<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/fort-morgan-alabama/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Gulf Shores Real Estate  and Orange Beach Real Estate - Alabama Gulf Coast and Mobile Bay</title>
        <link>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/fort-morgan-alabama/</link>
        <description>Alabama Gulf Coast Real Estate - Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Ono Island, and Fort Morgan plus the Mobile Bay communities of Point Clear, Fairhope, and Daphne in Baldwin County, Alabama.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/40th-annual-national-shrimp-festival-in-gulf-shores-al.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/40th-annual-national-shrimp-festival-in-gulf-shores-al.html</link>
            <author>kelirobinson@gulfshoreslife.com (Keli Robinson)</author>
            <title>40th Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, AL</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The 40th Annual National Shrimp Festival is right around the corner! 

Held right on the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, the festival is from Thursday, October 13 - Sunday, October 16. Admission is free, and there is something here for everyone -



Fine Arts and Arts &amp; Crafts from over 200 artists


Live music on 2 stages, starting Thursday, October 14 at 10 a.m.


10k Race on Saturday, October 15

Children's Activity Village with hands-on arts &amp; crafts, 
educational activities, carnival rides, and free popcorn &amp; cotton 
candy!


The Shrimp Festival is always a blast for the whole family. This
 area has &nbsp;&nbsp; so much to offer, including wonderful restaurants, 
nightlife, and the outlet mall in Foley.


Now is the perfect time to visit Gulf Shores, and it is also the perfect time to to buy Alabama Beach Front Property! Call me today&nbsp; for help with all of your real estate needs.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:05:26 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/closing-a-real-estate-deal.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/closing-a-real-estate-deal.html</link>
            <author>info@gulfshoreslife.com (Cal Carter Team Leader)</author>
            <title>Closing a Real Estate Deal!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
This Is What Closing a Deal Looks Like


Searching for a home can be a very overwhelming and exciting experience. However, some of us, though buying a home can be exciting, find it a very stressful time.  This just another example of why we need to have a professional on our side. Hiring a Realtor can ensure that you have someone looking out for your best interests and who knows the process, as well as the market inside and out.


Every Little Step You Take


Once you are ready to make an offer on a home, you may be wondering: What next? What does this mean? What does that mean? There may be contingencies that have to be met by both parties before a closing can be made final. Closing costs are generally a percentage of your loan amount, but this can vary depending on your specific situation. This would be determined working with your Realtor and a mortgage broker. Here's a list of what's left to be done to close the deal on your new home:



  
An offer with detailed contingencies will need to be drawn up.

  
You'll submit &quot;earnest money&quot; or a deposit.

  
A seller can then choose to accept your offer or provide a counteroffer with contingencies and possible price changes of their own.

  
If you haven't already been pre-approved, you'll need to apply for a loan. (This is usually a good idea to do when you begin your home search so that you may understand how much house you can afford).

  
An appraisal will need to be completed for the home.

  
The home will need to be inspected by a licensed home inspector.

  
And required by your lender you'll need to have a title search performed, buy title insurance, and homeowners insurance.

  
All documents will need to be reviewed to ensure accuracy.

  
Your down payment and closing costs will need to be paid next.

  
And finalizing all documents, and now you own your new home!




Each of the steps listed above involves a varied amount of details. Having a Realtor and mortgage broker working for you can make sure the process is as thorough, quick and as easy as possible. If you need assistance right away, please feel to contact us immediately. We're here to help.


Writing for Waterfront Properties &amp; Club Communities, gives Lisa Lambert the opportunity to help both home buyers and sellers work easily through the real estate process.  Lisa writes for luxury waterfront communities like Admirals Cove in Jupiter, Florida.


&nbsp;


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:08:26 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/september-2010-newsletter-housing-trends.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/september-2010-newsletter-housing-trends.html</link>
            <author>info@gulfshoreslife.com (Cal Carter Team Leader)</author>
            <title>SEPTEMBER - 2010 Newsletter Housing Trends</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 


SEPTEMBER - 2010 Newsletter Housing Trends 

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether youre in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general. 
The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS, the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.org reports, videos, key market indicators and real estate sales statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more. 


