There is much talk in the real estate world about rents in the Mobile Metro area going up. The decrease in home ownership caused by the bursting of the nation’s housing bubble, combined with an increase in renters has put a big demand on rental markets in Daphne, Fairhope, Mobile or Mobile Metro areas. This demand is creating a competitive market that is allowing a climate for rents to increase.

This is a prime example of how owning a home can be more beneficial than renting in certain markets. Housing is more affordable than it has been in years in the majority of the United States. Mortgage rates are low, inventories are high, and home values are still falling. In areas where a monthly mortgage payment is the same or less than monthly rent, home ownership is a wise investment.

The National Association of Realtors has been hosting “Home Ownership Matters”, visiting cities across the nation and educating people on the values of home ownership. A staggering statistic that they show is that the majority of home owners have a net worth of more than 30 times that of renters.

The mere fact that rents can go up as much as 10%, whereas fixed rate mortgage rates stay the same, make buying a home in Daphne, Fairhope, Mobile or Spanish Fort in today’s market is smarter than renting, for those that can afford to buy a home. Rent is, in essence, paying someone else’s mortgage.

Click here to read an article from CNN Money regarding the expected increase in rent.

Sourced from: Kinetic Content Library

Showing properties 1 - 15 of 188. See more Daphne/Montrose/Spfort community real estate.
(all data current as of 5/17/2012)

1. $224,900 : 6 Lackawanna Ct, Spanish Fort
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,375 sq ft

   Lot size: 29,871 sqft

   Year built: 1997

   Days on market: 0

   Walk Score®: 2
2. $329,800 : 7201 Butterfly Cir, Spanish Fort
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,900 sq ft

   Lot size: 20,000 sqft

   Year built: 2012

   Days on market: 1
3. $353,500 : 9507 Kasey Ct, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 3,281 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,712 sqft

   Year built: 2012

   Days on market: 5
4. $549,000 : 430 Village Dr, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,815 sq ft

   Lot size: 16,286 sqft

   Year built: 1976

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 5

   Walk Score®: 12
5. $219,900 : 9580 Marchand Ave, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,316 sq ft

   Lot size: 14,560 sqft

   Year built: 2006

   Days on market: 6

   Walk Score®: 14
6. $449,900 : 11166 Redfern Rd, Daphne
   
   5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,522 sq ft

   Lot size: 37,674 sqft

   Year built: 2011

   Days on market: 6

   Walk Score®: 2
7. $359,900 : 8510 Pine Run, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,723 sq ft

   Lot size: 21,850 sqft

   Year built: 2000

   Days on market: 7

   Walk Score®: 8
8. $365,000 : 11886 Halcyon Loop, Daphne
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,200 sq ft

   Lot size: 27,965 sqft

   Year built: 2011

   Days on market: 8

   Walk Score®: 0
9. $309,900 : 11782 Jericho Dr, Daphne
   
   3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Days on market: 9
10. $359,900 : 9221 Cedar Ct, Spanish Fort
    
    4 beds, 4 full baths

    Home size: 2,800 sq ft

    Lot size: 12,720 sqft

    Year built: 1999

    Days on market: 9

    Walk Score®: 29
11. $379,900 : MLS # 238955 in Daphne
    
    4 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 3,010 sq ft

    Lot size: 20,900 sqft

    Year built: 2000

    Days on market: 12

    Walk Score®: 9
12. $499,900 : 9550 Timbercreek Blvd, Spanish Fort
    
    5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 4,300 sq ft

    Lot size: 25,800 sqft

    Year built: 2000

    Days on market: 12

    Walk Score®: 48
13. $609,000 : 31279 Blakeley Way, Spanish Fort
    
    4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 4,500 sq ft

    Lot size: 3.10 ac

    Year built: 2007

    Days on market: 14

    Walk Score®: 15
14. $307,000 : 8900 North Lamhatty Ln, Daphne
    
    5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 3,165 sq ft

    Lot size: 20,900 sqft

    Year built: 1998

    Days on market: 15

    Walk Score®: 17
15. $299,750 : 9113 Magnolia Ct, Spanish Fort
    
    4 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,548 sq ft

    Lot size: 29,865 sqft

    Year built: 1994

    Days on market: 15

    Walk Score®: 22

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

More and more people are considering purchasing houses that are being sold due to foreclosure or at auction. Many of these homes may have had lapses in maintenance or other issues that home buyers must be wary of. Never purchase a home without hiring an inspector to look it over first. Here are some of the problems that you can be on the look out for during the viewing stage, which can cause a buyer significant and costly problems:

• Too many homes for sale on the street. Are any boarded up? Always keep an eye on the other houses near the one that you may purchase. They will tell you a lot about your possible future investment.
• Outdoor maintenance is often very telling of what is going on “underneath”. If the home you are looking at has straggly foundation plants or broken gutters, what else could be wrong?
• Foundation damage is always a major consideration. Check for proper grading and cracks bigger than 1/3 of an inch. Many times this can mean major structural issues.
• Strong odors outside and inside almost always indicate something “bad”. Investigate further.
• Be on the lookout for flickering lights and always check face plates for heat. This could mean faulty wiring.
• Windows with fog or water in between double-paned windows can signify trouble lurking.
• Stains and/or saggy walls usually indicate water damage, mildew or mold. An inspector must check for leaks and mold.
• Keep your eyes peeled during your tour for pests and rodents. Seeing evidence at this early stage is never a positive sign.