Birmingham AL Camera Owners and Photgraphers!

ATTENTION! all who live in Birmingham Alabama, or the surrounding area, and have a camera addiction!

First, we are not looking for just professional photographers, we are looking for anyone who just enjoys taking pictures.

We, at Birmingham AL Real Estate and Community Pics, want to include you in our blog! Our New PhotoBlog...

Starting this week, we want to give you a chance to share your work with all of the readers of our blog. Now, we are not looking to be controversial so please don’t send anything that might not be “family friendly,” but also please don’t feel the need to only send work that matches what we have done thus far.

Our idea, here at the onset, is to give all of the weekends to you! However, if we just get loads and loads of amazing photography we may increase how often we share your work. Let me also add that we are not going to take any copyright rights to any of your pictures, we are just going to share them with the masses and, of course, give you credit. (It is your picture!)

For all who are interested, please send your pictures along with your full name and any other information you would like for us to include about your picture (we do reserve the right to edit this information due to our goal to remain”family friendly”, but we will contact you first to come to an agreement) to

BhamPics (at) gmail (dot) com

Alabama International Auto Show 2007

It's the time of year, to hop in your car and zoom down to the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center. It's time for the Alabama International Auto Show!

The show begins on Thursday, November 8, 2007, and will be here for four days until November 11, 2007.

Times for the show will be:

Thursday, November 8, from 12:00 PM-10:00PM,Friday, November 9, from 10:00 AM-10:00 PM,Saturday, November 10, from 10:00 AM-10:00 PM, andSunday, November 11, from 11:00 AM-6:00 PM

Price for admittance will be: $8 for Adults, $4 for children ages 6-11, and children 5 and under are FREE!

In case you are wondering about the Alabama International Auto Show, let me show you what they have to say, "It is a dazzling spectacular featuring the 2008 model year domestic and import cars, light trucks, SUV's, Hybrid vehicles of all sizes, and vans. Over 400 vehicles from 30 manufacturers covering 230,000 square feet, inside, and another 90,000 square feet of test driving GM vehicles at the GM Experience!. . . all this makes the 2008 Alabama International Auto Show simply the best. The Auto Show will cover all levels of the Civic Center, making it the largest consumer show in Alabama, EVER!"

For more information, visit the Alabama International Auto Show website. On the site you will be able to see pictures from past shows, show history, and even coupons for admission.
Here is just one more opportunity for you and your family to have some good times and make some good memories in Birmingham. It is a great place to live!

Yes, We Really Do Try To Listen

I got an email yesterday sharing this with me and thought there was something definitely to be learned from it.

An office was having a "going away" party for a lady in their office. Someone called a store (yes, I did omit the name) and ordered the cake. Here are his instructions:

"He told them to write: "Best Wishes Suzanne" and underneath that write "We will miss you"." You can tell from the picture that things didn't quite turn out as was intended.

What can we learn from this? Communication is key! I have always heard people say that you need to ask questions and listen.

But, it is not enough to just ask questions and listen to the answers. We need to be sure that we understand what they are saying. Otherwise we might find ourselves with a face full of cake.

Rest assured, that one of the things that we want to be sure that we are doing is listening to our clients and making sure that we have understanding. This helps us assist you more effectively and efficently so you can find your dream home.

Bathrooms and Preparing Your Home To Sell Part 4 of 4

Home Owners and Home Sellers, you may or may not realize this, but what you are doing right now in your home, whether it is on the market or not, will make an impact on how long it takes your home to sell, how much you will make on the sell of your home, and how difficult or easy the sell will be.

You will learn that when your home goes on the market that any semblance of privacy goes out the window. Your house becomes more of a display piece than a home.

Since we are taking a look in the bathroom, you will agree that there are some things (sights, smells, sounds, etc...) that buyers (visitors) will not want to experience while in that room.

So what do you do to prepare that bathroom for guests?

We have identified four things to do to prepare your bathroom for guests, and these are:
1. Clean
2. Fix
3. Sanitize
4. Finishing touch

Today, we want to discuss step 3, the Finishing Touches! Hopefully, you have cleaned, repaired, sanitzed, and are ready to wrap things up.

There are a number of ideas to keep in mind and this list is not exhaustive. For example, on the counter many agents suggest only having three items such as potpourri, a new soap dispenser and a plant. Also, keep things off the top of the toilet tank (in case prospective buyers and/or inspectors may want to sneak a peek).

