I totally understand how apprehensive buyers are in making the decision to move forward with the purchase of your Mobile, Alabama Metro home, buying your first home or moving to a larger home. In 1968 (in the Olden Days as my children say) when my husband and I purchased our first home, the idea of signing papers committing to pay $110. monthly for 30 years totally freaked us out, we were getting by paying $65 a month for our little 2 bedroom 1 bath home.

The cost to build our new 3 bedroom 2 bath brick home cost us $13,995, financed for 30 years at 8% interest! The lender did not want to give us our loan because he did not feel we could pay nearly twice as much for housing as we were paying in rent, when I pointed out we had paid $125. a month in California the year before, on less income, we got the loan.

When we filed our income taxes, we were able to file a 1040 long form instead of a short 1040A, much to our delight the difference in our taxes was HALF of our house payments for the year! So our home really cost us less than the rent we were paying! Tax laws have changed and your numbers may not turn out with this much difference.

What this means to you, early this morning numbers were running through my head, so I just had to let all of you buyers on the fence know what I was thinking. Number one the low interest rates are HISTORICALLY LOW and all the experts say they will rise and when they do we will have no warning!

I want to tell you about a situation I had with a client buying a Mobile, Alabama home costing $200K, financed at 3.75% interest for 30 years fixed equals a principal and interest payment of $902.75. If the rates rise to 5% the principal and interest payment would be $1,046.43. If they rise to 7% the principal and interest payment will be $1,296.87. I know the first thing that comes into your mind, prices on homes may go down and I will be paying too much, however, if the house goes down to $190K and the interest rate is 7% your principal and interest would be $1,233.20.

A total of $330.55 more a month for a house $10K less! If you have doubts about buying a new home, now is the time to buy.

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 168. See more city of Daphne real estate.
(all data current as of 2/7/2012)

1. $150,000 : 111 Bel Air Cir, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,565 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,496 sq ft

   Year built: 1990

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 0
2. $389,900 : 217 North Cir, Daphne
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,250 sq ft

   Lot size: 11,130 sq ft

   Year built: 2005

   Days on market: 3

   Walk Score®: 31
3. $229,000 : 25139 Jernigan St, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,568 sq ft

   Lot size: 19,964 sq ft

   Year built: 2008

   Days on market: 3
4. $195,000 : 26264 Tullamore Dr, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,205 sq ft

   Lot size: 12,040 sq ft

   Year built: 2009

   Days on market: 4
5. $288,500 : 720 Oak Bluff Dr, Daphne
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,328 sq ft

   Lot size: 3.47 ac

   Year built: 1989

   Days on market: 4

   Walk Score®: 29

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Showing properties 1 - 15 of 153. See more city of Fairhope real estate.
(all data current as of 2/7/2012)

1. $569,500 : 764 Coleman Ave, Fairhope
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,900 sq ft

   Year built: 1953

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 0
2. $544,000 : MLS # 235348 in Fairhope
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,558 sq ft

   Lot size: 19,875 sq ft

   Year built: 2003

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 0
3. $399,000 : 12454 County Road 32, Fairhope
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,406 sq ft

   Lot size: 4.54 ac

   Year built: 2006

   Days on market: 3

   Walk Score®: 3
4. $358,000 : 104 Pebble Ct, Fairhope
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,185 sq ft

   Lot size: 13,832 sq ft

   Year built: 1999

   Days on market: 4

   Walk Score®: 26
5. $469,000 : 15634 Old Pierce Rd, Fairhope
   
   3 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 4,059 sq ft

   Year built: 1981

   Days on market: 5

   Walk Score®: 0
6. $424,900 : 120 Keplar Pl, Fairhope
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,903 sq ft

   Lot size: 16,150 sq ft

   Year built: 2008

   Days on market: 6
7. $439,500 : 17328 Burwick Loop, Fairhope
   
   4 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 3,681 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,650 sq ft

