The L.A.

Properties Team
Of Orange Beach
September 2012

Our real estate friends and family affected by Hurricane Isaac continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. If we can help in any way, know we are a phone call2012 August away. Only 91 days of hurricane season left counting down!

Its hard to argue against buying a house now, assuming you can get a loan, writes John Waggoner, a columnist with USA Today. Sure, Waggoner says that getting a credit check for approval of a mortgage can be a only slightly less intrusive than a CIA background check, but for those who are able to qualify, a lot of analysts say that now can be a good time to purchase a home. 1. The price is right. The median single-family home price hit its lowest in more than a decade when it reached $154,600 in January, according to the National Association of REALTORS. That was the lowest since October 2001. During the height of the housing market in July 2006, the median home price for a single-family home was $230,900. 2. Its cheaper to buy than rent. In nearly every major metro market,

FOUR STRONG REASONS TO BUY A HOME NOW

it is cheaper to buy a home than rent. Rents have been on the rise the last few years and are predicted to continue to rise. Meanwhile, home affordability is at record highs, which means that buying a home is more within reach to the median income family. 3. Inventories of for-sale homes are shrinking. Ned Davis Research estimates that excess inventories of homes to be eliminated by the end of next year. When excess supply dries up, people start building more new houses, which has the virtuous effect of reducing the unemployment rate and increasing the economy generally, according to the USA Today article. 4. Mortgage rates are at record lows. Mortgage rates have hovered near record lows for weeks, which has helped pushing housing affordability higher. For example, the average

30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which is the most popular among home buyers, is 3.59 percent, according to Freddie Macjust above its record low set on July 26 of 3.49 percent average. Its conceivable that at some point in the next 30 years, your interest rate would be less than the rate of inflation, writes Waggoner for USA Today. Source: If You Can Pull it Off, a House is a Smart Investment, USA Today (Aug. 9, 2012)

Ingredients

CHICKEN WITH BLACK BEANS & ORANGES

Directions
Prepare rice according to package directions. Heat oil in skillet on medium/high heat; add chicken and cook 3 min. on each side or until browned. Remove chicken, reserve drippings in skillet. Saut onion and garlic in hot drippings 3-4 min. or until tender. Add orange and lime juice, and cook 2 min., stirring to loosen particles from bottom of skillet. Stir in beans and broth; add chicken and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 min. or until chicken is done. Remove chicken breasts and slice. Serve bean mixture over rice; top with chicken slices, orange sections and a sprinkling of cilantro.

favorite ne of my es... full of O recip chicken fat! Enjoy! ot flavor, n

1 (10 oz) pkg yellow rice mix 1 tsp oil 4 skinned and boned chicken breast halves 1 medium onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/3 cup orange juice 3 tablespoons lime juice 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup chicken broth 2 oranges, sectioned 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Events in Lower Alabama

September
15 ........... 25th Annual Coastal Cleanup

COASTAL CALENDAR

October
5-7 .......... 18th Annual Bayfest Music Festival 6 ............. 3rd Annual Slow Poker Run 11-14...... 41st Annual National Shrimp Festival

FEATURED PROPERTY
4797 Pine Court, Orange Beach 2,550 Sq. Ft. 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms On Quiet Cul-de-sac Oversized Garage Split Floor Plan MLS# 184807 Beautiful, well maintained house on a quiet cul-de-sac in Ono North. Split bedroom plan.. Master Suite has large bathroom and 2 walk in closets. Living Room / Dining Room combo gives great space for entertaining. Great screened porch with sink and cabinets offer additional living area. Large laundry room and oversized garage mean lots of storage space. Ono Island boat launch nearby.

November 8- 18....... 27th Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival

3rd Annual Slow Poker Run

Join us on Saturday, October 6, for the 3rd Annual RE/MAX of Orange Beach Slow Poker Run benefiting Childrens Miracle Network. Last year, RE/MAX of Orange Beach raised almost $10,000 for CMN. Help us exceed that this year by participating in this fun and worthwhile event! Contact Norma or Paul for information on getting your boat registered!

We are never too busy for your referrals

Norma Hoots 251.942.7004 NormaHoots.com NormaHoots@gmail.com

of Orange Beach

Paul Hopper 251.508.8642 PaulKHopper.com PaulKHopper@gmail.com