Welcome to Fall in South Alabama!

 

Sunset over Mobile Bay in South Alabama

 

Keep Your Property Fire-Safe: A Fall Checklist for Fireplaces and More

As autumn ushers in cooler temperatures and cozy fireside evenings, ensuring your property meets fire safety codes becomes crucial. Fireplaces, in particular, can pose risks if not properly maintained. Here’s a quick guide to help you keep your home safe and secure as we approach fall.

  1. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Before you light the first fire of the season, have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney. Creosote build-up, a byproduct of burning wood, can create dangerous chimney fires. An annual inspection ensures that your chimney is free from blockages and structural issues.

  1. Check for Proper Clearances

Ensure that flammable materials like furniture, rugs, and paper are kept at least three feet away from your fireplace. This simple step can prevent accidental fires. Verify that your fireplace’s screen or glass doors are intact and in good condition to contain embers and prevent sparks from escaping.

  1. Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in case of a fire. Test them monthly and replace batteries annually. If your alarms are more than 10 years old, consider replacing them entirely. Ensure that alarms are installed in key areas, such as hallways outside bedrooms.

  1. Use the Right Fuel

Only burn seasoned hardwoods in your fireplace. Softwoods like pine can cause excessive creosote buildup. Additionally, avoid burning trash, cardboard, or treated wood, as these materials can release toxic fumes.

  1. Maintain Fire Extinguishers

Have a fire extinguisher readily available in the area where you use your fireplace. Ensure it’s rated for wood, grease, and electrical fires. Check the extinguisher’s pressure gauge monthly and replace it if it’s expired or has been used.

  1. Create a Fire-Safe Zone

If you have children or pets, set up a designated area around the fireplace that’s off-limits. Use a sturdy fireplace gate to keep them at a safe distance from the flames and hot surfaces.

  1. Be Mindful of Burning Season

During high wind conditions or drought periods, avoid using your fireplace to prevent the risk of sparks igniting nearby vegetation. Always keep a close eye on the fire and ensure it’s fully extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house.

Preparing your property for fall doesn’t just mean checking off your to-do list—it’s about creating a safe environment where you can enjoy the season’s warmth and coziness without worry. By following these steps, you’ll keep your fireplace and home in line with fire codes and ready for a safe, enjoyable autumn.

Mardi Gras

Let the Good Times Roll!!!

Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday” is the annual celebration that marks the last day before the start of the 40-day Christian fasting season from Ash Wednesday and Easter also known as Lent.  

Mobile has always claimed to be the first Mardi Gras, but I decided to delve into its history to verify this claim.

In 1702, Mobile was founded as a French settlement and served as the initial capital of Louisiana.  The inaugural celebration was known as Boeuf Gras (fattened ox) in 1703.  It originated as a French Catholic celebration to prepare for the commencement of Lent on Ash Wednesday.

1711—the first Parade rolled down Dauphin Street, featuring a colossal bull’s head on wheels, reminiscent of ancient carnival traditions in France. 

On the other hand, New Orleans was not founded until 1718 with the first float appearing in 1857 although celebrations began in the 1730’s. 

Therefore, Mobile’s claim as the “Mother of the Mystics” is legitimate.  Let the Good Times Roll. Mobile, along with the Eastern Shore, Gulf Shores, and Dauphin Island all participate in the revelry.  People love this time of the year.

Here is this year’s parade schedule for the Eastern Shore.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!!

Make this a Special Christmas!!

Tonight, I was lucky to watch Christmas at the Opry, and what a fabulous program. If you did not watch it, you missed a great program filled with all the songs of the Christmas season. As I watched, I reflected on the memories that are centered with Christmas and I invite you to do the same.

The 13th of December is the first night of Hanukah, which will start 7 days of celebration for the Jewish faith. It is a special time for all.

But going back to many of my memories I reflect on my lifetime and the old and new memories. My father died when I was 5 ½ and was raised by my beloved Mother. Mother always had a Christmas tree which normally set on our bay window. This one year, she decided not to get one. I was in the 10th grade and my date and I picked up one that had been discarded on a curb right before Christmas and delivered it to my Mother. That night we decorated it together and the next day Santa came and delivered Christmas under that tree. You know, you never know what Christmas will bring.

