Greater Birmingham Real Estate Blog

Welcome to Trussville, Alabama, a vibrant city where community and convenience intersect. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with valuable insights and information on entertainment, dining, attractions, neighborhoods, schools, and more, ensuring that you have everything you need to fully embrace the Trussville lifestyle.
 

1. Entertainment

   Trussville offers a wide range of entertainment options to cater to different interests and age groups. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, there's something for everyone. Here are a few notable entertainment options in Trussville:

• Cahaba River Walk: Immerse yourself in nature at the Cahaba River Walk, a picturesque trail that winds along the Cahaba River. Enjoy scenic views, wildlife spotting, and leisurely walks or bike rides in this tranquil setting.

• Trussville Parks and Recreation: Explore the various parks and recreational facilities in Trussville, which offer amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and community events throughout the year.
   

2. Dining

   Trussville boasts a diverse culinary scene, with a range of dining establishments to satisfy every palate. From local favorites to international cuisines, you'll find a variety of options to tantalize your taste buds. Here are a few dining spots worth exploring:

• Downtown Trussville Eateries: Discover the charming eateries located in downtown Trussville, where you can enjoy everything from casual bites to fine dining experiences. Experience the warm hospitality and unique flavors that the local restaurants have to offer.
   

3. Attractions

   Trussville is home to several attractions that showcase the city's rich history and provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Immerse yourself in these noteworthy attractions to fully appreciate the essence of Trussville:

• Trussville Historical Society Museum: Explore the city's history at the Trussville Historical Society Museum, where you can discover artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of Trussville's past.

• Trussville Sports Complex: Engage in sports and outdoor activities at the Trussville Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art facility that offers sports fields, walking trails, and community events.
   

4. Neighborhoods

   Trussville features a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct charm and sense of community. From established neighborhoods to newer developments, there's a neighborhood to suit different lifestyles and preferences. Here are a few notable neighborhoods in Trussville:

• Carrington: Experience an upscale living experience in Carrington, a prestigious neighborhood known for its luxurious homes, beautiful landscaping, and amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, and walking trails.

• Stockton: Discover a family-friendly community in Stockton, where residents enjoy a close-knit neighborhood atmosphere, well-maintained parks, and convenient access to schools and shopping centers.
   

5. Schools (K-12)

   Trussville is renowned for its excellent schools, providing a top-notch education for students from kindergarten through high school. Notable schools in Trussville include:

• Trussville City Schools: The Trussville City School system is highly regarded for its academic excellence, dedicated teachers, and comprehensive programs that prepare students for success.

To explore the available real estate options and find your dream home in Trussville, reach out to Christian Kelly, the trusted real estate professional at ARC Realty. Contact Christian at  205-902-4320 or via email at  ckelly@christiankellyrealtor.com. You can also visit the website  www.christiankellyrealestate.com for additional information.

Embrace the sense of community and convenience that Trussville has to offer. Begin your journey to a fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle in this welcoming city.

After you finish signing at the closing of your new house, you’re handed the keys and the house is officially yours. But there some things you should do to make sure your transition from your old place to your new address goes as smoothly as possible.

Every area of the country is different, which can mean different protocols and rules to follow. Hopefully, your real estate agent can help you with a list of to do’s after your closing for that particular area. But no matter where you live, here are a few important things to do after you get possession of your house.
 

Hire a pest control company

“If you are in an area such as southwest Florida and other warm climates, we have lots of ants, cockroaches and other bugs. The northern states have issues with mice,” says Terry Records, broker/owner of Records Results Real Estate in Cape Coral, Fla. “If you don’t spray your yard now, these bugs will visit you inside your house.”
 

Change your driver’s license

“I got in trouble with this one. I waited too long when I moved and got a ticket,” Records says.

Every state is different, but some states require a change of address on your license within 10 days of moving. If you are new to a state, you may have to take a written exam and possibly even a driving test.
 

Secure closing papers & other documents

If you haven’t done so already, get a safe deposit box at your bank or purchase a fireproof safe. Put all your closing papers inside it, along with your passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, and other official papers for safekeeping.
 

Check with your auto insurance

Insurance companies are picky about where you live, and prices do change from place to place. Records has moved to many states through the years including North Dakota, Minnesota, California and Florida. She was caught off-guard when Florida required that her car insurance be from a Florida company.
 

