Real Estate Blogging from Beach to Bay in Baldwin County

Are You Accepting Short Sale Referrals Like This? Maybe You Shouldn't

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:40:35 -0600

Real estate can't get any easier than someone from out of state handing you a new listing and the buyer for it, right? A referral inquiry comes in and not only is the referring agent handing you a listing, but is handing you the buyer as well. Here is a copy of the latest email I received.

"We have a client that has a home in your area that he needs to sell, short sale. We also have a buyer (investor) lined up...he is aware of the time involved in a short sale, and is purchasing another one of our client's homes here in my home state. Would you be interested in the referral? We would ask for 25% each side. Let us know what you think."

Would you take it? As for me, I turned it down. I do list and sell short sales, but this type is not what I choose to risk my license for as it just oozes implications of fraud. Lately, I have noticed an increase of referring agents from other states calling me with this same or similar scenerio. What do you think ActiveRain? Do you accept referrals like this one?

Warning- Social Networking Can be a Real Homewrecker...

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:33:34 -0500

After reaching over to turn on the bath water the phone rang so I went to answer it thinking, "I'll only be a second." That part was true, as the phone call was of the "yes, no, okay" variety. Oh, but there is more and all my online friends will understand. I returned the phone to the cradle beside the computer which displayed my FACEBOOK page, and well, you can probably guess the rest.

"Look! There's Richard, my friend from high school, with his family freezing their butts off along the Blue Ridge Parkway!" I am thinking, "Why the heck would they step out of the warm car to snap photos of each other huddled together obviously from the COLD with ICE all around for goodness sake??? Put your kids back in the car Richard! It's cold as h*ll out there!"

And then, "Ooo, there's Susan. She's posted about her cat weighing in at over 17 pounds. 17 POUNDS? Wow, she's got a real fatty on her hands and we haven't even begun the days of sneaking holiday leftovers to our pets yet."

A little further down my page and there is Amy trying to remove pine tar from her black car. "Hmmm, just where was that remedy I saw on the internet one time?"

There's my musical friend Ava! "Ava has posted another Guess this Song comment. Wonder which song that is?"

James is gathering several comments on his post about the virtues of barbecue from North Carolina... as in eastern vs. western. I am thinking, "Ahhh, they haven't heard of Big Bob Gibsons barbecue in North Alabama!" At this, my mouth actually began to water thinking of a HUGE stuffed shredded pork potato with red vinegar sauce, chives, shredded cheese, and sour cream from Big Bob Gibsons in Decatur. "Oh man, I haven't eaten yet and that sounds so good."

"Wait, there's Leslie! I haven't seen her in over thirty years. She's commented about James' barbecue post and on Richard's family outing to the land of pneumonia. Oh look! She's clicked the 'Like' button on my dinosaur photo I just posted...."

About this time, in runs one of my little Yorkies barking and trying to get my attention away from my walk down Short Memory Lane. Beethoven is my little wanderer, always sniffing around and scoping out mischief, and usually finds it, so his message seemed urgent tonight.

"Holy %*@&! I didn't, did I?" Ahhh, yes. I did, and it did, and Beethovan discovered 'A River Runs Through It'. Water EVERYWHERE! How long has it been running???? Sadly, I couldn't tell you what time I turned it on or how long it ran out over the tub and all over the bathroom floor. What I do know is that is took one large bath rug and seven towels to mop up most of the spill before it made its way toward the bedroom.

Instead of returning to see what other goodies my friends have posted tonight, I'll be doing laundry....

$8000 Tax Credit- Boom or Bust?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:12:02 -0500

False Starts and Dead End Streets to the Economic Recovery- The $8000 tax credit was intended to help spur the economy with increased incentives for purchasing a home by the one sector free to purchase and not encumbered by a home to sell. In theory, when first time home buyers purchase a home, a trickle effect will occur where the seller will now be free to "Move Up" and purchase a larger home, and the cycle will repeat itself over and over.

