Archive for June, 2011

Jun 30 2011

Profile Image of Morgan

Happy Fourth of July Mobile Eastern Shore!

Filed under Mobile Bay Area

“America is best described in one word–freedom” Dwight D. Eisenhower

As Americans, we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th to honor our nation’s birthday and the Declaration of Independence. It is day replete with parades, cookouts, picnics, waving flags, and fireworks–and a heavy dose of patriotism.

DISTINCTIVE DATES:

  • JULY 4, 1776: The Second Continental Congress completed its work on the Declaration of Independence.
  • JULY 8, 1776: Independence Day was first Celebrated in Philadelphia on, and the Liberty Bell was sounded on that day.
  • JULY 4, 1804: The first public celebration was held at the White House
  • JULY 4, 1826: Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on this day.
  • JULY 4, 1941: Independence Day was first celebrated as a federal legal holiday

“There is nojuly 4thing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right with America.” Bill Clinton

PATRIOTIC PLACES:

Ever been to Liberty, MO? How about Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty, or East Liberty–all in Iowa? And then there are the eleven places with Independence in their names and five which feature Freedom; Freedom, CA, is the largest of these. Five more towns sport the word America, but only one can lay claim to Patriot, and that is a spot in Indiana with a population of 202.

Did you know that there is a one-gun salute fired at noon on July 4th on every capable military base? It is called the Salute to the Union.

IT’S A GRAND OLD FLAG…and there are specific rules about displaying it proudly and properly.  Here you can brush up on the do’s and don’t’s for honoring Old Glory.

Be sure to take time to honor our military and their families for the sacrifices they make each and every day so we can be free! Something as simple as saying ‘Thank you’ can make a Vets day!

FABULOUS FOOD:

Having a cookout or picnic with friends and family? Think about foods that come in patriotic colors–white snow cone cups filled with red and blue berries, or use the three colors to make napkins which you tie with red, white, and blue patterned shoelaces instead of napkin rings. Be sure to offer hot dogs, hamburgers, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, and watermelon for an all-American meal. Maybe even Mom’s apple pie to top it off! Get many delicious recipes and grilling ideas and safety tips.

FIREWORKS FINALE:

Nearly every U.S. city or town offers an exciting fireworks display to end the day’s festivities, and we’re never too old or too young to ‘ooh and ah’ at the spectacle. Some notable shows are held at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Charles River in Boston, Mt. Rushmore, the Rose Bowl, and the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Perhaps the longest celebration is fittingly held in Philadelphia–a 9 day festival culminating in back-to-back fireworks!

George Washington once said, “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” Do remember, however, that such a plant needs to cherished, taken care of, nourished, and protected by each and every American.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH!!!

No responses yet

Jun 27 2011

Profile Image of Morgan

Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate For Sale: 11919 County Road 1

11919 county road 1Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate For Sale:

11919 County Road 1, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 177396

Enjoy cool breezes from the porch as you watch the sun set on the bay. This wonderful home boasts wood floors, beautiful wood doors throughout, granite countertops, double oven, Bosch dishwasher, and more. Wake up & look out at the water from the master bedroom! There are two more bedrooms downstairs and a huge bedroom/bonus room upstairs. Screened porch, heated&cooled workshop, bulkheaded with pier. Bay living at its best!

Learn more about 11919 County Road 1 and other Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

Search all Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for sale.

The Judy Niemeyer Team knows that selling or buying a Mobile Eastern Shore home is a major event in your life. It represents one of the largest single investments you may make in your lifetime. It is, therefore, our Goal to make this experience a seamless one. Whether buying Mobile Eastern Shore real estate or marketing Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale, we will provide unparalleled professional, quality service and the most productive approach to achieving your goals.

You can contact Judy by email or by calling 251-990-0569.

No responses yet

Jun 23 2011

Profile Image of Morgan

Getting A Mortgage For Your Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate? Here’s How

Filed under Buyers,Real Estate

Although the housing market has been unpredictable in recent months, the existence of a seller’s market and the availability of low interest rates are providing incentives for potential buyers. Obtaining a mortgage, especially one which is attractive to you, is not as easy as it was a few years ago. As a result of the extreme increase in the number of foreclosures, banks have raised their lending standards for all borrowers, and there is little reason to believe that these stringent requirements will lessen anytime soon. This tight credit situation affects would-be buyers of Mobile Eastern Shore real estate in numerous ways, among them down payments, credit scores, documentation, debt-to-income ratio, and appraisals.

