Doesn’t it seem like the “to do” list is never done?

With summer here there are many things to take care of around your home. Keeping your home maintained is important so that the little things don’t turn into big things. Here is a short list of some common items to check around your home during the Summer months. If you need a little help with some of these things on the list, check out our list of reputable local businesses that can make that list shorter for you!

Capstone Realty’s Preferred Vendors>>

Safety check

• Heating and cooling: This is the time to change the filter in your heating/cooling system and get the heater serviced. There is less demand as the weather warms, which means shorter waits and perhaps lower service rates.
• Check the ducts: If you suspect that dampness may have entered your ducts, now it the time to get them cleaned and checked for mold. Warm-weather moisture and dampness from your air conditioner can foster the growth of mold, which is bad news for your family’s health. As a rule of thumb, homes with daily use of heating/cooling systems should have ducts checked yearly.
• Fire safety: Change out batteries in your smoke detectors. Also, make sure that fire extinguishers are in key places around your home, such as the laundry room.
• Fireplace: Consider having your chimney checked and cleaned as well to remove residue that built up during winter use.

Inspect the deck

• Check the boards: Rain and sun can take their toll on your deck, so now is the time to nail down loose boards and apply a sealant to protect the wood from water.
• Crack check: If you have a concrete patio or walkways around your home, check for cracks and separation. Resurface or apply filler to any problem areas. The deeper cracks get, the more difficult is it to repair damage caused by shifting earth underneath.

Roof first aid

• Inspect for damage: Check for missing shingles, cracks, moss or damage from fallen tree limbs. Have any damaged areas fixed immediately, as roof repairs can be very costly. If you are not comfortable getting up on your own roof, contact a professional roofing service, who can also make the repairs.
• Gutters: This is also the time to clear gutters of leaves, branches and other debris.

Swimming pool

• Be sure to check that all systems are working, including the filter and heater, if you have one.
• Inspect for any cracks in the tile and in the pool itself or tears in the liner and have them repaired immediately.
• Check the diving board to be sure all bolts are properly tightened.
• Time for good cleaning of dirt and leaves and making sure that the chemical levels are balanced.
• Be sure your yard is properly fenced, according to local codes, to keep unattended children out.

Get the yard ready

• Check garden hoses for splits and cracks.
• Clean yard furniture and turn upside down for drying. Wooden picnic tables can be cleaned with vinegar diluted in water; plastic furniture with dish soap and water; and wicker with a clean paint brush or your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment.
• Check bolts on swing sets and play structures and look out for any loose attachments or exposed metal edges.
• Clean BBQ grills with dish soap and water. Rinse and dry well.
• Empty and clean bird feeders
• Replace all blown-out outdoor lights
• Check windows and doors-Caulk any gaps around window or door frames

Windows & Doors

• Remove storm windows and put up screens. Be sure to clean windows outside while you’re at it.
• Make sure that all windows open easily when unlocked.
• Check locks on all exterior doors and windows.

Cost Versus Value – Top 10 Home Improvements

Looking to get the most bang for your buck while attracting additional home buyers? Consider these home remodeling projects that will provide a high return on investment!

Updating the outside of a home pays off, according to this year’s Cost vs. Value Report. Real estate professionals ranked exterior improvement projects as winning the buyers’ eye and providing sellers with the most return on investment.

Top 10 Mid Range Projects listed in the 2013 Costs Versus Value report from the Remodeling Magazine

Download Full Report Here>>

Top 10 Midrange Projects

1. Entry Door Replacement (steel) 
Job Cost: $1,137
Resale Value: $974
Cost Recouped: 85.6 percent

2. Deck Addition (wood)
Job Cost: $9,327
Resale Value: $7,213
Cost Recouped: 77.3 percent

3. Garage Door Replacement 
Job Cost: $1,496
Resale Value: $1,132
Cost Recouped: 75.7 percent

4. Minor Kitchen Remodel 
Job Cost: $18,527
Resale Value: $13,977
Cost Recouped: 75.4 percent

5. Window Replacement (wood)
Job Cost: $10,708
Resale Value: $7,852
Cost Recouped: 73.3 percent

(tie) 6. Attic Bedroom Addition 
Job Cost: $47,919
Resale Value: $34,916
Cost Recouped: 72.9 percent

