As winter approaches, it’s crucial to ensure that your home is well-prepared for the challenges that freezing weather can bring. At The Alice Maxwell Team, we understand the importance of maintaining a comfortable and efficient home, especially during the colder months. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to winterize your home effectively and protect it from the harsh winter elements. Insulation and Weather Stripping Begin by inspecting windows and doors for drafts. Seal gaps and cracks with weatherstripping and caulking to prevent heat loss. Prepare You ..read more

The twinkle of holiday lights and the scent of fresh pine in the air signal the arrival of December, a month filled with warmth and celebration. If you’ve been contemplating a move or dreaming of finding your perfect home, this blog post is here to guide you through the unique opportunities and considerations of the real estate market during the festive season. Cozy Homes for Chilly Days: December is the perfect time to explore homes that exude warmth and comfort. Imagine snuggling up by the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa in a charming kitchen, or hosting holiday gatherings in a spacious din ..read more

As the leaves change and the air becomes crisp, Thanksgiving offers us a moment to reflect on the blessings in our lives. One significant aspect that often takes center stage during this season is the concept of home. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ties between Thanksgiving and real estate, delving into the reasons why finding the right home is a cause for gratitude. A Place to Gather Thanksgiving is synonymous with gathering friends and family around a table filled with delicious food. Your home serves as the backdrop for these cherished moments. Whether you’re hosting a large family g ..read more

The Alice Maxwell Team LOVES hydrangeas! Their color varieties, fullness of blooms, and expansive size all work to make them one of the most perfect plants. The downside? The Alabama sun. However, with proper planting in areas of morning sun and ample moisture, this vintage plant can flourish in the Southern heat waves and become a mainstay of landscapes. In fact, each team member from time to time will begin to recount fond memories of this plant from their childhood days. From plucking the blossoms and playing bride-to-be to sneaking up on unsuspecting bumble bees swarming the blooms, these ..read more

The numbers are in for the May 2021 Tuscaloosa housing market and just when you thought neither our Alabama summer or the real estate market could heat up any more, both tick up the thermometer. According to ACRE (Alabama Center for Real Estate), the Tuscaloosa housing market for May 2021 was record setting with a 42.8% decrease in year-over-year inventory from May 2020. 42.8%! In the words of TV personality and host of CNBC’s Mad Money, it is time to “Sell, Sell, Sell”! According to ACRE’s predictions, the market is forecasted to remain stable through the 3rd Quarter (July-September). A quick ..read more

Spring and entertaining go hand-in-hand, especially in the South. We Southerners do not fair well in the slightest bit of cold weather and often take to hibernating as soon as the temperatures drop below 50 degrees. All the more reason that Spring breathes new life and fresh promises to our psyches as soon as the songbirds and sunshine emerge from their respective winter hide-outs. This season is uniquely hopeful with the encouragement of gathering again with small circles of friends and family. So why not take an extra step in setting an extra-special table ready to receive long overdue guest ..read more

Green grass and a blooming array of color announces yet another spring has sprung in the South. With the first crank of the lawnmower also comes a reminder of a few home maintenance to-do’s before you head outside for some fresh air chores. Change the interior air conditioner filter. These filters should be changed every 90 days or so, depending on your household. Since the HVAC is one of the most important mechanical systems of your home, this simple step can help in insuring that you get the most out of your air conditioning unit. Talk a walk around the exterior of your home. As the sun ..read more

To stage or not to stage? That is the true real estate question. Yes, you can pay someone or a company to stage your home when you are getting it prepared for the market; however, with a few simple steps, you can stage a gorgeous home for your future buyers. Remember you are preparing a space for others to visualize themselves occupying it. Therefore, depersonalize, depersonalize, depersonalize! Photos, prized artwork, treasured knick-knacks, books, and other personal items need to go to storage or out to the garage. Making your current home a neutral property creates a space for others to ..read more

Out with the grays and in with the rays of earthy tones! Behr’s Canyon Dusk S210-4 expresses warmth and comfort in a time when we need it the most. This nod to a terracotta hue exudes coziness and “expresses a unifying desire to find solid footing on life’s journey, metaphorically connecting to the Earth, to re-establish mental and physical balance and provide a fresh start to the new year.” After such a season of uncertainty, Behr is bringing back tones of neutral colors that are reminiscent of beautifully peaceful landscapes and scenery that nourishes the soul. The most remarkable aspe ..read more

1.THINK mailbox! That is where your home’s showing to potential buyers really begins! How does the driveway or sidewalk in front of your home look? A simple pressure wash along with fresh mulch and plantings can work wonders to improve the curb appeal of your property. This simple step not only adds attractive value but also makes a statement, from the onset, that this home has been cared for. 2. WHILE you have the pressure washer out, go ahead and give the entire outside of your home a good cleaning! Get everyone involved and make it an event, especially if it’s in the warmer weather months ..read more