Blog Posts

Once Again activerain proves itself!

08-12-07
Authored by: James Pendleton
OK guys once again activerain has proven itself to me personally as the top premiere real estate community online. When I first visited the web site there was something about its look and feel that told me it was a great site. naturally the fact of it being free was the main hook. I am on several other real estate communities that I will not name in this post. They bagger me with email to upgrade to a professional level and send unneeded emails about this or that. Not to mention they are marketing more to me than generating viable leads.

Here at activerain there is none of that. Just pure interaction with my peers and the high exposure in the search engine from the site popularity in page rank and backward links from all of us. Bottom line hands down it is the best. I am sure they are generating income from advertising via the thousands of page views they can boast for to their advertisers. Which is valid and accurate. I figure that is why they have no need to bug us and or charge us for use of the site. Anyone that can set up a community site online and have its theme cause growth is a genius. My hats is off to them all.
Why this post? Because the site has given me my first viable lead that has turned into an active listing!! The clients found me via activerain. Front mind awareness about my company all the way in California! They have come to town to spruce up their little investment/rental property . I have met them in person and now have the listing. I will provide a high level of service to them. They too will not be named to protect their privacy.

Granted it is a small deal that will only generate pocket money for me and a descent profit for them. But hey it is a lead form the internet!! The big boys like Homegain and House values have a TV advertising budget probably in the millions of dollars and generate thousands of leads of which they in turn sell to unsuspecting agents. I never buy leads.. I endeavor to create my own!! because I have the guts and the nerve to say if the big boys can do it. Then so can I a little guy!

Yeah I know, its just one itty bitty lead, and a itty bitty listing. Like big deal so what. Well it is a start!! and as I continue to increase in rank with my domains and directories and promote my sites in the brick and mortar world. I am sure to build an increase in generated leads! I don't have a TV advertising budget of Millions. However I have my trusty color printer plenty of color ink and my feet!! hahahahahhahahaah 
Investment/Rental Property Orange St Mobile Alabama Negotiable Starting at 50k
So you get down with your bad self activerain!! I am glad to be a part of this great web site!
Authored by: James Pendleton

June Pending Home Sales Shows Market Improvement in Mobile

08-03-07
Authored by: James Pendleton


A forward-looking indicator based on pending home sales shows the market is likely to stabilize in the
months ahead, according to the Gulf Coast MLS statistics.

The Pending Home Sales Index*, based on contracts signed in June, was higher from the
downwardly revised May index but is below June 2006.The monthly gain is a increase over three years, since 2004.

The increase occurred in all areas in Mobile County due to upcoming development and anticipated growth from new business
However, it is too early to say if home sales have already passed bottom. Still, major declines in home
sales are likely to have occurred already and further declines, if any, are likely to be modest given the
accumulating pent-up demand.

An index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes.
A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though
the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.

An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year
to be examined as well as the first of five consecutive record years for existing-home sales.

Annual changes in the index are more closely related to actual market performance than are month-to-month
comparisons. As the relatively new index matures and seasonal adjustment factors are refined, the month-to-month comparisons will become more meaningful.

Authored by: James Pendleton

Sales By Area Year to date Mobile Gulf Coast

07-15-07
Authored by: James Pendleton

The market is holding steady on the Gulf Coast. Expectations are high as more industry is on the way. These statistics begin 01/01/2007 thru 07/13/2007. If you are familiar with Mobile and the Gulf Coast you will know where these areas are. If you are not and out side the area feel free to contact me for more information on each area.