The REO Banks Benefit, but Few Sellers Do- The reality has been quite different in my area of coastal Alabama. With most of my sales, my first time home buyers have purchased foreclosed and bank owned homes (REOs). Obviously, this has not set another home owner free to add to the economic recovery and spend their dollars on a larger or more expensive home purchase to repeat the cycle. Each foreclosed purchase has been a one-shot deal, where the bank benefited and my buyer benefited, but did it help the economic recovery?

Re-Blog of: A Nameless Faceless Lender From Somewhere Across the Country May Not Be Able to Get That House to Closing for You

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:46:13 -0500

Sandy Shores, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL, Brevard County Real Estate & Investing (M & M Real Estate Inc.) wrote an excellent post that I found to be relevant to real estate in the Baldwin County area of Alabama as well. Choosing a local lender who knows the area and is available to your real estate agent is imperative to a smooth real estate transaction and many times can mean the difference between your purchase even making it to the closing table.

I chose to re-blog her post as I feel this is important information that local buyers in my area would benefit from reading and studying her information. Thank you Sandy for a great post!

Via Sandy Shores, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL, Brevard County Real Estate & Investing (M & M Real Estate Inc. www.SandyShoresMelbourne.com):

This week a client was referred to me that wants to buy a house.

During our initial phone conversation, one of the first things I always ask is whether they have a lender and are pre approved for a loan.

He indicated that he did have a lender, that he found online. (Uh-oh). And, that he was preapproved. The Brevard County Real Estate market is considered a distressed market. It is so important for a buyer to have a local lender and a local appraiser that understands our market.

My next question was whether or not he had received a Good Faith Estimate from the lender. He had not. (Uh-oh #2). Every buyer should be provided with a Good Faith Estimate when being Preapproved for a loan. This gives the buyer an estimate of his closing expenses and prepaid expenses. It will also provide an estimate of his monthly mortgage payment amount and his anticipated interest rate.

The buyer gave me his lender's long distance and toll free phone numbers (uh-oh #3) as I always talk to the lender at the beginning of a transaction, before we head out to look at any houses.

I called to get more info from his lender. I called 3 times in 2 days (uh-oh#4) with no response. His voice message said, "I will return your call in the order in which it was received." (uh-oh #5).

I have to know what type of loan he will be financing the house with, so I know what type of home he can buy. I finally found that this buyer is purchasing with an FHA mortgage, with a 3 1/2% down payment. So, he won't be able to purchase a home that requires extensive repairs. The roof has to be "newer" and so does the air conditioning system. There typically can't be broken windows. The house must have heat and a stove and it typically cannot be in some phase of remodeling. If this buyer was getting a conventional loan with 20% down he would be able to look at completely different properties, as there would not be many restrictions on what he could buy. In paying cash, a buyer could purchase any home he wants.

When I was talked to the lender, I received the Good Faith Estimate (as did the buyer). My teeth nearly fell out of my mouth, when I looked at the figures. (uh-oh #6). The fees were some of the highest I had ever seen. The interest rate was too high, the estimate was full of unnecessary junk fees. I couldn't believe my eyes!

I recommended this buyer get additional estimates from LOCAL lenders to compare fees. I know that he can do much better than what he was quoted.

In this market, as Patricia Kennedy pointed out, in a recent post she wrote, not only is it important to come in with a strong offer to purchase a house, but, listing agents also look at the pre approval letter with the lender info to determine whether they will accept the offer.

If a buyer winds up in a multiple offer situation, which many buyers here in the under $125K price range do, the best offer is going to be choosen based on which one has the best chance of getting to closing. Here in our market the listing agent often times wants a local, reputable lender, that knows the market, that has a processing center right here in town. They know if they tell us, upfront, that they can do the deal, then they can do it. They want the smoothest transaction possible, that won't get snagged or delayed. They don't want any surprises.

In our market, a nameless faceless lender, with exorbinant fees and a long distance or toll free number, that doesn't return phone calls, from somewhere across the country, is not going to help your offer along, to get you the house that you want to buy.

If your offer is accepted, will they be able to get you to closing?

All lenders are NOT alike. And, all online lenders are NOT alike.

Get a couple of estimates and talk to a couple of lenders.

