V OL UM E 2, ISSUE 5 5 FEBRUARY 2009

The Southern REALTOR Network

The Southern Realtor Network of the which goes to our charity, FAMILY
Birmingham MLS meets every CONNECTION. Please visit their
Thursday morning at 9:00 am at Ruby website at http://familyconnection-
Tuesday, Highway 31 N, Vestavia. The inc.org.
meeting includes a light breakfast.
We would like to thank Ruby Tuesday
The REALTORS will have a chance to for allowing our caravan to meet at
make announcements along their location at no charge.
WAGON with the Birmingham
MASTERS Association of REALTORS Please remember to
(BAR). email Kimberly
Gail Hutton Boackle of
RE/MAX Advantage You will have a chance to AmeriCapital
979-9854 present any old and new
listings, with which you may Mortgage, no later
need assistance. You will than 11am Thursdays,
Bruce Ludwig
RealtySouth Vestavia also be able to discuss both to add your listings for
979-6400 buyers’ and sellers’ needs. the next newsletter. Please
remember to include MLS #s.
Networking begins at 8:45am and Thanks!!
COMMITTEE gives you the chance to meet with
MEMBERS other REALTORs and affiliates of the
BAR. The charge is $3 per person,
Sandra Carr
ERA Oxford Duties to Public
979-2335 Standard of Practice 12-7
Only REALTORS® who participated in the transaction as the listing
Martha Moody Smith
RELI Inc
broker or cooperating broker (selling broker) may claim to have
999-0207 “sold” the property. Prior to closing, a cooperating broker may post a
“sold” sign only with the consent of the listing broker.
Gloria Jackson
First Federal Mortgage Standard of Practice 12-8
965-2167 The obligation to present a true picture in representations to the
Call to sign up for public includes information presented, provided, or displayed on
Thursday Breakfast
REALTORS®’ websites. REALTORS® shall use reasonable efforts to
ensure that information on their websites is current. When it becomes
apparent that information on a REALTOR®’s website is no longer
current or accurate, REALTORS® shall promptly take corrective action.

Published by AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-5200

Email: Kimberly Boackle at kboackle@americapitalfunding.com
 PAGE 2

Offered Through:
Ken Giglio - 370.1296
Century 21 Home Team
3041 Old Stone Drive on 1st
Fairway of Inverness Country Club
$1,450 per month
3 BR/2.5BA Beautiful, pet-friendly,
2,000 sq. ft. townhome located the
most private street with huge master
suite with jetted tub, screened back
Realtor Events porch, garage and NO FEES

In Birmingham
Offered Through:
Feb 11th Membership Charles Heaton - 369.7090
11am Committee Offered Through:
Gail Hutton - 222.4335 Keller Williams
Feb 11th MLS 2112 Lester Lane
RE/MAX Advantage 35226
1pm Committee 509 Meadow Ridge Circle $1,000 per month
Feb 13th 35242
CCIM $1,850 per month
8:30am
4BR/2.5BA Includes all kitchen
Feb 13th MLS appliances; new carpet and
9am Basic paint (available 1 March)
Feb 13th MLS
1:30pm Advanced
Offered Through:
Feb 17th MLS Janet Hamm - Keller Williams - 601.5556
1:30pm Directors 2846 Wisteria Drive, Hoover - $1,400 per month
Feb 20th “Internet 4BR/3BA – Eat-in kitchen, den formal living room and dining
9am Marketing” room, playroom, office, bonus room, fenced backyard with
workshop - Lease/Purchase Option as well
BAR
Feb 23rd 267 Ivy Hills Circle, Calera - $1,000 per month
Executive 4BR/2BA - Large eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, great
11:30am
Committee room
Feb 25th BAR
9am Directors
CMDSC
Feb 26th
Awards
11:30am
Luncheon

Call Mark Boackle or Jim Nerios for all your mortgage needs:
AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-520o or 800-818-6174
 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 5 PAGE 3

Chances are the decor in that listing you just took is a lot like most people's wardrobes: There are a few items that went out of
style a decade ago, but they're so comfortable that it's impossible to see them go. "We grow accustomed to our space, and we
stop seeing it," says Melissa Birdsong, vice president of trend, design, and brand for Lowe's, the home improvement giant.
"People tend to become blind to their own things." But everything needs updating eventually. Birdsong suggests home owners
cast a fresh eye on their living space, pretending that they've just moved in and are assessing the previous occupant's design
choices. Betsy Westman, a broker-owner with Westman Realty in Grand Rapids, Mich., says real estate professionals can have
a big impact on updating a home's look by helping clients brainstorm new ideas and by being straightforward about outmoded
design elements. The following tips can help get a home up-to-date without breaking the bank.

