Life and Homes Birmingham Alabama

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Life and

Homes

Free Free April August 2010

2011

B Sr iW n g/ H i nogo vp e ro p- l eP eal n hd a mh o- mAelsa bt oa gs teet rh e r wwwww. w.LLi fi feeaannddHHoommees s. c. coomm

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Life and

Notes from the Editor

Homes

I hope you have enjoyed your summer. By now I would suspect everyone is

BIRmingham, al Edition

looking forward to the kids starting back to school and the cooler weather that ushers in Alabama football and the beautiful colors of Fall.

Published By LIfeandhomes franchise, INC.

As we face the daily challenges of our life let us never forget our priorities,

Publication Franchisor David P. L i si

family and relations that are so important. It is so easy to be overwhelmed

Corporate Editor Kim Li si

in todays world where we are bombarded by email about endless opportunities and knowledge on the internet that can suck us into a vacuum.

As we get the kids ready for school to begin and deal with our own daily life, take the time for yourself and the relationships that help you be

Kim@lifeandhomes.com

Chuck Frusterio

Managing Editor 205-914-5299 • chuck@frusterio.com

at peace with who you are. We can accomplish so much if we live with purpose and direction being thankful and content.

There is one opportunity I would like to make available to you. Our LifeandHomes™ Birmingham Magazine is looking for a sales person position to fill. Please email me your resume at chuck@frusterio.com and I will send you the job description and details.

Thank you for support for our advertisers and enjoy the rest of the summer.

Birmingham SW Franchise

LAH1, LLC. 139 St Charles Drive Helena, AL 35080

205-914-5299

Managing Editor chuc k frus terio Chuck@frusterio.com

Marketing Consultant Li ndsey s im s Jami e Gur ga nus Contributing Writers Rob ert N eed ham Mark Sch rade

All the Best...

Advertising Deadline September Issue August 12, 2011

Market AllYour Listin print /onlings e foras Lowas

315-865-5845 Fax 1-315-865-7418 www.LifeandHomes.com

Birmingham, AL

For franchise information call, 1-800-961-0420 Life and Homes is published monthly by LAH1, LLC. Every effort has been made to ensure that home listings, advertisements and information are free of errors or omissions.

The publisher does not guarantee the accuracy of the submitted information to Life and Homes Magazine and assumes no liability.

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Corporate Office LifeandHomes Franchise, Inc. PO Box 18 Holland Patent, NY 13354

The Most Affordable Way to Promote Your Listings Call 205-914-5299

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This information has been compiled from public records and other sources we believe to be reliable, but we make no guarantee with respect to its accuracy or completeness or the absence of restrictions on use and are not responsible for any liability, loss, or risk that subscribers may incur, directly or indirectly, from using the contents of this site.

Copyright © 2011 LAH1, LLC.

What Does A Mortgage Cover?

Most mortgages consist of 4 parts:

newsShorts Here are some tips from the moving experts at Penske truck rental (www.PenskeTruckRental. com) for helping your children adapt to a new place, along with some practical moving advice for families: * Open a line of honest communication. It can be hard to tell your kids that they’ll be moving, but making sure that they know they can talk about how they’re feeling about the move is important.

Principal: the repayment of the amount you actually borrowed Interest: payment to the lender for the money you’ve borrowed Homeowner's insurance: a monthly amount, required by most lenders to insure the property owner against loss from fire, smoke, theft, and other hazards Property taxes: the annual city/county taxes assessed on your property, divided by the number of mortgage payments you make in a year.

* Help them say goodbye. Organize a goingaway party for your children and their friends, and work with the parents of their friends to gather contact information so they can keep in touch after you move.

