Anniston Housing

Gulf oil spill wreaks havoc on coastal real estate sales
In Grand Isle, La., this is typically a busy season for Realtor Beverly Curole.

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Are you worried about the high costs of Alabama real estate but still wish to own your dream home? Are you planning to spend your vacations in New Jersey but are tensed about the high costs of accommodation facilities? Buying rental property for all such desires can prove to be really useful and beneficial. Also, purchasing these rental real estates serves as a famous type of property investment these days. These rental real estates can pay great dividends in future times to the owner. Although being a landlord proves to be a bit challenging, but still it is a good way to enjoy as a successful investor.

There are different types of residential rental real estate available from which one can choose including:

Single family rentals: The houses are attractive to serious investors for the main reason that these properties offer the most convenient way to perform the real estate investing. Other reason that makes these types of rental properties admirable is that the investors can gain equity quickly during periods of increasing prices.

Low income housing: Small houses and mobile house in due need of maintenance and repairs possess their own separate category. But investing in these types of rentals can prove to be more problematic and time consuming as the tenants generally do not pay rents on time.

Small multiple unit rental real estates: Between the apartment buildings and single family homes, there are triplexes, four plexes and duplexes. There are a large number of people who buy these properties to live in a single unit and get equity gains from entire property.

These rental properties can serve as great investment in cases when you want to go on holidays with your loved ones to Florida, Michigan or South Carolina. So, if you already have an accommodation in the travel destination where you are planning a trip, you do not actually need to take tensions of booking the rooms in hotels or guest houses. Also, for all those who are looking forward to have rental apartments in New Jersey can consider options in Newark. This place has seen great development as far as housing options are concerned. The place has options of affordable, low income, low rise, luxury, upscale condos and apartments available for rent.

In addition, with the car parked just outside the vacation rental, it is actually convenient to take an easy daytrip to discover the rich history of Alabama. You can easily venture to the Bon Secour National Park Wildlife Refuge in order to explore the wildlife and birds. You can even take deep fresh air breaths in the amazing beauty and natural landscape of Alabama. Needless to say, it is wise to take rental properties near to the parks, schools and shops. It is also important to make sure that the rent agreement is clearly understood in order to avoid any future hassles. The rent and the renting period needs to be settled in advance so to enjoy a happy stay. So, both renting property to tenants and living in rental real estates serve as great and lucrative option.

Real estate transactions
LAND: Harris County Municipal Utility District 179 has purchased three additonal acres at Easton Commons Drive and West Road for a total of 10 acres. Clay & Co. represented the landlord, Clay Venture Fund, #3.

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This home is located just two minutes from Maxwell-Gunter Annex’s entry gate. This home has perks on the outside as well as the inside. There’s a Pear Tree in the front yard and a beautiful swimming pool in the back yard. The pool liner is less than a year old. The inside of this home has been completely remodeled. The ceramic tile are perfect in this home. All of the rooms have been freshly painted. The bathrooms have been upgraded with ceramic tile and beautiful dark cabinets. There’s a great bonus room upstairs, that’s just right for all of your activities.

At the time of writing, the real estate market is looking quite gloomy in many parts of the US and indeed the rest of the world. So if it’s understandable if you’re worried about purchasing that dream house of yours in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. With real estate though, some parts are hit worse than others and you always have to consider each real estate prospect on its own merits. If you’re thinking about buying a house in Tuscaloosa, then the good thing is that the area is still attractive and will likely remain a good investment.

There are many reasons for this. Tuscaloosa is a city that has a very diversified economy which, all things being equal, will always be a good thing. There is a strong local industry with German automobile manufacturer Mercedes Benz providing thousands of jobs at their manufacturing plant and other business are still going strong. Jobs attract property buyers and so the market in Tuscaloosa continues to be strong.
Another reason for Tuscaloosa’s relative strength is that the University of Alabama is located in the city. The university has been steadily expanding over the years and there are no indications to suggest it shouldn’t continue to do so. In fact, quite the contrary, after the recent football championship more students will likely apply. The university is at the center of the cultural life and the main campus area is obviously attractive for students looking for safe and affordable housing.

So, yes, Tuscaloosa houses are still a good investment and show no real signs of slowing down. Of course, as with any major financial decision, it’s a good idea to take on expert council and to be sure to use a good real estate agent. It is said that only 10% of real estate agents make up 90% of the sales. Is this good or bad? You definitely want a real estate agent that caters to your needs and where you are not just a another name in the contact book. Referrals are an excellent way to find a real estate agent, it’s how the best real estate agents get business, so ask around with friends, family and coworkers. You can also attend open houses and get to know the real estate agents in person first.

