Written by Shannon F. Holmes on March 19th, 2009
USE THE SEARCH BOX AT THE TOP RIGHT TO FIND BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA BEST PLACES TO LIVE, OR THE QUICK LINKS AT THE END OF THIS POST.
Recently TV’s Craig Ferguson performed at The Comedy Club in Hoover, a large suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. “I have NEVER seen a place more MISREPRESENTED in my LIFE “ , he said. “It’s all MODERN and everything. The people are SO FRIENDLY, and I had the BEST Philly cheesesteak sandwich I have EVER had in my life! I’M MOVING HERE!” , he exclaimed.
As I sat in that Saturday night audience enjoying his show, I wondered how many others HAD NO IDEA what WORLD CLASS AMENITIES Birmingham, and its outlying areas, have to offer. From Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa to the five star Highlands Bar and Grill Restaurant; from the boutiques of Homewood and the Villages of Mountain Brook, to the fabulous shopping of The Summit, Riverchase Galleria, and Brookwood Mall; from SOUTHERN ACCENTS magazine to Pepper Place design center; Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center to Regions Park; from the incredible estates of Mountain Brook to the explosion of new home communities , such as Greystone, along the 280 corridor; from top doctors to UAB Medical Center, Birmingham is one of the nation’s best kept secrets for amenities versus affordability.
More good news for the Birmingham real estate market is that Birmingham, Alabama now ranks #4 on the nation’s list of places for a home price rebound, according to the Birmingham Business Journal.
Birmingham was just named #46 on the list of the country’s largest metropolitan areas for quality of life, based on “well-rounded markets with healthy economies, moderate costs of living, light traffic, impressive housing stocks and high-powered educational systems” ( Birmingham ranks No. 46 for quality of life – Birmingham Business Journal ).
Birmingham, and its surrounding communities have it all: gorgeous, affordable homes, fine dining and entertainment, incomparable sports, amazing shopping, terrific schools, world-renowned medical facilities, breathtaking scenery, and unbelievable weather, in a city that mixes trendy with traditional.
Friendly and sophisticated, Birmingham has all the amenities of Atlanta or LA , without the never-ending traffic congestion, or exorbitant cost of living. Whether your style is “cozy cottage” , or “Tudor Castle”, you will find that Birmingham truly is a “Magic City”.
Quick MLS Links to some of Brmingham’s most popular areas include:
(Free MLS Home Search)
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
Information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Posted in NEIGHBORHOODS | 5 Responses »
Tags: al, alabama, best birmingham al realtor, best birmingham realtor, best homewood al realtor, best hoover al realtor, best hoover alabama realtor, best hoover realtor, best mountain brook realtor, best places to live, best places to retire, best realtor, best vestavia al realtor, best vestavia realtor, birmingham, birmingham al best places to live, birmingham al homes for sale, birmingham al mls, birmingham al real estate, birmingham alabama real estate, birmingham real estate, brook highland, buy a home, buying a home, chace lake, chapel creek, chase lake, condo, condominium, forest park, great homes al, great homes alabama, greystone, high, highland crest, highland lakes, Highland Park, hills, homes, homes for sale birmingham al, homes for sale mountain brook, Homewood, homewood al homes for sale, hoover al homes for sale, hoover al real estate, hoover alabama homes for sale, houses, houses for sale birmingham al, in, inverness, lake crest, lake cyrus, liberty park, luxury homes, meadow brook, meadowbrook, mls, Mount Laurel, Mountain Brook, mountain brook homes for sale, mt laurel, open house, open houses, over the mountain, park, quality of life, real estate, real estate deals, realtor, redmont, relocating, relocation, riverchase, ross bridge, russett woods, sales, search, search homes, search the mls, sells, southlake, specialising, specialist, specialize, specializing, success, successful, the preserve, top, townhouse, trace crossings, Vestavia, vestavia homes for sale, virtual home tours, virtual tours
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on April 15th, 2009
USE THE SEARCH BOX AT THE TOP RIGHT TO FIND INFORMATION ON A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE IN BEAUTIFUL HOOVER ALABAMA.
Amazing affordability and a wealth of options and amenities in housing make Hoover, Alabama one of America’s best places to live. Money Magazine named Hoover to its “Top 100 Best Places to Live” for 2006. Forbes just ranked Birmingham #28 on its list of “Most Affordable Cities” for 2009, which draws national attention to the surrounding market when homeowners are considering a move. No matter what needs or price range you may have, Hoover has it all!
One popular choice is the tree-lined, traditional neighborhood of Green Valley. This charming area surrounds the lovely Star Lake and Hoover Country Club. Improvements to the 6,776 yards long golf course at Hoover Country Club began on March 15th , 2010. Three holes are being redesigned, new lakes being put in, and numerous other upgrades to make this area even more beautiful. Situated on large lots, the homes in this community are nearby to schools, shopping, and entertainment. You may want to put your guests up at the impressive Wynfrey Hotel, then take them out on the town. Whether spending an afternoon at the library, an evening at the local movie cineplex, or dining out, this area is just minutes away from it all!
