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Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Blog: March 2008 Huntsville Homes Sales
Submitted by:
Kimberly Grant, Huntsville Real Estate Agent
Cell: 256-479-9664
Email: Kimberly@KimberlyGrant.info
Its been another great month in the Huntsville area in the real estate market. There were 170 homes sold this month. Average selling price of homes in the Huntsville area was $204,375. The median selling price for March 2008 was $149,900. As of last month, the average days on the market for the Huntsville Alabama real estate market was 114 days!! That is just FANTASTIC!!!
Below is a breakdown of the home sales in Huntsville for March 2008 by property type. By far, existing homes were the largest category of sales in the Huntsville area.
Here you can see the price range of the sales for the Huntsville area. I think Huntsville is a very unique area in the distribution of prices for homes in our area. The largest number of sales of Huntsville homes was in the price range of $200,000 and higher. This was followed closely by the home sales in the range of $99,999 and under.
Currently there are 1328 homes on the market in the Huntsville area. These include existing homes, new construction, and condos. Feel free to use any of our resources if you would like to view our local homes for sale, receive a list of foreclosures in our area, or would like an estimate of how much your home could sale for in our current market. We would be happy to work with you to buy or sell your next Huntsville home. We would love to hear from you and we are just a phone call or email away!!
Kimberly Grant
Realtor, Exit Leon Crawford Realty
Search Huntsville Homes for Sale
Huntsville Real Estate Blog
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Huntsville Pilgrimage Home Tour
Submitted by:
Kimberly Grant, Huntsville Real Estate Agent
Cell: 256-479-9664
Email: Kimberly@KimberlyGrant.info
In case you are looking for a good activity for the weekend coming up, here is one that might interest you. If you love homes like I do then I might have just the activity for you. I may be biased but I happen to think that Huntsville has some of the most beautiful homes in the 
world. If you don't believe me just check out some of those gorgeous homes in the historic district.
If you have not had a chance to see some of these homes before, NOW'S YOUR CHANCE. On Saturday May 3, 2008 the Huntsville Home Pilgrimage Home Tour is back. It will be from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are $15 and $20. They can be purchased from places like Belk, Railroad Station Antique Mall, and Harrison Brothers. Box lunches will also be available at the Church of the Nativity downtown.
It will be a good chance to view some of the history of Huntsville and see some beautiful old homes at the same time. If you are worried about the weather, most of the walk will be shaded through the streets where the homes are located. I invite you to check it out!! If you go, be sure to send me some great photos and I'll be sure to include them in my Huntsville Real Estate Blog!!
Kimberly Grant
Realtor, Exit Leon Crawford Realty
Search Huntsville Homes for Sale
Huntsville Real Estate Blog
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Huntsville Alabama Activites & Events: Always Plenty to Do!!!
Submitted by:
Kimberly Grant, Huntsville Real Estate Agent
Cell: 256-479-9664
Email: Kimberly@KimberlyGrant.info
Huntsville/Madison AL Real Estate Blog
Are you looking for fun things to do around the Huntsville area? I always keep my eyes open for new ideas to share with the readers of my real estate blog. Yes, sometimes I veer away from topics of Huntsville real estate but I believe that the great city of Huntsville is more than just houses being bought and sold. Therefore, I try to share things about our city because I have found that to be an important consideration when planning a move to a new city.
I came across some upcoming Huntsville events and OF COURSE I wanted to share it with you. One of the great things I love about our city is the diversity of culture and enrichment activities in our area.
Do you want to get your feet moving this week. If so, the Kinesthetic Cue Dance Club is hosting a FREE Salsa Social. You can learn with no experience or partner necessary. It will be held at 8006 Old Madison Pike from 8:00pm to 10:00pm on April 29th.
On May 1st, the Huntsville Museum of Art is hosting the "Art After Hours" event. It will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. There will be free refreshments, free wine, an artist's marketplace, a raffle, and a museum clearance sale. The event is free to museum members and there is a request of $5.00 donation for guests.