So many memories on this season. Now, my biggest and fondest memory is to invite all of our grands and greats to decorate Ju Ju’s tree. Lights are put on with one grand and my brother-in-law. Then the action begins with each one reaching in the big red storage bin and pulling out the decorations. Our tree blossoms with love from each one that has participated. Pizza is normally served, and it starts the season.

This year, take time to remember and share with your families. It is a special time of the year.

Welcome to Fairhope’s 2023 Holiday Events

Mark your calendars for Fairhope’s lineup of festive events.

  • November 16 – 5:30 PM: Fairhope’s Lighting of the Trees. Mayberry comes to town when Fairhope’s trees come to life with sparkling lights. This enchanting event sets the stage for a magical holiday season. This event starts our holiday season and is a must-see!
  • November 18 – 6:30 PM: 12th Annual Movie in the Street Grab your blankets and chairs and head to the heart of Fairhope for the 12th Annual Movie in the Street. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a family-friendly film under the starry night sky.
  • November 19 – 1:00 PM: Fairhope Christmas Open House Experience the charm of Fairhope during the Christmas Open House. Explore the town’s boutiques and shops, which will be adorned with holiday decorations, and discover unique gifts while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
  • November 25: Small Business Saturday Show your support for the local businesses that make Fairhope special on Small Business Saturday. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop for holiday gifts and support the community’s entrepreneurs.
  • December 1 – 7:00 PM: Fairhope Magical Christmas Parade Don’t miss the Fairhope Magical Christmas Parade, a highlight of the holiday season. Spectacular floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself will fill the streets with joy and wonder.
  • December 2 – 10:30 AM: Santa Saturday Bring the kids to Santa Saturday, where they can meet the jolly old man himself. Capture the joy on their faces as they share their holiday wishes with Santa Claus.
  • December 31 – 8:30 PM: New Year’s Eve Family Celebration Bid farewell to the year at the New Year’s Eve Family Celebration. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of entertainment, fireworks, and festivities as you welcome 2024 with your loved ones.

Fairhope, Alabama, will be decked out for the Christmas season. We invite you to come together with joy and create cherished memories with us. Please join us and share our city’s spectacular holiday calendar.

October, the month of Halloween, casts its enchanting spell over Fairhope!

    

October, the month of Halloween, casts its enchanting spell over Fairhope!

The town’s charm is brewing as we eagerly await the upcoming Art Walk this Friday. As always, the Art Center will fling open its doors, revealing magical works of art, and the streets will come alive with a bustling crowd. The festivities usually kick off around 5:00 pm. It’s the perfect opportunity to leisurely explore downtown Fairhope and perhaps reserve a spot at your favorite restaurant for dinner.

The crisp, cooling air is a welcome change that beckons us outdoors. While our region may not be adorned with a multitude of falling leaves, our sunsets are nothing short of breathtaking. Picture the skies ablaze with brilliant oranges and reds, reminiscent of the turning leaves in more northern climes.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 26th, when Fairhope will be awash with the Fairhope Witches Ride. Hundreds of witches and warlocks will traverse the picturesque streets of downtown Fairhope, culminating in a spellbinding Witches Ball at the Halstead Amphitheater. This year’s festivities promise to be a bewitching experience, complete with music provided by the Incredible Tip Tops. Best of all, the proceeds from this magical event will benefit the Baldwin Humane Society.

Until we meet again next month, I invite you to savor the magic of October in Fairhope.

Warm regards,

Judy Niemeyer

 

 

Summer Market Update

Archive note (August 2023): The listing counts and mortgage rates below are historical and do not reflect today’s market. For current Fairhope and Eastern Shore buying or selling guidance, contact Judy Niemeyer or explore selling your home.

It’s hard to believe but August is almost over, and hopefully cooler weather is coming our way.  The heat this summer has been brutal.  Hopefully hurricanes will continue to stay away.

