7 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

May 24th, 2013

If you just purchased a new home in Birmingham, especially here at Ross Bridge, you may be looking forward to warm summer months in the sun and afternoons spent on our Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Before you settle into your new life on our golf resort community, here in Hoover, Alabama, it’s best to review these top seven tips for new home owners.

1. Stock the Tool Box

As a new home owner, now is the time to fill up your tool box with all the necessary materials you might need. Home projects, maintenance and upgrades are a year-round job so it’s important to invest in the tools you’ll need later to tackle home projects. Everything from wrench sets and pliers to zip ties and a stud finder should be readily available in the household tool box.

2. Gather Your Resources

Create a “home team” of contractors and service people you can trust by networking with neighbors, friends and your realtor for recommendations. Even those of us with a fully stocked tool box may some day need a second opinion from a professional.

3. Learn Your System

Get to know your home operating system. Understand the basics of your new Birmingham home’s mechanical system. Get acquainted with your fuse or breaker box, and know how to turn off your main water line. At the very least have your convenient contact list from step 2 available to call a professional or utility employee that could do this for you.

4. Develop a Schedule

Set a routine for your heating and cooling maintenance, including annual tune-ups by an HVAC contractor. Ensure you keep your fire alarms up-to-date and put together a seasonal calendar of bi-yearly cleanings or updates that need to take place.

5. Maintain Your Home’s Exterior

Maintaining the exterior of your home not only serves an aesthetic purpose, but also a functional purpose. Stay up-to-date with any exterior home maintenance projects that come your way, such as checking your roof’s condition and checking for clogged gutters, etc.

6. Maintain a Piggy Bank Fund

Put aside some money every month to use for any home maintenance projects that come your way. Now you’ll always be prepared!

7. Stay Organized

Create a 3-ring binder to keep warranties and assembly and operating manuals easily accessible and organized. Start by designating a tab for each room and labeling as such. Add a couple pocket folders to your binder, along with a business card folder to keep your home contacts organized—such as plumber or landscaper. As you acquire warranty information, price quotes or important receipts, add them to each section.

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New Homes Alabama

Local Events in May

May 13th, 2013

Get out this month and explore the surrounding Hoover and Birmingham area community. There are many benefits to your new home at Ross Bridge and one of them is convenience to all that our city has to offer. Just to give you a list of some of the fantastic happenings in your local community, as well as give you some Memorial Day weekend ideas, we’ve gathered together a list of our favorites for your Jefferson County neighborhood.

 

May 14: 80’s Concert with the Cast of The Wedding Singer

Still living in the 80’s? Don’t worry, we are too, especially with this fantastic musical event that will turn any boring ‘ol Tuesday evening into a magical flashback. Join the Red Mountain Theatre Company as they perform a cabaret concert featuring your favorite 80’s classics.

Tuesday, May 14 at 7:30 pm

RMTC Cabaret Theatre

301 19th Street North

Birmingham, AL

For additional information and to purchase tickets, click here.

 

May 18: Spring Scramble 2013

Lace up those sneakers and run for not only your health, but to help the Children’s Center for Weight Management. The UAB Pediatrics Residency Program, through their Community, Outreach and Advocacy Program (Coat of Arms), hosts the 7th Annual Spring Scramble 5K.

May 18 at 8 am

The Trak Shak

2839 18th Street South

Homewood, AL 35209

For additional information and to register, click here.

 

May 18: Do Dah Day

This Saturday spend time with your family and friends at one of Birmingham’s oldest events! The Do Dah Day was first started in 1979 by a small group of friends. Today it’s one of the city’s most cherished springtime events raising money for a variety of animal organizations such as the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and the Friends of Cats and Dogs Foundation. This event is the perfect excuse to bring your favorite pooch and enjoy an afternoon of live music, food and drinks, kids activities and even a parade full of puppies!

Saturday, May 18 at 11:00 am

Caldwell Park

26th Street South & Highland Avenue

Birmingham, AL

For additional information, click here.

 

May 19: Wonderful Wetlands Hike

Celebrate American Wetlands Month by exploring Ruffner’s wetlands! Venture over to the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center and spend the day observing life both in and out of the wetlands. Enjoy the local wildlife of green tree frogs, spotted newts and a variety of beautiful birds.

Sunday, May 19 from 2-4 pm

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center

1214 81st Street South

Birmingham, AL

For additional information and to make a reservation, click here.

