First Choice News

10 New Floorplans ~ Willow Oaks ~ Chelsea, AL

2011-09-29T14:01:00.000-05:00

Considering Downsizing?

2011-05-13T15:57:00.002-05:00

Whether you are trying to cut costs, simplify life or you just don’t need the space after your children are gone, it can be invigorating to downsize to a smaller home in a community that offers the amenities that you want to enjoy life.

Downsizing usually affords you to buy in a more desirable area to live with amenities such as affordable golfing, swimming, a fitness center, walking trails, nearby tennis, a natural environment, nearby shopping, dining and entertainment.

Downsizing usually lowers monthly expenses. . . a lower mortgage payment, lower property taxes and insurance, as well as lower utility costs. Of course each situation is different. If you are selling your home and purchasing a home of lower value you should contact your CPA or financial advisor to see if downsizing is best for you.

Hurry, only 3 left! Pelham's Best Buys

2011-02-11T13:27:00.000-06:00

Only 3 left!!!!

There is something for everyone one at Ballantrae®

2010-12-02T14:35:00.000-06:00

Remote with 97.7 FM "The Peach" in ballantrae

2010-07-06T17:05:00.000-05:00

This Saturday, July 10th Buck Creek Construction, AllSouth Appliance & 97.7 The Peach

Are bringing the 97.7 The Peach Remote to Ballantrae!

The Peach will be providing the entertainment and giving away Prize Pacs!

AllSouth Appliance will be grilling your favorite foods and giving away a grill!

All while viewing the beautiful new homes built by Buck Creek Construction!

Saturday, July 10th

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

205 Kenniston Dale, Pelham, AL 35124

For more informaiton call:

Teresa Stahl 205-365-5430 or Francene Drexler 205-965-2065

www.facebook.com/Ballantrae

Silver Lakes Builder Close Out! Update!

2010-06-29T12:35:00.000-05:00

Silver Lakes Builder Close Out!

The prices have been reduced up to $40,000!!

The builder will pay $5,000 of y our closing costs if you use the preferred lender!

You’ll be missing the boat if you don’t visit Silver Lakes in Helena! The builder’s are closing out the 10th sector and the prices have been slashed thousands of dollars. These LAST 4 3 new homes are incredibly priced. The are 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes priced from $279,000 – 299,900.

The homes are gorgeous and have the “WOW” factor.Spend family time at Silver Lakes walking on our trails, frolicking on the playground, or spreading out a picnic. You can fish or canoe any of the three tranquil lakes, Or, simply enjoy sharing the quiet lushness with the wildflowers, turtles, frogs and butterflies that live here, too. Experience the superior lake community you’ll want to come home to in Silver Lakes.

For detailed information on the homes visit www.silverlakesal.com.

Willow Oaks Builder Promos

2010-06-25T16:26:00.000-05:00

Buck Creek Construction is offering: $9,000 towards your desires!!! $8,000 credit from builder can be used for closing/prepaids, upgrades, etc.... Plus another $1000 credit from the preferred lender!!

For: 140 Willow View Lane, 117 Willow Lake Lane and 136 Willow View Lane

Donovan Builers is offering for:

108 Weeping Circle Drive - $10,000 in savings! Price reduced $6,000 and seller pays up to $4,000 in closing costs! Plus, builder has installed $3,500 in upgrades!

149 Willow Lake Lane - $5,000 in upgrades! Up to $5,000 towards Purchasers closing/prepaids with preferred lender!

139 Willow Lake Lane - Builder pays closing cost with Preferred Lender! Comes with 2/10 Warranty.

Contact Roger Williamson for more information 205-999-2332 or rwilliamson_rr@earthlink.net

Silver Lakes Builder Close Out!

2010-05-21T10:33:00.002-05:00

Silver Lakes

You’ll be missing the boat if you don’t visit Silver Lakes in Helena! The builder’s are closing out the 10th sector and the prices have been slashed thousands of dollars. These LAST 4 3 new homes are incredibly priced. The are 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes priced from $279,000 – 299,900. The prices have been reduced up to $40,000!! The builder will pay $5,000 of y our closing costs if you use the preferred lender!

The homes are gorgeous and have the “WOW” factor.Spend family time at Silver Lakes walking on our trails, frolicking on the playground, or spreading out a picnic. You can fish or canoe any of the three tranquil lakes, Or, simply enjoy sharing the quiet lushness with the wildflowers, turtles, frogs and butterflies that live here, too. Experience the superior lake community you’ll want to come home to in Silver Lakes.

For detailed information on the homes visit www.silverlakesal.com.

Only 15 days left!

2010-04-14T15:01:00.001-05:00

Did you know that time is running out?

