Baron Services, Inc., a leading Alabama-based weather technology company, announced that it will make its site-specific weather alerting system available to all Alabamians at no cost! Alabama SAF-T-Net is a fully automated, patented weather alerting system that uses a combination of phone, email and text messaging to provide notification AHEAD of a storm!
Baron Services CEO (a former television meterologist) said his company made the decision to offer this alerting system free to all residents because of the work of the Tornado Recovery Action Council (TRAC). The council, which was commissioned by Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, recently released its report regarding the tornados of April 27, 2011. The report recommended that Alabama "implement a statewide, integrated severe-weather alert system to provide more precise alerts for individuals and businesses than current countrywide warnings". They also recommended this "system allow individuals to enroll phone numbers and take advantage of smartphone technologies".
Baron founded his company in the aftermath of the tornado that destroyed much of Airport Road and killed 21 people in November 1989. That was a VERY scary time - in the high 70's/low 80's that day; by the time midnight hit, it was snowing. Mother Nature is a FORMIDABLE being!
The way the SAF-T-Net system works is this: residents direclty sign up for the service (I signed up thru www.whnt.com), and you can receive alerts via phone, email or text messaging for up to four user-defined locations (i.e., home, work, spouse's work, etc). The system provides enhanced location-based storm alerts to recipients, uniquely filtering out broad based messages that OFTEN go unheeded (think of the warnings that were ignored on April 27, 2011). We, in Alabama, are so used to "warnings" that we tend to turn a "blind ear". This system "lessens" the coverage area in which a particular person is interested and it will come directly to you over your phone! Could save many more lives.
A direct sign up and a list of media partners are available at www.alabamasaftnet.com.
In today’s volatile market, getting the financing you need to purchase a home is often a confusing and time-consuming process, however, it’s crucial that prospective buyers do their homework before picking the loan that’s right for them. VA loans, which are often overlooked, are a great option for past and current military personnel looking for financing in today’s more stringent mortgage environment.
Established in 1944 as part of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, VA loans are available for any individual who has served in active duty in any branch of the U.S. military for a minimum of 90 days.
The great thing about this loan is that it allows financing without requiring a down payment! It also doesn't allow the lender to charge the veteran "PMI" which is Private Mortgage Insurance.
A VA loan, though, does require the borrower to pay a one-time funding fee on their purchase, however, which can be paid up front or financed into the total cost of the loan. The funding fee for regular military members is 2.15 percent of the loan while Reservists pay a fee of 2.40 percent.
In addition to servicemen and servicewoman, non-active duty personnel, such as individuals in the Army Reserves or National Guard, may apply for a VA-backed mortgage provided they have completed six years of service. The spouses of deceased or missing military members are also eligible if they have not remarried.
Statistics provided by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs show that there are approximately 25 million homeowners currently eligible for a VA loan. However, only 10-15 percent of those who are eligible have taken advantage of the VA loan program when buying or refinancing. That's why it is so important to have a knowledgeable Real Estate Agent as well as a knowledgeable Mortgage Lender!
One reason for the low numbers is that for many years leading up to the mortgage crisis, there were numerous conventional mortgage products that were easier or more economical to the veteran than the VA loan.
During the years of early 2000 until about 2008, 100% conventional financing was commonplace, so the veterans felt like "why pay the VA funding fee just to have 100% financing". Of course, those conventional 100% financing days are, for the most part, non-existent now! Plus, VA appraisers have more stringent "requirments" and paperwork to follow when finalizing a VA loan.
Many veterans, especially those not so recently discharged, don’t fully understand the benefits of a VA loan, and many aren’t even aware that they’re entitled to one. With a VA loan, veterans can literally buy a home with little to no money out of pocket.
Those interested in learning more about VA loans, please contact me, Karen Borden, your North Alabama Real Estate Agent and I can put you in contact with a KNOWLEDGEABLE Mortgage Lender! Now is the time, with 3.75% interest rates, to buy that home! If you are looking to purchase Real Estate in Huntsville, AL; Madison, AL; Madison County, AL; Limestone County, AL; Athens, AL; Morgan County, AL - or any of those surrounding areas, please call! North Alabama is a HUGE military relocation area, so I know there are potential buyers out there that can use our help!