(tie) 6. Siding Replacement (vinyl) 
Job Cost: $11,192
Resale Value: $8,154
Cost Recouped: 72.9 percent

7. Window Replacement (vinyl)
Job Cost: $9,770
Resale Value: $6,961
Cost Recouped: 71.2 percent

8. Basement Remodel 
Job Cost: $61,303
Resale Value: $43,095
Cost Recouped: 70.3 percent

9. Major Kitchen Remodel 
Job Cost: $53,931
Resale Value: $37,139
Cost Recouped: 68.9 percent

10. Deck Addition (composite) 
Job Cost: $15,084
Resale Value: $10,184
Cost Recouped: 67.5 percent

Top 10 Upscale Projects

Top 10 Upscale Projects

1. Siding Replacement (fiber-cement)
Job Cost: $13,083
Resale Value: $10,379
Cost Recouped: 79.3 percent

2. Garage Door Replacement
Job Cost: $2,720
Resale Value: $2,046
Cost Recouped: 75.2 percent

3. Siding Replacement (foam-backed vinyl)
Job Cost: $13,818
Resale Value: $9,926
Cost Recouped: 71.8 percent

4. Window Replacement (vinyl)
Job Cost: $13,055
Resale Value: $9,295
Cost Recouped: 71.2 percent

5. Window Replacement (wood)
Job Cost: $16,361
Resale Value: $11,194
Cost Recouped: 68.4 percent

6. Grand Entrance (fiberglass)
Job Cost: $7,088
Resale Value: $4,528
Cost Recouped: 63.9 percent

7. Deck Addition (composite)
Job Cost: $34,403
Resale Value: $20,532
Cost Recouped: 59.7 percent

8. Major Kitchen Remodel
Job Cost: $107,406
Resale Value: $64,113
Cost Recouped: 59.7 percent

9. Bathroom Remodel
Job Cost: $50,007
Resale Value: $29,162
Cost Recouped: 58.3 percent

10. Roofing Replacement
Job Cost: $33,880
Resale Value: $19,194
Cost Recouped: 56.7 percent

Visit house Logic for a Slide Show of the Top 10 Home Improvements>>

Want to save Thousands on your next home purchase?

With Mortgage rates at or near all-time lows, the timing couldn’t better for getting a mortgage. As a result of the economic crisis, the Federal Reserve has slashed the fed funds rate and is  purchasing long-term treasury and mortgage securities in an effort to restart the housing market. What does this mean for you? Low Mortgage Interest Rates!

There are a few key things to consider that can save you thousands of dollars on your next home purchase:

Know Your Credit Score

Three major credit bureaus — Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax — collect the information that your credit history is created from. This information is used to formulate your credit score. The most widely used credit score is called the FICO, based on a model devised by Fair Isaac Corp., which assesses your risk to lenders on a scale of 300 to 850.

The higher the score, the lower your mortgage rate.

Find The Right Lender

Get at least 2 quotes (3 is even better) from different mortgage brokers or banks. The options and loan programs can be different from each bank or mortgage company. Always ask for a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) from each one. The GFE will describe the interest rate and terms, plus all the fees that will be charged, giving you a good way to compare loans.

Ask your Lender for information on any special loan programs for your city or state. This is a wonderful way for buyers to get a low cost, low down payment loan or no money down. There are often first time home buyer programs, step up or rural development programs that can save you $$

Stay away from points

Paying points can get you a lower interest rate. But in today’s Huntsville area housing market, interest rates are already low.

Beware of Junk Fees

Most everyone has heard about junk fees charged by the lender. Did you know that real estate companies have been adding fees, too?