   Year built: 2008

   Days on market: 10

   Walk Score®: 12
8. $749,900 : 58 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,020 sq ft

   Lot size: 17,472 sq ft

   Year built: 1902

   Days on market: 11

   Walk Score®: 78
9. $599,000 : 118 Willow Lake Dr, Fairhope
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 4,066 sq ft

   Lot size: 24,769 sq ft

   Year built: 2004

   Days on market: 13

   Walk Score®: 18
10. $325,000 : 0 Boulder Creek Ave, Unit 33, Fairhope
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,694 sq ft

    Lot size: 17,920 sq ft

    Year built: 2010

    Days on market: 13

    Walk Score®: 0
11. $329,000 : 9064 Lakeview Dr, Fairhope
    
    4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,725 sq ft

    Lot size: 13,432 sq ft

    Year built: 2003

    Days on market: 13

    Walk Score®: 14
12. $850,000 : 593 Falling Water Blvd, Fairhope
    
    5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 4,304 sq ft

    Lot size: 30,120 sq ft

    Year built: 2007

    Parking spots: 3

    Days on market: 14
13. $329,900 : 416 Surtees St, Fairhope
    
    4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,997 sq ft

    Lot size: 15,000 sq ft

    Year built: 2011

    Days on market: 14
14. $345,000 : 0 Polo Ridge Blvd, Fairhope
    
    5 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,898 sq ft

    Lot size: 32,890 sq ft

    Year built: 2010

    Parking spots: 2

    Days on market: 17
15. $320,000 : 108 Sweetwater Ln, Fairhope
    
    4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 3,247 sq ft

    Lot size: 17,484 sq ft

    Year built: 2004

    Days on market: 17

    Walk Score®: 18

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Baldwin County Residential Market
(Total, North, Eastern Shore, Central, South, Gulf Beach)

Prices: The average sales price in Baldwin County for May increased 6.55 percent to $221,678 from $208,055
in April. The median sales price decreased 0.32 percent to $156,000. Median sale prices increased in North by
3.06 percent and in Eastern Shore by 28.54 percent. Median sale prices decreased in Central by 13.95 percent,
in South by 3.59 percent, and in Gulf Beach by 9.09 percent in May, 2011.

Sales: Sales for the entire county fell from 373 to 358, or 4.02 percent. North Baldwin showed a total of 14
sales, an increase of 55.56 percent compared to April. Sales in Eastern Shore also increased from 106 to 110 in
May, or 3.77 percent. Gulf Beach decreased 6.21 percent, having a total of 136 sales compared to 145 sales in
April. Central sales decreased 43.75 percent, or from 32 to 18 sales, and South decreased 1.23 percent by a
change of one sale less than the total of 81 sales in April.

Days on Market: Average days on the market for the whole county decreased from 196 in April to 189 in May,
a 3.57 percent change. Eastern Shore increased by 27.61 percent, or from 163 to 208. Decreases resulted in
North Baldwin, by 57.31 percent, Central Baldwin, by 10.66 percent, South Baldwin, by 17.37 percent, and
Gulf Beach, by 10.31 percent – as compared to the previous month.

U.S.: The number of homes sold in the U.S. increased by 36.3 percent in March, 2011. The median sales price
rose 2.4 percent to $159,800, and the average sales price rose to $207,300, a 2.50 percent change. The number
of months required to sell the existing inventory decreased to 8.3. The National Association of Realtors
recommends a 6 to 8 month range for a healthy market.

Overall, the Baldwin residential market showed an increase in all aspects compared to last year. Eastern Shore
showed significant increases compared to both April and last year. Also, North Baldwin showed a 55.56 percent
increase from April in number of sales, which, compared to last year, is a 250 percent increase.

Data Sources: All data taken from the Baldwin Multi-List, Martha Taylor, Office: 251.947.3777, and the National Association of
Realtors: www.realtor.com.