Something else we need to remember is maintenance. We need to maintain the clean scent and fresh appearance of the bathroom. This means keeping away the clutter and dust and grime that seems to show up. Clutter, by the way, can be seen as toothbrushes, hair brushes, hair blowers, make-up, etc... I think you get the picture. For the staging benefit, you might want to be sure that a clean set of towels and or robe can be on display as well. After the big clean-up and repair job in the bathroom, it is important to maintain the fresh smell and appearance each day the house is on the market.

Hopefully this will help create the kind of bathroom that someone can imagine moving in to.

5th Annual Jewish Food Festival

This weekend, on November 4, 2007, will be the 5th Annual Jewish Food Festival at the Levite Jewish Community Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

What a great opportunity to see, experience, and taste some different things from a culture that may not be your own!

This years festival will have shopping, entertainment, and food to enjoy. You can check the menu in advance to plan ahead.

Birmingham, Alabama has a lot of different food festivals that give us many opportunites to see, taste, and learn about the different cultures that make Birmingham such a rich and diverse area.

To get more information please visit thier site about the Jewish Food Festival.

For directions please see the map below.

View Larger Map

Making Halloween Memories A Treat and Not A Haunt

Halloween can be a fun time for all of us with families, but like all else. We need to make sure we are doing the things to make sure it is safe and fun.

I found this website, Halloween Safety Guide, while doing some searches on Halloween Safety and thought it would be a benefit to us all.

On the site they outlined safety tips for kids, parents, pets, parties, costumes, and yard haunts. Some of the tips they gave were:

1. "Teaching your kids basic everyday safety such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, watching both ways before crossing streets and crossing when the lights tell you to, will help make them safer when they are out Trick or Treating."
2. "The best bet is to make sure that an adult is going with them. If you can't take them, see if another parent or a teen aged sibling can go along."
3. "To keep things moving for either an adult party or child's party, make sure that you have some games, like a scavenger hunt or a murder mystery planned in advance."
4. "Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you."
5. "When building your haunt, make sure that the walk ways are far enough away from things so that people can't trip over them or hurt themselves. This also is good for you, this means that your visitors won't be able to ruin your props and sets. Some people just have to vandalize at this time of year and ruin it for others."
6. "If you are going to dress your pet in a costume, keep in mind that unless the dog or cat is extremely receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing it discomfort and stress. Some animals don't mind at all but others do not want to be bothered with this kind of thing. They'll be under enough stress with the festivities going on outside and people at the door constantly so don't cause them any more nervousness then you have to. You may love to dress in costume but then, you aren't a dog or a cat."

These were just some of the tips they listed. It would be a good idea for anyone participating to check out all the lists themselves! It is Halloween Safety Guide.

Let's make sure our memories are a treat and not a haunting and frightening remembrance!

It's Pumpkin Time!

It is the time of year for pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns! Pumpkin patches can be seen popping up at churches, communities, schools, and farms all around the area. Glowing smiling faces can be seen at night. It is a fun time.

I was doing some research to see if I could find any tips for finding the perfect pumpkin. I found this article on WikiHow on How To Pick Pumpkins. (You can click the link to see the full article)
I thought I would summarize it for you and give you the short and sweet version.
1. If you are going to be buying for a Jack-O-Lantern, pick your design first. This will let you know what shape pumpkin you will need.
2. Look at its skin. Pick one that has firm skin, unblemished, even colored, and smooth.
3. I thought this was as interesting. Keep a look out for smaller pumpkins ("sugar pumpkins") that are good for eating.
4. Knock. Not to say hello, but to hear a hollow sound which will let you know that it is ripe.
5. Stand it up to make sure it will sit up level. This will let you know where you will have to carve. You don't want it facing the ground.
6. Do not pick it up from the stem. Pick it up from the bottom. Also, leave as much of it there as possible to help it live longer. (If cutting from the vine.)
7. Handle with care. Bruises will shorten its life.
8. Keep it stored in a cool dry place to keep it from rotting.

More important than picking a pumpkin is having a great safe and fun time making memories with your friends, family, and loved ones.

Do you "Wonder Where The Wild Things Are?" in Birmingham October 20-21, 2007

Coming up this weekend, October 20-21, 2007, the Alabama Ballet will be performing "Where The Wild Things Are."

Shows will be at 1:00 and 7:30 on Saturday, October 20 and at 3:00 on Sunday, October 21, at the Samford University Wright Center.

They promise that the entire family will enjoy this exciting journey with Max to the land of the Wild Things just as Maurice Sendak's award-winning children's book, Where the Wild Things Are, showed us.

For more information you can check out the Alabama Ballet website or Active Culture.