Ask your Realtor if his company charges a Transaction Fee or Document Storage Fee — usually $175 to $500 — when you buy a property. It’s just another junk fee.

Beware of the “deal” offered by new homebuilders

New homebuilders often offer to pay your closing costs if you use their preferred lender. However, they may be adding their own closing costs to yours and the interest rate could be higher than what you would find on the open market. Always check with other lenders before making a commitment.

Last but not Least…

Hire the right REALTOR®. a knowledgeable professional will know the right steps and have the most up to date resources available to make sure you are on the right path to getting the best price and are aware of the steps to saving THOUSANDS on your next home.

Sources:

http://www.consumerfinancereport.com

http://money.cnn.com/

http://www.kcmblog.com/

Staging your Home to sell during the Holidays

Is trying to sell your home during the holidays a good idea? People used to think that the spring and summer were the best months to sell, but the holidays are also a good time. There are less homes on the market so that equals less competition. Also people looking to buy during the holidays are serious buyers.

See the article below for some good staging tips from Realtor Mag by BARBARA BALLINGER

1. Should we take our house off the market if it’s listed or not list it until the holidays are past?

Absolutely keep it in play, say most real estate pros. Those who brave the weather in colder climates and during this busy time of year often are the most serious about buying, says Randy Bell, sales practitioner with HomeSmart Realty Group in Denver. “November and December tend to be two of our best months, since we get folks who are willing to bundle up and head outdoors in cold temperatures; they’re not just tire kickers,” he says. Susan Stynes, GRI, with Long and Foster in Midlothian, Va., agrees, “While sales may go down at this time of year, the buyers looking definitely are among the most serious.” Some buyers also like the idea of purchasing before the end of the year for tax reasons, says broker Jennifer Darby with ERA Justin Realty Co. in Rutherford, N.J. And this year buyers may house-hunt during the holidays for two more reasons, according to Mark Fitzpatrick, broker and CEO of Fitzpatrick + Prince Real Estate Group in Irvine, Calif. “Inventory is going down in California, and rates are still low,” he says.

2. What kinds of outdoor decorations are appropriate?

Simple, classy, and classic are the three operative words, according to experts. What that means are trees and bushes with some lights, and potted plants and a wreath at the front door. Too many lights during the daytime can turn wires into an eyesore, says Stynes. The bottom line is to create a festive, warm holiday mood without anything becoming gaudy, says Maike Scherer, CEO of Capital Home Management in the Washington, D.C., area. What crosses the line into tackiness are huge, inflatable Santas on roofs and lawns, oversized Nutcracker soldiers, and human-sized candy canes, as well as so many lights that you think you’ve stepped into Santa’s workshop. The light colors should be kept to white or to discrete pairings of the season, such as red and green or silver and gold.

3. How about inside? What’s best and what’s to be avoided?

Again, real estate experts suggest erring on the minimalist side rather than going overboard. “Avoid clutter, and try to stay neutral,” says Gillian Luce, marketing manager of Homes.com, which offers an idea gallery online to inspire home owners how to display their personality subtly throughout the year. Good ideas from her include one tree with a few ornaments and wrapped presents, one wreath, a few stockings along a mantle, some candles and a holiday inspired runner on a dining room table or buffet, and maybe a simple garland up a staircase. But displaying all holiday cards, yards and yards of tinsel, and every single ornament you’ve always owned can become too personal and messy. “The goal is to get buyers to imagine themselves sharing the holidays with their family in the house, and if the rooms are so crowded with your stuff, they can’t,” says Bell. “Use common sense,” he adds, “and stage your house and rooms in the same way you would at other times.”

4. And religious decorations — OK or not?

OK, but the key again is not to have too many on display — lots of nativity scenes or menorahs, for instance. “If these objects are very meaningful for home owners, you don’t want to ask them to change their traditions, but it’s better if the house remains more neutral,” says Stynes. It also may depend in part on location. In Denver, Bell describes his area as a melting pot where various religious traditions are respected, welcomed, and celebrated.