If a new home is what you seek, then The Preserve may appeal to you with its Town Center retail area, Clubhouse, and neighborhood pool. Homes in this area range from cottages to manors. Each year a Jazz Festival is hosted here. Immediately adjacent to this community is the Moss Rock Preserve, a favorite place for hiking and nature watching.
Another new home community is the fabulous Ross Bridge, with home prices between the $200,000’s to over $1 million. Within this development you will find a shopping area, the incredible castle-like Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort and Spa, and the Robert Trent Jones golf course which each year is host to the Regions Charity Golf Classic ranked as the #1 Champions Tour event by Sports Illustrated.
Just off of Highway 150, and convenient to shopping and schools, is the beautiful Trace Crossings. Whether you desire a view lot or a lake home, this community can accommodate your needs. Homes in this area surround Trace Crossings Elementary, Hoover High Freshman Campus, and Hoover High School (recently featured on MTV’s Two A Days for its outstanding football program).
Another wonderful area is Greystone, a sprawling community of magnificent homes encompassing two world class golf courses. The Greystone Founders Golf Course was formerly home to what is now the Regions Charity Golf Championship. Located off the Highway 280 Corridor, and close to nearly every amenity, these neighborhoods are sure to delight. From garden home to golf course mansion, this highly popular area has much to offer.
All this and more can be found in the beautiful city of Hoover, whose motto is “Hoover’s Happening!”
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
CLICK HERE TO SEE MY FEATURED HOOVER ALABAMA LISTING
SEARCH HOOVER LISTINGS HERE!
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
CONDOS & TOWNHOUSES FOR SALE
SHANNON HOLMES
(205) 706-3975 
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240
Hoover, Alabama 35244
FREE MLS SEARCH
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent HomeServices South’s positions, strategies or opinions.
Posted in NEIGHBORHOODS | 2 Responses »
Tags: best birmingham realtor, best hoover al realtor, best hoover alabama realtor, best hoover realtor, best places to live, best places to live us, best places to retire, birmingham, birmingham al homes, birmingham al real estate, birmingham alabama real estate, buy a home, buying a home, cheap, cheap homes in birmingham, deals, homes, Hoover, Hoover Country Club, in, sales, sells, specialist, specialize, specializing, success, successful, top
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on August 24th, 2010
Real Estate Expert Shannon Holmes has an Open House Tip for you to make your home memorable for the right reasons.
SEARCH THE BIRMINGHAM MLS HERE
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in VIDEO TIP OF THE MONTH | No Responses »
Tags: agent, birmingham, buy, buyer, expert, home, Hoover, house, open house, pet peeve, real estate, realtor, sell, seller, shannon holmes, video tip
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on July 31st, 2010
Why do you need a home inspection when purchasing a home for sale? You are about to make one of the largest single investments of your life when you buy a home. You would not buy a used car without having an expert mechanic check it out, nor should you buy a home without getting the expert opinion of someone who can spot trouble that is hidden, or predict future problems based on poor condition of mechanical, plumbing, or structural issues that have not yet failed, but soon may.
Whether handwritten or computer generated, these reports will be divided into the different systems of the home, and contain specific comments about the condition of each one. The home inspector will visually check each system, and make recommendations about repairing, replacing, or calling in an expert to look at health and safety issues he may uncover.
Some of the issues a home inspector might find are:
- Mold or mildew
- Old roof nearing the end of its life span
- Furnace or Air Conditioning Problems
- Outdated electrical panels or wiring which may pose a shock or fire hazard
- Plumbing issues such as leaking or blocked pipes
- Foundation walls that are cracked
- Structural supports that have failed
- Mortar which has been dislodged between bricks and needs to be repointed
- Appliances that are no longer functioning
- Dry or wet rot of wood
- Visual evidence of insect infestation
Some of the issues the home inspector might uncover may be extensive, or very simple and inexpensive to fix. In a well-maintained home there may be little or nothing of significance found in the home inspection, but it is much better to know if there might be any problems before they occur.
You need a home inspection to prevent any expensive surprises with the systems of the home you wish to buy, and make owning a new home a pleasurable and rewarding experience.
Posted in TUTORIAL | No Responses »
Tags: home biggest investment, home buyer, home largest investment, why do I need a home inspection. Home inspection, why you need a home inspection
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on July 16th, 2010
Home Services of America, which owns RealtySouth, was ranked #2 Top Sales Volume in the nation for 2009 by REALTOR Magazine.
Home Services of America ranked #2 Top Sales Volume 2009
Home Services of America also ranked #2 Top Transaction Sides for all of America in 2009.
Home Services of America also #2 Nationwide Top Transaction Sides 2009
Realtysouth is #1 in sales and listings for Birmingham. The next 20 companies combined do not equal what just RealtySouth does in this market. We control the real estate inventory and the volume. WE CONTROL THE BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA REAL ESTATE MARKET!
SEARCH THE BIRMINGHAM MLS HERE
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in NEWS | 1 Response »
Tags: 2009 sales, birmingham, Home Services of America, magazine, realtor, realtysouth, shannon holmes, top sales, top sales volume, top transactions
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on July 7th, 2010
Pathway at Aldridge Gardens
If you are looking for a great place to visit in the city of Hoover, Alabama that is inexpensive and fun, try the beautiful local attraction of Aldridge Gardens.
