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 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.

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.