Contact government officials about homesteading

You can get a reduction in your assessed value by thousands of dollars – which gives you a discount on your property taxes – by just filling out a form saying you occupy the home you just bought. Some counties give other homestead exemptions like for senior citizens or returning veterans. “This doesn’t happen automatically,” Records says. “You have to tell them you live there. It all depends on your city or your county of what type of homestead credit is available.”
 

Clean the gutter

Who knows how long it’s been since the previous owners did this dirty chore. But if leaves and other gunk are blocking the flow of rain, you could have problems such as water leaking into the house if you don’t keep them free flowing.
 

Meet your neighbors & others in the community

This can be hard for some, but you really should get to know your neighbors by introducing yourself. Records says she has moved many times in her lifetime and has found that joining groups on Meetup.com helps you connect with other new residents in your area who have the same interests.
 

Hire a fireplace expert

Whether it’s a wood-burning or gas fireplace, get a professional to check it out. With thumbs up from the expert, you can then enjoy cozy nights near the warmth of the fire.
 

Change furnace filters

It’s best if you make sure to replace the furnace and air conditioner filters every three months. There are lots of options out there when choosing air filters for different seasons. Choosing the right filter can not only save money by letting your furnace and air conditioner work more efficiently, but it also improves air quality, removes odors, and even prevents the growth of antimicrobial particulates.
 

Find the main water shutoff

You never know when you will need to shut off the water because of a broken water pipe. So, find the shutoff and test it to see if it works.
 

Change every lock

You never know who the former owners gave a house key to. A locksmith can rekey your locks if they are expensive ones, and some stores can also rekey certain brand-named locks, which can be done quite inexpensively.

You can also choose to get four-digit keyless locks. That can be a great option, especially with kids who lose their keys all the time anyways. Also, don’t forget to reset a garage door keypad from the outside of your garage. There are great instructions online on how to do it, or call a garage door company for assistance.
 

Cover the windows

The former owners might have taken all the curtains and blinds with them. So before your neighbors get to know you real well because they can see through your windows, purchase coverings to give yourself some privacy.

Then it’s time to relax and enjoy the home of your dreams.

Peace of mind begins with changing the locks.

It's easy to get super excited about moving into your new house. But for your own safety and security, be sure to cross these tasks off your checklist before you call the house home (and buy these new home essentials).
 

6 Things to Do When Moving Into Your New Home

Tip #1 Change the Locks

You really don’t know who else has keys to your home, so change the locks. That ensures you’re the only person who has access. Install new deadbolts yourself for as little as $11 per lock or call a locksmith. If you supply the new locks, locksmiths typically charge $50 to $100 per lock for labor. The full installation cost will vary depending on the type of lock you choose.

 

Tip #2 Check for Plumbing Leaks

Your home inspector should do this for you before closing, but it never hurts to double-check.

Keep an eye out for dripping faucets and running toilets, and check your water heater for signs of a leak.

Here’s a neat trick: Check your water meter at the beginning and end of a two-hour window in which no water is being used in your house. If the reading is different, you have a leak.
 

Tip #3 Steam Clean Carpets

Do this before you move your furniture in, and your new home life will be off to a fresh start. You can pay a professional carpet cleaning service. They'll measure the length of the carpet before giving you an estimate. If the square footage falls below their minimum, they'll likely charge a flat fee of $100 to $150.

You can rent steam cleaners to use yourself for $35 to $50. You'll probably also need to buy detergent for stubborn stains, costing $15 to $25.

 

Tip #4 Wipe Out Your Cabinets

This is another no-brainer before you move in your dishes and bathroom supplies, especially if the house has been vacant. It's not uncommon for mice and other pests to move in quickly. Make sure to wipe inside and out, preferably with a nontoxic cleaner, and replace contact paper if necessary.

And if you do find traces of unwanted roommates, take the next step.
 

Tip #5 Invest in Pest Control

That includes mice, rats, bats, termites, roaches, and any other uninvited guests. There are any number of DIY ways to get rid of pests, but if you need to bring in the big guns, an initial visit from a pest removal service will run you $150 to $300. After that, monthly visits will cost about $40 to $70 per visit, or quarterly visits, $100 to $300 each time.
 

Tip #6 Introduce Yourself to Your Circuit Breaker Box and Main Water Valve

It’s easier to do with two people: one to stand in the room where the power is supposed to go off and the other to trip the breakers or fuses and yell, “Did that work? How about now?"


You’ll want to know how to turn off your main water valve if you have a plumbing emergency, if a hurricane or tornado is headed your way, or if you’re going out of town. Just locate the valve — it could be inside or outside your house — and turn the knob until it’s off. Test it by turning on any faucet in the house; no water should come out.