1. Move it.
Simply rearranging the furniture can reenergize a room. Add and remove furniture, lamps, rugs, and accessories from other
parts of the house to create a whole new look. Mirrors are particularly useful when it comes to updating a room. Try one out in
different rooms to see where it fits best. Even just moving a mirror to a different wall can create a more welcoming feel.
2. Plant it.
Houseplants are a generally undervalued design component that can add texture, warmth, and color to any room. Just drop
plants in their store containers into decorative planters. Small plants can be moved easily and regrouped to change a room's
look, while larger ones make a statement on their own.
Group plants of differing heights, fullness, and color for the most dramatic effect. Jettison the scraggly specimens, Westman
says. "It's important to have plants that are well maintained and in tip-top condition."
3. Paint it.
Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make a substantial change. Use dramatic colors in powder rooms
and dining rooms, and more neutral colors in living spaces. When selecting colors, "be sure to ask, 'What am I trying to do?
How do I want this to feel?'" Birdsong says. "And always, always do a test before you paint the whole room."
4. Organize it.
"Clutter just happens," Birdsong says. "So neaten up!" She advocates a variety of organizing tools to make a space feel
polished while maintaining utility. Hooks and shelves inside the door give people a place to hang coats and keys, while canvas
bins or natural baskets help contain magazines and mail. "Just a row of hooks pre-attached on a board is so easy to install,"
she says. "And shelves are a great way to neatly display collectibles."
5. Hide it.
Have a banged-up wall? It may be easy to camouflage. Paintable wallpaper (available for as little as $16/roll from Creative
Wallcovering) will smooth out an uneven wall or hide minor dents and dings. Adventurous home owners can even try a simple
two-step painting process for a more complex finish. Birdsong suggests applying a solid base coat, then a glaze.
"These days, it's pretty user-friendly," she says. Caution: Your intent should never be to mislead buyers; be sure to disclose
flaws that would affect home value.
6. Replace it.
Cabinet handles, switch plates, and other small pieces of housing hardware can update a home for just a few dollars a piece.
Westman suggests scanning each room to see what looks worn or outdated and then replacing it. Inexpensive quick-connect
faucets can make upgrading the look of your bathroom a snap. Just be sure to measure before you go to the hardware store.
Some sinks are drilled for an eight-inch spread. Others require just four inches. "And don't forget the toilet seat," adds
Westman. "Fresh towels and a new toilet seat go a long way toward making a bathroom feel clean and new."
7. Light it.
Lighting can have a major impact on a home's look and feel. Whether a room seems dark or too bright and harsh, try "layering"
the lighting by adding accent pendants and lamps. Make sure they have independent controls, so that you can turn them on
and off at will.
"Light is such a mood setter," Westman says. "You can create a cozy feel just by turning down the lights." Add dimmers in the
dining room, bathrooms, kitchen, and even the hallways for less than $4 each. Then adjust the lighting to create the mood you
want.
8. Clean it.
Turn a critical eye to the flooring to make sure it's up to snuff. Scrub grout and seal natural stone. Rub out scratches and nicks
on wood floors with scratch cover. "Get down on your hands and knees and detail the floors," Birdsong says. "It takes a little
elbow grease, but the results are well worth it." Vinyl flooring is a bit harder to spruce up but usually can be replaced easily
and inexpensively.
 Network Notations:
Thank you to Martha Moody Smith, Reli Title at 970.2200, for providing breakfast this
morning.

