Judy Sells The Shoals

There are so many questions and concerns amid the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak. The real estate market is especially hard hit and sellers are concerned. Real estate at its core is a people business. It relies on person-to-person interaction and the coronavirus necessarily limits this contact. As the spring selling season gets started, home sellers will have questions and it’s important to acknowledge concerns and offer practical advice and concrete information to help sellers make the best decision for themselves and their families. 1. Should I still try and sell my home?   Of course, there are many aspects to this question. First and foremost, the health concerns of the sellers’ family have to be taken into consideration. Unless absolutely necessary, the elderly and those with underlying health issues should not allow unnecessary people into their homes; including buyers and agents. If the household is essentially healthy and not considered high-risk, then this could be...

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...

It’s that time of year again when resident fashion designer, Billy Reid, transforms downtown Florence, Alabama into a hip fashion, food, music, and art festival that is a delicious mixture of local cuisine and brilliant artists taking over popular homegrown venues along the tree-lined streets that make up our charming city. With the Billy Reid store located downtown on North Court Street, you can expect the restaurants, bars, and shops to be filled with visitors from across the country, taking in the sights and sounds of Florence as Shindig No. 11 begins August 23.   Here is a brief summary of some of the events.   There are events that are free to the public and other events that require tickets. August 23 - Shindig in the Park - Free Event Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to the center of Florence at Wilson Park, for a free outdoor concert featuring music by Erin Rae , Devon Gilfillian , and Dirty Dozen Brass Band .    Enjoy delicious food, cra...

 W. C. Handy Music Festival July 19-28 is one of the biggest 10 days in the Shoals.  It's when we celebrate music - in the streets, in the restaurants, in the churches, basically - everywhere!  The W. C. Handy Music Festival is a celebration paying honor to the Father of the Blues, W. C. Handy.  He was an internationally recognized composer of sacred and secular music.  We also celebrate the music produced locally in the "Hit Recording Capital of the World".  Musicians in the Shoals area are the best anywhere.  They produce a sound that has never been able to be replicated. The first festival was held in 1982 and has continued to grow in size each year.  It is recognized as one of the top 10 events in the State of Alabama and one of the top 20 events in the Southeast.   There is something for everyone!   Are you a runner?  No worries, there is an annual run to cover the running enthusiast in the famil...

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 ...