May 17, 2012

136 Trillium Court, Wetumpka, AL

Posted to Denise Haviland

Do you love awesome views, the rustle of leaves blowing in the wind, and total privacy? Well here it is--this hidden jewel, surrounded by 5.6 acres of natural beauty, is the perfect location. Hidden away even though it is only 3-5 minutes to shopping and restaurants. It doesn't get any better than this! If you love the country and acreage but hate the maintenance, well this is your dream location. No grass to mow, just natural beauty surrounds this unique home. This gorgeous home is designed and decorated as an old Italian Villa, It is very unique and one of a kind with beauty, personality and character. This is a home that you will truly love for privacy, peace, and relaxing. BUT-- if entertaining is part of your life then outdoors you can host parties or barbeques on huge deck, two balconies or open space in front and side of home.

Want to sit quietly on a chilly day and enjoy a good book? Just cozy up in front of the remote gas fireplace in the den or enjoy outdoor views through all the glass in the den and dining room. Just a step or two and you are ready to serve a glass or two of wine from the wine niche.

Usually guest bedrooms are not afforded the niceties of a main bedroom but not here. Anyone would love the spacious bedroom and closet downstairs with its own double patio door access to outside. Better yet, the upstairs bedroom has its own gas log fireplace and double doors to a private balcony with awesome views. There is even a sparkling new jetted tub in upstairs bath.

With the two offices upstairs maybe you want to share and let one be for your work and have one for homework or college studies? Everyone will want to be upstairs having fun in the game-room overlooking your wooded acreage.

The large Master bedroom and bath downstairs is truly a hideaway. The bath includes relaxing views and claw-foot slipper tub, two antique vanities, totally tiled ceiling to floor shower with two shower heads, a rain-head, and a bench.

Time to eat? Use your stainless steel appliances to prepare meals and serve them on your beautiful granite counter-tops. No matter how much laundry, you have ample room in your large laundry room with cabinets, folding space, storage and even a ceiling fan.

If you are looking for a one of a kind home that you will totally love, where you can enjoy new and awesome views with each changing season, and experience peace, quiet and privacy, or if you just like feeding the deer or birds. This unique and beautiful home will awaken your senses to the best natural gift in the world. Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to have your own piece of paradise or private retreat.

Please call Alfa Realty Agent (334-657-9596) to set an appointment to view this great home.

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



May 16, 2012

Let Me Introduce Grover Cornett

Posted to Denise Haviland

As an ongoing process, we are introducing to you our agents. This week I gathered information from Grover Cornett.

“My name is Grover Cornett. I am a Christian who strives to put God first in my life every day. Everything else seems to fall into place with Him out front. I am a member and regular attendee of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. I am also an ordained deacon. I have been happily married for many years. I have two grown children and identical twin granddaughters.

As a graduate from Troy State University, I spent a long time in the banking business in several capacities not the least of which as Vice President and Senior Loan Officer. I also completed numerous courses associated with the industry including Appraising/Evaluating Residential Property.

Being a past President of the Montgomery Chapter of Bank Administration Institute, past President of Montgomery East Kiwanis Club, and Tallassee Kiwanis Club. I also served as Lt. Governor of the East Alabama District of Kiwanis.

With my extensive knowledge of the banking industry and my personal experience of buying and selling foreclosed properties will be a great asset to you throughout the process of assisting you in buying or selling your home or investment property.

As a member of the National Association of Realtors, I am bound by a strict code of ethics. My commitment to all my clients is honesty, integrity, and quality customer service.

Call if you have questions about this process. Let me answer your questions and guide you through it. I can help you with every aspect of buying or selling your home because I’m experienced, because I’m professional . . .and because I care.”

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



May 14, 2012

Kudos

Posted to Denise Haviland

With the real estate business being so complex it is always nice when a past client takes the time to praise an agent (in writing) for the job they did. Faye Long is one of Alfa Realty’s “gems.” Below is a commendation on the way that Faye worked on behalf of her client:

“In these days where most of us are quick to complain, I’d like to take the opportunity to commend one of your ALFA agents, Ms. Faye Long, for a job well done. I recently sold my home in Montgomery and I selected Faye to handle that transaction for me. We “closed” this Monday past and Faye’s work and actions were exceptional by all measure! I chose Faye due to her character and honesty and that I could place my trust in her actions. It was also well documented that ALFA Realty would stand behind us in this endeavor. … I was updated daily and at times two or three times a day…. In conclusion I will say, should I be asked by someone for a recommendation of a real estate agent it will most certainly be “The ALFA Team” as they will become your “partner” in action!"

