The West Team

"Where Real Estate and Caring Converge"
Welcome to The West Team Sign in | Help

Mary Jo & Seymour West

  • Heading down the home stretch for tax credit !!

    I'm back...I don't know if anyone is reading these little "posts" of mine or not but sometimes I just feel the need to reach out a little...we're heading down the homestretch of the government alowed time for the $8000 tax credit for first time homebuyers...unless I've been misinformed 100 times you have to be closed by November 30th to qualify...lots and lots of people have taken adavntage of this credit...I read the other day where a legislator from Georgia is proposing a $15,000 credit to anyone on any house regardless of your income...that would be HUGE !!

    If you're reading this I hope you're OK...big weekend for me last weekend...my youngest daughter(who is also expecting her first child by the way)made her acting debut as Sister Margaretta in The Sound of Music...she was by far the best actor on the stage...no, I am not just saying that 'cause she's mine..well, maybe I am but she was terrific...both my daughters are expecting as is my step son's wife !!!!

    Maybe one day I'll get a reaction from someone and you'll write me back..until then like Amy Adams said.." I know you're out there so I'll just keep on writing".

    Later... 

     

     

  • Been a while

    It's been a while since I took the time to write...usual excuses...busy with work, etc..the real truth is there wasn't much to share...just surviving Real Estate.

     

    Learned somethng important this week...FHA is basically getting out of the condo financing business and doing it fast. As far as I know this hasn't received much attention even the major property management companies in Bham were/are unaware this was happeing. By the end of September it will be too late for your unit to receive a "spot" approval and after that if the property you're selling or wanting to buy hasn't been pre-approved by FHA it's too late.

    Gonna be alot of folks unhappy when this gets out...FHA is where the vast majority of the condo buyers under $275,000 turn for financing.

    Activity seems to have improved over the past few weeks...I'm not sure if it's a trend or we're just fortunate to have some properties people are considering...either way there definitely seems to be a better overall attitude about RE than there was in the fall of 08'.

    Unitl next time...what's on your mind ?

    Seymour 

     

     

     

  • August 15th Saturday morning

    What a week !

    Foreclosures and Short Sales seem to be getting harder to conclude with every month that goes by...there are sooo many "layers" of people between the Investor/Bank/Asset Manager person and the consumer...that's the damn problem !

    When we have a prospect who wants to make an offer on a foreclosed property we do our best to let them know they MUST have patience and plenty of time to work through the process...we begin by chasing down a Listing Realtor who for the most part doesn't want to do anything other than get paid...I have never seen the degree of poor communication as we have here in Birmingham with alot of our foreclosure agency Realtors...we're dealing with one right now that doesn't have a cell phone..!!..we have to "page" her...I want to say "hey, about joining the family of man and get a damn cell phone at least"...anyway, by the time you realize he or she is a total waste you end up going to their agency where you find people who are either over worked, stupid or both...you try to work your deal with them..getting utilitites turned on for inspections, etc....it just goes on and on..meanwhile, the buyer is beginning to understand this ain't no pretty picture !

    If the folks at the agency would do what they say they'll do you could get through this w/o hating each other...most of the time it doesn't work that way...communication between humans is difficult even when things are going well.

    Anyway, sorry, I just needed to vent this morning...MJ does BPO's all the time for Clear Capital but never seems to get any listings...can you say being used...and for a whopping $50 !

     

    Later...Seymour 

     

     

     

  • Monday ramblings a/b Real Estate

    Monday morning...where in the world does the weekend go ?

    When you work seven days a week you wonder sometimes...

    Heard this morning that the Fed may raise interest rates by the end of 2009 or early 2010..they say they're worried about inflation coming back...I'm old enough to remember the Jimmy Carter years...18-20% interest...I kid you not...I remember moving to Gadsden, Alabama in 1981 and prime was around 18%...!!!

    IMHO...best two ways to hedge your bets moving forward...whole life insurance and Real Estate...this gives you slow, solid steady growth in the life side and covers your exposure if something happens to you..then rental/investment property for that more speculative side..they can't make any more land...etc...

    Thoughts ?

    Have a great Monday....Seymour 

     

     

     

  • What's going on with Real Estate ? (and other life issues)

    Blogging about Real Estate is something I never in a million years thought I would ever do...how boring would that be. However, with every day that goes by I realize if I'm confused about this market then how confused must the regular consumer be ? It must at best appear to be very intimidating.

    We absolutely work seven days a week...this industry is maddening but exciting at the same time. Just when we think we've got a handle on where we're headed something changes.

    As a husband/wife team we face the challenges of working together as life partners AND as business partners...lots of patience here..especially on MJ's part. Most of the time I think I know all the answers only to find out I was wrong and she was right ! I just move on to the next decision.

    I'm open to topics to discuss here..if anyone wants to share..otherwise I'll just write and ramble but hopefully not bore.

    Seymour

  • Open House in Birmingham/Southside on Saturday

    August 2009
    SuMoTuWeThFrSa
    2627282930311
    2345678
    9101112131415
    16171819202122
    23242526272829
    303112345

    Birmingham/Southside, Birmingham  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 302-2025 1st Avenue N on August 8 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

    Property information

  • Open House in Birmingham/Southside on Saturday

    August 2009
    SuMoTuWeThFrSa
    2627282930311
    2345678
    9101112131415
    16171819202122
    23242526272829
    303112345

    Birmingham/Southside, Birmingham  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 301-2025 1st Avenue N on August 8 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

    Property information

  • Open House in Birmingham/Southside on Sunday

    August 2009
    SuMoTuWeThFrSa
    2627282930311
    2345678
    9101112131415
    16171819202122
    23242526272829
    303112345

    Birmingham/Southside, Birmingham  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 202-2025 1st Avenue N on August 9 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

    Property information

  • 2 Story For Sale in River Oaks

    Another exterior view
    Buy in time for the $8,000 tax credit!

