Articles Tagged "Akron"

There are so many benefits to training for a 5K, whether you're an experienced runner or you're aiming to cross the finish line for the first time. Training for a run is a great way to burn calories, stay in shape, and set a goal you will be proud to achieve. As our real estate agents know, many 5K runs also benefit local charities, so your participation can positively impact the community. Get ready for your big run with our guide to 6 great trails to train for your next 5K around Tuscaloosa.

• Tuscaloosa River Walk – 2710 Jack Warner Pkwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
  Tuscaloosa homes for sale make it easy to train for your next 5K, thanks to great local trails like the Tuscaloosa River Walk. Running along the banks of the Black Warrior River, this paved trail is always kept in excellent shape, making it a favorite spot for runners. This trail is well-lit so you can train at night, and it is also dog-friendly.
• Tannehill Ironworks State Park – 12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla, AL 35111
  Looking for a scenic place to train near McCalla homes for sale? Head for the historic Tannehill Ironworks State Park to explore the extensive trail system and get in touch with local history. This park covers more than 1,500 acres, with a museum, historic village, and countless trails to explore. Train in the spring with nature abuzz all around you.
• Van De Graff Park & Arboretum – 3231 Robert Cardinal Airport Rd., Northport, AL 35467
  With 141 acres of natural beauty to explore close to Northport homes for sale, the trails at Van De Graff Park & Arboretum provide the perfect place to train for your next run. If you look forward to running by the water, then this is the place to be. This park is built around three large freshwater ponds covering more than 33 acres on their own.
• University of Alabama Arboretum – 4801 Arboretum Way, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
  If you love to explore nature while training for your run, then it's hard to top the well-tended trails at the University of Alabama Arboretum. This facility features more than 60 acres of gorgeous natural scenery, with a focus on the native flora and fauna of Alabama. The trails here are extensive so that you can try a new route for each run.
• Jennings Ferry Park Campground – 1001 Jennings Ferry Rd., Akron, AL 35441
  While primarily known as a great local fishing spot near Akron homes for sale, you'll find that Jennings Ferry Park Campground is also a quiet, peaceful place to train for a run. This park features a trail that winds around the shoreline, where you can go for a run through a tranquil wooded area with local wildlife and beautiful views.
• Hurricane Creek Park – 7005 Old Birmingham Hwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
  Long a favorite place for naturalists to study where unique ecosystems meet, Hurricane Creek Park also happens to be an excellent place to train for a 5K. This park is dedicated to preserving local ecosystems, so there's very little development: just you, your training goals, and the natural beauty of Alabama.

With warm weather and ample outdoor spaces to explore, there's never a bad time to train for your next 5K around Tuscaloosa. Contact us to buy and sell real estate in the Tuscaloosa, AL area.

If it feels like your holiday decorations never match the images you envision, it's time to try a few new tricks this holiday season. A few simple adjustments will help you maximize your decor's aesthetics so that your home looks its best. Our real estate agents know a well-decorated home will appeal to prospective buyers. Here are some decorating tips to try this season.

1. Decorate Your Tree in the Correct Order
   When you're decorating your tree, you want to put the decorations on in a certain order, so your tree looks its best. Start by stringing your lights; many people find that it's easier to string lights using a vertical pattern. Begin at the base of your tree and string the lights up to the top of the tree, making sure that you position some of the lights into the interior of the tree so that it has more depth. Continue until all your lights are in place. Next, add any garland or materials that you plan to use in place of garland (such as beads or ribbon). You can hang them horizontally or vertically. Watch your spacing when hanging horizontally; make sure that there's an equal distance between each layer. If you opt to hang your garland or ribbon vertically, consider cutting them into pieces instead of using one long strand. This makes it easier to place them and tuck them into the tree branches. Last, hang your ornaments and add any additional tree accessories, like bows, tinsel, or flower sprigs. 

2. Don't Forget the Bottom of Your Tree
   Don't let an unattractive tree base detract from your beautiful Christmas tree. Instead, see that you cover it with a piece that complements the rest of your holiday decor. This will also help your home look its best when compared to other Tuscaloosa homes for sale. A tree skirt is a traditional alternative, but it isn't your only option. You can also use a gorgeous table cloth or sheet to cover the base. 

3. Deck Your Staircase
   Don't let your staircase go to waste; it's the perfect space to add a little holiday cheer. Drape evergreen garland across the banister for a classic look. If you prefer a bolder look, add lights or bows. Or add decorative pieces to the stairs themselves. The stairs are a fantastic spot to house some of your poinsettias or some of your less fragile holiday decor. 

4. Take Advantage of Your Front Porch
   The front porch is the first space you see and sets the tone for your entire home. A wreath is a must-have, but you can also integrate other items, like a festive doormat, a potted mini Christmas tree, and faux snow. Or, if you have a bench, add some cozy throw pillows to make the space more inviting. 

5. Add Timers and Smart Plugs to Your Decorations
   Once you've decorated your home, you should be able to sit back and enjoy your hard work. Make it as effortless as possible to turn your tree, lights, and other electric items on by using smart plugs and timers. With a smart plug, you can program your holiday decor to automatically turn it on and off.

Looking for a home with more space to decorate during the holidays? Our team can help. Contact us today!

If you're looking to upgrade your home, you'll want to look into projects that can be done on a budget. That way, for a minimal investment, you'll make a big impact that will improve the look or function of your home. Especially, if you are getting ready to list! 

Our real estate agents suggest the following 5 upgrades you can make even on a budget:

1. Give your kitchen cabinets a makeover
   Your kitchen cabinets make a big impact on the room's overall appearance, and if they're too dark or scuffed, they can make your kitchen look dark and dingy. Replacing them can be expensive, but cleaning and painting your cabinets can give them a whole new appearance. This project can be completed in just a weekend. You'll need a cleaner, sandpaper, paint, a paintbrush, and some effort, but the results will be striking. And while you're at it, swap out your cabinet handles for a further style boost.
   
   
2. Add some curb appeal
   The front of your house sets the tone for your entire home since it's the first thing you'll see as you come and go. Give your home's curb appeal a boost by painting the door, either to refresh what you already have or to add a bolder pop of color. Replacing the door's hardware, adding some containers of plants as well as hanging baskets, and creating a cozy seating area can further upgrade your curb appeal. If you'd like to take it a step further, you can also replace your porch's outdoor lighting fixtures.
   
   
3. Use paint to renew old flooring
   Flooring can set the tone for an entire room, but if it's not in your budget to replace it, you might be able to paint it. Old vinyl or laminate flooring can be painted by applying flooring enamel and topping it with an acrylic sealer. Checkerboard or other geometric designs are popular choices for this type of project and can transform outdated flooring into a stylish asset.
   
   
4. Add crown molding
   Crown molding creates a transition between the top of the wall and the ceiling and adds a finished, polished look to your home. You can buy crown molding at home improvement stores in lengths of up to 16 feet and easily install it yourself. This one upgrade can help take your home's interior from basic to interesting.
   
   
5. Install a programmable thermostat
   Programmable thermostats are quite inexpensive, and they make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Installing one will let you program your heating or air conditioning to be turned on and off according to your set schedule so you can wake up or come home to a comfortable house. You'll also save energy since you can set the thermostat to run less when no one's home and then boost or lower the temperature shortly before you arrive back home.

Contact us at Hamner Real Estate to learn more about Tuscaloosa homes for sale and the upgrades that you can make for a minimal investment. Our experienced real estate agents would love to help!