Please call Gloria Jackson (First Federal Mortgage), 965.2167, to sign up for a Thursday
breakfast; we are a sad group without our morning victuals. Don’t forget to dine at Ruby
Tuesday’s and let them know that you are a member of the caravan - They are truly generous
in allowing us to use their facility every week for FREE. Your $3 weekly donation is able to go
straight to our charity.

We would like to welcome:

First-Time Realtors: Scott Howell, Beena Shaw, and Andy Hawkins
First-Time Affiliates: Steve Duffee, Property Inspector, Nelson Design Group

Brokers present were Warren Kuntz, Alicia White and Genny Williams

The BAR will be recognizing members for their community participation. Please nominate a
fellow realtor for the “Good Neighbor Award.”

Upcoming Events:
Monday, 20 April - Annual BAR Golf Tournament at Riverchase Country Club;
$250 and $150 sponsorship levels available. Please visit the BAR website to register as
a player or sponsor - or BOTH!

Please bring to our weekly meetings for Family Connections

Month of February: Toilet Paper
Month of March: Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
Month of April: Body Soap and Dish Soap
Month of May: Paper Towels

Call Mark Boackle or Jim Nerios for all your mortgage needs:
AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-520o or 800-818-6174
 Open Sunday, 8 February 2-4pm
Rita Strauss Maples - ERA Oxford - 910.8890
541 Edgecrest Circle, Homewood - MLS 402434 - $180,000
3BR/1.5BA - A single level home in a true neighborhood with refinished
hardwoods, new paint, new appliances in the kitchen and a flat yard
with mature shade trees.

Open Sunday, 8 February 2-5pm

$2K Selling Agent Bonus
Judy Theriot - Red Hills Realty - 835.5839
1425 Primrose Lane, Hoover - MLS 415340 - $224,900
4BR/2BA - Quite cul-de-sac living on the lake at Willow Lakes with
10 foot ceilings, hardwood floors, master suite with jetted tub,
breakfast bar in kitchen, marble fireplace and newly landscaped

Open Sunday, 8 February 1:30-3:30pm

Janet Hamm - Keller Williams - 601.5556
916 Tammy Anne Drive, Huffman - MLS 409999 - $155,000
4BR/3BA - Full brick home with separate apartment /in-law suite in
basement (full second kitchen), formal living room and dining room,
fireplace, oversized deck and landscaped backyard
 Rita Strauss Maples - ERA Oxford - 910.8890

C Price Reduced by $15K

677 Shades Crest Road, Hoover - MLS 416844 - $329,900
3BR/2BA - Updated 1920’s charm with hardwood floors, breakfast

A bar in kitchen, formal dining room, master suite with gas

fireplace, jetted tub and private sunroom, glassed wrap-around
porch, outside workshop/shed, landscaped patio

R Scott Howell - Keller Williams - 876.4002

A Reduced $80K
2013 Watermill Lane, Highland Lakes - MLS 416209 - $599,900
4R/3.5BA - Live on the lake in a private cul-de-sac with hardwood

V floors, fabulous kitchen with breakfast bar and den, French doors
from master to deck, formal dining room, huge upper level deck
with covered lower level patio all lakeside.

A 461 Highway 22, Montevallo - MLS 416989 - $89,900

N 3BR/1BA - An updated, freshly painted home on an acre in the country,

hardwood floors with new carpet in bedrooms, 25x30 metal building to
be assembled for garage/shed/storage, new wiring and siding

3025 Riverwood Terrace, Hoover - MLS 417236 - $129,499

L 2BR/2BA - Townhouse with recessed lighting and hardwood floors,

new carpet, tile in kitchens and bath, brick fireplace, screened porch,
private backyard

I 175 Old Montgomery Hwy, Unit A - MLS 411128 - $93,900

1BR/1BA - Foxcroft condominium that has been completely updated,
S great room, breakfast bar in kitchen, private covered porch, crown
molding and ceramic tile.

