January 2012 home sales in Alabama are up 17.6% compared to January 2011, which is also the seventh consecutive month of improvements year-over-previous-year. Good news considering the last time there was positive growth in January compared to the previous year was all the way back in 2006.
Following on the heels of the December 2011 report showing residential home sales for the year were 2% above the prior year, is good news indeed for homeowners. Those figures show the first positive annual growth in residential home sales since 2005 in Alabama.
Alabama outperformed the US market in residential sales by .7 percent for the month of January 2012 over January 2011, according the the National Association of REALTORS.
Nationally, 23% of sales were attributed to investors, 31% were cash buyers, and 33% first-time home buyers.
Sales are up, but prices are down. Average sales price for Baldwin County AL has decreased 16.25% with January 2011 being $210,718 to $176,480 in January 2012. Number of sales in January are similar with 228 last year and 226 this year. Months of supply are also lower with 13 months compared to last January with 16 months supply.
Information obtained from Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE) and National Association of REALTORS (NAR).
Okay, most agents probably know about this scam, so this is not really for you. For those who aren't tuned in and especially if you use Craigslist to market your properties, you may need to know that your listing information may be hijacked (photos & description) and posted as a rental property. In my recent occurrence, they also provided a Yahoo email address that included the actual name of the homeowners, which they obviously got from the tax records. That seemed the most disturbing to me.
What they are doing is attempting to collect rent deposits, signing fake leases via electronic means, sending keys through the mail and then the 'renter' shows up at said property ready to move in only to find they have been scammed. Not a happy day if everything you own is in the moving truck in front of the house.
A couple of noteworthy things to mention. The monthly rental amount seems to be less than the market would actually warrant, which is a bit of a giveaway. Of course the 'renter' should be more cautious about sending large amounts of money to a strangers on mere trust, just because they seem legit.
Obviously the most harm are to those people looking for a place to live, but my seller was rather upset when a gentleman showed up at her door because he saw the rental ad and was interested. She felt a little victimized.
I have been told that the FBI has been involved in some of these cases, but I cannot confirm that. It is just another day in the life of being on this planet. I did my part and reported it, but perhaps I will disclose this to future sellers up front just in case. I do like to use Craigslist and I get showings from it and I like to post my open houses there.
Congratulations Mr. Liniger for being voted People's Choice For Most Influential In Real Estate by Inman's News readers! The "People’s Choice" honor is given to the real estate leader who has made the most significant contributions to the industry during the past year, based on the popular vote in an online poll.
Liniger was also selected to the annual Inman 100 list of Most Influential Real Estate Leaders for 2011 which is separate and distinct from the individual People's Choice recognition, and is based on a reader nomination process and an in-house review and selection process by Inman News.
RE/MAX has become what it has because of the vision and leadership that has promoted a climate for success and attracting the best of the best. RE/MAX agents are different and I say VIVE LA DIFFERENCE!
What an exciting year from the launch of Global.Remax.com and winning not one, but two J.D. Power Customer Service Awards. Our company marketing is ramped-up, our enthusiasm is high and we face 2012 with much anticipation.
Alabama places #3 for "Top States For Doing Business", following just behind Texas and Georgia as the 
top 2 subsequently, according to ‘Area Development Online –Site and Facility Planning’ consultant’s 2011 study.
Alabama’s inclusion was based on its incentive programs which tied first place with Texas, labor costs, and work force development programs. According to Governor Robert Bentley, there has been a focus on attracting both domestic and foreign companies, which are attracted to the right-to-work status, work ethics, quality and skill. Gov. Bentley cited an example of a German-based company who indicated that less than one-tenth of one-percent of employees at the Alabama plant miss work every day, compared to 7-8% a day in Germany.
Also cited by Gov. Bentley, the on-site job training programs provided by Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT), part of the AL Community College System, is one such asset for potential employers and has been used successfully for the Mercedes, Toyota and Hyundai plants, as well as the facility for maritime training in Mobile’s shipbuilding industry.
Alabama’s efforts to attract businesses to our state centers around legislation allowing companies to retain part of the money they pay employees in order to recoup their capital investment. Greg Canfield, Director of Alabama Development Office explains additional incentives like low state corporate income tax rate, full-deduction of federal taxes from Alabama income tax liability, a cap on the Business Privilege Tax at $15,000 (except financial institutions and insurance companies), and no property tax levied on inventory. He also states the millage rate that is half or more than half of many other states at 6 ½ mills. There are other cash incentives and last session legislation was passed unique to Alabama, allowing qualifying firms a tariff credit that offsets export tariff costs by allowing those firms to claim a transferable income credit.
It is obvious that the State of Alabama is serious about being ‘Business Friendly’, which is good news for all industries, including the real estate industry which strongly benefits when good companies move in to the state bringing new homebuyers, consumers and taxpayers.
It is worth noting that Alabama was recognized in 2007 by Site Selection Magazine as "Top Five in U.S. For Business Climate", has been "State of the Year-For Years In A Row" according to Southern Business & Development Magazine, and "Number One in Corporate Diversity" by Polina Corporate Real Estate.