--Paul F. Robinson Owens Cross Roads, AL

Allow Alfa Realty to partner with you in all your real estate transactions!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



April 27, 2012

The Fastest Realtor?

Posted to Area Attractions, Denise Haviland

I thought you might get a kick out of knowing that Realtors now have their own race car! It will be competing in the ARCA race on Friday, May 4th in Talladega. Come down to the new SandBAR downtown at the river to check it out tomorrow from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The driver is a 3rd generation Realtor, Thomas Praytor, who is from Mobile.

If you need a realtor fast call Alfa Realty….but, we probably will need to do the speed limit.

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



April 24, 2012

Investment

Posted to Denise Haviland

A recent study showed that approximately 25% of all homes purchased were purchased by investors. I wanted to argue that 100% of all buyers are investors, right? Of course, the reference was to buyers that buy multiple properties and either rent or resale in a fairly quick time frame.

When you purchase your home you should look at the prospective home with investor’s eyes also. You are investing your finances on a monthly basis in a home and you want to know you have invested wisely. The difference is an investor needs to purchase the home for an amount where he can immediately make repairs (or not) and then sell for a profit. Where a normal buyer tends to have the luxury of spending personal time (years) in a home and making repairs or changes in an easier time frame for him/her.

Your Alfa Realty agent can help you look at the market and decide if the property you are considering to purchase is priced according to the selling history of like houses. Remember, everyone wants to win in this situation and the owner of the house for sale wants to come out on the positive side of the transaction also.

Contrary to the current general media hype, our area did not have the HUGE markup that other parts of the country had. So the market price correction that the housing market is going through in those areas is not necessarily reflected in our pricing here. It was already lower.

This, combined with the lower interest rates, makes for a fabulous time to buy a home in the River Region of Alabama. Let an Alfa Realty sales associate help you in your search!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



April 02, 2012

Montgomery Corporate Challenge

Posted to Area Attractions, Denise Haviland

Several years ago, in a land far far away (not really, just always wanted to say that) I participated in the Montgomery Corporate Challenge. I am not sure if they have had one recently but either way it was a ton of fun. When I got home the evening after the event, I was tired but it was the kind of tired where you know you have good healthy fun.

Whether you work for a large corporation or small one you need to check this out. According to the City of Montgomery website, this challenge promotes fitness, fellowship, and of course-- fun-- for participants with athletic activities to challenge both the mind and body with a little corporate competition.

The teams must consist of full-time employees who will compete in the age category determined by their age. There are four different team sizes which is determined by the number of full time employees so that like sized companies compete against each other. There are swimming events, track and field, 10K run and 10K bike. Swimming events and track events will be held at different days and locations.

If you would like to volunteer to help in organizing, officiating, etc. the click here to find out how.

With the beautiful weather we have had don’t sit at home—get out and enjoy another event that Montgomery has to offer!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



March 16, 2012

Spring Beauty

Posted to Denise Haviland

With temperatures floating between the high 60’s to low 80’s, now is the perfect time to take advantage of that outdoor room. Sometimes stepping out into or out to (not sure of the proper lingo) almost makes it feel like “at home” takes relaxation to another level. The sounds of birds chirping and of course, any water feature (pool) you may add to the formula brings you a sensation of peace. Take a deep breath and let the nagging frustrations from that day at the office just slide right off your shoulders. Sit down on that comfy cushion with some kind of iced cold refreshment on the table beside you and watch the blue jays, chickadees, red-winged black birds (among others) fly from tree to tree. Of course, if you happen to have a bird bath or feeder you will really be in for a treat.

Our early spring arrival and wonderful warm temperatures means "pool time" is just around the corner! Imagine enjoying and relaxing around this very inviting pool at 7736 Halcyon Forest Trail. With the awesome pool that even includes a slide, extended deck area and cozy covered porch, this classic and beautiful home is awaiting your presence. Complete with blooming azaleas and low maintenance yard, professionally landscaped by Southern Homes & Garden, what more could you ask for to enjoy this special time of year. Five bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths with study are just a small part of the amazing floor plan this home includes. Beautiful hardwood flooring, extensive crown moldings, decorator-style updated kitchen with glazed cabinetry and granite countertops are just a few of the upgraded features in this remarkable home. And don't forget the supreme location of Halcyon Forest...only minutes to shopping, hospital and I-85! Call Alfa Realty agent (334)462-1563 today to see this amazing "Spring Beauty!"

