What Does Toni Have To Say?

I was showing houses to a client the other day.  This is a buyer's market as we have heard so there are literally hundreds of homes for sale in her price range. Based on most of her specific requested items and through the use of the internet (pictures really help weed out the undesirable) we basically narrowed it down to 30 homes.  Over a period of three trips we ventured out to personally view the top picks.

She had a couple of subdivision that she had friends living in already so we really wanted to explore those neighborhoods.  Some of these were typical tract home developments.  In these, many of the homes can look the same.  So, what makes one home look better than the other?  If you are the seller, what do you do to make YOUR home stand out?

Decorating of course is important and we have seen many instances where a nicely decorated home will sell it.  She is also very interested in the yard.  One home she is interested in has a patio and fountain in the back yard.  It is absolutely beautiful - she referred to it as the Sanctuary.

Another item that she commented on over and over again was the use - or lack thereof of molding.  Some homes had crown at the ceiling, but dinky molding along the floor. Crown molding and wider baseboards give the home a more finished look.  Often times in tract homes, the builders will use small baseboards, no crown at the ceiling and no molding around the windows.  I had a client a couple of years ago that was totally focused on crown molding.  She bought a house without it, and had a contractor install molding and new hardwood floors before she would move in.

If you are trying to sell your home in a buyer's market and want your home to have a little edge on the others in the neighborhood, try installing some additional molding - especially in the living room and master bedroom. It will give YOUR home a little better appeal and could be what makes the sale.

If you would like some other tips about getting YOUR home ready to sell, check out the seller library at my website www.Tonibird.com. 

Boy, has it gotten busy lately or is it my imagination!  I listed a home for sale in Helena, Alabama 3 weeks ago and we already received an offer.  The seller had fixed it up and it looked GREAT.  The person who is buying the home as never owned a home before and can take advantage of the First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit.

If you are a first time home buyer (and a 1^st time home buyer is defined as someone who hasn't owned a home in the last 3 years), then you can qualify for an $8,000 TAX CREDIT on your 2009 taxes.  A tax credit which is good for homes purchased through December 1^st 2009, is better than a deduction because it is subtracted directly from the amount of tax you owe. If you don't owe $8000, you get cash back!! Just buy a house and you can get a credit for 10% of the home's purchase price (up to $8000).

There is nothing that you have to apply for ahead of time.  The credit will be claimed when you file your income tax return. Click Here to see a copy of the form that you file with your taxes.  If you owe less than 8,000 in taxes, you will get CASH BACK to use on whatever you want.  Check out the form for instructions and information about income limits and what to do if you sell the house before 3 years is up.

You keep hearing Now is the Time to Buy, well Now is the Time to Buy.

I told you about the house with the offer on it - well there is another one right down the street waiting for YOU.  This home has 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths and a nice updated Kitchen. The owners have loved this house and NOW it is your turn. Take A Look at the Visual Tour.

If you haven't already done so, now is the time to contact a lender and get pre-approved for a loan.  Click here to shop for houses on line at my website www.ToniBird.com, When you are ready, contact me and I'll set up appointments for you to see your top picks. 

Do you like pink? 

I lot of people - mostly girls, like pink.  Easter is right around the corner and those little pink Easter dresses are pretty, and what would the Easter Bunny do without his pink ears and nose.  Many flowers are pink. I saw lots of pink tulips last week and the azaleas are just beginning to peek out. In a few weeks, we will see pink everywhere. In fact, the world would definitely be missing something if we didn't have pink.

I showed a house the other day.  It was a great price for the neighborhood and was a foreclosure.  The house was a 4 Bedroom, gray brick, one level on a nice flat lot. When we walked up to the front door, my client pointed out that the mortar was a dark PINK.  I had NEVER seen pink mortar before.  When we got inside, the walls were a pale (almost white) pink - but paint is an easy thing to change.  We stepped into the kitchen and WOW there was a pink and purple border, a pink and purple faux finished accent wall, pink corian counter tops and a very light pink ceramic tile on the floor.  We didn't go any farther.  The price may have been good, but too much work!!  There is a hefty price tag associated with changing out all the counter tops and flooring in THIS house. Now, thinking back, I wished I had checked out the bathroom....