Be sure you do your homework BEFORE you head out the door to look at houses.

FOOTNOTE: I later found out, after the buyer talked to a local lender, that he is self employed. The buyer indicated that he had not discussed his employment situation, nor the fact that he had recently opened a new business during his interview with the online lender. So, now, I am waiting to hear whether this buyer will be able to buy a house at all!

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

MLS Search for Your Cell Phone

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:03:04 -0500

www.MLSforCellPhones.com NEW to the Alabama Gulf Coast! Access the entire Baldwin and Mobile MLS on your cell phone.

Drive past ANY listed home, regardless of whose name is on the sign, in Baldwin or Mobile Counties, enter the street name, and see up to ten interior photos AND the listing price without having to speak to an agent!

This feature includes all listings and homes for sale by all companies and towns from Mobile to Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and all towns surrounding. Never wonder about a home's price and have to wait for days to get a listing agent to return your phone call!

Another helpful service provided by:

Teresa King, Realtor

RE/MAX By The Bay

251-554-2661

Search local foreclosed homes at www.BaldwinForeclosedHomes.com

Fairhope Short Sale on Shady Tree-Lined Street

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:09:43 -0500

Teresa King | RE/MAX By The Bay | 251-554-2661

21311 S. Meadows Drive, Fairhope, AL

Large Home with 900sf Finished Basement

3BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $185,000

Year Built	1990
Sq Footage	2,750
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

NO LONGER AVAILABLE br />
Don't miss the additional photos and information accessed by the top bars.

Owner Financing is NOT Possible.

Need a lot of room? Great family sized home on a quiet, tree lined street. This 3 BR/3BA includes a 900 square ft basement area with a large rec/media room; an extra room large enough to be a great office; a full bath; plus tons of extra storage space. The garage doubles as a huge (900 s.f.) workshop with built-in cabinets and shelves.

Lots of character including split brick and hardwood floors in the kitchen; a sunken living room surrounded by hardwood; separate his and her closets in the master. Information from seller states that home was the personal residence of a local builder and has mahagony siding on the exterior.

Possibility of renting from the owner until the bank approves a Short Sale to close your purchase.

Listing Agent is a Certified Distressed Property Expert with extensive training at listing and handling Short Sales. For More Short Sale Information Visit: www.DistressedPropertySite.com

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor	- Family room
- Bonus/Rec room	- Office/Den	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Basement	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Large Fairhope Home, Beautiful Tree Lined Street

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 3
Photo 4	Photo 5
Photo 6	Photo 1

Contact info:

Teresa King

RE/MAX By The Bay

251-554-2661

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 28, 2009, 3:59am PDT

I Found Your Picture Today, and I Cried

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:08:49 -0500

Dear Princess Janie Doe,

I found your picture today, and I cried. Strawberry blonde, with angel dusted freckles across your little nose; you looked up at me from the flat, lifeless paper that captured your tender smile. It was your first grade school picture wasn't it? Or perhaps it was from your kindergarten year.

Others had seen you, or at least they should have. Their crisp business cards with perfectly crafted messages and various phone numbers lay nearby, dutifully announcing their presence in your home. With nothing else left, they had to have seen you. I did, and I cried.

Your bedroom was painted the tenderest shade of pink. Not just any pink. This pink was carefully chosen just for the princess who once lived there. Princess Janie's bedroom, or it once was, where fairy tales and first day of school jitters played out.

I found your picture today, and I put it in my pocket, before my customers arrived. It seemed wrong to leave you there, exposed to prying eyes, to bargain hunters, to those looking for a deal. Like birds of prey picking through the remains they come, ready to swoop down and carry away the rewards of their hunt. You were far too precious to be exposed to that.

The husband didn't like your bedroom. He thought the color ghastly. I clutched your picture in my pocket as if to shield you from his words, from his invasion of your room. I wanted him to leave it; he didn't deserve to be in the presence of Disney princess dreams, Barbie playtime, and places where tooth fairies visit during slumber.

