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Huntsville AL Real Estate Values Up 5.8%

Article by Adam J Morien

According to the Huntsville Times, median home values are up 5.8% to 5,000 in Huntsville Alabama real estate. The Huntsville Area Association of Realtors said that 454 homes were sold in August, which is 15.8% down from July and 17.9% down from 2007. While housing sales are slowing a little, the prices are rising.

“Any time you see that opposite movement, that means it’s a desirable place to live and buy a house, despite the economic conditions,” explains HAAR director Oscar Gonzales.

Even though nationwide sales have dropped 13% and median sale prices have dropped over 7%, Huntsville AL real estate seems to be a little sluggish compare to the dynamic 2006-2007 year (which was the third-highest of all time); but the homes are certainly retaining their values. According to local real estate expert John Allen, house prices are selling at 98% of their list price, with most homes selling in the 0′s. Over all, Madison County homes saw a 28% increase in home values from 2007-2008, which is a much better return than the stock market! He added that a lot of the house-flippers and speculators appear to have dropped out of the market, leaving fair and affordable prices. Additionally, 30-year fixed interest rate mortgages are at a 40-year low for those who have the credit to qualify.

Increased employment opportunities, resulting in 16,000 new high-tech jobs, has fueled a lot of the steady Huntsville Alabama real estate growth. Since 2000, the population has increased by 44,000 people and is expected to grow another 2% each year. The city has attracted much attention in recent years, receiving prestigious distinctions such as: Milken Institute’s “Fifth-Best Performing City,” one of the Wall Street Journal’s “Top Ten Metros for Business Vitality,” one of the “Forbes Leading Cities for Business,” one of MSN/Sperling’s “Top Ten Cities for Job Growth and Affordability” and Coldwell Banker’s “Most Affordable Residential Real Estate Market.”

“I think that we have a very healthy economy in Huntsville,” said Huntsville AL real estate broker Tommy Adams. “A year or two ago, they had looser guidelines and people were buying homes who should not have been. Incomes here are good, and there’s a lot of selection. It is harder to get someone to qualify, but people with high credit scores are getting good interest rates.”

“The local numbers show that we are still in a growth market,” said John Allen, president of the Madison County Builders Association. “When you put this year’s numbers next to last year’s, it’s important to remember that last year gave us record numbers. Our market remains healthy.”

About the Author

Huntsville Alabama real estate values have risen steadily over the years as the job market continues to thrive. Even though the nation has struggled, the market never really built up an over-priced “bubble” so there wasn’t far to fall.

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Punta Gorda’s Gilchrist Park Enhances Local Real Estate Values

Article by Ken Poirier…Paradise in Punta Gorda

Gilchrist Park located on the south side of downtown Punta Gorda, is one of three premier parks that enhance the quality of living in this beautiful city. The park takes its name from Albert Gilchrist, Punta Gorda’s favorite citizen who made significant contributions to the city over the course of his life.

Gilchrist made his name in real estate and land surveying but he also became active in politics. Finding success, he graduated from local to regional politics, culminating with being elected Florida’s governor from 1908 to 1913. The most endearing part of his legacy was a gift to the children of Punta Gorda, the Mason every Halloween provide ice cream to the “trick or treaters” at the park; the perpetual funding is provided by provision from Mr. Gilchrist will.

The park is flanked by Charlotte Harbor on one side and beautiful historic Victorian homes on the other. Within easy walking distance of downtown or in the other direction, you’re at Punta Gorda’s number one tourist attraction, Fishermen’s Village, with its variety of shops and restaurants.

The Gilchrist Park has an array of amenities ranging from children’s playground, harbor pier, tennis courts, picnic area and gazebo. Always bustling with activity the park has a tradition of hosting a number of fun and interesting events throughout the year.

Dating back over twenty five years, the park plays host every Thursday night to, “Open Mike Thursday”. You will find musician from around the world, congregating to share their love of music, taking turns playing on the gazebo, often culminating with a jam session.

It is only fitting, annually, Punta Gorda hosts its own “National Hibiscus Festival” held at the park. Famous for these beautiful flowers, what makes this event so special is Punta Gorda is also known as the “City of Hibiscus”.

Gilchrist Park plays host too many other events during the year, including “Car Shows” and “Craft Fairs”. Charlotte Harbor, gleaming in the background makes this just the perfect venue for any event.

Punta Gorda’s rich history coupled with a tradition of investing in the community, translates into enhanced real estate values and long term stability. When you’re looking for that perfect piece of Florida real estate, consider the location and how it can enrich your life. When measuring real estate value coupled with quality of life Punta Gorda cannot be beat.

Visit my website to learn more about the incredible real estate values available in our area, or to view Punta Gorda property for sale.

About the Author

Ken Poirier is a local Punta Gorda, Fl Realtor and resident specializing in the waterfront communities of Punta Gorda. For Punta Gorda Real Estate information, contact me directly at (941) 661-9773 or visit http://www.paradiseinpuntagorda.com

www.jamessmithseries.com James Smith and his team show you the top 3 ways to value real estate. Comparable Market Analysis, Income Approach and Replacement Cost Approach are all discussed. This video is for real estate investors or potential real estate investors looking to buy or sell real estate.
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Hot Commercial Real Estate Moving out of the CBD

Article by Tim Green Commercial

The Sydney commercial property sector is looking to re-establish its prominence after being defeated by Melbourne this past year. Reports show that in 2009, Melbourne consistently showed lower vacancy rates while commercial sales were almost double those of Sydney’s, approaching the billion mark.

However, Sydney is looking to regain the industry title with a new industrial estate going up in Greystanes and one being discussed for Marsden Park that could support some 10,000 jobs in Western Sydney. Newly appointed NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally, says that both projects are in line with the plans to create jobs closer to where people live in Western Sydney.The question becomes, are businesses following suit and moving their operations out into the City Fringe and CBD surrounds? Demand for city fringe properties in areas such as Chatswood and North Ryde has risen with the opening of the Chatswood-Epping line. Meanwhile, the financial crisis has seen more businesses consolidating their operations to central headquarters, often abandoning a CBD presence and moving to corporate premises located in the City Fringe.

Trending Suburbs in Commercial Real Estate:

According to the Property Council of Australia, North Ryde was one of a handful of Australian office markets to post positive demand for office space over the six months to July 2009. However, vacancy rates still increased to 12.3 per cent in the fast-growing commercial centre, according to the Property Council of Australia’s latest Australian Office Market Report. Parramatta CBD has had the biggest growth in demand for office space in the country, with vacancy rates under 10 per cent for the first time in July 2009. Meanwhile, areas in the North Shore, including North Sydney, Crows Nest and St Leonards have added new office space of over 22,000 sqm. Unfortunately, this has resulted in the area’s highest vacancy rates to date, reaching 11.8 per cent in July 2009.

For businesses, higher vacancy rates and rock bottom commercial property prices mean it could be time to consider acquiring new office premises. As the market looks poised to recover in 2010, office space in Sydney City Fringe and other non CBD areas could prove to be worthy investments in the new year.

About the Author

Tim Green Commercial is a boutique Commercial Real Estate Agency in the Sydney CBD with listings for offices, retail shops and cafes, and investment properties for sale and lease. Visit their website for more information.

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