·:[ The Judy Niemeyer Team Blog ]:·
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Mobile Eastern Shore Homes For Sale:

119 Pinnacle Court, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 166041

Come see this fabulous Patio Home that boasts an open floor plan, tall ceilings and a split bedroom plan.  Enjoy the many bells and whistles through out this home including surround sound throughout the home and screened porch, beautiful hardwood floors and a totally fenced yard.  This home is a must see.

Learn more about 119 Pinnacle Court and other Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

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Considering buying a newly built Mobile Eastern Shore home? Here are some things to think about.

ADVANTAGES:

• HOME WARRANTY: Generally this warranty is good for one year and covers heating, cooling, and electrical systems and plumbing. Some also cover appliances.

• INCENTIVE PROGRAM: Many builders use incentives, both large and small, to attract buyers. Examples include vacations or furnishing for your Mobile Eastern Shore home. Note: these incentives are often offered only if you use the builder’s lender.

• CUSTOM DESIGN: If you become involved with the builder early in the building process, you may have a say in the home’s construction–from customized features to flooring to colors.

• FASTER CLOSING. No titles to search.

• SAFETY/HEALTH: No worries about old wiring. lead paint, or asbestos.

• LESS MAINTENANCE: Materials used in the exterior of a new home do not require yearly painting.

• ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Less waste, and thus lower bills.

PRECAUTIONS:

• HIRE A BUYERS REAL ESTATE AGENT who is experienced in new home sales. A strong Realtor negotiating on your behalf can save you thousands!
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Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate For Sale:

142629 Scenic Highway 98, Point Clear AL 36564

MLS# 166539

This is a magnificent cottage on Mobile Bay.  The home features an open floor plan that is perfect for Entertaining.  You will enjoy cooking in this kitchen which has a Thermador gas range, double over with a warming drawer.  The kitchen and living room open up to a 20X40 screen porch over looking Mobile Bay.  The Master suite boasts an office and his/her bathroom.  Also on the property there is a 628 sq ft guest house with a kitchenette.  Bring your boat because there is a pier with a boat lift.  This fabulous home is a must see!!

Learn more about 14629 Scenic Highway 98 and other Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

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Just as fashion styles and automobile designs vary with time, so do house features most desired by potential home buyers. Current surveys concerning home trends indicate an emphasis on open space, use and function, size, design, and environment. The majority of these topics involve changes that go beyond the scope of home improvement projects and require actual remodeling of your Mobile Eastern Shore home.

Floor Plan

Probably having the greatest impact on a potential buyer is your floor plan. Open spaces which make the living area appear large, airy, and unobstructed are most desirable. Flexible floor plans feature an eat-in kitchen which opens up into the dining and family rooms, thus allowing for family togetherness and ease of entertaining. To achieve this sense of space and unity, you should provide multiple accesses to the kitchen and ensure an unobstructed line of sight and a practical traffic flow. Here are specific suggestions regarding these layouts.

While buyers are no longer clamoring for extremely large homes with excess square footage, they do insist on functional areas with both specific and multiple uses. Home offices are still in demand, but several smaller work stations spread throughout your Mobile Eastern Shore home are also in vogue. Dual office/bedrooms, large and plentiful storage spaces, and a children’s retreat for study and recreation have become popular, as have entertainment centers such as a bar, a home theater, or an exercise room. Of primary importance is the idea that no space is wasted and that the need for both privacy and togetherness has been considered throughout your home.

Going Green

In keeping with the “greening” of real estate, rooms which bring the outside in are valued by buyers. This effect can be achieved by a large expanse of windows overlooking gardens, a pool, or inviting landscaping and by carefully selecting eco-friendly paints. These should reflect the soothing colors of nature–from pastels to earth tones.

Of equal importance to a potential buyer of your Mobile Eastern Shore home are features which bring the inside outside. Today’s buyers want to extend their “open” atmosphere to a yard which has spaces, furniture, and equipment designated for specific uses–an outdoor cook/dining area, for example, a reading/relaxation corner, a children’s activity space, or a conversation area grouped around a fire pit.

Trends

You may also want to consider generational home buying trends as you plan your remodeling. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), both young buyers and the over 50 set are “driving the demand for smaller, smarter homes designed to function more efficiently with no wasted space and plenty of room for storage.” The Boomers desire “high-tech features, an open floor plan, and spaces to enjoy outdoor living.” (NABH Builders’ Magazine, July 2009, “Brave New World.”)

What’s your Mobile Eastern Shore home worth?

