Xeriscaping Benefits Include:

• Lower water bills
• Less mowing
• Lower maintenance
• Plants tend to survive local environmental fluctuations better than non-native species
• Native habitat for native species of bees, birds, animals, and insects
• Great looking yard (increased curb appeal for those selling a home..)
• Jealous neighbors

Water restrictions have not been needed thus far this summer, but recall 2006 and 2007.
 Both those summers were excessively dry and water restrictions were enforced throughout the Birmingham area.  In fact, in 2006 after watching most of my garden succumb to the drought conditions, I vowed to create a garden that would require as little water (and maintenance for that matter) as possible.  Enter xeriscaping.

After researching xeriscaping, I discovered that one principle of xeriscaping is to incorporate native plants into your landscaping.  One reason is that local, native plants are used to the conditions, such as soil and weather, and often times require less water than non-native species.  Also by planting native plants along with non-native species from similar climates, that share similar watering needs in zones, referred to as hydrozones, I could reduce water usage by grouping plants that need more water together and vice-versa. 

Taking my new found knowledge with me to my local nursery, I inundated the owner with question after question regarding local flowers, shrubs, and trees.  Once satisfied that I had the basics down, I created a plan for my new xeriscaped garden and returned a few weeks later to the nursery to get the ball rolling.  I selected native plants and trees and planted them in their respective hydrozones.

In 2007, when water restrictions returned, I was ready.  Since the plantings were still relatively new, some of them struggled through the hottest days of July and August.  But by creating the hydrozones, I was able to completely water my gardens and not use more water than allowed.  Also, by using Tree Bags filled with captured rain water around the base of the trees, my newly planted trees continued to thrive while having zero impact on my water bill.

What Did I do?

• Planted native species of plants, shrubs, and trees
• Created Hydrozones of plants with similar watering needs
• Piled on the mulch
• Captured rain water to fill tree bags for watering my newly planted trees

Really, it is pretty simple stuff.

Now in 2008, I must admit that I am enjoying the benefits of my xeriscaped yard more than ever.  In fact, this summer, I have not had to drag my sprinkler around the yard yet!  In fact, my water bill is down over 20% from 2007 and 35% from 2006.  What am I doing with my new found riches?  I am saving up for roof-top solar panels, but that is another story.
 

The Alabama Center for Real Estate has released the numbers for May 2008. The ACRE calculates the number of home sales reported then compares those numbers to those of the previous month and year.

Let’s start with the good news:
For May 2008 Birmingham Homes sold rose 10.66% over homes sold in April 2008.

Overall though, when compared to May 2007, home sales dropped an astounding 30.45%! So for those thinking that the housing slump had bypassed Birmingham, the numbers indicate something different. The year to date numbers are down from 2007 by 26.25%. Now, until we see the numbers for June, we won’t be able to make any predictions on whether or not the housing market has turned up or not. Home sales in Birmingham do tend to pick up in the early part of the summer, so I do expect better numbers in June and July, but I am not sure how they will compare to 2007. My first inclination is that they will be down in the 20% range.

What does this mean to a person shopping for Birmingham Alabama real estate?

If you are selling your home, make sure it is ready to show. If you are buying a home, make a list of things that you want in a home. With the amount of homes for sale in the Birmingham real estate market, it will help you sort through all the homes for sale to locate exactly what you are looking to purchase.

• Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s drying cycle
• Turn off computer and monitor when they are not in use for extended periods of time
• Plug home electronics into power strips and turn power strips off when not in use
• Lower thermostat on hot water heater to 120°F
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes
• Clean/replace AC filters monthly; cleaning or replacing dirty air filters can save 5% of the energy used to run the AC system
• Close the air vent in the laundry room
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs
• Caulk or weatherstrip air leaks
• Repair leaky air ducts: these are recognized as a major source of energy waste and can prevent HVAC systems from working properly (request a duct system test from your home’s energy provider).
• Close blinds and shades during the day to keep out the sun’s heat

I know a few real estate agents that would balk at having a home inspection on new construction.  So, let me give you a little background and then some real life examples on why I recommend home inspections on new construction to my clients.

Let the buyer beware:

For your information, Alabama law employs the rule of “Caveat Emptor”, or more commonly stated, ”let the buyer beware”.  So, short of any life threatening or hazardous living conditions, if you don’t ask, or have the home inspected, the builder and the builder’s agent aren’t obligated to inform you of any defects.  If you discover them after the closing, you may not have legal recourse to pursue remedy of the situation.  Therefore, I believe it is my fiduciary duty to advise all my clients to get home inspections and ask as many questions as possible.  Yes, even when buying new construction!