&nbsp;

Please  click here to view the SEPTEMBER - 2010 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter.


If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the Home Evaluator link for a free evaluation report.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:34:32 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/morgantown-homes-in-fort-morgan-alabama.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/morgantown-homes-in-fort-morgan-alabama.html</link>
            <author>info@gulfshoreslife.com (Cal Carter Team Leader)</author>
            <title>Morgantown Homes in Fort Morgan, Alabama</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



 Morgantown Homes in Fort Morgan, AL

Located a mere fifteen minutes west of Gulf Shores on the Ft. Morgan Peninsula, Morgantown is an upscale, family beach community that is quite strict about its appearance. As such, all of the yards in Morgantown are beautifully maintained while each home is painted an attractive pastel color. Furthermore, all of the utilities are buried so as to detract from the surrounding natural beauty as little as possible. As soon as you cross through the neighborhoods scenic entrance, which is lined with palm trees and other beautiful landscaping, you know you are coming home to something special.

Search ---&gt; Morgantown Homes for sale in Fort Morgan, AL

Perhaps one of the greatest draws to living in Morgantown is the private beach access that its residents enjoy. Not only are the pristine beaches well-maintained, but private access means residents dont have to fight the crowds when they decide to go for a swim, to stroll along the beach or to participate in other beach activities at the end of a long work day or on the weekends. With a marina located just one mile down the road, residents also enjoy easy access to boating and other fun water sports and activities. Other popular activities among residents include biking and walking, as the streets are flat and quiet, making them perfect for these types of activities.In addition to its ideal location and scenic surroundings, Morgantown also offers a number of quality amenities to its residents. For example, the community features two tennis courts, two swimming pools and easy access to its beautiful pet-friendly beach. For the golf enthusiast, the top-rated Kiva Dunes Golf Club is located right next door and the Peninsula Golf Club, which features 27 manicured holes, can be found just down the street. Of course, all of the dining, shopping and family-friendly activities available at Gulf Shores are just a few minutes away as well.

Search ---&gt; Homes for sale in Morgantown, Fort Morgan, AL

As might be expected, the homes in Morgantown are just as beautiful and inspiring as the natural scenery. Nonetheless, it is possible to purchase a home within the $200,000 range in this community, with even these less costly homes providing excellent views of the Gulf. At the same time, it is not unusual for homes in Morgantown to cost more than $500,000 and some reach beyond the $1 million mark. Of course, these more costly homes offer the best locations and the most luxurious amenities, including features such as custom cabinets and high-end appliances.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:52:59 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/martinique-on-the-gulf-homes-for-sale-in-fort-morgan-al.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/martinique-on-the-gulf-homes-for-sale-in-fort-morgan-al.html</link>
            <author>info@gulfshoreslife.com (Cal Carter Team Leader)</author>
            <title>Martinique on the Gulf Homes for sale in Fort Morgan, AL</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Martinique on the Gulf, Fort Morgan, Alabama

For those who are interested in living in a classic beach community, Martinique on the Gulf is the ideal choice. Situated upon the Fort Morgan peninsula and adjacent to the 4,200 acre Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Martinique on the Gulf is the ideal community for nature lovers who want to enjoy easy access to a number of amenities.

Search ---&gt; Martinique on the Gulf Homes for sale in Fort Morgan, AL 

Featuring homes and condos with French Colonial architectural styling, Martinique on the Gulf is a charming and close-knit community. Thanks to the communitys location, its residents can also enjoy an active lifestyle as they bike around the community, workout at the fitness center, hike the nature trails at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, sail in the Gulf of Mexico or swim at the community pool. Our, residents can relax by the poolside or take a leisurely stroll along the beach.

Residents of Martinique on the Gulf also enjoy plenty of opportunities to spend time with their neighbors. At Club du Plage, which is a popular gathering spot within the community, residents can take in breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico while also spending time in the sauna, the pool, the whirlpool spa or the fitness center, which features state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment and weight training equipment. A private over-dune boardwalk is also located near to the club, providing residents with easy access to the pristine sugar sand beach.