Real Estate Concept        1. Down payments: Requirements will be higher. Generally speaking, to get the best interest rate you need to put down at least 20% of the purchase price of the Mobile Eastern Shore real estate. FHA loans are available for a down payment of only 3% to 5% but these loans will include additional costs for insurance and a slightly higher interest rate.

        2. Credit scores: You will most likely need a score of 730 for the best rates, whereas the average score for an FHA borrower is about 690. Financial advisors strong urge you to obtain a copy of your credit report six months before loan shopping (you are entitled to one free report from each of the three bureaus annually at www.annualcreditreport.com ) and examine it carefully to detect any errors/misinformation.

        3. Documentation: Be prepared! Lenders will ask for a great deal of documentation regarding your salary, savings, job stability, debts, and the like. You will need to provide pay stubs for the past 30 days; W-2 forms for the past two years; bank, retirement, and investment account statements; and a listing of debts and monthly expenses. Monthly housing expenses should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and total debt should be less than 37% of that amount. If you are self-employed, you will also have to submit two years of tax returns and possibly a profit-loss statement.

Continue Reading »

No responses yet

Jun 20 2011

Profile Image of Morgan

Mobile Eastern Shore Homes For Sale: 500 Lea Avenue

500 Lea aveMobile Eastern Shore Homes For Sale:

500 Lea Avenue, Daphne AL 36526

MLS# 176960

Welcome home to this beautiful home in Old Town Daphne.  Walk to town and the bay.  This home features a living room, large family room, a chef’s kitchen that is opens into the dining area.  There are two master suites in the home.  Outside you will enjoy the fenced backyard and the private courtyard.

Learn more about 500 Lea Avenue and other Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

Search all Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale.

The Judy Niemeyer Team knows that selling or buying a Mobile Eastern Shore home is a major event in your life. It represents one of the largest single investments you may make in your lifetime. It is, therefore, our Goal to make this experience a seamless one. Whether buying Mobile Eastern Shore real estate or marketing Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale, we will provide unparalleled professional, quality service and the most productive approach to achieving your goals.

You can contact Judy by email or by calling 251-990-0569.

No responses yet

Jun 16 2011

Profile Image of Morgan

Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate Podcast – June 2011

Filed under Market,Real Estate

podcastJudy Niemeyer of Ashurst and Niemeyer presents:

This month’s edition covers Mobile Eastern Shore real estate market activity and then we’ll explain how buyers can make the most of favorable summer conditions.

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.

Program length: approximately 7 1/2 minutes

download podcast mp3 file   |   subscribe to podcast feed
The Judy Niemeyer Team knows that selling or buying a Mobile Eastern Shore home is a major event in your life. It represents one of the largest single investments you may make in your lifetime. It is, therefore, our Goal to make this experience a seamless one. Whether buying Mobile Eastern Shore real estate or marketing Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale, we will provide unparalleled professional, quality service and the most productive approach to achieving your goals.

You can contact Judy by email or by calling 251-990-0569.

Search all Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale.

No responses yet

Jun 13 2011

Profile Image of Morgan

Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate For Sale: 20025 County Road 33

20025 county road 33Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate for Sale:

20025 County Road 33, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 176306

This home offers incredible views of the kidney shaped 18 x 20 Gunite pool.  Enjoy country living on this 2.12 acre lot with a private stocked pond.  Great location only minutes to Fairhope.  This home boasts an open floor plan, split bedrooms, and a great kitchen with stainless steel appliances.  Outside you will enjoy gardening in the 12 x 24 potting shed and working on projects in the 23 x 35 workshop that includes covered parking.  The roof is new.  Come out and enjoy the serene and peaceful environment.

Learn more about 20025 County Road and other Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

Search all Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for sale.

The Judy Niemeyer Team knows that selling or buying a Mobile Eastern Shore home is a major event in your life. It represents one of the largest single investments you may make in your lifetime. It is, therefore, our Goal to make this experience a seamless one. Whether buying Mobile Eastern Shore real estate or marketing Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale, we will provide unparalleled professional, quality service and the most productive approach to achieving your goals.