RE/MAX has taken 'RE/MAX Working For You' to a whole new level by creating a unique new site Global.Remax.com that is very exciting and will connect buyers and sellers in a new and dynamic way. Global REMAX translates our listings into other languages allowing international clients to see our properties and understand them. RE/MAX is in 80 countries with plans to add up to 30 language translations on the new website.
Hey, don't dismiss this as not important to your business or sellers. We want these buyers. Consider that in the U.S. we have more than 300 million people and 8% are immigrants and we have large pockets of minorities.
The minority population will surpass U.S. born citizens by the year 2050 according to demographers, however, they will maintain fluency in their language and the ability to view our listings in their language translates into more exposure to our seller's properties.
It remains true in any industry or relationship that communication play a vital role. These homebuyers are coming and as RE/MAX agents, The Tia Stanley Team loves the opportunity to bring this new resource to our clients in Daphne, Fairhope, & Spanish Fort AL and surrounding cities.
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Our team loves people & has a passion for this business. With almost 60 years of cumulative experience, combined with technology driven marketing, we are selling a lot of real estate.
Tia has an extensive management background, most recently as a Medical Office Manager of a Perinatal Specialist group in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to wearing that hat, Tia was a primary Medical Conference Coordinator for the company for almost a decade. Tiring of the long commutes and agonizing traffic, Tia decided to explore her entrepreneurial spirit and became the sole proprietor of a successful on-line retail establishment, which lasted for several years. An extended visit to beautiful Fairhope, Alabama to visit her family changed everything. Tia's Mom and long-time Realtor/Broker convinced her that real estate was a perfect fit. With some skepticism, Tia made the move, and jumped in with a passion. A love for marketing and an ease with people proved to be a great combination. Mom was right! Surprise...Surprise! Experiencing success after success, even in what had become a tough market was proof enough. In a very short time, Tia gained respect by her peers and became the Agent Trainer/Coach in her office and Certified Relocation Specialist. More importantly, Tia's clients were so pleased that referrals began to come. There is no better compliment than a referral. Tia's ongoing thirst for knowledge has made her an excellent agent. Always seeking to know more, learn more and be better at her job. The best trait however is her ability to just be herself around people. Relaxed and unassuming, Tia's clients love that they can also be themselves. No one to impress. No stiffness, but definitely lots of laughter. Tia understands that buying and selling real estate is serious business, but believes it should be positive experience. 
Tia Stanley has a established her 'niche' as being the agent who does exceedingly more for clients than any other agent. She is considered a TOP MARKETER in her field and clients just love the level of passion, expertise and marketing abilities that she provides. Every client is treated with respect and loyalty, whether buying or selling a home. You will find her to be focused, attentive to details, abreast of the current, local market and creative in her planning and use of marketing techniques that are strategic, logical and effective for achieving superior results.
Repeatedly named Top Closing Agent, Top Selling Agent, Top Listing Agent, and Certified On-Line Marketer through WLN. Tia also served on the WRES Leadership Team until moving her license to ReMax By The Bay in April 2010. Tia obtained her Accredited Buyer's Agent (ABR) & At Home With Diversity (AHWD) designations in 2010.
In 2007, Tia was acknowledged by WRRI as having " the best home marketing plan". This is an extraordinary statement considering their global footprint and representation of over five-hundred-fifty Fortune 500 companies.
As a FULL-TIME REALTOR and empty-nester, Tia's schedule is flexible to accommodate your particular needs. She is available during and outside of normal business hours. You will find that she answers her phone and emails, as communication is vitally important to her clients. Call her. Find out for yourself!
Marie Smith, BROKER ASSOCIATE, CRS, GRI
Almost 30 years in the real estate business. Marie has been a top agent in this area for many years and brings valuable experience and skills to our clients.
Ø Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
Ø Graduate Realtor's Institute (GRI)
Ø Member National Association of Realtors
Ø Member Baldwin Association of Realtors
Ø Member Mobile County Board of Realtors
Ø Member Political Action Committee
Ø Member Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce
Ø Lifetime Member Best of Baldwin
Ø Lifetime Member Million Dollar Club
Ø Recipient of William Tonsmeire State Award for Excellence
Ø Over 100 career company awards
Kathy Coate, BROKER ASSOCIATE, CRS, GRI
"Selling the Bay Everyday" for almost 30 years! Kathy knows her way to the closing table. A better negotiator you will not find. Kathy knows the market and how to get things done.
IF YOU ARE A FULL-TIME REALTOR IN BALDWIN COUNTY ALABAMA AND WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE TIA STANLEY TEAM, PLEASE CONTACT ME: TIA@TIASTANLEY.COM. OUR AGREEMENT IS NEGOTIABLE & WILL DEPEND ON YOUR LEVEL OF SKILL & EXPERIENCE. MY TEAM MEMBERS RECEIVE ALL THE BELLS & WHISTLE OF OUR MARKETING SERVICES.
