Movin’ in! Huntsville is the No. 4 Destination for United Van Lines Clients

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We all knew that Huntsville is a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Now, a study that shows Huntsville is the No. 4 choice for people to move to just reinforces that position.

United Van Lines released its 44th annual National Migration Study, revealing in 2020, Americans continued to move westbound and southbound – and the COVID-19 pandemic factored into and accelerated many of those decisions to move.

According to the study, which tracks the company’s exclusive data for customers’ 2020 state-to-state migration patterns, Huntsville was the city with the fourth-highest percentage of inbound migration with 70 percent among cities experiencing more than 250 moves with United Van Lines.

Meanwhile, Alabama was the No. 8 destination among states with 59.7 percent of the moves inbound. The study showed that nearly 47 percent of those moving to Alabama cited jobs as the reason; 30 percent said family and 21 percent said retirement.

Idaho was the state with the highest percentage of inbound migration (70 percent) among states for the second consecutive year. Topping the list of outbound locations was New Jersey (70 percent outbound), which has held the spot for the past three years.

“Each year, our United Van Lines study provides critical insights into broader migration patterns and Americans’ moving motivations,” said Eily Cummings, director of corporate communications at United Van Lines. “As the largest household goods mover in the country, United Van Lines’ data-driven insights uniquely point to national trends and, this year particularly, the resounding impact of COVID-19 on moving choices and the moving industry.

“For example, as more people experience job and lifestyle changes amid the pandemic like remote working, we’re seeing they have more flexibility in where they can live – many choosing to move from urban to more rural areas.”

 

 

Goodall Homes Named Single-Family Home Developer for Hays Farm

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Goodall Homes has been named the exclusive, single-family home builder for more than 400 houses at Hays Farm, it was announced Tuesday.

Goodall is a Clayton Properties Group builder and  a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary. Hays Farm is a master planned community in  South Huntsville, just minutes from downtown Huntsville and adjacent to Redstone Arsenal with  direct access through Gate 3.

Hays Farm features 440 single-family homes, 600 multi-family units, a premier office park, a  9.5-acre urban park surrounded by retail, a 440-acre nature preserve, 8 miles of hard surface  greenway, and a Publix anchored grocery center. The outdoor amenities, combined with the  convenience of nearby retail, creates an extraordinary living setting.

“For more than 30 years Goodall Homes has built a legacy of quality and value,” said John Hays, developer and owner of the master-planned community. “Their commitment to excellence combined with their unmatched  ability to buildout a development of this scale makes them a natural fit for Hays Farm.”

Hays Farm has been in the Hays Family since 1906. The land has been cultivated for  generations and now the 850 acres of forests, fields, and springs will serve the families of South  Huntsville for generations to come.

“With its more than 400 acres of greens space and miles of trails, Hays Farm will be a  development like no other in the greater Huntsville area,” says Goodall Homes President and founder Bob Goodall. “In the next few years, we look forward to building beautiful homes in Hays Farm’s three distinct neighborhoods, homes where families come together and  memories are made. Together Hays Farm and Goodall Homes will introduce a balance of  living unrivaled in North Alabama.”

With an estimated timeframe of three to five years, Goodall Homes will be constructing homes in Hays Farm’s three neighborhoods; The Forge, The Forest, and The Fields, offering a variety  of square footage, layout, and price range options. According to a recent HAAR report, housing inventory continues to register at historic lows in Huntsville.

“The partnership between Hays Farm and Goodall Homes will bring more housing options to existing South Huntsville residents and new families moving to the area,” said Bekah  Schmidt, executive director of the South Huntsville Main Business Association. “The subdivisions at Hays Farm have been the most anticipated new construction in the greater Huntsville area.

“This is a buyer’s last opportunity to be a part of a large-scale master planned community in the Grissom High School district.”

Madison Crossings Senior Community Slated to Open in Spring

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MADISON – Madison Crossings, a Phoenix Senior Living community, will offer senior living services with  personalized care and luxury-style accommodations with a comfortable, smalltown feel.