A quick example:

An associate of mine recently had a client turn down the home inspection on thier new construction home.  The home closed.  Imagine their surprise the first night in their new home when they went to turn on the heat and it didn’t work. Five days.  That is how long it took to get the builder to send someone to look at the problem.  Not only that, it happened to be during one of the coldest weeks in Birmingham for 2006!   All their troubles could have easily been averted or resolved prior to closing by having a home inspection!

Yet another example:

Recently, I was forced to submit a mutual release for a new construction home due to shoddy and crude workmanship.  Although the problems with the home were numerous and obvious, my client was prepared to continue with the scheduled home inspection if the release was not granted without an official report.  Although the builder’s representative responded to our release request with a vicious personal attack, in the end, my client was released from the contract with all earnest and upgrade monies returned.

But let’s say the builder wouldn’t sign the mutual release based upon poor workmanship.  We would be reliant upon a home inspection.  Without having a licensed home inspector perform an inspection and detail the problems in writing, more than likely, we would’ve been in a fight to get the repairs / changes accomplished or to terminate the contract with all monies returned.

Let me give you another example:

I was working with a relocation client from the west coast.  She selected a new construction home.  She paid for some upgrades.  Then prior to the home inspection, she noticed a few things that needed to be repaired or corrected with the upgrades.  At the builder’s request, we presented a short “punch list” to the builder’s agent. 

In our meeting with the builder’s agent, my client was informed that since she was not native to Alabama, her standards were too high.   Also, that as her representative, I, being native to Birmingham, didn’t know any different and should inform her that the home construction was actually “good” for the area.  Long story, short, because she exercised her option to have a home inspection,  the items on the original list, along with a few new items, were repaired and corrected prior to the closing without delay.

Although the above scenario is a great example for the need of buyers representation, I think it also highlights one main reason why having a licensed home inspection is a great idea.  Without the an official home inspection, I have no doubt that request to have these items repaired would have been devalued or neglected by the builder.  Even though you may receive a new home warranty, I’ve seen builders take weeks to finish even simple repairs!

So what can you do?

1. Utilize the Home Inspection Clause in the General Sale Contract

Most sales contracts contain a clause pertaining to a home inspection.  These clauses are generally aimed at protecting the buyer.  Often, when a home inspection is performed and the seller is unwilling or unable to make the needed repairs, the sales contract is cancelled and any earnest money is returned.  If a home inspection clause is passed over or forgone by the purchaser, they may have forfeited any earnest money if they decide to terminate a contract after discovering needed repairs that the seller refuses to address.

2. If repairs from the report are unfinished, hold money in escrow at closing.

A couple from out of town that I was representing needed to close on a specific date due to time constraints.  Instead of postponing the close until the last items were finished, we proposed holding a few thousand dollars from the sale in escrow until the repairs were completed.  Believe me, those repairs were well done and finished within a few days of the closing.

3. Take Photos

If you are allowed to walk through the home, take photos of things you see as flaws or needed repairs.  This documentation is normally provided to the purchaser with a home inspection.   Yet, if you choose not to have the inspection, the photos can be a great asset when you are attempting to have those repairs made on your own.

 4. The last resort.

If you feel pressured by the builder to not use a home inspector, or you personally believe the work to be unacceptable and cannot reach a resolution, be prepared to walk away.  Personally, a builder’s agent that continually advises against having a licensed home inspector examine the property always makes me a little leery.  Also, if a builder is arguing about making repairs prior to getting paid on the home, can you imagine what it will be like after they are paid?

 Do yourself a favor:

Although the above examples are extreme, they can happen to you.  So do yourself a favor.  Get a home inspection.  Yes, even with new construction.

Bodean’s is a new BBQ restaurant in Alabaster, Alabama located directly across from the Shelby County Hospital. (In the old Dairy Queen). Although new to Alabaster, Bodean’s is better known from their days in Homewood  where they earned a reputation for great food.  Although Bodean’s has been open for a few months, I really didn’t have the opportunity to give them a try until this weekend.  

I heard some people talking about how great the baked potatoes were from Bodean’s at the store and I just had to give one a try.  It was everything I had ever hoped for in a baked potato! Ok, I know what you are thinking, it was just a potato.  But the beauty was in the simplicity.  I often get baked potatoes from restaurants where there is either way too much toppings, or way too little, but Bodean’s was perfect!

Bodean’s offers much more than potatoes.  For a complete menu, I suggest stopping at their restaurant and picking one up.  While you are there, grab a potato to go.