Most loans are for 30 years, although 15-year loans are available, too. During the life of the loan, you’ll pay far more in interest than you will in principal — sometimes two or three times more! Because of the way loans are structured, in the first years you’ll be paying mostly interest in your monthly payments. In the final years, you’ll be paying mostly principal. (Ginniemae.gov)

For more helpful moving tips, visit www.pensketruckrental.com. (ARA)

Join the Conversation: Go to www.Facebook.com/ pages/LifeandHomes-BirminghamAL to leave your thoughts on this and other articles.

* Pack a first-day box. Have each child pack a box of things that they will want the first day you move into your new home, like favorite toys, books or stuffed animals. Have the movers pack these boxes last so they are the first thing that is unloaded when you arrive.

Join the Conversation: Go to www.Facebook.com/ pages/LifeandHomes-BirminghamAL to leave your thoughts on this and other articles.

$ave On Solvents

If you’re struggling to pay your bills, or if you’ve been hit with an unexpected major expense, it’s critical to act quickly to avoid bankruptcy, according to FindLaw.com, the nation’s leading online source of legal information. Here are some tips from FindLaw.com on what you can do to avoid bankruptcy: * Pay off existing debt as quickly as possible so you can get to a place where you can live within your means. Cut non-essentials such as cable, landline phone service and other subscriptions. * Take a part-time job to raise additional cash or find a new full-time job that offers a higher salary and/or better benefits than your current job. * Realize that going into debt is a choice, not a necessity. Instead of taking out student loans to pay for college, you can work while going to school or save enough before enrolling to pay for a semester of tuition. You could rent instead of buying a home and take public transportation instead of leasing or financing a car. (ARA) Join the Conversation: Go to www.Facebook.com/ pages/LifeandHomes-BirminghamAL to leave your thoughts on this and other articles. www.Life and Homes .com

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More Americans than ever, including those in the middle class, are experiencing financial hardship, with many living paycheck to paycheck. An estimated 1.5 million Americans declared bankruptcy in 2010, up 9 percent from 2009.

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When adults decide to move, it’s often to pursue an exciting opportunity or discover a new place. But for children, moving can be much harder to understand, as often they’ve only known one place as home.

Save time, money and our planet, by recycling.

Pour the solvent into a jar, and after soaking brushes clean, let it sit for a day or two. The paint will settle into a sludge at the bottom, and the remaining thinner on the top will be clear. Carefully pour it off into a second jar, seal, and save for use at another time. Save the sludge jar also, adding to it until it's full. Then take it to hazardouswaste disposal site. Never pour paint or solvents down the drain. (Onthehouse.com)

Moving Easier on Your Kids

Tips to Pay Down Debt and Avoid Bankruptcy

August

How to Make

Next time you paint, don't throw solvents away. Using them only once is a waste.

After cleaning paint brushes and tools with paint thinner and mineral spirits, don't get rid of the solvent.

Join the Conversation: Go to www.Facebook.com/ pages/LifeandHomes-BirminghamAL to leave your thoughts on this and other articles.

References Please

Thinking of hiring help to complete some of those lingering jobs around the house? Before you sign any agreements, talk with some of the remodeler’s former customers. They can help you decide if a particular contractor is right for you.

You may want to ask: • Can I visit your home to see the completed job?

• Were you satisfied with the project?

• Was it completed on time?

• Did the contractor keep you informed about the status of the project, and any problems along the way?

• Were there unexpected costs? If so, what were they?

• Did workers show up on time? Did they clean up after finishing the job?

• Would you recommend the contractor?

• Would you use the contractor again? (FTC.gov) Join the Conversation: Go to www.Facebook.com/ pages/LifeandHomes-BirminghamAL to leave your thoughts on this and other articles.

Birmingham, AL

Use Color To Revamp The Look Of Your Home

L i f e and H o m e s

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Choosing a new look for your home can be a liberating, rejuvenating change that will pay off in the future.

By choosing the right color, you can express yourself, freshen up an old look and increase the value of your home.