I found your picture today, and I hope you heard me tell you that I was sorry. I am sorry that I didn't find you sooner and in a very different way. I am sorry that you were let down, that we all somehow failed you.

If only your mommy and daddy had known how to find me, or someone like me, to ask about what we know that could have possibly kept you in your world of pretty pinks and little girl dreams.

I found your picture today, and I kept it. I hope you don't mind. You remind me to keep searching, to keep trying to get the word out to other little girl's parents who I may be able to help, who I may offer some guidance to, or some words of comfort, and of hope that they haven't heard. Words that may keep them from walking away from princess dreams and the land of fairytales. Or at least, get you back into your land of pink far sooner than just walking away, as your parents felt they could only do.

I found your picture today, and I cried.

A Realtor in the Making

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:38:48 -0500

I ran across this cute video today and keep going back to look at it over and over! It reminds me that no matter what the economy is doing, and how stressed we have become in the current market, that life goes on and there ARE more important 'things' in life to give our attention to.

If you need to put a smile on your face or need to downright belly laugh, take a quick look at this precious baby girl's attempts to tell her daddy her "story".

http://richards-creations.net/Videos/Are-women-born-like-this.html

55+ Active Community in Gulf Shores

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:09:29 -0500

Teresa King | RE/MAX By The Bay | 251-554-2661

1704 Cardinal Drive, Gulf Shores, AL

55+ Active Retirement Community

2BR/2BA Multi-Family, 2 units

offered at $129,900

Year Built	1998
Sq Footage	1,572
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$317 per month

DESCRIPTION

55+ Community - Enjoy morning coffee from sunroom overlooking serene pond outside your window. Well maintained home w/ 2 bedrooms & separate office w/ built-in cabinets. This unit is a must see! Complex has pool, ex. room, workshop, boardwalk pier on Oyster Bay plus more.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Family room	Living room
Office/Den	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Clubhouse	Storage space(s)	Fitness center
Swimming pool(s)	Lake

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Sunroom overlooking pond

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Teresa King

RE/MAX By The Bay

251-554-2661

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 3, 2009, 12:54pm PDT

"Let the Buyer Pay to Inspect My Home, I'm Not" - You'd Better Reconsider if This is You Mr and Mrs Seller

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:39:41 -0500

Straight Talk to Sellers Needing to Sell Their Homes

One of the last things sellers want to do when getting ready to list their home is to spend money on the home unnecessarily. After all, their main goal is to net all the money they can on the sale of the home. Why pay for something for a home they are trying to 'get rid of'?

Most sellers think a home inspection is something a buyer will order once they have an accepted offer to purchase the home. Yes, most buyers will order and pay for a home inspection, but they will also walk away from your home if the inspection uncovers health and safety issues that could have been prevented or repaired before the buyer saw it at its worst.

What? I thought the buyer wanted MY home!

We are seeing this more and more in the Baldwin County Alabama real estate market. Homes for sale are receiving offers that sellers are accepting, home inspections are conducted, and a few buyers are walking away.

Why not just ask the seller to repair the problems?

With so many properties on the market similar to yours, a buyer may not want to deal with problems and damage caused by a leaking roof, mold in the attic, and other such concerns. They may feel you have had ample time to make any needed repairs, and yet you haven't. Of course, you've noticed how your roof has looked pretty rough and has aged since Hurricane Katrina howled through and loosened the shingles. Sure, the patch job held for a while, but come on, that was almost four years ago. And secretly, you've been hoping no one would notice.

There are other homes available in Baldwin County without these concerns and appear to be better maintained which translates to a buyer as a better overall value.

If a buyer can spend $350 to inspect your home and then just walk away, wouldn't it be better in this market for you to spend the $350, make needed repairs, and present a more hassle-free home to compete against the others?

A home inspector typically returns a list of two or three dozen items that need attention in most homes. It would be in a seller's best interest to be the first and sometimes ONLY person to see that initial report, repair the small picky items, and head off health and safety nightmares that cause buyers to walk away with the check for your house still in their hands.