Borrowers who received a dishonorable discharge from any military branch are not eligible.
For many of us, winter means more time spent inside and less time spent in the great outdoors, which can often lead to a classic case of cabin fever and winter blahs. According to Debra Duneier, author and creator of EchoChi, with a few simple steps, you can transform your home into a place that makes you feel happier and healthier this winter:
And - as always - should you need help in any aspect of Real Estate, whether it's buying or selling in North Alabama, please contact your Real Estate Professional, Karen Borden!
Per an article in RISMedia, Freddie Mac recently released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey®, showing mortgage rates easing to new all-time record lows for all products covered in the survey helping to keep homebuyer affordability high. The average for the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been below 4.00 percent for six consecutive weeks.
The survey concluded that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.89 percent, with an average 0.7 point for the week ending January 12, 2012, down from last week when it averaged 3.91 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.71 percent.
The 15-year FRM this week averaged 3.16 percent with an average 0.8 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.23 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.08 percent.
"Mortgage rates eased slightly this week to all-time record lows following mixed indicators in the labor market,” says Frank Nothaft, the vice president and chief economist of Freddie Mac. “Although the economy added 1.6 million jobs in 2011, which was the most since 2006, the unemployment rate remained historically elevated.”
For more information, visit www.freddiemac.com.
AND, since now is the time to buy, if you would like to buy or sell your home, please contact your North Alabama Real Estate Specialist....me!!
I can assist you as your Listing Agent in selling your home - or as your Buyer's Agent in purchasing your home - or both! Call me with any of your real estate questions! There are many option to choose from in Huntsville, Madison, Madison County and the surrounding areas!
The November issue of Realtor Magazine had a wonderful article about "Dissecting a Home's Exterior". Very good information for when you, as a buyer, are ready to purchase Real Estate. They covered various exteriors and cited the pros and cons. I thought this was great information for me, as a Real Estate Agent, and especially for my clients: past, present and future!
Let's start with Brick. In Alabama, and especially North Alabama, and ESPECIALLY in Madison County, brick is probably the MOST desired exterior. And, normally the most expensive. Many mid-level builders offer "4-sided brick" as an upgrade option. Higher end builders in this North Alabama area automatically build a full brick home, unless the subdivision is calling for a "different" look.
1. BRICK: Brick is usually laid outside a wooden frame of the house. Brick can easily last a lifetime, requiring very little - if any - repairs. The most common "repair" on brick is cracked mortar - which sometimes happens when a house settles. A good brick mason can pull out the old mortar and replace. Brick, for the most part, looks exactly the same as it ages.
PROS: Tough, durable and low-maintenance. Doesn't rot or fade.
CONS: Expensive - due to the high cost of material and labor.
2. STONE AND CULTURED STONE: This exterior is made of actual rocks or stones, and are known for being able to withstand extreme weather conditions, but their durability means extra cost. One way to cut the costs is stone veneer which gives the high end look, but is less expensive. Most of the time, stones are used on homes as an accent and to highlight one section of the exterior.
PROS: It is the most durable of all building materials and it can withstand severe weather. Very low maintenance.
CONS: Very expensive.
3. ALUMINUM SIDING: Can look very similar to vinyl. You can tell the difference between the two by tapping on the siding - aluminum has a hollow, metallic sound. It comes in a variety of textures, such as wood shake and shingle style. It's often used in "pieces" of the exterior.
PROS: Easy to maintain, durable, fireproof and low-maintenance. Typically, low to moderate in price and is termite-proof, rust proof and water-proof.
CONS: This siding is easily dented, and it can be difficult to repair or replace. It's also noisy, particularly when raining or hailing.
4. VINYL SIDING: Vinyl is the most widely used siding and one of the most affordable options. It's made from a durable plastic and is known as very low-maintenance. But, it should be power-washed at least once a year as it can stain. As in aluminum, you can get vinyl in the look of cedar shakes or wood clapboard.
PROS: Doesn't ever need painting and can withstand many weather extremes.