Our market has been very unpredictable.  Homes that we think will sell quickly can take longer to sell.  Our inventory is still extremely low.  We have only 375 active listings from Spanish Fort to Point Clear.  Out of the 375, 119 are brand new construction.  308 homes are under contract with 140 brand new construction.  Since January 1, 2023, we have had 1,421 homes to close with 482 of this new construction.  Most of the new homes are priced in the lower range.

The big difference between new and resale is gold certification, which gives you reduced insurance rates.  Please remember when you get a new roof, verify that the roofer will certify it.  Once certified, you can claim that the roof is fortified.  Homes with older roofs really increase home insurance premiums.

The major obstacle in today’s world of real estate is the increasing mortgage rates.  Today a 30-year mortgage with 20% down is 6.75%.  According to one lender, rates are predicted to go up to 8%.  Hopefully this prediction is not true.  Of course, cash is big today.

Market wise, between now to Labor Day, our market slows.  Right now, so many buyers are busy getting their children back to school.  But after Labor Day, they get back in the action.

If you have any questions about the market, please reach out to me..

Fairhope Sunsets Can’t Be Beat

Sunset over Mobile Bay near Fairhope Alabama

Sunsets on Mobile Bay are a memorable part of visiting Fairhope, Alabama. As the sun sets, changing colors over the water make the waterfront a popular place to spend an evening.

Where to watch a sunset in Fairhope

The Fairhope Municipal Pier and nearby waterfront park are familiar places to enjoy views across Mobile Bay. Before visiting, check current park access and conditions. Sunset views also vary with weather and the time of year.

Thinking about living near Mobile Bay?

If waterfront access is important to you, compare individual neighborhoods and homes rather than assuming every Fairhope address offers the same access or views. Consider property-specific insurance, drainage, upkeep and your daily routes alongside the scenery. Our moving to Fairhope guide and homeownership cost checklist can help you plan.

Explore Fairhope homes for sale, Eastern Shore communities, or contact Judy Niemeyer to discuss your preferred location and budget.

Sunset over Mobile Bay

It’s a Sellers’ Market on the Eastern Shore

Archive note (2021): This article describes market conditions in early 2021, not the current Fairhope or Eastern Shore housing market. For an up-to-date pricing and selling discussion, see Judy’s home-selling services or contact Judy Niemeyer.

It’s a Sellers’ Market

It’s a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

  • Over the past year, homeowners have gained an unprecedented opportunity to sell with great success while buyer demand is soaring.
  • With homes selling twice as fast as they did last year at this time, getting multiple offers, and rising in price, homeowners are in the driver’s seat.
  • Let’s connect today if you’re ready to learn about the leverage you have as a seller in today’s housing market.

Springtime Is the Beginning of Entertainment Season – Is it time for a remodel?

Eastern Shore Real Estate

Spring will be upon us before we know it.  As most of you know, Judy Niemeyer is a name that is recognized as an agent who knows the market in Fairhope, Montrose, Daphne, Spanish Fort and of course Point Clear. Locals call this area, the Eastern Shore of Alabama.  My real estate career began in 1979, and oh how our homes have changed since then.  Gold and green were the main colors back in 1979 and wallpaper was big.  Wallpaper is coming back and I thought I would never say that.  White is big and neutral is the new game in town.  Accessories are being used to add the warmth.

If you are ready to make a change in your home,  you may ask “Where should I start?”  Most people like to start in the kitchen and Judy says YES!!!.  Step back and give your kitchen a critical eye.  Start pulling up suggestions either from internet sites such as Pinterest or Houzz, magazines, or even open houses in newer neighborhoods.  If you need an outside eye, consult a kitchen designer but first think of budget.  Get a notebook and start making a plan!

Appliances always show age, especially stoves. If you’ve had yours for years, go out and buy a new one.  This is one of least expensive changes in a kitchen and makes an easy and immediate impact.  Stainless has been popular for many years and still seems to be in style.  Gas stoves are very popular and are favored by people who love to cook.  Cabinet depth refrigerators certainly enhance the look of a kitchen, but they are usually more expensive.