If you would like to view all homes on the market in Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and the surrounding communities, visit www.ByTheBay.info and for a list of foreclosed homes, and condos visit www.BaldwinForeclosedHomes.com

"Why, yes. Funny you should ask, but dear Aunt Sarah did pass away in the master bedroom earlier this year."

Fri, 29 May 2009 21:15:02 -0500

Or, worse yet, from the next door neighbor welcoming the new couple," It was such a shame when they found Mr. Smith in the basement last fall. He was such a quiet man."

While death is a natural end to the cycle of life, how does the news of a prior death within a now listed property affect the resale today? I pose this question because upon listing a home, my office has a question on our property disclosure that addresses this issue.

I have asked the question to many buyers if they would find a death on the property bothersome to the point of choosing not to pursue a purchase of that home. My informal findings were basically related to age of the buyer answering the question. Older buyers are less bothered, but only if the death was natural. Younger buyers range from, "Don't tell me, I don't want to know" to "No, I would not purchase a home where I know there was any type of death." Most buyers answered they would not consider a purchase where there had been a suicide or other violent death.

With the onset of more and more of our sick and elderly choosing to die at home in peace and with dignity, how has this trend affected real estate price and resale? Do other areas disclose death in the home, both natural and tragic?

Personally, I have experienced an at home death in my immediate family, and was grateful hospitalization was not involved. And, I have purchased a home where I was told that a natural death of the elderly owner occurred. On the other hand, a few years ago, I backed away from the purchase of a home where the seller informed me while standing in the basement that her son had committed suicide in the very spot where we stood.

With the multitude of foreclosed homes without owners to inquire of onsite deaths, are agents exposed to issues of buyer agency neglect? If buyers find the issue of death within a property uncomfortable, should they make this fact known to their agent? Most buyers truly haven't considered the possibilty, but their preference may make a difference if asked.

I Committed a No NO by Posting MLS Sales Data

Tue, 26 May 2009 16:37:45 -0500

Oops, Uh-Oh, Oh Geez, I made a boo boo with our local MLS information. Clearly stated as a no no in the MLS Rules and Regulations, I've been entering sales data on my Active Rain blog for given local communities. My error, I should have read more carefully, but what I gathered from the rule had to do with market share of an office, not with my purpose and intention of informing the public with local sales trends in order to make wise buying or selling decisions. Clearly, no office information was ever posted.

My apologies to the countless customers and clients who will no longer be able to find local sales data for Baldwin County posted here. Those areas included Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort and the surrounding communities.

Home Buyers and Sellers: Your agent holds the data of local, publicly recorded real estate sales information. We are unfortunately not allowed to post the needed information by address and sales price. I tried......

Just wanted to update followers who have counted on this information in the past, but now I am off to finalize two closings this week on my listings. Call me if you need to list your home to get it sold, and of course, I CAN discuss those neighboring sold prices with you in person, I just can't post it here to make it easier for you.

Searching for Mobile and Baldwin County Alabama Real Estate Listings?

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:28:18 -0600

Two Separate Boards of Realtors?

If you've ever searched for homes and real estate in the Mobile and Baldwin County areas of Alabama, you probably did not realize that we have two separate Multiple Listing Services (MLS) that are NOT connected. We have the Mobile MLS System and the Baldwin County MLS System, and each has its own Board of Realtor Association. Most agents are not members of both, because of the additional cost to the agents. I believe that to best serve clients, a membership in both Associations is needed, so I choose to be a member of both boards.

Why is it Important for Your Realtor to Belong to Both Boards and MLS's?

Both MLS Systems have listings for both counties by cities. The MLS listings are also uploaded to numerous participating websites that broadcast the listings worldwide for maximum exposure. When a buyer is searching for properties from either MLS, many homes and listings are not represented and cannot be found even though they are for sale. A seller's best interest is not being served, if a buyer cannot easily locate the property for sale when a local agent subscribes to only one MLS.

Both MLS Listings Combined

MLS Access to Both Mobile and Baldwin Counties

To simplify the search process, I have set up the above website that finally does what our two MLS systems do not. This link combines BOTH MLS systems into one easy to navigate website for a customer's ease of use. Feel free to email this link to friends and family who happen to be in the market to either buy or sell property in Mobile or Baldwin Counties.