Home sales in the over-whelming majority of local real estate markets have slowed throughout the US, according to the latest survey of Housing Predictor.com, an information driven website, which provides real estate market forecasts in all 50 US States.

Some 86% of 350 US markets regularly surveyed have transformed into buyers markets. Many have turned into markets that have become negotiable enough to be beneficial to purchasers after nearly five years of upward appreciation.

Only six states local real estate markets are still favorable for sellers, most of which are in the southeastern part of the nation. Only the last frontier of Alaska remains elsewhere as the longest lasting last strong hold in the greatest nationwide real estate market appreciation in US history.

However, because of slower market dynamics and upward mobility the Alaska real estate market is also still not only showing strong signs of appreciating, but should weather the on coming cyclical winter weather slowdown well through the last part of 2006.

Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Kentucky are the last strong holds with local real estate markets that are still appreciating. The south-east is growing at the fastest pace in US history.

Lenders and real estate agents in Nashville, Tennessee still report home sales at brisk levels. Other markets scattered throughout the three other southern states report equally compelling sales figures.

The national inventory of re-sale homes, condos and townhouses has hit historic levels and foreclosures in some areas of the country are already becoming common place, including Denver, Colorado and Indianapolis, Indiana.

Historically low interest rates kept in check by the Federal Reserve Board provided a fast paced market in many areas of the country for as long as five years until the Fed rose interest rates for borrowers 17 times.

Now faced with a worsening housing market nationally and the possibility of inflation, the Fed’s policy makers have the task of balancing the scales to keep inflation under control without tipping the cart to cause further economic problems.

New lending guidelines have also been instituted in many cases to help stave off further loan fraud on the heels of FBI reports that loan fraud is a national epidemic.

The fraud is expected to hit $5-billion, according to many analysts. But compared to the massive fraud that swept the housing market in the late 1980’s caused by the Savings and Loan Scandal the developments are mild in comparison. The S&L Crisis was estimated to cost every man, woman and child in the US $10,000.

The national real estate market has clearly shifted to a buyers market, where prices are falling in many areas. Multiple listing service reports indicate a national slowdown in sales volume. Real estate economists expect sales to improve as prices lower, and look for the slow down to improve in early 2007.

The Top 25 Housing Predictor U.S. Market Forecast for 2007 shows a growing trend of local real estate markets that are stabilizing with thirteen states represented in the annual forecast. Housing Predictor is an information driven website, providing independent local housing market forecasts for all 50 U.S. States.

Battling back from the headlines New Orleans, Louisiana is Housing Predictor’s # 1 pick to appreciate the most in 2007. Despite the loss of nearly half of its residents, the Big Easy has a booming real estate market that is growing almost daily and is forecast to appreciate 8.4% in 2007.

The fixer-upper has become the new major commodity in New Orleans real estate as investors move into the market to repair homes and apartments damaged in the wake of Hurricane Katrina more than at any other time in a natural disaster in the U.S. More than 150,000 homes were damaged or destroyed by Katrina, which hit in August of 2005.

The spirt of the people in New Orleans is becoming less tarnished in the aftermath of the storm. New Orleans has always had a spirit of revelry and showmanship, especially during Mardi Gras. It may have also been given a boost in the form of the New Orleans Saints NFL football team, which has had its best season in years.

Houston, Texas, a city which has been besieged by scandals with Enron and other companies is transforming into a strong real estate market for the first time in more than a decade. Houston is forecast by Housing Predictor to appreciate 7.3% in 2007 to place second in the forecast.

The nation’s southern states are under going the largest growth in history as a migration from colder northern states to the sun-belt quietly reaches near fever pitch. Arkansas, Alabama, Texas and Tennessee are adding more new residents than ever before. Little Rock, which was once a slumbering community has more new businesses moving into the area than ever and will hit 7.0% in home appreciation in 2007, according to Housing Predictor.

Nashville, Tennessee, recognized as the Music City is playing on its own good fortunes as a growing metropolitan area, which along with Odessa, Texas has some of the most affordable housing in the nation and will both hit 6.9% in appreciation by year’s end.

The Top 25 markets represent slightly more than a quarter of the nation’s states. All 13 states have local real estate markets that are appreciating strongly.