Area# of SalesTotal SalesAvg Sales
Downtown17$3,232,000$190,118
MidTown North East164$26,187,037$159,677
Mid Town South134$12,258,335$91,480
MidTown North West60$6,102,106$101,702
MidCentral35$2,137,500$61,071
Eight Mile/Prichard51$3,493,310$68,496
Chickasaw61$4,348,599$71,289
Municipal Park/West Central165$18,079,687$109,574
Springhill/USA141$38,119,465$270,351
Cottage Hill N216$37,727,516$174,664
Cottage Hill S176$34,489,000$195,960
Dauphin Island Pkwy101$11,737,999$116,218
South Mobile County159$23,176,814$145,766
Tillmans Corner/Grand Bay200$29,268,770$146,344
West Mobile/ Airport572$114,180,583$199,616
Semmes152$22,936,476$150,898
Semmes/Wilmer/Lott Rd115$14,722,273$128,020
Saraland89$14,689,643$165,052
Saraland/Satsuma/Axis/Creola90$15,299,349$169,993
Citronelle/ Mt Vernon49$6,018,772$122,832
Dauphin Island29$9,959,900$343,445
Other Area not in Mob/Baldwin10$1,865,861$186,586
North Baldwin61$8,661,480$141,991
Central Baldwin93$17,150,745$184,417
Daphne/Montrose/SpFort286$81,085,973$283,517
Lake Forest65$11,366,104$174,863
Fairhope/PtClear172$58,558,379$340,456
SBaldwin/Gulf Shores46$12,576,876$273,410
Mississippi/ Jackson Cty1$184,900$184,900
Other Mississippi9$1,479,500$164,389
Total3,519$641,094,952$182,181

Authored by: James Pendleton

ThyssenKrupp Steel Corporation comes to the City of Mobile.

05-11-07
Authored by: James Pendleton

ThyssenKrupp Steel is a German based corporation comes to the Gulf Coast of Alabama. This will mean major growth for the region. The Corpration will be pumping over 3 billion dollars into construction of a state of the art steel manufacturing plant that will employee over 2600 people. over 20,000 people will be needed to build the facility. Its target date of operation is 2010.

This development is said to be the largest development in the history of the United States. I do believe they are correct. Announcements of the deal were made this morning 05/11/07 in Montgomery Alabama. Also the announcement was made in the City of Mobile with a community welcome forum and I was there!! Doing what I do best! Meeting and networking with the major players of the city.

It is a great time to be a Realtor in the city. It is about to grow at an exponential rate. Expansion is eminent with a need for housing and construction going off the scale.

Authored by: James Pendleton

Why are you going to sell your property?

05-05-07
Authored by: James Pendleton

Sometimes I have to ask this question to potential sellers to gage their actual motivation. Some offer the answer to this question on their own. It is important to have a good idea and feel before taking a listing on a property. After all making the decision to sell ones home can be a serious emotional matter.

For some it may be 20 to 25 years living in the same neighborhood and home. Getting married and raising a family of 4 or 5 kids.Then seeing all the little birdies leave the nest and start families and lives of their own. After a time hubby and wife begin to look around their 5 bed room 3 and 1/2 bath home and realize they have only used the kitchen , family room and one bath room for the last 3 or 4 years.

Also realizing the utility bills and unused space is beginning to cost more and collect dust in places that used to be active and full of life from the kids. Realizing that all the college expenses are managed and they are sitting on tons of excess equity. Thinking it has been a couple of years since they have been on a real nice vacation. The light bulb comes on and the thought of down grading to a smaller more manageable home comes to mind. From there the thought process of selling the property begins.

That brings forward the idea of using equity to upgrade. Some younger home owners may have started out smart and acquired a smaller home that has suited their needs for a time. But as the family grows they realize they need an extra bed room or additional bath. Then it comes time to think about an upgrade. If things have gone well for them over a period of 6 to 7 years and they have made their payments on time. They may have enough available equity to net at sale and have the need funds to upgrade. Condition of the property and location can play a big part it net profit.

On the down side of why sell, are the hard times of home ownership. Some may not have faired well and due to situations beyond their control they may not have done well with payments and expenses. They could see the hand writing on the wall and begin the traumatizing period of collections. If they have enough awareness and know they can not make it. They may need to sell quickly to avoid the start of pre foreclosure. Pricing the property to net if possible but to make sure the principle balance and mortgage can be cleared completely which will ultimately save thier credit score and credit. Surviving to try again. Selling and paying off is a much better alternative of foreclosure and having ones credit destroyed.