I was in a DIFFERENT house and it DID have a PINK cultured marble jetted tub and pink vanities.  The house has been reduced over 50K just to compensate for the pink in the bathroom and is a STEAL.  Someone just needs to really like pink, or deal with ripping out the tub and vanity tops.  That CAN be done,  but most people don't want to do the work.  If YOU would like to tackle this depinking project, let me know 'cause this house is a bargin!!

The moral of the story is this....If you like pink - that is great.  You can even decorate your house with pink paint, accessories, rugs and even furniture.  But DON'T use PINK for anything that would be expensive or difficult to replace - it could cost you THOUSANDS.

If you are thinking about selling your home in Hoover Alabama or the greater Birmingham Area, I can help.  Give me a call and we'll get started. 

March is one my favorite months in Hoover Alabama, Every day is a new experience.  Two weeks ago we had snow and now the buds are coming out on the trees.  Driving down Shades Crest Road the Red Buds and Forsythia, which bud out in flowers before leaves are EVERYWHERE.

They are called Red Buds and some of the plants have a red colored flower, but most of them are Purple.  They are tall trees with thin twisted branches and can grow in the shade of other trees.

The Forsythia are bushes and if not trimmed back, have a wild free flowing look.  They are yellow or white and look great in the spring.  They make a nice hedge row along a fence or a beautiful focal point plant. The young ones have only a few wirery branches and mature plants can be ten feet tall.  Once the blooms are gone green leaves take their place.  I moved into a house once and before I knew what it was, trimmed it back into a nice round bush - it ruined the plant and never looked right.

Another flowering tree with white buds in full bloom is the Bradford Pear. About ten years ago these were the tree of choice when putting a tree in the front yard in a new subdivision.  They also line boulevards in many parts of town.

These three trees is a sure sign that spring is here.  Take a drive down Shades Crest Rd, and South Shades Road and you'll see lots of these flowering trees and bushes.

Hoover Alabama is a wonderful place to live.  In spring the hillsides are alive with color.  If you would like to Buy A Home in Hoover, Alabama, or the greater Birmingham area, let me help.  You can reach me at my website www.ToniBird.com.

I received an on-line newsletter the other day from one of our lenders here in town. This one contained a quote from Jim Rohn that stuck with me.

"A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly do well and to help those who are dong well to do better".

Have you ever worked for a company that was sincerely interested in the quality of life of its employees - as opposed to how much money those employees could make for the company?  I could go on for DAYS about what has happened in this country with regard to greed and corruption.........and how its all about the stockholder and ROE.

What we need now is a leader who can step back, look at the big picture and make choices that are right for the most people.  A lot of times we are surrounded by very vocal people and they can influence our thoughts and actions.  Right now we are consumed by negative press and how BAD things are.  Every once in a while you hear a lone voice talking about what is RIGHT with America.

We as individuals need to consider what is right for ourselves and our families, but we also need to look at the big picture.  When President Obama made his speech before the houses a few weeks ago, there was a bank official who cashed in his bonus and gave it to the bank employees - including the ones who were laid off.  Here is someone who understood that he didn't get to where HE was without the work of others.  So, if your company has laid off employees this year - what are YOU doing with YOUR bonus check-because if those people were still employed, your profits would probably be non-existent and there would be no bonus. Something to think about.

When I think about those people who are effective leaders, they are people who can see the future and make a road map to help us get there. They have the ability and desire to empower others and appreciate them for their efforts. They are interested in the process and what it does for people along the way. Then they can make tough decisions with care and understanding - even when those decisions are not popular.  With leaders like that, we all prosper.