Use those new salsa skills at a party on May 2nd at the Princess Theatre in Decatur. There will be hors d'oeuvres and wine tasting. Reservations are $65 and proceeds benefit the cinema.
If you would rather enjoy the weather and beauty of Huntsville, there will be an outdoor concert with the Rocket City Brass on May 2nd. It begins at 7:00pm at the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
How about a night at the symphony? The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra has another installment of the Pop Three series entitled Fantasies and Fairy Tales - Star Wars to Disney. It will be in the Von Braun Center Concert Hall on Saturday May 10th starting at 7:30pm. Joseph Lee is the conductor and the featured vocalist is soprano Jodi Benson who is known for the voice of Ariel in the Little Mermaid! This is definitely on my to-do list!
Now that you know about these great events you have no excuse that you have "nothing to do" in the upcoming week. These should both prove to be wonderful events for family and friends. As always, if you attend any of these fun events in the Huntsville and Madison County area please come back to my real estate blog to comment or share photos with us all!!
Kimberly Grant
Associate Broker, Exit Leon Crawford Realty
Search Huntsville Homes for Sale
www.KimberlyGrant.info
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FHA Minimum Loan Limits Set
Submitted by: Kimberly Grant, Huntsville Real Estate Agent
Huntsville/Madison AL Real Estate Blog
There have been new loan limits for FHA set. HUD has finally announced the increase in limits. The New FHA minimum loan limits effective for our area are listed below:
One Unit | $271,050 |
Two Units | $347,000 |
Three Units | $419,400 |
Four Units | $521,250 |
This is a HUGE advantage for our area. Loan limits of $271,050 is a terrific limit for our area. Just look at the average price of homes in the different areas below:
Huntsville | $166,679 |
Madison (City Limits) | $233,759 |
Madison (Outside City Limits) | $205,274 |
Athens City | $148,036 |
Limestone County | $164,501 |
Madison County | $176,810 |
Morgan County | $123,245 |
As you can see, the new loan limits will allow for many more opportunities for home buyers in our area. The new loan limits will provide more homes to be included in FHA loan programs. There are also down payment assistance programs provided by the city of Huntsville to help those buying their first home. If you are considering buying or selling a home in Huntsville or the surrounding areas. I would be happy to assist you with your real estate needs. Feel free to contact me and see what my team and I can do to help you make your next move!
Feel free to browse any of our local Homes for Sale. You can also receive home listings by email complete with descriptions and pictures. Please feel free to utilize any of the following links to Madison County real estate resources that may help you:
- Find out how much your home is worth: Complimentary Market Evaluation
- Thinking of trying to sell your own home: Huntsville and Madison FSBO
- Find out how much you can afford: Mortgage Calculators
- Find out about great home deals: Huntsville and Madison Foreclosures
Kimberly Grant
Realtor, Exit Leon Crawford Realty
Search Huntsville Homes for Sale
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Easter Bunny Visits Huntsville
Submitted by: Kimberly Grant, Huntsville Real Estate Agent 
Huntsville Real Estate Blog
As Easter is fast approaching, Huntsville residents can expect a visitor to the Rocket City. From now through March 22, 2008, the EASTER BUNNY will be here making special guest appearances. Photos can be taken in Huntsville with the bunny at either Parkway Place or Madison Square Mall!! Times for the Huntsville event are Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00pm to 6:00 pm.
*There will also be a Easter Parade and Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny on March 22, 2008. It will be held from 10:00am to 12 noon for ages 4-12. Admission is charged.
Kimberly Grant
Realtor, Exit Leon Crawford Realty
Search Huntsville Homes for Sale
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Huntsville's Annual Building, Home, and Remodeling Show!!
Submitted by: Kimberly Grant, Huntsville Real Estate Agent
Huntsville/Madison AL Real Estate Blog
Hello Hello Hello!!!
