Fall is my favorite time of year. The crisp air, the vivid colors, the renewed energy...I wish it would last longer!
I almost missed the leaves changing this year in Florence. My family and I had left for a week's vacation on Oct. 31st, and nothing much had happened. Because of the low rainfall in the Shoals this year, I thought we might not see all of the colors. I was wrong! We got back and in just that week's time the trees had transformed.
If you haven't seen Florence, Alabama and the Shoals area in the fall, here is bit of the beautiful scenery you're missing...
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Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com
Here are the statistics for the Florence, Alabama real estate market in Oct. 2008 as compared to Oct. 2007.
Florence, AL Home Sales (including the Shoals area)
Oct. 2008
|
|
Oct. 2008 |
Oct. 2007 |
|
Monthly Sales |
121 |
159 |
|
Avg. List Price |
$119,825 |
$133,718 |
|
Avg. Sale Price |
$114,647 |
$126,439 |
|
% Diff. (Sale/List) |
95.68% |
94.56% |
|
Current Inventory |
1195 |
1033 |
|
Months of Inv. |
9.88 |
6.50 |
All information taken from the Shoals Area MLS as of Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008.
Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Although the housing market in Florence and the Shoals is still stable, there is a downward trend in the number of homes sold and the average listing/sales price. The months of inventory available is at it's highest point since January. We are entering a period where home sales normally slow down, so it will be interesting to see what the next few months bring!
Previous Reports:
Aug. - Sept. 2008
Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com
The search for Florence, AL homes for sale starts right HERE!
In years past, it has been recommended that buyers get "pre-qualified" by a lender for a mortgage loan. This usually means that you spend a few minutes on the phone giving financial information to a lender so you can find out your maximum mortgage amount. Getting pre-qualified is helpful because you know the price range of homes you can afford. However, the process doesn't guarantee that your mortgage application will be accepted and unknown problems often surface after you have made an offer on a house.
If you want to be in the strongest negotiating position possible, get PRE-APPROVED! This happens when you provide the same paperwork needed for a formal loan application and the lender has checked and verified all of your information, such as credit, employment, debt/income ratio and verifying down payment funds. You are actually APPROVED for a loan. Once you have made an offer on a house, you will formally apply for the mortgage. Certain facts may have to be rechecked depending on how much time has passed since the pre-approval.
Being pre-approved certainly can't hurt...in fact, in today's real estate market, it's almost a must! First, you may be better able to bargain with the seller if you are pre-approved. Second, when a seller receives an offer from a pre-approved buyer, they know that the buyer can secure a loan. If there are other offers, who do you think the seller will be more likely to take seriously? Why take the chance on someone that is not pre-approved?
So, if you are serious about buying a home, talk with your mortgage lender now! GET PRE-APPROVED! When you are ready, I'll be glad to help you find homes for sale in Florence, AL and the surrounding area that will fit your needs and budget. Just give me a call or email anytime!
Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com
It's amazing how many people are thinking about or wanting to relocate to the Florence, AL area. Just over the past month I have talked with potential buyers from Texas, Florida, Ohio and Tennessee, and showed homes to buyers from Texas, Illinois and Delaware. Over the past year, I have personally helped clients buy homes in the Shoals area who moved from Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin. And this doesn't even count the buyers moving from within the state!
Now this may not seem unusual for those in BIG cities, but for our smaller area, I find it really interesting that we are getting so many people moving here from out of state. I should include myself in that group....we moved from Ohio! (More about why we chose to move in another post.)
So what's the draw?
Or as those that were born in the area and have lived here all their lives ask... "Why did you move HERE?"
There seems to be a general consensus among those that have moved. Here are their reasons, in no particular order:
If you are considering moving to the Florence, Alabama area, come and visit us. I think we will win you over and you'll soon be part of the group that has found the best kept secret in Alabama!
Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com
It's been a long time (high school days) since I have been to one of those haunted houses that pop up around this time of year. My husband had been talking about wanting to go...so on the spur of the moment last night we decided to try one out! 
Graystone Manor in Killen, AL has been rated as one of the best and scariest haunted attractions in the South. I have to admit...I screamed (and laughed because of my screaming) through the whole thing! It was much better than the ones I remember from high school. This is the Manor's second year of business and it seems to be pretty popular if the crowds waiting to get in are an indication. It was built in an old flea market and takes advantages of twists and turns through different rooms and even several trips outside to the "graveyard" area. There are about 30 live actors and over 40 mechanical robots (very realistic in the dark!). For some cool pictures of the Manor, go to http://graystonemanor.net.
The attraction is located just east of Florence, AL on Hwy. 72, opposite Brooks High School in Killen, AL. It is open Thurs.-Sat. from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. During the week of Halloween it will be open every night. Ticket prices are $13.50 for weeknights and $15.00 for Fri. and Sat. There is also a fast pass option for $20. We took advantage of the fast pass and went to the head of the line!
If you are ready to be scared, don't miss it!
Deidre Berry
Email: deidre@HomesOfTheShoals.com
Web: http://HomesOfTheShoals.com
Search for Florence, AL homes for sale here!
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