According to a recent Cost vs. Value Report conducted by Hanley Wood, LLC, an exterior 4

We br i n g p e o p l e a n d h o m e s t o g e t h e r .

newsShorts makeover such as installing fiber cement siding can be a great investment, returning more than 83 percent of the project cost upon resale.

Here are several tips to help you increase the value of your home while boosting curb appeal: • Go Green. Color choice can affect the energy efficiency of your home. Darker colors absorb the sun and therefore warm the home, while lighter colors reflect the sun's rays, keeping the home cooler. This is an important consideration depending on the amount of sunlight your home is exposed to on an average day.

• Get Back to Nature. Look to your natural surroundings for inspiration. For example, in a wooded area, vivid greens and browns can help blend the style of a home with its environment.

In an urban setting, bright, eye-catching colors can help to offset the sometimes drab hues associated with city living.

• Go Back in History. If your home is from a certain historical period, play off that history.

Find old pictures of your house or neighborhood to use a historically accurate color scheme.

Try to select shades that were used at the time your home was built. This will add character and a certain amount of authenticity to your own little historical treasure.

• Visualize the Finished Product. The ColorView free online tool at www.certainteed.com lets homeowners picture their home complete with new color. You can even mix and match colors of roofing, siding, trim, rail and deck to choose the perfect style and look.

• Make a Lasting Impression. The darker the hue, the more likely it is to fade over time, especially with homes exposed to direct sunlight.

CertainTeed's Monogram vinyl siding offers consistent quality and variety with over 40 colors and wood-tone blends.

and strength that preside over wood in virtually every surrounding. From aged bark and charcoal black to weathered wood and chestnut, the shingles are available in a wide array of dynamic color options and textures to match your home's unique style.

Join the Conversation: Go to www.Facebook.com/ pages/LifeandHomes-BirminghamAL to leave your thoughts on this and other articles.

Residents in Bill Gate's house wear a pin containing a microchip which acts as their ID. When they walk into a room, lighting, sound, and temp controls are customized for them. Any high resolution display they walk by automatically displays their favorite art work, thanks to the microchip pin.

Join Us Weekly

Entertaining TV Show about Life and Home On Demand Video at www.LifeandHomes.com Click on Video Channel

• Tips and Services • Home Video Tours • Home Improvements • Interesting Family Life • Interviews

Hosted by

• Look Up. The roof accounts for roughly 40 percent of the exterior appearance of the home, so it's important to consider roofing shingles. CertainTeed's Presidential Shake Shingles deliver the charm and character of hand-split wood shakes with the durability

Jill Hayes

TV & Video Channel

LONG-TERM FINANCING FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES We help companies find financing at or lower rates than what is available in the marketplace. We provide consulting services for commercial properties regarding issues of finance, development, acquisition, construction, renovation and refinancing.

E X P E R I E N C E YO U

E X P E C T, W I T H

OV E R

2 5 Y E A R S

I N T H E

I N D U S T RY

August

COMMERCIAL LENDING CONSULTANTS ASSISTING WITH:

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• Permanent Financing

• Hospitals

• Hotels

• Retirement Centers

• Multi-Family Units

• Resorts

• Shopping Centers

• Student Housing

205.914.5299 OR EMAIL CHUCK@FRUSTERIO.COM

www.Life and Homes .com

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• Construction Financing

Birmingham, AL â–

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We br i n g p e o p l e a n d h o m e s t o g e t h e r .

Secrets of a Solid

Home Inspection Selling, buying or just putting a house on the market may raise many questions. Can I get a good price? Are there any problems I should fix prior to listing my house? If I buy this house, will I encounter problems that may make me regret my decision?

The sale price of a house depends on many factors, including the market, location, size of the property, age of the house, condition of the structure, what appliances might be included in the sale and even how nicely the property and building were landscaped and decorated - just to name a few.

