Hamner Real Estate Blog

Bet you didn't know Sept. 18 is National Cheeseburger Day. Well, you do now, but you probably didn't need a reason to go for a juicy, mouth-watering cheeseburger. Oh, yeah, it has calorie overload with all that cheese and hamburger meat, but you can go for low-fat meat or even a meat substitute and low-calorie or fake cheese if you're worried. Or a ground chicken or turkey burger. Whatever you do, it's ok for the day. Just choose your favorite cheeseburger, chomp down, and celebrate the day in style — either at home or in one of the venues near Tuscaloosa homes for sale — where you got your beautiful home, in fact. 

New in town? You're in luck. Our real estate agents have some choice venues for you to try so you can find your favorite cheeseburger. 

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Health experts regularly recommend that we eat breakfast to help our heart, digestion, bones, and ensure our cholesterol stays on the low side. So why not use breakfast as an excuse to get out and about in Tuscaloosa?

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You've been shopping Tuscaloosa homes for sale and likely found one or two exciting prospects. The temptation will be strong to slap your down payment on the table and sign on the dotted line, but we say: Not so fast! Of course, our real estate agents are in business to sell homes, but we want to be sure our clients find just the right home. There are some things you need to do before you make an offer.

Myriad factors are at play that can affect the negotiation outcome, so consider these tips before you offer to buy a home.

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Whether you're saving to buy a home among Tuscaloosa homes for sale, or you've already acquired one and are looking for a few ways to cut expenses after the big outlay of buying a home — you can save money with some relatively painless hacks, and give yourself a bit of a financial boost.

Our real estate agents are very knowledgeable about the various fixes their clients have used to cut costs, so here are a few of them.

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Shopping for a home among Tuscaloosa homes for sale? Then you probably already know it's a great place for finding a home you'll love at an affordable price. That's just one reason to move to Tuscaloosa. Our real estate agents have plenty of other reasons why you'll love it here. Let's have a look at the top reasons to move to Tuscaloosa.

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It's easy to make landscaping mistakes; just ask professional gardeners who have learned the hard way and, over time, have profited from the knowledge their mistakes have provided them. Similarly, as you have begun a big landscaping redo in that home you bought from Tuscaloosa homes for sale, we can point out a few of the major mistakes to avoid.

Our real estate agents get a lot of feedback from homeowners on mistakes made indoors and outdoors, so read on and learn what not to do.

Landscaping Snafus: Avoid These at All Costs

1. Don't plant invasives.
   Certain plants are just bad news in the landscape. What does it take to make it to the "Do Not Plant" list for Tuscaloosa? Just about anything that's considered invasive is a big no. For instance, bamboo is inclined to take off and take over in our warm, wet climate. Privet and honeysuckle are also verboten, as are Cherokee, MacCartney, and Multiflora roses.
   
   
2. Don't plant trees and bushes that are the wrong size.
   When planning a major redo of your landscape, it's a good idea to rough it all out on graph paper or even in computer software designed for the purpose. Planting trees? Plan for how they will grow and throw shade on any other plantings. (Plants need sun!) Also, think how they will affect your roofline.
   
   The same goes for bushes. Plant more compact, easier-to-care-for forms in the back, and perennials and annuals in front.
   
   
3. Resist the temptation to just stick any plant in the ground (just because it was on sale at the big box store).
   Plan how plantings will look. Plan your color combinations. Some landscapers recommend contrasting hot and cold colors (say, fiery orange or bright yellow with blues and purples). Likewise, think about textures and hues of green and gray. Again, sketching and in this case, coloring, can help give you a sense of how it will look.
   
   
4. Take it easy with the gravel.
   Granted, gravel isn't as popular in the Southeast as it is in the Southwest due to the fact we usually have abundant rainfall, but if you decide to go for a bit of xeriscaping, know that gravel can be a pain. First, it's really hot and can throw off heat that may scorch tender plants. Further, gravel is usually applied with a layer of weed barrier — which works fine the first year or so, but then accumulates dirt that becomes a growing medium for weed seed.
   
   
5. Take it easy with the mulch.
   Yes, mulch is great for keeping moisture in the ground, so the plant thrives — but only when you refrain from mounding it around the trunks of trees and bushes. Leave a few inches of space around the plant, or you could damage it.
   
   
6. Don't forget to water trees and bushes.
   Even in Tuscaloosa, we can have dry times — particularly in the winter. While you may remember to water perennials and annuals, don't forget to water trees and shrubs at least every six weeks in times of low rainfall.
   
   
7. Deadhead perennials, annuals and blooming shrubs.
   Nipping off spent blooms before they turn to seed will prevent the plant's energy from going to making seed. That way, you'll have more prolific blooms.
   
   
8. Cut back on fertilizing in the hot summer months.
   Over-fertilizing can not only burn your plants but may cause too much late-season growth. That, in turn, can leave the plants vulnerable to winter weather.

We're always happy to advise you on how renovating your home, inside or outside, will add value to your property. Contact us today.

You made a great choice when you bought a home from Tuscaloosa homes for sale, getting good value and a beautiful home in the bargain. Perhaps you checked out the local amenities for good schools, shopping, places of worship, entertainment, and dining before you decided on your home. If so, you know there's a lot to enjoy within a short driving distance.

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Are you thinking about getting your home appraised? Maybe you're thinking of listing it and want to know how much your home is worth. Or, maybe someone is interested in buying your home and wants an appraisal to take to a lender — in which case, you want your home shipshape, so the lender will know your home is worth what you're asking for it.

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