Mobile Eastern Shore Homes For Sale:

119 Pinnacle Court, Fairhope AL 36532

MLS# 166041

Come see this fabulous Patio Home that boasts an open floor plan, tall ceilings and a split bedroom plan.  Enjoy the many bells and whistles through out this home including surround sound throughout the home and screened porch, beautiful hardwood floors and a totally fenced yard.  This home is a must see.

Learn more about 119 Pinnacle Court and other Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

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ADVANTAGES:

• HOME WARRANTY: Generally this warranty is good for one year and covers heating, cooling, and electrical systems and plumbing. Some also cover appliances.

• INCENTIVE PROGRAM: Many builders use incentives, both large and small, to attract buyers. Examples include vacations or furnishing for your Mobile Eastern Shore home. Note: these incentives are often offered only if you use the builder’s lender.

• CUSTOM DESIGN: If you become involved with the builder early in the building process, you may have a say in the home’s construction–from customized features to flooring to colors.

• FASTER CLOSING. No titles to search.

• SAFETY/HEALTH: No worries about old wiring. lead paint, or asbestos.

• LESS MAINTENANCE: Materials used in the exterior of a new home do not require yearly painting.

• ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Less waste, and thus lower bills.

PRECAUTIONS:

• HIRE A BUYERS REAL ESTATE AGENT who is experienced in new home sales. A strong Realtor negotiating on your behalf can save you thousands!
  

• CHECK OUT THE BUILDER: Talk to those already living in the new community. Find five or six homeowners who have purchased a Mobile Eastern Shore home from him in the past five years. Ask what they like and don’t like about their houses. Has he been responsive to problems? Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against him.

• EVALUATE THE BUILDER’S LENDER: Some builders own their own lending company and therefore don’t offer you the best deal . Beware of being locked into using that lender in order to qualify for incentives. Request that the lender guarantee its Good Faith Estimate.

• HIRE A HOME INSPECTOR: Even if you have a one year warranty on your Mobile Eastern Shore home, some problems won’t surface until that service has expired.

• GET LEGAL ADVICE: Have a real estate lawyer check your purchase agreement to make sure you are protected and to explain your liabilities and commitments.

Interesting in buying a new Mobile Eastern Shore home?  Contact us today, we’re glad to help!

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Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate For Sale:

142629 Scenic Highway 98, Point Clear AL 36564

MLS# 166539

This is a magnificent cottage on Mobile Bay.  The home features an open floor plan that is perfect for Entertaining.  You will enjoy cooking in this kitchen which has a Thermador gas range, double over with a warming drawer.  The kitchen and living room open up to a 20X40 screen porch over looking Mobile Bay.  The Master suite boasts an office and his/her bathroom.  Also on the property there is a 628 sq ft guest house with a kitchenette.  Bring your boat because there is a pier with a boat lift.  This fabulous home is a must see!!

Learn more about 14629 Scenic Highway 98 and other Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for sale by visiting JudySells.com.

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Floor Plan

Probably having the greatest impact on a potential buyer is your floor plan. Open spaces which make the living area appear large, airy, and unobstructed are most desirable. Flexible floor plans feature an eat-in kitchen which opens up into the dining and family rooms, thus allowing for family togetherness and ease of entertaining. To achieve this sense of space and unity, you should provide multiple accesses to the kitchen and ensure an unobstructed line of sight and a practical traffic flow. Here are specific suggestions regarding these layouts.

While buyers are no longer clamoring for extremely large homes with excess square footage, they do insist on functional areas with both specific and multiple uses. Home offices are still in demand, but several smaller work stations spread throughout your Mobile Eastern Shore home are also in vogue. Dual office/bedrooms, large and plentiful storage spaces, and a children’s retreat for study and recreation have become popular, as have entertainment centers such as a bar, a home theater, or an exercise room. Of primary importance is the idea that no space is wasted and that the need for both privacy and togetherness has been considered throughout your home.

Going Green

In keeping with the “greening” of real estate, rooms which bring the outside in are valued by buyers. This effect can be achieved by a large expanse of windows overlooking gardens, a pool, or inviting landscaping and by carefully selecting eco-friendly paints. These should reflect the soothing colors of nature–from pastels to earth tones.

Of equal importance to a potential buyer of your Mobile Eastern Shore home are features which bring the inside outside. Today’s buyers want to extend their “open” atmosphere to a yard which has spaces, furniture, and equipment designated for specific uses–an outdoor cook/dining area, for example, a reading/relaxation corner, a children’s activity space, or a conversation area grouped around a fire pit.

Trends

You may also want to consider generational home buying trends as you plan your remodeling. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), both young buyers and the over 50 set are “driving the demand for smaller, smarter homes designed to function more efficiently with no wasted space and plenty of room for storage.” The Boomers desire “high-tech features, an open floor plan, and spaces to enjoy outdoor living.” (NABH Builders’ Magazine, July 2009, “Brave New World.”)

What’s your Mobile Eastern Shore home worth?

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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Big Or Small

Improvements to your Mobile Eastern Shore] real estate can be as simple as changing your landscape to include a vegetable garden and more perennials to replacing current appliances with energy efficient ones.  The addition of crown moldings, special ceiling finishes, hardwood floors, and fresh coats of paint (earth colors are still popular) are other relatively easy but important projects.

More ambitious undertakings which will improve your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate include the replacement of your heating/cooling system, windows (and qualify for a tax credit!), and external doors with those which are guaranteed to benefit the environment and lower utility bills.  Other large-scale improvements encompass adding vinyl siding and a new roof, the addition of a deck, garage, or fireplace, the updating of your kitchen and bathrooms, and the conversion of an attic/basement space to an extra bedroom.