Having a qualified professional inspect your house prior to putting it on the market - or for prospective buyers, before closing on a sale - can help guide your decision. But many homeowners and prospective buyers are unsure what's included in a standard home inspection, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). A qualified home inspector will review these aspects of a property: * Roof, attic and visible insulation * Foundation, basement and structural components * Walls, ceilings and floors * Heating and central air conditioning systems * Windows and doors * Water fixtures and faucets * Decks

Not all home inspectors are certified and licensed.

ASHI's "Find an Inspector" tool allows homeowners to locate an inspector in their area. Always check with your local inspector for a complete list of services provided.

"It's important for homeowners to do their homework before hiring an inspector," says Kurt Salomon, ASHI president. "Look for a home inspector certified through the ASHI Certified Inspector Program, which is the only home inspection association program approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies."

Hiring a certified home inspector and having questions answered before putting your house up for sale - or before finalizing a purchase price - can not only help save money, but also allow you to go through the process with more peace of mind. (ARA) www.Life and Homes .com

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L i f e and H o m e s

Before hiring a home inspector, inquire about what is covered in the inspection and ask to see a sample report. Although some inspectors provide ancillary services, it may be necessary to consult a specialist for concerns that extend beyond a standard inspection. Often your inspector will help you make this determination.

â–

The following elements are not included in a standard home inspection: * Septic system * Electrical wiring and plumbing that is not readily accessible (for example, behind drywall or plaster)

* Water conditioning or softening system * Swimming pool * Backyard fences * Lawn irrigation system * Household appliances * Compliance with local codes * Appraisal to determine market value

August

Nearly two out of three homeowners recently surveyed by ASHI reported they saved a lot of money as a result of having a home inspection during the selling/buying of a house. Sellers use inspections to help determine potential problems that can be repaired or replaced prior to listing - potentially getting them a higher sale price. And buyers use the inspections to determine if they want to invest in the property, or help negotiate for a better price that would

include the repair and replacement of potential problems.

LifeandHomes.com om

Alabaster

ow Gr to

Ro

$415,000

117 Broadmoor Ln 4 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths

Deb Long • 205-991-1500

Linda J. Carroll • 205-915-3097

the

Alabaster

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #76184

$423,200

4 Bedrooms / 4.0 Baths

4 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

Deb Long • 205-991-1500

Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

Alabaster

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #76183

$433,700

6005 Hopewell Rd

4 Bedrooms / 4.0 Baths

5 Bedrooms / 4.0 Baths

Deb Long • 205-991-1500

Liz Elliott • 205-824-9490

Realtor • Deb@DebLong.com

Alabaster

Real Living Advanced - Hoover Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #106478

$123,900

Birmingham

112 Warwick Circle

2029 Springhill Court

3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths

5 Bedrooms / 4.5 Baths

Tammy Walters • 205-824-9490

Liz Elliott • 205-824-9490

Real Living Advanced - Hoover Realtor • tammy.walters@realliving.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #108556

Alabaster

$499,000

Realtor • lizelliott@bellsouth.net

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #46120

$789,000

Real Living Advanced - Hoover Realtor • lizelliott@bellsouth.net

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #108851

$154,000

Calera

124 Pebble Ln

$15,000 Shelby Springs Farms #45

3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

Building Lot 1+ Acre

Tammy Walters • 205-824-9490

Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

Real Living Advanced - Hoover

Birmingham, AL

Bessemer

118 Sterling Park Dr RE/MAX Advantage South

Realtor • tammy.walters@realliving.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #71844

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RealtySouth-OTM-Acton Road Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #46121

L i f e and H o m e s

$179,900

1005 SW 10th Place

Realtor • Deb@DebLong.com

Alabaster

RealtySouth-OTM-Acton Road Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #70470

$212,000

Calera

750 Mission Hills Rd

187 Moss Stone Ln

3 Bedrooms / 3.0 Baths

3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

Tammy Walters • 205-824-9490

Deb Long • 205-991-1500

Real Living Advanced - Hoover Realtor • tammy.walters@realliving.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #81845

8

Alabaster

127 Sterling Park Dr RE/MAX Advantage South

ED H S I FIN

RealtySouth

Associate Broker • licarroll@realtysouth.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #46119

In

$189,500

4 Bedrooms / 4.0 Baths Realtor • Deb@DebLong.com

ils ta

Alabaster

413 Sterling Park Cir RE/MAX Advantage South

De

Open Market Listing Service™

We br i n g p e o p l e a n d h o m e s t o g e t h e r .