 Club du Soleil, which is located within the heart of the community and provides residents with a more secluded community retreat, offers additional swimming opportunities in an indoor/outdoor pool as well as opportunities to relax in the indoor whirlpool spa or to enjoy each others company in the activity room. Within the activity room, residents can take advantage of the full kitchen, wireless Internet access and even the showers and dressing area located adjacent to the room.

In addition to the activities available in at the Club du Plage and the Club du Soleil, residents can also get their hearts pumping at the lighted, professional, fast-dry tennis court. Tennis equipment is also available at the Sales and Rental Center.

Search ---&gt; Homes for Sale in Martinique on the Gulf Fort Morgan, AL

&nbsp;From watching dolphins from the terrace at Club du Plage to listening to the waves brush against the shore, residents of Martinique on the Gulf can easily escape from the hustle and bustle of the city as they take advantage of the many luxuries the community has to offer. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:42:09 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/kiva-dunes-homes-for-sale-in-fort-morgan-al.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/kiva-dunes-homes-for-sale-in-fort-morgan-al.html</link>
            <author>info@gulfshoreslife.com (Cal Carter Team Leader)</author>
            <title>Kiva Dunes Homes for sale in Fort Morgan, AL</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Kiva Dunes in Fort Morgan, Alabama

Those who want to enjoy private beaches within an elegant community where individuality is still encouraged may find Kiva Dunes to be the ideal place to live. With its homes located along pristine beaches, the homes within Kiva Dunes feature a distinctive West Indian design with a hint of North African, Spanish and Southeastern American influence.

Search ---&gt; Kiva Dunes Homes for Sale in Fort Morgan, Alabama

Despite being home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, Kiva Dunes offers a welcoming atmosphere to its residents as well as to its guests. At the same time, thanks to the privacy the beaches provide, residents can escape the busy city lifestyle as they wash their worries away within the blue waters of Kiva Dunes. Or, residents can relax at one of the many pools within the community, all of which are landscaped with a tropical design that allows them to blend in with the beautiful natural surroundings. From an assortment of indigenous plants and grasses to rolling white sand dunes, the natural surroundings of Kiva Dunes have much to offer to both nature and beach lovers.

In addition to the lovely beaches and attractive pools, Kiva Dunes is known for its golfing opportunities. In fact, the Kiva Dunes golf course, which was developed by Jim Edgemon and U.S Open Champion Jerry Pate, is ranked as the #1 course in Alabama. PGA professionals are also available at the golf shop in order to help residents with club fitting repairs and obtaining the other fundamentals necessary to be successful on the course. For those who want to engage in more demanding physical activity, Kiva Dunes is also home to well-maintained tennis courts surrounding by breathtaking views of the beaches and the beautiful Kiva Dunes Beach Walkover.

Search ---&gt; Kiva Dunes Homes for Sale in Gulf Shores, Alabama 

Kiva Dunes residences, which are located within Kiva Village, are available with a variety of different floor plans. The 30 luxury homes constructed during the first phase of development all overlook the 18th green. The next phase of development will include constructing 52 condos as well as the Village Center, which will include two new tennis courts, a new resort pool, cabanas, a conference facility, a fitness center and more. Residents of Kiva Dunes also do not have to go far to enjoy a tasty meal, as the Kiva Dunes Restaurant features fresh seafood dishes, hearty breakfast choices and tasty lunch and dinner options within a fun and relaxing atmosphere.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:23:47 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/beach-club-cottages-in-fort-morgan-alabama.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/beach-club-cottages-in-fort-morgan-alabama.html</link>
            <author>info@gulfshoreslife.com (Cal Carter Team Leader)</author>
            <title>Beach Club Cottages in Fort Morgan Alabama</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Beach Club Cottages in Fort Morgan area of Gulf Shores, Alabama 

Located amidst beautiful freshwater lakes, natural wetlands and lovely gardens, Beach Club Cottages are the ideal choice for those who wish to enjoy a number of amenities while also being able to easily enjoy the natural wonders of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Search current listings ---&gt; The Beach Club Cottages for sale in Fort Morgan, AL

The single-family residences cottages available at The Beach Club feature a variety of different floor plan options, including Acadia, Bahia, Captiva, Englewood and Frenchboro. 

