Date Archives: April 2022

Everyone wants to sell their home for a great price, so what steps can you take to make your property stand out from the competition? Fortunately, there's plenty that you can do to make sure that your home catches the eye of buyers for all of the right reasons and ultimately maximize the offers that you receive for your listing. Our real estate agents are experts on selling homes, and we've got some proven strategies to help you sell your home at a great price.

• Start by Cleaning and Decluttering
  If you want your home to stand out from other Tuscaloosa homes for sale, start by making sure that it looks its absolute best. Before you welcome any potential buyers, invest some elbow grease or hire a professional cleaning service to clean your home from top to bottom. Just as importantly, take this opportunity to clear out clutter, which will boost your home's appeal and has the added advantage of lightening your load when it's time to move.
  
  
• Present a Blank Canvas for Buyers
  One of the reasons that it's important to clear out clutter is that you want to present a relatively blank canvas to buyers so they can imagine what their own lives would be like in the home. You can add to this effect by depersonalizing the home and removing things like photos and other personal items. Last but not least, consider a professional staging service to make the home look as inviting as possible.
  
  
• Consider Curb Appeal
  You want buyers to be impressed before they even walk in the door, which is why curb appeal is such an important consideration when selling your home. Make sure your yard is clean, your lawn is in good shape, and the area around your front door is looking its best. Give your curb appeal a boost with some fresh landscaping, or by planting some colorful, attractive new plants in your garden.
  
  
• Be Proactive About Maintenance Issues
  It may seem tempting to leave any little maintenance issues with the home for the next owner to handle, but this can actually be counterproductive when it comes to getting the best price for your home. Proactively addressing any issues gives buyers one less reason to negotiate for a lower price.
  
  
• Choose the Right Real Estate Agent
  Your choice of real estate agent is one of the most important decisions that you'll make when selling your home. Make sure that you choose an agent who knows your market and how to promote your property to generate maximum interest from buyers. Do your research, and choose an agent who aligns with your needs.
  
  
• Be Smart When Setting a Price
  Pricing is a huge factor, both in terms of generating interest and ensuring that you ultimately get the best possible offers from buyers. This is one area where your real estate agent can really help, and setting the right price can go a long way toward achieving your goals when selling your home.
  
  
• Maintain Perspective Throughout the Process
  There's no doubt that selling a home can be an emotional process, but sometimes emotion can get in the way of getting a great price. Try to maintain perspective, be objective, and lean on your real estate agent for advice throughout the process.

Searching for the right real estate agent to help you sell your home? Our experienced, local team is here to help with all of your real estate needs. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Tuscaloosa, AL area.

Many homeowners have acquired dogs and cats during the time of the pandemic — both to keep the kids occupied and also, for adults, as companions to combat enforced loneliness and isolation. As first-time pet owners may be learning, these animals are not inanimate stuffed toys, but living creatures that have needs. Dogs often need vigorous walks to keep them mentally and physically fit. 

It just so happens that April is Active Dog Month. If you're not doing it already, what better time to begin a regular regimen of exercising and playing with your dog outdoors? The weather's grand and your canine will love it, no matter when or where. But to get you started, here are some venues near Tuscaloosa homes for sale where you can concentrate on your dog's — and your — fitness and fun.

Tuscaloosa Canine Fun Spots

1. Annette M. Shelby Park Trail. 1614 15th St., Tuscaloosa
   Annette M. Shelby Park features a .7-mile paved loop, but that can be plenty for a small or older dog. It's open to trail bikers, runners, and walkers year-round. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. The park has a splash pad with nearby restrooms and water fountains. 
   
   
2. Will May Dog Park (located within Sokol Park South), 5901 Watermelon Road, Northport. 
   If you or your dog has never experienced a dog park, you're in for a treat with Will May Dog Park. There are areas for small and large dogs, as well as a training yard. Water is available once spring arrives, but it's always a good idea to bring some. Dog waste must be removed. There's a limit of three dogs per person. No aggressive dogs, puppies under 4 months, or dogs in heat.

3. Freeman Park. 3001 Dragons Lane, Tuscaloosa
   Freeman Park has a lot of amenities, including a swimming pool and shelter, but also a nice trail where you can walk your dog. 

4. Sokol Park, 5901 Watermelon Road, Northport
   Sokol Park is a multi-purpose park, which includes Will May Dog Park. But for dogs that don't enjoy dog parks, there are trails, which are usually not crowded. Trails are of varying lengths and are not difficult.

5. Hurricane Creek Park. 7005 Old Birmingham Hwy., Tuscaloosa
   The setting for Hurricane Creek Park is geologically special (it's where the Gulf coastal plain meets the Appalachian Paleozoic rock area ecosystem). Once a site where extensive mining occurred, it is now known for rare plants, scenic beauty, and some local history. You can hike on the Eagle Scout Trail but be aware there are some stream crossings, and your dog should be big enough to manage these. 

6. The Riverwalk. 2710 Jack Warner Pkwy., Tuscaloosa
   The Riverwalk is a 4.5-mile walk that starts at Capitol Park and ends at the gazebo east of Manderson Landing. The paved two-way trail offers places to rest and rehydrate. There are even a few off-leash places on the trail.

7. University of Alabama Arboretum. 4801 Arboretum Way, Tuscaloosa
   The 60-acre University of Alabama Arboretum is pet friendly. Devoted to Alabama's native flora and fauna, the arboretum is open daily during business hours, so bring your dog and take a walk in a beautiful setting. It's crucial to pay attention to the arboretum's pet policies so that it can stay pet friendly: keep dogs on leash; pick up after your dog; and don't allow your pet to dig in beds, disturb plants, or urinate on plants.

You'll enjoy living in a Tuscaloosa neighborhood near a park where you can exercise yourself and Fido. Ask our real estate agents about buying or selling a home in Tuscaloosa. Contact us today.