The 132-unit senior living community on County Line Road will provide independent and memory care units. It is slated to open next spring.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Phoenix Senior Living for the development of Madison Crossings,” said Dean Kiriluk, chief investment officer for Kirco, a real estate development and construction company. “This marks our second project with the company in the state of Alabama, where our dedicated team is applying our unparalleled development and construction experience to help create optimal living environments for the underserved senior market.”

Madison Crossings offers independent living, memory care, respite care and senior day programs.

“We are pleased to work in partnership with Kirco and Kirco Manix as they share our unwavering commitment to offering best-in-class senior living options focused primarily on the well-being of the residents, their families and our associates,” said Jesse Marinko, founder and CEO of Phoenix Senior Living. “We are very excited to expand our footprint in Alabama. Our continued and strategic growth allows Phoenix to invest into our organization’s human capital and creates jobs throughout the Southeast for individuals who are passionate and bring a servant heart to the organization.

“Our organization was recently certified as a Great Place to Work which is a direct reflection of our ongoing commitment to our associates.”

The facility will include 105 independent apartments and 27 specialized apartments for memory care. Amenities will include an outdoor pool; wellness center; industry-leading dining experience; beauty salon and spa; yoga studio; and pickle ball court. Visit www.phoenixsrliving.com/madisoncrossings/.

Slyman Named State Building Group’s Builder of the Year

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Todd Slyman

Todd Slyman of Huntsville has been named the Home Builders Association of Alabama’s Jerry Kyser Builder of the Year for 2020. He was honored during the HBAA’s Convention awards presentation recently in Destin, Fla.

The Jerry Kyser Builder of the Year Award recognizes a builder member from a local association with more than 500 members who has shown outstanding service to their local and state associations, their community and the building industry as a whole.

Slyman of Placemakers North America has been a member of the Huntsville Madison County Builders Association since 1993. He has served in numerous leadership roles there, including president in 1999. He was inducted into the HCMBA Housing Hall of Fame in 2008.

Slyman has also been active within the HBAA, serving as president in 2012. He has also served on the HBAA’s Governmental Affairs Committee, Affordable Housing Committee, and the Alabama Home Builders Foundation.  He was inducted into the Alabama Building Industry Hall of Fame in 2018.

T. Lewis Real Estate & Design Expands to Huntsville

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Seizing on what founder Therese Winnington calls a “city of incredible opportunity,” Tennessee-based T. Lewis Real Estate & Design has opened an office in Huntsville.

“Huntsville is a city of incredible opportunity, and we want to be a part of the continued growth and revitalization that is happening here,” said Winnington, owner and founder of T. Lewis Real Estate & Design. “I am excited for this expansion and look forward to the ways we will be able to better serve clients from Huntsville to Middle Tennessee, and the counties in between.”

Winnington recently bought 14 properties in Huntsville to revitalize and manage as rental homes.

T. Lewis Real Estate & Design specializes on revitalizing spaces by incorporating high-end design elements that turn properties into modern, intentional homes. Winnington has used this approach in the sales of residential and commercial real estate in Madison, Tenn., and the surrounding area.

“I like to find what makes a property or area unique and work to restore its original charm with a few modern flares.” said Winnington. “The goal is to find what is good in a space and give it an opportunity to really shine.”

T. Lewis Real Estate & Design is in the Regus office space on Old Madison Pike.

Area Housing Market Builds on Summer Success; Sales, Prices Up; Inventory Continues to Dwindle

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The Huntsville area housing market continues to show its resilience in the wake of the pandemic.

The number of house sales and prices in the third quarter increased over the third quarter last year while the number of available houses continues to fall, compared to the same period in 2019.

The latest quarterly Huntsville Area of Real Estate Economic Report by the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors illustrates the strength of the local market.

“This summer, we reported a successful quarter through the pandemic largely because of the responsible and dedicated work of our Realtor members in our communities,” said HAAR President Sha Jarboe.“Our latest report shows higher-than-usual sales activity for this time of a typical year. We are thankful for our partnership with the UAH College of Business to offer this analysis to the public.”