In the west, Washington state and Utah have real estate markets that are showing appreciation, which demonstrates how real estate unlike other investments is effected by local regional market economic and political factors.

In Albuquerque, New Mexico the sales of homes and condos had slowed for a few months only to pick back up again as more and more new employers moved to the area. Albuquerque is a growing urban center, which is forecast to appreciate another 6.5% in 2007.

But of all the places that made the annual Top 25 markets list Brownsville and Austin, Texas are two of the strongest U.S. real estate markets. Just a few short years ago after a high tech boom went bust Austin lost population, but a renewed economy and more computer companies moving into the area have pushed the city into a booming economy again and it will score a forecasted 6.1% in appreciation in 2007. Brownsville, which is in seventh place on the list is perhaps the best place to find the least expensive housing in an urban center in the U.S.

During the first half of the 19th century, Huntsville, Alabama grew from a single settler’s homestead into a thriving economic center. The first major railroad from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River was built with a right-of-way through Huntsville, meaning the city was granted a major economic opportunity. Like most southern population centers, Huntsville Alabama real estate has had its share of problems during the Civil War – but the stationing of Union soldiers in Huntsville meant that the city avoided being burned and thus still retains some of its early historic buildings and landmarks.

In the time after the Civil War, Huntsville grew prosperous as a major center for cotton textile mills. The city was perfectly situated close to the raw materials (straight from the cotton fields of the South) and with many viable options for shipping completed products (via the railroad and rivers). Early cotton mills served as communities in and of themselves, with schools, stores, churches, housing, and entertainment in the mill area. Early Huntsville real estate, then, was often connected to a person’s employer: you lived near the mill where you and your family worked.

Due to the prevalence of the mill industry in Huntsville’s early growth, the city suffered significantly during the Depression of the 1930s. Industry slowed, and Huntsville entered 1940 with a modest population of just over 13,000 inhabitants. Huntsville’s economic stability, however, received a boost with the onset of World War II, when the U.S. Army chose Huntsville as the site of its new Redstone Arsenal. Today, the Redstone Arsenal remains a major employer and prominent force in the town: many residents of the Huntsville real estate area are in some way connected with the Army and the arsenal, and the arsenal in turn takes an active role in the community’s civic life. The Army has also partnered with the city of Huntsville to create one of the nation’s most complete disaster preparedness plans.

Today, Huntsville is also well known as the home of a major NASA facility. Across the nation, Huntsville Alabama real estate is known for its proximity to some of the most exciting advances in NASA technology. The community also benefits tremendously from the influx of NASA employees into the community: these trained and highly educated professionals greatly enrich the community at large. Putting down roots in the Huntsville real estate market, then, is a smart choice: families in Huntsville enjoy tremendous economic, educational, and cultural opportunities.

Before a bank will finance a property purchase, it must receive a complete property inspection report, completed by qualified, licensed appraisers and structural inspectors. Some people do both, but usually it’s two separate reports. It is also mandated by local and federal real estate laws. If any defect is found, it must be disclosed to all parties, only then can a sale go forward.

First, an appraiser must do a comparison of the property in relation to similar properties in the surrounding area, the closer the better. This takes into account the square footage, floor plan, number of rooms, and whatever amenities the property offers, such as garage or swimming pool. The appearance and demographics of the block, such as what state of repair in adjacent properties. A check of recent asking and selling prices in the immediate area is a must.

Then the exterior of the property itself. Older homes are often made of sturdier materials, and offer more aesthetic features. If they are in desirable areas they will command high prices. All outdoor elements that project curb appeal, including the roof, siding, trim, windows. Does the lawn look healthy? Perhaps the soil composition won’t allow for a healthy lawn, a potentially expensive headache.

Next, an inspection of all systems, like heating and air conditioning, water heater, plumbing, and electrical outlets. Ceilings must be checked for signs of prior leaks. A structural inspection is more thorough, covering the foundation, basement, crawl space, and attic for signs of termite damage, a sagging structure, seeping water. Inspecting for mold is mandatory, it often hides under kitchen and bathroom sinks. Although all this inspecting may be tedious and take time, this will clarify the valuation of the property, and provide a list of needed repairs. Then all parties can negotiate accordingly.