T Gary Morgan - RealtySouth - 913.2167

Seller to Pay $3K Toward Closing Costs
I 939 Catherine Street, Huffman - MLS 410796 - $87,900
3R/2BA - Hardwood floors, fireplace in living room, eat-in
kitchen, formal dining room, very large level backyard,

N detached garage, laundry room in master suite

G
S
Call Mark Boackle or Jim Nerios for all your mortgage needs:
AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-520o or 800-818-6174
 Charles Heaton - 369.7090 - Keller Williams
3528 Fox Hollow Lane, Hoover - MLS 400151 - $254,500
C
3BR/3BA - Modern kitchen, updated bathrooms, hardwoods in living
room, dining room and hallways, 2 decks, finished basement with
walk-out to patio, sprinkler system, security system, central
A
129 Paradise Lake Road, Hoover - MLS 400897 - $249,000
R
A
3BR/2BA - Cathedral ceilings, sunroom, fenced backyard, sprinkler
system, security system, 2-car garage, community setting with
clubhouse, pool, lake, gym and tennis courts

Seller willing to rent for $900!

V
2038 Montreat Parkway, Vestavia - MLS 409022 - $109,900
2BR/3BA - Community boasts 2 pools, 2 clubhouses
and 2 tennis courts
A
N
Jan & John Williams - 910.6919 - RE/MAX Advantage
7153 Lazy Brooke Drive, Pinson - MLS 416921 - $239,000
3BR/2.5BA - Cul-de-sac home with open foyer into formal dining
room, eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar, gas fireplace in great
room, Wooded view from screened porch and deck, full basement
L
5013 Stonearbor Drive, Pinson - MLS 417890 - $129,900
3BR/2BA - Eat-in kitchen, fireplace and vaulted ceiling in great room, bonus room, full
I
basement, large landscaped yard
S
Judy Theriot - Red Hills Realty - 835.5839 T
Reduced $10K - Seller to Pay $3K Closing
601 NE 23rd Avenue, Center Point - MLS 414858 - $79,900
3BR/1BA - COMPLETELY remodeled on a beautiful wooded lot, stone
I
fireplace in living room, side deck and large stone porch

Seller to Pay $3K Toward Closing Costs

N
1937 Shades Cliff Terrace, B, Homewood - MLS 412642 - $105,000
2BR/1BA - Hermitage Condominium on first floor with private patio,
new carpet, tile and appliances
G
S
Call Mark Boackle or Jim Nerios for all your mortgage needs:
AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-520o or 800-818-6174
 Stephanie Reese - House of Style Realty - 283.7801

C REDUCED $100K

A
5207 Mountain Ridge Parkway - MLS 415914 - $799,000
4BR/3.5BA - Beautiful mountain views with copper gutters and a 2-
story foyer, Brazilian cherry floors, keeping room with fireplace, eat-
in kitchen with Dacor stainless appliances, butler’s pantry, laundry
R room, formal dining room with marble floor and coffered ceiling,
bonus room, screened porch, stone terrace, 2 and 4 car garages

A Lease/Purchase Available
2201 First Avenue North, 3A, Loft District - MLS 399642 - $195,000

V
1BR/1BA - Spacious loft with home theatre, custom kitchen, window
treatments, parking, clubhouse, garden, laundry facilities.
Furnishings available for purchase

A Just Reduced
3006 Ashley Circle, Helena - MLS 410464 - $119,900

N 2BR/2BA - Townhouse on corner in cul-de-sac with breakfast bar in

large kitchen, fireplace in living room, high ceilings, covered patio and
privacy fenced backyard

City Federal Condominiums

2026 Second Avenue North

L 2 and 3 BR units - Luxurious downtown condos with 9’ ceilings, large

windows, hardwood and tile floors, stainless appliances, separate
laundry room with washer and dryer, on-site concierge, covered parking

I 2600 Highland Condominiums

S
1, 2 and 3 BR units - European style condos across from Caldwell Park
and Virginia Samford Theatre. Amenities include health and fitness
facility, pool and garden area, 2 parking spaces per residence

T Ken Giglio - Century 21 Home Team - 370.1296

I 2090 Forest Lakes Lane, Chelsea - MLS 414801 - $189,900

3BR/2.5BA - A brand new finished bonus room over the garage
completes this beautiful brick home with 2-story living room with

N fireplace, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room and fenced back yard