Furthermore, many of these homes offer popular amenities such as private pools, keeping rooms, private courtyards, covered private parking, large porches, outdoor hot tubs, private yards maintained by professionals and outdoor kitchens. The attractive features found within the cottages at The Beach Club isnt all that residents get to enjoy, however, as they can also spend time at the Spa, order a tasty meal at one of the community restaurants or relax at The Club. The Club offers a number of amenities, including an indoor heated pool, an outdoor pool, a whirlpool, a fitness room, a game room and saunas. Residents can also rent DVDs, sports equipment and games from The Club.

In addition to featuring a 25,000 square foot clubhouse with many amenities, The Beach Club is also home to a variety of activities throughout the year. Common activities occurring at The Beach Club include live entertainment, family sports and games, poolside theme nights, poolside crafts, family fun days, beachside campfires and sandcastle building contests.

Although The Beach Club Cottages provide residents with ample opportunities to enjoy an active lifestyle, the streets themselves are quiet and safe. 

Therefore, those who are looking for a great place to raise a family or who simply want to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city life find the cottages at The Beach Club to be the perfect place to live. Of course, the spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and the areas pristine white beaches are other reasons to call The Beach Club Cottages home. Undisturbed wetlands, which are perfect for growing wildflowers and for attracting rare birds, also surround the property, making The Beach Club Cottages a popular choice for nature lovers.

With cottage lots available for as low as $160,000, The Beach Club Cottages are an affordable option for those who are interested in owning coastal property. With the Cottages themselves being developed by Head Companies of Point Clear, Alabama and Yates Construction Company of Philadelphia, Mississippi, those who purchase a lot within this lovely community can be certain the final product will be perfect in every way.

Search current listings: The Beach Club Cottages for sale in Gulf Shores, AL


&nbsp;
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:12:06 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/absolute-auction-for-luxury-golf-community-condos-in-gulf-shores-al-saturday-may-22-2010.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/absolute-auction-for-luxury-golf-community-condos-in-gulf-shores-al-saturday-may-22-2010.html</link>
            <author>kelirobinson@gulfshoreslife.com (Keli Robinson)</author>
            <title>Emerald Greens Condo Auction Gulf Shores, AL Saturday, May 22, 2010 Luxury Golf Community Condo Auction</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Huge Auction for 30 Condos! - Luxury Golf Community in Gulf Shores, AL


&nbsp;

Emerald Greens Condo Auction

Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. 

					
																
									





Emerald Greens has 136 Luxury Condos on a Golf Course.  30 CONDOS SELL ABSOLUTE,  136 condos to choose from. 


Luxurious Gated Community&nbsp; 


30 units sell absolute!


136 units to choose from!


Minutes from the white sand beaches, fishing, shopping, and restaurants! 





1, 2, &amp; 3 bedroom units



Upgraded kitchens with custom wood cabinets and granite countertops



Master Suite featuring garden tub




Covered balconies



Sunrooms is some of the one-bedroom units



Amenities
Galore! 9-hole golf course, resort style swimming pool, fitness room,
tennis court, sauna, hot tub, tanning bed,onsite management.



10% down, closing in 30 days




For Regsitration Information Contact:

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 08:06:31 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/gulfshoreslifecom-team-newsletter-march-30-2010.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/gulfshoreslifecom-team-newsletter-march-30-2010.html</link>
            <author>info@gulfshoreslife.com (Cal Carter Team Leader)</author>
            <title>GulfShoresLife.com Team Newsletter March 30, 2010</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

  News from the GulfShoresLife.com Team




  March 30, 2010
  
  




  In this Issue:




  What's going on
  




  Special Opportunity:
  &nbsp;Great deal on a foreclosed home




  Recommendations &amp; Resources: 
  Free ebook: &quot;Foreclosure
  Home Buying Secrets&quot;




  Feature Article:
  How will we be judged?




