Judy Sells The Shoals

 “I’m so sorry, they went with another offer.” It’s a shocking thing to hear; you’ve already moved into that dream home in your mind. It’s common to start second guessing yourself, even condemning yourself for not offering more money or better terms, but the truth is sometimes it just doesn’t work out. The next step is to figure out how to move on. • Go Ahead and Mourn – It’s perfectly reasonable to mourn the loss of the “perfect” home. • Take a Break – This might not be as easy as it sounds if you need to move, but even a short weekend off to regroup and refresh will allow you to continue the search. • Understand What Went Wrong – It may be that you did nothing wrong and the seller got an all-cash offer 20% over asking, but it’s still a good idea to talk with your agent about your offer, make sure you truly offered a fair price with reasonable terms and if not, make adjustments next time. • List What You Liked About the Home – Make a list of the features you liked about ...

It's been difficult to adjust to a new normal during the past few weeks. With most residents being asked to stay at home, there are many who have recently lost their jobs or been asked to work remotely. The mortgage industry has also taken a big hit that has directly affected homeowners, renters, and investors alike. There are many who are in the final stages of closing on their homes, and the current pandemic has made it difficult to efficiently move forward with the process. To help, desktop and exterior- only appraisals are being accepted as long as there is sufficient property information available online. Potential borrowers can also now submit their verification of employment via email, paystub, or bank statement to help streamline the process. Significant changes have been made during the recent outbreak of COVID-19 to help homeowners get through this trying time. Those who have lost their jobs may be eligible for reduced or suspended mortgage payments for up to 12 mo...

For the past two years families across the Quad Cities have been anxiously awaiting the Grand Opening of the beloved Children’s Museum of the Shoals on June 8th. With the help of the City of Florence and many generous donors, all of the venues have been reinvigorated with new materials and redesigned to promote creative, educational play for children. This innovative museum is more than a play-date option, it’s an interactive place for children to explore new ideas, dig into the creative arts, and learn more about their interests and talents. It’s not just a museum for viewing, but a community hub for children to make new friends, grow, and for families to come together.  The outdoor space and two floors have been freshened up with new paint, flooring, additional venue spaces, and exciting features like an art classroom, outdoor dinosaur dig, and gift shop entrance. Guests who visit the museum, can expect to find the gift shop stocked full of creative gifts and toys pe...

If you weren’t at the Grand Opening for Singin’ River Live last Friday, March 17th, you truly missed out on an incredible evening all about supporting homegrown musicians, chefs, brewers, and celebrating the first of many memorable live performances by artists local and across the globe. Singin’ River Live, the newest event space in downtown Florence, Alabama was recently completed by Rob and Michelle Jones, the owners of Singin’ River Brewing Co., the Shoals’ first micro brewery and home to many delicious brews that pay tribute to local culture including their Handy’s Gold blonde ale, The Swamper porter, and Ghost Bridge Imperial Stout. Rob and Michelle’s love for music has both influenced their beer names and most recently their newest venture: Singin’ River Live, a versatile event space that accommodates live music, weddings, corporate events, and small, private parties.  The large industrial-style building boasts 5000 sq ft. of modern charm, features glass, double door...

What began as a small coffee corner in the back of Greasy Hands Barbershop at the end of College Street has now developed into a refreshing study spot and hang out on East Tennessee in downtown Florence, Alabama. The bright white walls and clean concrete floors are enlivening as Shoals residents, young and old, enjoy high quality coffee brewed by Shoals native, Reese Shirey, while his wife Sarah makes delicious baked goods daily. Over the past 5 years Reese and Sarah have discussed and intentionally planned their dream coffee shop, finally opening the new Turbo Coffee location only a few months ago on a popular downtown street that has recently been revitalized with freshly paved roads, sidewalks, and new landscaping. Turbo’s recent move comes at the perfect time as they are at the forefront of what will be a beautiful and busy part of downtown, and they bring their own brand of excitement by providing an energizing coffee experience. Turbo’s space is flooded with light, with ...

When families are moving to a new area, one of the first things they ask is if the Shoals is safe? How are the school systems? Where are the best neighborhoods to raise my children? They are questions that go hand-in-hand with moving to an unknown place—and during a time where safety is a concern in our country and newsfeeds are flooded with tragedy; newcomers are taking even more consideration and pause before they make a big move. However, in Florence these questions have always been easy to answer. It’s with a sense of pride and confidence that I can respond by informing home buyers that crime in Florence is at a 20 year low, with a historic low in 2015, thanks to the hard work, dedication, and community policing of the Florence Police Department. This 20-year tradition of safety is due to their Community Policing policy, which began in 1997. The method involves the police department partnering with the community, neighborhoods, and civic groups to addres...

In the midst of Cox Creek Parkway lined with generic, chain department stores, there sits a shop that has remained a steadfast clothing boutique for the last 20 years, providing high-end, sophisticated fashion for Shoals women who like to make a statement. Melissa Coldiron opened Lilly’s Sportswear two decades ago simply because she loves fashion and helping women find something that they can feel fabulous in every day. Melissa can be found at the store each day ready to greet customers with a sweet smile and warm hello as they browse the on trend, high-fashion clothing and accessories that includes everything from jeans and formal dresses, to shoes and jewelry for women in their 20’s and up. A Sheffield native, Melissa began working in boutiques at the age of 15 and never looked back, originally opening Lily’s Sportswear in Sheffield, but moving to W. Tennessee Street for 16 years, and just recently settling into their newest location next to the Florence Mall. The tall, indu...

On West Third Street in Sheffield, Alabama The Ritz Theatre, built in 1927, sits on a quiet corner a short walk from the evolving downtown district, which boasts new restaurants, venues, and shops—a reflection of a town that is invested in local business and the arts. The theatre, which has been renovated over time is surrounded by vacant buildings, and stands out with its bright marquee sign as a reminder of simpler times when children would save their pennies to watch black and white silent films and couples walked hand-in-hand on warm summer evenings through the small, Southern haven to see a show. The Ritz was a beacon of art and entertainment, a portal to the outside world and remained as a popular movie theatre in the Shoals until 1951 when it went out of business. In 1985 the Tennessee Valley Arts Association, a nonprofit organization in Tuscumbia, bought and restored the theatre to its former glory—now providing a place for locals to have unique artistic experiences through ...