Ms. & AL. Gulf Coast Realtor: January 2011

1 comment • Alice Broadway • January 27 2011 10:43PM

REMAX Today Grand Bay AL. ~ Alice Broadway

REMAX Today Grand Bay Al. Alice Broadway

Alice Broadway is a broker at the Grand Bay Al. REMAX Today office.

Having grown up and lived in and around Grand Bay Alabama, Alice knows the area and has a good understanding of the many different subdivision as well as the rural communities. Grand Bay Al. is easily accessible from exit 4 off Interstate 10. There is a stuckey’s, a truck stop, McDonald's, Hardees, Arby’s, waffle house and several gas stations all at the exit.

Grand Bay is self sufficient with a grocery store, fast food restaurants, automotive part stores, florist, gift shops, storage units, building supplies, beauty shops, dollar stores, several medical facilities and a REMAX Today franchisee. There is also every denominational church that you may desire to go to. The school system in Grand Bay Alis one of the best schools in mobile county al.

Alice Broadway is a REMAX Today Owner / Broker who strives to offer quality service to all her clients.

Call Alice Broadway for all your real estate needs

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Alice Broadway is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, she is also a dedicated REALTOR based on the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast. With a passion for helping people, she loves assisting her clients buy and sell real estate.

In 2006 she received a salesperson licenses, and went on to obtain a real estate Broker's Licenses for Alabama and Mississippi. Alice enjoys marketing, sharing information, learning something new, and her large family.

In her personal time, she loves spending time with her best friend doing what they enjoy. Riding her bike (02 Harley V-Road,) nature surroundings, quiet times, and she can usually be found in front of her computer. You can find her on Face Book, Twitter, Active Rain, and of course her blog: www.alicesproperties.com

Counties she serve: Jackson, George, and Harrison County in Mississippi. Mobile and Baldwin County in Alabama.

Alice Broadway | RE/MAX Today

Office (251)272.1355 Cell (228)623-5495

www.fws.gov/mississippisandhillcrane

2 comments • Alice Broadway • January 27 2011 10:07PM

Mississippi Sandhill CraneWildlife Refuge

Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge

was established in 1975, three land units located in Jackson County consist of 19,300 acres. These birds are one of the rarest on earth, and are protected right here in Mississippi. In the 1960’s only 30-35 sandhill cranes birds could be found. Today there are over 100 individuals and 25 breading pairs.

The Mississippi Sandhill Crane is a separate subspecies that do not migrate. These cranes are much smaller at only 3-3.5 feet tall, whereas the greater sandhill crane grows to 4.5-5 feet tall. The two sub species do not interbreed, and only the greater sandhill crane migrates south for the winter.

The sandhill cranes needs semi-open wet savanna habitat to survive. The Mississippi NWR is restoring open savanna’s that once was so prevalent in the south. During the real estate boom in the fifties much of the area gulf coast area was invaded by tree forest that damaged the sandhill crane habit.

I occasionally catch a glimpse of these rare Mississippi Sandhill Cranes while driving on I-10 in Gautier Ms. Check out the Mississippi Sandhill Crane Wild Life Refuge in Gautier Mississippi. While there you can find out much more information about these rare and beautiful animals. There are several walking trails in Jackson County where you may have the opportunity to the Mississippi Sandhill Crane.

Ms Sandhill Crane NWR (National Wildlife refuge)

7200 Crane Lane,

Gautier, MS. 39553-2500

Phone: 228.497.6322

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Alice Broadway is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, she is also a dedicated REALTOR based on the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast. With a passion for helping people, she loves assisting her clients buy and sell real estate.

In 2006 she received a salesperson licenses, and went on to obtain a real estate Broker's Licenses for Alabama and Mississippi. Alice enjoys marketing, sharing information, learning something new, and her large family.

In her personal time, she loves spending time with her best friend doing what they enjoy. Riding her bike (02 Harley V-Road,) nature surroundings, quiet times, and she can usually be found in front of her computer. You can find her on Face Book, Twitter, Active Rain, and of course her blog: www.alicesproperties.com

Counties she serve: Jackson, George, and Harrison County in Mississippi. Mobile and Baldwin County in Alabama.