Whether you are looking for homes in Fairhope or Foley, Daphne or Dauphin Island, Summerdale or Satsuma, Silverhill or Saraland, Mobile or Magnolia Springs, Bayou la Batre or Bay Minette and all towns in between, you'll find them represented.

For additional information on buying or selling property in coastal Alabama, visit www.ByTheBay.info

Three Years to Sell Your Daphne Alabama Home? Maybe...

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:15:15 -0600

I was recently asked to provide information to a potential seller about what today’s buyer is willing to pay for homes in the Lake Forest area of Daphne, Alabama. I thought after my research that I would post this timely information as others may benefit from it, and it does apply to all areas and subdivisions in Baldwin County as well.

As you have probably noticed in your neighborhood, many nice homes are sitting on the market and are not selling. Why is that? Because buyers are not willing to pay top dollar in this market we are now in. You may be wondering what is selling, what buyers are looking for today, and what prices homes will bring.

Today, there are 139 homes for sale in the MLS in Lake Forest alone, with 9 of these pending. In addition, there are a few dozen for sale by owner homes in the subdivision. Many other homes have expired from the MLS without selling.

From these numbers, you can see that competition is very tough for sellers to attract the few buyers that are out there. What this translates to is that PRICE is what will sell a home in this market. The lowest priced homes for the size are selling, and buyers can afford to be choosey with so many to look at.

Pretty much the lowest price house, in the best shape is getting offers, while other very nice homes just sit on the market and aren’t getting any offers.

These statistics are sobering: In just over three months, only 16 homes out of over 180 homes up for sale have sold in Lake Forest in Daphne. If no other homes entered the market for sale, it would take THREE YEARS to reduce the inventory of available homes at this rate.

From this you can see that PRICE is indeed what it will take to sell a home today. So, if you are taking the approach of , "Let's price it high because we can always come down", you may just have three years to see if your idea will work to attract your buyer.

Daphne, Alabama Real Estate- Granite Throughout and Beautifully Maintained

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:08:16 -0500

This home is now also for rent.

Teresa | RE/MAX By The Bay | King

196 Rolling Hill Drive, Daphne, AL

Beautifully Maintained Home in Lake Forest

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $219,000

Year Built	1986
Sq Footage	2,005
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$38 per month

DESCRIPTION

IF PERFECTION & PRICE ARE ON YOUR MIND, YOU'VE JUST FOUND BOTH! BEAUTIFUL 3 CM GRANITE COUNTERS IN KITCHEN & BATHS; VAULTED FAMILY ROOM WITH FP & BUILT-INS; DOWNSTAIRS MASTER WITH SEPARATE TUB AND SHOWER. EXTENSIVE UPGRADES, DECK WITH SCREENED CANOPY, HURRICANE PANELS FOR ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS. SIDING MAY BE MASONITE. NEW, OVERSIZED DRIVEWAY & MORE!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Tile floor
Family room	Dining room	Dishwasher
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Granite countertop
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Clubhouse	Swimming pool(s)	Tennis court(s)
Golf course

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Teresa

RE/MAX By The Bay

King

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 14, 2008, 9:04am PDT

Speed ‘Dating’ Your Realtor?

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:28:46 -0500

Similar to Speed Dating where a single person spends about 5 minutes talking to a prospective date and then moves to the next person when a timer sounds, a few sellers seem to be employing this basic idea in today’s more challenged market. Case in point: I had a seller phone me a few months ago to list a home that was due to expire within days with Agent #1. The home had been on the market for a six month period without an offer, so we reduced the price somewhat and I began an intense marketing campaign. On day 88, I withdrew the listing at my seller’s request so the home could be, according to them, “Refinanced and can’t be active in the MLS”. One week later, the home popped up on the MLS with a third agent. “So, the way some listings go,” I thought, and silently wished them well. Now, after 90 days with Agent #3, the seller has moved back to agent #1. From what I can see, each agent has done as much as could be done with marketing this home, but the market is what it is. I believe this is a case where sellers are having a difficult time listening to the reality that we as Realtors are trying to tell them about the local market and what they need to do to sell their homes today. No, the market isn’t pretty for sellers right now, but agent hopping shows up in the MLS and points to desperation on the part of the seller. Any good buyer’s agent will pick up on this and inform an interested buyer client with these facts, resulting in the lowest possible offer price on this property. Was this what the seller had in mind? Probably not.