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



March 09, 2012

TIME CHANGE

Posted to Denise Haviland

So, I waited to the last minute (no pun intended) to remind you about the time change this weekend. I went in search of the reason my sleep is interrupted annually. Here is what I found:

During WWII the federal government wanted to conserve energy for war production so they took advantage of the longer summer days by creating Daylight Savings Time. Since then the issue has been knocked around by the states, standardized by Congress, generally reshaped and revamped. Seven years ago, it was changed again to assist with the energy crisis.

Matt Rosenberg with About.com said, "Daylight Saving Time is four weeks longer since 2007 due to the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005. The Act extended Daylight Saving Time by four weeks from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November, with the hope that it would save 10,000 barrels of oil each day through reduced use of power by businesses during daylight hours. Unfortunately, it is exceedingly difficult to determine energy savings from Daylight Saving Time and based on a variety of factors, it is possible that little or no energy is saved by Daylight Saving Time.”

Hm-m-m.

Well, nevertheless, it is currently approaching so remember, Saturday night, CHANGE THE CLOCK BACK AN HOUR.

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



March 09, 2012

What to do?

Posted to Denise Haviland

With all the media hype there are people who keep waiting. They are thinking that the housing market is going to suddenly change. They are waiting for a good time to place their house on the market. Would it be better to wait a while and gamble that you will sell for a higher price or sell the house now so you can move on and purchase one of the great deals that exist today? Factor in the extremely low interest rates that are available now and it is a no brainer.

What you need to consider is why you want to sell. Is your commute time to work the equivalent of two hours or more per day out of your life? Are you currently heating, cooling and maintaining an empty nest? Or is the reverse true—you are busting out at the seams with a house that is way too small. Would you like a newer house at a better price with a lower rate?

All of the motives for moving are excellent savvy ones. If it has been a while since you purchased a home, you need to be aware that selling your home in these economic times is a bit more complicated probably than when you originally bought. Another thing to remember is the longer you wait the more you are sinking into the current house with each monthly payment.

Talk to an Alfa Realty agent to find out what a probable sales price would be based on the history of like houses in your area and what they have sold for. Ask your agent what you can do to increase the appeal of your home. The next question would be, if you sell, what are your new options.

Alfa Realty agents average around 15 years of experience—you need someone with experience in your area also. Arrange for your Alfa Realty agent to come to your house to prepare a snapshot of what homes similar to yours have recently been selling for and how long they took to sell. This report will also include what your competition is. This is a “competitive market analysis” and is a common agent practice but will be provided at no charge by your Alfa Realty agent.

Remember, if you put your home on the market for more than market value you run the risk of your home not making through the independent appraisal process if, by chance, you do find a ready, willing, and able buyer.

Let Alfa Realty educate you on what your options are—everyone has unique motivations and we are here to help!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



March 07, 2012

Easy Cleanup tips

Posted to Denise Haviland

When I started to write this blog post I was considering a interesting title. So I came up with Elbow Grease. I went in search of the origin of the phrase found in the American Heritage Dictionary: Strenuous physical labor and effort.

Well, that got me to thinking…all of the fixes actually do not take a lot of elbow grease by the above definition.

Placing your home on the real estate market to sell requires a little bit of work (unless you are a major neat freak!) Below are five brief tips that will help you get your house into shape for viewing by potential buyers.

  1. Clean is the word when it comes to starting out with the right impression. Recently, a friend showed me the secret…microfiber cloths make a hard job quick and easier. I know it may sound a bit crazy and they feel so soft that you may think they will not be able to take care of the cleaning jobs around your house. Don’t be fooled---these cloths handle tough jobs with a minimal amount of moisture. Where you may have used a chemical cleaner and a sponge to scrub, these can complete some jobs with little to no water and leave a shine! They are great for polishing up the chrome on fixtures, cleaning mirrors and taking the dust off of plants whether they are artificial or real. Tile counter tops sparkle when you use these. Wash in the washing machine to reuse. I picked mine up at Costco. Now the secret is out! I better hurry and buy stock.
  2. In homes that have painted windows, there is a tendency for windows to stick so-o-o…. First, be sure they are not painted shut. If that is not the issue then here is another simple way to try to fix that issue. Put a little spray lubricant on a rage and rub it on the window tracks. Be sure to spray the rag and not the track as the lubricant may stain your flat painted wall surface if you have overspray.
  3. Have you ever walked into somebody else’s home and noticed cobwebs on the chandelier? When you live in a home you normally focus on what is happening in your home underneath the lighting right? A simple way to clean up chandeliers is to use inexpensive cloth gloves. Place glass cleaner on one glove and nothing on the other glove. The glove hand with the glass cleaner cleans and you use the other gloved hand to wipe dry. Throw them in the washing machine for the next time you clean.
  4. If you ever used decals in the bottom of a tub here is a quick fix for removal. You will need to use WD-40 and spray each decal and the edges and let it sit for a few minutes. Then use a credit card or edged plastic instrument to scrape the decal of the tub bottom. Do not forget to wash the floor of the tub with a degreasing agent like dish detergent.
  5. Speaking of tubs, older tubs get stains on them. To remove the stain mix together like-size amounts of cream of tartar and baking soda along with enough of the juice from a lemon to create a paste-like cream. Using your fingers or a soft cloth rub the mixture into the stain and let it sit for approximately 30 minutes then rinse.

