What's Happening in Baldwin and Mobile Counties? February 4, 2024

 

Dear friends,

 

I came across several articles and links this week that I thought may be of interest to you. Feel free to browse the list below for a few good articles on local news, upcoming community events, charitable news, and some general real estate updates. I wish you a wonderful week and as always, I am available and eager to assist if you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling real estate. 
 

GENERAL UPDATES & INFORMATION

1. Don’t Wait Until Spring To Sell Your House
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2024/02/01/dont-wait-until-spring-to-sell-your-house/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

2. Foreclosure Activity Is Still Lower than the Norm
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2024/01/31/foreclosure-activity-is-still-lower-than-the-norm/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

3. 2 of the Factors That Impact Mortgage Rates
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2024/01/30/2-of-the-factors-that-impact-mortgage-rates/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

4. Will a Silver Tsunami Change the 2024 Housing Market?
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2024/01/29/will-a-silver-tsunami-change-the-2024-housing-market/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

BALDWIN COUNTY UPDATES

1. Eastern Shore Art Center introduces new exhibits at free event
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/eastern-shore-art-center-introduces-new-exhibits-at-free-event/

2. High school seniors in Baldwin County eligible to apply for $10,000 scholarship
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/high-school-seniors-in-baldwin-county-eligible-to-apply-for-10000-scholarship/

3. Mystic Mutts of Revelry 2024
https://www.fox10tv.com/2024/01/31/mystic-mutts-revelry-2024/

4. New pilings going in at Gulf State Park Pier
https://www.fox10tv.com/2024/02/01/new-pilings-going-gulf-state-park-pier/


MOBILE COUNTY UPDATES

1. Alabama leaders tout $98B economic impact from Port of Mobile in 2022
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/alabama-leaders-tout-98b-economic-impact-from-port-of-mobile-in-2022/

2. Spot of Tea to reopen Friday ahead of Mardi Gras parades
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/spot-of-tea-to-reopen-friday-ahead-of-mardi-gras-parades/

3. City of Mobile offering safe programs for teens
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/city-of-mobile-offering-safe-programs-for-teens/

4. University of South Alabama touts near record freshman retention rate
https://www.fox10tv.com/2024/02/01/university-south-alabama-touts-near-record-freshman-retention-rate/

 

Amanda Spears, REALTOR® | AHWD, C2EX

Your Coastal Alabama real estate resource!

Baldwin County Certified Specialist

Eastern Shore | Resort | Rural

 

Bellator Real Estate & Dev.

 

Ready to begin your home search?

alabamagulfcoastlife.com

 

#baldwincertifiedspecialist

#alabamagulfcoastlife

#amandaspearsrealtor

#alrealestatepro

#bellator #bmore #givemore

#realestateexperts

#c2EX #AHWD

What's Happening in Baldwin and Mobile Counties? December 15, 2023

 

 

More information can be found by visting Facebook.com/AmandaSpearsRealtor or AlabamaGulfCoastLife.com ...Have a wonderful weekend!

GENERAL UPDATES & INFORMATION

1. If Your House Hasn’t Sold Yet, It May Be Overpriced
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/12/14/if-your-house-hasnt-sold-yet-it-may-be-overpriced/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

2. The Surprising Trend in the Number of Homes Coming onto the Market
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/12/13/the-surprising-trend-in-the-number-of-homes-coming-onto-the-market/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

3. Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help Pave the Way to Homeownership
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/12/12/down-payment-assistance-programs-can-help-pave-the-way-to-homeownership/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

4. The Perfect Home Could Be the One You Perfect After Buying
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/12/11/the-perfect-home-could-be-the-one-you-perfect-after-buying/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

BALDWIN COUNTY UPDATES

1. 'Bigger bang for your buck': Florida is getting too expensive for some retirees — so they're moving to Alabama instead to save money during their golden years
https://www.aol.com/bigger-bang-buck-florida-getting-133000485.html

2. Toy, food giveaway brightens Christmas for hundreds of South Baldwin County families
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/toy-food-giveaway-brightens-christmas-for-hundreds-of-south-baldwin-county-families/

3. Foley among ‘9 Small Towns that Belong in a Hallmark Christmas Movie’
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/foley-among-9-small-towns-that-belong-in-a-hallmark-christmas-movie/

4. Foley’s Graham Creek Nature Preserve Christmas Trail is now open
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/foleys-graham-creek-nature-preserve-christmas-trail-is-now-open/


MOBILE COUNTY UPDATES

1. River Walk Plaza coming to downtown Mobile
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/river-walk-plaza-coming-to-downtown-mobile/