Who are the leaders that you know?    

I heard a commercial the other day about foreclosures and what a great deal they were.  This commercial also touted the fact that 1^st time home buyers should buy a foreclosure. 

Well, I'm not so sure about that.  Now, everybody wants a deal, but a deal to one person could be a nightmare to another.  There are some GREAT foreclosed properties out there that are in good condition, but you have got to be choosy, look at what you are getting and don't buy just because someone says "You need to buy a FORECLOSURE because they are a DEAL"

 One thing to know is that most foreclosures are to be purchased AS IS.  That means the seller will make NO REPAIRS.  Most houses have sat empty for months without any power or maintenance. It is imperative that the buyer have a home inspection done on the property so they will know what is under the skin so to speak, however, the bank already knows that the property may need some repairs and usually prices them accordingly. You may include a laundry list of items noted as being wrong with the property; however, the bank may not even look at it.  AS IS means AS IS

The next question is, if you DO uncover something in the inspection, how will you fix it?  Do you have enough cash in your bank account to cover fixing the problem items?  Do you personally know HOW TO fix things, or are you relying on repair people that you don't know? Things ALWAYS cost more to fix than you think. Buying a house with no extra $$ in the bank - especially a foreclosure - is a bad idea.  Also, thinking that you will LEARN by going to classes at Home Depot may seem like a good idea at the time, but this gets REALLY OLD.  I've met many couples that bought a fixer upper as their first house, and of those couples, none wanted to do it again.

Now, you could be getting a fantastic deal on a property, have worked on houses since you were a kid, have a little extra cash in the bank for repairs and are ready to go.  If the buyer is getting a standard FHA, VA, or high LTV conventional loan, the condition of the property is very important. In most cases, if the house is not in average condition then underwriting will decline the loan. Consult with your lender with what repairs are needed, to determine if the property will qualify for the type of loan being sought.  

I showed houses over the weekend and several were foreclosures. There are some foreclosures out there, like the home for sale in Glen Gate above, that are in nearly perfect condition (I say nearly perfect because there is no perfect house), most need some work and others are total dogs.  Be cautious and make sure you know what you are getting into when buying a foreclosure.

Looking for a home in Hoover or the Greater Birmingham area.  There are lots of properties available.  Call me for an appointment to look at your favorites.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, that President Obma signed into law on February 17, 2009 is loaded with provisions that are supposed to jump start the economy.  Approximately 35% of the bill includes TAX CUTS.

The President is really interested in energy conservation.  He is also a champion of putting people to work through the creation of more GREEN jobs. The ARRA has significant provisions for making homes and buildings more energy efficient. So if YOU take advantages of the TAX CUTS available to you to make your home more energy efficient, then you will be saving money by saving energy costs, creating a job for someone AND getting a tax credit.  Sounds like a Win - Win - Win.

One of the tax advantages that you can take advantage of through 2010 is a 30% tax credit for the purchase of a new furnace, windows or insulation.

Last year I put all new windows in my house.  I am able to take a tax credit this year (2008), but it was only for 10% of the cost.  Now that credit is 30%.

Is your furnace energy efficient?  Click here for information on how much you can save with a new energy star furnace. Have you looked in your attic at the amount of insulation up there (insulation shrinks and deterorates over time). Do you have insulated windows?  Additions of any of these can save you big bucks if you replace them in the next 2 years.

If you would like to more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Acts of 2009, check out my monthly on-line newsletter.  If you would like to receive a copy every month, let me know at www.ToniBird.com.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that President Obama signed into law on February 17^th has 46.7 Billion dollars allocated to states and localities for transportation projects including building and/or fixing highways, bridges TRANSIT and rail projects.  

What a great way to put people to work. 