Many of the establish home owners may realize the value in buying and then reselling the property they live in. Purchasing a fixer upper. Doing the needed repairs and living in it for a year or so then reselling it for profit. Repeating the process making a profit and or avoiding tax liabilities with tax free exchange process. Cashing in on the accumulated wealth at a later time.

There can be several other reasons to sell beyond the scope of this short article. My experience has shown me one of the primary factors that can be a hindrance is emotional attachment to a particular property. Not actually knowing what the true value of a property is. Or having to high a expectation for a particular property because of its condition and or location.

In all cases it is best to seek the counsel of a professional real estate practitioner before moving forward. Most will give free information and advise. Asking for a comparable market analysis and getting it for no charge is not uncommon. Allow the hour or so to listen to a pre listing presentation and a review of a extimated post sale net profit sheet. Even if you don't use a professional and try it on your own. The information you get will be invaluable.

I use all the power of the internet. You can view my prelisting presentation by clicking the link below.
Click Here to View the Presentation
Best viewed with a computer on a high speed connection or DSL. Sound speakers and plenty of memory.

Many try to go it alone. More fail than succeed. Statistics don't lie. Those that use a professional to sell, net more at the closing table than these that go it alone.

Some that read this may think..... get out of my head!! But don't fear, I am a professional. As a marketing listing specialist it is my job to understand every aspect of the selling process.This enables me to provide the best service for my clients.

Are you thinking about selling???
Need a bit of advise or a second opinion?
Just call or email me!



Authored by: James Pendleton

Battle House opening Mobile Alabama

05-03-07
Authored by: James Pendleton

Closed since 1974, the Battle House Hotel -- a downtown Mobile landmark -- will reopen with public festivities on Saturday, May 12, officials announced today. The grand reopening will also help christen the RSA Battle House Tower, Alabama's tallest office building, which is opening next door to the hotel.

The festivities actually begin Friday, May 11, with a black tie gala to benefit several local arts organizations. While that event is sold out, the public can watch as RSA head David Bronner and others officially light the RSA Battle House Tower at approximately 8:45 p.m.

On Saturday, it will be Battle House Day in the city of Mobile from 3-7 p.m. Downtown Mobile will be transformed into the 1920s and 30s with antique cars, big bands, dance demonstrations from local dance studios and residents strolling in historic attire.

Events will happen in Bienville Square and tours of the Battle House will be offered. Bands will be playing in front of the Battle House and in Bienville Square. Guests are asked to park in the Civic Center parking lot and to ride the shuttle.

Free hot dogs and ice cream will be served in Bienville Square at the event sponsored by the city of Mobile.

Authored by: James Pendleton

What's Happening in The City Of Mobile

04-06-07
Authored by: James Pendleton

Because of its Diversity. There is always something to do in the City of Mobile. You can literally go and go and go until you drop. To find out about upcoming Events in the city go to the link below.

Events Calendar

Visit my World of Real Estate at www.jprealestate.info

Authored by: James Pendleton

The City Of Mobile Alabama

04-06-07
Authored by: James Pendleton

Nestled on Beautiful Mobile Bay and literally minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. The City of Mobile is a beautiful scenic place to Live, Work and Play. Filled with diverse culture and Southern hospitality. The City of Mobile is poised to be a premier tourist location. http://www.jprealestate.info/ Find Mobile Alabama Real Estate with Homes for Sale in Mobile AL with this Real Estate Information portal with Sellers knowledge and FAQ about Real Estate.

Mobile Museum of Art
The newly expanded Mobile Museum of Art, gracing the lake of Langan Park, is a beautiful addition to Mobile's culture and architecture. This spectacular museum is now the largest art museum along the Gulf Coast from New Orleans to Tampa.


