Hoover, AL

I woke up this morning at 6:20, peered out the window and there it was SNOW. They had promised us snow several times this year and didn't deliver so when my husband told me yesterday that it was going to snow today, I just dismissed the thought. But this morning, with eternal optimism, I took a peak and here it was ‘THE WHITE STUFF".

I was born in Massachusetts and have many happy childhood memories of playing in the snow. So I look forward to those infrequent occasions when we receive snow here in Hoover and today I was not disappointed.

I went back to bed until 7:30 and then arose to drink our morning coffee in the living room while we watched the snowflakes pour from the sky. It was so quiet and peaceful! It snowed until about 10:30 AM - not enough to stick on the roads, but the wooded areas are just beautiful. Here are some pictures to enjoy.

The New Stimulus Bill that President Obma just signed into law gives First Time Home Buyers a TAX CREDIT of 10% of the purchase price for a home purchased between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. This means if you buy a home that costs $80,000 or more, you will receive an $8000 tax credit. The maximum you can receive is $8000, but even if you pay a lot more than 80K for a house, that $8,000 is still a nice little sum.

This 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home for sale in Hoover Alabama is priced at $153,900. If you purchased this home, you could get an $8000 tax credit next winter!

If you were waiting for something great to happen THIS IS IT. There was a tax credit in the housing bill that former President Bush signed, however, that one had to be paid back over time. This Tax Credit for 1^st Time Home Buyers is bigger AND doesn't have to be paid back.

Interest rates are still low and now you get a credit - Not a deduction, so you will pay up to $8000 in less tax.

If you haven't already done so, now is the time to contact a lender and get pre-approved for a loan. There is nothing you have to apply for to get the credit, just request the credit when you file your 2009 tax return next winter.

You can shop for houses on line at my website www.ToniBird.com, When you are ready, contact me and I'll help you find the home of your dreams.

Home sales in the Hoover, Alabama were down in January 2009 to 44 - but that number is still higher than they were in November 2008 (33).

In the Hoover Alabama area, the average salesprice was $288,806 with prices ranging from $79,900 for a 3 Bedroom 1 Bath in Chapel Hill, to $599,000 for a 5 bedroom 4.5 Bath in the Ross Bridge. Currently, there are 927 homes on the market. Just think of the possibilities! Of course not every house is for everyone so a realtor can help you sort out what suits your needs.

Activity of people looking for a home has picked up after the 1^st of February and sales in February and March should increase.

If you would like any specific information about YOUR neighborhood, or to sign up for Hot Breaking News on New Listings, contact me at www.ToniBird.com.

Wondered what happened to Toni's Blog posts?? Well, real estate just plain got in the way. Back in November, I found a great deal on a foreclosed property here in Hoover Alabama, that I just HAD TO HAVE. Along with the excitement of moving, tweaking the new house to be "move in ready", Christmas, getting the old house ready to go on the market, AND a brisk real estate business - yes brisk- something had to go and the blogging was it.

Now, I'm basically settled in and am ready to share.

Wow! Is there a lot going on or what? Lots of news in the housing market, but it is NOT all bad. I keep hearing people compare this time to the Great Depression. Houses ARE selling and there are great deals out there. I read something a few months ago and I can't remember who said it -but some really BIG FORTUNES were made during the Great Depression.

What a wonderful time to build a real estate portfolio!! If you are getting laid off, and you loved your job, I really do feel for you. I was employed by a company that was closed during the LAST financial crisis (Texas in the 80's) so I've been there - and it's not fun. But when God closes a door, he opens a window. I truly believe that and now is the time to look for great opportunity.

If you have 401K funds at your employer, then you can take those funds and use them to invest in a self directed IRA - which can contain Real Estate. If you wanted a bigger house but couldn't afford it - well prices are coming down! Think you would like to Buy Real Estate in the Hoover Alabama area, contact me and we'll discuss the possibilities.

It's great to be back!

This Market Report for Caldwell Crossings in Hoover AL looks at Market Absorption Trends for 12 months, 6 months and 3 months ending January 2009.

Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP

BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE

205.902.4868

Keller Williams

One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150

Hoover, AL 35244

Ann@AnnAllenTeam.com

© 2009 Ann Allen, All rights reserved

Photo taken by Ann Allen, and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Ann Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Hoover AL. Please check if Creative Commons License as been granted for this or other photography provided by Ann Allen. Permission usually granted if credit is given with a link back. Thank you for your understanding.