For first-time homebuyers & long-time residents the tax credit opportunity is about to run out! If want to take advantage of this historical opportunity while there are historically low mortgage rates the time to act is now. The tax credit is available to first time homebuyers (this includes if you have not owned a home in 3 years) and long-time homeowners. You must right a contract by the end of this month (April 10, 2010) and close before July 1, 2010.

The Details

• For first-time homebuyers they can receive up to $8,000 tax credit. The tax credit is 10% of the purchase price of a home up to a maximum of $8,000.
• For long-time residents you must have owned and used the same home as your principal residence for at least 5 consecutive years of the 8-year period ending on the date that you bought your new home. The maximum credit is $6,500 for a single tax payer or a married couple filing a joint return, or $3,250 for a married couple filing separate returns.

How to get your tax credit

Claim the credit on IRS Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit; it must be filed with your 2008, 2009 or 2010 federal income tax return. If you bought the house in previous years, but did not claim it, you can amend by using Form 1040X with the December 2009 Form 5405 attached.

2010-03-02T19:52:00.001-06:00

http://ping.fm/rQOy7

2010-03-02T19:09:00.006-06:00

There is something for everyone at Ballantrae!

Scenic Rolling Hills • Wooded Home Sites • Basement and Garden Homes • Walking Trails, Parks and Natural Areas • Lake • Unparalleled Old World and Scottish Architecture • Pelham's World Class Golf Course Designed By Bob Cupp • Pool • Picnic Pavilion • Playground • Nearby Shopping, Dining and Entertainment • Quality Schools • Firestation • Police Substation

Directions: I-65 South, Exit 242. Left on County Road 52. Turn right on Huntley Parkway. Turn Right on HWY 11/Simmsville Road. Go 1.3 miles and turn left, then 3.5 miles to Ballantrae.

Or, take Exit 238 at the new Colonial Promenade Shopping Center. Turn into shopping center, turn right onto Jimmy Gould Drive, left on Alabaster Boulevard, go 1.3 miles. Turn right onto Weatherly Club Drive. Go 1 mile.

Visit us online at: http://www.ballantraeal.com/

Sales Center open daily from 1:00 - 5:30 PM

205-663-4270

2010-03-02T17:27:00.001-06:00

Test

Pelham Police Officer Phillip Davis

2010-01-22T11:54:00.002-06:00

We are trying to do something remarkable for fallen Pelham Police Officer Phillip Davis. As many of you know he lost his life on December 4, 2009 while handling a routine traffic stop. A suspect has been apprended, but what happens to Officer Davis’s family now? Pelham Mayor Don Murphy needs $200,000 by January 30, 2010. We are going to retire the mortgage Officer Davis’s home. He was married with two very young children.

What do I need from you? I need donations! I know and understand that times are tough, but this man put his life on the line for us every day when he put his uniform on and lost his life serving our community. All we are asking is for a monetary donation of at least $20. I will come to your house, where you are eating dinner, wherever you are I will come and pick up your donation. Our goal as an office is $1,000, if each agent gives $20 we can reach that goal.

Check made payable to: Officer Davis Mortgage Retirement Fund
Cash is accepted as well.
Must be turned in by Friday, January 29th @ 5PM.

Mail to: RE/MAX First Choice
ATTN: Brooke Latham
P. O. Box 934
Pelham, AL 35124

Once we receive your donations, we will take this money to Mayor Murphy and present our donations to him from RE/MAX First Choice.

We can do this! Yes, we can do this!

For more information on Officer Phillip Davis go to this link: Officer Phillip Davis Memoriam

2009-12-10T16:19:00.001-06:00

Breaking News »
Birmingham area home sales surge 46 percent
http://ping.fm/ilXkr

Rock Bottom Prices - In Helena!

2009-12-10T14:22:00.003-06:00

Rock Bottom Prices - In Helena! ONLY 5 LEFT! Hurry, dont miss out on this opportunity!

SilverLakes, where weekdays feel like weekends.

Silver Award for "Best all around community"

Priced from $200k - $300k

Land the perfect catch at Silver Lakes and enjoy the serene, lakefront living in a convenient location. Residents can enjoy access to a breathtaking park featuring playground, walking trails, picnic tables, grills, and gazebo. This beautiful lake community if just waiting for you to call home. Persuasive quality and endless special touches will confirm your choice to live at Silver Lakes.

Ammenities include: Volume Ceilings, Crown Molding, Tile Flooring, Hardwood Flooring, Coffered Ceilings, Basements, Jetted tubs & Seperate Showers.

Click here for available listings.

To view all available listings in the Birmingham area go to: www.realestateofgreaterbirmingham.com

2009-12-02T09:48:00.003-06:00

View all Birmingham Area listings by going to www.realestateofgreaterbirmingham.com or call us @ 800-321-4801!