Recently, my family and I spent a wonderful afternoon at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover, Alabama.
Water Feature at Aldridge Gardens
We took a picnic lunch from a local barbeque place and ate under the tall canopy of trees that made the day feel so much cooler than it actually was.
My children under the tree canopy of the picnic area
Then we spent some time on the little covered boat dock feeding the turtles, geese, and huge carp that gathered in large numbers around the dock hoping for a treat.
Turtles, Geese & Fish at Aldridge Gardens Dock
The pathway around the lake is mostly shaded, so even in the heat of the afternoon summer sun, we were able to walk around the lake and enjoy the view of the original lake home of the Aldridge family. This home is in a beautiful setting, and is a great place for private parties.
Aldridge Family Home
As the day was winding down, we ended up in the large party pavilion with built-in benches. A soft breeze blew through, and we sat and talked while the geese trouped up from the lake for a visit.
Aldridge Gardens Lake with Geese
With its great “heart of Hoover” location, and so many wonderful places to sit and read, or just enjoy nature, I know our family will be back to spend many more relaxing afternoons in Aldridge Gardens, one of Hoover, Alabama’s great places to visit.
SEARCH THE HOOVER MLS
SEARCH THE BIRMINGHAM MLS HERE
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in NEWS | 3 Responses »
Tags: al, ala, alabama, Aldridge Gardens, Alldridge Gardens, benches, facility, family, garden, great place, Hoover, jogging, lake, parties, paths, pavilion, private, real estate, realtor, rent, rental, shannon holmes, to visit, trails, walking
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on June 25th, 2010
I believe that it is very important for home sellers to understand the buyer’s market that we are now experiencing by giving those who wish to list their homes my very best advice. As a real estate expert in the Birmingham, Alabama areas of Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Helena, Chelsea, Alabaster, Pelham, Calera, and Trussville, I believe that it is a huge mistake to list your home at a price above what the current market will bear.
Price is currently driving the market, and everyone wants a bargain. To be competitive and have serious traffic through your home, the listing price must be what the current market reflects, regardless of what homes sold for in your neighborhood several months ago.
Remember, when you want to buy your next home you will get the same great prices from the other side of the transaction. Try to be realistic if you must sell your home now. We cannot control the market, but we can control the price!
SEARCH THE BIRMINGHAM MLS HERE
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in TUTORIAL | 1 Response »
Tags: advice, agent, Alabaster, best, birmingham, buy a home, buyers, Calera, Chelsea, expert, Helena, homes for sale, Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Pelham, real estate, realtor, realtysouth, sell a home, sellers, sells, shannon holmes, sold, trussville, vestavia hills
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on June 16th, 2010
Situated in the very heart of the Highway 280 Corridor and encompassing more than 1650 acres, are beautiful homes for sale in the neighborhoods of Inverness Subdivision in Birmingham, Alabama: Inverness Applecross, Inverness Cobblestone Square, Inverness Country Club Village, Inverness Cove, Inverness Gardens, Inverness Green, Inverness Highlands, Inverness Kerry Downs, Inverness Kirkwall, Inverness Point, Inverness Selkirk, Inverness Woodford, and Inverness Wyngate.
Search homes for sale in the Inverness Subdivision MLS by neighborhood:
A master-planned community with tree-shaded parkways welcoming you to the beauty of a woodland setting, the Inverness community provides amenities any homeowner could want:
- Wide Array of Home Prices in Inverness to Fit Nearly Every Budget
- River View Lots
- Lake View Lots
- Golf Course View Lots at Inverness Country Club
- Garden Homes
- Luxury Homes
- Lake Heather with Boating and Fishing (by permit)
- Cahaba River
- Inverness Country Club with Championship Golf Course, Dining Facilities, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center (private club)
- Inverness Racquet Club
- Jogging Trails
- Inverness Community Fire Station
- Day Care Center is nearby
- Post Office is Conveniently Located to Inverness Subdivision
- Corporate Offices, Retail Shopping, and Commercial Businesses are Nearby to Inverness
- Luxury Apartments in the Inverness Area
- Upscale Senior Living Nearby – Danberry at Inverness
- Convenient Access to Highway 280, Interstate 459, and Highway 31
- Minutes from Downtown Birmingham, Alabama
- Just down Highway 280 from The Summit Luxury Retail Center
- Zoned for Inverness Elementary, Oak Mountain Middle School, and Oak Mountain High School
SEARCH THE BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA MLS HERE
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in NEIGHBORHOODS | 1 Response »
Tags: 280 corridor, al, ala, alabama, amenities, applecross, best, birmingham, boat, boating, buy, buy a home, cahaba river, close, cobblestone square, community, country club, cove, danberry, elementary, fishing, for sale, gardens, green, highlands, Highway 280, house, I-459, inverness, inverness country club, inverness point, jogging, kerry downs, kirkwall, lake, lakes, luxury, mls, most, nearby, neighborhood, oak mountain high school, oak mountain middle, racquet club, real estate, realtor, selkirk, sell, sell a home, senior living, shannon holmes, shopping, sold, subdivision, swimming, tennis, the summit, trails, view, village, virtual tour, visual tour, walking, woodford, wyngate
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on June 15th, 2010
As you crest the ridge of Oak Mountain past Greystone on Highway 280, you will find the gated luxury home community of Highland Lakes Subdivision in Birmingham, Alabama. Many upscale homes for sale, located on over 1700 acres in a private wooded setting, descend from the foothills of the Appalachians across the ridges and down into a lake-filled valley.
