Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s news that President Obama and the department will ask for another round of Base Realignment and Closures, or maybe two more rounds, sparked fierce opposition in Congress and alarm in many military-heavy communities.

But not here. The possibility of a BRAC as early as 2013 with another in 2015 is seen by area leaders as more of an opportunity than a cause for concern.

“We’re ready to go,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, sounding a theme. “I think we’ve all known that with shrinking budgets and everything else that there was a very real chance of another one. … We fully expected something to come out, whether it was a BRAC or a consolidation.”

The 2005 BRAC moved about 4,650 Army, Missile Defense Agency and other federal positions to Redstone Arsenal along with the new headquarters for the Army Materiel Command, the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command and much more. Battle said it is expected to create as many as 10,000 additional jobs in the region over the coming years.

Repeating that success would be good for the region and a hedge against possible program cuts, said Joe Ritch, longtime chairman of the Tennessee Valley BRAC Commission. The official deadline to complete the 2005 BRAC moves was only last September, and he said they’ve never really stopped planning for future rounds.

“I think we were a little surprised at 2013; I think that’s going to be the more difficult one to get through Congress,” Ritch said. “But if it’s 2013, we’re ready to go. If it’s 2015, we’re ready to go. And if it’s 2013 and ’15, we’re ready to go.”

The new BRACs would help cut the federal budget, costing some communities valued programs or even bases. But optimism runs high in Hunstville.

The 1995 BRAC, which brought Army aviation to the arsenal, and the 2005 moves have positioned the area well to prosper from another BRAC, said Madison Mayor Paul Finley. The region works together as an experienced team that can point to a successful track record, he said, and show defense officials how the Tennessee Valley can help them again.

“I am amazed at the amount of homework that this community does when it comes to understanding where our assets can make the biggest difference in helping the Army and the military accomplish their goals,” Finley said. “We’ve put ourselves in their shoes.”

Redstone Arsenal could, of course, lose something in a BRAC. The Army Ordnance Munitions and Electronics Maintenance School, 59th Ordnance Brigade and associated elements were moved from the arsenal in the 2005 BRAC. But Ritch believes that the losses would be more than offset by the gains.

And fears that we could lose some of the commands that just last year came here under the 2005 BRAC are baseless, he said.

“That would not make sense,” Ritch said. “The investments have been made, the returns are starting to come into place. That doesn’t make economic or military sense.”

Challenges ahead

The big 2005 BRAC also carried a price tag. Improvements to roads and schools are still being made to handle the additional traffic, students and families.

“The challenge continues to be funding,” said Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie.

Limited federal support is available for BRAC-related state and local projects. But much is now under way here, he said.

In the wake of the 2005 BRAC, highway and other improvement plans are in place, some funding has been secured, priorities are set and area governments are speaking with one voice as they meet with state lawmakers and others, he said. Unfortunately, budgets are tight and tax collections are down as everyone deals with a tough economy.

“I know Gov. (Robert) Bentley and the state are trying to gear up and get ready for one or more BRACs, if they happen,” Gillespie said. “We’re assured from the governor and from the highway director that when and as more funding becomes available we’re certainly at the top of the priority list. It’s just a matter of generating the revenue.”

“We are so much further ahead than we were with the last two BRACs,” Battle said. “We’ve got infrastructure in place, we’ve got road plans in place, we’ve got schools on the upswing.

“The track record shows that we have fulfilled all the promises we have made, plus more. And we’ve continued to work with the community and with Redstone Arsenal … through them being their best we become a success.”

Immigration law

One new concern is Alabama’s much-criticized immigration law, passed by the Legislature in 2011 and now facing legal challenges. Could it sway BRAC decision-makers?

“When you talk about liabilities? To me that would be a liability, whether real or imagined,” Finley said. “I absolutely am concerned about that.”

He said local officials have already heard from state legislators looking at areas of the law that need to be adjusted. He hopes they’re reaching out at all levels across the state.

