The Judy Niemeyer Team Blog

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. This checklist is organized by areas in the home and will be presented in an easy-to-follow series of articles.       

THE KITCHEN

                1. Store potholders, towels, plastic utensils, and the like away from the stove/oven.

                2. Shorten or remove curtains which are close to sources of heat.

                3. Roll back, pin up, or fasten with elastic bands long, loose sleeves which can easily catch on fire or get caught on pot handles.

                4. Use a stove fan, ventilation system, or open windows to clear air of smoke and vapors.

                5. Move cords and appliances away from sink area or heat. Try to avoid use of extension cords. Use wiring guides so that cords will not hang down or become tangled.

                6. Check with an electrician about installing new outlets (GFCIs) which detect electrical problems and shut off automatically.

                7. Ensure adequate lighting by opening curtains and blinds, using maximum wattage allowed bulbs (frosted ones reduce glare), and adding easy-to-install light strips under the cabinets or over the countertops of your Mobile Eastern Shore home.

                8. Do not exceed the printed maximum bulb wattage for use in lighting fixtures. If you don’t know the correct wattage, use nothing greater than 60 watts.

                9. Keep a working fire extinguisher handy at all times.

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Tags: home safety, mobile eastern shore home, safety checklist

In addition to chasing away the winter blues, spring also brings with it exciting times for gardeners who anticipate floral beauty and healthy plants for the grounds of their Mobile Eastern Shore real estate. To fulfill your gardening hopes, however, you need to prioritize your time in order to tend to all the tasks necessary for blooms and blossoms.

• Prune

For early blooming shrubs such as forsythia and viburnum, prune them as soon as blooms have passed. Early spring is also an ideal time to prune your roses.

• Deadhead

Remove spent flowers from bulbs, but leave the rest of the plant as is for the time being.

• Weed

Pull weeds from your beds and borders before they have a chance to take hold and spread.

• Compost

Tend to your compost if it has been neglected over the winter. If you do not have a compost bin, spring is a great time to start one.

• Prepare tools

Spring is a good time to prepare your tools for the oncoming gardening season and to make any necessary repairs or new purchases. You will be happy you have done so when summer sets in.
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Tags: gardening tips, mobile eastern shore real estate, spring gardening tips

Yes, there are still qualified buyers out there, but the supply of Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale  is far greater than the demand for them, and today’s buyers can afford to be very selective. Your house may have excellent curb appeal and be beautifully staged, but if you really want to sell in this market, you must be realistic, flexible, and creative when it comes to pricing, availability, flexibility, and motivating the buyer to purchase your property.

PRICING: A few years ago, you probably could have sold your home for what you think it is worth today–or even more–but that is most likely no longer the case. Of course, the thought of taking a loss is a bitter pill for you to swallow, but if that’s what the recent sales in your neighborhood indicate, you may have no choice. It is important that you and your Realtor, after reviewing comparables, be objective and set a realistic price that will draw buyers. Keep in mind that the buyer is looking for the best possible deal and will avoid even looking at an overpriced house.

AVAILABILTY/FLEXIBILITY:

• Exposure and showings. Since so many potential buyers go first to the internet to scout out homes, make sure that your Realtor has your listing on his website. Also make certain that your Mobile Eastern Shore home is always available (and ready to tour) for showings. A Realtor’s lockbox is a good way to ensure unrestricted entry for agents.
• Closing dates: Again, you need to be as accommodating as possible. Many buyers want a closing date as quickly as possible, and it is helpful if you are prepared to at least consider such a request.
  Negotiating terms of the contract: If you have a solid offer from a qualified buyer, resist the temptation to quibble over relatively unimportant matters. If refusing to leave the drapes or an appliance is going to kill the deal, you may well regret your inflexibility later.
• Timeliness: In the current market conditions, you no longer have the freedom to take a few days to think about an offer made on your Mobile Eastern Shore home. Buyers will expect a response (preferably one with few, if any, counters) within 24 hours. Waiting longer than that too often results in a withdrawal of the offer.

INCENTIVES:

Today’s sellers are turning more and more to finding ways to create interest in their property and motivate hesitant buyers. Since builders of new homes offer such incentives, it is becoming commonplace for other sellers to do the same. Examples of incentives include:

• Paying points will reduce the buyer’s upfront cost and appeals to the cash-conscious.
• Buying down the interest rate: Offering to pay discount points to lower the buyer’s interest rate will make your home more affordable, and thus more appealing.
• Paying for some or all closing costs: By doing this you are once again decreasing the amount of upfront cash needed by a buyer. You can specify the amount you will contribute or the items you will cover.
• Offering upgrades: Rather than replacing the carpet or appliances ahead of the sale, you can allow the buyer to choose colors, designs, etc., and decorate in their own taste. Other upgrades can apply to bathroom fixtures or landscaping.
• Providing a home warranty: If you are competing with newer properties, a home warranty will give the buyer some insurance against costly repairs during the first year or two. Such an offering is relatively inexpensive but is appealing to a concerned consumer.