For additional information: DeWayne Cochran, MLS Coordinator, Office: 251.947.3777 or Dr. Don Epley, Director, Center for Real Estate Studies, Mitchell College of Business, University of South Alabama Office: 251.460.6735 or E-mail:
depley@usouthal.edu.

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 242. See more city of Daphne real estate.
(all data current as of 2/7/2012)

1. $1,450 : 27856 Bay Branch Dr, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,117 sq ft
2. $119,900 : 173 Bay View Dr, Daphne
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,126 sq ft

   Lot size: 11,792 sq ft
3. $150,000 : 111 Bel Air Cir, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,565 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,496 sq ft
4. $69,900 : 28 Lakeshore Dr, Daphne
   
   2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,400 sq ft
5. $389,900 : 217 North Cir, Daphne
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,250 sq ft

   Lot size: 11,130 sq ft

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Report for the month of April, 2011

Baldwin County Residential Market
(Total, North, Eastern Shore, Central, South, Gulf Beach)

Credit to: http://cres.southalabama.edu for more information

Prices:” The average sales price in Baldwin County for April increased 11.88 percent to $207,392 from $185,362 in March. The median sales price increased 4.33 percent to $156,500. Median sale prices increased in Central by 6.37 percent, South by 35.47 percent and Gulf Beach by 6.31 percent. Median sale prices in the North fell 7.09 percent, and Eastern Shore fell 7.09 percent in April.”

Sales: “Sales for the entire county rose from 343 to 363, or 5.83 percent. Gulf Beach showed a total of 139 sales, an increase of 28.70 percent compared to March. Sales in the North decreased from 10 to 9 in April, or 10 percent. Eastern Shore decreased 0.95 percent with a change of one sale less than the number of sales in the previous month. Central sales decreased 8.82 percent, or from 34 to 31 sales, and South decreased 6.98 percent, dropping from 86 sales in March to 80 sales in April.”

Days on Market: “Average days on the market for the whole county increased from 174 in March to 197 in April, a 13.22 percent change. North Baldwin increased by 159 to 260, by 45 to 214 in the South, by 20 to 226 in Gulf Beach, and by 3 to 162 in Eastern Shore. On the other hand, Central Baldwin decreased by 17.33 percent, or by 26 to 124 in April.”

U.S.: “The number of homes sold in the U.S. increased by 3.50 percent in February. The median sales price fell 1.1 percent to $156,100, and the average sales price fell to $202,300, a 1.70 percent change. The number of months required to sell the existing inventory increased to 8.5. The National Association of Realtors recommends a 6 to 8 month range for a healthy market.”

“Overall, the Baldwin residential market showed a 5.83 percent increase in sales activity, affecting price, ending inventory, and days on the market. Significant activity happened in Gulf Beach, where sales represented 38.29 percent of total sales in all Baldwin County.”

Showing properties 1 - 15 of 203. See more Daphne/Montrose/Spfort community real estate.
(all data current as of 2/7/2012)

1. $229,000 : 25139 Jernigan St, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,568 sq ft

   Lot size: 19,964 sq ft

   Year built: 2008

   Days on market: 3
2. $699,500 : 24 Danner Cir, Spanish Fort
   
   4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 4,459 sq ft

   Lot size: 2.71 ac

   Days on market: 4

   Walk Score®: 26
3. $288,500 : 720 Oak Bluff Dr, Daphne
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,328 sq ft

   Lot size: 3.47 ac

   Year built: 1989

   Days on market: 4

   Walk Score®: 29
4. $675,000 : 6490 Haley's Ln, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,958 sq ft

   Lot size: 2.49 ac

   Year built: 1965

   Days on market: 5

   Walk Score®: 49
5. $400,000 : 10270 Plantation Dr, Daphne
   
   6 beds, 4 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 6,025 sq ft

   Lot size: 36,600 sq ft

   Year built: 1990

   Days on market: 5

   Walk Score®: 8
6. $288,000 : 31153 Buckingham Blvd, Spanish Fort
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,134 sq ft

