Archive for the ‘Economic News, Real Estate Market And The Mobile Bay Metro Area!’ Category

“Historically, the Semmes Community was founded around the railroad and the Semmes Land Company was incorporated in November, 1900, Book 3 Page 484. The rail was set up to transport harvested yellow pine from areas north of the community, as well as to provide passenger transportation. The community was named for Admiral Raphael Semmes (1809-1877), an officer in the United States Navy from 1826 to 1860 and the Confederate States Navy from 1860 to 1865. …”

“The Semmes Community voted on August 17, 2010 by nearly a 3 to 1 margin to become Alabama’s 461’st municipality. Mobile County Probate Court Judge Don Davis declared the City of Semmes incorporated with a population of 2,897 on May 2, 2011 after an official census of the municipality was completed. …”

READ more on Semmes, Alabama official website: http://www.cityofsemmes.org/about.htm.

Do you have a City of Semmes, Alabama Home or Land Appraisal question? Talk with Al Cheney, (251)533-2424) about your personal non-financial home (most only $250) and land (most only $200) appraisal requirements within Semmes community. The Semmes community is located within Mobile County of Alabama and around 30 minutes from Historic Downtown Mobile, Alabama depending on traffic.

Semmes locational map is: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Mobile,+AL/Semmes,+AL+36575/@30.7517517,-88.2899373,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x889a4e1df14cf8a9:0x4ce80e5477899e1a!2m2!1d-88.0398912!2d30.6953657!1m5!1m1!1s0x889baecf8b18daaf:0xb0ecca4a7854f1f2!2m2!1d-88.2655845!2d30.7694252!3e0

Cheney Appraisal Services’ primary Mobile MSA (metropolitan statistical area) coverage area for non-financial home and undeveloped land appraisal reports are within many communities of Baldwin County and Mobile County, The Mobile Bay Metro Area, encompassing Historic Mobile Bay.

Cheney Appraisal Services’ website is http://www.CheneyAppraisalServices.com/.

More complex and waterfront residential properties are quoted on a case-by-case basis.

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RECENT MOBILE BAY METRO AREA STATISTICS: The 2013 estimate for Baldwin County’s population is 195,540. The 2013 estimate for Mobile County’s population is 414,079. The Mobile Bay Metro Area, Baldwin County and Mobile County of Alabama, has an estimated population of 609,619. The population estimate for a 60 mile radius around Mobile, Alabama is 1.2 million people.

This information provided by Al Cheney, Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser in Alabama. Cheney Appraisal Services‘ primary Mobile MSA (metropolitan statistical area) coverage area for non-financial home (most only $225 to $275 depending on location) and undeveloped land (most only $175 to $225 depending on location) appraisal reports are within many communities (such as, Bay Minette, Daphne, Elberta, Fairhope, Grand Bay, Loxley, Robertsdale, Saraland, Satsuma, Semmes, Theodore) of Baldwin County and Mobile County, The Mobile Bay Metro Area, encompassing Historic Mobile Bay.

Cheney Appraisal Services‘ website is http://www.CheneyAppraisalServices.com/. More complex and waterfront residential properties are quoted on a case-by-case basis. Call (251)533-2424 today!

In the past 12 months, Wakefield Subdivision has had 9 home sales according the MLS records within the Mobile Area Association of Realtors website. These 9 sales range in property value from $146,000 to $205,000 with most gross living area ranging from 2,084 square feet o 2,450 square feet. All of the homes are 4 bedrooms with 2 or 3 full bathrooms. The days on the market (dom) are mostly under 120 days over the past 12 months. Currently, there are 6 active MLS listings with asking prices ranging from $159,900 to $229,000 and square footage ranging from 2,074 to 2,607 with 3 to 5 bedrooms. Wakefield Subdivision is located off the south side of Airport Boulevard, just past Snow Road, in western Mobile. The Mobile Regional Airport is located only minutes east from this residential development.

By Albert Marshall Cheney, Alabama Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser
Post Office Box 8888, Mobile, Alabama 36689-0888
For appraisal report inquiry call (251) 533-2424 or email to Albert@CheneyAppraisalServices.com

Periodically, I add photographs from the Mobile Bay Metro Area which consists of the two counties which wrap around Mobile Bay, Baldwin County and Mobile County. These counties offer so much for the residents as well as our visitors. Come and take a journey through my photographs of local people, historical buildings, scenery, and other characteristics which make this Gulf Coast area an interesting place to live and visit!

