Real Estate Professional Realty Network Podcast with Cal Carter: Recent Episodes
Cal Carter
If you are looking to buy or sell a home, get all the information and the latest updates, tips, and tricks from The Gulf Shores Life Team - your professional Real Estate Agents.
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The type of home you can afford depends greatly on your financial obligations and your income. There are a lot of great tools online that will give you an idea of what you can afford, but the only way to know for sure is to meet up with a lender and go through the pre-qualification process. Doing this before starting a home search will ensure you don’t go out and find a perfect home, only to learn later that you can’t actually afford it. Additionally, a pre-approval makes your offer a lot stronger in the eyes of a seller.
Once you’ve been pre-qualified, you need to start thinking about how you’re going to go about selling. Can you sell your current home and buy a new one at the same time? Obviously, the goal is only to move once, but making it happen is a tightrope walk. If you go ahead and purchase a home before you’ve sold your current one, you may over-extend your finances and put yourself in a tight spot. The other option is to sell first, but then you have to find a place to rent until you find a new home. Of course, you always have the option to put a moving contingency in your offer, but often sellers are not drawn to those types of offers.
A question that comes up a lot has to do with how many homes should be viewed before putting in an offer. Obviously, every buyer is a little different, but the average home buyer looks at about five homes before making a decision. The key is understanding what your needs and wants are, and also sharing that information with your agent.
Once you’ve found the perfect house and your offer has been accepted, it’s important to get a home inspection. You have a right to a 10-day period where a professional will come out and take a look at all the major aspects of the home to take note of any defects. Buying a home is one of the largest, if not the largest, purchases you’ll make in your life, so the least you can do is invest a little bit of money in a home inspection.
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value Report
Today, we have our listing specialist with us to answer some common questions that home sellers have in Orange Beach.
1. How much needs to be done before listing a home? A lot of sellers have anxiety about this, but really a home just needs to be cleaned, organized, and staged. The best thing that you can do is get the opinion of a Realtor to tell you what might need to be done to the home to sell for top dollar.
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How long will it take my home to sell? This depends on a number of things. The condition of your home, your neighborhood, and your asking price will all be major factors in how quickly you sell. Nationally, the average is 100 days.
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How much is my home worth? On average, the median home price is $228,000. But again, your home price will vary according to your area and the condition that it is in. A real estate agent can run a comparative market analysis in order to gauge your home’s market value.
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What is the agent’s commission? On average, an agent will take home 4-6% of the sale price. This is usually split with the buyer’s agent. We recommend interviewing several different agents to see what they will do to get your home sold. An agent with a strong marketing plan is essential in today’s market.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value ReportThe spring selling season is upon us, and buyers are out searching for good homes in Orange Beach and the Gulf Shores. We’ve done some research, and we have found that buyers are looking for a specific type of property right now. Buyers are looking for 2 and 3 bedroom condos right now. There are not many of these available currently and buyers are waiting in line to see them once they become available.Demand is sky-high for these properties, so if you know anyone that owns one or wants to sell one, please get them in touch with us. It could be a very lucrative time to sell.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value Report If you’re planning on selling this spring, there are a few things you need to take care of before you list your home. Here are the top three tips to help you accomplish your selling goals:
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Amp up curb appeal. Any change in seasons brings an opportunity to refresh the curb appeal of a house and make it feel more inviting.
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Fix it and don’t forget it. Be proactive and take this opportunity to make easy fixes that you know are going to come up during a home inspection.
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Market like you mean it. With the influx of new listings that come on the market each spring, you need to make every effort to make your home stand out among the competition!
If you have questions about how you can get the best possible results when selling this spring, or if you need real estate assistance of any kind, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always available to lend a hand.
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value Report
Today we are going to talk about why you need to hire a real estate professional if you’re thinking of buying or selling in Gulf Shores. Here are 5 important reasons why:
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Paperwork. An agent can help with filling out all the paperwork and disclosures necessary in today’s heavily regulated environment.