Mobile Eastern Shore Homes For Sale:

515 Evergreen Street, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 165720

This 2 story home has been completely updated and renovated.  You will enjoy cooking in the gourmet kitchen with marble countertops and island.  There are wood floors throughout and the bathrooms have been updated.  There is a great deal to see here with incredible views into a large private yard.  The yard is equipped with invisible fencing for dogs.  The AC and Heater are new and were installed in 2010.

Learn more about 515 Evergreen Street and other Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

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Given the current economic climate and slowed-down home sales, many homeowners who are thinking about selling their home are also considering improving it to raise its value and to appeal to more potential buyers. Recent surveys done by the National Association of Realtors, RIS Media, Natural Handyman, consumer groups, builders and contractors, and even paint companies have resulted in the identification and analysis of popular trends for 2010. Such publications cover topics raging from resale returns on specific projects (both interior and exterior), grades of quality of improvements, preferred floor plans, and energy efficiency.

Big Or Small

Improvements to your Mobile Eastern Shore] real estate can be as simple as changing your landscape to include a vegetable garden and more perennials to replacing current appliances with energy efficient ones.  The addition of crown moldings, special ceiling finishes, hardwood floors, and fresh coats of paint (earth colors are still popular) are other relatively easy but important projects.

More ambitious undertakings which will improve your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate include the replacement of your heating/cooling system, windows (and qualify for a tax credit!), and external doors with those which are guaranteed to benefit the environment and lower utility bills.  Other large-scale improvements encompass adding vinyl siding and a new roof, the addition of a deck, garage, or fireplace, the updating of your kitchen and bathrooms, and the conversion of an attic/basement space to an extra bedroom.

Monetary Return

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Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate For Sale:

211 South Drive, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 167026

A must see property!!  Beautiful custom finishes and details.  Hardwood floors, granite counter tops and high ceilings.  Heated and cooled sun-porch overlooking the backyard.  This home has a wonderful open floor plan with elegance galore and lots of storage with many cabinets, shelves and storage.  There is a large 2 car garage with extra storage.  New A/C unites spring 2010.  No sign

Learn more about 211 South Drive and other Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

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There may come a time when, after exploring all your real estate options for the future, you decide that you really don’t want to sell your Mobile Eastern Shore home and that you’d rather “age in place.” In that case, you should investigate applying for a reverse mortgage, also known as home equity conversion mortgage (HECM). As with any program or plan that is financially based, there are many pros and cons to be considered before you make a final decision.

Eligibility: you must be at least 62 years of age, own your own home (or have a very low balance that can be paid off), and be living in it as your primary residence. Your Mobile Eastern Shore home must meet FHA property standards, and you must provide on-going maintenance and pay property taxes, association dues, and insurance. In addition, you must also agree to attend an information counseling session

Amount: Factors used to determine the amount of your eligibility include your age, interest rates, and the value of your home. Most reverse mortgages provide you with a monthly payment. The are online websites that allow you to calculate/estimate the amount. Go to www.AARP.com, www.USAReverseMortgageAdvisor.com, or www.ReverseMortgageGuides.org for assistance.

Advantages: As stated in Gilbert’s Guide, a reverse mortgage includes these advantages:

• Reverse mortgages for seniors can be set up as a monthly payment, line of credit or a lump sum—whatever works best.
• No matter how the reverse mortgage is set up, the home owner does not make any monthly payments.
• No monthly payment is due from the home owner unless he or she dies, moves or sells the home. At that time, the loan is due in full, plus interest and fees.
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Mobile Eastern Shore Homes For Sale:

22585 Main Street, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 166475

Magnificent bayfront home that offers great privacy and incredible views of the bay.  Easy walk down to the sandy beach via wide steps.  This home is architecturally designed and offers oversized windows, ground floor master bedroom and a fabulous master bathroom with oversized closets.  You will enjoy entertaining in the fabulous home.  Included with this property is a 1600 square foot guest house with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. 

Learn more about 22585 Main Street and other Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

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This third portion of your guide to homeowners insurance gives you information you hope you’ll never use–dealing with damage to your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate. Most likely your policy will explain how to file a claim, but here are the basic steps:

1. If a crime has been committed, report it to the police. You should get a copy of the police report.

2. Contact your insurance agent or company immediately.

3. If necessary, try to protect your property from further damage. Save your receipts.

4. Don’t dispose of damaged items until the adjuster has seen them.

5. Prepare a list of damaged items. Take pictures of the damage. (Now aren’t you glad you made an inventory list/video?)

6. Get the appropriate claim forms and fill them out completely. Return them within the time limit.

Resolving Issues

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