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.

The Gulf Tower Condominiums

The directions are U. S. Highway 59 from Foley, Alabama, traveling south by car, entering Gulf Shores, Alabama, and ending at West Beach Boulevard. Then, take a right onto West Beach Boulevard (Highway 182) and travel about 1.4+- miles. The Gulf Tower Condominiums complex is located on the left (beachside with blue-green Gulf waters).

The Gulf Tower Condominiums project was built in 1984 according to available records. There are 49 units which have access to the general grounds, open & underneath parking spaces, exercise room, private balcony patios, barbeque grills, beach walkway, a beachside outdoor swimming pool, elevators, a white sandy beach & Gulf of Mexico views, recreation areas, etc. are most of the primary common elements.

As of this writing, there are three active listings found within the Gulf Tower Condominiums. All three condo units have around 1,000+- square feet of living area with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The asking prices range from $235,000 to $285,000.

Most of the recent condo sales (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms) have ranged from $199,000 to $249,000 within the past year.

Contact Al Cheney at (251) 533-2424 if you require more real estate related information about The Mobile Bay Metro Area, Baldwin County and Mobile County of Alabama.

Try these web-links for additional information: http://www.CertifiedAppraiserNames.com/, http://www.CheneyAppraisalServices.com/, http://www.MobileAlabamaFHARealEstateAppraisers.com/, http://www.RealtyLeaders.biz/.

The approximate 31 condominiums & townhouses had an average list price of $107,838, 69 average days on market (dom) and a sale price to list price percentage of 91.03%.

The approximate 13 manufactured homes had an average list price of $41,923, 61 average days on market (dom) and a sale price to list price percentage of 86.24%.

The approximate 131 new construction homes had an average list price of $179,631, 70 average days on market (dom) and a sale price to list price percentage of 99.39%.

The approximate 659 single family older homes (18.44% drop when compared to the third quarter) had an average list price of $142,956, 86 average days on market (dom) and a sale price to list price percentage of 95.8%.

The average days on market (dom) for the fourth quarter was around 82 days and the average per square foot was $78.

The fourth quarter indicates more new construction in west Mobile, south of the Mobile Regional Airport, Semmes, southwest Mobile County, Theodore, and the Tillman’s Corner area when compared to other areas of Mobile County. Most of the single family residential or home sales occurred in the areas north and south of Cottage Hill Road, Municipal Park area & city west central, west Mobile, Semmes, Midtown area near downtown historic Mobile, and areas east of Wilmer, Alabama.

The average sold terms for the fourth quarter was CASH (21%), CONVENTIONAL (27.3%), FHA (42.4%), VA (6.4%) and OTHER-ASSUMPTION, AUCTION, VENDOR LIENS (2.9%).

The above information has been provided by Albert Marshall Cheney, Cheney Appraisal Services, located in the Mobile Bay Metro Area, Baldwin County and Mobile County of Alabama. Albert Cheney is an active Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser and FHA Approved Appraiser with 35+ years experience in the real estate industry. Contact Albert Cheney at (251) 533-2424 or Albert@CheneyAppraisalServices.com if you require more information about Alabama real estate and ordering a “Certified” real estate appraisal report.