Alice Broadway | RE/MAX Today

Office (251)272.1355 Cell (228)623-5495

0 comments • Alice Broadway • January 23 2011 09:23PM

The buyer asked my seller if they could move in BEFORE close of escrow...

Great information for the home seller. Its never a good idea to allow a BUYER to move in before the closing. Chris Alston has enlighten us with many things to think about in this blog.Hope this will answer some of your questions.

Via Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Cupertino California):

Hmmm...

So what comes to mind when you hear this... Do you think of a scary movie, where the scary dude jumps out at you from around the corner, and your hair stand up on its end as you get knocked off your feet?

What would you say? What would you do? What would you tell your seller if they asked you for advice?

If the buyer wants to move into the home prior to close of escrow, this is considered "occupancy prior to close of escrow"

It can be done, but it is highly discouraged. For many reasons...

If the buyer moves in prior to close of escrow, and trips and falls in the house... will the homeowners insurance policy cover it?

If the buyer moves in prior to close of escrow and they find something about the house that they don't like, they might start complaining and tell the seller to fix the holes in the wall... Or the stains in the carpet, or get cold feet and decide they don't want to buy the house anymore...

If the buyer moves in prior to close of escrow and starts doing some demo work, or remodeling...or moves junk in the garage for storage and makes a mistake, or breaks something... OR some of it gets stolen..  Who is responsible?

If the buyer moves in prior to closing and discovers something that was un-disclosed, it could cause an issue with the closing. I am not talking about non disclosed items, I am talking about things that were wrong with the house that the seller had no knowledge about, so they did not need to disclose. Like leaks, or termite damage (assuming there were no inspections).

So take a long hard look at what could happen, so you can advise your clients... Then it is up to them to decide whether to not to do it.

If your seller does do it, make sure you sign a prior to occupancy lease agreement. Get them to give you a deposit. Get them to pay rent. And be sure that you get a HOLD HARMLESS agreement if you agree to any occupancy either stuff moving in or actually them moving in. Encourage them to talk to an RE Law attorney and their insurance agent.

Or just not do it at all... That would be my recommendation. But we are not here to convince our sellers of anything. We are here to provide them with the knowledge, so they can make an educated decision on moving forward.

:)

Chris

(This is based on laws in the State of California... Please consult an attorney before moving in any direction regarding occupancy prior to COE)

Chris Alston

CEO- Team Leader

Keller Williams Realty, Cupertino

20230 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite E

Cupertino, CA 95014

408-850-6955

408-850-6956 fax

calston@kw.com

www.kw.com

Find me on:

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Alice Broadway is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, she is also a dedicated REALTOR based on the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast. With a passion for helping people, she loves assisting her clients buy and sell real estate.

In 2006 she received a salesperson licenses, and went on to obtain a real estate Broker's Licenses for Alabama and Mississippi. Alice enjoys marketing, sharing information, learning something new, and her large family.

In her personal time, she loves spending time with her best friend doing what they enjoy. Riding her bike (02 Harley V-Road,) nature surroundings, quiet times, and she can usually be found in front of her computer. You can find her on Face Book, Twitter, Active Rain, and of course her blog: www.alicesproperties.com

Counties she serve: Jackson, George, and Harrison County in Mississippi. Mobile and Baldwin County in Alabama.

Alice Broadway | RE/MAX Today

Office (251)272.1355 Cell (228)623-5495

9 comments • Alice Broadway • January 20 2011 01:07AM

The Tao Of Home Selling: Part I - How To Make Buyers Feel Welcome

An Informative blog for Home Sellers by; Kristan Wheatley. How to make buyers feel welcome contains some very educational tips for sellers. We as porfessional need to educate our clients on this topic. Many of these things listed can be done without a lot of money just a little hard work. Hope you find it as interesting as I do.

Via Kristen Wheatley | South Central Maine Real Estate Agent (Keller Williams Realty Mid Maine-Lewiston/Auburn Maine):

We all know the phrase "location, location, location." This may be a truism in real estate, but you cannot change the location of your home. You actually do have control over the greatest variable...your home's condition. The condition of your home can add or subtract thousands from your bottom line. Condition can be the reason your home is chosen before others on the market. If you want to get top dollar for your home, then the condition must be in sync with the price and location.