I know the pot holes in I-65 and I-459 in the Hoover area would be on the top of MY list for improving roads.  Yesterday when I was leaving the office, I looked down and there was a big LUMP on one of my tires - just what I needed, right.  My mind traced back to a couple of days ago when I couldn't avoid this HUGE pot hole on I-65 South.  I'd be willing to BET that is what caused my tire - with only 6,000 miles on it - to fail.  So, I am doing my part toward keeping someone at a tire manufacturing plant employed, but I'd rather see some work being done on the interstates! The folks at NTB were great by the way! I was in and out in an Hour.  And, I got to see the Michellin Man which reminded me of the snow we got last week.

Now, back to roads.....hasn't it been 10 years or so since they started talking about 4 laning Morgan Road between Helena and I-459.  I was behind a garbage truck the other day and I thought he was going to throw a rod before he got to the top of Shades Mountain. I think we were down to 2 miles per hour behind him. It happens all the time in that spot - the grade is too steep. Oh, I heard a good one the other day - Jefferson County is out of money - OMG - what a shock.  Alright we won't go there.  I DID notice they are building the extension from HWY 52 SOUTH to Fox Valley.  So then all the people will be able to get up to the northern part of HWY 52 MORE QUICKLY.  Now my question is - once they get there how are they supposed to get the next 4 miles to I-459....

They say a lot of bridges in this country are really in disrepair.  I always wonder when I drive over a clunky bridge how much useful life it has.

What about some type of rail system from downtown to Hoover and Helena and other places around the city.  How about a rail to Atlanta. Just sit back and read the paper while you're on your way to that meeting. That would cut down on the pollution. Automobiles are a HUGE form of pollution is the Over the Mountain area. You remember those days in summer when the air quality is so bad.

There are so many things that need to be done with that money in our own backyard. We can only hope the government with hire companies fairly and the projects will be completed without wasteful spending and fraud.  I'm really tired of hearing how our elected officials just happened to get several thousands of "favors" in return for government contracts.  Then when they get caught, it also amazes me that they don't seem to think they did anything wrong.  Let's do it and do it RIGHT!

There is a lot to this new stimulis package. If you would like to hear about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Acts of 2009, check out my monthly on-line newsletter.  If you would like to receive a copy every month, let me know at www.ToniBird.com.

On February 17^th, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into Law. Over the last week, I've had several people ask me about the new tax credit.  This is similar to the housing bill that President Bush signed at the end of July but better.

If you are a first time home buyer (and a 1^st time home buyer is defined as someone who hasn't owned a home in the last 3 years), then you can qualify for an $8,000 TAX CREDIT on your 2009 taxes.  A tax credit is better than a deduction because it is subtracted directly from the amount of tax you owe. The credit works on a primary residence that you purchase between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.  The tax credit is actually 10% of the purchase price, so if the house only cost $65,000, you would only receive $6,500.

There is nothing that you have to apply for.  The credit will be claimed when you file your income tax return. If you owe less than 8,000 in taxes, you will get CASH BACK to use on whatever you want.

A lot of people get excited because they think they can use the 8K for their down payment - well you can't.  You don't get the money back until AFTER you file your tax return.  So, you will still need to save up for that down payment. One thing you CAN do, though is reduce the deductions you claim on your W-4 (the withholding form at your employer), that way you will take home more money each month in your paycheck.  If you are self employed, you can make similar adjustments on your estimated payments.

There ARE income limits.  If you make under $75,000 personally or 150,000 as a married couple you are eligible for the whole $8,000 amount.  If you make up to $95,000 as a single and $170,000 as a couple then you have a "phased out" amount that you can claim.  Over $95,000/$170,000 you get nothing.  Also, if you sell the house within 3 years (and just about everybody stays in their house for at least that long) you have to pay the tax credit back.

Wow what a wonderful gift from Uncle Sam.  Interest rates are still low and now you get a credit - Not a deduction, so you will pay up to $8000 in less tax with your 2009 return.

