FSBO Alabama Real Estate
Alabama is a quintessential southern state. From Huntsville in the north, to Mobile on Mobile Bay in the south, with Birmingham and Montgomery more nearly mid-state, Alabama charms. It also bustles in many areas. Old and new, gracious pre War-Between-the-States homes and commercial buildings exist comfortably with modern upstarts.
Alabama
Alabama is distinctly proud of its southern heritage. In addition to its history and historic southern architecture, Alabama has much to offer. Aristocrats, red-necks, college students, sports fans, business tycoons, and nice middle class people of all sorts can find much to please them here.
Huntsville is home to a large portion of the U.S. Space Program and is modern enough to surprise many. The collection of golf courses winding through the state which are known as the Robert Trent Jones golf trail make Alabama one of the top golfing destinations in the continental United States. For football enthusiasts, the annual Iron Bowl college football war between Auburn and Alabama Universities is an exciting highlight. County music and NASCAR fans are amply provided for too. Antiques and art are readily available. Nature lovers can enjoy the many lakes, national forests, and barrier islands on the Gulf of Mexico.
Huntsville
The home of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville is doing a great job of handling its old and new elements. The city is well laid out with parks, botanical gardens, and lake areas. It is close to places where outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and hunting can be enjoyed.
Mobile
In case you're wondering, it's pronounced "Moe beel." Mobile is a busy port city on the Gulf coast. Succulent seafood is readily available. It's often quite warm, but spring is heavenly with a delightful bevy of flowering plants vying for attention with colors and fragrances that are simply amazing.
If the idea of going to a Mardi Gras celebration appeals to you, you might want to go to the one in Mobile. Yes, I said Mobile. It was the first city to celebrate Mardi Gras in the United States and maintains the tradition to this day. In fact, Mobile was established by the French and looks strikingly like New Orleans. It's a beautiful southern city.
Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is a barrier island only thirty-three miles from Mobile. Whether you're interested in becoming a permanent resident, or just a vacation visitor, Dauphin Island offers something for every member of the family. Go shelling on, or swim from, sugary white beaches. Go deep sea fishing. Bird watch. Explore Indian shell mounds. Watch dolphins. Poke around in artsy shops. Get body and soul together, get your family together, and smile a lot.
Birmingham
Birmingham is one of the sixty largest metropolitan areas in the country, but it has not lost its "laid back" attitude. While rush hour traffic is noticeable, road improvements have kept pace well enough that going to the other side of town for a special dinner is very possible.
Montgomery
Among many other things, Montgomery is the capital of Alabama, and it was the home town of the late Hank Williams, Sr. What country music fan can forget "Midnight in Montgomery?"
Alabama Real Estate
In early October, 2007, there were 1,195 houses on the market in Birmingham The average listing price was $167,589. If one considers that 90 houses sold in the month of August, and assumes that the rate at which houses sell remains constant, 1,195 houses is a little more than a thirteen month supply.
That indicates a buyer's market, so don?t hesitate to "make an offer" at something below asking price if you're interested in buying in Birmingham.
According to the local Realtor's Associations, 519 single family residences sold in the Mobile area during the month of July, 2007. The average sales price was $170,457. By late August, 2007, there were 2,855 houses on the market. If sales hold steady, this is a five month supply of houses.
If I wanted to buy in Mobile, I wouldn't hesitate to make an offer that is a bit below asking price.
As a matter of fact, housing costs are lower in Alabama than in most of the country, but if you're new to the area, don't forget your negotiating skills. Remember, you may very well want to sell later, so be careful not to pay more than market price when you buy.
