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 coastal properties in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas will be affected by this catastrophic oil spill for years to come. As of today, now 47 days and still counting, BP Oil has been ineffective in successfully stopping the flow of oil. Therefore, our Gulf Coast is faced with environmental devastation, loss of marine life and wildlife, further property devaluation (not that inept governmental and political faux pas were enough to damage), illusion of an economic recovery, businesses closing, and loss of livelihoods for longtime residents.

As a person who has lived in the Mobile Bay Metro Area (Baldwin County and Mobile County of Alabama) the majority of my life, this massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico conjures up so many emotions and thoughts inside me and, many unkind words (please forgive) towards all who have dragged this on for much too long. Also, the lack of expedience and nondisclosures which could be labeled lies has certainly not helped to comfort Gulf Coast residents. It is quite evident that many Gulf Coast residents do not believe BP Oil and the government have properly handled this oil spill catastrophe.

Anyway, this oil spill catastrophe will apparently be with us for many months and years to come. Our Gulf Coast area will never be the same and will definitely affect the United States as a whole and potentially have International negative implications. Also, unfortunately, coastal properties more than likely will be faced with further decline in value; not that government intrusions and regulations as well as poor and restrictive lending practices have already been enough to damage our property values and the real estate industry as a whole.

So, how will the coastal real estate marketability be affected within the Gulf Coast states? Whether true or not, the stigma of an oil spill catastrophe will, in my opinion, have a potential affect on the marketability of properties along the Gulf Coast. How much of an affect is still an unknown? The future selling of coastal properties should begin to hold the answers to these questions. So, “time will tell.”

Is your property rich in oil? If so, it’s certainly not the way you want to discover oil on your property. Contact a professional you trust and get sound advice when the stigma of oil has knocked on your door. There are many good Certified Real Estate Appraisers and Attorneys in the Gulf Coast states. It is always important to understand the affects of this oil spill upon our coastal properties.

Information and opinions have been provided by Cheney Appraisal Services, Albert Marshall Cheney, a Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser for the state of Alabama, (251) 533-2424. Albert Cheney has over 35 years of real estate experience in the southern part of Alabama.

Alabama Port 36523, Axis 36505, Bayou La Batre 36509, Belle Fountaine 36582, Bucks 36505, Calvert 36513, Celeste 36522, Chickasaw 36611, Chunchula 36521, Citronelle 36522, Coden 36523, Creola 36525, Dauphin Island 36528, Dawes 36619, Earlville 36522, Eight Mile 36613, Fairview 36587, Georgetown 36521, Grand Bay 36541, Gulfcrest 36521, Hollingers Island 36605, 36582, Indian Hills 36613, Irvington 36544, Kushla 36613, LeMoyne 36505, Lott 36575, Magazine 36610, Mauvilla 36613, Millertown 36613, Mobile 36608 (and all other zip codes), Moffett 36587, Mon Louis 36523, Mount Vernon 36560, Oak Grove 36613, Prichard 36610, Saint Elmo 36544, Salco 36505, Saraland 36571, Satsuma 36572, Semmes 36575, Theodore 36582, Tillman’s Corner 36619, Toulminville 36617, Turnerville 36521, Whistler 36612

Al Cheney with Cheney Appraisal Services, (251) 533-2424, can handle all of your Mobile County, Alabama real estate property appraiser needs. Cheney Appraisal Services supplies only the highest quality Mobile County, Alabama real estate appraisals. The Mobile County appraisal district is an area where we can satisfy all of your home appraisal needs. Our real estate property appraiser is “certified residential” and “fully licensed” in Alabama. Al Cheney is a real estate appraiser fully qualified to handle your home appraisal, appraisal when settling an estate, tax appraisal and any other appraisal need, such as, vacant land and legal reasons. Al Cheney is also a ”FHA Approved” Appraiser.

Certified & FHA Home Appraisals start at $295 per report!