Fortunately, there are MANY things you can do to improve the condition and appeal of your home.

Buyers do NOT see potential. The reality is that you must show it to them. Right now, buyers have a lot of choices. You want to make your home the obvious choice for them. The trick is to use what we know about buyers to guide them to that decision. Hence the title of this series - The Tao of Home Selling. Beyond my small effort to be clever, the word tao actually means "way" or "path." A successful seller creates an atmosphere that naturally leads the buyer down the path to choosing their home.

How do you influence buyers? My experience has shown me that a little psychology goes a long way. Emotions and gut feelings often play a larger role in the choices of home buyers than logic or reason. You want potential buyers to feel WELCOME, CONFIDENT, and COMFORTABLE. Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to a successful home sale.

How To Make Buyers Feel Welcome

Ironically, the free and/or low cost actions are the most effective at making buyers feel welcome in your home.

Curb Appeal

De-clutter the yard by removing toys and excess or broken lawn furniture.

Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and plant fresh flowers to add color (as the seasons allow.)

Paint doors and window trim with a fresh updated color.

Patch holes in the driveway and re-apply sealant as needed.

Wash windows and screens.

Keep snow and ice cleared from the driveway and walkways.

The Front Entry

Literally add a "welcome" mat. You'd be amazed at how much this means to buyers.

Make sure the front entry light works and is free of cobwebs and other debris.

Make sure the front door and door knob are clean and in good repair.

Your Home's Interior

Make sure the interior front entry area is clear of extra furniture, coats, shoes, and other clutter. Buyers are coming into your home with their Realtor and often a few extra family members. If everyone feels crowded as they enter, they will not feel welcome and comfortable.

Open all of the blinds and curtains to let the sun shine in.

If light switches are difficult to find or confusing, turn them on before you leave your home in the morning.

Remove excess or over-sized furniture. Uncrowded rooms feel more spacious and welcoming.

De-personalize your home. Too much memorabilia and too many family photos make buyers feel as if they are intruding. You want them to start thinking of your home as theirs.

To learn more read Part II: How To Make Buyers Feel Confident About Your Home.

Kristen Wheatley

Keller Williams Realty Mid Maine

34 Center Street   Auburn, ME 04210

207-689-9886   kwheatley@kw.com

www.HomeSeller.ME

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Information and content in this blog is original to Kristen Wheatley.

Contact: Kristen Wheatley, Keller Williams Realty Mid Maine

kwheatley@kw.com
(207) 689-9886

Serving the Maine communities of Lewiston and Auburn Maine in Androscoggin County as well as the surrounding areas.

Copyright © 2010 by Kristen Wheatley

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Alice Broadway is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, she is also a dedicated REALTOR based on the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast. With a passion for helping people, she loves assisting her clients buy and sell real estate.

In 2006 she received a salesperson licenses, and went on to obtain a real estate Broker's Licenses for Alabama and Mississippi. Alice enjoys marketing, sharing information, learning something new, and her large family.

In her personal time, she loves spending time with her best friend doing what they enjoy. Riding her bike (02 Harley V-Road,) nature surroundings, quiet times, and she can usually be found in front of her computer. You can find her on Face Book, Twitter, Active Rain, and of course her blog: www.alicesproperties.com

Counties she serve: Jackson, George, and Harrison County in Mississippi. Mobile and Baldwin County in Alabama.

Alice Broadway | RE/MAX Today

Office (251)272.1355 Cell (228)623-5495

1 comment • Alice Broadway • January 18 2011 10:41PM

How to buy a Foreclosure Home

How to buy a Foreclosure Home

.

I get asked this question all the time How Do I buy a foreclosure Home? Do I have to sign up on these foreclosure websites?

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and HUD list their properties with local Realtors. Banks, Mortgage & Asset companies also use local Realtors to market their properties.

Local real estate AGENTS are the best resources to help you find a foreclosure home. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is an organization for REALTORS to search for all properties that are for sale. Your real estate agent can set you up to automatically receive an email or send you new properties that meet your criteria each time a new property is listed. Your real estate agent will not charge you for this service, but remember to always contact your agent for a showing. You will get the best deal from using your own agent, because they will be looking out for your best interest, and they will be paid by the seller.