Consisting of mostly resale homes, there are still a few new homes for sale in Highland Lakes Subdivision. Four distinct areas make up the neighborhoods of Highland Lakes:
- Highland Lakes Dunnavant Place from the mid $200,000’s
- Highland Lakes Ashland Place from the mid $300,000’s
- Highland Lakes Regency from the mid $300,000’s
- Highland Lakes Estates from the upper $300,000’s
SEARCH HIGHLAND LAKES HOMES FOR SALE BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA MLS HERE
Some of the amenities in the Highland Lakes Community are:
- Four Stocked Lakes for Fishing
- Picturesque Gazebo Structures Overlooking the Lakes
- Neighborhood Parks
- Sidewalks
- Streetlights
- Walking Trails
- Playgrounds
- Mountain View Lots
- Water View Lots
- Association Management for Highland Lakes
- Immediate Access to Highway 280 Corridor Shopping, Entertainment, and Commercial Businesses
- Zoned for Mt. Laurel Elementary, Chelsea Middle, and Chelsea High School
SEARCH THE BIRMINGHAM MLS HERE
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in NEIGHBORHOODS | 1 Response »
Tags: al, ala, alabama, amenities, ashland place, best, birmingham, buy, chelsea high, Chelsea Middle, close, community, dunnavant place, elementary, entertainment, estates, fishing, gated, gazebo, highland lakes, Highway 280, home, house, jogging, lakes, luxury, mls, mountain, mt laurel, neighborhood, oak mountain, real estate, realtor, regency, school, schools, sell, sells, shannon holmes, shopping, sidewalks, sold, streetlights, subdivision, view, virtual tour, visual tour, walking trails, water
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on June 8th, 2010
One of my fondest memories of the beautiful Brook Highland Subdivision off of Highway 280 was working with a very large and lovely family with seven children. Supervising everything from paint colors to furniture and accessory placement, I was able to turn their house into a home. We became great friends, and periodically, I was asked to help with little updates to their home because of my Interior Design background. When a job transfer occurred a few years later, they were forced to sell their much loved Brook Highland home in a slow winter selling season during an economic downturn. Amazingly, their home sold in only 47 days.
SEARCH BROOK HIGHLAND SUBDIVISION HOMES FOR SALE MLS HERE
Beautiful, livable homes are just one of the things that draw residents to real estate in Brook Highland Subdivision.
As a neighborhood, Brook Highland has wonderful amenities that give this area great appeal:
SEARCH THE BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA MLS
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in NEIGHBORHOODS | 1 Response »
Tags: al, ala, alabama, amenities, birmingham, brook highland, buy, buyer, community, fitness center, golf course, Greystone Country Club, Highway 280, hills, home, Homeowners Association, house, inverness elementary, mls, neighborhood, oak mountain high school, oak mountain intermediate, oak mountain middle, pool, racquet club, real estate, realtor, sell, seller, shannon holmes, shopping, sold, subdivision, tennis courts, the summit, view, virtual tour, visual tour, water
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on December 11th, 2009
The $8,000 Tax Credit Has Been Extended to April 30, 2010!
The 2009 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit, which was set to expire November 30, 2009, has been extended. The tax credit has been expanded with new changes that will further benefit qualified home buyers (anyone who has not purchased a home within the last three years):
• The new expiration date is April 30, 2010, giving homebuyers a 5 month extension to purchase their home, or have entered into a contract to buy. The transaction must close no later than June 30, 2010.
• Income limits have been raised from $75,000 to $125,000 for single buyers, and the income limit has been raised from $125,000 to $225,000 for married couples.
Further, homeowners who have lived in their homes for 5+ years may qualify for a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price of their next home up to $6,500. Homes above $800,000 do not apply.
Mortgage rates are at historic lows and prices are still low. NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT!!! As of April 10, 2010, over 34,000 home buyers in Alabama have taken advantage of the tax credit. Many buyers did not take advantage of the extremely favorable market conditions months ago, and are wishing they had acted. Will you be one of them? Don’t miss out on this great chance to find that special home! Call me to set up a free consultation to help you take advantage of this great opportunity!
Source: NAHB
For further information on this tax act, click here.
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in TUTORIAL | 3 Responses »
Tags: Alabaster, birmingham, Calera, Chelsea, expansion, expert, extension, Homewood, Hoover, leeds, McCalla, moody, Mountain Brook, Pelham, pinson, real estate, real estate agent, realtor, specialist, tax credit, top, trussville, Vestavia, what is in tax credit
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on November 1st, 2009
Nestled between Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills you will find the city of Homewood, Alabama, whose real estate is made up of frequently renovated bungalows and cottages with storybook charm.
