Archive for December, 2009

Dec 31 2009

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Invite Buyers Into Your Mobile Eastern Shore Home

Filed under Real Estate,Sellers

Although the interior of your home may be lovely, you can’t use that fact to your advantage if potential buyers don’t come inside to see it. The majority of house shoppers are influenced by first impressions, and, according to the National Association of Realtors, nearly 50% of them make their decision about your Mobile Eastern Shore home before stepping through the door. Ensuring that prospective buyers will want to see more doesn’t have to be time-consuming or cost-prohibitive; there are numerous ways to strengthen your home’s curb appeal, to capture the interest of buyers, and most likely increase the selling value.

3273004_blogWhen selling your Mobile Eastern Shore home, appearances are important. The exterior of the house should be attractive and in good condition, and the well-maintained grounds should be pleasing to the eye. The first thing to do is to look at the exterior objectively. Assess the color scheme (siding, trim, brick, roof) and determine if the architectural features of your house are in keeping with the rest of the neighborhood.

Perhaps the easiest way to boost curb appeal is to clean. Pressure wash to remove mold and mildew from siding, decks, walkways, and driveways. Make sure that your windows sparkle and remember to wash the screens. Gutters, too, may need cleaning–or replacing. Investigate snap-fit vinyl systems, decorative rain chains, or even a copper system for a high quality look.

Another way to generate interest in your Mobile Eastern Shore home is to pay attention to the grounds. Remove weeds, keep lawns mowed, and trim shrubs and trees. Add color by planting flowers and mulching (now available in a variety of colors) around plants and bushes. Prune areas which may appear overgrown or obscure architectural features which should be showcased and look at your landscaping design with a discerning eye.

Consider adding more trees–for three reasons. In addition to making the grounds more attractive, tree cover can also result in lower utility and water bills and increase your home’s selling value. Shop for trees which grow well in Mobile Eastern Shore, provide variety in color and texture (fruit trees, Japanese maple and birch trees, for example), and are water efficient. Most area nurseries will gladly offer expert advice in selecting trees to improve your landscape plan.

An inviting entrance will also impress buyers. Your front door may need repainting or replacing since it should be an attractive focal point of your property. Think about color and design as well as hardware when making improvements. Polish or replace knobs, knockers, doorbells, and kick plates. Purchase a distinctive welcome mat and investigate the need for outdoor lighting. Porch, garden, and walkway lights not only enhance the landscape’s appearance, they also help to provide safety and security (a good selling point!).

And finally, spruce up the front porch or landing. Brightly colored plant/flower containers and hanging baskets add pizazz, as do a freshly painted porch floor and outdoor furniture. An eye-catching entranceway certainly helps ensure that buyers will gladly accept your invitation to come inside your Mobile Eastern Shore home.

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Dec 28 2009

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Tips For Selling Your Mobile Eastern Shore Home In Changing Market

Filed under Real Estate,Sellers

In today’s rapidly changing economy, many Mobile Eastern Shore home owners wonder or worry about selling their home for the best price, and terms in the shortest period of time. 

for sale4Here are 9 helpful hints if you are considering selling your Mobile Eastern Shore home: 

  • Be realistic, and price your home right by using market comparisons.
  • Know your true bottom line for both price and time.
  • As the market shifts, be prepared to evaluate your price.
  • Advertising your property with yard signs, local MLS and newspapers.
  • Get rid of the clutter! It makes your house appear smaller.
  • Clean your walls, floors, baseboards, stove and refrigerator. Buyers will know your house is well cared for.
  • Clean up outdoors! Remove tools, toys and be sure lawn and shrubs are neatly trimmed.
  • Have the carpets cleaned to eliminate odors, smoke, and pet smells.
  • Make minor repairs such as leaky faucets, sticky doors, etc.

Learn more about selling your Mobile Eastern Shore home by visiting JudySells.com.

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Dec 22 2009

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Celebrating Christmas on Mobile Eastern Shore

Filed under Mobile Bay Area

       ”The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”
                                                                      ~ Burton Hillis

Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated festivals globally and is no longer viewed as a purely religious holy day. It is now a time enjoyed by people of many countries and faiths, and there are numerous universally recognized icons which we associate with the yuletide. In fact, these symbols have become so commonly associated with the celebration of Christmas that when we see Santa riding on a reindeer, a mantle hung with stockings, coniferous green trees decorated with tinsel and ornaments, or houses festooned with evergreen wreaths and mistletoe, we know that the magic spirit of the season is upon us.   

