Billy Cotter Appraisals
531 Boll Weevil Circle
Enterprise, AL 36330

Cities and Towns within Coffee County, Alabama
Elba,  Enterprise,  Jack, Kinston,  New Brockton

Cheney Appraisal Services, Al Cheney, Mobile, Alabama Real Estate Appraiser, (251) 533-2424, http://www.AlabamaRealEstateAppraisals.com/, provides this information to assist clients and visitors with their real estate appraisal assignments and questions.

The majority of homes, about 70%, were built between 1997 and 2000. Around 25% of the homes were built between 2001 and 2006.

“Sandy Oaks” primarily has homes ranging from 1,800+- square feet to 3,187+- square feet as reported in the online tax records. Most homes, about 72%, will have gross living areas between 1,800 and 2,500 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Homes with over 2,500 square feet represent around 23% within “Sandy Oaks” and considered over-built for its neighborhood.

As for Saraland’s home values, it appears that median sale prices for homes (sampling size is around 46+ sales) having 1,650 to 2,250 square feet dropped 17% over a 12-month time period.

Home listings are increasing. Twelve months ago, calculations indicate around 17 active listings compared to around 43 active listings today–two and a half times higher! Having this significant increase in active home listings has increased the housing supply time period from 4.4 months to 12.9 months. This time period represents the absorption rate or, how long it will take a homeowner to sell their home if reasonably priced to sell. It now takes three (3) times longer to sell your home based on the available online MLS (multiple listing service) information!

Sales for 1,650 to 2,250 square feet homes has dropped around 43.5% based on inventory analysis calculations. The information indicated 23 closed home sales twelve (12) months ago compared to 10 home sales in the past three (3) months.

For homeowners in the Saraland, Alabama, the bottom line is, hold tight if you can for a few years and the home market should stabilize and maybe increase some but, don’t expect it to be like it was in the past. If you have to sell, consult a Certified Residential Appraiser first so you will have better insight into the property values surrounding your home. Pricing your home correctly will save you so much time. Remember, you are now competing with many other homeowners who are very motivated as well as appealing “short sale” and “foreclosure” offerings.

Al Cheney is a “Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser” who has over 35 years real estate experience within the Mobile Bay Metro Area, Baldwin County and Mobile County of Alabama. You may write Al Cheney at Albert@CheneyAppraisalServices.com or, visit these websites for additional information, http://www.AlabamaRealEstateAppraisals.com/, http://www.CheneyAppraisalServices.com/, and http://www.CertifiedAppraiserNames.com/.

Randy provides FHA, USDA and Conventional loan services including manufactured housing for Buying or Selling a home, Divorce Settlement, Estate Planning, Primary and Secondary Mortgages and Refinancing, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Removal and Property Tax Issues.

Call (256) 466-9597 and ask Randy Mummert for a quote on your appraisal needs! You may also email Randy at info@getanappraisal.com.

The mailing address is Appraisal Services, Post Office Box 352, 304 4th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35602.

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 recovery and tourism is 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 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. Then, 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!

Over the past 12 months (13 June 2009 to 13 June 2010), there has been a reduction of 63% in sales (88 sales in the past 12 months), resulting in an over 20 months absorption rate (115+ active listings at this posting).

The active listings and housing sales primarily range from $29,900+ to $999,000+, including manufactured homes, colonial, contemporary, cottage, ranch, and other accepted local styles.

The median sale price percentage is 92.616% to 94.299% when comparing to asking list prices. Properties will move quicker if asking prices are competitive. So, unless competitively priced, be patient, a rising absorption rate will result in longer times when selling your home within Lillian, Alabama.

Contact Cheney Appraisal Services for additional information by telephoning (251) 533-2424 or email your comments and questions to Albert@CheneyAppraisalServices.com.

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 coastal 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.

Now, we’re twenty-eight (28) days and counting down to a potentially life changing event for Alabamians. We are all wondering about our beautiful Alabama beaches, our coastal waters, our wildlife and our livelihood. How severe will this oil spill affect our lives in Alabama? Are we counting down to an impending threat to the Alabama coastline? Will it be a disaster negatively affecting the Alabama coastline for decades to come? How will Alabama coastal properties be affected by this catastrophe? Will the marketability of coastal Alabama real estate be affected and labeled with the stigma as “oil spill property,” whether true or false? Will your property be worth more or less after the oil spill reaches the shores of Alabama? I think you already know the answer for many of these questions.

If your coastal real estate becomes affected from this oil spill, contact a qualified attorney for advice and remember Cheney Appraisal Services, Albert M. Cheney, (251) 533-2424, as your Certified Residential Appraiser.

Albert Cheney is ready to assist you with all of your real estate questions about the midtown area as well as other historic Mobile information.

Below is a listing of some of the neighborhoods within Midtown Mobile. Please call Al Cheney at (251) 533-2424 for additional information. Al Cheney has over 35 years experience!