MOBILE SUNSET FROM BAYWAY DOWNTOWN MOBILE ON 01/17/2013

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MOBILE SUNSET DOWNTOWN MOBILE, ALABAMA

AUSTAL, DOWNTOWN MOBILE U. S. POSTAL OFFICE DOWNTOWN MOBILE

SEA OATS, DAUPHIN ISLAND, AL WATER TOWER, DAUPHIN ISLAND, AL

DAUPHIN ISLAND, AL BEACH, 08/08/2013 DAUPHIN ISLAND CONDOS, 08/08/2013

GULF SHORES, ALABAMA BEACH GULF SHORES COTTAGES ON THE WATER

Al Cheney’s Comments and Opinions for 29 August 2010.

As a local, born and raised in the Mobile Bay Metro Area, I am sincerely happy that the bubbling crude has finally been capped after 90 days-after 90 days! It is worth repeating since this horrific ecological and environmental disaster should have never lasted this long if it wasn’t for the many faux pas by BP Oil and our own government. They say, the majority of the surface oil has dissipated and now can’t be found. Oh, really? The “on the surface” crude problem is only hiding in the depths of the sea-harming crustaceans, oysters and other seafood for years to come.

And, yes! I do realize that biological organisms will thrive on the raw crude and eventually remove it as a major threat but, this will take a very long time. The damage has already been done and its true damage is still hidden in the depths of the sea. Enormous amounts of crude, damaging dispersants, oil soaked wetlands and sea bottoms are here to stay for decades. A possible ecological disaster lurks beneath the sea and within the wetlands for years to come.

Furthermore, the inappropriate government overreach in shutting down oil rigs (overdramatic and very political), media sensationalism damaging our Gulf Coast tourism, and an already weaken real estate industry has created more negative affects upon Alabama and the other States along the Gulf Coast. Honestly, at this time, the affects of any significant real estate and tourism recoveries are unknown.

The fact is that, a fragile economy and a weakened real estate industry have been further exacerbated by the crude ecological and environmental disaster, and the crude politics of Washington. And, our tourism for this year has been damaged by irresponsible journalism by the media. Even so, the coastline of the Gulf States and its real estate will overcome this adversity and will eventually be less affected by the BP oil spill and the many missteps of Washington. The media needs to practice more responsible journalism and avoid the traps of sensationalism. Sensationalism is not journalism!

Well, our coastal properties along the beaches as well as other properties with gulf views and close to water tributaries will eventually improve over time. For now, the recent past spreading of crude through the Gulf of Mexico has resulted in a deeper real estate market slowdown affecting property values near and along the Gulf Coast. Whether legitimate, or not, many homes located well off water tributaries have also been affected to some degree. It is a real estate market slowdown caused by a fragile economy and the worse oil spill known in North America.

From my standpoint, the negative value affects for homes located off the beaches and the Gulf of Mexico should be negligible as time leads us into the future. When looking back in time, I believe, this catastrophe will reflect “a blip on the radar screen” when focusing only on the 90-day oil spill disaster. Then, there could be the possibility of a more normal level and slight positive return of property values; if a more normal level can be equated with a fragile economy under severe stress.

The fragile economy with high unemployment (9.5% but does not include the people who have given up) and uncertainty will be much more of a future problem for Gulf Coast property values than the BP oil spill. As time leads us into the end of 2010 and into the beginning of 2011, an even more fragile economy and real estate industry might be the result when continuing to implement recessive programs and tactics by the government while banks, entrepreneurs and small businesses mostly sit on the sidelines, “digging in their heels” or “going out of business” sales. Only deregulation and lowering taxes, the cessation of large government spending, small business incentives (get the oil riggers, shrimpers and other parts of the Gulf Coast seafood industry back to work) as well as “just plain honest positive talk” from the current Administration and our government representatives (most of them forget that they work for us) will improve the real estate industry– part of the backbone of America!

The marketing conditions in the Lillian, Alabama area indicates an increase in active listings and an increase in the months of housing supply (total listings/absorption rate) which could jeopardize local property values.

Over the past 12 months (13 June 2009 to 13 June 2010), there has been a reduction of 63% in sales (88 sales in the past 12 months), resulting in an over 20 months absorption rate (115+ active listings at this posting).

