6 Tips to Help You Find the Right Realtor for You

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 by Rose Anne Erickson Realty

Finding the right realtor in Columbus, GA, Phenix City, AL and the Fort Benning Area can be a challenging task. However, when choosing, use these tips to help you find the right realtor for you, whether you are selling your home in Columbus, GA, buying a new home in Phenix City, AL or relocating to the Fort Benning area.

10 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays in Your New Home in Columbus GA

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 by Rose Anne Erickson Realty

After settling into your new home in Columbus, GA, consider participating in some of the holiday activities in the Fort Benning area. Rose Anne Erickson Realty, the premiere real estate company serving the Columbus, Phenix City and Fort Benning area, recommends some family friendly holiday events.

1. Fantasy in Lights at the Callaway Gardens showcases more than 8 million lights in their outdoor light and sound show. Sing carols, sip hot cocoa, shop for holiday gifts and enjoy the spectacle of lights beginning November 19. The show runs nightly through December 30.
2. All aboard for the Polar Express Pajama Party on December 10 at 6 p.m. Dress in your favorite family friendly pajamas and head over to the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Theater's IMAX theatre with the kids to watch "The Polar Express," starring Tom Hanks. Snap a photo with Santa while enjoying some holiday crafts and goodies before the movie.
3. Join Classy Cakes on December 11 at 10 a.m. for a Gingerbread House and Holiday Cookie demonstration and lesson. Bring the kids to sample some holiday treats at the Columbus Botanical Garden as well.
4. The Bi-City Christmas Parade and Reindeer Run starts at 10 a.m. in Phenix City on December 11. Bring the kids to meet Santa Claus, see colorful holiday floats and demonstrations from different organizations from around the Fort Benning area. The Reindeer Run begins at 8 a.m., with all benefits going to the Children's Miracle Network.
5. Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit faster than Tchaikovsky's classic "The Nutcracker" performed by the Columbus Ballet at the River Center for Performing Arts. Catch the beloved holiday ballet at 2 p.m. on December 11 or at 2:30 p.m. on December 12.
6. Enjoy a little cold weather fun at the Columbus Civic Center's Public Ice Skating. Family fun skating lasts from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m. on December 12, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30 and January 2, 4, 23. Rent skates or bring your own to the rink.
7. Catch other holiday favorites at the Springer Opera House as part of the Springer Classic Film Series. The opera house will show "It's a Wonderful Life" and "White Christmas" with popcorn and other goodies available at the Player's Saloon. "It's a Wonderful Life" starts at 7:30 p.m. on December 14 and "White Christmas" starts at 7:30 p.m. on December 20.
8. The irreverent "A Tuna Christmas" at the Springer Opera House beginning December 15 at 7:30 p.m. promises holiday audiences a night full of hardy laughs. The play by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard follows a small Texas town through the Christmas season events with quick humor and touching holiday revelations.
9. Cottonmouths Hockey season is in full swing this December. Catch a game or participate in one of the promotional events off the ice.
10. Listen to "A Cantus Christmas" at the River Center Legacy Hall on December 19 at 7:30 p.m. The professional chorus will feature the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet and tenor Bradley Howard  in their traditional telling of the Christmas story.  The eleventh installment of the "Message of the Season" also includes audience carols.

Top 7 Ways to Decorate for the Holidays on a Budget

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 by Rose Anne Erickson Realty

1. Yard Sales. Yard, garage and estate sales are a great way to find holiday decorations for your new home in Columbus, GA, Phenix City, AL, or the Fort Benning area. You can find holiday treasures as well as other gently used items for your home at great bargain prices. Shop early for the best finds and deals.

2. Holiday Clearance Sales. After any major holiday, shop at your favorite retail store for extremely discounted prices on holiday items. You can find decorations, candy, and holiday garb for up to 75 percent off its original price. This is a great way to save extra money for next year’s decorations.

3. Backyard Bargains. If you have a yard in your new home in Columbus, GA, just open your back door for the best holiday bargains. Use sticks, leaves, flowers or other backyard finds to make a holiday wreath, table centerpiece or tree ornaments. All of your backyard bargains come at the best price – Free. So get out the hot glue gun and get creative.

4. Craft Stores. If you can’t find everything you are looking for at a yard sale or in your backyard, stop by the local craft store for the rest of your holiday supplies. Craft stores have all the essentials for any holiday do-it-yourself project. Making decorations instead of buying pre-made ones saves a lot of money. You also have the satisfactions of making something beautiful yourself.

5. Thrift Stores. Seeking out a local thrift store will help you decorate your new home in Phenix City, AL for the holidays for a fraction of the cost. Thrift stores carry most holiday decorations that just need a little cleaning or minor repairs before setting on your table or hanging from your door. Most decorations you find at a thrift store will cost you less than $5. Check back regularly at your favorite thrift store because new donations are dropped off all the time.

6. Bargain Stores. Stores where everything is $1 or less than $5 usually carry a great assortment of cheap holiday decorations. Stock up on decorations or wrapping paper for a fraction of the cost you might normally spend to go all out for the holidays. Not all of the chain stores carry the same decorations, so shop around at several locations to find the decorations you are looking for.

7. Online classifieds. Online classifieds like Craigslist are a great way to find holiday decorations for a great price. Look in the free, household and general categories for holiday decorations. Sometimes auction sites like Ebay are also places to find good deals on household decorations for your new home in Fort Benning.