For directions to the Samford University Wright Center check out the map below

View Larger Map

Just one more reason why Birmingham Alabama is a great place to live

Decide to Buy A Home: Step 1 of 8 to Buying a Home in Birmingham Alabama

Buying a home can be a daunting task. Because, most people only buy a home once every few years (or longer), we wanted to take the time to remind you of the steps involved in buying a home. This way, you can feel like you have some control of this home buying process.

We have identified eight steps to buying a home. These are:
1. Decide to buy a home.
2. Find a great real estate consultant.
3. Secure financing
4. Find your dream home.
5. Make a written offer and negotiate the price.
6. Open an escrow account. (Earnest Money)
7. Have a home inspection.
8. Sign the final documents, get the key, and move into your new home.

Step 1, Decide to Buy A Home. That sounds like a reasonable place to begin, doesn't it? For a lot of us though, we are really "just looking" rather than seriously considering moving or buying a new home.

Why is it that you want to find a new home? Has your lifestyle changed enough to warrant this type of investment?

Until you identify your NEEDS and your WANTS, you'll find it very hard to find, just the right home for you.

So, take the time first, to do just that, and then make the decision if buying a house is what you want to do right now.

Scarecrows in the Garden: Hoover Alabama's Aldridge Gardens Family Fun Event

Aldridge Botanical Gardens in Hoover, Alabama has begun its Scarecrows in the Garden contest.

Local area clubs , schools, and businesses have taken the time to enter this contest, and you are the judges!

This contest began on September 29 and will last until October 31, 2007

Admission is free and so is the fun!

Aldridge Botanical Gardens is located at 3530 Lorna Road. Hours of admission are from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm. To reach them for more information call (205)682-8019.

Here is a great opportunity for you and your family to get out enjoy the beautiful Alabama weather, admire the gorgeous Alabama environment and landscape, and have some time well spent with friends, family, or just by yourself. It is a great excuse to just get out of the house and have some fun.

You are sure to have a ball and make memories that will last for years!

For directions, check out the map below.
View Larger Map

How Does A New Car Payment Affect Your Purchase Price?

In Don't Buy That Car! Or Anything Else! We introduced this inevitable situation so many of us get in to. We expanded on the idea in Fight That Desire To Spend Money!. After discussing the fight we looked into What Are Debt-To-Income Ratios? and What Do They Have To Do With My New Car?

So, how does a new car payment affect your purchase price?

This is what we will look at today. Let's start with the assumption, that this is true. A new car payment will affect your purchase price. For instance, you are earning $5000 a month and have a car payment of $400 a month. (And, let me remind you that this is a low payment.) At current interest rates (approximately 8% on a thirty-year fixed rate loan), you would qualify for approximately $55,000 less than if you did not have the car payment. WOW! This is significant.

You might be thinking to yourself, "I know I can afford the car payment and mortgage payment." BUT, in reality, mortgage companies approve your mortgage based on their guidelines, not your opinion.

I have received some mixed opinions on this subject, but the entire point was to make you think. So, think ahead! If you are going to remember one thing while you are standing there at the car lot, electronics store, furniture stone, etc... remember this. Are you going to be purchasing a home? Purchasing your home is a much bigger purchase when considering your future financial well-being.

What Are Debt-To-Income Ratios? and What Do They Have To Do With My New Car?

In Don't Buy That Car! Or Anything Else! We introduced this inevitable situation so many of us get in to. We expanded on the idea in Fight That Desire To Spend Money!

We ended the last post with our loan officer saying, "If only you didn't have this car payment, you would certainly qualify for a home loan to buy that house." The reason why she said this was because of your "debt-to-income" ratio.

But, what are debt-to-income ratios?

Today, our goal is to define this in a simple and direct manner.

So, simply put, a debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your gross monthly income (before taxes) that you spend on debt. This will include your monthly housing costs - including principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and homeowner's association fees, if any. It will also include your monthly consumer debt, including credit cards, student loans, installment debt, and....CAR PAYMENTS!

This whole series has been based upon the purchase of a new car right before you buy a home. Please understand that this "car" doesn't have to be a car. It can be any major purchase.

Next, we are going to actually look at how the purchase of the new car affects the price of the home you can purchase.

Popeye says "Get A Home Inspection!"

I was watching cartoons the other day, (YES, with my kids...) and this video came on. I was hoping I could find it. I know it is a little long (about 10 min.), but it illustrates something we all need to be aware of.

Get a home inspection!

No, we can't make you as real estate agents. (However, if you don't you will sign a form that says it was your decision and we are not liable.) Your mortgage company probably will. Either way... You will see here what can happen to a home if it is not properly taken care of. You will also see what can be happening behind the scenes without you even knowing it until it is to late.

