PlayStayTips July 19, 2025

See Choccolocco Creek Up Close!

Choccolocco Kayak is a kayak rental facility located in Oxford, Alabama. We provide kayaks and transportation for a beautiful 1.5 – 2.0 hour float down Choccolocco Creek.

Visitors will be transported by van to the kayak put-in access point near Cider Ridge Golf Club. Visitors will float Choccolocco Creek until they reach the take-out access point at the kayak rental facility.

Users must be 18 years or older to rent kayaks. Users 8-17 years old must be accompanied by an adult to float in a standard kayak. Children under eight must float in a tandem kayak accompanied by an adult.

For more information, please call (256) 847-5191

StayTips July 15, 2025

Pet-Friendly Features Buyers Love 🐾

f you’ve got furry friends, you’ll appreciate these pet-friendly perks that can actually help sell a home:

✔️ Fenced yard – A must for pups to play safely
✔️ Durable flooring – Scratch-resistant = stress-free
✔️ Mudroom or pet wash – Bath time made easy
✔️ Built-in pet nooks – Think food stations or cozy cubbies
✔️ Nearby trails or parks – Bonus points for walkable fun
✔️ Clean & odor-free – Pet-friendly and buyer-ready!

Buyers with pets notice these details — and they can make your listing stand out from the pack. 🐶🐱

PlayStay July 7, 2025

Youth Entrepreneur Expo in Calhoun County, AL

There’s still time to register your Youth Entrepreneur for our upcoming EXPO on Friday, August 29th from 11 AM to 1 PM right here at the Chamber! 🎉

Give your young small business owner the tools they need to grow by selling their products and services to our Chamber members, as well as getting a Business Mentor they can ask questions to during our YEE Classroom seminar!

Register here: https://forms.gle/QQ8Y7LKKstAQmrN37

 

EatPlayStayTips June 7, 2025

Hydroponic Tier Sponsor #AqualityFarms

Yes, I am a proud #sponsor for a hydroponic tier at Aquality Farms in Anniston, AL.  These pesticide-free plants (lettuce) are harvested here in our back yard, packaged and shipped to local schools and summer camps surround our community.   I celebrated my tier sponsorship with my first ribbon cutting ceremony.  The Calhoun County Chamber Ambassadors were in attendance at Aquality Farms and also received a private tour of the facility.

Aquality Farms is a family-owned and operated business, deeply rooted in the community for over two decades. Our legacy is built on providing high-quality, organic, and natural foods that nourish both body and soul. We are committed to delivering the freshest and most nutritious products that are cultivated with care. Our dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that our farming practices not only benefit our customers but also preserve the planet for future generations. At Aquality Farms, we believe in the power of nature to heal and sustain, and we are proud to be a trusted source of wholesome, pesticide-free produce and innovative mushroom tinctures. Join us in our journey towards a healthier, more sustainable future.

Stay June 3, 2025

Fiddler’s Green Hosts Fundraiser for Camille’s Place

Fiddler’s Green Event Venue hosted a fundraiser for Camille’s Place and raised over $5,000K.

Camille Place Fundraising Event
Fiddler’s Green invites you to an awareness and catered fundraising event for Camille Place, a non-profit rehabilitation facility for girls, ages 8-19, who are survivors of human trafficking.
Integrity: The leadership is committed to operating with the highest standards of ethics, morality, and transparency and to be above reproach at all times.
Place of Refuge: Camille Place and Samuel’s Place is a place of respite, a safe haven and a shelter from the storms of human trafficking where victims of human trafficking may find restoration
and redemption.
Our Guest Speakers will be:
David Chaltas, Author and Educator
Chaltas is credited with 90+ books with topics including Christian principals, History, Children, and personal revelations during his life’s journey. He is an advocate for missing children, and a teacher who says his greatest attribute is being a redeemed sinner.
Chris Zibeach , Founder of Camille Place
In 2014, Zibeach developed a vision to open a home for survivors of human trafficking. Her goal was to develop a qualigy rehabilitation program for these young girls focused on “Empowerng them through the renewal of spirit, soul and body.”
For additonal information on this facility, please, visit their website:
Camilleplace.com
EatPlayStayTips May 29, 2025

Top 5 Things to Do for Your House This Summer

Summer isn’t just for vacations and barbecues — it’s also the perfect time to give your home some well-deserved attention. With longer days and warmer weather, you’ve got the ideal conditions to tackle projects that can improve comfort, boost curb appeal, and even save money in the long run.