2009-12-02T09:48:00.001-06:00

Are you considering making a home purchase? View our newest video...http://ping.fm/VBpFB

Tired of Turkey?

2009-11-25T15:02:00.003-06:00

When you are tired of Turkey, and need to walk around? Come and visit our many New Home Communities...we have all prices ranges, styles, locations...give us a call or visit our websites...1-800-321-4801.

www.ballantraeal.com
www.liveatwillowoaks.com
www.silverlakesal.com
www.thecrestal.com
www.stonecreekal.com
www.emeraldridge.com
www.townsidesquare.com
www.watertonlakes.net
www.oaklynhillsal.com
Calera Commons http://www.newcastle-homes.com/search.php?com=calera

You can also view all available listings by going to: www.realestateofgreaterbirmingham.com

11th Annual Iron Bowl Party & Chili Cook-Off

2009-11-25T14:24:00.008-06:00

Each year at RE/MAX First Choice we like to celebrate the Iron Bowl by having a chili cook-off among our agents, builders and staff. For those of you who do not know, the Iron Bowl is The University of Alabama vs. Auburn University. This is always the last regular season game, and decides who will have bragging rights in the state of Alabama.

This year our Chili Winners were:

1st Place - The Donovans (Donovan Builders)

2nd Place - Renee Hand

3rd Place - Donna Sinclair

Foreclosure whoa's? Check out this video from RE/MAX International

2009-11-25T14:17:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbjNPSx8Qjs

More information on the extended tax credit

2009-11-12T09:04:00.004-06:00

RE/MAX CEO Margret Kelly takes the time to explain further the extended tax credit bill passed on November 6th, 2009.

Margret's Video click here.

To view all available listings in the Birmingham, AL area please visit our website realestateofgreaterbirmingham.com

Tax Credit Extended and Expanded! Come out, come out whereever you are!

2009-11-07T10:16:00.002-06:00

Great news for those of you who are in the market to buy or sell a home!

President Obama signed legislation yesterday...

Tax credit planThe homebuyer tax credit expansion measure includes these provisions:
• Extends the $8,000 first time Homebuyers Tax Credit and creates a new $6,500 tax credit for homeowners buying a new home by July 1, 2010.

• Homebuyers with contracts as of April 30 qualify for the credit so long as they close the transaction within 60 days.

• The full credit is available to homebuyers with incomes of up to $125,000 for a single return or $225,000 for a joint return.• Not available for homes costing over $800,000.

• Homebuyers who already own a home are only eligible if the home they are leaving has been used as a principal residence for five consecutive years in the last eight.

• Provides authority to the IRS to provide greater oversight while processing the return and requires that the taxpayer claiming the credit be 18 or older.

• Members of the military, military intelligence and foreign service who are on qualified extended official duty are not subject to the recapture fee and individuals who have been deployed overseas for 90 days or more in 2008 or 2009 can claim the credit through April 30, 2011.

“Realtors® appreciate the swift action by Congress to extend the homebuyer tax credit and expand it to some current homeowners,” NAR President Charles McMillan says.

“The substantial rise in home sales we’ve seen over the past few months proves that the tax credit is working and is being used by buyers who were waiting for the right opportunity to get into the market,” McMillan says. “This important incentive is helping to stabilize the housing market, stimulate the economy and create new jobs in communities all across our great nation. Extending and expanding the home buyer tax credit will enable even more families to take advantage of current low interest rates and affordable prices to invest in their future through homeownership.”

Here is what the National Associate of REALTORs have shared with us http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/2009_first_time_home_buyer_tax_credit

You can view every available house on the market by going to www.realestateofgreaterbirmingha.com or call our agent on duty right now by dialing 1-800-321-4801.

Welcome new additions Ginny Willis and Christy McDonald

2009-10-28T09:20:00.011-05:00

We would like to welcome the newest additions to our family...

Ginny Willis, ABR, ARBM, GRI, CRB, ePro, GREEN, CRS, has joined RE/MAX First Choice as the Education Director specializing in residential sales and marketing.

Christy McDonald, ABR, Luxury Home Specialist, has rejoined RE/MAX First Choice. Christy specializes in residential pre-owned and new home sales and marketing.

Home Prices continue to rise!

2009-10-27T12:32:00.002-05:00

This is great news! Birmingham, AL was listed as one of the 7 cities that will show "best recovery" in the next two years, "While heavy industry still has a presence here with functioning steel companies such as Nucor and US Steel, more modern industries, such as health care and research, have grown exponentially."