Well the weekend is here and the weather is FANTASTIC!! As you all know, I LOVE HOMES and everything about homes. In our area, Huntsville and Madison have some of the most outstanding homes in the nation. Additionally, our market is pretty steady and the affordability of homes in our area have the attention of potential buyers, investors, and relocation families from all over!! One of the things I have loved to do every year is to attend the Building, Home, and Remodeling Show that is sponsored by the Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association. I attended this event even before I became a Realtor.
Today the event will last until 7:00pm and tomorrow Sunday March 2nd the event will last from 12 noon through 5:00pm. There is a cost for the event.
- Regular Admission - $5.00
- Senior Citizens (60+) - $4.00
- Children 12 & Under - Free (must be accompanied by an adult)
The event is going on this weekend in the South Hall of the Von Braun Center. I encourage you to go if you are thinking about purchasing, selling, building, or remodeling a home some time in the future. Even if you don't fall into one of those categories and you just want to go out to a fantastic event, I still encourage you to check it out. I'm sure you will find something there to catch your attention. I hope you check it out and come back to tell me all about it!!
Kimberly Grant
Realtor, Exit Leon Crawford Realty
Search Huntsville Homes for Sale
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Huntsville Home Buyer Questions Answered: Consumer Real Estate Tips!!
Submitted by: Kimberly Grant, Huntsville Real Estate Agent
Huntsville Real Estate Blog
Whenever I get questions from consumers I always come back and try to share with others. I had a situation with a potential buyer and a mortgage officer that I wanted to share with you all. I decided this would be good to share for those interested in buying a home, not only in Huntsville, but any where.
This post will address the subject of debt-to-income ratios. A common term that many may not be completely familiar with the definition and significance in the home buying process.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
Do you understand the term "debt-to-income ratio"? Hopefully this will shed more light on this term:
Well, this is a comparison of your gross monthly income (before tax income) with the amount of your monthly debt. Your monthly costs can include things like your housing, car payments, credit cards, student loans, installment debt, etc. This total is weighed in ratio with the amount of gross income you 
receive monthly. This is a very important aspect of your approval to purchase a new home. So just in case you're wondering what's the big deal?... here is a real life application!
The problem we ran into on a recent transaction was the buyer went to a mortgage professional and got pre-approved for a mortgage for a certain amount. We look for months for "the perfect house" and we finally find one that seem to fit the bill. So we go back to the mortgage professional and let them know that we are ready to move forward and make an offer. To make a long story short, this buyer "forgot" to tell me and the mortgage professional that they went out and got a new car. However, this showed up on a subsequent credit report that the mortgage professional pulled for the buyers.
Normally I would be really happy for someone to get a new car that they had been wanting... this time the problem is that this new car payment just increased their debt-to-income ratio. Now they are no longer qualified for this new house that they now love because the car payment raised the debt-to-income ratio to a point that it lowered the amount for which they qualify for the new home.
The jury is still out on how this situation will end but I think its important to consider the big picture. The problem is that mortgage guidelines have strict rules that could affect your approval even if you think you are able to afford the car payment and the new house payment. A home purchase is probably one of the most important decisions that you could make. It is an asset that could really make a difference in your financial future. Each situation is different and there is not always an easy answer to this dilemna but I normally advise getting the home purchase out of the way and then make any other purchases as you can afford. I hope this was helpful.
If you are considering making some new purchases including a new house, give our team a call and let us help you develop a plan to accomplish your goals.
Kimberly Grant
Realtor, Exit Leon Crawford Realty
Search Huntsville Homes for Sale
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Huntsville Alabama Homes for Sale: Huntsville Alabama Real Estate
Submitted by: Kimberly Grant, Huntsville Real Estate Agent
Huntsville/Madison AL Real Estate Blog
We have reached the last week in February in Huntsville and Madison. The Madison County real estate market is still holding steady as we prepare to move into the Spring Season. I think we live in one of the best cities in the nation for a number of reasons and the current state of our real estate market is one of them.
