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

19264 Fairfax Drive, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 165525

Nice French country home in sought after Fairfield Place.  Home features chef’s kitchen with Kenmore Elite appliances, which include gas cooktop & double oven, granite countertops, glazed cabinets.  This home offers a large master suite.  This home is in a great location on a corner lot with a fenced in backyard and rose garden with a fountain.  A must see!!

Learn more about 19264 Fairfax Drive and other Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

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For you, as for most Americans, your home is your largest and most important investment. Homeowners insurance, required by mortgage lenders, protects you from losing the value of your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate if disaster strikes and enables you to repair or rebuild the structure. It covers damage to your home (real property) and your personal belongings (personal property) for the hazards specified in your policy. It also covers your liability for any injuries and property damage that you or your family members (including pets) cause to other people.

Types of homeowners insurance:

• HO-1 is very basic coverage, insuring against fire or lightening damage

• HO-2, called “broad coverage,” also covers loss of or damage to property resulting from windstorm or hail, theft, explosion, smoke damage from vehicles and aircraft, glass breakage, removal of property endangered by covered peril such as fire, vandalism, malicious mischief, and riot or civil commotion. HO-2 also covers building collapse, freezing of or accidental discharge of water or steam from within plumbing, heating, or air-conditioning, falling objects, weight of snow, ice, or sleet, and rupture or bursting of steam or hot water heating system

• HO-3, called the “special” form, insures your home and detached structures against loss or damage from any peril except for those specifically excluded in the policy. This is the policy most homeowners purchase. It is important for you to read your policy carefully to see what is excluded—you may want to cover exclusions with special endorsements.

• HO-4 is a tenant’s policy and insures your household contents and personal belongings against the perils of the HO-2 policy. It also covers additional living expenses if needed, medical payments, and also liability protection.
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To sell or not to sell? That is a question with which many seniors are wrestling these days. One the one hand, older homeowners are faced with rising maintenance costs, personal physical constraints, a desire to live a more carefree and less complicated lifestyle, a realistic look at future needs, such as being near public transportation and/or quality health care, and living in a “too-large” home. On the other hand, they are reluctant to leave a neighborhood where they are known and respected, move further from friends and family, consider downsizing and parting with treasured items, and undertaking the seemingly overwhelming job of emptying one home and setting up another. In addition, they don’t want to give up the security or the memories tied to their current home.

A knowledgeable and understanding real estate agent who is familiar with the needs and desires of the 55+ set, combined with the services of an attorney who specializes in both real estate and estate planning and an accountant who deals with senior tax implications, can be invaluable to you in looking at all aspects of selling your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate and helping you determine what is best for you. Senior Expert Margie Behr also advises that you think about taking out a home equity loan before you put your house on the market and that you involve your whole family in the decision-making process.

If you do decide to sell, BankRate.com cautions you to first get a written market analysis and a financial evaluation which will help you and your team of advisors address the realities of the market, your investments, and tax objectives.

Once underway in the selling process, you‘ll have to prepare your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for showing to potential buyers. That includes removing, storing, or giving away some large furnishing, heirlooms, or collections, and making your home as “clutter-free“ as possible. If this task looms too large for you to deal with by yourself, your real estate agent can provide you with qualified, responsible people who will make the burden much lighter. Remember that a well-maintained property with plenty of open space makes the house seem larger and shows off its assets.

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Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate For Sale:

50 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 164414

Perfect location in Downtown Fairhope, magnificent views of Mobile Bay, radiant sunsets and Fairhope Pier, blocks to town, listen to Mobile Pops and watch the 4th of July fireworks from your private balcony. Great layout, 2/2 with oversized great room with fireplace, formal dining, neat kitchen and office plus totally furnished. Move in and Love!

Learn more about 50 Fairhope Avenue and other Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

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As every Mobile Eastern Shore home owner knows, property insurance is a necessity. The cost of adequate insurance may seem daunting initially, but there are certain steps you can take to reduce your costs to a reasonable level.

1. Shop around for the best value. Check online for quotes from at least three reputable agencies. Be aware that some companies offer a discount of 30% to 40% if you buy online. Other possible discounts can result from insuring both the home and the contents or by insuring your home and your car with the same firm.

Also know the replacement value of your home, taking into consideration any unique features that will be expensive to replace. Keep in mind probable inflation increases at renewal time. Does your insurer automatically adjust your coverage or do you have to request the change?

2. Make periodic updates to your Mobile Eastern Shore home or property. Ways to reduce insurance costs include the following:

A) replacing the existing heating system to one which is safer and more cost-efficient.

B) keep plumbing in good working order and protect it from freezing

C) replace fuses. Inspectors are looking for circuit breakers and a safe wiring system

D) install fire detectors or even a central alarm system. Be sure to keep a record of all repairs/replacements and inform your insurance company of each one.

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A simplified guide for painless purchasing of your Mobile Eastern Shore home.

Be patient. You’re getting close to the finish line and will soon be the owner of your first Mobile Eastern Shore home. Just a few more steps to go…

1. Homeowner’s insurance policy

Adequate homeowner’s insurance is a requirement of all lenders, and it is certainly in your best interests to protect the investment you’ll be making in your Mobile Eastern Shore home. To find the policy that is right for you, you should shop around for the best value. Check online for quotes from at least three reputable agencies. Be aware that some companies offer a discount of 30%-40% if you buy online. Other possible discounts can result from insuring both your home and the contents or by insuring your home and your car with the same company. Check to see if you need flood insurance, as many properties in the Mobile Eastern Shore  area do. Know the replacement value of your home, taking into consideration any unique features. Think about probable inflation increases at renewal time. Will your insurance agency automatically adjust your coverage, or will you have to request a change?

2. Preparations before closing

As the settlement date approaches, check with your lender and your closing attorney to make certain all necessary documents are in order and are being prepared. You will also want to contact utility services such as gas, electric, water, cable, and telephone to set up service in your name. Be sure to ask your real estate agent about the type of acceptable payment (usually a certified check) and amount to bring to the closing for any unpaid fees. It is also a good idea to gather all paperwork associated with your purchase (estimates, contract, proof of title search and insurance, home appraisal, and inspection reports) to take to the closing in case a question arises.

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