You can contact Judy by email or by calling 251-990-0569.

No responses yet

Jun 10 2011

Profile Image of Morgan

Is Walking Away From Your Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate A Good Idea?

A new category of homeowners has emerged in recent months–those who voluntarily walk away from their mortgaged property. The rising ranks of this group are not comprised of people who can’t afford their mortgage payments and thus go into foreclosure; rather these defaulters are homeowners who choose to let their Mobile Eastern Shore real estate holdings go rather than continue to pay on a home which is worth less than what they owe.

house-key1Such a phenomenon is new to the United States, where proud homeowners of the past would make every sacrifice necessary to keep their home–and their dignity–and it is a thorny issue in terms of moral responsibility and finances.

The Mortgage Bankers Association has voiced concern about the message these “walkers” send to their families and the community, and even President Obama has urged homeowners to follow the responsible course and honor their financial obligations. Such words too often fall on deaf ears, however, as anxious owners of Mobile Eastern Shore real estate watch lenders unload their mortgages with impunity and private businesses practice “strategic default” by letting a company fail rather than continue putting money into it.

One prevailing viewpoint is that homeowners must operate under a moral constraint while lenders and businesses are free to maximize their profits–an unfair and unbalanced system in the eyes of the “walkers.”       

There are, of course, many social, moral, and financial arguments against voluntary default. An increase in foreclosures in a community depresses the value of the homes and drives prices down, thus making your neighbors suffer the consequences of your choice. In a May survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, nearly 60% of Americans believe it is ethically and morally wrong to default on a mortgage contract with a lender. Perhaps having a greater impact, however, are the financial repercussions of simply not paying the mortgage on your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate, including the following:      

Continue Reading »

No responses yet

Jun 06 2011

Profile Image of Morgan

Mobile Eastern Shore Homes For Sale: 16086 Keeney Drive

16086 Keeney drMobile Eastern Shore Homes For Sale:

16086 Keeney Drive, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 176251

Updated raised cottage on wide part of Fish River. There is 110′ of frontage on Fish River.  This home features a split bedroom plan, open kitchen, living and dining room, and also an efficiency downstairs apartment which consists of 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a full kitchen. Unbelievable deal on Fish River!

Learn more about 16086 Keeney Drive and other Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

Search all Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale.

The Judy Niemeyer Team knows that selling or buying a Mobile Eastern Shore home is a major event in your life. It represents one of the largest single investments you may make in your lifetime. It is, therefore, our Goal to make this experience a seamless one. Whether buying Mobile Eastern Shore real estate or marketing Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale, we will provide unparalleled professional, quality service and the most productive approach to achieving your goals.

You can contact Judy by email or by calling 251-990-0569.

No responses yet

Jun 03 2011

Profile Image of Morgan

Safety Checklist For Your Mobile Eastern Shore Home – Part III

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that over one million senior citizens are treated in emergency rooms for home-related injuries each year. CPSC believes that many of these accidents result from often-overlooked hazards which are easy to detect and correct. Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems which may be present in your Mobile Eastern Shore home and use it periodically to re-check your residence.

 THE LIVING ROOMhouse-key1

        1. Arrange pieces of furniture and electrical cords so that you have unobstructed passageways.

        2. Remove electrical cords from under carpeting and furniture to prevent damage and/or fire hazards.

        3. Use tape, not staples, to attach cords to walls or floors.

        4. Place space heaters away from passageways and all flammable items such as curtains, furniture, and rugs. Carefully follow safety instructions when using the heater.

        5. Make sure that any wood-burning stove has been installed correctly and follow local codes. Allow proper ventilation for the room in which it is used.

BASEMENT/GARAGE/WORKSHOP AREAS

        1. Make sure that these areas are well lighted, especially if using power tools.

        2. Check that stair areas have lighting sufficient to allow you to see each step, particularly the edges, when you are using them to go up or down.

        3. Place light switches at both the top and the bottom of the stairs of your Mobile Eastern Shore home.

        4. Check the stability of handrails and the condition of the steps.

Continue Reading »

No responses yet