2. City of Mobile, Secret Scientist set toy giveaway
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/city-of-mobile-secret-scientist-to-host-toy-giveaway/

3. Mobile 1 of 9 metros with more brick-and-mortar retail: Report
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/mobile-1-of-9-metros-with-more-brick-and-mortar-retail-report/

4. USA Health receives $16 million grant to address physician shortage
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/usa-health-receives-16-million-grant-to-address-physician-shortage/

What's Happeing in Baldwin and Mobile Counties? November 13, 2023

 GENERAL UPDATES & INFORMATION

1. How VA Loans Can Help Make Homeownership Dreams Come True
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/11/09/how-va-loans-can-help-make-homeownership-dreams-come-true/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

2. Homeowner Net Worth Has Skyrocketed
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/11/07/homeowner-net-worth-has-skyrocketed/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

3. Reasons To Sell Your House Before the New Year
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/11/06/reasons-to-sell-your-house-before-the-new-year/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

4. Thinking About Using Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/11/08/thinking-about-using-your-401k-to-buy-a-home/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

BALDWIN COUNTY UPDATES

1. Baldwin EMC sets ‘Power of Giving’ blood drive in Summerdale
https://wkrg.com/baldwin-county/baldwin-emc-sets-power-of-giving-blood-drive-in-summerdale/

2. Extra $33 million approved for ongoing Gulf Coast restoration projects
https://www.al.com/news/beaches/2023/11/extra-33-million-approved-for-ongoing-gulf-coast-restoration-projects.html

3. Chocolate & Cheese Festival set for Saturday
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/chocolate-cheese-festival-set-for-saturday/

4. Construction soon to be underway for Triangle Park in Fairhope
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/construction-soon-to-be-underway-for-triangle-park-in-fairhope/


MOBILE COUNTY UPDATES

1. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park sets Veterans Day celebration
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/uss-alabama-battleship-memorial-park-sets-veterans-day-celebration/

2. Chickasaw High School taking education to another country
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/chickasaw-high-school-taking-education-into-another-country/

3. Senior Bowl to welcome NFL draft-eligible juniors to all-star game
https://www.wkrg.com/football/senior-bowl-to-welcome-nfl-draft-eligible-juniors-to-all-star-game/

4. Mobile officials tout airport property transactions, and future growth at Brookley
https://al.com/news/2023/11/mobile-officials-tout-airport-property-transactions-and-future-growth-at-brookley.html

What's Happening in Baldwin and Mobile Counties? November 9, 2023

GENERAL UPDATES & INFORMATION

1. Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Home Prices
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

2. What Are Accessory Dwelling Units and How Can They Benefit You?
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/11/01/what-are-accessory-dwelling-units-and-how-can-they-benefit-you/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

3. Foreclosures and Bankruptcies Won’t Crash the Housing Market
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/10/31/foreclosures-and-bankruptcies-wont-crash-the-housing-market/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

4. A Real Estate Agent Helps Take the Fear Out of the Market
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/10/30/a-real-estate-agent-helps-take-the-fear-out-of-the-market/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

BALDWIN COUNTY UPDATES

1. Gulf Shores students help protect coast with restoration project
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/gulf-shores-students-help-protect-coast-with-restoration-project/

2. Stephen King movie filming underway in Bay Minette, along Gulf Coast
https://www.wkrg.com/news/stephen-king-movie-filming-underway-in-bay-minette-along-gulf-coast/

3. Bay Minette woman crochets, donates hats to cancer patients
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/bay-minette-woman-crochets-donates-hats-to-cancer-patients/

4. Kids learn about business in Daphne
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/kids-learn-about-business-in-daphne/


MOBILE COUNTY UPDATES

1. Topgolf Mobile schedules opening 
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/topgolf-mobile-schedules-opening/

2. Spring Hill College alumni head new Mobile-based reality TV show ‘The 251’
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/spring-hill-college-alumni-head-new-mobile-based-reality-tv-show-the-251/

3. Mobile Civic Center’s parking deck exceeds budget: What about other renovations?
https://www.wkrg.com/news/mobile-civic-centers-parking-deck-exceeds-budget-what-about-other-renovations/

4. FOX10 teams up with Rouses, Feeding the Gulf Coast, and the New Orleans Saints to tackle hunger
https://www.fox10tv.com/2023/11/02/fox10-teams-up-with-rouses-feeding-gulf-coast-new-orleans-saints-tackle-hunger/
 

What's Happening in Baldwin and Mobile Counties? August 14, 2023

 GENERAL UPDATES & INFORMATION

1. About 11,000 houses will sell today
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/08/10/about-11000-houses-will-sell-today?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