   Lot size: 12,040 sq ft

   Year built: 2012

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 6
7. $545,000 : MLS # 235085 in Spanish Fort
   
   3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,920 sq ft

   Lot size: 19,000 sq ft

   Year built: 2003

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 7

   Walk Score®: 9
8. $310,000 : 9569 Bella Dr, Daphne
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 3,100 sq ft

   Lot size: 19,037 sq ft

   Year built: 2009

   Days on market: 10

   Walk Score®: 3
9. $410,000 : 7932 Pine Run, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,262 sq ft

   Lot size: 22,040 sq ft

   Year built: 2004

   Days on market: 10

   Walk Score®: 14
10. $248,640 : 8821 Bainbridge Ct, Daphne
    
    4 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,368 sq ft

    Lot size: 12,000 sq ft

    Year built: 2011

    Days on market: 11

    Walk Score®: 18
11. $278,770 : 8796 Bainbridge Ct, Daphne
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,655 sq ft

    Lot size: 10,400 sq ft

    Year built: 2012

    Days on market: 11

    Walk Score®: 18
12. $243,200 : 8800 Bainbridge Ct, Daphne
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,317 sq ft

    Lot size: 16,250 sq ft

    Year built: 2012

    Days on market: 11

    Walk Score®: 18
13. $339,000 : 9494 Aspen Cir, Spanish Fort
    
    4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,878 sq ft

    Lot size: 28,314 sq ft

    Year built: 1999

    Days on market: 12

    Walk Score®: 34
14. $499,900 : 33971 Farrington Ln, Spanish Fort
    
    5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 4,057 sq ft

    Lot size: 19,000 sq ft

    Year built: 2007

    Days on market: 12

    Walk Score®: 0
15. $208,900 : 31025 Oakleigh Dr, Spanish Fort
    
    4 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,571 sq ft

    Lot size: 17,250 sq ft

    Year built: 2003

    Parking spots: 2

    Days on market: 13

    Walk Score®: 29

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Compared with June home sales in Daphne, July showed a significant decrease in the number of transactions. 27 homes sold in July 2009, compared with 38 in June. Average sales price decreased from $236,074 to $204,421, while the average price per square foot went from $98.15 to $92.43/sq ft. Fortunately, the average time on the market decreased from 145 days to 118.  There are 51 Daphne homes with pending contracts, averaging $103.28 per square foot.

In Spanish Fort, a mere 12 sales in June dropped to 9 in July. The average sales price decreased from  $305,800 to $277,989. Price per square foot, however, made a modest gain. The sales that averaged $106.16 in June climbed to $107.82 in July! Days on the market increased by only 7 days from 89 to 134 in July.

Down the highway in Fairhope, 15 transactions in June grew to 19 in July. Average sales price retreated to March numbers at $249,136. This translates to a price per foot of $103.19. The good news in Fairhope is that the days on the market for July home sales has receded to 149 from June’s 178.  While this is still longer than anyone would like to see, it is a vast improvement over the Spring.  Fairhope has 40 pending contracts, averaging $122.15/ square foot. The active home listings average $456,282 and $172.77 per square foot.  Barbara Reeves, REALTOR, is an expert in these communities and is able to assist you in taking advantage of this market to find your dream home. Visit her at http://www.barbarasellsdaphne.com.

Compared with March home sales in Daphne, June showed a significant increase in the number of transactions. 38 homes sold in June 2009, compared with 18 in March. Average sales price increased from $210, 433 to $236,074, while the average price per square foot went from $90.58 in March to $98.15/sq ft. Unfortunately, the average time on the market increased from 91 days to 145, a nearly 50% increase.

Similarly, in Spanish Fort, a mere 8 sales in March grew to 12 in June. The average sales price increased from $212,612 to $305,800 and price per square foot followed suit. The sales that averaged $83.75/ sq ft in March went to $106.16 in June! Days on the market increased by only 7 days from 82 to 89.