According to the report:

  • Residential real estate prices continue to rise while the number of homes sold remains at a record level. The median sales price climbed to $254,991 in the third quarter of this year, some $33,193 above the median sales price of $221,798 in the third quarter of 2019. Meanwhile, there were 2,621 houses sold with 759 sales pending compared to 2,250 sales and 595 pending in the third quarter last year.
  • Inventory continues to register at historic lows, falling in every price range this quarter. There were 910 houses available at the end of the third quarter.  There were 926 homes available at the end of June (second quarter) and 1,226 at the end of the third quarter 2019. Of the homes available, there were only 40 homes priced below $150,000.  The greatest number of homes listed for sale was 227 in the $350,000-$500,000 price range.  The $200,000-$250,000 price range had the second most with 170 homes listed which was down from 207 homes in the second quarter.
  • Houses stayed on the market for less than three weeks (a record low of 19 days) in the third quarter, half as long as this time last year.
  • Months of Supply fell to less than one month (24 days) compared to nearly two months at the end of the third quarter in 2019.
  • 17 homes valued more than $800,000 were sold in September 2020, contributing to a monthly sales total double that of any other month since 2010 when this data was first recorded by UAH.

 

 

City of Huntsville Housing Expo Goes Virtual to Help First-Time Homeowners

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Owning a home is a central pillar to financial security, and the City of Huntsville’s Community Development Department hopes to make the process easier with its upcoming 2020 Virtual Housing Expo.

Aimed at assisting potential and first-time homeowners in demystifying the home-buying process, the Virtual Housing Expo will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.  During this all-virtual event, local and national subject matter experts will conduct a series of live and pre-recorded workshops on topics ranging from aging-friendly housing to addressing the barriers to Fair Housing.

Free to the public, the Virtual Housing Expo will also feature a virtual exhibit hall offering resources for homeowners, renters, residents facing foreclosure, residents seeking credit counseling, small business owners, seniors, youth and veterans.

“Home ownership is often the most significant financial investment a person can make,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Learning how to successfully navigate the purchasing process can seem overwhelming – particularly for first-time buyers and those living in lower income neighborhoods.

“The 2020 Virtual Housing Expo has the resources to help Huntsville residents realize their dream.”

The Housing Expo is designed to provide a “one stop shop” for critical resources related to housing. Residents will find answers to important questions – Is it better to rent or own? Can I receive assistance with a down payment or closing costs? Once I purchase a home, what will it cost to maintain?

“The 2020 Virtual Housing Expo is a great opportunity to learn firsthand from industry leaders who are ready to assist you with your housing needs,” said Community Development Interim Director Scott Erwin.

Turkessa Coleman, the event’s primary planner and a member of the Community Development team, explained how this year’s digital format will help more people attain that all-important firsthand knowledge.

“Because of the public health pandemic, we had to reimagine the format of this important resource,” Coleman said. “With a new, user-friendly website and the ability to rewatch sessions and interact virtually with panelists, we have a safe way for Huntsville residents to get the information they need to make their housing dreams a reality.”

Participants are encouraged to pre-register by visiting Huntsvilleal.gov/HousingExpo. Attendees who pre-register by 5 p.m. Friday will also be eligible for door prizes.

Interested businesses who would like to be included in the virtual exhibit hall may apply until 5 p.m. this Friday.

Who should attend?

Anyone interested in learning more about the following:

  • Home purchasing assistance
  • Tenant & landlord resources
  • Affordable housing showcase
  • Aging in place planning
  • Small business strategies
  • Remodeling & repair demos
  • Financial literacy training
  • Veteran’s resources
  • Millennials and new housing trends
  • Credit and foreclosure counseling
  • Access to affordable rentals

Huntsville Housing Market is Healthiest in Alabama

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A healthy housing market is stable and affordable.

And, according to a study by New York-based SmartAsset, Huntsville has the healthiest housing market in the state.

In fact, Madison County is home to four of Alabama’s 10 healthiest markets. Huntsville is joined by Harvest at No. 2, Madison at No. 5 and Meridianville at No. 6.