 

May 19: 22nd Annual Arty Party

Enjoy a variety of delicious hors d’oeuvres, wine and live art auction at the annual Arty Party, benefiting the Birmingham AIDS Outreach. This annual event will feature artist Carol Misner. There will also be cash bar and plenty of local, regional and national art to bid on during both silent and live auctions.

May 19 at 3 pm

B&A Warehouse

1531 1st Avenue South

Birmingham, AL

For additional information and to purchase tickets, click here.

 

May 24-27: Memorial Day Weekend at The Zoo

Here’s a fantastic excuse to spend the day playing with some furry creatures. The Birmingham Zoo will celebrate Memorial Day weekend by offering all active, disabled and retired military personnel and their dependents the chance to enjoy free admission with proof of military I.D.

Friday, May 24 from 9-7 pm

Saturday, May 25 from 9-7 pm

Sunday, May 26 from 9-7 pm

Monday, May 27 from 9-7 pm

Birmingham Zoo

2630 Cahaba Road

Birmingham, AL

For additional information and to purchase tickets, click here.

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New Homes Alabama

Birmingham Home Sales Continue to Rise

April 19th, 2013

Several reports came out last month with great news for Birmingham—home sales are looking up!  Sales around the Birmingham area continued to rise in March revealing a 6% increase from this time last year and a 7% increase compared to the first quarter of 2012.

Since February 2012, new home sales have grown 24.8% and 18% year-to-date—outperforming the nation which saw an increase of 12.3% in February 2013 from 2012. Across the state, 60% of all Alabama metro areas saw an increase in new home sales this past February, as compared to a year prior in 2012. New home sales in five of the major metro markets represented almost 70% of all statewide new home sales transactions.

Prices also showed signs of positive changes for the Birmingham real estate market. The average sold price in March was up 10% from last year with a 6.4% increase in the median sold price.

Birmingham’s city offerings have lead to an overall growing population. The tight-knit urban neighborhoods offer lots of shopping and entertainment options within walking distance of themselves. Statewide, new construction inventory is up 6% since last February 2012 and home builders in the state are continually increasing production to match demand. New housing starts were up 7.7% in February 2013, compared to the month prior, and 12.4% since 2012.

The number of residents in downtown Birmingham has increased by 23% over the last decade. Since 2012 even office space has increased and various city improvements have been initiated such as the new stadium for minor league baseball team, Birmingham Barons, as well as the green space by the rail corridor.

Sources: Birmingham Association of Realtors, Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE), US Census Bureau

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Birmingham Makes the Cut for the Improving Markets Listing

April 9th, 2013

For the seventh month in a row, the National Association of Home Builders Index has reported positive improvement for metropolitan areas as identified in its monthly Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) listing.

This past month, Birmingham made the list as one of the 274 metros newly listed in March. The addition of the 200+ metropolitan areas creates a net gain of 15 markets across all 50 states and DC, from the month prior. In February, Birmingham metro area reported a rise 2.8% increase in residential sales and in January it experienced a 10.5% gain in new home sales. This is a 14.3% increase from new home sales in 2012.

“The Birmingham housing market has experienced a steady increase in the number of new homes under construction with decreasing inventory of finished unoccupied homes. These numbers prove that we have reached a stead recover,” said Matt Morrow, Executive Vice President of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders (GBAHB).

NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe reports that “with just over 75% of the 361 metro covered by the IMI now seen as improving, the housing market is on considerably more solid footing than it was at this time last year.”

This listing is published monthly by the NAHB and features metropolitan areas that have shown improvements in economic health. The IMI tracks housing markets in the country, showing improvements in economic health. The index measure three sets of monthly data, gathered independently, to get a mark on the top improving Metropolitan Statistical Areas.

For more information, visit: nahb.org/imi

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Homeowner Tax Deducting 101

April 3rd, 2013

Tax season is officially over! To share our excitement with you, we’ve compiled some information on how to prepare for next year’s tax season—after all, it’s never too early to start the planning process.

If you’re selling a home, in order to purchase your new home at Ross Bridge, you can add the price of materials and labor—used for home improvements such as plumbing, wiring or a new roof—to the basis of your home, thus reducing the tax owed on the sale of your home.

Don’t forget about the best tax deduction of all! If you just purchased a wonderful new home here at Ross Bridge, you can deduct your real estate taxes, qualifying mortgage interest, and any mortgage interest premiums.

When you purchased your new home, chance are you are paying some type of Private Mortgage Insurance, if your down payment was less than 20%. As long as your mortgage originated after January 1, 2007, your PMI can be deducted from your tax return, assuming of course that you have a PMI.