The active listings and housing sales primarily range from $29,900+ to $999,000+, including manufactured homes, colonial, contemporary, cottage, ranch, and other accepted local styles.

The median sale price percentage is 92.616% to 94.299% when comparing to asking list prices. Properties will move quicker if asking prices are competitive. So, unless competitively priced, be patient, a rising absorption rate will result in longer times when selling your home within Lillian, Alabama.

Contact Cheney Appraisal Services for additional information by telephoning (251) 533-2424 or email your comments and questions to Albert@CheneyAppraisalServices.com.

On the 20th April, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig, operating off the coast of Louisiana, had a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This oil spill resulted in a blowout leading to an explosion. At this point in time, Gulf Coast residents were not fully aware of its severity but very concerned about their future.

Now, we’re twenty-eight (28) days and counting down to a potentially life changing event for Alabamians. We are all wondering about our beautiful Alabama beaches, our coastal waters, our wildlife and our livelihood. How severe will this oil spill affect our lives in Alabama? How severe will this oil spill affect the Gulf Coast wildlife? How severe will this oil spill affect the lives in Louisiana? Will we have a seafood industry in the future? Are we counting down to an impending threat to the Alabama coastline? Will it be a disaster negatively affecting the Alabama coastline for decades to come? How will Alabama coastal properties be affected by this catastrophe? Will the marketability of coastal Alabama real estate be affected and labeled with the stigma as “oil spill property,” whether true or false? Will your property be worth more or less after the oil spill reaches the shores of Alabama? Do you really think the Obama Administration acted quickly on this catastrophe? I think you already know the answer for many of these questions.

If your coastal real estate becomes affected from this oil spill, contact a qualified attorney for advice and remember Cheney Appraisal Services, Albert M. Cheney, (251) 533-2424, as your Certified Residential Appraiser.

As of today, 3rd February 2010, the refinance rates are, as follows: (1) 30 yr Fixed Rate, Today, 5.19%, Last Week, 4.94%; (2) 15 yr Fixed Rate, Today, 4.4%, Last Week, 5.06%; (3) 5/1 ARM, Today, 4.53%, Last Week, 4.12%.

According to an article in Mortgage News Daily, “A rising trend of mortgage applications indicates an increase in home buying interest, a positive for the housing industry and economy as a whole. More home purchases can lead to more construction jobs and increased purchases of items to build a home. Furthermore, in a low mortgage rate environment, an increasing trend implies consumers are seeking out lower monthly payments which can result in increased disposable income and therefore more money to spend on discretionary items or to pay down other debt.”

The article further states, “Don’t wait for mortgage rates to decline! I stand by my statement that 4.75% could very well be the lowest mortgage rates offered in 2010…unless there is a fundamental shift in economic outlook. If you have been waiting to refinance or to buy, get out there and start the process before you miss the boat of sub 5% rates.”

Click this web-link, http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/consumer_rates/132989.aspx, to read the entire article by Victor Burek.

The Mobile Bay Metro Area, Baldwin County and Mobile County of Alabama, has ongoing (and potential future) economic projects which may have an advantage over other U. S. regions. Our real estate market should draw more positive attention in the near future.

Contact Al Cheney, Certified FHA Approved Real Estate Appraiser, (251) 533-2424, when requiring a residential appraisal report for refinancing, settling an estate with real property, or various other litigation reasons in Alabama. Email your orders and questions to Albert@CheneyAppraisalServices.com/.

Certified Real Estate Appraisers and the Mobile Area Association of REALTORS provide statistics on the real estate activity for the last quarter.

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The 2009 fourth quarter, 1st October 2009 to 31st December 2009, indicates at least 838 sales within Mobile County, Alabama according to online REALTOR information records. The total sales can be broken down into four property type categories: (1) condominiums & townhouses, (2) manufactured homes, (3) new construction homes, and (4) single family older homes. Also, the last quarter of total sales compared to the third quarter of total sales indicate a drop of 146 sales, or -14.8%.

The approximate 31 condominiums & townhouses had an average list price of $107,838, 69 average days on market (dom) and a sale price to list price percentage of 91.03%.

The approximate 13 manufactured homes had an average list price of $41,923, 61 average days on market (dom) and a sale price to list price percentage of 86.24%.

The approximate 131 new construction homes had an average list price of $179,631, 70 average days on market (dom) and a sale price to list price percentage of 99.39%.