2. 21 tasty muffin recipes to make your morning better
https://www.southernliving.com/muffin-recipes-7570115

3. The value of an agent when buying your new construction home
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/08/09/the-value-of-an-agent-when-buying-your-new-construction-home?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

4. Governor Ivey grants $1.2 million for electric vehicle stations across Alabama 
https://yellowhammernews.com/ivey-adeca-award-1-2m-for-ev-charging-stations/

BALDWIN COUNTY UPDATES

1. Foley Beach Express to house landmark retail development
https://www.obawebsite.com/foley-beach-express-to-house-landmark-retail-development

2. You'll find more than seafood at this Southern Living favorite in Gulf Shores
https://www.al.com/life/2023/08/youll-find-more-than-seafood-at-this-southern-living-favorite-in-gulf-shores.html

3. Summer slows, but coastal events continue
https://www.obawebsite.com/summer-slows-but-coastal-events-continue

4. Here are the 10 most underrated beach towns in the U.S.
https://www.thetravel.com/most-underrated-beach-towns-in-the-us/#edisto-beach-south-carolina


MOBILE COUNTY UPDATES

1. The longest beach in Alabama is 14 miles of paradise
https://a-z-animals.com/blog/the-longest-beach-in-alabama/

2. Water, ice and shade: the essentials for practicing in the heat 
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/water-ice-and-shade-the-essentials-for-practicing-in-the-heat/

3. I-10 bridge dominates new transportation plan, but there's lots of other projects
https://www.fox10tv.com/2023/08/09/i-10-bridge-dominates-new-transportation-plan-theres-lots-other-projects/

4. Alabama taking part in National Health Center Week 
https://www.apr.org/news/2023-08-07/alabama-taking-part-in-national-health-center-week

Residential MLS Stats by Area:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central Baldwin

· Residential Properties sold in July 2023: 180

· Average Sales Price: $322,141

· Average Days on Market: 61

· Average Sales Price Change from July 2022: Increased 4.8%

 

Coastal Condos

· Residential Properties sold in July 2023: 110

· Average Sales Price: $650,147

· Average Days on Market: 52

· Average Sales Price Change from July 2022: Decreased 0.5%

Coastal Homes

· Residential Properties sold in July 2023: 122

· Average Sales Price: $650,206

· Average Days on Market: 56

· Average Sales Price Change from July 2022: Increased 1.0%

Eastern Shore

· Residential Properties sold in July 2023: 180

· Average Sales Price: $450,909

· Average Days on Market: 45

· Average Sales Price Change from July 2022: Decreased 6.1%

North Baldwin

· Residential Properties sold in July 2023: 18

· Average Sales Price: $257,211

· Average Days on Market: 54

· Average Sales Price Change from July 2022: Decreased 7.1%

 

 

What's Happeing in Mobile and Baldwin Counties July 20, 2023

GENERAL UPDATES & INFORMATION

1. Mobile and Baldwin County: 6 breweries to visit this summer
https://www.gobellator.com/blog/2023/07/12/mobile-and-baldwin-county-6-breweries-to-visit-this-summer

2. Explaining today's mortgage rates
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/07/19/explaining-todays-mortgage-rates?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

3. 30 bathroom lighting ideas to brighten your space
https://www.southernliving.com/bathroom-lighting-ideas-7561574

4. Homebuyers are getting used to the new normal 
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/07/18/homebuyers-are-getting-used-to-the-new-normal?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4  

5. Inside a joyful Alabama home filled with colorful details and family-friendly ideas 
https://www.southernliving.com/lindsey-ellis-beatty-mountain-brook-home-7554942

BALDWIN COUNTY UPDATES

1. Hot dog! New restaurants coming to Baldwin County
https://www.al.com/business/2023/07/hot-dog-new-restaurants-coming-to-baldwin-county.html

2. New recycling facility coming to Daphne in 2024
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/new-recycling-facility-coming-to-daphne-in-2024/

3. Tax-free weekend in Orange Beach: a boom for back-to-school shopping and local businesses
https://mynbc15.com/news/local/tax-free-weekend-in-orange-beach-a-boon-for-back-to-school-shopping-and-local-businesses

4. Baldwin workshop to get people into canning produce
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/baldwin-workshop-to-get-people-into-canning-produce/


MOBILE COUNTY UPDATES

1. Mobile Bay Ferry service opened on Tuesday 
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/mobile-bay-ferry-service-could-resume-before-thursday/

2. Mobile becomes Alabama's 2nd largest city following annexation election
https://www.fox10tv.com/2023/07/19/mobile-becomes-alabamas-2nd-largest-city-following-annexation-election/