• Ashland Place Historic District
• Battery Heights
• Bridlewood Estates
• Brookwood
• Church Street East Historic District
• Cromwell Place
• Dauphin Acres
• Dauphin Place
• Delwood
• Demouy Place
• DeTonti Square Historic District
• DuBroca Tract
• Ellinor Place
• Flo-Claire
• Floral Gardens
• Glendale Park
• Homer Place
• Hunter
• Indian Creek
• Leinkauf Historic District
• Lower Dauphin Street Historic District
• Lynnwood
• Meadowbrook
• Mechem & Bixler
• Midtown Historic District
• Mount Island Place
• Oakleigh Garden Historic District
• Old Dauphin Historic Way
• Rosswood
• Silverwood
• Stoneridge Condominiums
• Touart Tract
• Western Annex
• West End
• Westlawn
• Windsor Warwick Condominiums

Spring Hill has a sense of community with good neighbors and wonderful neighborhoods with antebellum and majestic oaks covering many of the streets, such as, The Cedars, Dilston Lane, Tuthill Lane and Wimbledon Drive. Spring Hill is also an active area with many individuals and groups of friends cycling, jogging, walking and expressing their patronage for the local businesses along McGregor Avenue and Old Shell Road as well as other adjoining streets.

The Country Club of Mobile is located in Spring Hill and provides its members with fine Southern dining, swimming pool, tennis courts, 18-hole golf course and a short 9-hole course. In nearby Langan Municipal Park, Mobilians and its visitors can enjoy the various lake views, walking paths and the wonderful lakefront Mobile Museum of Arts which maintains a fine permanent collection as well as hosting prestigious temporary exhibitions throughout each year. And, just minutes west from the museum, you can enjoy the Azalea City Golf Course ($16 to $39 depending on time of day, cart or walking), the Botanical Gardens and the Mobile Tennis Center, one of the largest of its kind in the United States. Since 1930, Spring Hill College, the oldest school of higher learning in Alabama, has been serving the Mobile Bay Metro Area with a beautiful 18-hole golf course (available without membership) from $32 to $39 each, depending on mornings and afternoons, includes a cart, or Mondays and Wednesdays which also includes a lunch.

Spring Hill’s retail area includes an active branch of the public library, dentists, doctors, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, women’s & children’s clothing stores, and other professional services. Mary B. Austin, one of Mobile’s oldest public elementary schools, is located along Provident Lane, north side of Old Shell Road. St. Paul’s Episcopal and St. Ignatius schools located nearby provide parochial private education.

Springhill Memorial Hospital, physician’s offices and a fitness center are located along the south side of Dauphin Street, near Interstate U. S. Highway 65, and across from many restaurant facilities and retail shops, such as, Alabama Outdoors, Ann Taylor Loft, Atlanta Bread Company, Ballins, Claude Moore, Coldwater Creek, J. Jill, Jimmy Johns, Jos. A. Bank, Legacy Village at Spring Hill, Metzger’s, Talbots, The Wine Loft, Tropical Smoothie Café, True Restaurant and Zoe’s Kitchen.

In a tough economic climate, the property values within Spring Hill have done better than most other areas in the city of Mobile due to its desirability. With this stated, individuals and families can find many choices for housing, from a small condominium to a spacious home on a large lot. Currently, there are approximately 231 active listings from $44,850 to $3,300,000 asking prices. Recent housing sales, about 70 sold records, for the past six months ranges from $37,500 for a one bedroom, one bath condo to $950,000 for an over 6,000 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and four bathrooms near the Country Club of Mobile. Therefore, Spring Hill has housing price offerings to fit any budget!

For more information about Spring Hill or any other neighborhood in the city of Mobile, contact Albert Marshall Cheney, Certified FHA Approved Real Estate Appraiser, by calling (251) 533-2424 or visit the web site, http://CheneyAppraisalServices.com/. Al Cheney covers all of Baldwin County and Mobile County in The Mobile Bay Metro Area of Alabama.

“The Saenger Theatre of Mobile now functions as a performing arts center and is the official home of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. The Saenger features an annual Summer Movie Series and presents numerous concerts, lectures and special events. The Saenger Theatre is a historic landmark, dear to the hearts of Mobilians for its architectural grandeur and ties to our cultural history as well as for the extraordinary caliber of entertainment it offers our community today.”

Read the entire history of the Saenger Theatre as well as its scheduled events and box office information by clicking this web-link, http://www.mobilesaenger.com/info.php.

Contact Information
Box Office Entrance
6 South Joachim Street
Mobile, Alabama 36602

Administrative Offices: 251-208-5600
Rental Info: 251-208-5608
FAX: 251-208-5607
Box Office: 251-208-5600
Email: saengertheatre@cityofmobile.org

Administrative Office Entrance
250 Conti Street
Mobile, Alabama 36602

Theatre Staff & Management
Nichole T. Loper, Operations Manager
Patty Thompson, House Manager
Mitch Teeple, Production Manager
Chris Penton, Settlement Agent
Kelly Somers, Box Office Clerk
Lorenzo Franklin, Custodian

VOLUNTEERING: The event support committee consists of community volunteers from all walks of life whose dedicated service is invaluable to the Theatre’s operation.

If you would like to join our event support committee, please call Patty Thompson at 251-208-5608. If you would like to become a CLA member, please call Jani Young at 251-208-5652.

(Photograph by Al Cheney, 7th February 2010, FHA Approved Residential Appraiser with Cheney Appraisal Services, 251-533-2424.)