The approximate 659 single family older homes (18.44% drop when compared to the third quarter) had an average list price of $142,956, 86 average days on market (dom) and a sale price to list price percentage of 95.8%.

The average days on market (dom) for the fourth quarter was around 82 days and the average per square foot was $78.

The fourth quarter indicates more new construction in west Mobile, south of the Mobile Regional Airport, Semmes, southwest Mobile County, Theodore, and the Tillman’s Corner area when compared to other areas of Mobile County. Most of the single family residential or home sales occurred in the areas north and south of Cottage Hill Road, Municipal Park area & city west central, west Mobile, Semmes, Midtown area near downtown historic Mobile, and areas east of Wilmer, Alabama.

The average sold terms for the fourth quarter was CASH (21%), CONVENTIONAL (27.3%), FHA (42.4%), VA (6.4%) and OTHER-ASSUMPTION, AUCTION, VENDOR LIENS (2.9%).

The above statistical information has been compiled by Albert Marshall Cheney, Cheney Appraisal Services, located in the Mobile Bay Metro Area, Baldwin County and Mobile County of Alabama. Albert Cheney is an active Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser and FHA Approved Appraiser with 35+ years experience in the real estate industry. Contact Albert Cheney at (251) 533-2424 or Albert@CheneyAppraisalServices.com if you require more information about Alabama real estate and ordering a “Certified” real estate appraisal report.

For more information about the Mobile County statistical real estate listings and sales, call a local real estate agent and member of the Mobile Area Association of REALTORS.

Comments And Opinions By Al Cheney, Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser & FHA Approved Appraiser, Mobile, Alabama.

The city of Mobile and the other communities within the Mobile Bay Metro Area (Baldwin County, Mobile County, Alabama) have the opportunity to capture many more economic projects if, as area businesses and residents, we continue to stand together “as one!”

We must all participate in the promotion of our area, whether it’s in a small way or a big way. You can contribute with only a smile to a weary traveler visiting our area (they might be moving here or relocating their business) or keeping the trash picked up around your home. Landscaping, mowing the lawn, or volunteering to assist with your educational talents are certainly other ways to place your positive mark upon our metropolitan bay area.

Also, even more small and large businesses should consider banding together, promoting our area through worthwhile local civic, economic and marketing projects. It is through these ongoing positive efforts and promotional projects which will continue to keep us progressive, in contention for even more economic opportunities and, certainly, noticed by outsiders looking in. These outsiders just might want to jump right in with us, so they can also experience the economic flurry of opportunities. Our local assets and opportunities to compete surround each of us every day. So open your eyes widely, see the possibilities and potential, and the next time you look into a mirror, realize that you are looking at one of our greatest assets!

It could be raining economic projects’ money in the Mobile Bay Metro Area, so here are some recent newsworthy articles (links below) for your reading. “Let these articles stoke your embers of creativity and professionalism, and turn them into your flames of positive ideas and possibilities!” – AMC

Please send me your comments, opinions and suggestions.

http://blog.al.com/live/2009/10/forbes_columnist_gives_mobile.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/realestate/commercial/28alabama.html?_r=2&ref=business

http://www.baldwincountynow.com/articles/2009/10/29/local_news/doc4ae87e66ae3dc680435966.txt

http://www.wkrg.com/alabama/article/auto-plant-in-bay-minette/379896/Sep-24-2009_1-48-pm/

http://www.wkrg.com/alabama/article/big-economic-honor-for-mobile1/100846/Jun-12-2009_8-50-pm/

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Al Cheney is a native of southern Alabama and a graduate from the College of Business and Management Studies, University of South Alabama. Al Cheney has maintained an active real estate broker’s license for thirty-six years and president of his company, Realty Leaders Corporation. Of course, most people know Al Cheney as a Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser and FHA Approved Appraiser, Cheney Appraisal Services, with 35+- years experience. Al Cheney also has past experiences and professional involvement with advertising, graphics, photography, marketing and writing.

Tags: Baldwin County, Cheney, Contention, Creativity, Economic Opportunities, Economic Projects, Educational Talents, Embers, Fha, Flames, Marketing Projects, Metro Area, Mobile Alabama, Mobile Bay, Mobile County Alabama, Newsworthy Articles, Outsiders, Possibilities, Professionalism, Property Appraiser, Weary Traveler