Huntsville Real Estate Blog

Did you know that Alabama is among a hand-full of states that does not require home sellers to tell potential buyers about problems with the house? There are exceptions, however: the Alabama Supreme Court has ruled in previous cases that the seller must disclose issues if they involve health and safety problems.

Recently, a first-time home buyer near Mobile felt she had been mislead not only by her real estate agent but also by the seller. After reportedly choosing to forego a home inspection, the new owner moved in and began to notice problems like rotting wood.

“The Alabama Supreme Court has held that Alabama is a ‘caveat emptor’ state, meaning that it is the duty of the buyer to inspect and make themselves satisfied about the conditions of the property they want to purchase,” said Charles Sowell of the Alabama Real Estate Commission.

Your two best allies in making sure you get a good home inspection prior to making a real estate investment are an experienced Realtor and a licensed and reputable home inspector.  To learn more about Huntsville AL real estate or to get a referral to a local home inspector, please call me at 256-508-0211 or visit MoveToHuntsville.com.  To receive a complimentary home value analysis, please click here.

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Alabama collected less in state and local taxes in 2005 than any other state. Alabama residents paid $2,569 in taxes compared the the national median of $3,387.

Alabama has come in last in tax collection since 1993 and is proud of it! Full story…

Learn about Huntsville AL real estate by visiting MoveToHuntsville.com.

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Expansion Management, a national magazine for executives looking to expand or relocate their businesses, lists Alabama as one of the top 10 states in its annual ‘Healthcare Cost Quotient’ rankings.

Alabama rankings included:

* 16th nationally for its health care facilities

*  37th for its health care providers

* 10th for its health insurance costs

* 7th for its health care provider costs

* 24th for its malpractice insurance costs

Alabama was awarded a 5-Star rating based on five major health care categories.

5-star rankings encourages businesses to relocate to Alabama, bring families and jobs into our communities, and in turn, increased our property values. Wondering what the value is of your property? Simply, visit HuntsvilleHouseValue.com and your home valuation will be emailed to you. For more  personalized service, give me a call at 800-239-4749 #4932.

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The Central Alabama Business Journal reports a bright outlook for Alabama’s economy:

→  Real per capita income was 0.7 percent higher than the national rate for the first six months of 2006.

→  The 3.2 percent unemployment rate was more than 1 percent lower than the country’s unemployment rate of 4.5 percent.

→  The state’s overall economy is forecast to grow 2.5 percent in 2007, just ahead of the Global Insight’s 2.4 forecast for the country.

→  The state added 4,570 jobs in the transportation equipment sector last year while motor vehicle manufacturing showed an increase of nearly 1,000 jobs.

→  The motor vehicle sector output jumped 16.5 percent in 2006 to $5.2 billion and the industry is forecast for significant growth in 2007 – 15 percent this year.

→  State exports totaled $10.8 billion in 2005, a nearly 20 percent increase from 2004. But in 2006, exports exceeded $10.5 billion during the first nine months.

→  Nonresidential construction is another strong sector, helped by the surging automotive industry, which also leads to new shopping and commercial construction projects.

→  Real estate is actually undervalued in most Alabama cities, according to Nigel Gault, group managing director for North American Macroeconomic Services for Global Insight. 

Undervalued real estate translates into excellent investment opportunities for Huntsville home buyers. Give me a call, 800-239-4749 $4932,  if you are interested in buying a home in Huntsville or Madison County.

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Voter Registration Information

FOR THE NOVEMBER 7, 2006 GENERAL ELECTION

* October 27 Voter registration deadline.

* November 2 Last day for voter to make application for an absentee ballot.

* November 6 Last day for voter to hand-deliver or postmark an absentee ballot.

Download your Voter Registration Guide.

And if you are thinking of buying Huntsville real estate, visit my website to view all real estate listings, get the current market value of your home and more.

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Alabama ranks 10 in BankRate.com’s 2006 annual closing cost comparison survey. Lenter, title and settlement costs fees were obtained from 10 lenders in all 50 states when making the comparison.

New York took the number one spot for the second year in a row with costs totalling $3,887. Missouri has the most reasonable rates with the average being $2,713. Alabama’s number 10 placement reflects total costs of $3,189 and is up from 12th place in 2005.

Do your home work. Ask questions and shop around to get the best rates. If you are in the market to buy a home in Huntsville or Madison County, contact me. I will share with you questions to ask a lender to get the best possible deal. Also, visit my website. Here you can view all Huntsville real estate listings, get the current market value of your home, free reports and more.

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Alabama Tops For Business

Governor Bob Riley’s office has announced that Alabama has received the “State of the Year” honor from Southern Business and Development magazine for the fourth year in a row. This is the first time in the magazine’s history that a state has been honored four times in a row.

The trade journal also recognized several Alabama cities. Huntsville was named “Mid-Market of the Year” for the second year running. The magazine pointed out an anticipated 4,000 new jobs created by BRAC and 1,000 by the Hudson-Alpha Institute in that city. “Huntsville is the South’s newest economic development rock star,” the magazine said.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Huntsville? Search all Huntsville real estate listings or request a market analysis on your Huntsville home.

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