About Baldwin County, AL

Beautiful Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are hot destinations for vacationers - and investors who developed desirable rental condos along the beach. The area is also a popular place to buy a second home as well as a primary residence. With the mortgage problems of the last few years, some owners, both investors and homeowners, found themselves at risk of foreclosure. To avoid this, some have looked to short sale as a way to prevent foreclosure, but the short sale process is long and tedious.

Recently, a major national lender has partnered with California-based Equator (formerly known as REOTrans) to begin the very first module for short sales designed to speed up the process. Although Equator declined to name the lender, the San Francisco Chronicle has reported that Bank of America (BofA) is the lender that Equator is in partnership with for this program.

The purpose of the Equator system is to allow everyone to work together in real time during the short sale process. This greatly improves communication and approval timelines for clients, borrowers, vendors, and real estate agents.

A short sale is when a lender and borrower reach an agreement to sell a property threatened by foreclosure at a price that is less than the amount owed on the mortgage. This method has become very popular when attempting to dispose of distressed properties but tends to be a prolonged process.

According to Equator, accessibility, responsiveness, communication, and fulfillment are the keys to achieve success with a short sale. By utilizing the Equator short sale platform, a large lender can provide troubled borrowers 24/7 access so they can provide the information necessary to process a short sale. All of this will streamline the current process of a typical short sale.

Equator's system also completes a faster turnaround for loan approval, guarantees quick fulfillment and stays in full compliance with government programs.

If you are or someone you know is considering a short sale of their home, please contact Lance Steffek at (251) 981-2225 for the help you deserve. Lance is an expert in working with distressed properties. Short sales and foreclosures can offer attractive opportunities for buyers. Lance can also help you finds great property to buy in the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach area.

Here is a list of foreclosure condos for sale in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Al. http://tinyurl.com/yhjgpwu If you would like to be included on my weekly update of foreclosures and sales in the area you can visit my web site at KarensGulfProperties or email me at kjharrison@gulftel.com

Steelwood Weekly Event Update and Weekend Menu UPCOMING EVENTS
November 18-19: Ladies Golf Clinic: Clinic kicks off at 9:30 on the practice range with long and short game instruction by our pros followed by lunch at the clubhouse at 11:30. The clinic picks up at 12:30 with on-course, 9-hole instructional play. Clinic is limited to 12 participants and $150 fee is all-inclusive.

November 26: Thanksgiving Feast - Seating at 11AM & 1PM - Menu is posted to the Web site.

Be sure to RSVP for the Member/Guest Holiday Party on December 11th. The Clubhouse will be closed for a private event on Saturday evening, December 12th.

December 20th: Sunday Supper with Santa and Holiday Decorated Golf Cart Parade - on the heels of our wildly popular 4th of July Parade, we'll light up the streets of Steelwood with a Holiday Golf Cart Parade and Sunday Supper with a special guest.

UPDATES
The complimentary Member Golf Clinic now meets at 4PM on Saturday afternoons on the practice range.

Steelwood is now holding TWO Yoga classes on Friday mornings. We had a great response to the first class and will address different fitness levels in the two sessions. Flow Yoga meets from 9-10AM and Gentle Restorative Yoga meets from 10:15-11:15AM. Class descriptions are available on the Web site at: http://www.steelwood.us/lifestyle/events/Yoga%20Promo.pdf. Classes are $15 and no advance sign up is required. Both classes meet behind the Clubhouse. Please bring a mat and water and wear form fitting comfortable clothes that allow for movement.

The recent member events and weekend dinners have been very well attended. Please remember to make a reservation for all events and dinners by calling 251.753.8994 (new number) or by sending an email to marvin@steelwood.us. This allows us to properly prepare and deliver to our members the highest level of service.

Thank you to all of the members who offered their input on our New Year's celebration. Both options were winners! We'll celebrate New Year's Eve with a Party at the Clubhouse and New Year's Day with an Oyster-Palooza. Watch the Web site for menus and details.

Members can book their Holiday Parties at the Steelwood Clubhouse. Call Marvin Middleton or email him at Marvin@Steelwood.us for more information and to reserve your date.

Steelwood Chapel keeps a prayer list and makes special mention at the 11AM Sunday service. Please contact Maggie Heyworth with the first and last names of friends and family you would like included. She can be reached at memobetta7120@mac.com or (251) 752-3661.
CONTACTS
For event details, please call 251.964.4800 or visit www.steelwood.us/Lifestyle/Events.asp
To make a dining reservation, please call 251.753.8994 or click on marvin@steelwood.us

To schedule a tour of homes available call Mark Cross 251-401-4698