Here is article for the Birmingham, AL area: http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/real_estate/0910/gallery.housing_price_forecast/7.html

Check out what CNNMoney.com had to say today about rising house prices in the US: http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/27/real_estate/case_shiller_August_home_price_index/?postversion=2009102710

If you are looking to buy or sell your home, give us a call...205-663-4402 or visit our website online at www.realestateofgreaterbirmingham.com

StoneCreek Starting at $140,000! $8,000 tax credit ends November 30, 2009

2009-10-20T10:38:00.013-05:00

Starting at $140K

StoneCreek is a swim community featuring Southern Bungalow style homes, and located in Calera, AL.

To view more information click here: StoneCreek Homes

Amenities:

Stainless Steel appliances
Vaulted Ceilings
Open Floorplans
Stained Glass
Lead Glass
Trey Ceilings
Beaded Board Ceilings & Walls
Crown Molding
Arched Doorways
Carriage house garage doors with hinge handles
Front porch brick piers with tappered columns

For more information please contact our one of our team members:

Renee Hand 205-520-6628

Courtney Higdon 205-337-7467

Ted McLaughlin 205-746-0393

Sales & Marketing by: RE/MAX First Choice

View all listings in the Birmingham Area by visiting our homepage at: www.realestateofgreaterbirmingham.com

Race For The Cure

2009-10-12T15:39:00.007-05:00

As we all know October is "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" across the nation. For me the Susan G. Komen "Race For The Cure" always makes me stop and recognize how wonderful life really is. RE/MAX is a nation sponsor of the "Race For The Cure" and this year RE/MAX First Choice was honored by being chosen to represent RE/MAX in Birmingham's Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure. We raised money and had several of our agents participate in this years event. The day was rainy and cold, but I was amazed at how many stayed and enjoyed themselves regardless. Check out some of our pictures from the day...

Calera Commons Starting @ $94,900

2009-10-05T15:33:00.002-05:00

NewCastle Homes & RE/MAX First Choice have teamed up with Calera Commons, located in Calera, AL. Calera voted one of the top 100 places to live in America by Money Magazine in 2009 and is an up and coming area. This would be a great opportunity for a first-time homebuyer to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit.

Builder to provide blinds, washer & dryer, refrigerator AND pay all CLOSING COSTS IF PURCHASER USES PREFERRED LENDER AND CLOSES BY 11/30/2009!

Calera Commons is located approximately two miles off Exit 231 of I-65 South and just around the corner from the Calera Wal-Mart shopping center and only 6.5 miles from Alabaster & Colonial Shopping Center! Convenience!

Several different floor plans are available...give us a call at 205-663-4402 or visit us online at http://www.realestateofgreaterbirmingham.com/.

Perthshire at Ballantrae Starting @ $174,900

2009-08-10T14:43:00.015-05:00

ANNOUNCING A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD IN BALLANTRAE PERTHSHIRE

Prices starting at $174,900

YES...you can live in Ballantrae! This new neighborhood is located just past the pool,playground and picnic pavilion and it’s only five minutes to the golf course. These one story and one and one half story new homes are new plans for Ballantrae. They are situated on level home sites and a quiet cul-de-sac.

There is 99.5% financing available....Only .5% down!! Low, 30 year fixed rate. Builder will pay $4,500 -$8,000 in upgrades or buyers allowable closing cost...on select homes only.

Wood Buring Fireplaces

Covered Porches & Patios

Main Level Laundry

Vaulted & Trey Ceilings

Hardwood in Foyer & Dining Room

Ceramic Tile in Kitchen & Bathroom

Walk-up Attic

Textured Walls

Sales & Marketing by: RE/MAX First Choice 205-663-4402

Developed by: Mobley Development

Get to know what we can do for you....

2009-07-08T10:14:00.005-05:00

At RE/MAX First Choice we understand that choosing to sell your house and to buy your home is a big decision to make. We are one of the most educated and experience offices in the Greater Birmingham area with first-time homebuyers, distressed properties and resales. We specialize in Alabaster, Birmingham, Calera, Helena, Hoover, McCalla, http://www.cityofpg.org/ & Pelham.

For the First-Time Homebuyer right now IS the time to buy by using the $8,000 tax credit towards owning your first home. In addition, those who are selling their home in this market, right now we are still seeing historically low interest rates for mortgages.

Affiliation with the global RE/MAX network provides our Associates with multiple competitive advantages in serving your real estate needs. From national television advertising to personal advertising controlled by Associates, RE/MAX enjoys brand-name recognition worldwide. We can serve you by being a Showcase Office on www.realtor.com and #1 searched real estate website in the nation. In addition, we are part of the #2 website in the nation for real estate searches www.remax.com.

RE/MAX First Choice

Real Experience, Real Service, Real Results

First Blog

2009-07-06T10:16:00.001-05:00

This is our first blog and we are excited to start sharing with everyone!