The tradition of the Christmas stocking dates back to approximately 250B.C. in Asia Minor. There Nicholas, rich man who became a very generous Christian priest and a saint, is said to have secretly filled the stockings of three poor sisters with gold, thus giving them a dowry and allowing them to marry. Legend has it that after that “miracle,” neighbors of the fortunate women followed suit with their stockings, and the tradition slowly spread across the globe. Children throughout the world now hang stockings–or even put out shoes–to be filled with small gifts and food by Santa (Saint) Claus (Nicholas). Many people create their own stockings, personalizing them for themselves or for others and often providing a family activity that is fun for all. Find instructions for making your own Christmas fireplace stockings.

Along with the Christmas holly, laurel, rosemary, yews, boxwood bushes, and, of course the Christmas tree, mistletoe is an evergreen displayed during the Christmas season and symbolic of the eventual rebirth of vegetation that will occur in spring. But perhaps more than any other of the Christmas evergreens, it is a plant of which we are conscious only during the holidays. One day we’re kissing under the mistletoe, and next day we’ve forgotten all about it (the plant, that is, not the kisses).

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! 

And ’tis the season to decide what presents to give, to buy the presents, to wrap the presents, to mail and/or deliver the presents.  Whew!–time-consuming and somewhat exhausting unless you’ve discovered online shopping. Here are just a few ideas: EasyXmas.com, Gifts.com, Overstock.com, Amazon.com, Fragrance.net. There are hundreds of other sites just waiting to display their wares and ship them for you. Some even offer free holiday shipping or will do the gift wrapping for you.   

Want something a little different? Check out the top ten present picks for 2009.                                                   

             “May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!” 

                                                                              – Unknown
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Dec 21 2009

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Mobile Eastern Shore Homes For Sale: 206 Pier Avenue

206 Pier AveMobile Eastern Shore Homes For Sale:

206 Pier Avenue, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 155196

Quaint cottage on sought after Pier Avenue.  This home features hardwood floors, four spacious bedrooms and an oversized completely fenced back yard.  You will enjoy this home which offers you loads of privacy and is within walking distance to town and the bay.

Learn more about 206 Pier Avenue and other Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

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Dec 18 2009

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Tips For Mobile Eastern Shore First-time Home Buyers

Low listing prices, reasonable interest rates, and an abundant variety of homes to choose from are among a few of the reasons now is the perfect time for buyers to make a move in today’s real estate market. Current market trends and other factors have made conditions even more favorable for first-time homebuyers. Though becoming a homeowner comes with huge responsibilities and financial commitments, first-time home buyers should take advantage of the market over flowing with opportunities. The following tips will help ease the mind when considering the smart purchase of your first Mobile Eastern Shore home. 

3851648_blog1. Become familiar with the new first-time homebuyer federal tax credit.  

People who are considering the purchase of their first home, or have not been home owners for at least the past three years can gain great benefits from the first-time homebuyer tax credit. According to FederalHousingTaxCredit.com, qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before May 1, 2010 will receive a tax credit of up to $8,000. Unlike past tax credits from 2008, the money received does not have to be repaid, unless the homebuyer sells the property with in three years.

2. Determine what is reasonably affordable.  

Prior to beginning the hunt for the perfect home, it is important to find an affordable price range. Many factors such as money available for a down payment, eligibility for a loan, and monthly mortgage payments, all play a role in determining what the buyer can comfortably afford. Total monthly mortgage payments should be, on average, approximately 30 percent of one’s gross monthly income. Affordability or loan calculators found on the internet can give a good idea of what is affordable. Before seriously inquiring the purchase of your first Mobile Eastern Shore home it is important to have a consultation with a knowledgeable financial advisor.

