Fairhope, AL

Certified Online FHA Appraiser, Albert M. Cheney, reporting on The Meadows At Point Clear Subdivision located along south of historical Fairhope, Alabama.

The Meadows At Point Clear Subdivision is one of Fairhope's newer residential subdivisions with 71 lots per record with around 2 common area parcels.

The majority of the homes will range from 2,790 square feet to 3,681 square feet with primarily four bedrooms and three bathrooms. There are only a few built homes at this time.

Within the past year, the Average List Price is around $549,125 and no Average Sale Price is known based on the online REALTORS records at this time.

The Average Number of Days On Market (DOM) is 192 days at this time; although, the current varying economic and lending conditions could affect the length of days on market (DOM).

The REALTOR online records indicates the Lowest Price Listing is $489,900 and the Highest Price Listing is $659,000. There are only four online REALTOR listings shown within the records. No sold records were found within the online records.

The above information was obtained from the Baldwin County Association of REALTORS, Albert M. Cheney, FHA Online Appraiser, (251) 533-2424, is an associate member of this REALTORS' organization.

Certified Online FHA Appraiser, Albert M. Cheney, reporting on The Meadows At Point Clear Subdivision located along south of historical Fairhope, Alabama.

The Meadows At Point Clear Subdivision is one of Fairhope's newer residential subdivisions with 71 lots per record with around 2 common area parcels.

The majority of the homes will range from 2,790 square feet to 3,681 square feet with primarily four bedrooms and three bathrooms. There are only a few built homes at this time.

Within the past year, the Average List Price is around $549,125 and no Average Sale Price is known based on the online REALTORS records at this time.

The Average Number of Days On Market (DOM) is 192 days at this time; although, the current varying economic and lending conditions could affect the length of days on market (DOM).

The REALTOR online records indicates the Lowest Price Listing is $489,900 and the Highest Price Listing is $659,000. There are only four online REALTOR listings shown within the records. No sold records were found within the online records.

The above information was obtained from the Baldwin County Association of REALTORS, Albert M. Cheney, FHA Online Appraiser, (251) 533-2424, is an associate member of this REALTORS' organization.

Fairhope, Alabama is one of two cities in the United States that operates as a Single Tax colony. What is the single tax colony and what does it mean to me if I choose to purchase property in Fairhope, Alabama? This question is asked frequently by those who are interested in purchasing property in Fairhope, which may be owned by The Fairhope Single Tax Corporation (FSTC).

Fairhope has an interesting history dating back to an evening in November, 1894 when a group of men, led by E.B. Gaston, left Des Moines, Iowa seeking to establish a ideal community based on the ideas of Henry George, and infused with some of their own Populist beliefs. One of the members is quoted as having said,

that the "idea had a fair hope of succeeding." The group's charter was "to establish and conduct a

model community or colony, free from all forms of private monopoly, and secure to its members

therein, equality of opportunity, the full reward of individual efforts, and the benefits of co-operation

in matters of general concern."

You can read a brief history here and here. But the question is, how does this affect my real estate transaction?

First, you will not own the land upon which your improvements (structures) stand. The land is owned by the FSTC. You will receive a 99 year lease on the land.

Second, you will not receive a Deed for your property. Instead, along with the 99 year lease, you receive a Bill of Sale. After all, you did not buy the land, you bought the improvements on the land, and those improvements are personal property. Hence, the Bill of Sale.

Third, as a Lessee, you become a member of the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation, and you may attend meetings, become involved in the Board, if you choose, or not. But essentially, it is the legality that is different and the taxation is included in the rent you pay to the Single Tax Corporation. This is explained on the website for the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation.

As the rents are collected, the corporation chooses what to do with those monies, some of which go into the demonstration fund. This fund is used for improvements for everyone to enjoy including 63 acres of public land on the bayfront, where the parks are maintained and enjoyed by the public, 24 acres for Founders Park, which includes athletic fields, and a 43 acre city nature park, and many other projects that lend to the beauty and comfort that we know as home.

For more information, please visit the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation website.

Fairhope, Alabama has long been a haven for artists, visual artists, musicians, dancers, writers. Located on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, Fairhope is a southern city oozing charm, hospitality and the the easy slow pace of life in the deep south. once it gets in your blood, it is hard to get Fairhope out of your spirit.

Page and Pallette, an independent book store located in the heart of downtown, frequently hosts authors for readings and book signings. It is a wonderful place to hang out, even when there aren't any special events going on - which is rare. The coffee shop attached and on the corner of Section Street and De La Mare Avenue, the Latte Da, is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to gather and while away a bit of time, with a nice drink, something to read, and lots to talk about. Usually, there's a painter or two with an easel set up, working on a painting and chatting with passersby.

What is your favorite place on earth? Jerry Camarillo Dunn, Jr. asked this question of some notable individuals from around the world, one of whom was author Fanny Flagg. Her response? Fairhope. The answers to the question are pubished in his new book entitled, My Favorite Place on Earth, published by National Geographic Books.

You can read the entire article here.

Whether your favorite place on earth is in Rome or San Francisco, Madrid or Chicago, a trip to Fairhope, Alabama may just be the one that turns our small town into your favorite place on earth, too.

When: Saturday June 6, 2009 11:00 a.m.

Where: Weichert Realtors Eastern Shore Office at 24336 Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL 36532

Buyers will learn about:

• $8,000 Tax Credit
• Available loan programs, down payment assistance
• What your lender will require
• Homeowners insurance which is a major factor in our area
• The process of buying a home...where to begin
• What you need to know about having a Buyer's Agent

Light refreshment will be served. Expected length of seminar is 2 hours. Participants will have the opportunity to start the process if desired. Participants will not be asked to buy anything, nor will anything be presented for sale. Registration required. Call 251-406-2859.