I hope you will watch, take note, and take our advice.

Fight That Desire To Spend Money!

In Don't Buy That Car! Or Anything Else! We introduced this inevitable situation so many of us get in to.

We see a car that we just can't stand to live without, and now is the perfect time to buy it.

But, is it really?

Today we are going to talk about this desire we have to spend money and where it could get us.
We all have a special love affair with the automobile and other high priced items that become high priority items on the shopping list. Later, as our dream list expands more and more things will be added to the list and one of those will be a house. Unfortunately, by the time home ownership becomes more than a dream and a priority, you will have already bought the car.

It happens all the time, sometimes just before you contact a lender to get pre-qualified for a mortgage, or right before you decide to call us, your real estate consultants. At the interview, you tell the loan officer your target price range. He will ask about your income, your savings and your debts, and then give you his opinion.

It will sound something like this, "If only you didn't have this car payment, you would certainly qualify for a home loan to buy that house."

You see, when determining your ability to qualify for a mortgage, a lender looks at what is called your "debt-to-income" ratio.

And this is what we will talk about next.

Boo At The Zoo: Alabama's Birmingham Zoo Family Fun Event

It begins this coming weekend and is sure to be frightfully delighful experience!

Nights of the Boo At The Zoo will be October 12-14, 19-21, and 26-28, 2007 from 5:00-9:00 pm each night. The price will be $7.00 for members and non-members alike.

A few of the extra special events include: (Please note these come at an additional cost.)

• Planet of the Ape experience


• Ghost Roller Ride


• Ghastly Carousel & Haunted Train


• Hay Ride

You (and your kids) are encouraged to wear your favorite costume While you are there you will be able to creep through "safe trick-or-treat & game zones."

Each weekend brings a special theme:

October 12-14
All Things Magical Weekend
"Join us for a celebration of all things magical! Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and King Arthur characters abound! BIG Barbarians and powerful wizards, even some fairies may be seen. Celtic dancers and bagpipes will be joined along with some wandering Minstrels. There will even be magic tricks!"

October 19-21
A Galaxy Far, Far Away...
"Join us for all things space! Star Wars, Star Trek, Battlestar Galatica, Firefly characters, to name a few, will be throughout the Zoo. Battles will take place between The Empire and the Rebellion, plus Klingons and the Star Fleet. A Star Wars Band will perform throughout the weekend."

October 26-28
Things That Go Bump in the Night
"Join us for a traditional weekend of ghouls, goblins, ghosts, werewolves and vampires. Kid friendly, of course."

For more information visit the Birmingham Zoo Website.

For directions see the map below

View Larger Map* All information was gathered and adapted from the Birmingham Zoo website.

Don't Buy That Car! Or Anything Else!

This situation is inevitable.... It is going to happen. The question is...

Is it going to be you?

You're an adult. You can make your own decisions, and you don't need anyone telling you what to do with your money.

UNTIL! You see the commercial on TV. It has a smooth ride, it handles like a dream, it can stop on a dime, goes 0-60 in 2.3 seconds, and, most importantly, girls like it! Plus, it has a special financing special paying no interest for 6 years with a price reduction of $5,000 for one week only.

STOP! If you want that house. Don't buy the car. Even if you feel that you can afford a car payment and it is the perfect opportunity to get your dream one, mortgage companies have their own ideas about your ability to pay for a home and car.

We want to explain a little bit about:
1. This desire we have to spend money
2. The importance of your debt-to-income ratio
3. How a new car payment reduces your purchase price

Over the next few days we will be spending some time looking at these three things.

Be Happy - Live Longer

I clicked online today and read the most interesting article about being happy. It said, "Being optimistic in middle age increases life span by at least 7.5 years-even after accounting for age, gender, socioeconomic status, and physical health, according to a large Yale University survey."

So, what are the things that bring this optimism. This article discussed the four Habits of Happy People. You can go and see the entire story from the experts. Let me share with you my impressions.

Habit 1: Don't Stop Talking Ever
OK, that is an exaggeration, but the point it to be engaged in conversation. A professor of medicine and epidemiology at UCLA, Teresa Seeman, PhD, says that, "Just talking on the phone to a friend has the immediate effect of lowering your blood pressure and cortisol levels..." and "Our research shows that having good long-term relationships provides as many physical benefits as being active or a nonsmoker." According to the article, people who are social at least once a week "live longer, keep their brains sharp, and prevent heart attacks."