3. Deciding where and what 
 

Once an affordable price range is determined, it is time to decide where you want to live and what you are looking for in a home. Whether staying with in the same general area, or looking for a new location, it is crucial to do a fair amount of research on the area and its demographics. For example crime rates, school districts, shopping, medical facilities, and travel, are all important factors have to be considered since they could affect your everyday life. It is also essential to know what you are looking for in a home. Separate lists of essential needs and wants should be carefully thought out towards the beginning of the home search. The list of basic needs should include things such as minimum square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, location, and price. The want list should be compiled of things that would be nice to have, such as pools, big yards, and gated communities.  

4. Find a knowledgeable Real Estate professional 

Finding and purchasing a home is a complicated, overwhelming experience, which should be nothing but exciting. Working with an experienced real estate agent can make the process run smoothly and be more successful. The chances of finding the perfect Mobile Eastern Shore home are significantly increased when put in to the hands of the right real estate professional. 

Learn more about how we can help you purchase a home by visiting JudySells.com or give us a call for more personal service. 

Search all Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale.

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Dec 14 2009

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Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate For Sale: 207 White Avenue

207 whiteMobile Eastern Shore Real Estate For Sale:

207 White Avenue, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 157735

Renovated historic cottage in the heart of downtown Fairhope. Home features heart pine and oak wood floors, original molding and light fixtures, new master suite, glassed sun porch, oversized fenced tree filled back yard. Renovations also include new heat pump and roof. This home is a must see.

Learn more about 207 White Avenue and other Mobile Eastern Shore real estate by visiting JudySells.com

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Dec 11 2009

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Have a Merry–and Safe–Mobile Eastern Shore Holiday!

2063872_blogThe Holiday season provides us with many opportunities for fun with our family, and decorating inside and outside your Mobile Eastern Shore home is one activity that can be enjoyed by both young and old. As always, however, the use of common sense and the taking of safety precautions are vital to ensuring happy holidays.

To that end, the Consumer Products Safety Commission strongly suggests you follow these timely tips when decorating your Mobile Eastern Shore home:

TREES:

  • When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” Although this label does not mean the tree won’t catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.   
  • When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches, and, when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
  • When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Because heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.

LIGHTS:

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Dec 06 2009

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Mobile Eastern Shore Homes For Sale: 313 School Street

313 School stMobile Eastern Shore Homes For Sale:

313 School Street, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 155605

Magnificent Townhouse in the heart of town with all the bells and whistles. This home boast beautiful lines, tall ceilings, a bonus room over the garage and a media room downstairs with a wet bar. Viking Kitchen.   Many, many built-ins.  Master bath with steam shower.  Open-Bright- Pine floors throughout!!

Learn more about 313 School Street and other Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale at JudySells.com.

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Dec 04 2009

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Will You Owe Capital Gains When Selling Your Mobile Eastern Shore Home

Filed under Residential,Sellers

tax timeSomething to consider when selling your home is the Capital Gains ramifications. Will you owe Uncle Sam money after the sale of your Mobile Eastern Shore home? Capital Gains are calculated as the difference between what you paid for your property and what you sell it for. Here is how you calculate your Capital Gains. 

Calculating Capital Gains

(+) PURCHASE PRICE – Price paid for property

(+) COST OF PURCHASE – Transfer fees, attorney fees, inspections

(+) COST OF SALE – Repairs, commissions, attorney fees, inspections

(+) COST OF IMPROVEMENT – Room additions, deck, for example, though not replacing existing

(=) ADJUSTED COST BASIS OF YOUR HOME

(-) AMOUNT YOU SELL YOUR HOME

(=) CAPITAL GAIN 

A Special Real Estate Exemption for Capital Gains

Even though the above calculation may indicate you owe Capital Gains, there is a special real estate exemption. Since 1997, up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for a married couple) on the sale of a Mobile Eastern Shore home is exempt from taxation if you meet the following criteria: 

  • You have lived in the home as your principal residence for two out of the last five years. 
  • You have not sold or exchanged another home during the two years preceding the sale. 

NOTE: As of 2003, you may also qualify for this exemption if you meet what the IRS calls “unforeseen circumstances” such as job loss, divorce, or family medical emergency. 

Learn more about selling your Mobile Eastern Shore home by visiting JudySells.com.

Always consult a tax attorney regarding current tax laws.

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