Having a knowledgeable Realtor that will work “FOR YOU” will make your buying process as simple and stress free as possible.Best of luck to you, with your real estate needs, if your looking for Foreclosure properties in Mobile or Baldwin County Al. I will be happy to assist

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Alice Broadway is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, she is also a dedicated REALTOR based on the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast. With a passion for helping people, she loves assisting her clients buy and sell real estate.

In 2006 she received a salesperson licenses, and went on to obtain a real estate Broker's Licenses for Alabama and Mississippi. Alice enjoys marketing, sharing information, learning something new, and her large family.

In her personal time, she loves spending time with her best friend doing what they enjoy. Riding her bike (02 Harley V-Road,) nature surroundings, quiet times, and she can usually be found in front of her computer. You can find her on Face Book, Twitter, Active Rain, and of course her blog: www.alicesproperties.com

Counties she serve: Jackson, George, and Harrison County in Mississippi. Mobile and Baldwin County in Alabama.

Alice Broadway | RE/MAX Today

Office (251)272.1355 Cell (228)623-5495

3 comments • Alice Broadway • January 18 2011 09:39PM

1228 Wilkins Rd. house Mobile Alabama

1228 Wilkins Road house Mobile Alabama

This large home in North Mobile Al will soon be for sale. It offers four bedrooms, one & a half baths, and sits on 4.14 acres. There are two outbuildings, and the property is fenced. If your interested in purchasing this foreclosure property contact me for more info.

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Alice Broadway is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, she is also a dedicated REALTOR based on the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast. With a passion for helping people, she loves assisting her clients buy and sell real estate.

In 2006 she received a salesperson licenses, and went on to obtain a real estate Broker's Licenses for Alabama and Mississippi. Alice enjoys marketing, sharing information, learning something new, and her large family.

In her personal time, she loves spending time with her best friend doing what they enjoy. Riding her bike (02 Harley V-Road,) nature surroundings, quiet times, and she can usually be found in front of her computer. You can find her on Face Book, Twitter, Active Rain, and of course her blog: www.alicesproperties.com

Counties she serve: Jackson, George, and Harrison County in Mississippi. Mobile and Baldwin County in Alabama.

Alice Broadway | RE/MAX Today

Office (251)272.1355 Cell (228)623-5495

4 comments • Alice Broadway • January 16 2011 09:25PM

Home in Moss Point Mississippi For Sale

Home in East Moss Point For sale

This 2000 square foot home is located in east Moss Point Mississippi. The home has four bedrooms and three baths. A formal living room or large foyer, a great room, a dining room, and a kitchen that is complete with all appliances. There is a screened in front porch, and also a large size back yard that is completely fenced. The homes is on a small dead end street and a located in a nice quiet neighborhood. Residences in this area tend to stay therefore there are not a lot of homes for sale in this area. Call for a private showing.

This moss point ms Home for sale is conveniently located to Hwy 90 and Interstate 10, and is priced at only $139,900

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Alice Broadway is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, she is also a dedicated REALTOR based on the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast. With a passion for helping people, she loves assisting her clients buy and sell real estate.

In 2006 she received a salesperson licenses, and went on to obtain a real estate Broker's Licenses for Alabama and Mississippi. Alice enjoys marketing, sharing information, learning something new, and her large family.

In her personal time, she loves spending time with her best friend doing what they enjoy. Riding her bike (02 Harley V-Road,) nature surroundings, quiet times, and she can usually be found in front of her computer. You can find her on Face Book, Twitter, Active Rain, and of course her blog: www.alicesproperties.com

Counties she serve: Jackson, George, and Harrison County in Mississippi. Mobile and Baldwin County in Alabama.

Alice Broadway | RE/MAX Today

Office (251)272.1355 Cell (228)623-5495

0 comments • Alice Broadway • January 15 2011 10:09PM

FSBO Information

FSBO Information

This information is for the FSBO homeowners. When I see a FSBO sign I wonder if the homeowner know they should be very cautious when allowing someone to view their home.