 If you haven't already done so, now is the time to contact a lender and get pre-approved for a loan.  You can shop for houses on line at my website www.ToniBird.com,  When you are ready, contact me and I'll help you find the home of your dreams.

I haven't looked at any news yet today, but when I do I'm sure I'll hear SOMETHING about the housing market.  It is part of almost every conversation.  We had some friends over for dinner Saturday night and before the night was over, the topic turned to Real Estate. Last evening at the dinner table my 15 year old asked, "what is the real story about the financial crisis".  So, when your teenager is asking about the financial crisis and it's not for a paper he has to write for one of his classes, you KNOW it is in mainstream conversation.

 There are people out there who want to buy a house, but they are scared.  They are scared that they will buy a house and loose all their money.  We have been told that our house is an investment and some people have turned it into a commodity.  Others think it MUST make a certain "rate of return" or it is a bad investment.

Yes, your house is an investment, but it is also a place for you to LIVE. You also have the responsibility to take care of it - to keep it maintained.  You can also personalize it through painting, landscaping, changing fixtures, adding on, etc., and IT IS YOURS. The landlord can't raise your rent or kick you out.  If you live in a neighborhood with restrictions, there may be some things you can't do to the outside of your structure or pile junk cars up in the yard. Some neighborhood restrictions are a little too restrictive for some, but basically these rules won't be hard to follow if you have PRIDE in your home and take care of it. So, you have a place to live, you can do what you want to it AND your home will increase in value so when you get ready to sell it, it will be worth more.

Let's face it.  Recently, what happened in the real estate market was a bubble, not something permanent. Birmingham is not nearly as bad as the rest of the county - believe me -but we have lost value in some areas. This bubble was created by removing all barriers to owning real estate. Getting a mortgage became too easy because people COULD get a house without having ANY money. Interest rates were at historical lows and some lenders started offering "creative financing" so some people were buying more house than they could really afford. Because all of a sudden, anyone could by a house, there were more buyers than houses and prices went up (remember the old supply and demand). Appreciation skyrocketed in many markets. The rush to riches through real estate came to an end because bubbles eventually burst. Now we are left with a buyer's market, instead of a seller's.

From a financing perspective, we are back to the way it was 10 years ago.  A person has to save money to buy a house and they have to have money in the bank for an emergency (like enough to make a payment or two if you loose your job). They need to show that they CAN pay back the mortgage company by having a good credit history.  One advantage over 10 years ago is that rates are LOW, so your payment is less and if you get a fixed rate loan your loan payment will not go up (your taxes and insurance may, but not the repayment on your loan).  Can you say that the rent you pay for your apartment will not go up????  Even though you hear the banks are not lending money, there is PLENTY of MONEY out there for you to buy a house.

 And, assuming you don't try to sell your house right away, your house will be worth more when you DO sell it.  A basic rule of thumb is if you take care of it, a house will appreciate 3% per year.  There are costs associated with selling a home, just like buying a home and those costs tend to be about 9% of the salesprice. So keep it 3 years and you are going to "break even".  After that you will make a profit.  We saw prices shoot up in 2005-2007, so if you bought then, these rules don't apply, because the people who owned then made more than 3% per year, but over time prices will go UP.  Now prices have come down and are where they should be - it is a good time to buy.

 I saw some national statistics for housing appreciation on RISMEDIA:

1970-1979 = 142% appreciation
1980-1989 = 52% appreciation
1990-1999 = 45% appreciation
2000-2008 = 42% appreciation

Source: The National Association of Realtors

Birmingham prices are not as high as some other areas of the country so we are probably a little on the low side of those numbers, however, looking at that, we can say the 3% would be conservative.  Conservative would be smart for the next few years.

What else can you buy, use it for 5 years and then sell it and make money: your car, your clothes, your TV, your cell phone?

Buying a Home is a smart choice for your money.  If you would like to talk more about buying a home, let me know I'd be happy to help.  Contact me at www.ToniBird.com.