                Note: if you do offer incentives of any kind, make sure that they are included in your real estate listing.

Tags: home selling tips, mobile eastern shore home, tips for selling

With more and more people working from home at least part of the time, there is, understandably, a need/desire for a designated office in their Mobile Eastern Shore home. Perhaps you have been toying with the idea of creating one for yourself, but a lack of room, money, set-up know-how, and/or motivation has prevented you from doing so. Read on for solutions to each of these problems…

1.  MOTIVATION:

• Ability to work from home. It is much easier to work at home in an established office space. In fact, some employers will allow you to do so only if you have such a designated space.
• Peaceful environment. Bothered by children, ringing telephones, tv noise? A designated office in your Mobile Eastern Shore home allows you to shut the door, get away from such distractions, and concentrate on your work.
• Elimination of clutter. No more vying for space among crayons, toys, and homework.  You will monitor what goes into your office.
• Less commuting time. If you’re not stuck in traffic going to or coming from your workplace, you will have more time to spend with your family, In addition, you will most likely be in a better frame of mind.
• Monetary advantages. Adding an office to your Mobile Eastern Shore home improves the resale value since it is a much desired feature in today’s market. In addition, if you are self- employed, you can write off your computer, telephone, and maintenance expenses on your taxes. Also, don’t forget the savings in decreased gas usage!

2.  LOCATION AND SETTING UP
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Tags: creating home office, home office, mobile eastern shore home

Tax season is just around the corner! Its not too early  to start identifying house-related tax deductions and gathering the necessary documentation for them.

Doing so provides you with a win-win situation. Not only will you get a head start on a sometimes onerous task, you will also derive pleasure from seeing how much money you will save simply by owning Mobile Eastern Shore real estate. The following information is current as of now, but I urge you to check with your accountant, visit the IRS website, or call the IRS assistance line at 800-829-1040 for verification and/or specifics.

PRIMARY RESIDENCES

1. MORTGAGE INTEREST: As you know, much of your mortgage payment goes toward paying off interest, especially in the early years. All this paid interest, on debts of up to $1 million on a joint return, is tax deductible. The amount you have paid is reported to you on a 1098 form sent by your lender and should be reported by you on line 10 of a Schedule A form (itemized deductions).
2. HOME EQUITY LOAN INTEREST: Interest paid on home equity loans (second mortgages, equity credit lines, and some refinancing) is fully deductible up to $100,000–regardless of how you use the proceeds. If you use some or all of the proceeds for home improvements, that amount can be added to the $100,000. Be sure to carefully document all improvement costs. Note: The limits mentioned apply only as long as all debt secured by the residence does not exceed the fair market value of the property.
3. POINTS: The points you paid to the lender at closing are deductible for the year in which you paid them. This amount is also reported to you on the lender’s 1098 form. See publication # 936 from the IRS for more specific information, especially about points paid for refinancing.
4. PROPERTY TAXES: Mobile Eastern Shore real estate property taxes are fully deductible.
5. PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE: If your mortgage was taken out between 2007 and 2010 and your joint income is below $100,000, you can deduct any premiums you paid. Note: This is the last year that you can take this deduction.

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Tags: mobile eastern shor real estate, real estate deductions, tax deductions

A vital step in the home buying process is a professional appraisal of the Mobile Eastern Shore real estate you wish to purchase. An appraisal is an objective analysis of the property’s market value and is required by lenders to make certain that the property is worth at least as much as the amount of the loan you are requesting. Your personal approval is accomplished early in the loan process, but final commitment usually hinges on a satisfactory appraisal, and the lender will study the completed report carefully before determining whether or not the piece of real estate qualifies to serve as security for your loan.

Appraisers are experienced and knowledgeable professionals whom are licensed by the state to estimate real estate values. They must follow rules set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Once the appraiser has determined the highest and best use of the Mobile Eastern Shore real estate, i.e., the most profitable utilization of the property, he/she will then go about estimating the home’s market value through the use of three basic approaches.

The Cost Approach

The Cost Approach: a set of procedures through which a value indication is derived by estimating the current cost to construct a reproduction of the existing structure, deducting the accrued depreciation and adding the estimated land value. The principle of substitution is the basis of the cost approach, in that no rational person will pay more for a property than the amount for which he can obtain, by purchase of a site and construction of a building, with undue delay, a property of equal desirability and utility. Appraisers typically make use of published cost figures when calculating the cost to construct a building. These sources of data are available online and in printed form. Land value is determined by a comparison of the subject site with other similar sites that have recently sold.

The Sales Comparison Analysis

While cost and income considerations are important, the Sales Comparison Analysis is regard as the industry standard for residential properties. Appraisers get to know the neighborhoods in which they work. To assure that any effects (positive or negative) of its location will be reflected in the sales comparison analysis, the appraiser should select comparable sales from within the same neighborhood whenever possible. If this is not possible, the appraiser may need to make “neighborhood” or “location” adjustments for any sales that are not subject to this same neighborhood characteristic.