In assessing the study, SmartAsset, a financial technology company, considered four factors: stability, affordability, fluidity and risk of loss.

Affordability accounted for 40 percent of the  Healthiest Markets Index, while each of the other three factors accounted for 20 percent. When data on the four factors was unavailable for certain cities, those cities were excluded from the final rankings.

To read the study and methodology, visit https://smartasset.com/mortgage/mortgage-calculator#Alabama

Fleming Farms Ready to Welcome Huntsville Senior Residents

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Little more than a year after breaking ground at the former Fleming estate in south Huntsville, Fleming Farms senior living community is welcoming its first residents.

The residences feature modern amenities and range from studio apartments to three-bedroom units.

The upscale community facing Whitesburg Drive between Airport Road and Drake Avenue features 183 open concept apartment homes for seniors looking for independent living, assisted living and memory care options. The residences feature modern amenities and well-appointed, professionally designed living spaces that range from studio apartments to three-bedroom units. Many floor plans include private balconies.

“Fleming Farms adds a new level of comfort, safety and luxury to the senior community offerings currently available in Huntsville,” said Fleming Farms Executive Director Mandy Hamilton. ‘It’s a place where senior living comfort meets sophistication, where residents will enjoy maintenance-free living in a spacious environment and experience a continuum of care.”

Amenities include an on-site concierge, a 24-hour emergency response system with on-site monitoring and daily check-in, individually controlled heat and air conditioning, stainless steel appliances and other high-end fixtures and finishes, and standard-size stackable washers and dryers in the independent living apartments. Utilities, expanded base cable, housekeeping, trash collection and pest control are included.

On-site services include access to physical, occupational and speech therapy professionals; access to licensed nurses; innovative lifestyle programming providing social and educational activities, events and outings; transportation options for area shopping, local errands or appointments; and a medication assistance or management offering.

Fleming Farms also offers white linen upscale and casual dining options, a library and computer center, a fitness center with indoor aerobic pool, a salon/barbershop with manicure/pedicure services, and an on-site movie theater.

The staff includes Lindsay Adams, lifestyles director; Clementine de Roode, dining services director; Bill Frank, director of engineering; Karen Peppers, director of financial services; Brenda Daniel, director of health services; Rebecca Stapler, resident services director; and Melissa Watts, director of sales and marketing.

Fleming Farms is owned by Birmingham-based Dominion Partners and will be operated by Bridge Senior Living, an Orlando-based company with more than 25 senior communities spanning 16 states. For more information or to arrange a visit, call 1-800-767-9017 or visit FlemingFarms.com.

Virtuoso Living to Build Three-story Clubhouse

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A west Huntsville development is stepping up its game in the housing industry.

JCF Living, developers of Virtuoso Living, will build a three-story clubhouse – the first of  its kind in the Southeast. This state of the art building will be in addition to its current clubhouse. 

The clubhouse will feature an entertainment area, rooftop lounge, beautiful city views, a resort-style pool, a luxury fitness center, and a coffee bar.

The unique community considers its apartment units as “Housements” – the patented concept features one-story buildings with private driveways, curbside mailboxes and front and back yards, among others. The community includes a resort style pool, community activity center, and on-site maintenance. There are some 400 Housements planned for Virtuoso.

The community is on Rockcrest Drive, just off Capshaw Road near Providence Main Street and Research Park Boulevard.

“We are excited to work with Huntsville on this elaborate project,” said John Fitzmaurice, CEO of JCF Living. “Coming  into this, I knew Housements would be a game changer for the rental  industry, but I never could have anticipated the demand for more Housements at such a rapid rate.

“We want to build a rental community unlike any other, and I believe this is the catapult to move us forward.”

The new clubhouse will include three floors of activities. It will feature an entertainment  area, rooftop lounge, beautiful city views, a resort-style pool, a luxury  fitness center, and a coffee bar close to the leasing office. 

“Huntsville is an innovative city, and we’re honored to bring such an  innovative concept here,” Fitzmaurice said. “If we are going to make a long-term impact on  the rental industry as a whole, we need to keep moving forward. This is  just the beginning for us.”