Habit 2: Be Thankful
Author of "The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want," Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, said that, "It's hard to be bitter and mad when you're feeling grateful." They suggested recording the things you are thankful for several times a week. I would imagine saying them sometimes would be good too. Benefits of this were noted as being "optimistic about the upcoming week and more satisfied overall with their lives, (and)...they also feel physically stronger."

Habit 3: Random Acts of Kindness
I have always heard to perform random acts of kindness. (If you plan them, are they random?) How many are necessary though? They suggest five to "boosts your sense of well-being and happiness." Lyubomirsky does warn us though that there will be ramifications to your acts of kindness. It is possible that "You see how much you're appreciated and liked by others."

Habit 4: Reflect, Review, Restart
It took me a minute to come up with three re's, but they do sum up the fourth habit. They suggest to start by reflecting upon the past. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Review these times and think of them as "triumphs, missteps, and lessons for the future." Reviewing the triumphs can have an amazing affect on your self-esteem and reviewing the missteps can bring upon the forgiveness that you should have done for yourself years ago. Robert N. Butler, MD, president of the International Longevity Center-USA, says that, "If you can come to terms with past events, you'll be better able to handle tough times down the road."

Does this mean that the pessimist is doomed to short and miserable life?
Well, yes and no. Apparently there are two kinds of pessimists. (Who knew?) There are active ones and passive ones. Active ones, according to the article, an active pessimist is "a feisty spirit who loves to complain, criticize, and generally mix it up with others-but then takes action." Toni Antonucci, PhD, director of the Life Course Development Program of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan says that, "Active pessimists do battle with life. Being that engaged is actually good for them and can provide some of the same benefits that optimists enjoy." and "Passive pessimists, on the other hand, feel paralyzed by gloom, have given up on themselves and life, and will likely live fewer years because of their bummer attitude."

Be Happy! Be Positive! Live Long!

Birmingham Alabama Fall Parade of Homes

It starts this weekend! The Fall Parade of Homes has arrived! The largest home extravaganza is beginning September 29-30 and will also be the next two Saturdays and Sundays on October 6-7 and October 13-14, 2007.

This year promises to be the largest ever with 222 homes and 2 remodeled homes on display. There will be homes showing ranging from a starter home for the first time home buyer to high end luxury homes for those looking to make a move upward.

I have been going since before I was in involved in real estate, and personally just love to look at homes and see the new trends in architecture, home technology, and dream build.

Join the parade and check out some amazing homes!

For more information, visit the Fall Parade of Homes website.

To hear the Rick and Bubba radio ad, listen here

Getting Our Feet Wet in Birmingham Alabama

Birmingham Alabama, well the whole state, has been in drought conditions this summer. This week though we have had some much needed rain and I think everyone is grateful and has enjoyed it quite a bit. Some of us, like our friend over here, have just wanted to sit out in it and enjoy some time in the rain. Can you tell he is big fan. (I know a bad pun, but it works so well.)

While state totals for the year are still low, we have enjoyed more than 3 1/2 inches of rain this week (that's out of 4 3/4 inches we have had total for the month of August) and a much needed break in temperature away from the hot and steamy 100+ degree days we were having for a while. The average temperature this week has only been about 87 degrees while the rest of the months average was just about 100.

Hopefully we can gain back some of the 17+ inches we are still behind so can drop all of our drought warnings, alerts, and restrictions. For now though, we are going to enjoy the puddles while they last.

I found some interesting statistics about Birmingham Alabama weather.Here you can find average temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and cloudiness month by month. It has the same information for cities across the country on the site. You can also find weather forecasts at AccuWeather and Weather.com.

Here's to getting your feet wet!

Football Season Has Begun for Alabama

Saturday is the big day! Anticipation is in the air! Thousands upon thousands are feeling all jittery! It is the first "official" day of football season in Alabama. I hope everyone has tested the grills and has an extra bag of charcoal or an extra tank of gas. It is going to be a day of football, fellowship, family, and feeding the face. What fun!

Alabama has a fighting match against Western Carolina. Auburn gets to tussle Kansas State, and UAB gets to go head to head against Michigan State. Thousands will be gathered at these campuses to partake in the pregame festivities.

So, whether it's the "Sweet Home Alabama" gathering at the quad and tailgating by your RV at Alabama, participating in The Tiger Walk at Auburn, or sitting (and jumping) off the couch at home, your bound to have loads of fun.

How are the games going to turn out? We have no idea yet. We are hoping to see a lot of touchdowns on Saturday, but only for those teams from Alabama. Of course we are pulling for a 3-0 day with no losses for the teams from Alabama.

Check out our fight songs: The University of Alabama's Fight Song, Auburn University's Fight Song, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Fight Song.