Tia, February 12, 2008
We can't sufficiently express our gratitude for the excellent way you have represented us as the buyer of our new home in Spanish Fort and most recently on the quick, full-price sale of our home in Mobile. You know how to be patient for the buyer and motivated for the seller. We feel so fortunate to have had your assistance on both ends of the spectrum.
We were first impressed with your integrity, motivation and most of all, the interest you showed us when we were looking for a house in Spanish Fort. Ironically, it was one of the houses you researched and found for us, that we were able to make a same day offer that was accepted. If we had not moved quickly on this property, we would have missed out. Thanks to you, we have a wonderful home in Spanish Fort that we absolutely love.
Then, when it was time for us to think about selling our house in Mobile, we were torn as we had always thought we would have to sell by owner to get the money we needed out of it. However, we still had Tia on our minds and we remembered the motivation, concern and professionalism that you had demonstrated during the purchase of our home in Spanish Fort. We felt like you might have the same talent on the seller's end too. That was an understatement. You really know how to shine!! We have never seen more effort and motivation given to advertising a property. As an added bonus, the constant communication and feedback was absolutely wonderful! Then, of course, there was that big yellow sign in the front yard. No house in midtown Mobile had a sign like that!
We have had some experience with real estate agents on the sale of my parent's property and had even listed our house in midtown before. We discovered that many agents seem real eager when they are trying to get you to sign a contract with them, but then they put up their yard sign and that is the last time you hear from them. As for the previous listing of our house, it was on the market two years ago for about 10 months and there were NO OFFERS! We had to call the agent to find out what was going on.
Tia, we are amazed, that in less than 60 days, you had provided two open houses, advertised in the newspaper, magazines, the web and all kinds of ways. Not only that, but you had three offers on the table in one day!! We don't know anyone else like you! Our neighbors even liked you! We never had to call you with a question; you didn't give us a chance! You called us with answers before we could ask questions! We wish we could let everyone know what a wonderful agent you have been for us.
Now, we have just returned from closing and we couldn't be happier! We came home with a check in our hands written for the amount we hoped to get if we had sold by owner! Yet, we had one of the most dedicated, professional, caring and motivated real estate agents we have ever seen. We never could have done this so quickly and efficiently ourselves. If you should ever need a personal reference, give us a call. We have been blessed to have your assistance as both buyers and sellers and are so grateful for everything!
Zenas & Chris Harding
Tia,
I can't tell you how impressed I am with the listing for my home!! You have been the most professional realtor I have ever worked with in 38 years of home ownership. I have owned quite a few homes. Probably about 13. I have worked with realtors on about 8 rental homes as well.
The slide show is wonderful and, I'm sure, very impressive to potential buyers. It is obvious you have put a lot of time and effort into this listing. As I mentioned during our conversations, I spent several hours viewing individual agents' sites and found yours the most professional site I found. Then, after speaking to you on the phone, I just knew you were MY realtor.
I really look forward to working with you, Tia. I am totally comfortable in believing if anyone can get the job done, you can!
Kathy Brown
May 18, 2008
Dear Tia,
I am pretty much settled in here at my new home and finally found time to send you a sincere "Thank You!!!" You were so professional from our first contact that I knew you were the person who could get my home sold in this tough market. Your professionalism and diligent work ethic took all the concerns off of me and I really appreciate that. The difficult issues we ran into the last couple of weeks prior to closing would have given me a nervous breakdown if you had not been so knowledgeable and diligent in taking care of all the paperwork and procedures that needed handling. More than anything, it made me realize why a commission is a very small price to pay to have a competent agent handle selling my home. I would have been at a complete loss at taking care of all the unexpected issues that arose.
I have sold or purchased homes through realtors in several states at least 16 times and I, honestly, have never felt so confident in one as I was in you. In addition to your phone contact with me, I was always able to check my email and find updates on the ads and activities on my listing several times each week. Beyond the excellent service, I feel I also found a real friend. Your sincerity and outgoing personality are a big part of what makes you an excellent agent.
I hope to keep in touch and perhaps see you some times when I am visiting on the eastern shore. If I can ever be of help as a reference, please do not hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
Kathy Brown
Hi Tia,
You did a great job. You had the best marketing plan and exposure I have ever seen.
Great job! I am sure that we will work together in the future. Have a great holiday season!
Thanks,
Kelly Gimson, CRP
Relocation Coordinator
Weichert Relocation Resources Inc
301 Commerce Green Blvd.
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Phone: 281-634-0549
E-Fax: 973-630-3666
e-mail: kgimson@wrri.com
Hours: 8:30am to 5pm CST
Tia,
It is easy to see why you have such a great reputation for selling homes. You really go at it with gusto! If anyone can sell our home in today's market, it is you. I would highly recommend you to anyone trying to sell their home, and I will.
Have a great day,
Rachel Stafford
WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Jaclyn Smith & Nicky Foster
To be continued...
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