Albert Marshall Cheney, Cheney Appraisal Services, P. O. Box 8888, Mobile, Alabama 36689-0888, accepts residential real estate appraisal assignments within The Mobile Bay Metro Area and the Mobile County communities and towns listed above. Click on the available hyper-links for more information on these Mobile County, Alabama communities and towns. Also, here are most of the appraisal report services with fees provided by Al Cheney with Cheney Appraisal Services:

• Condominium Appraisal Report, $295 & $325
• Single Family Residential Appraisal Report, detailed information, $295 & $325
• Limited 2055 “Interior” Appraisal Report, $275 & $300
• Limited 2055 “Exterior” Appraisal Report, $225 & $250
• Complex Or Waterfront Residential Appraisal Report, $400-$500+
• “Certified” FHA Single Family (Home) Residential Appraisals for Baldwin County, Alabama and Mobile County, Alabama, $295 & $325
• Desk Review Report, $100
• Relocation (RELO) Appraisal Report, $450
• Acreage Or Lot (Land) Appraisal Report, $200 & $250
• Recertification of “Value Opinion”, $75
• Field Review “Exterior” Appraisal Reports, $200 & $250
• Construction Draw Or Final Inspections, $75 & $100
• Duplex, Triplex Or Other Assignments More Distant, Quote

The above list covers many appraisal report services provided by Cheney Appraisal Services within Mobile County and The Mobile Bay Metro Area of southwest Alabama.

If you do not see your appraisal report requirement listed above, contact Albert Cheney, (251) 533-2424 or email, Albert@CheneyAppraisalServices.com, with your home or residential appraisal orders and or questions. The business facsimile is (251) 252-7737.

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, Cheney Appraisal Services, Certified FHA Approved Real Estate Appraiser, Baldwin County, Mobile County, Alabama, (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 Al at Albert@CheneyAppraisalServices.com/.

The Daphne, Alabama Lake Forest development is the largest residential community in the State of Alabama. Lake Forest has around 3,400 property owners with approximately $38 dues per lot. This PUD development has a clubhouse, golf courses, horseback riding stables, swimming pools, tennis courts and a yacht club on Mobile Bay. Lake Forest is located on the south side of U. S. Interstate Highway 10, east side of U. S. Highway 98, and located near major regional shopping centers.

Lake Forest is conveniently located near Historic Downtown Mobile, Alabama by traveling about 15 minutes west across the I-10 Bay-Way. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Alabama’s white sandy beaches and blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico are located only about a 35-minute drive south southeast.

Currently, Lake Forest has at least thirty-eight (38) active MLS (Multiple Listing Service) REALTOR listings. Most of the listed homes have 1,300 to 3,000+ square feet (varies from unit to unit) and the asking prices will primarily range from $125,000 to $255,000.

There have been around forty-eight (48) MLS home sales in the past twelve months according to the Baldwin County Association of REALTORS. The vast majority of these Lake Forest home sales ranged from $75,000 and $210,000.

The Sales Per Month Absorption Rate is currently 4.33 homes per month in Lake Forest. With 38 active listings, the current housing supply is 8.78 months (38 active listings divided by 4.33 home sales per month).

Lake Forest ‘s Median Comparable Sale Price is now $108,000 compared to $120,000 four to six months ago. The days on market (dom) appears to mostly range from 96 days to 147 days over the past 12 months.

Lake Forest ‘s Median Sale Price as percentage of list price has slipped slightly over the past twelve (12) months: 96.445%, 7-12 months ago; 96.077%, 4-6 months ago; past 3 months, 94.943%.

For more information about Lake Forest, go to this weblink, http://www.lakeforestpoa.com/.

Albert Cheney, Cheney Appraisal Services, covers 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.

Call 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.

The TimberCreek residential development is a great golf community located along the south side of U. S. Highway 31, the west side of Alabama State Highway 181, on the north side of U. S. Interstate Highway 10 and just minutes east of the delta areas and Mobile Bay.

TimberCreek is conveniently located near major regional shopping centers, such as, the Malbis Regional Shopping Center, and Historic Downtown Mobile, Alabama is only about 20 minutes west by traveling along the I-10 BayWay. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Alabama’s white sandy beaches and blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico are about a 30-35 minute drive south by either Alabama State Highway 181 or U. S. Highway 59.

Currently, TimberCreek has at least twenty-six (26) active MLS (multiple listing service) REALTOR listings, about 18 homes with 2,500 to 4,200 square feet, and having asking prices between $300,000 and $500,000.