Local Developer Defies Real Estate Market

With Affordable Vacation Homes on Lake Seminole

In The COVE At Trail’s End Resort & Marina™

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By John Beyers

            With all the talk about how bad the real estate market is around the country there are a few bright spots to be found. One gem is located right on the banks of 38,000 acre Lake Seminole along the Chattahoochee River, in the COVE at Trail’s End Resort and Marina™.

            Lucas Stewart, CEO, has taken the concept of lakeside property to a whole new level without the incredible costs usually associated with owning waterfront property.

            Through hard work, ingenuity and determination, Mr. Stewart has created a mini real-estate boom in a gorgeous section of Southwest Georgia by developing a luxury houseboat community in a full service marina that has direct access to the Gulf of Mexico.

            Located an hour and a half from Valdosta, the COVE at Trail’s End Resort has experienced explosive growth at the same time as the real estate market has witnessed serious lulls and slashed prices.

            As the COVE rapidly sells out of mooring slips, current houseboat owners are enjoying huge percentage spikes in equity. The COVE features Harbor Homes™ luxury houseboats.

            The COVE has only 61 remaining slips available and Phase 1 sold out in just 14 weeks. Phase 2 had its grand opening and units are now being reserved. Once this phase closes the COVE will be nearly half occupied with ownership expecting closeout to occur within the year at this pace.

            Since the Army Corps of Engineers oversees the pristine waterways in and around Trail’s End Resort, there will not be any expansion of the development, thus protecting the houseboat owners’ investment and equity appreciation.

            Compared to the price of land along the river with the attendant costs of developing the property if even allowed, a buyer could expect to spend well over $250,000. Harbor Homes™ luxury houseboats, which start at just $149,900* at the COVE, has made it affordable and desirable to have your vacation home on the water at Trail’s End Resort.

            Asked about the novelty of the luxury houseboat concept, Mr. Stewart replied, “It is actually more of a reflection of what has been happening in the boating industry. For years, there has a been a shift towards non-propulsioned units and floating communities.”

            “We are one of the nations first and foremost proponents for establishing a nationwide dealer network to sell and service luxury houseboats into existing marinas and for sale onto private lakes and waterways.”

            “The entire Harbor Homes™ concept is not unique, but our execution has been unparalleled. We already have nearly a dozen dealers who will be building large scale houseboat developments across the country. It is a form of homebuilding whose time has come. People familiar with older style, tiny houseboats, what you could call ‘toy homes’ are about to be impressed.”

            The two most prominent features about Harbor Homes™ houseboats are the outstanding size and value of the homes. There are also a lot of benefits and advantages to owning a houseboat that overshadow cabins, lodges, lakeside homes, and other types of property.

            First, a Harbor Homes houseboat is built as a marine, seaworthy craft (U.S. Coast Guard inspected) on a large three bulkhead system for the hull, which allows the placement of a very large footprint home above.

            The houseboats at the COVE are all 850 square feet for the base. Unlike cramped pleasure craft, Harbor Homes™ luxury houseboats offer normal sized rooms including full living and dining areas, a complete kitchen with regular warranted appliances, full bathrooms, or a second private commode, a full stateroom that fits a queen or even a king bed, and children’s bunk stateroom.

            Every luxury houseboat has a private deck on the stern outside the master stateroom, where parents can relax alone. The units also feature a forward deck which can either be open air, screened-in, glass-enclosed, or can support a second story sundeck with spiral staircase. With the addition of a swim platform on the front owners can easily dock other fishing boats for quick access and immediate launching.

            The COVE has transformed a hidden riverside jewel into what is now being called Lake Seminole’s premiere family destination.

            Complete with a brand new private pool and clubhouse, children’s play area, community party room, and floating tiki huts, Trail’s End Resort and Marina™, online at www.teresort.com, has a long list of amenities that make owning a luxury houseboat there even more appealing.

            From the hot tub to the huge flat screen TV in the community party room, owners will have access to a full kitchen, laundry, showers, game room with a pool table, air hockey and even a business conference center. With nature trails, a volleyball court, a full restaurant – Pop’s Dockside Grill and Raw Bar, and the General store for groceries and licenses, the COVE has everything you want or need to play or relax. They even rent pontoon boats, paddle boats, and have covered boat slips with water and electric for cleanup.

            Mr. Stewart stated, “In years past, guys would go off hunting or fishing without their families. Now with award winning fishing and hunting right here on Lake Seminole, we have established an all-inclusive resort atmosphere.”