$98,500

RE/MAX Advantage South Realtor • Deb@DebLong.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #69760

Our Building Blocks to

Exceptional Service

• Certified master electricians & journeyman electricians • Commercial & Industrial specialty • Bonded, licensed and insured • Residential service & repair • Standby Generator installation for home and commercial use • In House engineering • Parking lot lighting • Established in 1994 • Family owned Christian Business

August

2530 Queenstown Road Birmingham, AL 35210 bstone@stoneandsons.com

www.Life and Homes .com

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205.833.8494

Birmingham, AL â–

L i f e and H o m e s

10

We b r i n g p e o p l e a n d h o m e s t o g e t h e r .

metroChurch

The Five Stages of Marriage Phase One — Dream World

Phase Four — Time of Awakening

Urban Sterietz has described the first stage of marriage as the honeymoon stage. Everything is good and possible. We can reach the stars: Which one do you want honey? Difficulties are handled with the view: We’ve got a little trouble today, but tomorrow I will change him/ her. This stage lasts from a week to a year.

At some point in the Period of Misery, one partner steps out says, “I will love you!” They ask God for help for themselves to change, not just for their partner. This begins the time of love. It is love freely given – an irresistible force. The couple begins to ask: “What does it take to make our marriage work?” Neither feels that changing partners is the answer.

Phase Two — Disillusionment The era of the rude awakening! The honeymoon is over – gone! Quarreling takes place, too frequently. The rose colored glasses come off. Each looks at the other partner and discovers what she/he really is like – she can’t cook; he doesn’t clean under his fingernails; she whines; he belches at the table. Each wonders whether or not they have made a mistake.

unconditionally. Suddenly, they realize they have a pretty good partner after all the marriage is not about us; it’s about our spouse. We enjoy loving and being loved, and are comfortable in our own “marriage skin”. Hang in there, because true love waits (ICor 13:4, 7).

Mark Schrade Senior Pastor Metropolitan Church of God

Phase Five — Time of True Love

2800 Metropolitan Way Birmingham, AL 35243 www.metrocog.org

The couple finally accepts one another

Phase Three — Period of Misery

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www.Life and Homes .com

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L i f e and H o m e s

August

This is the period of most divorces. Ninety percent of couples go through this stage. At points they feel there is no hope for their marriage. It is usually sheer stubbornness or deep religious faith that holds the marriage together. With children in the home, couples decide to stay together because of the kids. There is constant tension. Each couple is looking for “proof” of love. Conditional love is typical: “If you loved me, you would…; I will love you when…”

This stage usually lasts 2-5 years. It can last a lifetime! Or, it can only last a day.

LifeandHomes.com

Open Market Listing Service™

Calera

$475,000 575 Mountain Forest Trail

Clanton

4 Bedrooms / 3.5 Baths

4 Bedrooms / 4.0 Baths

Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

Taunea Green • 205-824-9490

80 Deer Trace

RealtySouth-OTM-Acton Road

Real Living Advanced - Hoover

Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

Realtor • taunea@reo-team.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #42313

Chelsea

le

lk Bu

Sa

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #68772

Fultondale

$200,000

Greenbriar Pl

2313 Elkwood Dr

Building Lot

4 Bedrooms / 4.0 Baths

Deb Long • 205-991-1500

Liz Elliott • 205-824-9490

RE/MAX Advantage South

Realtor • lizelliott@bellsouth.net

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #74317

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #48448

Harpersville

$149,000

114 Farmingdale Drive

3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

Liz Elliott • 205-824-9490

Taunea Green • 205-824-9490

Real Living Advanced - Hoover

Realtor • lizelliott@bellsouth.net

Realtor • taunea@reo-team.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #81693