There have been around twenty-five (25) home sales in the past twelve months according to the Baldwin County Association of REALTORS. The vast majority of these TimberCreek homes ranged from $275,000 and $550,000. The lowest sale price was $214,900 for a three bedroom, two bathroom home with 1,674 square feet. The highest sale price was $849,000 for a four bedroom, four full bathroom, two half bath home with 6,240 square feet.

The Sales Per Month Absorption Rate is currently three (3) homes per month in TimberCreek. With 26 active listings, the current housing supply is 8.67 months (26 active listings divided by 3 home sales per month).

TimberCreek‘s Median Comparable Sale Price is now $365,000 compared to $472,000 four to six months ago. The days on market (dom) appears to mostly range from 134 days to 146 days over the past 12 months.

TimberCreek‘s Median Sale Price as percentage of list price has slipped over the past twelve (12) months, and now seems to be somewhat recovering: 96.76%, 7-12 months ago; 89.95%, 4-6 months ago; past 3 months, 92.68%.

Albert Cheney, Cheney Appraisal Services, covers  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. Call 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.

The Kings Mill subdivision is located along the western side of Knollwood Road, south of Cottage Hill Road, the western part of Mobile, Alabama.

The Kings Mill development has 39 homes, built between 1998 and 2004, with most having 1,850+- square feet to 2,700+- square feet of living area. The majority of homes have 3 bedrooms and 2 or 2 1/2 bathrooms. There are about nine homes having 4 bedrooms. The home values will mostly range between $275,000 and $300,000.

Albert Cheney, Cheney Appraisal Services, covers 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. Call 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.

Cheney Appraisal Services, Albert Marshall Cheney, (251) 533-2424, assists Accountants (CPAs), the Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs), Attorneys, Clients, Lenders and Property Owners in finding active and approved Certified FHA Appraisers in the State of Arkansas.

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
www.RobertWBennettAppraiser.com
Robert W. Bennett, ARCR0334
Robert W. Bennett Appraiser
12719 Cantrell Road, Suite 200
Little Rock, Arkansas 72223

If you are looking for a “Certified” Residential Appraiser for Estate or Trust Appraisals, Fair Market Value Estimate, Insurable Value estimate, Taxable Value estimate, or just curious about the Present Value of your Home or Investment, then, contact Mr. Robert W. Bennett with 36 years experience.  Robert is a leading provider of real estate valuations for the greater Little Rock area and surrounding counties, and many other parts of the state of Arkansas.

Click the above weblink to call Robert, ask your questions and order your appraisal assignment today!

Cheney Appraisal Services, Albert Marshall Cheney, (251) 533-2424, assists the Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs), Attorneys, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Clients, Lenders and Property Owners in finding active and approved Certified FHA Appraisers in HUNTSVILLE, its surrounding areas, and other principal cities in the State of Alabama.

Cheney Appraisal Services provides categories of Alabama cities and towns which list only approved Certified FHA Real Estate Appraisers with website links for contact. Periodically, these categories and lists of Certified FHA Approved Appraisers will be updated by Albert Marshall Cheney.

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

http://www.esbrooks.com/
EVERETT S BROOKS JR ALG00442
(Certified General)
09-30-2010
3000 15TH AVENUE
HUNTSVILLE, AL 35805

http://www.englandappraisals.com/
SAMUEL B ENGLAND ALR00094
(Certified Residential)
09-30-2010
ENGLAND APPRAISALS
3313 S MEMORIAL PKWY, #127
HUNTSVILLE, AL 35801

http://simmonsappraising.com/
ALAN W SIMMONS ALR00718
(Certified Residential)
09-30-2010
SIMMONS APPRAISING
P.O. BOX 12492
HUNTSVILLE, AL 35803

Cheney Appraisal Services, Albert Marshall Cheney, has made an effort to provide current information with only active and approved Certified FHA Appraisers with company websites. Each Certified FHA Appraiser should also be in good standing with the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and their licensing state.

If anyone using this appraisal list has a legitimate reason why a Certified FHA Appraiser should not be listed within this appraisal listing, then forward your information to Cheney Appraisal Services, Albert@CheneyAppraisalServices.com, for review and removal consideration. Thank you.

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 information has been provided 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.