What an amazing property! 6,000 square foot, one level, home on 97 acres with fabulous views of pool, lake, fruit tree orchard, and stable. Custom built with elaborate detailed workmanship. Gorgeous flooring, high end kitchen appliances, open floor plan, tall ceilings, formal living /dining, den open to kitchen and dining nook, recreation room with wet bar, and study with half bath that could be used as a guest room. Luxurious Master Suite with his/her bathrooms and two walk in closets. Second master suite with jetted tub and walk-in shower, additional guest room with private bath, oversized laundry with tons of storage, and second half-bath for guests. 3,000 square foot 9 stall stable with tack room and large pole barn. Too many details to list! For more information or to schedule a tour, call Kathy Cleveland (334) 618-3218 or Aleda Holmes (334) 797-4804!
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Showcase Properties would like to recognize the “Showcase Agents” for the month of March-
Kim Lee, Jackie Johnson, Tesi Conte, Brooke Gay, Jeannine Benefield, Betty and Robert Brewer of The Brewer Team, Tim Vierkandt and Ramona Miley!
These highly trained and motivated professionals continue to set the standard for productivity, professionalism, client satisfaction, and commitment to career development. Our team of professionals at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Showcase Properties is “Committed to Excellence - Every Day in Every Way.”
FINANCIAL ADVICE
Fair Market and Other Values
Home buyers and home sellers want to know one thing – how much a home is worth. Fair market comparable data, assessments and appraisals are all relevant ways to determine value, but all values are not the same. So what are the differences?
Fair market value. This metric is used to help determine asking and offer prices for a given home for sale. Market conditions and the economy can cause home prices to fluctuate, so get a comparable market analysis (CMA) from your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Showcase Properties Sales Professional. The market analysis will include details of neighboring homes currently available for sale, homes that have an pending sale but have not yet closed, homes that failed to sell, and of course, homes recently sold that are as similar as possible to the home you want to buy or sell, including the dates of sale, time on the market, addresses, age when built, square footage, condition, features and improvements.
Assessed value. Tax roll authorities use assessments to determine annual property taxes. They use market data such as CMAs from multiple listing services but also include non-market data such as type of ownership (homestead VS investment property) and age of the homeowner (taxes are often frozen for seniors).
Appraised value. Mortgage bankers hire licensed appraisers to ascertain whether or not a home is valued correctly to protect homebuyers and limit their own risk. They use sales and rental data, plus other formulas. If the appraised amount is lower than the sales contract amount, the buyer can either come up with more cash or back away, or the seller can lower the price.
Agent Update!
We have welcomed some new faces recently. Wendy Uda was helping us out at our front desk but has decided to focus on her Real Estate Career full time! Fauzia Qureshi has recently come on board and is ready to take the market by storm!
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are keeping our office doors locked to help protect the health our clients, customers, agents and staff. Admittance is by appointment only. Real Estate is considered an Essential business and we are dedicated to keeping everyone safe and healthy during these uncertain times. We have extra precautions and procedures in place for property showings (click the image aboce for details.) Also, over 90% of our homes for sale are showcased with fully immersive and interactive tours on our 3D Website,www.Dothan3DTours.com. If you have any questions, please reach out to your favorite Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Showcase Properties Agent. Don't have an agent? We always have a knowledgeable Real Estate Sales Professional on call: 792-7474!
SELLERS & BUYERS
A Winning Real Estate Strategy
Sometimes, buyers and sellers can behave like adversaries. Both sides want to “win,” often sabotaging the transaction irreparably. No one wins if the home doesn’t sell.
So how can you win and keep things civil?
SELLERS: Be thoughtful and reasonable. Price your home to appeal to buyers and get stronger offers. Make your home easy to show to working buyers. Be flexible about showing times, especially on short notice. Put your pets in the kennel. Keep your home show-ready (clean and neat) so buyers can really see what they’re buying.
Respond quickly to requests for repairs and get the work done as soon as possible. Return calls or texts from your real estate professional quickly.
Don’t take offense at low offers. Simply counter the offer with your reasons why you feel the home is priced correctly through your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network professional.
BUYERS: Don’t ridicule the seller or their home on Instagram or when asked for feedback; the price won’t improve. Be on time and respect sellers’ property for showings. Leave small children with a sitter for showings to minimize distractions. Schedule appraisals and inspections as soon as the contract is signed.
Apply for your mortgage loan immediately and let your real estate professional know when you’re preapproved and for what amount. If you do this in advance of shopping for a home, you have the advantage over other buyers that you’re vetted by a lender.
The key is courteous communication with everyone.
HOMEBUYERS’ ADVICE
Advice for Single Female Homebuyers
In 2019, the National Association of REALTORS reported that 18% of home buyers were single females, compared to nine percent of single males. From this data, it’s clear that single women see homeownership as an important way to provide themselves with more stability and financial security.
Here’s some helpful advice to help single women meet the responsibilities and rewards of homeownership.
1. Buy within your means. While it’s good advice for all home buyers, single women can lower their risk by keeping their house payment, including property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, homeowner association fees and mortgage insurance at no more than one third of their income.
2. Choose a forever home. Your home should promote well-being and prosperity. The longer you own your home, the more equity you build. And your home can provide rental income should you move or marry in the future.
3. Plan for surprises. You may have put all your funds into your down payment, but as soon as you can, start rebuilding your cash savings. Create a fund for home repairs and planned expenses such as a new roof one day. You should also have at least six months cash on hand in the event of illness or layoffs.
4. Take ownership and repair classes. Your state or local housing authority may offer homebuying and home ownership classes. You can also take repair or home improvement workshops at your local Home Depot or elsewhere. It’s a great way to meet people, develop skills and save money on maintenance and repairs.
SUNSHINE KIDS
Our Company is a Proud Supporter of Sunshine Kids™