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Tags: appraisal, getting appraisal, mobile eastern shore real estate

The scene we often envision at this time of year is one of family and friends sitting around a blazing fire with a brightly lighted tree, stockings hung from the mantel, and colorfully wrapped gifts adding to the cozy and festive atmosphere of your Mobile Eastern Shore home. A setting lovely to imagine–and to experience–but also one which requires awareness and safety precautions. Fires occurring during the holidays claim the lives of more than 400 Americans each year, and approximately 2 to 3 people per hour are treated in an emergency room due to “decorating” falls and other seasonal injuries.

At the time of year when lists–gift lists, menu lists, activities lists, and to do lists, e.g..–play such a large role in our lives, it is also necessary to establish a safety checklist to ensure an accident-free holiday for your family, guests, and even your pets. Suggestions for taking precautions include the following:

DECORATIONS

• Inspect lights for damage and link no more than 3 strands together. Use only UL approved and only as directed–indoor lights should not be used outside. Beware of overloading outlets. Don’t leave on when you’re not home.

• If you prefer a live tree, make certain it is fresh when you buy it and water, water, water!

• Use non-flammable or flame retardant decorations.

• Never leave lighted candles unattended, near combustible materials, or within reach of children or pets. Make certain to extinguish them before retiring for the night.

FIREPLACES

• Place the tree in your Mobile Eastern Shore home at least 3 feet away from the fireplace.

• Keep a screen in front of the fire to prevent flying sparks.

• If you hang stockings from the mantel, be sure to remove them when the fireplace is in use.

• Choose your decorating materials carefully, avoiding combustibles whenever possible. Make certain that ribbons and/or greenery are far from the flames.

• Never burn wrapping paper in your fireplace and risk a flash fire.
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Tags: holiday safety, mobile easterh shore home

Given the current high demand for rental residences and the poor return on stock investments, it is no wonder that so many homeowners are considering buying Mobile Eastern Shore real estate as a rental investment. While potentially a lucrative move, being a landlord is an active job, albeit a part-time one, and you, as a would-be investor, need to be aware of the responsibilities of such.

In essence, by becoming a landlord you are operating a business, making major decisions which can affect your family, setting and adhering to a budget, and spending time overseeing and maintaining the property. For a period of years, at least two and more likely five, you will be employed as your own property manager. You must then find a steady flow of good tenants, draw up leases, collect rents, make repairs, keep accurate records re: income and expenses, file taxes, obtain permits, find suitable insurance, and establish a workable relationship with your tenants.

You must also know–and follow–federal, state, and municipal health and safety codes and landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities. Simply put, your responsibilities as a landlord include the following:

• Make and keep property habitable

• Make and pay for repairs arising from ordinary wear-and-tear.

• Refrain from turning off utilities

• Provide written notice in the case of transfer of ownership

• Comply with statutes involving discrimination

Basic tips for becoming a successful landlord include:

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Tags: becoming a landlord, landlord, landlord responsibilities, mobile eastern shore real estate

Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate For Sale:

1501 Captain O’Neal Drive, Daphne AL 36526

MLS# 169043

Welcome home to fabulous views of Mobile Bay.  As you enter this home you will be greeted by the grand foyer and entertaining is a breeze in this home with its open floor plan.  This home features many updates including a remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances.  You will enjoy the wooden walk way to the wide sandy beach.  After a long day sit back on your deck and watch the sunset.

Learn more about 1501 Captain O’Neal Drive and other Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

Search all Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for sale.

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Every few years home buyers’ demand change. The 2010 design trends reflect the current move toward family togetherness, casual living, and energy efficiency. Potential purchasers of Mobile Eastern Shore real estate are looking for smaller, cost-effective homes which provide both functional and flexible spaces to match their current lifestyle. First-time buyers cannot afford McMansions, empty nesters are looking to downsize, and families are into low maintenance, energy savings, and open spaces,

The age of formality and overindulgent features has gone by. Buyers of Mobile Eastern Shore real estate are giving up formal dining and living rooms and passing on libraries, parlors, and studies, opting instead for casual great rooms in which to entertain and enjoy family togetherness. Features currently in demand include the following:

• STORAGE SPACE: A double car garage is a must since most homeowners use half of it for storage. Ditto for walk-in closets, a basement or attic, storage space  under stairs, and pantries.

• ROOMS: The kitchen (with an island), family room, and master bedroom remain the three most important rooms, and they will most likely increase in size. Living and dining rooms, however, will tend to disappear. Another growing trend is a first floor master bedroom suite, a feature especially desired by seniors.

• TECHNOLOGY READINESS: The majority of buyers want cable/satellite readiness and high speed internet access. Also valued are homes wired for surround sound, an HD feed, and in-wall speakers.

• ENERGY EFFICIENCY: In addition to energy-saving appliances, potential buyers are looking for Mobile Eastern Shore real estate that has high-efficiency insulation and windows. Also popular are built-in recycling bins and tankless water heaters. In addition, stone and brick exteriors are preferred.
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Tags: design trends, home selling tips, mobile eastern shore real estate