    • 1,452 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story "Townhome" - MLS® $154,900

     -  Move-in ready, this townhome is well-kept and well-located between the amenities of Hwy 31 and Hwy 280. River Oaks is a small friendly immaculate townhome neighborhood and this one has a rear load basement garage. It also has a charming screened porch and incorporates ample storage with double closets in the master, separate pantry, walk-in closet in the second bedroom, 2 storage closets and extra floor space in basement. Both bedrooms have a full bath and master has a separate shower. Adorable and affordable. These townhomes are in unincorporated Jefferson County with low taxes and car tag fees but surrounded by Hoover and Vestavia.

    Property information

  • Commercial For Sale in Birmingham/Southside

    2024 Morris Avenue

    • 8,200 sq. ft., 2 bath commercial "Two-Story Brick Building" - MLS® $525,000 - Office/Retail/Lofts!

     -  Approximately 8200 square feet total in this 2-story building in the heart of downtown Birmingham's Historical District. Perfect for so many uses; office/retail, loft, all you need is your imagination! Two working bathrooms, two HVAC units, new 4-phase electrical system. Ready for occupancy now. Unique cobblestone street gives this location that Old World charm!

    Property information

  • 3 Story For Sale in Birmingham/Southside

    Skyline Lofts

    • 1,925 sq. ft. 3 story "3rd Floor Unit" - MLS® $169,000 - Unfinished Loft Space!

     -  Use your imagination! Approx. 1925 square feet of unfinished space with the capability of more square footage if a second level is added. Located in the beautifully redone Skyline Loft building. Spectacular opportunity to start with a blank canvas and create living space using original building materials. Exposed brick walls, floor to ceiling arched windows, city views and so much more! This is raw space with the potential to become exactly what the buyer is looking for! This building has 7 completed loft units, all redone in a unique and individual style. This is the only unit left unfinished!

    Property information

  • 1 1/2 Story For Sale in Highland Lakes

    Welcome home to Highland Lakes!
    Recorded info 800-556-1686 ext 702

    • 4 bath, 4 bdrm 1 1/2 story "Traditional" - MLS® $319,000 - Unbelievable Price!

     -  Beautiful all brick home situated on quiet cul-de-sac in Highland Lakes! Walk into a two story foyer and great room with fireplace, separate formal dining room, formal living room or office. Gourmet kitchen and large eat-in area with wall to wall windows overlooking private backyard. Huge master bedroom on main level with his 'n her walk in closets. Master bath with whirlpool garden tub, separate shower and double vanity sink. Open staircase to 3 additional bedrooms upstairs, two with large jack 'n jill bath and one ensuite. One of the upper bedrooms has a seperate playroom/cedar-lined storage area. The upper guest room/bonus room is stubbed for a wet bar. Stunning rock garden with water feature in private backyard with outdoor patio. Very private, low maintenance backyard. The perfect home in Highland Lakes!

    Property information

  • 4317 Dolly Ridge Lane in Dolly Ridge Drive is Sold!

    Sold

    Dolly Ridge Drive, Cahaba Heights  -  The single story at 4317 Dolly Ridge Lane has been sold.

    Property information

  • Apartment For Sale in Birmingham/Southside

    Boutique loft living!
    Recorded info 800-556-1686 ext 101

    • 2 bath, 2 bdrm apartment - MLS® $230,000 - Upscale Loft Living!

     -  Loft living at it's best in the heart of downtown Birmingham! New York style quality and design with distinct designer finishes. Open and airy; this unit boasts a gourmet kitchen with poured concrete countertops, baker's racks, Jenn-Air premier stainless steel appliances and slate and granite center island. Suspended steel and cable staircase to master suite with beautiful hardwood floors and walk-in closet. Luxurious master bath with slate walk-in shower and one of a kind vanity and sink. Fabulous walled outdoor deck; perfect for your secret garden. Each unit includes a locked storage unit. Stack washer/dryer included. Low association fees make these condominiums the ideal choice for city living!

    Property information

  • Apartment For Sale in Birmingham/Southside

    Boutique Style Loft Living!
    Recorded info 800-556-1686 ext 101

    • 2 bath, 2 bdrm apartment - MLS® $250,000 - Upscale Loft Living!

     -  Loft living at it's best in the heart of downtown Birmingham! New York style quality and design with distinct designer finishes. Open and airy; this unit boasts a large gourmet kitchen with poured concrete countertops, Jenn-Air premier stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry and slate center island. Soaring floor to ceiling windows in living area lend your eye a fabulous city view! Suspended steel and cable staircase to master suite with beautiful hardwood floors and walk-in closet. Luxurious master bath with slate walk-in shower and one of a kind vanity and sink. Contemporary fixtures and beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Each unit includes a locked storage unit. Stack washer/dryer included. Low monthly association fees make these condominiums the ideal choice for city living!

    Property information

More Posts Next page »