If you paid mortgage points on your home purchase or home refinance, those points may be eligible for deduction on your tax return too. These points are generally referred to as origination fees and are charged by the lender to originate the loan. The points are often a percentage-based fee and can usually be deducted in their entirety when paid the same year.

Love working at your desk in your pajamas? If your primary office is your home, you might be able to deduct your home office. It should be calculated as a percentage of your mortgage, utilities and repair bills in proportion to your office space in your home.

For more information, check out Realtor.com and the IRS website for specifics. (IRS LINK: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p530.pdf)

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Prepare for Spring with the Ross Bridge Resort Community

March 25th, 2013

We firmly believe that we at Ross Bridge are here to make your life better—whether it’s an element of relaxation that you seek or the simple sense of community. Did you know that your Ross Bridge golf resort community is the perfect location to experience the full bloom of spring?

The new season is all about renewal and rebirth, life and growth. To help ensure you kick off spring the proper way, we’ve prepared a list of ways that our beautiful Birmingham new homes community ensures you fully delight in the joys of the new season.

It starts with renewal

Schedule a session of pampering at our luxury resort spa. Nothing says renewal and relaxation like an afternoon spent with one of our spa treatments or in one of our relaxation lounges and steam rooms. To really prepare for the warm weather, we recommend adding in a refreshing facial, body exfoliation or pedicure.

Embrace the green

What better way to embrace the joys of the new warm weather season then with a round of golf! Get outside and fully rejoice in the blooming buds and spring green trees that make our Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail golf course the ideal place to practice your swing.

Get moving

If you made a pack this New Years to get healthy, then get moving! Take your run from the treadmill to the trails. Looking for something with a little less impact? Embrace our nature trails with a brisk stroll or power walk and breath in the fresh air for a rejuvenating experience that’s sure to keep you on the right course for a healthy and happy 2013.

 

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New Homes Alabama

Alabama Residential Report Reveals Positive Climb with February Sales

March 22nd, 2013

The Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE) released its monthly findings this week for residential sales in the state of Alabama, further displaying positive signs of growth for our region. All five major metro areas, including Birmingham, represent 70 percent of Alabama’s positive year-over-year growth rates.

Compared to last February 2012, residential sales this past month improved by 12.6 percent overall in Alabama, outperforming the overall US market which rose 10.2 percent. This growth affirms that a healthy recovery is underway in the housing market, specifically in Alabama.

According to the National Association of REALTORS, February sales were at their highest level since the tax credit period of November 2009. The Alabama metro market has risen 11 percent YTD over last year and statewide residential sales are up 16.4 percent from January with the median selling price for homes rising 8.4 percent from last February.

“Across the nation, most local housing markets have room for sustainable growth, particularly in home construction and sales. As the broader economy heals, expect to see more good news with home prices continuing their recent upward trend, and home sales and housing starts continuing to post strong growth rates,” said Freddie Mac vice president & chief economist, Frank Nothalt.

Sales in the South and West both performed positively in February, compared to February 2012, but all four regions of the US reveal overall annual growth compared to last year. Specifically in the southern regions, sales rose 14.9 percent from February 2012. Of those sales, 22 percent were comprised of nationwide investors, 32 percent represented all-cash sales and 30 percent were made up of first-time home buyers. The average days on market decreased by 5.5 percent in February.

“Job growth in the improving economy and pent-up demand are causing both home sales and rental leasing to rise. Though home prices are rising much faster than rents, historically low mortgage rates are still making home purchases affordable,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “The only headwinds are limited housing inventory, which varies greatly around the country, and credit conditions that remain too restrictive.”

The Alabama Residential Monthly Report is developed in conjunction with the Alabama Association of REALTORS and local associations. For additional information visit, acre.cba.ua.edu.

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Reasons to Consider a Golf Resort Community

March 19th, 2013

2013 is well underway, and with the tax season almost over you may be reevaluating a few financial and personal priorities. Well, if one of your priorities includes making time for life, a golf resort community may be right for you.

Whether you’re looking to start a family, expand your family, or just incorporate a little more leisure into your lifestyle, golf communities are a popular choice for all interests and ages.

Love Golfing?

There are many reasons to consider buying a home in a resort community and if you enjoy golfing than all the more reason to consider buying in Alabama. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is made up of 468 holes of championship golf—the largest golf course construction ever!

Golf resort communities in Alabama, specifically here at Ross Bridge, offer unbeatable access to one of the 11 different Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail sites across the state. The New York Times calls the Trail “some of the best public golf on Earth.”

Golf Not Your Thing?