5. What about music?

Soft music is fine; experts disagree about Christmas music, however, which some buyers may be tired of hearing in elevators and stores and on car radios at this time of year. Most agree that religious music should be avoided to appeal to the widest buyer segment.

6. And those sugar and gingerbread cookies and cinnamon spiced candle smells? Do they entice buyers or are they perceived as a bit kitschy?

Baked goods and nice fragrant candles always bring a warm, welcome smell. “They help introduce a nice emotional touch that lets buyers make a connection with the property,” says Luce. But the caveat is to avoid smells that might prove overwhelming.

7. Can sellers say no to appointments if they’ve got family visiting or are having holiday parties, or does that make them seem too Scrooge-ish?

Of course, they can say “no.” But if they’re going to say no repeatedly, it might be better for them to wait and list in January, says Darby. If they have a party or two to host, experts advise they do a thorough cleaning right away.

8. When should decorations come down?

Sometime in the week after New Year’s Day. “Nobody wants to see a house decorated for Christmas on Super Bowl Sunday,” Bell says.

9. And photos or videos with Christmas images used in online listings?

Those, too, should be changed fast, says Fitzpatrick. Darby agrees. “If you’ve got pictures with holiday wreaths and lights at the end of February, it will quickly date that the house was on before the holidays,” she says. Better to use only nonseasonal photos if you’re not going to have two sets.

And remember to wish all buyers and real estate pros who come to look at a listing to have a happy, healthy holiday and new year. Seasonal good cheer is always in style.

Home Sales Surge in First Half of 2012!

Homes sales surged by 15.79 percent in the first half of 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011 according to new data prepared by the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR). Home sales rose by 309 units in the six month period ending June 2012 to 2,266 when compared to 2011’s 1,957 sold units.

“The Huntsville/Madison County housing market continues to show steady and sound growth. Our market has not experienced the extreme cycles that many areas of the country have demonstrated. During the recession, at least for the housing market, steady growth was rare; we exceeded that expectation,” said Oscar Gonzales, HAAR CEO.

See Full Report Here>>

Capstone Agent Cindy George often treats her fellow agents to homemade goodies at the office. We LOVE IT!

Ingredients:
1/3 Cup Softened Butter
1/2 Cup Sugar

1/1/4 Cup Apple Sauce
1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
3/4 Tsp Baking Soda
3/4 Tsp Cinnamon
1/2 Tsp Ground Nutmeg
1/2 Cup Raisins
1 Cup Blueberries
1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts

Directions:
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.
Add egg and applesauce, mix well.
In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder & nutmeg.
Gradually add dry mixture to creamed mixture just until combined.
Fold in raisins & nuts.
Pour into a greased 8x4x2 loaf pan.
Back at 350F for 60-65 Minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

NOT: Cindy adds these extras: 1/4 cup milk 2 Scoops of Protein Powder, 1/2 Cup of Flaxseed & 1/2 Cup Almonds

Your Local Guide to Summer Staycation fun in the Greater Huntsville AL Area

Our busy schedules sometimes prevent us from taking a much needed vacation during the summer, but traveling to some exotic remote destination isn’t your only option! Plan a “Staycation”  within or just outside of your own four walls. Sometimes the best ideas are either right at home or just around the corner from where you live.

How do you relax and vacation at home? The people at Real Simple suggest the following:

• Take Time out – Literally stop watching the clock!
• Turn off the electronics – Phones, answering machines, computers.
• Love the outdoors? Camp in your own backyard.
• Be a Tourist-Explore your city and it’s close surroundings.

Check out some of the local activities below for some inspiration.