Battle said no one he’s met with about BRAC and economic development has raised the immigration law as a problem. “That’s one of those issues that everybody is fully aware of. But they also let it work through the court systems,” he said, and will then decide if it’s a valid problem or not.

“The current form of the law, yes, it is a problem for our image and something that I hope (state lawmakers) materially repair,” Ritch said. “But I’m convinced, from what I understand, they are making changes to the law that need to be made. The faster the better.”

Meanwhile, Gillespie said the best way to address immigration, stereotypes and image problems is the “head-on” way employed during previous BRACs: Get people here to see for themselves.

“Invite people who are making those decisions into the community, get a feel for who we are, what we have to offer, see our quality of life, see what education is about, see what impact that immigration law has had on the community,” he said. “We generally come out well ahead of others on every issue. And that’s why we’ve been so successful.”

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MLS#582410

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wo4ePfcK5c

A perfect opportunity to own a stunning custom built home nestled on 2 acres of tranquility. As you enter the spectacular foyer with soaring ceilings, tiled flooring and a sweeping staircase with custom fluted moldings, you are sure to fall in love. An inviting formal living room is an entertainer’s delight featuring built-in shelves, wood floors, and French doors. The sociable formal dining room with an arched opening, wood floors, wainscoting and crown molding is sure to charm your guests! A lovely study on the main level is a quite place to work.  A cooks dream come true kitchen is boasting gorgeous granite counters, solid cherry cabinets, gas cook-top, work island, stainless steel appliances and double ovens. The sunny breakfast room with relaxing views and outdoor access is a pleasant place to start your day.  Fantastic family living awaits you in the grand family room with a warm gas fireplace, wood floors and custom moldings. A knock your socks off main level master suite with wood flooring, recessed lighting, and crown molding makes a great retreat for mom and dad. The luxurious master bath features tile, his and hers vanities, 2 walk-in closets, separate shower and an inviting whirlpool tub.  The additional four bedrooms offer a peaceful place to rest at days end. Gather the family and popcorn for movie time in the awesome theater room.  The super recreation room is ideal for the kids and kids at heart. Grab your sweetie and step out on the screened porch. A soothing ceiling fan, brick paver flooring and panoramic views are just waiting to please you. An incredible 50 x 40 detached workshop with a rotary automobile lift plus a 60 gal air compressor is sure to impress dad. There is also an additional 40 x 15 RV garage.  Bring the whole family to see this home. We are sure they will want to stay. Call us today for a private showing.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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•  Commuting costs and environmental efficiency have increasingly factored into home buying decisions due to higher energy costs, but also due to overall concern for the environment.
• Factors that are most important to buyers are those directly related to the buyers’ pocketbook.
• Heating and cooling costs were at least “somewhat” important to 87 percent of home buyers.
• Commuting costs were at least “somewhat” important to 73 percent of home buyers.

Now take a look at the Huntsville AL real estate sales for December.

Madison County/Huntsville AL Real Estate Sales Statistics 

Huntsville AL and Madison County saw an increase of 7% in sold listings in December 2011 when compared to November 2011.  The average list price decreased 1% to $194,072 and the average sales price decreased by 1% to $188,077.  The average price per square foot was up by $11 per square foot, while market times increased by 10 days.

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

Statistics are based on information for the North Alabama Association of Realtors and are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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Huntsville AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Huntsville interest rates averaged 3.96% in December while the number of foreclosed homes decreased from 51 to 43.

 Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Huntsville AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Huntsville AL foreclosure activity in December was 0.12% below national statistics, 0.01% below state figures and 0.02% below Madison County statistics.

 Huntsville AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of  Bank-Owned properties decreased from 18 in November to 10 in December.  The number of Auctions remained the same at 33. There is a 6-month falling trend in Huntville AL foreclosure activity.

Are you or someone you know behind on your mortgage payments and facing a Huntsville AL foreclosure? You do have options. A short sale may be the answer to saving you, your family and your home. Give me a call for a private consultation.