G Gail Hutton - RE/MAX Advantage - 222.4335

206 Shades Crest Road, Hoover - MLS 412859 - $349,900
5BR/3.5BA - Spectacular views from the deck off of the eat-in

S kitchen or through the large windows in the living room with gas
fireplace, formal dining room, trey ceiling and jetted tub in master,
second deck off of lower level

Call Mark Boackle or Jim Nerios for all your mortgage needs:
AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-520o or 800-818-6174
 Kim Lucas - Realty South - 447.3554

3504 Wyngate Terrace - MLS 412456 - $659,000

5BR/4.5BA - Executive estate with an acre of landscaping on corner lot;
C
gleaming hardwoods throughout and two beautiful, sparkling crystal
chandeliers, eat-in kitchen has granite, subway tile and GE Monogram
stainless; custom cabinets & bookcases, music room; finished basement
A
with wet bar; many updates

117 Merimeadows Drive, Calera - MLS 417623 - $134,900

R
3BR/2BA - Single level living with eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar, which
is open to den with fireplace, separate laundry room, large fenced
backyard with patio
A
1614 43rd Street, Ensley - MLS 408505 - $84,500
3BR/1BA - Eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, large living room with
V
A
fireplace and built-in bookshelves on either side, hardwood floors hiding
under the carpet, sunroom, detached garage, fenced backyard, deck with
wheelchair access.

929 N 41st Street, Fairfield - MLS 412429 - $66,900

3BR/1BA - Original fireplace, beautiful hardwoods, new roof, electrical,
lighting fixtures, paint, screened porch and AC
N
Pat Lynch - ERA Oxford Realty - 616.4100

$5,000 Selling Agent Bonus

9 Shepherd Gap Road, Leeds - MLS 413833 - $585,000
L
5BR/3.5BA - The Shires gated community close to Shoal Creek with over
2 acres of privacy, large eat-in kitchen with granite counters and
keeping room, fireplace in great room with French doors to deck, formal
I
dining room and living room, trey ceiling in dining room and master,
master bath has jetted tub and terrazzo flooring, media room w/ wet
bar, rec room w/ access to large attic storage, unfinished basement
S
Reduced to $10K
T
1504 Valley Avenue, Homewood - MLS 414394 - $159,000
3BR/2BA - Hardwoods throughout with wood burning fireplace, two
closets in master, den or playroom, fully fenced backyard and patio
I
Bruce Ludwig - RealtySouth - 979-6400
N
1300 Beacon Parkway, #302, Birmingham - MLS 384281
Regency Summit Condominiums - $165,000
2BR/2BA - Watch the sun rise and set in this spacious condo with a
G
valley view, crown molding and fireplace in the living room with
ambience, hardwood parquet, tile and carpeting, balcony floor with
brick pavers, pool, exercise room and sauna
S
Call Mark Boackle or Jim Nerios for all your mortgage needs:
AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-520o or 800-818-6174
 WIN UP TO $100,000 IN MAY 2009
Sell Just 1 of 8 properties in Oakmere at Lake Crest
For Details Call
Ron and Shelia Alexander - RE/MAX Advantage - 296-1515
648 Whitestone Way - The only townhome left
613, 617, 621, 633, 661, 665, 681 Trumpet Circle - with elevators!
Visit oakmerelakecrest.com

Agent Open Tuesday, 17 February 1:30am-2pm

Janet Hamm - Keller Williams - 601.5556
Food and Give-Aways
1025 42nd Street South - MLS 415950 - $395,000
4BR/2.5BA - HISTORIC home (Mills House) that has been
completely updated with the hardwood floors and moldings you
would expect in the heart of Forest Park, built-ins in study,
granite and stainless in kitchen, workshop in basement

ABOUT OUR CHARITY: FAMILY CONNECTION

familyconnection-inc.org

We are in desperate need of old cell phones,

empty ink cartridges, old computers and clothing.
Please bring them to each week’s caravan, or if
you have a lot to donate, call Martha Moody Smith
at 999-0207, and she will arrange for a pick-up.

Call Mark Boackle or Jim Nerios for all your mortgage needs:
AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-520o or 800-818-6174