Search homes for sale in the Homewood, Alabama MLS by neighborhood:
Some of the great architectural features which can be found in Hollywood and Mayfair, two of Homewood’s most desirable neighborhoods, are:
- Arched doorways
- English timbers on facades
- Chimney pots
- Spanish tile roofs
Built in the 1920’s, Hollywood boasts many stuccoed homes in the Spanish Colonial style of its California namesake, while Mayfair is more of a mix of traditional Georgians and English cottages.
The shopping district in Homewood is a mecca for the upscale and trendy followers of fashion in the Birmingham area. With many unique boutiques and restaurants, for everything from clothing to home furnishings, Homewood pulls shoppers from Mountain Brook to Vestavia and Hoover.
A great central location to the city of Birmingham, a strong sense of community involvement, and good schools make Homewood, Alabama a popular area for those in the market to buy a home.
SEARCH THE BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA MLS
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in NEIGHBORHOODS | 2 Responses »
Tags: al, alabama, best, bungalow, buyers, buying a home, close, colonial, cottage, edgemont, edgewood, english, forest brook, hip, hollywood, homes for sale, Homewood, homewood al homes for sale, homewood neighborhoods, listings, luxury, mayfair, more, most, near, NEIGHBORHOODS, open houses, real estate, real estate agent, realestate, realtor, relocating, relocation, sales, schools, search birmingham mls, search mls, Search property listings, sellers, selling a home, sells, shopping, spanish, specialising, specialist, specializing, stucco, subdivision, success, successful, top, tour, trendy, tudor, upscale, view photos, virtual, virtual tours homewood, windsor highlands
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on November 1st, 2009
Within the city of Birmingham, Alabama, and situated along the ridge of Red Mountain, are the three neighborhoods of:
- Forest Park
- Redmont Park
- Highland Park
Forest Park, developed in 1914, descends from the top of the ridge, following the mountain downward towards the popular area of restaurants and retail known as “Southside”.
SEARCH THE FOREST PARK MLS
Redmont Park, developed in 1925, sits at the pinnacle of the ridge, and has some of Birmingham’s most prestigious stone castles and grandest mansions. Many have breathtaking views of the city lights at night. Redmont is situated just above the English Village commercial district.
SEARCH THE REDMONT MLS
Highland Park is centered by Highland Park itself, and adjacent to the Highland Park Golf Course. Homes such as Donnelly House on Highland Avenue have made their way onto the National Historic Register.
SEARCH THE HIGHLAND PARK MLS
These urban neighborhoods were developed in the early 1900’s, and have experienced a strong resurgence in the last twenty years or so. An interesting mix of many architectural styles popular in the early twentieth century can be found in these three neighborhoods, including:
- Georgian
- Italianate
- French
- Craftsman
- Tudor
- Mediterranean
- Southern Colonial
Though only a few hundred homes belong to these neighborhoods, their authentic architectural details, along with close-in convenience to downtown and UAB, give these three neighborhoods genuine appeal.
SEARCH THE BIRMINGHAM AL MLS
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in NEIGHBORHOODS | 1 Response »
Tags: al, ala, alabama, best, bham, birmingham, bungalow, buying a home, close, colonial, cottage, craftsman, english village, for sale, forest park, georgian, highland, Highland Park, homes, houses, italianate, listings, luxury, mediterranean, more, most, near, NEIGHBORHOODS, park, real estate, real estate agent, realtor, redmont, redmont park, relocating, relocation, sales, search, search the mls, selling a home, sells, shopping, southern, specialise, specialising, specializing, stucco, subdivision, success, successful, top, trendy, tudor, upscale, virtual tours
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on October 25th, 2009
Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and extremely convenient to downtown Birmingham, is the beautiful city of Mountain Brook, Alabama. The planned city of Mountain Brook, Alabama, was designed by Warren H. Manning, a prominent Massachusetts architect of the roaring twenties.
SEARCH MOUNTAIN BROOK ALABAMA REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR SALE MLS
Mountain Brook Traditional Georgian
Since the beginning of its development in 1929, Mountain Brook has boasted some of the finest architecture in the country, consisting of everything from English style cottages to Stone Castles in the style of English Tudor and French Normandy. Traditional Georgian and Southern Colonials are also prevalent here.
Mountain Brook French Norman Home
Mountain Brook, Alabama homes are some of the most frequently renovated homes in the country. Look up and down just about any street in Mountain Brook, and you will find major work being done to homes on a regular basis. Since many of the homes in Mountain Brook, Alabama were designed by prominent architects and have historical significance, great care is taken with any remodeling done to homes in Mountain Brook. For this reason, each home in Mountain Brook, Alabama is a unique and charming example of the best in architecture.
Mountain Brook, Alabama Home Renovation
Not only is Mountain Brook the most affluent city in the state of Alabama, it is the 17th wealthiest in the nation, and also Alabama’s best educated.