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Experience. Agents are well educated and experienced with the entire home buying and selling process.3. Negotiations. They act as a buffer with all parties throughout the transaction
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Pricing. They help you understand today’s values when seeing the price of a listing, or sifting through multiple offers.
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Understanding current market conditions. Real estate agents simply and effectively can explain today’s real estate headlines and decipher what they mean for you and your home buying and selling goals.
If you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. We would love to hear from you!
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value ReportHomeownership is an amazing opportunity to begin growing wealth and securing a brighter future for yourself and your family. Today, we have four very simple reasons why you should buy a home rather than rent.1. You can protect yourself from rising rent prices.
2. It’s much more affordable to pay down a mortgage, and you’re also investing in your own wealth when you’re paying your mortgage.
3. You need to know your options. Many people have the ability to buy a home, but they just don’t realize it.
4. Don’t get caught in the renter’s trap where you cannot save enough money or build enough credit to purchase a home.
This year is going to be a great year to purchase a home. Rising interest rates are going to be pushing a lot of buyers out onto the market, so get an early start before it gets busy this spring!
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value ReportThe holidays are approaching. Today, we thought we'd do something a little different and share this festive video on holiday decorating tips from HGTV. Designer Angelo Surmelis shares several great ideas to spread holiday cheer throughout the home. Here are some of our favorites.1. Pay attention to the mantle. If you don't have some already, buy some kind of garland to drape over the mantle. Next, use leftover ornaments and candles to add light and texture. When choosing ornaments and candles, ensure they are in the same color-palette. This helps make your mantle a great focal point!
2. Use smaller Christmas trees. Every house has their main Christmas tree. In addition, you can also purchase smaller, inexpensive, eco-friendly trees to place throughout the home. Decorate these trees with strips of fabric from a T-shirt in holiday colors to save money for the main tree.
3. Use what you have. Be resourceful. Adding a plate charge and place mat to your everyday dining set adds some jazz to your table. Fresh-cut flowers and candles will help finish the look. You don't need grand, expensive candles -- a little candlelight goes a long way!
As you can see, it doesn't take much to make your home feel more festive. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value ReportWhat are the three hottest condominium complexes in Orange Beach this week?
The first is Bella Luna, which is a fantastic bay-front complex. This was built in 2006 and offers top of the line amenities including three outdoor pools. These units range in price from $480K to $1.4M.
White Caps is another hot condominium complex. This sits on the Gulf Coast and offers amazing views while also being located nearby shops and restaurants. These range in price from $370K to $445K.
Phoenix East has also been getting a lot of attention lately. This may be because of the extraordinary views of Perdido Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. This complex was built in 1995 with reinforced concrete and stucco. There are pools, tennis courts, game rooms, and more. Prices are quite affordable, too, ranging from $280K to $359K.
Thanks for watching, and if you have any questions whatsoever, please don't hesitate to contact me. Now is a great time to enter the real estate market!
If you need help financing and need a good lender, please ask me to refer you to one.
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value Report
Today, we will discuss the most popular condominium complexes in Gulf Shores.First of all, the Colonades is an exquisite complex with fantastic amenities. There's even a library to accommodate all of your beach and poolside reading. The Gulf State Park and Gulf Shores Pier are a short walk away, as are great restaurants and shopping. Enjoy the breathtaking views from your balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and the miles of white sandy beaches. The Colonades's prices range from $565,000 to $1.2 million.Another excellent choice is the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is considered to be one of the most popular complexes and is located in the heart of Gulf Shores. In addition to its great location, the Lighthouse offers some great amenities for owners and renters. Prices range from $370,000 to $499,000.Finally, there's Crystal Tower. Crystal Tower is located on the lagoon side of West Beach Boulevard, and there is a skywalk to bring you to the beach. Built in 2006, this complex has 20 stories and 170 units. The amenities are fantastic! Relax in the pool's lazy river, or the media room. The only thing missing is you. Prices range from $294,500 to $349,000.If you have any questions on today's video or about real estate in general, give me a call or send me an email. I'd be happy to help you!
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value ReportWhat are the three hottest subdivisions in the Gulf Shores this week?