  Recommendations &amp; Resources:
  Free teleseminar is a $4 million blueprint for wealth




  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




  &nbsp;




  What's going on:




  Activity is picking up as the spring break crowds arrive. It has been
  unusually cold up until a few days ago and it is great to finally see some
  boats out on the bay. Merchants and restauranteurs are certainly glad to
  see their parking lots filling and we are happy as well in often having
  too many buyers to fit into our schedule. This just reinforces the need
  to plan ahead in scheduling property tours! Another important thing to
  note is that properties that get priced right do not stay on the market
  long - if you see a good value be decisive or watch someone else own the
  property.




  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




  &nbsp;




  Special Opportunity:
  Open House - Check out this GREAT DEAL




  I believe I have just found one the best foreclosure deals on the market
  right now.




  This home offers
  4 BEDS AND 3 1/2 BATHS
  .&nbsp; The home also
  offers a Boat Dock on Cotton Bayou
  and is in great location.




  The best part about the home is that it is priced at just $479,220, which
  is well below value based upon our market study.




  




  Wait, it gets even better, the seller is offering Unemployment Payment
  Protection to buyer at no additional cost:




  We're going to host a special 1-hour open house on Saturday, April 3rd
  at 1:00 PM so that you can stop by and see this home.




  To attend this special open house
  go here and register
  or contact Tammy Harrison our office administrator and she will get the
  word to your buyer specialist so they can give you all the details about
  location and access instructions -
  tammyharrison@gulfshoreslife.com




  Due to the limited access the open house will be limited to the first
  10 registrants.




  If you would like to see this home before the open house, we may be able
  to accommodate you.&nbsp; Call Tammy at 251-978-3172




  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




  &nbsp;




  Recommendations &amp; Resources: 
  Free ebook: &quot;Foreclosure
  Home Buying Secrets&quot;




  Thomas Reahl, former chief economist for the National Association of Realtors
  , a highly respected real estate expert appeared on MSNBC and flatly
  stated that there would be at least 1.2 million foreclosures in the next
  18 months.




  What many watching did not understand was that he was announcing the greatest
  boom period of opportunity for knowledgeable home buyers ever to occur
  in U.S. history.




  The 1.2 million foreclosures represent an enormous inventory &quot;glut&quot; of
  homes that banks and other lenders must sell fast and cheap. Imagine buying
  a perfectly good home in a good neighborhood for as little as 30 cents
  on the dollar.




  My new 100-page booked titled &quot;Foreclosure Home Buying Secrets&quot; has just
  been released and is available without charge.




  You can download this new book right now at:




  www.distressedpropertyvulturefund.com




  In this new book, you'll learn...





    How the foreclosure process works
  


    How to avoid hidden costs
  


    How to identify the best foreclosed homes
  


    How to research foreclosed homes
  


    What
    you need to know about current market trends
  


    What you should do during a declining
    market
  




  To download this new &quot;Foreclosure Home Buying Secrets&quot; book without charge
  right now, go to:




  &nbsp;
  www.distressedpropertyvulturefund.com




  You might be able to find your dream home at an unbelievable price. Download
  this new book now!




  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




  &nbsp;




  Special Report




  How Will We
  Be Judged?




  By Rob Minton




  The passage of the Health Reform Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp;on
  Sunday March 21 got me thinking about a quote I've heard a few times. A
  wise man once said &quot;Every society is judged by how it treats its least
  fortunate amongst them.&quot;




  You have to think this is one of the things that spurred lawmakers to
  cast votes in favor of the bill; it paves the way for 32 million Americans
  who don't have health insurance to get it. Some would argue that if a society
  is going to be judged by how it treats its least fortunate, one of the
  things it might do is provide them with&nbsp;access to health care.




  Of course, Americans are deeply divided on the issue. And 25, 50, maybe
  100 years from now, history books will support one of the two sides. They'll
  either say &quot;Some people were actually
  opposed
  to this great thing,&quot; or they'll say &quot;What were they thinking?&quot;




  Hindsight is always 20/20, of course, but as historic as the reform bill
  was -- and as desperate as the president and his party want it to be their
  legacy -- it won't be the sole thing our society is judged upon.




  It's going to shape history, sure, but so are a lot of things that we
  as a society are doing right now.




  America is fighting two wars. It's fighting a horrifically high unemployment
  rate. It's fighting the perception that the Wall St. bankers who fueled
  this recession were undeservedly rescued by the government, which in this
  case might be judged by how it treated the MOST fortunate amongst them.