Monetary Return

To get a general idea of your potential monetary return on these and other projects, visit Natural Handyman and/or Remodeling. Bankrate.com recommends the following projects as the best improvements you can make for your money:

• Upscale siding replacement –83% return

• Moderate bathroom remodel –61% return

• Minor kitchen remodel–78% return

• Mid-range siding replacement–79 %return

• Attic bedroom –83% return. (Percentages courtesy of Remodeling Magazine.)

Before beginning any improvement to your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate, talk with your realtor, building supply store managers, handymen, and/or contractors to examine national and regional trends, potential buyer desires, and costs of each project you’re considering. A cautionary caveat,  ask any home worker for references, proof of licenses and insurance, and a written contract specifying exact details of the job, price, and an agreed-upon completion date.

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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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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.
  
• The home owner can receive monthly income from a reverse mortgage as long as he or she lives in the home as a primary residence. A home owner could potentially continue to receive monthly payments even after the loan balance is higher than the amount that the house is worth.
• Neither the home owner nor his or her heirs will ever owe more than the home is worth, no matter how many payments are received or how high the interest rates become.
• It’s fairly easy to qualify for this loan since credit scores and income are not part of the qualification process.

Thus, you may convert home equity into available money to meet escalating medical costs, supplement Social Security payments, and make necessary repairs to your Mobile Eastern Shore home. Best of all, you can stay in your home and not have to move.

Disadvantages: Gilbert’s Guide also cautions that there are cons involved with reverse mortgages. Some of these include:

• Reverse mortgages for seniors have high closing costs. The senior must pay origination fees that are about double what they are for conventional mortgages and mortgage insurance. The interest rates are adjustable. So, because the set-up costs are expensive, you certainly don’t want a reverse mortgage if you’re going to move in three to five years.
• For seniors who depend on Medicaid or other state or federal programs, it’s important to consider if reverse mortgage payments will affect their eligibility.

The senior is required to attend counseling by an independent HUD counselor prior to receiving a reverse mortgage. These are complex loans and this is a measure of consumer protection, and this point should be high on your reverse mortgage pros and cons checklist.

As with any financial undertaking, you should meet with your real estate agent, your tax advisor, and your attorney during the decision-making process. Discuss the matter with your family members who may be affected by your participation in this program. Talk with other seniors who have a reverse mortgage, and use, either in person or online, knowledgeable sources such as AARP, Fannie Mae, HUD, the Federal Housing Administration and your bank to your advantage.

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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1. If a crime has been committed, report it to the police. You should get a copy of the police report.

2. Contact your insurance agent or company immediately.

3. If necessary, try to protect your property from further damage. Save your receipts.

4. Don’t dispose of damaged items until the adjuster has seen them.

5. Prepare a list of damaged items. Take pictures of the damage. (Now aren’t you glad you made an inventory list/video?)

6. Get the appropriate claim forms and fill them out completely. Return them within the time limit.

Resolving Issues

If you encounter problems (such as denial or inaction within a reasonable period of time) settling your insurance claim for your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate, you can follow these steps:

• Make sure you can support your case with documentation. Be prepared to send copies with any letters. Keep the original documents, such as estimates and receipts and only send copies. Also keep copies of all letters.

• Be prepared to document each phone call. Note the date and time of each conversation and name of each person you talked to.

• Review your policy to see if it contains information on resolving disputes or appealing a claim denial.

• Talk with your agent or company representative. If they can’t solve the problem then get the name and phone number of the company’s claims manager.

• Send a letter explaining your problem including copies of supporting documentation to the company claims manager.

• If your problem still isn’t satisfactorily resolved, then contact your state insurance department and file a complaint. Locate your state insurance web site using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) web site.

• As a last resort, you may want to consult an attorney. Make sure you choose an attorney that specializes in homeowners insurance. Be prepared to pay a consultation fee and get the fee structure in writing before pursuing the case.

Filing Claims

To reduce the chances of having to file a claim at all, use common sense when it comes to installing and maintaining smoke, carbon monoxide, and motion detectors, cleaning chimneys and wood stoves on a regular basis, and keeping a dry chemical fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Rely on deadbolt locks and an alarm system for protection against theft and use space heaters with caution. Your policy may contain clauses or conditions that specify other reasons that could void portions or all of your coverage. Examples include failure to report claims promptly, failure to cooperate fully with the insurance company, and failure to protect the property from further loss. Another example would be using your home for a business (perhaps even providing informal but regular childcare for three or four children not your own) not specifically included in the policy. Make sure you read your policy carefully to determine what the conditions are.

An insurance company may also cancel or refuse to renew your coverage or raise your premiums if for any reason the property no longer meets their underwriting criteria. For example, perhaps the building has grown too old or the zoning has changed, or you have in some way increased your liability exposure trampoline to the yard). Filing too many claims, in many cases, may also lead to cancellation.

And a word to the wise about keeping your policy in effect. An insurance company can cancel your policy for non-payment of premiums, fraud, or misrepresentation. Your policy may contain clauses or conditions that specify other reasons that could void portions or all of your coverage. Examples include failure to report claims promptly, failure to cooperate fully with the insurance company, and failure to protect the property from further loss. Another example would be using your home for a business (perhaps even providing informal but regular childcare for three or four children not your own) not specifically included in the policy. Make sure you read your policy An insurance company may also cancel or refuse to renew your coverage or raise your premiums if for any reason the property no longer meets their underwriting criteria. For example, perhaps the building has grown too old or the zoning has changed, or you have in some way increased your liability exposure. Filing too many claims, in many cases, may also lead to cancellation.

Insuring Your Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate – Part I

Insuring Your Mobile Eastern Shore Real Estate – Part II