I put together a package for the FSBO and either mail it or stop by the home. The package gives me the opportunity to ask questions about the home for my buyers looking in the area.

One of the main reasons FSBO’s don’t hire REALTORS is the commission rates. I ask them if they would be willing to pay me a finder’s fee if I produced a buyer and they purchase their home. Most agree to my fee and are happy that I stopped by. Some are skeptical and show me the door, but I feel better knowing I may have help them with my safety tips

The package contains a spruce up your home flyer for the buyer, maybe a key chain or some other inexpensive giveaway, and of course my business card, or magnet pad with my business card on it, but the most important thing I give them is a safety check list.

One of the most over-looked items by the FSBO is that of SAFETY

Safety Tips I don’t like being a pessimist but there are bad people in the world we live in.

#1 - If you have children in the home, make sure the contact number goes to an adult’s cell phone.

#2 - Store all your valuables out of site during the showing of the home. A safety deposit box is great for small items, or place them in the trunk of your car during the showing.

#3- Always put your prescription medication out of site. Do not store them in the medicine cabinet, many visitors may ask to use your bathroom.

#4- Set aside one or two days a week for showings. Make sure your neighbors or someone close knows about the showing.

#5- Many times there are multiple people in the buyers party, so try to have at least two or three people spread out within the home. Some visitors may try to split up from you while looking at other rooms.

#6- This safety tips may be hard to follow, but if a buyer is really interested they will not mind. Request the potential buyer to have a letter from their lender (called a pre-qualification letter). It’s also a good idea to copy their driver’s licenses.

Best of luck to the FSBO in your sale, if you decide you need a professional I am here to assist you.

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Alice Broadway is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, she is also a dedicated REALTOR based on the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast. With a passion for helping people, she loves assisting her clients buy and sell real estate.

In 2006 she received a salesperson licenses, and went on to obtain a real estate Broker's Licenses for Alabama and Mississippi. Alice enjoys marketing, sharing information, learning something new, and her large family.

In her personal time, she loves spending time with her best friend doing what they enjoy. Riding her bike (02 Harley V-Road,) nature surroundings, quiet times, and she can usually be found in front of her computer. You can find her on Face Book, Twitter, Active Rain, and of course her blog: www.alicesproperties.com

Counties she serve: Jackson, George, and Harrison County in Mississippi. Mobile and Baldwin County in Alabama.

Alice Broadway | RE/MAX Today

Office (251)272.1355 Cell (228)623-5495

6 comments • Alice Broadway • January 13 2011 11:12PM

St ANN Catholic Church Hurley Ms.

St. Ann Catholic Church Hurley Ms.

If your looking for a Catholic Church in the Hurley or Wade area in East Jackson County Ms. I know during the times we travels, I have to rely on my Iphone to google catholic churches, but the mass information is usually not posted. So thus the reason for this blog, welcome to Hurley Ms. St. Ann Catholic Church, I hope you enjoy the Mass.

From Hwy 63 take Hwy 613 North or Hwy 614 East At the stop sign you will see St Ann’s beside the CVS drug store. St. Ann Catholic Church is on your left.

Father Mike Austin

21400 Hwy 613
Hurley, MS 39555

Phone: 228-475-0777

Fax: 228-588-0599

Sunday Mass: 8:00am

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Alice Broadway is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, she is also a dedicated REALTOR based on the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast. With a passion for helping people, she loves assisting her clients buy and sell real estate.

In 2006 she received a salesperson licenses, and went on to obtain a real estate Broker's Licenses for Alabama and Mississippi. Alice enjoys marketing, sharing information, learning something new, and her large family.

In her personal time, she loves spending time with her best friend doing what they enjoy. Riding her bike (02 Harley V-Road,) nature surroundings, quiet times, and she can usually be found in front of her computer. You can find her on Face Book, Twitter, Active Rain, and of course her blog: www.alicesproperties.com

Counties she serve: Jackson, George, and Harrison County in Mississippi. Mobile and Baldwin County in Alabama.

Alice Broadway | RE/MAX Today

Office (251)272.1355 Cell (228)623-5495