City officials through the years have judiciously protected the many parks and green spaces that the residents enjoy so well. When taking a morning drive down the tree-lined streets of Mountain Brook, Alabama, you will see many joggers, walkers, and bikers getting their daily exercise.
The three original villages of Mountain Brook, connected by what once were horseback riding trails are:
- Mountain Brook Village
- English Village
- Crestline Village
Many of the most sought after homes for sale in Mountain Brook, Alabama surround the three area golf courses:
The convenient, upscale shopping and amenities, as well as its award-winning school system, make Mountain Brook, Alabama a very desirable city in which to live.
SEARCH THE BIRMINGHAM AL MLS
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in NEIGHBORHOODS | 6 Responses »
Tags: best, birmingham, buyers, castle, close, colonial, cottage, crestline, english, for sale, french, great, homes, houses, in, luxury, mls, more, most, Mountain Brook, Mountain Brook Birmingham Alabama Homes Sale Mountain Brook Real Estate Subdivision Country Club Golf Relocation Services AL Schools Search Birmingham MLS, mountain brook mls, Mountain Brook schools, neighborhood, open house, open houses, park, parks, real estate, real estate agent, realtor, sales, schools, Search property listings, sellers, sells, shopping, southern, specialising, specialist, specializing, subdivision, success, successful, top, tudor, view photos, village, virtual tour, virtual tours
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on September 20th, 2009
A buyer agency agreement is a contract between a Broker/REALTOR® and YOU, as the buyer, which says that when negotiating a purchase, the Broker/REALTOR® will represent YOUR best interests, and will provide you with ADVICE and KNOWLEDGE that will help you make the BEST decision when it is time to make an offer. Without this contract, the REALTOR® always represents the seller. I choose to always work in your best interest. Do not worry. There is no fee for this until we get to closing. A nominal fee of $100 for homes selling up to $100,000, and $250 for homes over $100,000 will be charged by RealtySouth. This will be part of the closing costs, and I will ask that the SELLER pay this for you. Depending on the type of loan that you get, this fee may not apply at all. If I do not find you a home, there also will be no charge.
Another aspect of the buyer agency agreement is how the buyer is responsible to the agent. The terms of the contract are negotiable at the time that the agreement is signed. If you feel that you have chosen the right agent, then a period of 6 months to 1 year would be a reasonable time frame to agree to work with me to allow plenty of time to find the perfect home, and get the loan closed. If you are still a little uncertain, make it for less time, or for one specific property only.
ALABAMA LAW REQUIRES THAT ALL BUYERS KNOW HOW THEY ARE BEING REPRESENTED IN EACH REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION.
Loyalty to me as your agent for a specified amount of time will make my job much more effective and efficient for YOU. If you feel that you have good chemistry with me as your agent, then give me your loyalty, and I will work diligently to meet your home buying needs. This is my profession, and I want to always negotiate the BEST PRICE and BEST TERMS that I am able for YOU. Only as your BUYER AGENT will I be able to do so. My goal is to give my buyer clients the most positive experience they can have because referrals are the heart and soul of my business.
RED ALERT !!! Tax Credit now may apply to homeowners who have lived in their home for 5+ years. How does this work?
Q: Existing homeowner credit: How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
A: The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price, up to a maximum of $6,500.
Purchases of homes priced above $800,000 are not eligible for the tax credit.
Source: National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Time is running out for this once in a lifetime opportunity – low interest rates, low home prices, and a huge tax credit!
Click here to search the MLS now!
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706 – 3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Information deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in TUTORIAL | 1 Response »
Tags: advantages, agreement, al, alabama, buyer, buyer agency, buyer agent, closing, contract, cost, does, first time, first time home buyer, home, house, how, how much, it, mls, more, most, open house, open houses, real estate, real estate agent, sale, selling, sign, signing, success, successful, virtual tour, what, what is a buyer agency agreement, what is a buyer agency contract, when, where, who, why do i need, why do I need a realtor, why I need a Realtor
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on July 11th, 2009
Chace Lake Hoover AL
SEARCH CHASE LAKE SUBDIVISION HOMES FOR SALE HOOVER ALABAMA
Situated on the former site of Chace Lake Country Club is the new Hoover, Alabama subdivision of Chace Lake. The great “heart of Hoover” location of this neighborhood means that nearly every amenity is only minutes away:
- Entrance off of Highway 31, a main shopping and business district
- Close to the Hoover Municipal Complex – Library, Senior Center, Recreation Center
- About 2 minutes to Highway 150, and the shopping meccas of the Riverchase Galleria, Patton Creek, Colonial Promenade, and the newly opened ”The Grove” shopping center
- Convenient access to I-459 and I-65
With the classic “hometown” feel of a 1920’s neighborhood, homes for sale in Chace Lake feature a variety of building materials, such as brick, concrete siding, and shakes. The architectural firm of Dungan & Nequette designed the charming Craftsman and English Cottage facades of the homes for sale in this neighborhood. The work of this talented design firm has been featured in many of the best shelter magazines, including Southern Accents and Veranda.
Homes for sale in Chace Lake Subdivision, Hoover, Alabama range in price from the $230,000’s to about the middle $350,000’s, depending on the choice of home plan, and the options the home buyer chooses. Signature Homes, which has been featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, is the builder for this neighborhood.