Family Fun: 

Burritt on the Mountain - 256-536-2882

Summer Concerts

Concerts on the Dock – Fridays

From APRIL-OCTOBER Lowe Mill hosts a series of free concerts every Friday night from 6-9 p.m. Family friendly, bring your own food, drinks, chairs, blankets, kids & leashed pets.  You can also eat at the restaurants located at Lowe Mill as well.

Concerts in the Park – Mondays

Each Monday night in the summer months downtown Huntsville comes alive with music during Concerts In the Park. This 10-week free series is a co-production of The Arts Council and the City of Huntsville’s Department of Recreation Services and features a wide variety of sounds from some of the area’s most well-known musicians. In the month of June a very special Concert takes place that celebrates Armed Forces Week.

July 2 – RockSolid – Light rock, country & DiscOasis – Disco

July 9 – Rocket City Brass – Classic rock, jazz, blues & Huntsville Concert Band – Light classical

July 16 – Bourbon & Shamrocks – Irish & Tangled String Band – Bluegrass, folk

July 23 – Isaac Jolly & Friends – R&B & Toy Shop – Rock

July 30 – Cristina Lynn – Country & Jeff Whitlow & the Old Barn Band – Country

August 6 – Mambo Gris Gris – Latin, zydeco & Rocket City Jazz Orchestra – Big band

Sidewalk Arts Stroll – Third Thursdays

This popular summer event, held around downtown Huntsville’s historic courtyard square, is not exactly a concert per se but there is lots of free music and performances in addition to an arts marketplace and vendors who offer locally grown produce, home baked goods, and other fine, handcrafted products.

If you’re looking for something fun and free to do on a Thursday night (4:30-8:30 PM), this makes a great event and you never know what you might find while you stroll. Plus, you’re supporting local artists and business people and you can always grab a quick bite to eat at one of the downtown restaurants!

July 19
August 16

Madison’s Gazebo Concerts – Thursdays

For those of you in Madison (or those who just prefer a smaller event, this free concert series is held every Thursday in the summer from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in downtown Madison. There will be free face painting, balloons, lemonade and cookies for the little ones and while you are welcome to bring your own picnic, there will also be food vendors on hand if you don’t want the hassle.

7/5 – Southern Gospel Night featuring the Pine Grove Church choir and others
7/12 – The Zooks
7/19 – C.O. Jones Band
7/26 – Southern Splendor Barbershop Quartet/Que Rico
8/2 – Purple Ravens
8/9 – TBA / Madison Community Band

Movies:

Monaco Pictures Kid’s Summer Film Series

This is program provides parents and their children a safe, fun, & cool entertainment experience. Each Monday and Wednesday, from June 4th to August 6th, they will show re-released classic G- and PG-rated family-friendly films – and best of all – it’s free and fun for the whole family. Movies start at 10 a.m.

Note: Make sure to get here early for your tickets (they start passing them out at 9 AM) and be prepared for a lot of other children. Daycares and summer camps frequently bring children in buses to this series so it’s rarely a quiet event.

Wed, June 27 – Puss in Boots (PG)
Mon, July 2 – How to Train Your Dragon (PG)
Mon, July 9 – Despicable Me (PG)
Wed, July 11 – The Smurfs Movie (PG)
Mon, July 16 – Happy Feet Two (PG)
Wed, July 18 – Horton Hears a Who (G)
Mon, July 23 – Shark Tale (PG)
Wed, July 25 – Monsters Vs. Aliens (PG)
Mon, July 30 – Surfs Up (PG)
Wed, Aug. 1 – Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (PG)
Mon, Aug. 6 – The Tale of Despereaux (G)

Rave Motion Pictures Free Family Film Festival

Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.) for 8 weeks, this theater will show G or PG movies only and admission is free.

1485 Four Mile Post Road South East
Huntsville, AL 35802
(256) 882-1202

July 2 & 5 – Journey 2 (PG)
July 9 & 12 – Dolphin Tale (PG)
July 16 & 19 – Shorts (PG)
July 23 & 26 – Inkheart (PG)
July 30 & Aug. 2 – Happy Feet 1 (PG)

Regal Hollywood 18 $1 Family Movies

Regal Cinemas will offer selected G or PG rated movies for only a dollar on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings  through the summer at 10 a.m.