Museum of Mobile
21st Century innovative exhibits come alive at The Museum of Mobile. Explore Mobile as the first Americans saw it. Relive the passage on an African slave ship. Listen to the stories of Civil War soldiers, and feel the power of nature’s raging storm, the hurricane. Interactive kids exhibits also.


Mobile Arts Council
Mobile Arts Council serves as an umbrella over the cultural community: to promote, coordinate and develop quality arts programs and, further, to create an awareness of and participation in the arts.


Saenger Theatre
The historic Saenger Theatre Performing Arts Center functions as a multi-disciplinary arts center, home of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Lyric Theatre, the Saenger Series, the Summer Movie Series, concerts, lectures, and special events.


Mobile Opera
Founded in 1946, Mobile Opera is Alabama's Oldest Performing Arts Organization and is recognized by OPERA America as the 15th opera company established in the United States.


Mobile Symphony
Mobile Symphony is the premiere producer of live symphonic music in the Gulf Coast region.


Mobile Ballet
Originated with the merger of two local ballet companies in 1987. Since that time, Mobile Ballet has grown and developed into a shining example of an outstanding regional dance company. Under the direction of Winthrop Corey, the company presents several productions each year to consistent critical acclaim.


Richards DAR House Museum
This beautiful Town House of the Italianate style tells the story of Mobile during its antebellum period.



One of the Gulf Coast best kept secrets, Mobile is moving forward into the 21st century expanding its boarders and economic growth. Its first high rise soon to be completed. The RSA tower will be the largest building in the state of Alabama. Its boarders expanding westward at a exponential rate with new home construction.

Total reconstruction of the bay front will bring additional condominiums and commerce to the city. With on cruise ship in place and another on the way. No more driving to Florida for cruses. One can drive minutes to the bay front and hop on a ship for a wonderful cruise to destinations south across the Gulf. Being a transplant I love the city and its people. Contact me for more information or visit www.jprealestate.info and explore the additional links about the city, its local board and chamber of commerce.

General Real Estate information , access to the Gulf Coast MLS, Real Estate in Mobile Alabama.

Authored by: James Pendleton

Market Trends Mobile Alabama

04-05-07
Authored by: James Pendleton
The market in Mobile is still hot but is beginning to stabilize.
The Gulf Coast of Alabama is still in a post Katrina environment. Immediately after the storm the City Of Mobile dodged a bullet compared the region west. After the event many displaced people made tier way to the city. Hotels were fill to capacity and many opened their homes to others. After things settled the city became saturated with potential home buyers. It was if the mortgage industry and home sellers saw immediate possibilities. Mortgage companies popped up every where and home prices began to rise. The increases were still moderate compared t the rest of the country. However increases continued none the less.
Now as we pass the 1st quarter of 2007 the market has began to stabilize. Prices have began to fall slightly due supply and demand. Most of the buyers from other areas have either relocated back and or have found homes. Interest rates remain steady with a slight rise in the national average to 6.17 percent 30 year fixed rate. As prices began to drop and the market becomes stable seeking its own level. The opportunity exist for a strong long term housing market in the city and county. This is good news for buyers. Sellers are finding out their prices need to come down because of increased competition and deal seekers.

Sales and Inventory History

Thursday, April 05, 2007
Category - Residential
MonthYearMonthly SalesAvg ListPriceAvg Sale Price% Diff Sell/listAvg DOMCurr InventoryMonths Inventory
January2007375$182,754$176,59696.63%71.036179.65
February2007468$191,360$185,54296.96%74.037528.02
March2007578$167,864$163,58897.45%78.038686.69
Current200739$224,780$217,49996.76%88.0384898.67

Statistics Summaries Report

Category - Residential
Statistics for Entire MLS from 01/01/2007 to 04/04/2007
TotalTotal List / Sold $Avg List $Avg Sold $Avg DOMMedian Price $%SP/LP
New3,319$790,992,525 / n/a$237,985n/a35$169,900n/a

Currently Active (as of today)3849$1,194,563,952 / n/a$310,357n/a121$219,500n/a
--Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed--
Authored by: James Pendleton

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