The Judy Niemeyer Team Blog

This is a big weekend for the arts on the Eastern Shore!

Buy Buy Birdie

On Saturday, September 29, Fairhope’s painted pelicans will go up for sale in silent auction and live auction at the Fairhope Civic Center. Called Art Takes Flight, the 70 fiberglass pelicans have been on display throughout Fairhope all summer. I hope you were able to see the “Vege Pelican,” sponsored by The Judy Niemeyer Team at RE/MAX by the Bay and painted by Allison Norris Ashurst, wife of Judy Niemeyer Team President, Morgan Ashurst! If not, you can see Allison’s pelican and the rest of the pelicans at www.arttakesflight.com. They are also on display through September 27 at the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope. Proceeds from the auction will go to support public art in Fairhope.

 #31 Vege Pelican, by Allison Norris Ashurst

Jubilee Fest

This Saturday and Sunday is also the 19th annual Jubilee Fest is in Olde Towne Daphne. The festival is free and open from 10-7 on Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday. The juried show features the best in arts and crafts from around the region, plus entertainment, and a pet adoption. The Haven, a no-kill animal shelter and adoption agency will have a host of happy, healthy dogs and cats ready and waiting for you to take home with you – perhaps to your new home?

By no small coincidence, we happen to have many great homes ready and waiting for you, too! Come visit for Jubilee Fest, enjoy a wonderful weekend on the Eastern Shore, take in the expansive views of Mobile Bay from Daphne’s May Day Park, and if you decide to stay, come see us!

What’s a Jubilee?

Folks on the Eastern Shore know that a Jubilee is more than just a good time; it’s a veritable feast! Jubilee is the name given to a summer-time phenomenon known to occur only on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay and – maybe – one other place in the world. When the shallow waters of the Bay combine with a rising tide, a gentle easterly wind, and other “just right” conditions, the oxygen levels drop in Bay, forcing fish, crabs, shrimp and other sea creatures into shallow waters where they are eventually trapped at the shore and scooped up by eager hands. Jubilees may occur once a summer or once a week, usually in the early morning hours. As I said, this phenomenon has been known to occur in other parts of the world on occasion, but Mobile Bay, and the Eastern Shore in particular, is the only place where it is known to happen regularly.

You know those crazy interview questions Barbara Walters once asked people? Well, in a questionnaire, I was asked once what kind of animal I would choose to be, and the answer was easy. I’d be a Schnauzer like my sweet little dog, Katie. My son, Morgan, probably would differ –he’s the proud owner of two beautiful big Chocolate Labs, Gus and Rebel.

Our family has always loved dogs, and we’re happy that here on the Eastern Shore we have fine people helping pair up deserving pets and new owners. This weekend, dogs and cats from The Haven, a no-kill animal shelter in Fairhope, will be looking for new homes during the National Adoption event at PetSmart, located in the Eastern Shore Centre in Spanish Fort. But why wait? Your new best friend may be waiting for you right now. Visit The Haven in person (559 S. Section Street in Fairhope) or check out the wonderful pets available for adoption at www.havenforanimals.org.

What’s So Important about Pre-qualifying?

Last week, I offered some tips on finding a new home. This week’s tip is one of the most important. I’ve learned that one of the best things a prospective buyer can do in any market is to be pre-qualified. In a hot market, if you get into a bidding war with another buyer, the absence of a pre-qualifying letter could hurt your bargaining position. Don’t let this happen to you!

Becoming pre-qualified is a simple process. You meet with a mortgage consultant who determines how much home you can afford and what type(s) of loans would work best for you. The consultant may also provide you with a good faith estimate that outlines your down payment, closing costs, and estimated monthly payment. With this information in hand, you’re one step closer to buying your new home – and the seller knows that you’re a serious buyer.

Check with your lender to get pre-qualified today!