informed decision.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes

Huntsville Restaurant Week & News

Just a heads up to everyone that Huntsville Restaurant Week starts this Friday 8/15/14 and runs through 8/24/14. Amanda Conger at Our Valley Events and the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau have both done a wonderful job of putting out information on the what's, who's, where's and how much. Our team looks forward to experience all the dishes that these restaurants will be showcasing to the city.

A few of the Huntsville Restaurant Week Participants

Also coming across the news, specifically WHNT. It looks like there are plans in the works for Stone Middle School to be converted. Part Straight to Ale brewery, part Yellowhammer brewery, part ampitheater, and even Bandito Burrito seems to be interested in taking part. Currently Bandito Burrito has a small location across the road and this certainly would allow them an upgrade in space inside but also parking.

Site Plan by Matheny Goldmon Architecture & Interiors

Huntsville Metro Area Homes

Great Homes on the Market

Here are a few great homes on the market. For more information or additional pictures, please click the link above the picture.

313 Sunnyslope Trail

Amazing two story with in ground pool and storm shelter. Close to Legacy Elementary and will be near the new Monrovia High School!

159 Amsterdam Place

Home in Windsor Parke subdivision off of Balch. Minutes to Madison Hospital.

44 Saint James Square

Great Cedarhurst subdivision home! Lowest dollar/sqft in this gated subdivion. 

5007 Blakemore Drive

Open floor plan home in Hampton Manor subdivision off of Taylor Road. Kitchen comes with wine chiller. Low maintenance yard.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes

A Casual Look Around The House

Today a short post. In these quick and few cool days of Summer we have currently, why not take a casual look around the house.  This would fall into the maintenance category. Does anything look out of place? High grass starting to surround your HVAC? High bushes creeping over the window to prevent you from looking out into your yard? Yard obstructions which prevent you from seeing out into the street when backing up? Or perhaps a few holes in the ground which when walking along can get you a sprained ankle or worse? Check along the exterior window sills and decking for deterioration. Home maintenance does not have to be an intense study all of the time, sometimes it just takes a casual look when doing other activities.  Keeping your home in good working and kept condition can not only keep your home in great shape, but also save you money in the long run either for yourself or if you decide to sell your home and the home inspector comes around.

Home maintenance isn't something that can be put off. Its taking care of problems today so we don't have disasters tomorrow.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes 

Trampoline Park Update, Disclosing Information, Town Madison Co-op District

First an update on something we had several calls about. Shakalaka Trampoline Park off of University Drive. Originally we had expected the park to open in the spring. We received several calls from our wonderful readers that asked if we had heard any updates. Until now we had none and everything was silent about the opening date.  The park is now open and looks to offer a variety of activities including Free Jumping, obstacle course, and a fitness class. For more information call the number above or click the link above.

Now a word about disclosing information by and for home sellers. If you have information about your house that your agent may or may not be aware about. Be sure to bring it up. This lack of disclosure can bring problems down the road. Don't assume everything will be taken care of when these issues or problems can possibly pop up during home inspections, title searches, or termite inspections. If an agent does not have all the vital information, they cannot give you the proper guidance and are only seeing with one eye open. Sellers expect the real estate agent to give them all the possible options, in turn agents want to be given all the information so that no options are overlooked. Remember communication and disclosure of information are keys to having a good business relationship.

In other news, Madison city council has green lighted the Town Madison Co-op District. This will create a new area of development over 700 acres covering everything from Zierdt Road along I-565 up to Wall Triana Highway. The first phase of development will be at the corner of Zierdt and I-565. Keep your eyes peeled for more information about this massive development project.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes

News and Events 7/11/14

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. It seems like everyone around the office had amazing stories of great food, fun times, and big celebration parties.

The Madison County Board of Education has moved forward with their plans to build a new $46 million dollar high school. Monrovia High School. Its location was also settled as the site chosen was right across from Legacy on Pettus Road. The Board also gave their approval for the County Superintendent David Copeland to go ahead and negotiate for purchasing of the land.  *Also to note we have a fantastic home (w/pool & tornado shelter) nearby at 313 Sunnyslope Trail, it will be short walking distance to the new high school.

This Friday, 7/11/14, free movies in the park will be showing Disney's Frozen. It will begin near 8.15 when it gets dark so people may want to go early to get a good spot on the grassy area behind the Huntsville Museum of Art. If this is anything like the movie theater, it will be packed.

This weekend is also the 4th Tennessee Valley Hunting & Fishing Expo at the VBC South Hall. It takes place today, Saturday, and Sunday. Admission is $10. As with the Frozen showing, expect to be a large turnout for the Expo with the celebrity guests: Jep & Jessica Robertson, Bass Masters' Chris Lane, and Rick & Bubba. As well as last years special guest Twiggy, the waterskiing squirrel.

Everyone have a wonderful weekend!

Huntsville Metro Area Homes