  We're living in a time when obesity and diet-related health issues are
  a real problem and are not adequately addressed by the same government
  that just passed a trillion-dollar measure aimed at helping poor people
  get healthier.




  We have an aging population that will continue to need our care. We have
  homeowners facing the prospect of losing their homes. We have a mountain
  of debt, both as individuals and as a nation. We have school systems that
  can't afford to provide a high standard of education for our children.




  Look around, and sometimes it's difficult to determine who exactly are&nbsp;the
  &quot;least fortunate.&quot;




  Access to health care for the poor is certainly a noble goal. If we can
  raise millions of dollars for Haiti relief in a matter of weeks, we should
  be able to show compassion for those right here among us that have it worse
  than we do.




  But it's hard to look at how passionate the politicians were over this
  issue and not wonder why they can't be as passionate or as driven&nbsp;about
  the other things that will shape U.S. history at this critical juncture
  in time.




  This bill will provide health care to about 15 percent of the population
  that currently doesn't have it. It was passed despite polls that showed
  more than half of Americans were against it. It took commitment, drive
  and a ton of energy to get it passed.




  What if politicians showed that kind of commitment, drive and energy on
  things that would help EVERYONE prosper?




  Prosperity for everyone -- now THAT would be something a society could
  be proud to be judged upon.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;




  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




  Recommendations &amp; Resources: A
  blueprint for wealth




  The New York Times reported in 2009 that worldwide unemployment could
  
  hit a staggering 50 million by the end of the year. In the U.S., we are
  still dealing with a 10-percent unemployment rate as we begin 2010. The
  job market is still very unsettled. Dennis Blair, the United States director
  of national intelligence told congress the following:
  
  
  &quot;Nearly everybody has been caught by surprise at the speed in which unemployment
  is increasing ...&quot;
  
  
  Layoff announcements came fast and furious throughout 2009 ...
  
  
  Circuit City:&nbsp;&nbsp; 30,000
  
  Citygroup:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 52,000
  
  Pfizer:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
  19,500
  
  Sprint Nextel:&nbsp; 8,000
  
  Caterpiller:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 20,000
  
  




  The list could go on and on, the point being that your job is NOT secure.&nbsp;
  If you do lose your job because of the recession, you'll find yourself
  in a nightmare trying to find a new job. The conditions for finding a new
  job are terrible.
  
  
  You must do something now to combat this vicious cycle. You must eliminate
  
  any and all dependency on your job for income. Be proactive. Don't wait
  for
  
  this ugly unemployment situation to fix itself. It will get worse before
  it gets better.
  
  
  One of the best options is to launching your own &quot;side&quot; business from
  home to begin earning income outside of your job. Believe it or not, some
  small businesses flourish in adverse economic conditions. Your new &quot;side&quot;
  business could be one of them!
  
  
  To find out how to launch your own side business and secure your financial
  
  future, request a special wealth Blueprint report at:




  Wealth Blueprint




  
  When you request this special Wealth Blueprint report, you'll also receive
  
  an audio presentation that you absolutely must listen to before it's too
  
  late.




  Go to:
  Wealth Blueprint




  &nbsp;




  
  Have a great week!
  
  




  Cal Carter




  The GulfShoresLife.com Team




  Keller Williams Alabama Gulf Coast




  www.gulfshoreslife.com

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:41:39 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/alabama-gulf-coast-and-lake-lanier-real-estate-news.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoreslife.com/blog/alabama-gulf-coast-and-lake-lanier-real-estate-news.html</link>
            <author>info@gulfshoreslife.com (Cal Carter Team Leader)</author>
            <title>Alabama Gulf Coast and Lake Lanier Real Estate News</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Shore
to Shore 



Lake Lanier GA and AL Gulf Coast
Real Estate News





December 28, 2009



In this Issue:







The NorthGaLife.com Team: Buyer web traffic  heavy year end buyer traffic as is normal starting
after Christmas day. 



Buyer internet activity should increase through
the year until Fall when school starts back. Those looking to list should be
proactive at this time.&nbsp; Buyers should be
proactive as well with preferred properties.







