Real Estate Sales in Covington County
Covington County's real estate sales have gone up slightly from last year. Real Estate officials say that local residents have purchased more homes this past year than last year at this time. For the last 365-day period home sales increased to 233 verses 226 last year. The average home sale price has decreased slightly. The average house in Covington County sold for $93,100 this year verses $99,934 last year. Properties are selling for a little less this year and are staying on the market less time as well. For the last 365 days, homes stayed on the market for 179 days compared to 182 days this time last year. In Covington County, the total volume of all real estate transactions including land sales for this year is $62,373,636 compared to $63,176,798 this time last year.
While "new" home sales represent a fraction of the housing market, they have an outsize impact on the economy. Each home built creates an average of 3 jobs for a year and and generates about $90,000 in tax revenue, according to the National Association of Home Builders. "New" home sales have fallen to an all time low. These home builders are struggling to compete against re-sale homes which are also low. Overall, Covington County's real estate market is stable with shown improvement over the past 6 months
Now is definitely the time to buy that dream home, and take advantage of historically super-low interest rates! Think you won't qualify? You may be surprised! Give us a call here at Outlaw Realty. We are here to help!
Ref:: The Andalusia Star-News Vol 105, No.241. Pgs. 1 and 5
Posted at 01:30PM Dec 09, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in Real Estate | Comments[0]
A Brief History of Andalusia & Covington County (Part 3)
A flood and subsequent illnesses in 1841 forced settlers to move out of the lowlands around Montezuma to higher ground. This high point on the ridge was called the "New Site" until it established a post office and became Andalusia.
Prior to the arrival of the railroad, Covington County's economy was based solely on timber and agriculture. In 1899 the Central of Georgia Railroad and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad established lines to and through Andalusia. This opened the county to new economic opportunites.
....be sure to watch for the conclusion of this 4 part series on Andalusia.
Posted at 10:26AM Aug 11, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
A Brief History of Andalusia & Covington County Part 2
Andrew Jackson made his mark here,literally, after the War of 1812. Legend has it Jackson cut three notches on trees in the wilderness on his travels in order to find his way back through.
Several streets are named for the "Three Notch Trail".
Settlement of the county started in 1816. Immigrants came from Georgia and the Carolinas by oxen cart. They established settlements near Green Bay, Rose Hill, and at Montezuma, located on the Conecuh River. In 1836, the US Government sold land near Heath through the Sparta Land Office.
Posted at 10:14AM Jul 01, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
36th ANNUAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOMINO TOURNAMENT
The World Championship Domino Tournament is set for July 8-9 in Andalusia.
Hundreds of players are expected to compete for the title of world champion .The tournament is held at The Kiwanis Fair Complex and promotes the game of dominoes among people of all age .
Registration by June 30 is $30 for adults,$15 for teens, and $10 for children.
For further information and entry forms, contact Andalusia Rotary Club at PO Box 276, Andalusia,Al. 36420 or call Carolyn Davis at 334-222-5830.Visit the web site www.worlddomino.com
Posted at 12:53PM Jun 27, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ANDALUSIA & COVINGTON COUNTY,ALABAMA (PART1)
Indian mounds,arrowheads and other artifacts indicate that the Creek Indians originally inhabited the Covington County,Alabama area. Early explorers to the area included Ponce de Leon and DeSoto. It's from this Spanish influence that it is believed the name Andalusia comes from.
The combination of the Spanish words Ande, "to walk" and Lutier "easy" make the meaning of Andalusia " to walk easy" or a comfortable and easy place to be.There is also an Andalusia Province in Spain.
Posted at 09:55AM Jun 22, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
Andalusia, AL is Place to be
Andalusia,Al. is the place to be.
Andalusia sits 10 miles south of beautiful Gantt Lake,where the fishing is good, the swimming is great, and the boating is always fun.
Andalusia is located in southern Covington County,located just 90 miles north of the beaches,and just 90 miles south of the State Capital of Montgomery,Al., 90 miles North east of Pensacola,Fl.and 75 miles west of Dothan, Al.
Posted at 09:52AM Jun 14, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
TIPS FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS PART 4
Don't become "House Poor"
Buying the biggest home you can afford may leave no money for maintenance, décor,or enovations.Plus, it may make it hard for you to save money for other financial goals.
Obtain a professional inspection and, if possible, a warranty from the seller to cover any defeat with-in the first year.
Posted at 10:18AM Jun 13, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
Tips For First Time Home Buyers Part 3
Know your move in date
When does your lease end?
Are you allowed to sublet?
How tight is the rental market in your area?
Think long term.
Are you looking for a starter home, or something to stay in for a long time? This could influence the type of home you decide to purchase, as well as the type of mortgage terms that best suit you.
Posted at 10:35AM Jun 10, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
TIPS FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS (PART 2)
GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER.
EXAMINE YOUR CREDIT REPORT AND BE PREPARED FOR DOWN PAYMENTS AND CLOSING COST.
GET PRE-APPROVED FOR A MORTGAGE.
TALK TO LENDERS NOW - BEFORE ENGAGING A REALTOR.
Posted at 09:49AM Jun 08, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
TIPS FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS PARTS 1
1. BE CHOOSY, BUT REALISTIC.
YOU MAY NEVER FIND THAT PERFECT HOME.
2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE LOOKING AT HOMES.
DETERMINE EXACTLY WHAT FEATURES YOU WANT IN A HOME AND WHICH ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU.
Posted at 08:49AM Jun 06, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
NATIONAL OPEN HOUSE
June 04 & 05 is National Open House Day,this is a good time to get out and tour some of the many beautiful homes on display.
You just might find that special home of your dreams. Outlaw Realty will be showcasing 4 Lovely homes in Andalusia.
Call Outlaw and let one of our Agents show you around beautiful Gantt Lake and see some of our many lake front properties.
Posted at 11:36AM Jun 03, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
HOME BUYING TIP # 5
BUYING TIP #5
FAIR PRICE IS BASED ON MANY VARIABLES WHEN PURCHASING A HOME.
AS REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS, WE HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE TO HELP NEGOTIATE THE RIGHT PRICE FOR YOU.
Posted at 12:13PM Jun 01, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
HOME BUYING TIP # 4
FOUR RECOMMENDATIONS TO HELP POSITION YOURSELF FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP:
1. ESTABLISH GOOD CREDIT HABITS AND A FAVORABLE CREDIT HISTORY.
2. START SAVING FOR A DOWN PAYMENT AND CLOSING COST.
3. READ INFORMATION ABOUT OWNING A HOME.
5. RESEARCH WHERE YOU WOULD LIKE TO LIVE.
Posted at 08:56AM May 31, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
HOME BUYING TIP #3
GENERALLY, YOU CAN AFFORD A HOME THAT COST UP TO 2 ½ TIMES YOUR FAMILY'S ANNUAL GROSS INCOME. FOR EXAMPLE, WITH A GROSS INCOME OF $40,000, YOU MAY BE ABLE TO AFFORD A HOME WORTH ABOUT $100,000. ALSO, THE LOWER THE INTEREST RATE, THE MORE HOME YOU CAN AFFORD.
Posted at 09:11AM May 27, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
HOME BUYING TIP #2
PRE-QUALIFY FOR YOUR MORTGAGE BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR HOME SEARCH. PE-QUALIFIED BUYERS KNOW WHAT THEY CAN AFFORD AND ARE MORE APPEALING TO SELLERS. CALL US TO HELP YOU WITH THE PRE-QUALIFICATION PROCESS.
Posted at 09:56AM May 26, 2011 by MaryAlyce Outlaw in General | Comments[0]