Here is the real estate market update for Huntsville as of 3pm on February 24, 2008. Currently there are 1307 Madison Homes for Sale. That may seem overwhelming but with the right real estate professional the process can be very easy. If you are interested in buying, selling, or investing in Madison County real estate, please feel free to utilize any of the following links:
Feel free to browse any of our local Homes for Sale. You can also receive home listings by email complete with descriptions and pictures. Please feel free to utilize any of the following links to Madison County real estate resources that may help you:
As always, you are welcome to contact me with any questions or if you need assistance with your real estate needs. My team and I would love to assist you in purchasing a new home in the Madison area. Just give me a call and experience Exceptional Service GUARANTEED!
Kimberly Grant
Realtor, Exit Leon Crawford Realty
KimberlyGrant.info
Mailto:KimberlyGrant@exitrealtyhsv.com
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City of Huntsville First time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program
Submitted by: Kimberly Grant, Huntsville Real Estate Agent
Huntsville/Madison AL Real Estate Blog
Are you looking to purchase your first home in the Huntsville area soon? Well, the city of Huntsville has a Downpayment Assistance Program for first time home buyers that could help make this dream a reality. The goal of the program is to increase the homeownership rate among first time buyers in lower income and minority households.
There are some requirements to Downpayment Assistance Program. There are income limits and the buyer must be purchasing their first home within the Huntsville city limits. There is also a free homebuyer education course that must be attended.
For more information on the complete requirements and details on the program please feel free to contact me Kimberly@KimberlyGrant.info or give me a call 256-479-9664. A member of my team would be happy to discuss the requirements of the Downpayment Assistance Program and how it could help you purchase your first home.
Kimberly Grant
Realtor, Exit Leon Crawford Realty
Search Huntsville Homes for Sale
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Madison County, Alabama - Announcing a price change on 333 Buffalo Creek Drive, a 1,330 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story. Now 
MLS® $121,900 - Great starter home!.
Property information
If this property is not exactly what you are looking for, please feel free to visit www.SearchHuntsvilleMLS.com. Remember, our real estate team can assist you with any home currently for sale in our market.
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Are you thinking of making a move to Huntsville Alabama?
Submitted by: Kimberly Grant, Huntsville Real Estate Agent
Huntsville/Madison AL Real Estate Blog
Moving to a new city or town can be a wonderful adventure with the proper preparation beforehand. People who have made many job transfers and moves recommend researching your destination city before the move. If you are considering a move to the Huntsville Alabama area the same suggestions can be helpful. Visit Huntsville on a workday and a weekend so you can see what kind of place it is in which to live and work. You can also use the Internet to research the area's amenities and subscribe to your destination city's local newspaper.
Find out from your employer what kind of relocation package may be provided. Will the cost of the move be paid for? If you have a home to sell in your current city, will your employer help with the closing costs or guarantee a buy-out if the house doesn't sell right away? Get such offers of assistance in writing. Will you be able to afford the cost of living in Huntsville? It is essential to figure out what you will need in order for the move to work for you.
Here are some practical tips to help you with a relocation transition:
* Move quickly. Extended good-byes can be painful and upsetting.
* Conserve cash. Have an emergency fund for surprises that may occur before, during, and right after the move.
* Be open to your new environment. The new area may be just as good as or better than the place you are leaving.
* Understand that your children may experience loss and confusion. They may act out if they can't express their frustration or sadness.