3. USA and Partners for Environmental Progress joining Eagle Reef Project
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/usa-and-partners-for-environmental-progress-joining-eagle-reef-project/

4. Mobile Urban Growers provides fresh produce to those in Alabama's Port City 
https://alabamanewscenter.com/2023/07/19/mobile-urban-growers-provides-fresh-produce-to-those-in-alabamas-port-city/

What's Happening in Baldwin and Mobile Counties? February 22, 2023

 GENERAL UPDATES & INFORMATION

1. Should you consider buying a newly built home?
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/02/15/should-you-consider-buying-a-newly-built-home/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

2. 9 popular food trucks to check out on the Gulf Coast 
https://thebamabuzz.com/9-popular-food-trucks-to-check-out-on-the-gulf-coast/

3. Several Alabama colleges waive application fees
https://www.fox10tv.com/2023/02/15/several-alabama-colleges-waive-application-fees/

4. Why it's easy to fall in love with homeownership
https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2023/02/14/why-its-easy-to-fall-in-love-with-homeownership-1/?a=236535-347d38e6dd74291b43c67d6242b4e2a4

  BALDWIN COUNTY UPDATES

1. Baldwin County Schools: $341.4 million in construction since 2015, $94 million in new projects awaits 
https://www.al.com/news/2023/02/baldwin-county-schools-3414-million-in-construction-since-2015-94-million-in-new-projects-awaits.html

2. Baldwin County road closures until December for roundabout construction
https://mynbc15.com/news/local/baldwin-county-road-closure-until-december-for-roundabout-construction

3. Hangout Fest offers a chance at free passes via 'Earn-A-Ticket' campaign
https://www.al.com/life/2023/02/hangout-fest-offers-chance-at-free-passes-via-earn-a-ticket-campaign.html

4. Officials break ground on expansion at Veterans Cemetery in Spanish Fort
https://www.wkrg.com/baldwin-county/officials-break-ground-on-expansion-at-veterans-cemetery-in-spanish-fort/


MOBILE COUNTY UPDATES

1. Mobile to get Alabama's first performing arts charter school: 'Butterflies in my stomach'
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2023/02/mobile-to-get-alabamas-first-performing-arts-charter-school-butterflies-in-my-stomach.html

2. Hallmark Channel begins filming in Mobile and Spring Hill College
https://thebamabuzz.com/hallmark-channel-begins-filming-in-mobile-and-spring-hill-college/

3. Mobile Police Department announces date for 31st Mobile Citizen's Police Academy 
https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/mobile-police-department-announces-date-for-31st-mobile-citizens-police-academy/s.html

4. This Alabama restaurant's 'Homewrecker' is a bacon-wrapped, foot-long hot dog 
https://www.al.com/life/2023/02/they-call-this-alabama-venues-bacon-wrapped-foot-long-hot-dog-the-homewrecker.html

Waiting To Buy a Home Could Cost You

 Waiting To Buy a Home Could Cost You

 https://bit.ly/3fb4IIw

 

 

Spears Group Real Estate Associates - Coming Soon!

Hello!

 

Things are hot, hot, hot in the Coastal Alabama real estate market, and although extremely busy, I aim to continue to provide the best service possible to my clients.  Therefore, I am excited to introduce Spears Group Real Estate Associates at Bellator Real Estate and Development.

 

Be sure to follow us on social media (see links below), and share with your friends, family, and colleagues.

 

Spears Group Real Estate Associates Website 

 

Facebook.com/spearsgroupre 

Instagram.com/spearsgroupre

 

The SG team members are looking forward to assisting you with your real estate needs beginning January 2021...Have a great weekend!

 

Amanda Spears, REALTOR®

Spears Group Real Estate Associates

Bellator Real Estate & Development

 

Make A Statement: 5 Must-Have "Work From Home" Amenities from Luxury Portfolio International

 

The most desired "Work From Home" amenities, which include those that are entertainment and wellness related, along with outdoor space, kitchens and offices – all of which will set you up for a stress-reducing and enjoyable stay at home. 

Read more: https://www.luxuryportfolio.com/Blog/Details/make-a-statement-5-must-have-wfh-amenities/f307fc53-86e6-4215-90a8-e08de4946751?utm_source=luxetrends&utm_medium=october&utm_campaign=wfh_amenities

    Click the link below to view the listing...and check out this Chef's Kitchen!

   https://www.luxuryportfolio.com/Property/ocean-club-estates-properties-lake-view/FSJE

 

#alrealestatepro

#amandaspearsrealtor