Talk to your Alfa Realty about things that a prospective buyer for your house may see. Use your Alfa Realty agent’s experience to help ferret out what you can do to help sell your home. We are here to help!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



February 22, 2012

Let me introduce Lisa Lynn

Posted to Denise Haviland

Born and raised here, Lisa Lynn graduated from Auburn Montgomery with a degree in Marketing. After trying a couple of career paths, her dad wanted to build and develop a subdivision so Lisa decided to get into real estate. Unfortunately, Lisa’s dad passed away after beginning the subdivision, so Lisa and her husband decided to complete her Dad’s dream.

With that as a start, Lisa found that she liked working with people and helping them with their dream of homeownership. “I love the look on their faces when we walk in after seeing several homes and they say, ‘This is it!’ and they light up like a light bulb.” She enjoys walking into a potential seller’s home, helping stage it for buyers, finding a buyer and then helping the seller find a new home.

Lisa married her high school sweetheart, Terry, and has two sons and a new daughter-in-law. When she takes a little time off from her real estate career, Lisa and her family likes to go to the beach, deep sea fishing, and going to the lake (I see a pattern here).

Lisa was awarded the Top Sales Agent award previously and has sold homes in the Tri-County area along with the Gulf Coast. Lisa is an Accredited Buyer Representative and has completed advanced courses including Residential Marketing Master.

To see a selection of her properties click here or to set an appointment concerning selling your home and or buying another!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



February 21, 2012

Krispy Kreme Changes

Posted to Area Attractions, Denise Haviland

For years one of my favorite “stops” along the Atlanta Highway is Krispy Kreme. I do not know about you, but my automobile manufacturer put a “Hot Donuts Now” sensor in my dash board. When that sign is flashing, the turn signal on the steering wheel automatically clicks on and away my car goes to the front of the donut shop before I know it! And to think, some people have a car that automatically parks itself….I did not have to pay an extra fee for my Krispy Kreme feature!

Well, that being said, I found out from my commercial broker, LeRoy McEntire, that he just brokered the renewal for that Krispy Kreme little-piece-of-heaven.

“Krispy Kreme was founded in the 1930’s in Winston Salem North Carolina, and I was given the enviable task of renewing their ground lease at the corner of Atlanta Hwy and Eastern Blvd in the free standing building in front of Plaza East.

Many people think renewing leases is a perfunctory process about as complicated as renewing your driver’s license. I maintain in today’s real estate world realistic Landlord’s, Shopping Center owner’s, and savvy business people have one important task these days… RETAIN YOUR TENANTS!

The Krispy Kreme in front of Plaza East has been in that location since the 1960’s. It is a rare opportunity in the retail leasing world to actually participate in history during the course of a deal, but in the course of the year long process of getting this deal done I felt as though I had been a part of the history of development along the Atlanta Highway corridor. In fact, I think it is a bit ironic that last week the city of Montgomery hosted a charrette concerning the Atlanta Highway all the way out to the Eastern Boulevard.”

Did I mention they are adding a drive through—HELLO! So all you folks coming out of Carol Villa, College Grove, Fox Hollow and other areas, remember—It will be a lot easier in the future to get a little bite of heaven from Krispy Kreme!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



February 20, 2012

Hunting for Hunting Land?

Posted to Area Attractions, Denise Haviland, Don Brewer

Looking for that perfect hunting land? What are some good features to consider when going through your search? Well, BANG, here you go….