            “In addition to the luxury houseboats for sale, with the upscale cabins on-site for rent, the modern RV park with full hookups and the rustic camping, Trail’s End Resort can accommodate family renunions, corporate functions, fishing and hunting clubs and all kinds of other groups.”

            “What we have created here at the COVE is a product and an atmosphere where the entire family can vacation every weekend, feel comfortable, pampered and truly enjoy the outdoors in a whole new way. We have families going fishing now, cruising, and relaxing all in a manicured setting. We also offer picnic tables, hammocks and grills on-site so you can gather any time and have fun.”

            “Often the entire neighborhood comes together for parties, picnics, or just to watch the spectacular nightly sunset across the Chattahoochee River from the houseboats.”

            Visitors will notice as night falls, people line the docks, or sit on their decks sipping drinks and wrap themselves in the sounds of the evening. When the sun starts to slip below the horizon, fish bob to the surface of the lake to snap at a last meal, birds swarm in coordinated droves along the waterway and catch the air currents as they fly home to rest for the night.

            The total peace and serenity of the COVE cannot be matched. Because of its location at the end of Georgia Highway 253, this private, gated community is the end of the line at the riverbank, and the beginning of paradise. Bordering a wildlife refuge, you won’t hear or see another soul as the evening takes over. No city lights, no extraneous noise.

You really are back to nature, while enjoying the totally modern comforts of a luxury houseboat. It is the best of both worlds.

            The resort manager, David Allen, told us about some of the advantages to ownership.

            “What buyers have to realize is that owning a luxury houseboat here is a win-win situation. Not only do you get the full deduction tax advantage offered by the IRS, as a second vacation home, you can also deduct the houseboat under your business as an expense if applicable.”

            “Harbor Homes™ houseboats are truly marine worthy boats that can cruise the river at 11mph with the optional engine package. They don’t have property taxes like waterfront real estate and you don’t have to spend a quarter million dollars for a tiny spit of land at water’s edge.”

            “The way the COVE is set up you get all your utilities and the amenities included in one low monthly mooring fee. Currently an owner pays less than $300 and gets their water, sewer, metered electric, cable television with 48 channels, WIFI internet and access to everything else at the resort! Other marinas charge more than twice that just to moor your houseboat and you get none of your utilities. We’ve made this as attractive as it can be.”

            “Also, owners have to remember, we have a rental reservations system in place with on-site property management. That means if they choose to rent out their houseboat they can recoup the entire monthly cost of owning the unit all year!”

            “We’ll handle the check-in, check-out and cleanup, and you never have to worry about your home. Our staff does the grounds maintenance so unlike owning a lake cabin, you don’t have to show up on Friday night and mow the lawn or pick weeds. Once you get here all you HAVE to do is relax.”

            Also the COVE at Trail’s End recently contracted with fishing professional, Paul Tyre, to act as the spokesperson to the professional bass fishing community. Paul has participated in tournaments all over the country. When he is not touring he is available as a fishing guide. Just ask the manager about booking.

            Grant Nichols, National Sales Director for Harbor Homes™ and Valdosta native told us, “The COVE represents the wave of the future. Right now, you can afford a slice of vacation paradise right on the river. But we encourage potential buyers to act soon, because prices on the houseboats are only going up and the number of slips is going down.”

            “When you compare a Harbor Homes™ luxury houseboat for fit, finish and quality of construction to any other houseboat on the market, you will note two very important things: One, our units have many features standard that others consider options, and two, our indoor construction facility  helps preserve the materials that go into your new home so we  deliver a top notch product at a price that is less than HALF of other custom models.”              

“Owners get to choose from various floor plans, colors for the interior and exterior and even other items, to create a completely unique home on the water.”

            All of the manufacturer’s construction specs, photographs and options are online at www.harborhouseboats.com.

            “A Harbor Homes™ luxury houseboat is the premiere investment opportunity in a sour market, and the COVE at Trail’s End Resort and Marina is the prime place to join the future – a secure, gated floating vacation community you can call your home away from home.”

            To reserve your spot for a private tour you can reach the sales office at the COVE direct at 888-577-4562 or fill out a tour request at www.teresort.com.

            The resort is open every day.

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            *Models start at $149,900 complete. Options available. Financing available. Average monthly cost is $980 financed or about the price of two car payments. Based on a $150,000 purchase price with $30,000 cash down payment. 240 monthly payments. 6.9% APR with approved credit. Financed amount does not include state taxes, monthly slip fee or additional options.