That’s ok too. Many resort communities boast a variety of social activities and living amenities. Ross Bridge, for instance, provides residents with events year-round, such as Farmers’ Markets and seasonal festivities. You don’t need to be an avid golf enthusiast to enjoy our signature pool, 12,000-square foot European spa and over five miles of activity trails for hikers, cyclists and bird watchers.

Resort communities are great for young families. Between the grassy lawns, playground, clubhouse, and aquatic center with separate baby pools, it’s almost impossible not to love the golf resort-lifestyle!

Everyday or Every Season?

Perhaps you’re looking for your first home, second home, or maybe just considering a regular vacation spot. A golf resort community can offer a variety of real estate options with you in mind. The first time buyer benefits from the security of a community setting, but prides in the independence of a spacious stand-alone home.

Young families can take advantage of the “front porch-friendly” neighborhoods, playgrounds, kiddie pools, seasonal clubhouse gatherings, and plenty of outdoor space. Older families and retired couples can revel in social activities with friends and neighbors and delight in the spa and golf amenities.

Seasonal and weekend “residents” can take full advantage of the resort appeal with familiar faces and reliable features. Golf resort communities truly capture the essence of life and play, while remembering that the vacation isn’t just about the golf. Although, being so close to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, it’s ok if it is!

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Hoover Named One of the 2013 Best Communities for Music Education

March 18th, 2013

This week, Hoover, Alabama was named one of the 2013 Best Communities for Music Education. For the past 14 years, the NAMM Foundation has hosted the annual award as part of their Best Communities for Music Education Program.

Hoover City Schools is one of three Alabama schools to receive this national distinction. There were 307 total districts selected this year, including two schools from the neighboring communities of Homewood and Vestavia Hills, which was also one of the 66 recipients selected for the 2013 SupportMusic Merit Award.

Schools and districts are selected based on an extensive review conducted by researchers at The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service at The University of Kansas, using details on music program funding, staffing, commitment to standards and access to music instruction in the school.

“This designation recognizes communities for their commitment to music education and strengthens support for these programs. Having widely embraced the evidence indicating that music education yields great things in schools and communities, people are increasingly affirmative, advocating for school music curricula, and championing programs like Best Communities that recognize this commitment to music education,” said Mary Luehrsen, NAAM Foundation Executive Director.

Music plays a key role in student achievement, which has social benefits and a lasting impact on the local community. This distinction reveals Hoover’s continued support for the arts and providing its community with a focus on music learning that starts at an early age.

“The designation reveals the elements of music programs so educators, administrators, teachers and students can see what they have, what they need, what they have accomplished, and what work needs to be done to strengthen their music education now and for the future,” Luehrsen said.

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the mission of advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.

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2013 Home Sale Predictions

February 27th, 2013

 

Although typically one of the slower parts of the year, January has kept up the momentum of the improving housing market with average home values seeing an increase of 0.7% compared to the month before according to Zillow.com. At an average of $158,100 the average home value is improved by just over 6% compared to January of last year.

This is great news as it continues the 15-month streak of rising home values in the United States and brings hope for the new year. Alabama home sales are predicted to see a 6 percent increase according to ABRE Analytics which is an Alabama real estate research group formed by the Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE) and Tom Brander, a well known real estate publisher. The organization predicts Birmingham home sales will see an 8 percent jump compared to 2012.

Lawrence Yun, a chief economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR) was reported by Realtor.org to state that the key to the 2013 housing market is the diminishing housing inventory across the nation. Yun believes the improving job market combined with the fact that we are in a buyer’s market will cause a spike in demand. He believes it’s why we have seen, and will continue to see favorable price increases.

According to Realtor.org the NAR is predicting 5 million existing-home sales in total for 2013. However, home sales will take a back seat to rising home prices due to the low inventory and ever increasing demand, which is great news for sellers and the general health of the housing market. The NAR predicts home prices to jump nearly 6 percent.

Other experts agree with this observation with USA Today predicting a 6 percent increase in home prices as well. Other forecasts are more conservative, but still positive. After surveying a sample of just over 100 real estate experts, CoreLogic predicts an increase of just over 3 percent, almost half what Realtor.org and USA Today have projected.

Although the exact numbers vary, it seems analysts across the board are predicting continued improvement and rising prices in the housing market for 2013. Daniel Silver, an economist for JP Morgan was reported by Bloomberg to warn potential homebuyers who are waiting for the market to hit the low point to buy now. A market that once heavily favored buyers is steadily tipping toward the sellers favor.

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