Summer is coming to a close.  My grand babies are either in school or will be soon.  But in the meantime, welcome to Hugh in our Kyack  on Mobile Bay–what fun we have had.  The other day on the radio, I heard that August is like Fall.  Don’t know where the announcer got this information but our weather has been extremely hot and humid.

What an interesting market, listings are down throughout our area as well as Baldwin County.  Just for your information Baldwin County is the largest county in Alabama and always has been a diverse market.  We range from farm land to the magnificent condominiums overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.  Total listings today are 2362 with 825 homes under contract but 3678 have closed since January 1, 2018 with an average sales price of $265,704.  This is an 8% increase from last year .

Within Baldwin County, the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay adds another dimension to the Baldwin County market.  Cities vary in price ranges but stretch from Spanish Fort to Point Clear.  This area is graced by beautiful sunsets and incredible views of Mobile Bay.  This location is an easy commute to Mobile.  Presently we have 826 homes on the market with 298 homes under contract but 1387 homes that have closed since January 1, 2018.  Of course these stats are included in Baldwin County.  This is a 9% increase from last year.

As September is around the corner, please take time to enjoy the last lazy days of Summer.

 

What’s happening on the Eastern Shore of Alabama–Spanish Fort, Daphne, Montrose, Fairhope and Point Clear?  Yesterday, we had temperatures in the 70’s and tonight in the 40’s, brisk wind, and magnificent sunsets.  Our market has been active.  Presently our multiple listing service reports 782 homes on the market which is low for our area.  343 homes are under contract with 379 homes have closed since January 1, 2018.  Last year at this same time, we had 412 homes closed.  Our average listed price is $326,137 with an average sales price of $315,479 which is 97% of the listed price.  Definitely our average sales price has gone up.  Due to less being on the market, prices are firmer than in the past but still condition plays a factor.  Our largest competition to resales are new homes.  To sell your homes quicker, look at your home critically and fix what bothers you.  Paint is cheap, but get in the know what is current.  Give me your thoughts as to what you have learned in marketing your home, I would like to hear.

Did you have a great day today?  Easter is always a busy time for our family, normally sun-rise service at the Grand Hotel but today we went to the early service.  After breakfast, we headed to our pier which is on Hwy.1, located about 10 miles from Fairhope on Mobile Bay.  The family started coming around noon.  Before we knew it, we had an abundance of food, fried chicken, ham, baked beans, string beans, and fruit as well as vegetable salad and great family time.
Once lunch was completed, the grandkids hit the water on an enormous raft.  They played for hours, laughing and creating stories.  Hugh pulled the Kayak out.  What a fabulous day!!!

Tomorrow , business as usual.  Spring is upon us and the market is beginning to radiate.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2018 IS UPON US

What a year 2017 has been for real estate on the Eastern Shore of Alabama.  Our little area includes Spanish Fort, Daphne, Montrose, Fairhope and Point Clear.  It has been an active market which has been fantastic for sellers, buyers and of course real estate agents.  Our company, Ashurst and Niemeyer continues to grow which Morgan Ashurst and I are thrilled with the neat group of employees, as well as dedicated agents.  WE HAVE A NEAT GROUP OF PEOPLE.

Stats for our area, presently there are 849 homes on the market but 2,254 homes closed this year.  1878 of the 2,254 were priced below $400,000 with 755 of the total homes closed were built since 2016.  As you can see, our area prospered in 2017 and I know 2018 will be even better.

HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY AND COME SEE US IN 2018.

I had to share with all of you.  After finishing a beautiful family dinner of lamb, ham and many extras, all of us went into the living room to enjoy full tummies and good conversation.  Gus, my wonderful Schnauzer decided to help himself to the left-overs.  Yes, this has taught me–clear the table.  Fortunately for Gus, the plates were almost empty.  Of course, he looked at me to say that he should have been invited.

I hope you have had a great Christmas.  Our day has been busy with church and sharing with all our children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren.  FaceTime was used with our children in Hawaii.  This has been a beautiful day.

I hope all of you enjoyed this magical four day week-end.  Thanksgiving is one of the holidays that I truly enjoy.  The main reason I enjoy, not only for the food and wonderful company, but that it always is on a Thursday.  Depending on your occupation, you can have a nice four day relaxation period.  Of course, if you own a store, you are in the heart of town–this is when the season begins.   Hard to believe but we have only 27 days to Christmas.  Please take time and enjoy your family and friends during this time of the year.

Welcome to this special day of Halloween.  Yes, we are five days away but people are getting ready.  Knox McMurphy who was on duty at Ashurst Niemeyer dressed for the occasion.  She was appropriately dressed with her witches hat.  And tonight our little city of Fairhope, witches rode the streets on bicycles beginning at 5:30pm  raising money for a local animal rescue charity.  It was an Incredible turn out and great way to raise money.  Of course after the parade, witches ended up celebrating at one of our local pubs.  Enjoy this holiday but please be safe.

Last Monday, we were awaken with the horrible killings in Las Vegas.  So many innocent people were killed.  I know you are like me, my thoughts and prayers were with all of the families that had to wake up knowing their love one was gone. In the Mobile Press, pictures and facts about the men and woman that had died.  They were of all ages, some were mothers leaving innocent children and others too young to know life and others just enjoying life.   This was the beginning of the week.

Then on Saturday, our little town of Fairhope was visited by Hurricane Nate.  We were on the Eastern side of this Hurricane but it turned more west and our area was saved from a lot of destruction.  Unfortunately our bay front is littered by boards from piers and bulkheads.  Most of the piers are missing boards so accessibility is limited unless you have a kayak or are great swimmers.  The good news, piers are easy to rebuild but lives lost cannot.  Please take time to hug your family members and enjoy life.

Our crisis was so small compared to las Vegas but let’s have a good week and please keep safe.

 

Just letting you know about a new restaurant in our town.  Southwood Kitchen replaces Rosie’s in Daphne, AL.   My husband and I had dinner recently and the service was superb.  Brennan was a great host.  I ordered the yellow fin tuna small plate and it was out of this world.  I look forward to returning.

Friday, September 15th, 2017, Bayside Academy honored their founders.  My husband, Carlton Niemeyer represented the board of trustees.  In the early 70’s , sixteen fathers went to a local banker and signed for a loan to purchase the Catholic Jesuit School located in Daphne, Alabama.  The first question that the banker asked the men, do you have any experience?  Of course, the answer was no.  The location was the key.  This school which is a landmark in Daphne is located on 900 front feet of Mobile Bay.  The grounds are breathtaking with majestic oaks and views of Mobile skylights.  How the campus has grown since the vision of these 16 individuals who signed on the dotted line.  Today, the campus has grown and now grades begin with a 4 year old program to 12th grade.  Thank you to all of these men for having this vision and going the extra mile.