Do Foreclosures Make Home Ownership Possible or Possibly Lead to Another Foreclosure?

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:31:01 -0500

The lower priced foreclosures in my area are opening the doors, literally, for hopeful first time buyers to become homeowners. Normally, this would bring a smile to our faces, but is it really such a good idea?

I’ve been getting phone calls from lower income buyers who are interested in getting pre-qualified to purchase some of the lowest priced homes in our area. I do mean low priced, as it has been years since anything has sold in this range locally.

Good for them, I should be thinking, but I’m not. In most cases, the loan is based on a down payment assistance program that is running out of time as of early October, and may not be accepted by the REO sellers of these properties anyway. Translation- They have no savings and no reserve cash funds. For a few, it seems that their lender is perhaps 'pushing' the idea to purchase now, before the programs disappear.

Here’s my real concern, and I am writing not to complain, but with hopeful anticipation of your input as to correct my perception, if you can.

Without so much as a penny saved up for a down payment or closing costs in most cases, are these buyers realistic and prepared for the true cost of home buying and ownership? The majority of these bottom priced properties are not in the best maintained shape and show signs of neglect and repair needed, but this is what these buyer's budgets afford.

Experience tells me that it won't be long before they will be bearing the cost of a new HVAC system, or a roof replacement since we live in an area hard hit by hurricanes. Are these buyers prepared for these major expenses if they have not been able to budget for a down payment up to now?

Even the cost of a new hot water heater could ruin the budget for some. As renters, these folks have the safety net of a landlord to bear these costs, and now it will be all on them. Do they truly understand this side of ownership of the “American Dream”?

Robertsdale Alabama Home With Pool

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:03:54 -0600

Teresa King | RE/MAX By The Bay | 251-554-2661

13913 Georgia Street, Robertsdale, AL

Robertsdale Home With Pool

4 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $154,900

Year Built	1945
Sq Footage	2,121
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	.25 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Owner will consider leasing this home out. Local military family being transferred to Alaska will miss this split, four bedroom two bathroom home with in-ground swimming pool. Walk to Robertsdale Elementary.

Open family area and convenient breakfast bar. New light fixtures and fans in many rooms as well as recently painted kitchen with refinished cabinetry and new hardware.

New AC and Heat 2002, New Roof 2004

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Walk-in closet
Tile floor	Family room	Office/Den
Dining room	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard	Swimming pool

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Teresa King

RE/MAX By The Bay

251-554-2661

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Feb 13, 2008, 4:42pm PST

Former Parade Home in Daphne $374,900

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:39:01 -0600

Teresa King | RE/MAX By The Bay | teresa.king@remax.net | 251-554-2661

25421 Misty Glen, Daphne, AL

Fabulous Former Parade Home

4 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $374,900

Year Built	2004
Sq Footage	3,103
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.25 acres
HOA/Maint	$36 per month

DESCRIPTION

Take advantage of your finding the lowest price per square foot for a custom built home over 3100 sq ft in Austin Brook Subdivision! Community pool and clubhouse, tennis courts, fishing lake, basketball court, golf tee, and walking trails await your recreational pleasure in this popular subdivision in Daphne. Austin Brook was featured on a recent HGTV House Hunter episode. Enjoy 3103 heated and cooled square feet for $374,900. That's only ASKING $120.81 a square foot!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Office/Den	Dining room	Breakfast nook
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances
Attic	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Clubhouse	Swimming pool(s)	Tennis court(s)
Lake	Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Teresa King