Chelsea

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #108557

Homewood

$189,500

419 Devon Drive

3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

Liz Elliott • 205-824-9490

Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

RealtySouth-OTM-Acton Road

Realtor • lizelliott@bellsouth.net

Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #74456

Clanton

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #76173

Homewood

$179,900

111 Morris Blvd

2 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

4 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

Deb Long • 205-991-1500

Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

RealtySouth-OTM-Acton Road

Realtor • Deb@DebLong.com

Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #80095

Birmingham, AL

$347,500

9292 Hwy 145 RE/MAX Advantage South

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$375,000

2008 Madison Cir Real Living Advanced - Hoover

L i f e and H o m e s

$144,900

1064 Fairbank Ln Real Living Advanced - Hoover

Thinking of Buying or Selling?

Contact Me Today Professional Advice, Knowledge and Service

Becky Hicks Licensed Realtor

205.533.4445

RealtySouth Over The Mountain – Acton Road beckyhicks@realtysouth.com 12

$349,900

Real Living Advanced - Hoover

Realtor • Deb@DebLong.com

Chelsea

$279,900

We b r i n g p e o p l e a n d h o m e s t o g e t h e r .

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #76174

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media

“Trust in the Lord with all your Heart.” Prov. 3:5

Open Market Listing Service™ Hoover

LifeandHomes.com Hoover

$119,000

274 Shades Crest Rd

1073 South Lake Cove

Building Lot

4 Bedrooms / 4.5 Baths

Liz Elliott • 205-824-9490

Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

Real Living Advanced - Hoover

RealtySouth-OTM-Acton Road

Realtor • lizelliott@bellsouth.net

Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #48444

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #42317

Hoover

Inverness

$36,000

$334,500

661 Valley St

3400 Fieldstone Ln

Corner Lot

4 Bedrooms / 3.0 Baths

Liz Elliott • 205-824-9490

Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

Real Living Advanced - Hoover

RealtySouth-OTM-Acton Road

Realtor • lizelliott@bellsouth.net

Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #72286

Hoover

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #79847

McCalla

$199,900

$299,900

3422 Tequesta Ln

6682 Lou George Loop

3 Bedrooms / 3.0 Baths

3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths

Liz Elliott • 205-824-9490

Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

Real Living Advanced - Hoover

RealtySouth-OTM-Acton Road

Realtor • lizelliott@bellsouth.net

Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #48449

Hoover

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #42314

McCalla

$184,900

$67,000

2364 Hackberry Ln

5880 Fletcher Road

3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

2 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

Liz Elliott • 205-824-9490

Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

Real Living Advanced - Hoover

RealtySouth-OTM-Acton Road

Realtor • lizelliott@bellsouth.net

Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #104256

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #109474

Hoover

$679,900 1144 Hardwood Cove Road

McCalla

6 Bedrooms / 5.5 Baths

3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

RealtySouth-OTM-Acton Road

Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #79583

Linda Carroll

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #76181

Big Enough To Make A Difference Small Enough To Make It Count WM Mortgage is a full service mortgage company with the

Cell: 205.915.3097

ability to serve every need. Whether you are a first time guidelines, want to buy a USDA home or are interested in

L i f e and H o m e s

Whether you are ready to sell your home, are a first-time home buyer, a senior ready to downsize, or an investor, I have the knowledge and experience to help you. Pelham has been my home for over 20 years and I look forward to working with you.

homebuyer, have credit that does not meet other lender’s

■

Email: licarroll@realtysouth.com Web: LindaCarrollRealtor.com www.RealtySouth.com

a foreclosed property, we can help.