Number one is the Peninsula subdivision, which is a premier golf and tennis community with six custom home neighborhoods. Manicured lawns and protected nature preserves make this a perfect place anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Prices range from $279K to $899K.
Craft Farms is another golf community that features custom-built homes. This neighborhood is spread around two golf courses that were designed by Arnold Palmer! Pools, clubhouses, and tennis courts are only a few of the amenities that you'll find here. Prices range from $250K to $675K.
Martyn Woods is a custom-home neighborhood within city limits that is still only 10 minutes away from the Gulf. There are over 20 acres of nature preserve, and there is also access to the river. Prices range from $290K to $598K.
Thanks for watching, and if you have any questions whatsoever, please don't hesitate to contact me. Now is a great time to enter the real estate market!
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value ReportToday I'd like to speak about condo sales, and I'd specifically like to focus on the areas where we're seeing a lot of people buying condos.
One of the hottest places for condos right now is Sanibel, which is an 18-story complex that is located on the North side of West Beach Boulevard. The unit was built in 2006 and offers panoramic views from its floor-to-ceiling glass windows. There is an outdoor hot tub and pool, and also an area for outdoor events like barbecues. These units all range in price from $279K to $349K.
Another great condo complex is Crystal Shores West, which offers 2, 3, and 4 bedroom condos with equally amazing views of the Gulf. This is a beachfront property that is located next to shopping outlets, grocery stores, and restaurants. These units range in price from $349K to $850K.
Lastly, The Beach Club consists of four high-rise complexes at Fort Morgan. This is a great option for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and make a short drive to the beach. These come with all the same amenities as Crystal Shores and the Sanibel. The units range in price from $279K to $799K.
These three units are what I would recommend over many others. If you're looking to purchase a condo, please don't hesitate to contact me. If you don't think these three will suit your needs, I can recommend many others to you.
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value ReportToday we'll discuss hotspots for Orange Beach condo buyers and Orange Beach condo values.
Caribe Resort along Perdido Pass. The glass-and-concrete buildings are among the newer high rise buildings in Orange Beach. The views are incredible, and there is a lot of boat activity coming and going through Perdido Pass and into the Gulf. Cobalt Restaurant is within walking distance, the complex is adjacent to Alabama Point State Park, and there is beach access throughout. The price range for Caribe Resort is between $400,000 and $900,000.
Admiral's Quarters offers two, three, and four bedroom condos with spacious floor plans and amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico. It's the perfect combination of amenities and location for those interested in investing in Orange Beach, Alabama. Admiral's Quarters condos are close to great shopping and various restaurants. The price range is between $500,000 and $900,000.
Our third option is Turquoise Place, a luxury condominium complex that provides you with numerous onsite amenities, including easy access to beautiful white sand beaches and the Gulf of Mexico. The location makes it easy for residents to experience all of the fun the city of Orange beach offers. Turquoise Place is the ultimate luxury complex in Orange Beach, bar none. The price range for these condos starts at $900,000 and goes up to over 4 million dollars.
If you have any questions about today's video, or about Orange Beach real estate in general, please contact me. I'd be happy to help you!
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value ReportToday I'd like to provide you with a clearer picture of our local market in order to help you whether you're buying or selling.
There are currently 2,081 active listings and 565 current properties pending. There were also 861 properties that came off the market last month, and this means that they either expired or were withdrawn from sale.
In the last six months, 1,895 homes have been sold. However, the current level of inventory should keep the market relatively stable.
Interest rates are still incredibly low, from 3.1% to 4.25%, and this should draw a lot of buyers into the market who have been waiting to purchase an affordable home.
Buyers should know that they will still have to pay close to 97% of the asking price on homes despite the high level of affordability. If you want to buy for 80 cents on the dollar, it's just not likely to happen.
Hopefully this information has been helpful to you. If you would like to learn more about the Alabama Gulf Shore market, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Keller Williams Alabama Gulf Coast @ The Wharf in Orange Beach
Real Estate services for buyers and sellers of homes and condos.