Note: A portion of proceeds from the Summer Movie Express will be donated to the Will Rogers Institute. Will Rogers uses the money to fund the institute’s mission in the areas of medical research and health education. The Regal Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity established by Regal Entertainment Group, also provides monetary grants to local Boys and Girls Clubs to bring club members to the Summer Movie Express.

3312 South Memorial Pkwy
Huntsville, AL 35802
(256) 883-1101

June 5 – Journey 2 (PG)
June 6 – Kit Kittredge: American Girl (PG)
June 12 – Dolphin Tale (PG)
June 13 – Happy Feet 2 (PG)
June 19 – Legend of the Guardians (PG)
June 20 – Yogi Bear (PG)
June 26 – Cats and Dogs : Revenge (PG)
June 27 – Hugo (PG)
July 3 – Adventures of Tin Tin (PG)
July 4 – Puss in Boots (PG)
July 10 -Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG)
July 11 – Rango (PG)
July 17 – Rio (PG)
July 18 – Spy Kids: All the Time (PG)
July 24 – Chimpanzee (G)
July 25 – Hoodwinked Too (PG)
July 31 – Arthur Christmas (PG)
August 1 – Smurfs (PG)

Hays Nature Preserve & Play Days at Hays

Brought to you by Operation Green Team, each Tuesday and Thursday morning (9-11 AM), you and your elementary-aged children can enjoy these  activities at the Terrame Natural Playground at Hays Nature Preserve.

Tuesday July 3rd: Using Your Senses (3rd-6th): With blindfolds on explorers will walk along a roped course learning to recognize natural features using senses of touch and smell. A scavenger hunt for the things that they touched in the forest will follow.

Thursday July 5th: Wonderful Wacky World of Bugs (K-6th): Have fun being a bug detective in the Preserve’s bottomlands to find insects lurking there and learn all about them. Parents and students should bring a clear plastic container with a lid with holes
punched in it — no glass please.

Tuesday July 10th: Swamp Stomping (3rd-6th): Explorers will have a wading good time as we wade into a shallow water wetland looking for the plants and animals that make it a marsh. Afterwards a fun game of “Wet and Wild” will show how to collect critters
and make a field guide of what has been observed. Wearing your oldest shoes or wading shoes is especially recommended for this day.

Thursday July 12th: Dissecting a Cat Tail (K-6th): This cattail investigation uses the entire plant of the cattail, which is one of the most common plants in marshes and ditches. Learn the characteristics of wetland plant—and how wetland plants were used by Native Americans. An exploratory hike collecting more plants to dissect will provide more investigative material.

Tuesday July 17th: Lost Worlds in Alabama Rocks (K-6th): Learn about the geology of Alabama and the dinosaurs that roamed here long before the Native Americans settled here 10,000 years ago. Learn about the Cretaceous sea that covered most of Alabama
and split the continent of North America in half about 100 million years ago. Hunt for fossils at the rock bluff and dig for a T.Rex.

Thursday July 19th: Slitherin (K-6th): Learn about reptiles! Snakes and lizards will be available to get acquainted with and to learn about their habits. We’ll explore the bottomlands for local reptiles and draw those that we find. A discussion about reptiles’ place in the forest food chain, their adaptations to capture prey (if they are carnivores), and the myths behind human fears about reptiles should be interesting.

Tuesday July 24th: The Changing Climate (K-6th): Explorers will identify and log data about the environment. Learn the importance of daily measurements within one hour of local solar noon: precipitation (rain) including pH, and maximum and minimum temperature for 24 hours. We will also stare at the clouds (if some are present) to observe, describe and identify the type. Lots of fun will be had estimating cloud cover and making a cloud as well as a sundial.