Consider hunting land that has a water feature of some sort, whether it is a pond, creek or river frontage. Border fencing is of importance along with established food plots for deer and turkey. Also consider the manmade additions, as in gates, fencing, deer stands, lodge etc. These improvements can be added later. Remember, price per acre will be reflective of how hunt-ready the land is. If the land price is low, check to see if it needs to be prepared for hunting (create food plots, work open areas or clear the stream bed, etc.). You may need to weigh the cost to prepare plus the cost of the land against acreage that is already set up for hunting.

Be ready to go over the land so that you know what you are buying. Google has a great feature that shows a satellite view of land that may be of use to you. Of course, if the property is being currently used as hunting land, the owner may be able to give you numbers, size, type of animals that are on the land. The local county extension service or game warden may be of assistance in the research to see if this is the land you are interested. The State of Alabama has multiple resources online to help also.

If the property has a house that could be used for the hunting camp it will need to have a home inspection just to be sure that there are no unforeseen issues. Yes, sometimes the hunt camp house is more along the lines of “roughing it” but you do not need additional expense after the sale. After all the discussion about the land the house on the land seems to be the least important but again needs inspection before purchasing.

Best of all, you should use the services of an agent who is a hunter also. Alfa Realty hunter (for land, houses and game), would love to be of assistance in your search for that hunt camp/home away from home.

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



February 11, 2012

Cash Buyers

Posted to Denise Haviland

Donna Cox, a Realtor with Alfa Realty, recently closed another home sale with a cash buyer. I asked her about some tips she may have for the readers about purchases of this kind…

“Many buyers are electing to buy real estate for cash due to dropping home prices, a large inventory of foreclosed and distressed properties, and poor return on other types of investments. Another reason is because mortgage lenders have tightened credit standards which make the loan process more difficult and time consuming than it has been in the past few years.

Cash buyers can be very attractive to sellers, whether it is an individual, a bank, or mortgage company. This type of buyer usually does not come with contingencies, does not need time to secure traditional financing, and can usually close more quickly.

The only legal requirement for a cash purchase is to have the necessary verifiable money to purchase the property and close. There are still several important things to consider if you are a cash buyer:

  1. Home Inspection – It is a wise decision never to purchase a property without a home inspection.
  2. Appraisal – Since no lender is involved, an appraisal is not required; however, having an independent appraisal done is the way to make sure that the purchase price is reasonable.
  3. Survey – A survey is always recommended for land, but it is also recommended for an unplatted property.
  4. Hazard Insurance – It is always a good idea to have the property insured from the closing date and not put this off.
  5. Flood Zone Determination – A lender will always checks on this and so should a cash buyer.
  6. Termite Inspection – A termite problem can be a major expense. Termites are definitely an issue in the southern part of the country.
  7. Check Previous Water Bills – Check recent water bills to make sure they are not uncharacteristically high. High water bills could signify a leaky or broken pipe.
  8. HOA Dues or Condo Fees -Always ask about pending assessments or an expected increase in dues – also check the foreclosure rate, owner/occupancy rate, and the financial stability of the complex or association.
  9. Owner’s Title Insurance – This is important for the cash buyer especially when buying a foreclosed or distressed property through a short sale.

Do not be insulted if the owner of the house requests written proof of funds at some point during the contract process. This is typical and the seller just wants to be sure that the funds are actually available before taking the house off the market for other potential buyers.”

If you are considering purchasing a home, call 334-324-3175. Donna will be glad to work with you whether you are going to finance the home, looking for owner financing or a cash buyer.

We are here to help!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



February 10, 2012

Wynlakes Beauty

Posted to Area Attractions, Denise Haviland

Wynlakes is one of the premiere golf course communities in Montgomery, Alabama. Wynlakes was literally “ahead of its time.” Through the vision of Jim Wilson, one of the premiere developers in the South, this beautiful community was established on the then, outskirts of the city of Montgomery. The city has slowly grown toward the subdivision and now has surrounded it with strategically placed shops, grocery stores, and schools. Convenient to I-85, without the noise, you can live in beauty and be 10-25 minutes from the largest employers in the area.

Rambling through the community are multiple lakes with fountains, gorgeous common areas and the golf course and country club. This championship course covers 200 acres throughout the subdivision along with 14 peaceful scenic lakes.

If you are considering a golf course community or just a beautiful place to call home then this is it! With homes ranging up to $795,900, the home at 9717 Bent Brook is wonderfully priced! This 3,316 square foot home priced at $384,900 has elegance and comfort all wrapped in one beautiful package. If you love to cook you can entertain your passion and your guests with the big kitchen and ample gathering room. Call Tia Glenn at 334-462-1563 or for a personal appointment to view this beautiful home.

Posted by:  Denise Haviland