Please call Eileen Rattiner Carter or any of our professionals at

ART FLEET • BROKER – CLUB OF EXCELLENCE 4509 VALLEYDALE ROAD/SUITE 10/ BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242 205.981.0607 OFFICE • 205.531-5655 CELL • ARTFLEET@ATT.NET

August

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Family of Services

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(205) 383-1966 Apply online at www.WMmortgageLLC.com

www.Life and Homes .com

13

Packing Supplies

You'll Need for

Relocation

L i f e and H o m e s

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Birmingham, AL

Are you moving out of your house and transferring to a new location? If this is your first time to relocate, then you need to carefully plan everything so your move out will be as smooth as possible.

Among the crucial elements that you should take into consideration are the packing supplies.

Why? Because these materials will secure all your belongings while you are on the road and in the process of transferring them to your new home. This article will provide you with a list of the most common and important packing supplies that you should not go without.

specifically designed for moving and packing.

One bundle of packing tape can provide you with 55 yards worth of tape. Purchase as many as you need, depending on the number of boxes or home furnishings that you need to pack. You can also opt to include a tape dispenser as this will make your taping easier.

Moving Boxes

Protective and Stretch Wrap

You need moving boxes in order to store the household items that you want to bring into your new home. Moving boxes are made out of wood pulp, and they are corrugated because of the cellulose material found in wood. There are different sizes of boxes that you can use for relocating: small boxes that measure 16x10x10, medium boxes that measure 18”x14”x12”, large boxes that measure 20”x20”x15”, extralarge boxes that measure 23”x23”x16”, wardrobe boxes that measure 24”x24”x40”, kitchen moving boxes that measure 18”x18”x22”, file moving boxes that measure 16”x12.5”x10”, and frame moving boxes that measure 41”x6”x26.5”

A protective wrap is used for protecting house items that are breakable, such as glasses, mirrors, vases, and family heirlooms. They are usually perforated with medium size bubbles that serve as a protective layer. A typical protective wrap measures 12 inches wide by 80 feet long.

Tape and Dispenser You must ensure that the packing tape you will be using is strong and flexible - use one that is 14

We b r i n g p e o p l e a n d h o m e s t o g e t h e r .

A typical roll of stretch wrap measures 5 inches by 1000 feet. You can make use of this to as a protective cover for your dressers, table, sofas, and other household items.

Packing Paper Fragile items can be covered with packing paper.

This packing material can also be used for filling in spaces inside your moving boxes. You can make use of newspaper as a substitute, but the ink on newspaper can leave marks on your precious china ware, glassware, and family

heirlooms especially when you are relocating during a warm weather. Packing paper roughly measures 24 inches by 36 inches and are made of virgin paper.

Mattress Covers Protect your mattresses, box spring beds, and other large items from the moving truck’s dirt and grime with mattress covers. They are made from polyethylene material so you can be sure that you get the protection that you need. Sizes range from 60”x11”x92” and 52”x9”x85”.

Moving Blankets and Pads There will always be large and bulky furniture that would not fit in any box - and this can be solved by using moving blankets. A good moving blanket is made out of strong and woven fabric.

On the other hand, you can also make use of moving pads that serve as protection to your furniture from dents and scratches.

A big factor in the success of your move is the quality of the supplies and boxes you use. Get premium quality packing supplies from MovingDayBoxes.com at affordable prices.

(Ezinearticles.com)

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5 Bedrooms / 6.0 Baths/ 3552SpringValley.com

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Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

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Becky Hicks • 205-533-4445

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RealtySouth-OTM-Acton Road

RealtySouth-OTM-Acton Road

Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

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Realtor • beckyhicks@realtysouth.com

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TOMMurphy MURPHYRealty REALTY Tom Real Estate Professional of Birmingham, AL Pinson

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Vestavia Hills

Jonathan Potter, Birmingham native, has just released his first literary work titled, Spiritual Identity Fraud – Restoring God’s Sons and Daughters.