Thursday, July 26th: Alien Invasions!! (K-6th): Come learn about the world of invasive plant and animal species. We will explore the Preserve with a bag to hold the invasive species we find. A slide show will explain why alien invaders are so bad for the
environment. The hunt continues on your own home front by looking for these aliens you may have never seen before right outside your door.

Space is limited. Call 256-532-5326 to reserve your spot and to get more information.

NOTE: For all these events, children should wear old comfortable shoes and play clothes that can get a bit dirty. Don’t forget a bottle of water. Your preferred insect repellant, especially on the lower legs, will help fend off unwanted insect bites. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the sessions.

SPLISH SPLASH!

Free Water Attractions – The Fountain downtown (behind Earlyworks) and the Pop Jets at Bridge Street are two of the best places to take little ones when you need to cool down but don’t have access to a pool and don’t want to pay for the privilege. Plans are also in the works for a splash pad as part of the “EveryBody Can Play” playground in Brahan Spring Park.
 NOTE: Be sure your children are wearing appropriate shoes (i.e. they have traction) because pavement can be slippery when wet and no one wants to get hurt!)

Point Mallard – This waterpark in Decatur is only a 20-30 minute drive and on their half-price days (Mon-Thursday except holidays) it’s a pretty good deal. Children 4 and under are always free. Click here for details. EDITORS NOTE: buy your tickets in advance as it will save you having to stand in a long line!

Public Pools – While there are small fees to use the public pools in Huntsville, Madison, New Market, New Hope and Gurley let’s face it, you live in Alabama and it’s July. It’s worth it.

Spring Valley Beach Waterpark - is a family owned and operated waterpark located in Blountsville, Alabama. The water park is approximately 60 minutes north of Birmingham, AL and approximately 60 minutes south of Huntsville, Alabama right off of Highway 231. Visit their Website for Schedule & Prices.

Reading Programs at Cool Local Libraries 

Huntsville Madison County Public Library – This year’s summer program is titled “Dream Big READ” and features activities, games, and chances to win great prizes! Children can register online anytime on or after May 29. Summer Reading Kick-Offs start on the 30th of May and will include live animal shows in addition to the more “traditional” library fun. This year, students will also be reading for a great cause: BATS. The popular Readers to the Rescue program is back and the library’s charity partnership for 2012 is with the National Speleological Society’s White Nose Syndrome Research Fund.

Barnes and Noble – As in previous years, Barnes and Noble is offering a free book to every child who reads eight and records them in a journal you can download from their site. You’ll need to check with your local B&N for more info (also on the site linked to here).

Books-a-Million – This year’s BAM Summer Reading Program featured Dr. Seuss and it couldn’t be any easier to participate. Visit your local Books-A-Million and you’ll find a checklist created for the program. Have your child read four different Dr. Seuss books, add them to the checklist and then have an adult turn in the list for a free Dr. Seuss tote bag!

There are also great reading incentive programs at Chuck-E-Cheese and Pizza Hut.

Romantic Get A Ways:

Spend a Romantic Weekend on the Mountain - Monte Sano State Park

Indulge Yourselves with one of the Westin Romance Packages

Local Events: 

We have many local calendars for the latest events!

http://www.huntsville.org/visitors/calendar/index.cfm

http://www.ourvalleyevents.com/event-calendar/

http://www.rocketcitymom.com/calendar/

http://www.valleyplanet.com/calendar/event-calendar/event-quicklist

Local Attractions:

For a comprehensive list of our local favorite attractions check out TripAdvisor.com - Reviews and more!

As you can see there are so many options it will be hard to squeeze them all in. Feel free to let us know about your favorite Staycation ideas!

Ready to Show in 59 Minutes or Less!

By: Sandy Leakeas ` Realtor

We’ve all run into this or a similar situation at one time or another while our houses have been “on the market”.  It’s 10:00AM on a Saturday morning. Your kids had a ball game last night and you had pizza for dinner last night…the pizza boxes are still on your kitchen counter and you really didn’t have much time to tidy up last night…the movie and popcorn was a nice way to end the night. The phone rings and your agent just called to tell you that she’s requesting a showing in an hour. Here’s how to use the next 59 minutes getting ready for the showing.