The GulfShoresLife.com Team: Ditto above  buyers will begin getting off of the fence as Holiday activities end on New Years Day and will have
more time to devote to real estate activity through the winter doldrums.&nbsp; 



Buyers that have spotted bargains should become
motivated to make offers before someone else picks off these bargains with year
end bonus money.



&nbsp;



Special
Report: Exterior remodeling best bang for your buck



Featured
Article: Why your credit score is even more important



Recommended
Resources: Confessions of an underwater homeowner

&nbsp;



The NorthGaLife.com Team



&nbsp;



&ldquo;2009&nbsp; is coming to an
end &nbsp;and buyers are coming out to take
advantage of the great deals in the area. The New Year will only be more
promising as buyers are realizing that now is the time to buy. There are some
great deals for the buyers out there! - Juli Bowman



&nbsp;



Buyer registrations have increased significantly since Lake Lanier
got back to full pool.&nbsp; Low interest
rates and reduced prices will present many opportunities going in to 2010. Many
buyers progressing through the typical &ldquo;just looking&rdquo; period indicates 2010 should
have substantial increases in buyer activity.&rdquo;  Laura Carter



&nbsp;



&ldquo;Im out showing property&rdquo;  Ryan Kowalske



&nbsp;



www.northgalife.com 



&nbsp;



The GulfShoresLife.com Team







&ldquo;The year 2009 saw strong condo sales in Gulf Shores
and Orange Beach.
Recorded sales are over 900 units and including remaining developer
inventory and large auctions, the total number of units sold is at
1,000 plus. &nbsp;The buyers have been motivated by significant price
reductions which have now bottomed out in many developments.&rdquo;  Des Gatti



&nbsp;



&ldquo;Buyer activity has increased significantly as a result of
price reductions in the real estate market in the last quarter of 2009.&nbsp;
Numerous buyers believe the market is at or near the bottom and have decided
that now is the time to buy.&nbsp; They are now taking actions to position for
the future.&nbsp;&nbsp; Also, many buyers have been disappointed to learn that
homes they wanted to see and possibly &quot;offer&quot; on have been sold as a
result of this very active buyers market.&rdquo;&nbsp; - Wayne Walker



&nbsp;



&quot;Didn't get exactly what you wanted for
Christmas?&nbsp; Buy yourself a condo!&quot; &nbsp; LaSha Powell



&nbsp;



&ldquo;Im out with buyers!&rdquo;  Ron Buttarazzi



&nbsp;



&ldquo;Im working on new listings!&rdquo;  Jason Will

&nbsp;

&quot;I'm preparing for multiple showings this week!&quot; - Susan Trawick



&nbsp;



&ldquo;Looking forward to starting the New Year off with a total
redesign of our follow up systems, our focus will be to provide more useful
information on a timely schedule throughout the year and to be there when &ldquo;buyers
are ready to buy&rdquo; and &ldquo;sellers are ready to sell&rdquo;. &nbsp;I am in hopes that we become great providers
of information not only for those that are &ldquo;ready, willing, and able&rdquo;, but also
for those whose plans are further in the future and those who have already
taken action.&rdquo;  Cal Carter &nbsp;



&nbsp;



www.gulfshoreslife.com



&nbsp;





Special Report



&nbsp;





&nbsp;Exterior
Remodeling Best Bang for Your Buck 



The
U.S. National Association of Realtors recently released its annual &ldquo;Remodeling
Cost vs. Value Report,&rdquo; and renovations this past year did not bring the bang
for their buck they did in 2008, according to the report.





The
average remodeling job cost $50,908 in 2009 and added $32,497 to the value of
the home, a ratio of 63.8 percent, according to the report. That was down a bit
from a cost-to-value ratio of 67.3 percent in 2008, when the average project was
$49,866 and the added value was $33,568.





Of
course, these figures are to be taken with a grain of salt. For example, in
some markets rapidly falling home prices can skew the value of homes. And in
some markets, remodeling costs are substantially lower than in other markets. 





In any
event, the report seemed to reveal that in a slower real estate market, such as
the one the U.S.
is experiencing now, curb appeal is best improvement investment a home owner
can make.