Here are the top 5 things you should do for your house this summer:


1. Give Your HVAC System a Check-Up

Before the summer heat hits full swing, make sure your air conditioning is ready to perform. Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up to clean coils, change filters, and check refrigerant levels. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, which means lower energy bills and a cooler home.

Quick Tip: Change your filters every 1–3 months during heavy use to keep air quality high and energy usage low.


2. Power Wash and Refresh the Exterior

Your home’s exterior takes a beating during the winter and spring. A good power wash can remove grime, mildew, and pollen from siding, decks, patios, and driveways. It instantly boosts your home’s appearance and prevents long-term damage.

Optional Upgrade: Consider repainting or staining your deck or trim for extra protection and visual appeal.


3. Clean and Inspect Gutters and Downspouts

Summer storms can dump a lot of water in a short time, so it’s crucial that your gutters are clear. Clean out leaves and debris, check for leaks, and make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.

Bonus: Installing gutter guards can reduce future maintenance time and effort.


4. Tend to Your Landscaping

Summer is growing season — and the perfect time to add life to your yard. Trim overgrown shrubs, reseed patchy grass, and plant flowers or vegetables. Not only does this boost curb appeal, but healthy landscaping can also help insulate your home and manage drainage.

Pro Tip: Add mulch to your flower beds to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.


5. Upgrade Outdoor Living Spaces

Make the most of summer by transforming your porch, patio, or backyard into a comfortable retreat. Add cozy seating, install string lights, or consider a fire pit or outdoor kitchen for entertaining.

On a Budget? Even small upgrades like outdoor rugs, potted plants, or a DIY bench can make a big difference.


Final Thoughts

Taking the time to maintain and upgrade your home in the summer doesn’t just make it look good — it helps you enjoy it more, inside and out. Whether you’re tackling a weekend project or planning something bigger, these summer home tips will set you up for a season of comfort, safety, and fun.

PlayStay May 5, 2025

Inaugural Pickleball Tournament of Calhoun County

The Inaugural Calhoun County Sports Hall of Fame Pickleball Tournament will be held on 🗓️ June 21-22, 2025, at the Oxford Lake Pickleball Courts.
Registration is $25 per player for one event, with the option to add a second event for $10. Players can sign up online🔗 https://a2msports.com/pickleball/4037
📍401 McCullars Lane, Oxford, AL 36203.
For more details, contact:
Kip Chappell (256) 343-8017
Audrey Oswalt (256) 310-3771
Email 📧256Pickleball@gmail.com
StayTips April 20, 2025

