Dedra Lipscomb Daphne and Fairhope, AL Real Estate

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.

Christi and I saw this precious little family about a week ago, along Highway 181 at the pond on a farm site. I guess they lost their way home, because, really they should be in Canada, or some other place far north of here this time of year. Enjoy.

Here you can see there are two goslings - and, they are strolling away from me and my camera. I am quite a distance away, and using a zoom, but still...,they aren't comfortable with that. And who can blame them, really.

And off to the pond they go. Mom, dad and their babes.

There have been several rankings and reports that include this Gulf Coast region as poised to either weather this recession with relative comfort and this most recent one ranks the Mobile, Alabama area in the top ten cities best poised for recession recovery. You can see the small blurb where they show the top ten in pictures here. Others included are Fayetteville, Arkansas, Huntsville, Alabama, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin Texas.

The full article accompany the pictures can be read here. In summary, cities that are included are those that do not rely solely on manufacturing for its economy. Rather, there is a healthy mix of manufacturing, health care jobs and technology, along with affordable housing, housing that did not rise astronomically during the housing bubble that was unprecedented.

Sadly, they predict that those states where the housing bubble did rise to unhealthy and unprecedented prices, will take longer to recover. Even more heartbreaking, is the reporting that some cities may never recover to their former glory.

While this is great news for the Mobile Bay area, I truly hope that some of the hardest affected cities will reinvent themselves and become even better places to live, work and grow. I remember when the steel industry caused Birmingham, Alabama to take a look at itself, and reinvent itself. From those old steel mills and furnaces, grew a wonderful cultural center, which draws artists, musicians and tourists fromthe world over. Perhaps it is time for some more reinvention.

From 1 - 4 this afternoon you will have the pleasure of touring this perfectly spectacular home. It was custom built and has so many additional surprise features, that you really must see them for yourself. Located in Historic Malbis, it is convenient to the Eastern Shore Mall, and Interstate 10, between Mobile and Pensacola for easy commuting. Come see.

This is a continuation of the question, "Do I need an inspection for my brand new home?" Look at these photos and come to your own conclusions. If you were buying this home, would you think there might be an issue here?

This is a brand new home. It is luxurious, inside and out. Great curb appeal. Incredible decor and interior amenities: granite in the kitchen and baths, lovely burnished bronze fittings, from the light fixtures to the door hinges, gorgeous wood floors, very pretty oversized tile placed on a diagonal - you name it, this house has it. But what about the finishes?

If you can't determine whether the finishes are correct, you probably need an inspection. An inspection report will tell you exactly what your brand new home is made of, inside and out and where there might be issues with the construction, if not right away, then perhaps in the future, after your warranty period has expired.

Flashing is the material that is solid and light colored in these pictures. It is just above the stone facade of the structure running horizontally around the house. If you think this is just peachy, comment and tell me so and why. If you don't think this is a correct installation, comment and tell me so and why. Please.

I will gladly chime in later and tell you what I know and how I came to know it. I believe what I was told, because it makes perfect sense, especially knowing what I know about where I live.

I look forward to hearing what you have to say.