On a
national level, eight out of the top 10 projects in terms of costs recouped
were exterior replacement projects that cost less than $14,000, according to
the NARs news release. Said the NAR:





&ldquo;Certain types of door and siding
replacements, as well as wood deck additions all returned more than 80 percent
of project costs upon resale. A steel entry door replacement  a new addition
to this years list  recouped 128.9 percent of costs, followed by upscale
fiber-cement sliding replacements at 83.6 percent. Wood deck additions recouped
80.6 percent of costs.&rdquo;





&ldquo;Once
again, this years Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report highlights the importance
of a homes first impression,&rdquo; said NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, in a
released statement.



&nbsp;



Featured Article



&nbsp;





Why Your Credit Score is Even More
Important 



Fannie
Mae announced this month that it was raising its credit score requirement for
borrowers, even if they have 20 percent as a down payment.





Fannie
Mae is the government-sponsored entity that purchases loans from banks, making
it the leader lenders follow when it comes to home-loan rules. It was announced
that even with a 20-percent down payment, borrowers will now need at least a
620 credit score to qualify for a loan. This is up from a 580 score.





While
it shouldnt come as any surprise that standards are tightening again as banks
try to reign in their risks as mortgage delinquencies continue to rise, this
latest requirement could bog down your efforts to finance a home if youre
already close to buying one.





There
are, however, some ways to bump your credit score by a few points in a
relatively short amount of time:



&nbsp;



Get a copy of your report





Yes,
every article ever written about credit scores tells you to do this. You read
it constantly. Everybody does. But not everybody takes the advice and looks at
their reports frequently enough. You should do this once a year, and if youre looking
to buy a house, do it soon!





Any and
all possible mistakes or issues should be addressed. Write letters, make phone
calls, challenge derogatory information. The time spent is well worth the
effort. Get any mistakes OFF your report!



&nbsp;



Dont open new accounts





If
youre going to apply for a home loan soon, dont apply for another credit card
or open a new retail store account just to save money on your next purchase.
Newer accounts can cost you a few points, score-wise. Wait until after your
home loan is approved. That brings us to the next point &hellip;



&nbsp;



Dont close existing accounts







The age
of your accounts affects your score, as does your ratio of credit used to
credit available. The more credit you have that you are not using, the better.
So even if youre tempted to close that account after youve paid it off;
dont. In fact &hellip;

&nbsp;



Ask for credit increases



Because of that ratio of available credit to credit
used, you can often bump your score by improving that ratio a little bit. One
way, of course, would be to pay down debt you have  reducing the credit used;
thats an obvious route. But the other side of the coin is to increase the
amount of credit available. You can call or write to have your limits
increased. A small increase on every account you have can add a few points to
your scores. 



NOTE: The
caveat to this approach is that while having more available credit than youre
using will help your actual scores, having TOO much credit available could hurt
your chances for qualifying for a home loan because of your debt-to-income
ratio. You want to make sure that all your minimum monthly payments, plus any
other fixed, long-term debt (car, student loans) is equal to less than 31
percent of your monthly gross income.



You probably arent going to be able to go from
Fannie Maes previous standard of 580 to the new 620 in a very short period of
time, but if youre out looking at houses now, it never hurts to bump your
scores by a few points before you have to apply for financing. A better score
helps you get a better interest rate, too, remember.

&nbsp;



Recommended Resources







Confessions
of an Underwater Homeowner 



The media are full with
doom-and-gloom stories about the foreclosure crisis, &ldquo;underwater&rdquo; borrowers and
falling home prices. The headlines are enough to make you wonder why anyone
would want to buy a home.





Of course, its the sensational
headlines that sell. I recently found an article about an underwater homeowner,
and its a pragmatic, honest first-person account of someone who owes more on
their mortgage than their home is worth. The buyer isnt a sub-prime borrower
and doesnt see himself as a victim of predatory lending. This
un-sensationalized look at one familys situation is definite recommended
reading! The article comes from the Wall Street Journal via Yahoo! Finance.





Click
here to read &ldquo;Confessions of an Underwater Homeowner&rdquo;



Have a
great week!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:28:17 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>