RE/MAX By The Bay

teresa.king@remax.net

251-554-2661

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 19, 2008, 11:34am PST

Humor- House Flipping

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:17:24 -0600

I found this timely video clip on flipping homes, America's favorite wanna be pastime spurred on by today's entertaining TV shows. (I love to watch them, too!) Of course, this is for humorous purposes only, and should not be taken seriously in this current real estate market! I loved the tongue in cheek comedy acted out by these two guys. What a light-hearted mockumentary. Flipper Nation: The First Flip (1)

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Golf Course Home in Daphne for $174,900

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:58:13 -0600

Teresa King | RE/MAX By The Bay | teresa.king@remax.net | 251-928-7474

111 Windwood Circle, Daphne, AL

Golf Course Home in Lake Forest

3 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $174,900

Year Built	1979
Sq Footage	2,191
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$37 per month

DESCRIPTION

You've GOT to see this one. At $174,900 this is a RE/MAX Best Buy! Beautiful golf course lot that is easy care, low maintenance. Tucked away on a lushly landscaped, cul-de-sac lot, this 2191 sq ft home includes Split Bedroom Plan, tile floored main areas.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Tile floor	Family room	Dining room
Dishwasher	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Clubhouse	Swimming pool(s)	Tennis court(s)
Golf course	Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Teresa King

RE/MAX By The Bay

teresa.king@remax.net

251-928-7474

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Feb 13, 2008, 5:17pm PST

Walking or Biking Distance to Downtown Olde Fairhope

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:53:36 -0600

Teresa King | RE/MAX By The Bay | 251-928-7474

713 Holly Drive, Fairhope, AL

Walking, Biking Distance to Olde Fairhope

3 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $239,900

Year Built	1972
Sq Footage	2,332
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	21,780 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Looking for the charm of Olde Fairhope, but don't want to settle for someone else's idea of updates? Tucked away in a preferred location on a quiet cul-de-sac lot, this home was well maintained in near original condition and is ready to embrace your need for space and creativity.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Dining room	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Laundry area - inside
Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Teresa King

RE/MAX By The Bay

251-928-7474

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 15, 2008, 7:20pm PST

Fairhope Home with Bonus Room for $214,900

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:27:42 -0600

Teresa King | RE/MAX By The Bay | 251-928-7474

9907 Glover Court, Fairhope, AL

Great Home on Spacious Lot in Fairhope

3 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $214,900

Year Built	1999
Sq Footage	2,220
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$20 per month

DESCRIPTION

Spacious home with bonus room that could be a fourth bedroom. Split bedroom plan, hardwood and tile floors, breakfast bar and private deck.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Bonus/Rec room
Dining room	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Teresa King

RE/MAX By The Bay

251-928-7474

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 15, 2008, 7:28pm PST

Real Estate Activity in Daphne and Fairhope, Alabama

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:45:40 -0600

Saturday was a busy day listing a gorgeous home in Daphne's Austin Brook subdivision.

The home is value priced with the current buyer's market we are experiencing. Tour it online at http://www.sellingdaphne.com/

Buyers have requested appointments on Sunday to view the following two listings I have.

713 Holly Drive in Fairhope $250,000 http://www.oldefairhope.com/

9907 Glover Court Fairhope $214,900 http://www.fairhope4sale.com/

Daphne and Fairhope, Alabama The REAL Real Estate Market

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:27:09 -0600

Don't let the national news media scare you on the state of your local real estate market.

This First Week of January 2008

*Monday, December 31 at 10:00am I attended my final closing for 2007

*Wednesday and Thursday January 2nd and 3^rd

The phone would not stop ringing with buyers, sellers, and inquiring minds.

Here's the scoop:

Buyer- Needs a 4 bedroom home priced under $180,000 in Spanish Fort

Buyer- Wants an upscale building lot in Fairhope to build a $600K to $750K price range home.

Buyer- Would like a four bedroom home priced under $180,000 on the Eastern Shore

Buyer- Wants a 3-4 bedroom newer home in Fairhope priced to $300,000 or would consider small acreage to build on

Buyer- Wants a 4 bedroom home with a 3 car garage priced to the $500,000's

Buyer- Emailed about the schools for my listing priced just over $200K in Fairhope.