This book has two major themes that intertwine throughout its pages.

First, it deals with the often hidden area of sexual brokenness that men grapple with, and the redemption found through the grace of God. This captivating book also explores three portraits of identity that Christians experience including: The false masks we wear that hinder us from engaging in true fellowship with one another. Next it exposes and dismantles the work of Satan who seeks to steal our identity and birthright as children of God. Finally, it chronicles the amazing inheritance we all have as children of God, and how to live out this inheritance through a life hallmarked by grace and balanced servanthood. This book will genuinely change your life and is a must read for those who want a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ!

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Lee Grady, Editor In Chief of Charisma Magazine, says, “I believe Jon Potter’s book can start a revolution—a revolution of honesty. It is time for all of us to come out of hiding. And I believe this significant book will help you make the journey toward true healing.”

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We b r i n g p e o p l e a n d h o m e s t o g e t h e r .

Jon is a sought after evangelist, conference speaker, and minister. He graduated from Lee university in 1989 where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

After Lee, Jon attended the University of Georgia where he completed a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in counseling in 1991. He spent eleven years in corporate America. This tenure ended when he accepted the call to full-time ministry in 2001.

Jon and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 20 years, have three children, and reside in Birmingham, Alabama. For more information visit www.jonpotterministries.net Spiritual Identity Fraud can be purchased on major book sellers websites including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books-A-Million.

Three Next-Generation

Kitchen Technologies to Watch

When new technology makes its way into home design, often it portal for innovation, and many of the technologies that we now enters through the kitchen. The heart of the home is also the use throughout our homes were first applied in the kitchen.

Kitchen innovation has come a long way since the exciting days when the rotary hand-mixer replaced the whisk - and liberated a generation of homemakers from the labor of beating batter by hand. Here are some new trends and technologies to watch:

emergence of wireless power is replacing traditional cords with electromagnetic fields.

While the science behind wireless power is truly leading-edge stuff, the technology itself has some very down-to-earth, practical applications in the kitchen.

Removable, reusable wallpaper

How many times have you had to move cords out of your way when working with a small appliance in your kitchen? Cords are inconvenient at least and dangerous at worst if they get wet or damaged.

Designers and engineers are working on adapting wireless technology for kitchen appliances - so you can run a blender without ever having to plug it in.

While wallpaper has been gracing American kitchens for generations, those who have shied away from using it there have had good reasons.

Applying wallpaper to an entire kitchen wall is a big design commitment. The labor of cutting around cabinets, cupboards, windows and doors means most homeowners would only tackle wallpapering a kitchen just once. Or, they may have really played it safe by restricting their wallpaper activities to adding a border.

And, even "washable" wallpaper had to stay on the walls, where it would, over time, get splattered and stained.

Hands-free fun While the kitchen is one of our favorite rooms in the house, it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. Virtually every hand that enters a

home makes its way to the kitchen, where touching common surfaces like faucets, light switches and even paper towel holders can spread germs. And when you're cooking, crosscontamination is always a concern.

Convenient and healthful, touch-free technology can help reduce the spread of germs by eliminating the need to actually touch common surfaces.

The technology is already being used in kitchen faucets and lighting. One company has even created a paper towel dispenser using the technology. Watch for innovative designers to find more ways to apply this useful technology throughout the kitchen.

Kitchen design continues to be a launching pad for exciting new technologies. And, today's "innovative" kitchen technology will probably appear routine to future generations. (ARA)

August

A new product, SmartStick by MuralsYourWay. com, makes it easy to add wall designs anywhere you want in your kitchen. The moisture-resistant mural can be repositioned anywhere in the kitchen and can be reused hundreds of times without losing its adhering qualities. Murals for kitchens can even by customized. Just submit your photo through the website and the company creates a custom mural using your artwork.

â–

Electricity is a current and currents require a cord to deliver power from the source to whatever is being powered - right? Not anymore. The

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Wireless power

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