If you find yourself needing help with relocation or if you know someone else who is relocating to the Huntsville area, I can provide excellent information about Huntsville and Madison County. I can also refer you to an agent who works in your area to help you make this transition as smooth as possible as you try to sell your home. Please call or email me if I can help you or any of your friends and family with a move to or within Huntsville. Please feel free to use any of the resources below:
Huntsville Homes for Sale With Pictures Huntsville Home Value Reports
Huntsville Area Foreclosure Properties Moving to Huntsville Alabama
Huntsville For Sale By Owner Homes Huntsville Real Estate Blog
Kimberly Grant
Realtor, Exit Leon Crawford Realty
Search Huntsville Homes for Sale
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Harvest Alabama Homes For Sale; Harvest Alabama Real Estate
Submitted by: Kimberly Grant, Huntsville Real Estate Agent
Huntsville/Madison AL Real Estate Blog
December is almost over for us...believe it or NOT. The Madison County real estate market is still holding steady as we prepare to move into the Winter Season. I think we live in one of the best areas in the nation for a number of reasons and the current state of our real estate market is one of them.
As of today, December 15, 2007, there are 331 Harvest Homes for Sale. There is still time to purchase and get moved in and settled into that new home before the new year if you act quickly. As a special added bonus, our team is offering a $500 gift card after closing to home buyers that use our team to purchase a home of selling price $85,000 or greater. If you are interested in buying, selling, or investing in Madison County real estate, please feel free to utilize any of the following links:
Feel free to browse any of our local Homes for Sale. You can also receive home listings by email complete with descriptions and pictures. Please feel free to utilize any of the following links to Madison County real estate resources that may help you:
As always, you are welcome to contact me with any questions or if you need assistance with your real estate needs. Just give me a call and experience Exceptional Service GUARANTEED!
Kimberly Grant
Realtor, Exit Leon Crawford Realty
Search Huntsville Homes for Sale
Ask about our performance guarantees for home buyers and sellers:
Sellers: Your home sold in 90 days GUARANTEED or We'll pay you $1,000*
Buyers: $3,000 GUARANTEED savings on your next purchase or We'll pay you the difference*
*Some Restrictions Apply ~ Call For Details
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Great Buy in a Great Location
• single story - MLS® - Great Deal for Investors
Metes and Bounds, Huntsville - 2.85 Beautiful, cleared acres. Perfect for first time owners, investors, or builders. Multiple possibilities!! 2 BR / 2 BA mobile home included that could be used to occupy or rent.
Property information
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New Construction in the Heart of Madison
• 3,104 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "Two Story" - MLS® $299,900
Barrington Hills, Madison - New construction in an established neighborhood. 3 BR/3 BA full brick two story home in the heart of Madison. Fantastic view, deck for outside entertaining and large 2 car attached garage. Extensive crown molding, hardwood floors, granite countertop in kitchen, new appliances, gorgeous fixtures, custom cabinets in kitchen and bath and many upgrades throughout. Yearly HOA fees
Property information
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Madison Alabama "Spirit Strolls" Coming Soon
Submitted by: Kimberly Grant, Huntsville Real Estate Agent
Huntsville/Madison AL Real Estate Blog
In case you missed the news, Madison's Sesquicentennial Celebration is here!! WOW that's a mouthful!! In honor of the city's 150th anniversary celebration, there are a number of activities planned.
Downtown Madison will have Spirit Strolls on November 3rd and December 1st. During the Spirit Strolls you can walk through downtown Madison listening to history lessons and ghost stories from guides wearing top hats and frock coats. There will also be carriage rides and a bunch of other fun activities!! Madison is averaging about 50 people for each stroll. I think it would be a fantastic way to get out learn more about the histor of our city.
The strolls will start at 7pm leaving from Hale Fire Glass at 112 Main Street in Madison. There will also be a special Spirit Stroll on October 31st. I have heard from a very reliable source that the strolls will continue into 2008 as well.
Also, don't forget to mark your calendars for the Christmas Tour of Homes. It will be held in December in the historic district. There will be more carriage rides, bagpipe players, live music, and Christmas carols!! It is always a great time and I'm sure this year will be no different!
Kimberly Grant
Realtor, Exit Leon Crawford Realty
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