Down the highway in Fairhope, 13 March sales grew to 15 in June. Average sales price grew modestly from $246,065 to $263,353. This translates to a price per foot of $109.49 in March decreasing to $106.34 in June. The good news in Fairhope is that the whopping 272 days on the market for March home sales has receded to 175.  While this is still longer than anyone would like to see, it is a vast improvement over the Spring.  Barbara Reeves, REALTOR, is an expert in these communities and is able to assist you in taking advantage of this market to find your dream home. Visit her at http://www.barbarasellsdaphne.com.

The newly completed recreation center at Municipal Park in Fairhope AL is slated to open early this summer 2009.  This 19,355-square-foot $2.4 million building will be operating as soon as staffing needs and necessary equipment are in place.  Currently city staffers are working to bid on cardiovascular machines, cable weights and free weights, and computer software that will effectively track memberships and facility usage.  Thus far the building includes three basketball courts, sauna, racquetball court, space for a weight room and a game room.  The recreation center’s sturdy construction was built to withstand 140-mph winds, and city officials hope that this center will serve the needs of the whole Fairhope community.

For information on real estate in Fairhope AL or other Gulf Coast AL areas including Spanish Fort, Daphne, Mobile or West Mobile, contact your friendly local agent Barbara Reeves by email or through the “Talk Live” button on this page.

image credit: sxc.hu meal time photo

Fairhope Alabama’s own Bay Breeze Guest House will be featured on Sunday, April 19 on a PBS special.  The program will be entitled “At Home in Alabama” and the second week of the program will include the Bay Breeze Guest House, a wonderful bed and breakfast along the Scenic 98.  In 1997, this quaint bed and breakfast was featured on another PBS special that walked viewers through the top 10 bed and breakfasts in Alabama; owners Bill and Becky Jones have also lent their masterful southern cooking tips to a PBS cooking show called “Lower Alabama Pie.”  The Bay Breeze Guest House is even known internationally with English and German guests staying for a weekend or two for great southern food, entertainment and lodgings at this prime location near Mobile Bay.

Click here for more information on staying at Bay Breeze Guest House.

For information on Fairhope AL real estate or other Baldwin County AL area real estate contact your friendly local realtor Barbara Reeves via email or by clicking the “Talk Now” button on this page.

New condos in Fairhope Alabama are well on their way to completion with 10 built out of the 48 planned units.  The project by developers Matt Bryne and Todd Boothe, is on 4.8 acres and is being built in phases, including a pool and gazebo after the fourth phase is complete.  Given that some of the condos are priced under $100k, they have been quick moving with three of the built condos preselling.  The development is located in the family-friendly Fairhope on Blueberry Lane.

Many retirees or downsizers choose to purchase a condo on the Gulf Coast when looking for a private, convenient way to live without the hassle of maintaining a house or yard.  For more information on condos and other real estate matters on the Gulf Coast of Alabama including Mobile, West Mobile, Fairhope, Daphne, and Spanish Fort, contact your local realtor Barbara Reeves via email or by clicking the “Talk Live” button on this page.

In Spanish Fort, there are 121 homes on the market with an average price of $344,439, unchanged from January’s $344,717. Homes pending sale rose from an average of $314,633 to $320,164. Maybe the most important figure is that of homes actually sold. In February, sales activity rose from 7 homes with an average sales price of $152,357 ($76.31/ sq ft) to 11 homes with an average sales price of $276,914 ($106.38/sq ft).

Down the highway in Fairhope, there are a whopping 423 homes on the market with an average list price of $452,883, slightly higher than January’s $441,318. Homes pending sale dropped from an average of $327,703 to $323,202.  In February, sold home prices dropped substantially from January’s $399,700 or $146.41/square foot to an average February sales price of $205,695 ($112.70/sq ft). This is a 23% drop in average price, which we attribute to the fact that none of Fairhope’s high end homes over $500,000 have sold since December. Typically the aveage price in Fairhope reflects the upper-end homes that are on the market.