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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MLS#994060

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOnh-SufMno

Sprawling full brick home on a majestic mountain view lot! Just a short drive from Huntsville and you are in paradise! Featuring 4 bedrooms and a 24 x 21 recreation room there is something for the whole family in this home. The hardwood flooring throughout the main living areas is ideal for family and furry friends. An exciting great room with a gas fireplace offers super entertaining space. This designer kitchen is sure to please the cook in your family. Boasting gorgeous cabinets and counter space galore, stainless steel appliances plus a kitchen island, cooking is sure to be a pleasure. Relax mom and dad, this master suite is guaranteed to offer all the special conveniences you deserve at days end.  A teens dream come true bonus room with vaulted ceilings, two closets and sunny views is perfect for stashing the party goers. Rain or shine outdoor entertaining will be comforted under the covered patio. Everyone will have room to spread out in this amazing home.  Call today for your private tour.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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While you want to stay on good terms with the person renovating your Huntsville AL home, there are a few formal guidelines that you should follow to ensure your projects are completed on time and on budget.

5 tips for working with a contractor:

1. Keep in constant communication – Try to touch base with your contractor every day. Exchange cell phone numbers, set up a daily appointment or send periodic emails. This allows your contractor to keep you up to date on changes or issues, and it allows you to voice questions and concerns.
2. Know what you want – Decide the type of materials (such as hardware, tile or wood) you’re going to use before you bring in a contractor to give you a bid. Without all of the information, he or she could vastly under or over estimate the renovation cost and budget.
3. Sign off on all project changes – Put in your renovation contract that you want to be informed of all unforeseen changes to the project. This ensures that you stay in the loop and allows you to manage the total cost of your renovation.
4. Accommodate and be helpful – You and your contractor will be happier if you make his or her workers’ lives easier by designating a bathroom for them to use or providing them with something cold to drink on a hot day. You’ll help motivate and boost morale!
5. Make sure you only pay for work completed – Never pay the full amount up front.  Instead, set up a pay-as-the-project-is-completed schedule. Depending on the size of the renovation, decide on how much you’ll pay after certain points of completion. This ensures work for the money.

If you want to learn more about dealing with Huntsville AL home contractors, call me at 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free or email me at mike@movetohuntsville.com for more information. 

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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MLS#758871

Nestled on a private cul-de-sac lot this gem is sure to please. A lovely formal dining room combined with an elegant formal living room is ideal for entertaining. Imagine all the delicious meals you can create in this gourmet kitchen. Flourishing with an abundance cabinet and counter space, a smooth-top range, a center island plus a huge pantry, cooking is sure to be a pleasure. An impressive family room with soaring ceilings, skylights and patio access is just waiting for family fun. A luxurious master retreat provides a soothing oasis of special conveniences and comforts at day’s end with a trey ceiling, two walk-in closets and sunny views. The pampering master bathroom features a garden tub, separate shower and dual raised vanities. The additional three bedrooms are generously sized and there are two additional full bathrooms.  Bring all your toys as the two car garage plus a detached storage building is ready for stocking. Mosey out on the patio or relax in the screened porch. The private backyard is ideal for grilling and chilling. This the perfect place to call home. Call today for your personal tour.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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The Alabama real estate community is more optimistic as the industry transitions into the 1st quarter of 2012 according to the Alabama Center for Real Estate’s Alabama Real Estate Confidence Index (ARECI).

The survey projects expectations for the 1st quarter of 2012. The scale ranges from 0-100 with 0 being much worse, 100 being much better, and 50 indicating no change expected.

The outlook for sales (yellow) for the 1st quarter is back up into the expected expansion area at 56, a full ten point improvement from last quarter. This is approximately even with the score for the last two years at this time, it appears that there is some seasonality built into the expectations.

The national score at 48, up from 38 last quarter, indicates that respondents are fairly neutral on the overall economic picture. The participants moved to positive sentiment on the statewide conditions at 54 up 9 points from last quarter. The statewide overall score declined (see green line above). Sales expectations are more positive at 56 again up 10 points from last quarter. Inventory, price and credit indications are all below the 50 mark, indicating continued pressure on these metrics, but markedly improved from last quarter. Sellers are likely to be frustrated by competition and pricing, and buyers will continue to have challenges getting financing.