Chace Lake Entrance View
Subdivision amenities for Chace Lake include:
- Future Clubhouse
- Future Swimming Pool
- 40 Acre Park
- 9 Acre Lake
- Sidewalks
- Streetlights
- Distance Measured Fitness Trails
- Open Air Pavilions
- Green Spaces
- Hoover Schools
Homes for sale in Chace Lake Subdivision are zoned for Riverchase Elementary, Berry Middle School, and Spain Park High School.
SEARCH THE BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA MLS HERE
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
Information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. Home prices may be subject to change.
RealtySouth 
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
If you would like to view homes for sale in Chace Lake, or any other homes for sale in the Birmingham, Alabama area, REALTOR® SHANNON HOLMES would be happy to work with you. You may contact her at (205) 706-3975, or by email on the contact form below:
Posted in NEIGHBORHOODS | 2 Responses »
Tags: al, alabama, amenities, bedroom, best, birmingham, buyer, buyer agent, buying, chace lake, chase lake, classic, close, clubhouse, cottage, craftsman, dungan & nequette, english, garage, great, highway 150, highway 31, home buyer, homes, homes for sale, Hoover, hoover schools, houses, houses for sale, I-459, I-65, in, jogging, lake, luxury, main level master, mls, more, most, moving, near, near schools, neighborhood, new homes, open house, open houses, over the mountain, park, patton creek, pool, real estate, real estate agent, realtor, relocating, relocation, retail, river, riverchase galleria, sales, search, search the mls, sells, shopping, shopping center, sidewalks, specialising, specialist, specializing, success, successful, top, virtual tour
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on July 7th, 2009
Chapel Creek Subdivision in Hoover, Alabama is a lovely neighborhood of one and two-level traditional homes being built by the award-winning Signature Homes. When Extreme Makeover: Home Edition came to town, Signature Homes was the building group chosen to build a home in less than a week for a deserving young family, because they are known for their great floor plans and high quality of building.
There are 106 homes planned for the neighborhood, designed in classic Birmingham architectural styles that one might find in areas such as Redmont. One-level cottages have between 2300 and 2600 square feet, and two-level homes up to 3500 square feet. Larger homes in the subdivision have 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths, plus a big bonus room that can be used as a fifth bedroom, if needed. Featuring main level master bedrooms and garages, there are several styles of homes for sale in Chapel Creek:
- Georgian
- French
- English Cottage
- Tudor
- Craftsman
Homes for sale in the neighborhood of Chapel Creek, Hoover, Alabama range in price from about $269,900 to $379,900+.
Chapel Creek Subdivision in Hoover, Alabama is located in the “heart of Hoover”, just off of Patton Chapel Road in the Bluff Park area. Two entrances provide access to Patton Chapel Road, which intersects with Highway 31. This incredibly convenient location is close to a variety of amenities:
- Gwin Elementary , less than 5 minutes from Chapel Creek
- Simmons Middle School , less than 5 minutes from Chapel Creek, and across from Gwin Elementary
- Hoover High School
- Regions Park
- Riverchase Galleria
- Patton Creek
- The Summit
- Brookwood Mall
- Numerous other shopping districts
- I-459
- I-65
- Highway 150
- Highway 280
- Various Churches
- Doctor’s Offices
- Brookwood Hospital, Children’s Hospital, UAB Medical Center, & Shelby Baptist Medical Center are only minutes away
- City of Hoover Complex – Police Station, Library, Recreation Center, Senior Center, and more
- Several Public and Private Golf Courses
- Wonderful Restaurants
Please refer to the post “FUN & ENTERTAINMENT LINKS WHEN MOVING TO BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA” on this website for more valuable information about things to see and do in the Birmingham, Alabama area.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW CURRENT CHAPEL CREEK LISTINGS!
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
REALTOR® SHANNON HOLMES is a Birmingham native and 25 year resident of Hoover, Alabama. Shannon Holmes is always happy to answer questions! 
(205) 706-3975
You may view homes for sale in the Birmingham area by clicking:
SEARCH THE MLS NOW
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Posted in NEIGHBORHOODS | 1 Response »
Tags: al, alabama, amenities, best, birmingham, chapel creek, churches, close, cottage, craftsman, english, for sale, french, garage, georgian, golf, homes, homes for sale, Hoover, houses, in, luxury, main level, master bedroom, mls, more, most, near, open house, open houses, real estate, realtor, riverchase galleria, schools, search, search the mls, shopping, Signature Homes, specialising, specialist, specializing, style, success, successful, top, traditional, tudor, virtual tour, virtual tours
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on June 29th, 2009
The Preserve Pool and Town Hall
SHOP THE PRESERVE SUBDIVISION HOOVER ALABAMA HOMES FOR SALE
The Preserve Subdivision, Hoover, Alabama has homes for sale that will make you feel you have stepped back in time to a simpler lifestyle, when waving to your neighbor on their front porch as you strolled to the park for a picnic, was a relaxed way of living. With its “Norman Rockwell” presence, The Preserve in Hoover, Alabama surrounds you with the amenities of a classic American town:
- Community Clubhouse with kitchen, known as The Preserve Town Hall
- Community Pool for the enjoyment of the residents
- Village Green Park adjacent to the Pool
- Founder’s Park with a gazebo and picnic table
- Heritage Park with its pond and gazebo
- The Preserve Market Retail Shops
- Ponds and trails
- Extra-wide sidewalks on both sides of the street
- Charming front yard fences on cottages and townhouses
- Architectural attention to detail
- Award-winning builders
- Classic American Home Styles (Please refer to the post, “THE PRESERVE HOOVER ALABAMA HOMES FOR SALE” on this site.)