CONS: Vinyl siding can warp or buckle if not properaly installed. Also, any damage requires the entire panel to be replaced, which means possibly difficult to match. It can also sometimes trap moisture which can lead to mildew.
5. CEDAR SHINGLE SIDING: This is also called "shakes". It's usually found in the New England area among Cape Cod Homes. The cedar shingles can be stained in many colors. This "look" has become VERY popular in some subdivisions in North Alabama, particularly new builds in the Madison area.
PROS: Can last up to 30 years and it doesn't "buckle" or "curl".
CONS: Can be high maintenance as these shingles do need "treatment" roughly every 5 years to prevent rot or mildew. Not necessarily the best choice where fires are common.
6. CEMENT FIBER SIDING: Commonly known as "hardy plank". This is one of the latest developments in residential siding. It's also known as "green" material as it can be made from a variety of recyclable materials. It's made from sand, cement and cellulose fibers and comes in a variety of finishes and can be made to resemble wood or stucco. This has become VERY popular in North Alabama by builders who are targeting the "lower price than brick" market or by builders looking for that certain "wood frame" look but know their clients want a much more DURABLE product!
PROS: Much more durable than wood or stucco; low maintenance; fire-proof; and water resistant. It doesn't rot and is not prone to insect damage.
CONS: DOES require painting - BUT not for at least 10-15 years. However, if not painted/prepped correctly, it could hold moisture. And, due to the fact that it is a very heavy material, it does need significant structural support.
7. WOOD CLAPBOARD SIDING: Often used on historic homes. Many options available and the cost depends on which type of wood is used: i.e., redwood and cedar tend to be more expensive than pine and spruce.
PROS: A renewable material known to be energy efficeint. Can be painted any color.
CONS: Very high maintenance. Requires painting about every seven years or so (depending on shade vs sun on your home); regularly needs to be power-washed, stained and sealed. Also requires caulking to prevent water damage. Can be very susceptible to rot and termites.
8. STUCCO SIDING: Typically used on Spanish and Mediterranean style homes. It's identified by its flat, smooth, concrete look, and is composed of cement, water and materials such as sand and lime. Many homes built after the 1950's used a lighter synthetic material that resembles stucco. To determine whether it's real stucco vs. synthetic, tap the walls! If it's a solid sound - most likely, it's real.
PROS: Very durable, fire resistant and a very good insulator. Very rarely needs to be re-painted and it works best in dry climates (NOT in humid areas like North Alabama!)
CONS: As stated above - NOT ideal in wet or HUMID climates! Some synthetic forms of stucco have been associated with moisture problems - especially here in North Alabama.
I hope this information from Realtor Magazine has been helpful to you - and please remember, if you are looking to buy or sell Real Estate in North Alabama, please contact me, Karen Borden! I would like to be your Real Estate Professional for any Real Estate transactions you may have! I love relocations, so call me if I can help you find your perfect home!
, a mainstay for centuries, tends to be a favorite among home owners. The brick is usually laid outside of a wooden frame of a house. Brick can last a lifetime, very rarely requiring any patching or repairs and looking the same as it ages for years to come.
Pros: Tough, durable, and low-maintenance; doesn’t rot or fade.
Cons: Expensive due to the high cost of materials and installation.riBrick, a mainstay for centuries, tends to be a favorite among home owners. The brick is usually laid outside of a wooden frame of a house. Brick can last a lifetime, very rarely requiring any patching or repairs and looking the same as it ages for years to come.
Pros: Tough, durable, and low-maintenance; doesn’t rot or fade.
Cons: Expensive due to the high cost of materials and installation.ck, a mainstay for centuries, tends to be a favorite among home owners. The brick is usually laid outside of a wooden frame of a house. Brick can last a lifetime, very rarely requiring any patching or repairs and looking the same as it ages for years to come.
Pros: Tough, durable, and low-maintenance; doesn’t rot or fade.
Cons: Expensive due to the high cost of materials and installation.
Karen is a 34 year plus resident of Huntsville. She is a real estate agent with Keller Williams, a nationally recognized company. She can sell your home or find you a home anywhere in North AL.
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