TRUSTED MOVERS IN BIRMINGHAM

It is possible to sell your home without a realtor, but like many things, it comes with both benefits and drawbacks. We want to share what you should expect during this process. If you plan on listing your home "for sale by owner," you will become responsible for the entire process of selling your home without a realtor. This process can be much work, but some choose to go this route to reduce the cost of selling their home. Some benefits of selling your home without a realtor include avoiding the cost of agent commissions, having greater control over the transaction, being more invested in the process, and having some more expertise on the neighborhood for your potential buyers. However, some of the drawbacks may include having inexperience that ultimately leads to a less-than-optimal deal, creating more work for yourself than necessary, not appealing to buyers and their agents or other realtors, and still being responsible for paying commissions to buyers' agents. In the end, make sure you do your research, market your home thoroughly, hold open houses, be open to working with buyer's agents, and be a clever negotiator to close the best deal possible.

Is your baby officially on the go and crawling or walking around your home or apartment? If so, make sure you know exactly what you need to babyproof in your home to keep them safe and help guarantee no mishaps will occur. Each room will likely require different babyproofing gear, and you might find yourself babyproofing something you never even thought of. Start by tackling the big things or any projects that you may have been putting off. Determine if you have any existing furniture or pieces that might need to be mounted to the wall to avoid tipping. When assessing your kitchen, you will need childproof cabinet locks and drawer locks for any that might contain harmful products. Don't forget to add stove-knob covers to prevent your baby from turning on the burners. Once your baby can climb, they are capable of reaching almost anything. Finally, place non-skid pads under any rugs you have in your kitchen to prevent them from slipping and falling as they move around.

In your living room area, consider adding stick-on corner cards or foam for furniture with sharp edges, protect your little one with childproof outlet coverings, and switch to cordless blinds, as the cords on blinds and curtains can be strangling and entanglement hazards.

In the bathroom, be sure to add a latch to any medicine cabinets, add a toilet lock, and even consider keeping a bath thermometer in your bathroom to allow you to check that your baby's bathwater is always at a safe temperature. In the baby's nursery, you might want a thick piece of carpet or rug to help cushion falls. You should also provide a safe, open bin to use for toys, as boxes with heavy lids can be dangerous for a baby. Additionally, choose UL-listed night lights and replacement bulbs, and be sure to install finger-pinch guards for hinges on doors.

Common household items that would likely be found in the laundry room may be appealing to young children and can be dangerous if ingested. Be sure these items are locked away and out of reach in your home or apartment.

Some other considerations include:

• Placing safety gates at the entrance or exit to any room that is "off-limits" to your baby

• Making sure all of your houseplants you have are non-toxic varieties

• Ensuring your floors are clear of any small, miscellaneous items that may cause choking

• Having locks placed on liquor cabinets as alcohol can be poisonous to young children

• Covering radiators and heating vents to prevent burns

• Checking all your doorstops, as they may have removable caps that pose a choking hazard

• Stowing away toy batteries safely, as they can leak acid, potentially causing burns

• Keeping cosmetics and shampoos off sink and tub ledges, as they pose a poison risk

In most cases, you should have no issue getting your full security deposit back from your landlord when you move out of your rental home or apartment. Here are a few tips on how to get your security deposit back: Review your lease or rental agreement Give proper notice before moving out of the home or apartment

1. Repair any damages in the home or apartment

2. Deep clean the home or apartment when moving out

3. Have a pre-move-out landlord walk-through of the home or apartment

4. Conduct a final inspection of the home or apartment

5. Leave a forwarding address

6. Don't leave anything behind in the home or apartment

7. Give the landlord back your keys

8. Don't forget to ask for the deposit from your landlord

9. Know your rights in this situation

10. Take pictures and videos when moving in and after moving out

By following the tips above, you should be able to receive your security deposit and prepare for your next rental. It also may not hurt to maintain a good relationship with your previous landlord just in case you ever need a referral or reference when looking for a future home or apartment.

Birmingham’s job market has undergone a serious glow-up over the last decade, shaking off its steel-town past and embracing a more diversified economy. Healthcare is at the top of the hiring charts, with institutions like UAB Hospital and Children’s of Alabama employing thousands across medical and research positions. Tech is another rising star—startups and software firms are planting roots in the city’s Innovation District, and companies like Shipt (headquartered downtown) are proving Birmingham is no longer a sleeper city for digital careers. Finance, manufacturing, and education also have a strong hiring presence, giving job seekers plenty of options. Regions Financial Corporation, one of the largest employers in the city, anchors the financial sector. Meanwhile, companies tied to automotive and advanced manufacturing—thanks to Alabama’s growing status as a Southern auto hub—are fueling job creation in and around the metro area. Whether you're a nurse, coder, welder, or analyst, Birmingham has seats at the table.

If you're dreaming of sandy toes and salty breezes, the closest beach to Birmingham is just a road trip away. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach—two of Alabama’s most popular coastal escapes—are about 4.5 to 5 hours south by car. That makes for a perfect long weekend getaway when you need to trade city life for sun and surf without hopping on a plane. While Birmingham isn’t exactly a beach town, its central location means you’re not far from coastal gems in neighboring states either. Destin and Pensacola Beach in Florida or Biloxi in Mississippi are all within a similar drive time, depending on your vibe and travel playlist. So while you won’t see waves crashing in downtown Birmingham, you’re never too far from a shoreline.

People are increasingly choosing Birmingham as their next hometown for a blend of affordability, charm, and opportunity. The cost of living is considerably lower than national averages—especially compared to coastal cities—and you’ll find spacious homes, lush neighborhoods, and a culinary scene that punches well above its weight. Plus, the city’s historic architecture and revitalized downtown give it an artsy-meets-industrial edge that appeals to creatives and entrepreneurs alike. But it’s not just about aesthetics or savings. Birmingham offers a growing job market, particularly in healthcare, tech, and finance, making it attractive for professionals and families. Add in nearby nature escapes like Red Mountain Park and Ruffner Mountain, a calendar full of music and food festivals, and the feeling that this is a city on the rise—and it’s easy to see why so many people are packing up and heading to the Magic City.