- Great home choices – Flats (above retail center), townhouses, cottages, manors
- Homes for sale in The Preserve have upscale home features such as hardwood flooring, beautiful mouldings, and granite counter tops
- Wood windows, and front or side porches
- Community “Market Days”
- Outdoor movies in the park
- Moss Rock Festival (music, food, art & design exhibits)
- The Preserve Jazz Festival
- Adjacent to Moss Rock Preserve
- Hoover Schools
- Convenient to numerous shopping districts, including Patton Creek and the Riverchase Galleria
- Regions Park is nearby
- Much to see and do in the Birmingham area (Please refer to the post “FUN & ENTERTAINMENT LINKS WHEN MOVING TO BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA” on this site.)
Homes for sale in The Preserve, Hoover, Alabama are zoned for Gwin Elementary and Simmons Middle School (both located just outside the entrance to the Preserve), and Hoover High School.
If you would like to watch a video tour of The Preserve subdivision, please refer to the post “BEAUTIFUL HOOVER ALABAMA IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!” on this site.
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
REALTOR® SHANNON HOLMES is a Birmingham native and 25 year resident of Hoover, Alabama. Her expert advice could be very beneficial to those who wish to buy a home or relocate.
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
SEARCH THE MLS HERE
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Posted in NEIGHBORHOODS | 2 Responses »
Tags: al, alabama, amenities, architectural, best, birmingham, buy a home, buyer agent, classic, close, clubhouse, condo, condominium, cottage, features, flat, for sale, homes, homes for sale, Hoover, hoover schools, houses, in, jogging, luxury, manor, master-planned, mls, more, moss rock preserve, most, moving, near, neighborhood, open house, open houses, over the mountain, patton creek, ponds, pool, preserve jazz festival, real estate, realtor, regions park, relocating, retail, riverchase galleria, sales, schools, search, search the mls, sells, shopping, shops, sidewalks, specialising, specialist, specialize, specializing, subdivision, success, successful, the preserve, top, tour, townhouse, traditional, trails, upscale, video, virtual tours, virtual tours The Preserve, walking
Written by Shannon F. Holmes on June 28th, 2009
A stroll down the sidewalks of The Preserve in Hoover, Alabama brings to mind the nostalgia of the old Doris Day movie “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” – picket fences and a wonderful mix of architectural styles that make up a classic American town. To see a video of this neighborhood, please refer to the post “BEAUTIFUL HOOVER ALABAMA IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!“, which is on this site. Homes for sale in The Preserve feature some of the most popular building styles:
- Craftsman Bungalow
- Southern Bungalow
- Classical Vernacular
- Victorian
- Italianate
- Jeffersonian
- Beaux-Arts
- Georgian
- Federal
- Greek Revival
Homes for sale in The Preserve in Hoover, Alabama that have been built by some of the top builders in Birmingham are:
With great attention to architectural detail, such as porches, columns, and authentic shutters, homes for sale in The Preserve offer a sense of permanence and charm that one might find in the Garden District of New Orleans, or along the Battery in Charleston.
From flats above the retail center, reminiscent of the French Quarter, to luxury manor homes lining Founder’s Park, homes for sale in The Preserve provide a variety of choices for the home buyer.
VIEW CURRENT LISTINGS IN THE PRESERVE HERE!
SEARCH THE MLS HERE
(To search by School District click MLS button above and then the School District tab at the top of box)
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
GREAT NEWS! Buy a home through me and close your loan with Home Services Lending, and a $300 check will be issued in your name to the charity , school, or other non-profit of your choice. Get a great new home and give back to the community!
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Realtor® Shannon Holmes is a Birmingham native and 25 year resident of Hoover, Alabama. Her expert advice could prove to be very beneficial when buying a home or relocating.
SHANNON HOLMES (205) 706-3975
RealtySouth
160 Main Street Suite 240 Hoover, Alabama 35244
Posted in NEIGHBORHOODS | 1 Response »
Tags: al, alabama, American, architectural, best, birmingham, buyer, buyer agent, buying a home, Charleston, classic, condo, condominium, cottages, flats, homes, homes for sale, Hoover, houses, in, luxury, manors, mls, more, most, neighborhood, New Orleans, open house, open houses, over the mountain, preserve, real estate, realtor, relocating, sales, search, search the mls, sells, specialising, specialist, specialize, specializing, subdivision, success, successful, top, townhouse, traditional, upscale, video, virtual tours, virtual tours The Preserve