1.  Enlist the troops. Round up everyone in your household that can support you in this effort. Give them their marching orders.
2. Burn the candles. Freshen up the scent of your home by burning some candles in strategic areas including kitchen and bathrooms. Use a similar and neutral type fragrance throughout your house. Too many smells are overwhelming. A vanilla scent seems to work well.
3. Run the vacuum. Fresh vacuum tracks make a house look freshly cleaned. Note…looks can be deceiving but help you out in this situation!
4. Wipe down all bathroom and kitchen counters. Put all your personal items from the bathroom out of sight in the cabinets under the sink. Clear off those kitchen counters…put all dishes and random items out of sight in the dishwasher…you can sort through the stuff later. Just remember to check your dishwasher first before turning it on later.
5. Get out the laundry basket. Put any items that are out of place such as newspapers, mail, clothing and toys in the laundry basket. Put the laundry basket in the trunk of your car to take with you when you leave the house.

Forgot to mention…take a quick look in the mirror to make sure you’ve changed out of your PJs and make sure your bed is made before you leave!

Have a great showing!

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5 Proven Tips to Maximize Garage Sale Profits

By: Sandy Leakeas ` Realtor Capstone Realty

‘Tis the season…for Garage Sales! Yes, it’s that time of year again…garage or yard sale time to get rid of all those items you boxed up during your Spring cleaning and make some “fun” money while you’re at it. Below are five proven tips used by savvy garage sale sellers to maximize profits and make getting up way before the crack of dawn worth it!

1.) Communicate, Communicate, Communicate: Tell everyone you know that you’re having a garage sale. Post it on Face Book and Craig’s List. Run an ad in your local newspaper. Put it on your community bulletin board. Better yet…see if your community will sponsor an annual or semi-annual sale and will provide a newspaper ad, signs, and banners.

2.) Stage Your Sale: Just as you may stage your house for an open house or viewing, stage your garage sale too. Put items that go together in the same general area. For instance, put all kitchen items on one table, bathroom items on another, etc. Just as buyers go room to room when viewing a property they can go from table to table to look at items they may (hopefully) need. They may make other impulse purchases as they shop the “room”. As in prepping your home for sale, keep the areas you have your items displayed on tidy…as much as you can. Place large items near the curb or at bottom of your driveway…sure it’s a little more work but people have a tendency to stop when big items catch their attention. Put items of clothing in bins or boxes organized by size…people can dig though the boxes looking for that hidden gem and may pick up a few extra items while at it!

3.) Curb Appeal: Just as a property that is on the market needs curb appeal so does your garage sale. Put a “Free Box” near the curb…close enough to entice someone to stop and check out the items in the box but not close enough so that they do a “drive by”. The “Free Box” appeals to everyone…and the price is certainly right! People who stop to check out your “Free Box” also check out your other items.

4.) Pricing: Just as the pricing of your home for sale is important so is the pricing of items you want to sell to others. When pricing your items keep in mind that people aren’t emotionally attached to your stuff so make sure you price it to move. Also offer quantity discounts. Try to up sell people as well…need a towel rack to go along with those towels you picked out? The more you move out at your sale the more you move into your pocket. Don’t price anything less than 25 cents…you won’t have to make coin change and can usually get by with a roll of quarters as the only change in your kitty when you begin the sale. Advertise items at discounted prices towards the end of your sale. You don’t really want to pack that stuff up again, do you?

5.) Negotiate: Be willing to negotiate. Be open to adjusting your price if someone really wants an item but doesn’t want to pay the listed price. Or, offer an extra item or two to sweeten the pot. You may find that you may really enjoy this thing called negotiating…often referred to as haggling in garage sale terms!