Ok since my last post on gas prices, the winner for cheapest gas was Jet-Pep in Pelham @ $3.77/gallon, gas has increased by  $.16/gallon.  Jet-Pep in Pelham is now at $3.93/gallon and creeping higher.  Right now though the cheapest gas, courtesy of BirminghamGasPrices.Com, in Pelham, Alabama is $3.89 at Kangaroo. (The one next to I-65 & Cracker Barrel.) 

It is now official, we have cracked the $4.00/gallon The highest gas price is listed as $4.05/gallon at Shell.  I tend to think we will start to see this more often.  I can only imagine what it must cost to fill up a full size Suburban right now, yikes that has to hurt. Of course it is probably considered “cheap” by our H2 Hummer driving friends.

Recently, I decided to undertake the remodeling of my guest bathroom.  This isn’t a great endeavor, but none-the-less, one that needs to be thought through and planned.  Why you ask?  The first time I redid our guest bathroom, without planning ahead mind you, it ended up bright yellow.  Some have gone as far to insinuate that the color is “blinding” yellow.  I prefer “cheery”.  I will admit that there is a sensation of standing on the surface of the sun when taking a shower, therefore, it is time for a change.

The biggest hurdle is going to be selecting the color of the walls.  Right now I am partial to a very faint “slate” blue.  Unfortunately, that is the color that I used in the master bath last year when my wife and I remodeled it last summer.  We installed new tile floor too. Looks very soothing with the slate tile and faint blue walls, but I digress.  So, my thinking is that I need to choose a new color for the walls of the guest bath.  But do I?  That is the question.  

So today, I am off to Sherwin Williams to grab some color tabs and start the process of selecting a color.  Check back soon, I will post the color swatches that make the initial cut.

As we start this journey of looking at the Top Ten Tips for the Birmingham Real Estate Tips, I want to start with something so simple that it is often taken for granted or overlooked.

#10: Search the Birmingham MLS

It is that simple.  Use the internet to help you find homes that meet your needs and budget without ever leaving your home.  The ability to streamline your search by utilizing a Birmingham MLS search saves you time. And, with gas prices rising, the ability to sort through homes without having to see them in person will save you hundreds of dollars in gas alone!

Where do you begin?

Start Here: Birmingham MLS Search.  Pick your area of interest and some basic home criteria and you will be on your way.  Scroll through the results.  If nothing catches your eye, go back to the search pages and enter new information, or use one of the “Fast Finds” or “Quick Searches” if you find that more to our liking.

We, The Birmingham Real Estate Pros, have developed an MLS search based around the consumer. We want to make it as simple and enjoyable as possible. You can search by area, subdivision, school district, city, and more.

One thing to remember when searching for homes on the internet, either with our Birmingham MLS search or another company.  If you are already working with a REALTOR ® , be sure to inform whomever you contact for additional information in order to eliminate confusion.  Although I would suggest to those already working with an agent to simply take a note of the MLS number, then provide your REALTOR ® with that number so they can get you the information.

What Next?

Once you have used the internet and searched the Birmingham MLS, take a list of homes that meet your criteria or have caught your attention to your REALTOR®.  They can  schedule viewings of those homes so that you can view them in person. (Personally recommend that you walk through a home prior to making an offer.  Although I have worked with clients buying homes sight unseen without encountering a problem, I believe it is important to get a feel for the home in person.)  Viewing the home in person will help you select the right one for you!

Basically, searching the Birmingham MLS is #10 on our list of real estate tips.  As you begin shopping the internet for homes, you may believe it should be higher on the list, but check back and see what 9 other tips were given greater importance!

It looks like over the last 60 hours, the cheapest gas around Birmingham was being sold in Pelham, at Jet-Pep for $3.77/gallon. (Which would explain the long line of cars I saw there yesterday!)  At the other end of the spectrum are various Shells, BPs, Exxons, & Chevrons hovering at the $3.99/gallon range. (Although I did see one website reporting a Shell in Hoover being over $4/gallon!)

I was not able to get a price for Costco Gas, they tend to be cheaper than the rest so if you are in Hoover and a member, check there first.  Also, although gas may be cheaper at the pump, but if you are driving out of your way for cheap gas, remember, the further you drive out of your way, the more expensive the gas becomes.

Today we launched our new and improved Birmingham MLS search functions for searching homes for sale by MLS area.  By improving the search capabilities, we hope to make finding the right home for you and your family in the Birmingham MLS a breeze!

Simply choose the areas in Birmingham you would like to shop, then narrow your search by adding options such as entering a price range, number of bedrooms, and more.  To help in locating your home further, simply select some of the addition search options to pinpoint exactly what you are hoping to find! 

We hope that by adding these features, finding the proverbial needle in the Birmingham MLS haystack becomes that much easier!

Visit the page at: Birmingham MLS Search to start locating homes for sale now!