Cabinets designs are simpler than they used to be.  Shaker or slab doors are currently in style and present a clean and sleek look.  In most cases, just replacing doors and adding hidden hinges will make a tremendous difference.  Paint instead of stain is currently more common.  Pull-outs shelves and Lazy Susan corners are a great way of utilizing your storage space if you are getting all new cabinets.  Keep your kitchen color scheme as neutral as possible.  Color can be added by using art and accessories.

Simple lines are fashionable.  Lighting needs to flow.  Quartz on countertops is used more today instead of granite or marble due to its versatility and resilience.  Some people add depth to the countertop to create an additional dining space.  Choose a simple backsplash but also keep it neutral.  You do not want the updates to go out of style.  I love a separated farm sink. If you replace the countertops, then choose a neat sink.

It can be tough to choose hardware that compliments your overall design.  If your cabinet design is simple, stick with a simple pull.  When choosing a faucet, consider spout height, pull down vs conventional, single vs. multiple handles and finish.  Single handles are much more convenient to use as you can control with one hand.  I recommend buying one that is easy to maintain.  Pay for quality but easy maintenance.

Take your breakfast area and make it happy with comfortable chairs.  This is a great gathering spot in a kitchen.

Updated kitchens bring a wow to a home.  Have fun with the updates but remember start with a budget.

 

 

What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?

Home Inspection versus Appraisal

Appraisal vs. home inspection: what each tells you

Quick answer: A home appraisal estimates a property’s market value, often for the mortgage lender. A home inspection evaluates the home’s condition and identifies issues a buyer may want to investigate. They serve different purposes, and an appraisal does not replace an inspection. For more guidance, read our Eastern Shore home-buying guide or search homes for sale in Fairhope, Daphne and Spanish Fort.

If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. It’s also a different step in the process from a home inspection, which assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. Here’s the breakdown of each one and why they’re both important when buying a home.

Appraisal vs. inspection at a glance

QuestionHome appraisalHome inspection
Main purposeEstimate market valueEvaluate physical condition
Usually requested byMortgage lenderHome buyer
Typical focusComparable sales, location and property characteristicsRoof, systems, structure and visible defects within the inspection scope
Does it replace the other?NoNo

Buying in Fairhope or Daphne? Ask your lender about appraisal requirements and review your purchase agreement and inspection deadlines with your agent. For a local checklist, see buying a home in Fairhope and costs to budget beyond the mortgage.

What does a home appraisal evaluate?

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“A home purchase is typically the largest investment someone will make. Protect yourself by getting your investment appraised! An appraiser will observe the property, analyze the data, and report their findings to their client. For the typical home purchase transaction, the lender usually orders the appraisal to assist in the lender’s decision to provide funds for a mortgage.”

When you apply for a mortgage, an unbiased appraisal (which is required by the lender) is the best way to confirm the value of the home based on the sale price. Regardless of what you’re willing to pay for a house, if you’ll be using a mortgage to fund your purchase, the appraisal will help make sure the bank doesn’t loan you more than what the home is worth.

Appraisal results can be especially important when the agreed purchase price differs from the appraised value. Market conditions change over time, so buyers should review the appraisal, discuss any gap with their lender and real estate professional, and understand their options under the purchase agreement.

However, the lender will only allow the buyer to borrow based on the value of the home. This is what helps keep home prices in check. If there’s ever any confusion or discrepancy between the appraisal and the sale price, your trusted real estate professional will help you navigate any additional negotiations in the buying process.

What does a home inspection evaluate?

Here’s the key difference between an appraisal and an inspection. MSN explains:

“In simplest terms, a home appraisal determines the value of a home, while a home inspection determines the condition of a home.”

The home inspection is a way to determine the current state, safety, and condition of the home before you finalize the sale. If anything is questionable in the inspection process – like the age of the roof, the state of the HVAC system, or just about anything else – you as a buyer have the option to discuss and negotiate any potential issues or repairs with the seller before the transaction is final. Your real estate agent is a key expert to help you through this part of the process.

Plan your Eastern Shore home purchase

The appraisal and the inspection are critical steps when buying a home, and you don’t need to manage them by yourself. Contact Judy Niemeyer about your home purchase or call (251) 583-5923 to plan your next steps. Explore the Daphne and Spanish Fort community guides, or learn about Judy’s experience.