Commercial market participants (the majority of the respondents are from the Birmingham market area) moved to projecting an improving market this quarter at 54 this quarter vs. 47 last for sales expectations. Price expectations remain weak, at 45 vs 41 last quarter indicating continued pricing pressure in all markets. The score for credit availability is neutral, at 48 up 7 points from last quarter.

Results by Region

North Alabama (Huntsville, Shoals area) experienced a consistent improvement in all scores. The total score of 51, up from 42, a 9 point improvement from last quarter. Improvement was particularly noticeable in the Rural markets, where the overall score improved to 51 from 39 last quarter

The North Central Region (Bham, Tuscaloosa, Annistion) overall score improved to 50 from 43 last quarter, The sales score improved 8 points to 55. Inventory is roughly neutral at 51 with, pricing, and credit are below the 50 mark at 43, and 46 respectively.

The South Central Region (Montgomery, Lee County) participants outlook for sales improved 13 points to 55. Rural participants sales expectations improved 15 points to 50.

The Southern Region (Gulf Coast & Wiregrass area) sales score improved 9 points to 56. Rural participants sales expectations improved 11 points to 50.

Click here to view the full report.

 About the Alabama Real Estate Confidence Index and Survey:

Close to 600 professionals responded to the 1st quarter 2012 survey which was conducted during the month of December 2011. The survey, conducted by the Alabama Center For Real Estate, now has the largest participation of any Real Estate Survey and provides important market trends and insights.

The ACRE Leadership Council determined the need for a statewide industry confidence index. Tom Brander, Senior Council Member, was selected by the Council and Grayson Glaze, ACRE Executive Director, to spearhead and work with the Center to conduct and produce its Alabama Real Estate Confidence Index (ARECI). The Council appreciates everyone who participated.

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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One of the most important skills you need to learn in order to find qualified buyers for your Huntsville AL home for sale by owner is how to sort out the lookers from the serious buyers. 

Lookers are people who aren’t serious about buying a home.  At the least, they waste your time and energy.  At the worst, lookers could be a security problem.  They could be checking out your home to determine if you have valuables worth stealing.

Serious buyers are people who are interested in buying a home within 30 to 90 days and are pre-approved for a mortgage.  Spend your time and energy on these individuals.

So, how do you identify qualified buyers?  Before scheduling a time to show your Huntsville AL home for sale by owner to potential buyers, ask them these four questions: 

1. Are you pre-approved for a mortgage?  If they’re pre-approved for a mortgage, they’re serious about buying a home.  If buyers aren’t pre-approved, suggest they contact a mortgage specialist and get back in touch with you when they have their pre-approval letter.  Mortgage specialists check the buyer’s credit score, income and debt ratios. They also verify that the buyer has enough money for down payment and closing costs.
2. How much are you pre-approved for?  Make sure they’ve been approved for a big enough loan to be able to afford your home.  If your home is valued at $500,000 and they’re only pre-approved for $150,000, they cannot afford your home unless they can pay the difference in cash.  If the buyer is purchasing your home with cash, or using cash for a large down payment, ask the buyer for a bank statement to verify his or her funds.
3. Do you have your pre-approval letter?  Verify that they are pre-approved for the amount they say they are.  Ask the buyers to email or fax their pre-approval letter to you or bring it with them when they tour your home. 
4. What’s your possession deadline?  Your move-out timeframe needs to be close to the buyer’s move-in deadline.  How close?  Close enough to negotiate the difference.  If they don’t want to take possession of your home for six months, and you need to sell immediately, they’re not a serious buyer for your home.

To successfully sell your home, you need to know if a potential buyer is qualified to buy your home.  The sooner you know this, the less time you’ll waste chasing after lookers and unqualified buyers.

Tired of going it alone?  If you’d rather have an experienced real estate agent handle everything for you from finding qualified buyers to negotiating the sales contract, give me a call today at 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free or email me at mike@movetohuntsville.com.

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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