Words of Wisdom from Judy Niemeyer

words of wisdom

As you know, I definitely have a history in the art of surviving in real estate. Today, what we are experiencing causes me to go back in time to reflect what our country has gone through. Yes, my real estate career as you know started in 1979. Each time we experience hard times, our country comes back stronger, so our confidence needs to strengthen.

We at Ashurst and Niemeyer are encouraging agents to pre-qualify their clients and make sure that they are true buyers not just lookers. The number one thing is to use common sense during this crisis and hopefully all of us with be safe. Virtual tours are available for all agents to visit your homes so please do not think that real estate is at a standstill. In fact, we are still making sales and over all the market is very impressive when comparing this year to last year.

Positives right now, listings remain to be down the number of listings remains low, and so many people turn to real estate to invest when the stock market decreases. It is time that we need to enjoy our beautiful weather, say our prayers and know we will get through it with incredible strength.

Any questions on the market, let me know. I am definitely available.

Regards to all,

Judy Niemeyer, CRS

251-583-5923 or Judy@AshurstandNiemeyer.com

Tips for Buyers and Sellers

Tips For Buyers and Sellers

Today I attended a wonderful seminar on flood insurance guidelines and fortified homes.  In our area of Fairhope/Point Clear, our home owner’s insurance rates can be higher than in other parts of our state of Alabama due to our location being hurricane proof.  Tips for you, if you live on the bay or in areas that might have an issue on flooding–please get an elevation certificate.  If you have a elevation certificate, do not loose it.  Your insurance agent will want a copy of it.

In insuring homes, the age of the roof, as well as the electrical and plumbing upgrades are big questions of an insurance agent.  If you replace your roof, make sure you take the steps to get it certified.  Certification normally costs about $400-$500 but needs to be done while the roof is being replaced.  Photos need to be taken to show how the roof is being installed.  In our city, a permit is required and roofers have to comply with the city of Fairhope guidelines.

If your home was gold certified when it was built, you must have a certification from the builder.  This certification is good for 5 years.  All certifications will give an expiration date.  Home owners need to contact a local company that can re-certify your home which costs can vary between $150 to $300.  Beware of the recertification.

FEMA flood insurance will expire on November 21st, 2019 unless Congress extends it.  The House has approved the bill titled HR3167 which is now in the Senate’s hands.  Hopefully this will be approved and no extension will be necessary.  Limitations on FEMA is $250,000 for structure and $100,000 for contents.  If you need more coverage,  insurance agents encourage looking at private companies and compare costs for flood.  This was excellent information.  So many homes are underinsured today.

I hope these tips help you.

Any questions, feel free to e-mail me at Judy@AshurstandNiemeyer.com