Big News for Alabama Real Estate Agents

Big News for Alabama Real Estate Agents – HB230 is Here!
King Team, get ready! As we approach April 18th, a significant shift in Alabama real estate license law is about to take effect, and it’s one that we should all be aware of. Alabama has become the first in the country to push back against some of the recent changes stemming from the NAR lawsuits, and I couldn’t be prouder of our state for taking this proactive stance.
HB230: Giving Buyers More Freedom
For months, many of us have felt the pressure of requiring buyers to sign contracts, specifically the buyer agency disclosure form or the one-time showing agreement, before even stepping foot into a property. Well, the landscape is changing, and it’s a change that empowers both our agents and our clients. The core of this new law centers around not forcing consumers to sign a contract prior to viewing a home. This will give consumers more freedom in the home buying process and they can now explore properties without the immediate obligation of a signed agreement.
What This Means for You, Our Agents:
Let’s break down how this directly impacts your day-to-day activities:
  • RECAD Remains Essential: The Alabama Real Estate Consumer Agency Disclosure (RECAD) form has always been a crucial part of our initial interactions with clients, and that remains unchanged. You must still present the RECAD to all clients as early as reasonably possible. This document clearly outlines the different types of agency recognized in Alabama.
  • Introducing the New Two-Page RECAD: Here’s the key update. Due to HB230, we now have a requirement to disclose our internal agency disclosure office policy directly to consumers. As you all know from our annual RECAD trainings, ERA King has a firm policy against offering sub-agency. This policy must now be explicitly stated in writing to the consumer
  • Presentation of New RECAD Form is Required (Initially): While consumers are not required to sign either page of the RECAD, we strongly recommend obtaining their signatures before showing a home. This demonstrates that you have provided them with the necessary information and promotes transparency from the outset.
  • What if a Consumer Refuses to Sign? If a consumer declines to sign either the standard RECAD page or our office policy disclosure, simply note their refusal on the form and proceed with showing the home. This is a crucial point as you will not be prevented from showing a property if a buyer chooses not to sign the initial RECAD documentation.
  • Buyer Agency Agreement Still Necessary for Offers: It’s important to understand that while the upfront signing requirement is removed, a formal Buyer Agency Agreement must still be discussed with your client and signed by them before you present an offer on a property. This ensures that your representation and compensation are clearly defined when it comes time to make a move.
Why This is a Win-Win
This change is a significant win for both our agents and our clients:
  • For Clients: They gain the freedom to explore the market without feeling pressured to commit to an agency relationship before they are ready. This allows for a more comfortable and informed initial viewing process.
  • For Agents: While we still prioritize clear communication through the RECAD, we are no longer in the potentially awkward position of requiring a signed buyer agency agreement or one-time showing form before a client even sees a home. This can streamline the initial stages of the buyer relationship and build trust.

StayTips April 4, 2025

Things That Make Buyers Run for The Hills

Selling your home? Don’t scare buyers away! Here are 10 things that might make them run for the hills:

  1. Funky Smells – If your house smells like wet dog, last night’s fish dinner, or a science experiment gone wrong, buyers will be out the door before you can say “air freshener.”
  2. Clutter Chaos – If your home looks like an episode of Hoarders, buyers won’t see “cozy”—they’ll see “run.”

  3. Retro… But Not in a Cool Way – That ‘70s shag carpet? The floral wallpaper? Buyers aren’t looking for a time machine.

  4. Cave-Like Vibes – If your home is darker than a vampire’s lair, buyers won’t be sticking around for long. Open the blinds! Let there be light!

  5. Too Much You – Walls covered in family photos and a living room painted neon green might make buyers feel like they’re trespassing in your life instead of imagining their own.

  6. Signs of “Oops, I Forgot to Maintain This” – Peeling paint, leaky faucets, or a doorbell that sounds like it’s possessed are not charming quirks—they’re red flags.

  7. Weird Temperatures – If buyers are sweating like they’re in a sauna or shivering like they’re in Antarctica, they might assume your HVAC system is on its last legs.

  8. Curb (Un)Appeal – If your front yard looks like a jungle or your porch screams “haunted house,” buyers won’t even make it to the front door.

  9. Oddball Layouts – If they have to go through a bathroom to get to the kitchen, expect confused faces and quick exits.

  10. Seller Lurking – Hovering sellers make buyers nervous. They want to picture living in the home—not get a live tour from the current occupant.

Fix these, and your house will be flying off the market instead of sitting like leftovers in the fridge!

EatPlayStay March 28, 2025

ERA King Charity Golf Tournament Ahead

Have you and your team signed up for the 2025 King Team Charity Golf Tournament yet?

It’s happening on Friday, May 2nd at the Anniston Country Club and is a great time to support two great causes. Go to kingteamfoundation.org/golf to sign up as a player or sponsor!