Tom Luxsox Coins

Alabama Quarter

Imagine if you had the foresight 7 years ago to invest heavily in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Miami and Honolulu, and to get out 2 years ago. Each of those markets appreciated over 100% in a 5 year period. Many savvy investors made enough money in those markets in just 5 years that they never have to work again. Now, instead of waking up with that 7 am alarm clock, many of them softly awaken by the warm breeze off the ocean blowing through their open window.

Mobile, Alabama (pronounced 'moe beel') is a city located in southwest Alabama at the mouth of the Mobile River. Spanning about 38 miles on the north shore of Mobile Bay, it was the city held by the French, British, and Spanish until it was seized by U.S. forces in 1813.

Today, Mobile, Alabama is one of the country's hottest growth markets. Any real estate investor looking for a market with a solid economic foundation and strong appreciation potential will find it here.

According to a new research forecast by Moody's Economy.com, Mobile County will have the fastest growing economy over the next five years among all 363 American metropolitan areas, growing over 34% from 2007 through 2012.

Three major contributors to this massive growth are the $3.7 billion ThyssenKrupp AG steel mill, Austal USA's continued growth in shipbuilding, and the recently announced Northrop Grumman/EADS airplane assembly plants. Additionally, the State's docks are undergoing the largest expansion in its history by expanding its container processing and storage facility and increasing container storage at the docks by over 1,000%.

Alabama currently ranks 2nd in the nation behind Detroit in automobile output, but with recent expansions the state will surpass Detroit in early 2009 and become the largest builder of automobiles in North America.

Don Epley, a business professor from the University of South Alabama, who projects local economic growth as part of his focus on real estate markets, has projected that Mobile County will grow between 5.5% and 6% in 2008. He cautions that it's difficult to see too far into the future with external factors like energy prices dragging down local economies. However, he said that sustained growth of 6% a year is possible with the industrial expansions in the area.

HOUSING MARKET

The residential real estate market is booming. In 2007, Mobile was ranked by CNN.com as the "Seventh Fastest-Growing Housing Marketing in the Country." Homes in the Mobile Bay area have appreciated between 5% and 8% annually over the last 5 years.

Mobile appreciated at an average of 6.6% over the past three years, except for the period after Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 when the appreciation rate hit 18% to 20%, according to Don Epley.

In the first quarter of 2008 Mobile had a 1.63% increase in home values. House prices are up over 6.7% over the last year, making the city one of the nation's top 10 metropolitan areas in terms of price appreciation according to the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO).

As of April 2008 the housing inventory in Mobile was 8.5 months worth of homes -- a healthy supply for a growing market. The housing inventory represents the number of months it would take to deplete the homes for sale given the current sales activity. Additionally, the average days-on-market (DOM) for existing homes sales in April was 82 days, a 17% increase over the same month last year.

As a point of interest, foreclosure filings across Alabama fell nearly 20% in March over the previous year, bucking the national trend and suggesting more borrowers are paying their mortgages on time.

EMPLOYMENT

Employment is a critical factor to the short and long term stability and growth of any real estate market. According to Business 2.0 and CNN's Money Magazine, "Mobile is emerging as the South's next boomtown and a magnet for megaprojects".

Mobile's total non-farm employment has increased steadily over the last three years. 2005 recorded a 3.2% increase followed by another 2.2% and 2.0% increase each year thereafter. Job growth in 2008 is expected to reach 2.57% with an additional 27% growth predicted over the next ten years. Nationally, job growth is expected to reach 1.4% this year and 11.9% over the next decade.

The total labor force increased steadily from 176,275 in 2004 to 184,696 in 2007 -- an increase of 8,421 workers (or 4.6%). This trend appears to have the momentum to continue for several more years -- a good economic signal when looking for a market to invest in.

Tourism is set to skyrocket with a $600 million NASCAR race track and entertainment complex (www.AlabamaMotorSportsPark.com) breaking ground this year. The "Dale Earnhardt Jr. Speedway" will be fully operational by 2010 and will also increase employment and spin-off jobs.

Mobile's unemployment rate as of April 2008 was a mere 3.5%, similar to its 2007 unemployment rate of 3.58% and 3.64% in 2006. Alabama tied Kansas for the 17th lowest unemployment rate in the nation. Nationally, the average unemployment rate was 4.8% as of April 2008.

SUMMARY

Unlike the stock market, local real estate markets usually move in slow, predictable cycles. Appreciation is not luck or magic, it correlates closely with economic development and population growth in a local area.

So, if you missed out on Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Miami (or if you rode those waves and know what it's all about), you have another opportunity to invest in Mobile, Alabama, ranked by Moody's and Forbes as the #1 market in the country for economic growth between 2008-2012.

(See an example of an investment opportunity in Mobile, Alabama on the Norada Real Estate Investments website )

Marco Santarelli is an investor, author, and president of Norada Real Estate Investments - a national real estate investment company offering investors well-researched investment opportunities in emerging US markets.

Visit http://www.NoradaRealEstate.com for our FREE report: "10 Best Real Estate Markets".

Alabama Crimson Tide Cardinal Frost Quarter-Zip Fleece Jacket $58.99 Alabama Crimson Tide Cardinal Frost Quarter-Zip Fleece Jacket Size Medium

No Quarter $7.49 No Quarter

Alabama $7.99 Alabama - Photo

Birmingham, Alabama $87.62 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Birmingham is the largest city in the state of Alabama in the United States. It is the county seat of Jefferson County and includes part of Shelby County. According to a 2007 estimate, the city had a population of 229,800. The BirminghamHoover Metropolitan Area, as of the 2008 census estimates, has a population of 1,198,932. It is also the largest city in the BirminghamHooverCullman Combined Statistical Area, colloquially known as Greater Birmingham, which contains roughly one quarter of the population of Alabama.Birmingham was founded in 1871, just after the American Civil War, as an industrial enterprise. It was named after Birmingham, one of the UKs major industrial cities. Through the middle of the 20th century, Birmingham was the primary industrial center of the Southern United States. The astonishing pace of Birminghams growth through the turn of the century earned it the nicknames The Magic City and The Pittsburgh of the South. Much like Pittsburgh in the north, Birminghams major industries were iron and steel production. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 140 Publication Date: 2010/06/24 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.32 inches

Alabama Crimson Tide Perfect Season $58.5 Rated: NASynopsis: This unique set contains every regular season game of the championship season that included Alabama's 1st Heisman Trophy winner, 6 All Americans, 13th National Championship and Butkus Award winner Rolando McClain. Also included in this historic set is the SEC Championship Game vs. Florida Gators. All games are presented in full screen digital video and without commercial interruption. The main menu allows you to jump from quarter to quarter. You can replay your favorite plays and touchdowns that led the Alabama Crimson Tide to their National Title. Own every second of the Alabama Crimson Tide perfect season today! 13 Discs

ALABAMA - ALABAMA CHRISTMAS (CD) $5.88 Artist: ALABAMA

Old Alabama $10 Old Alabama - Alabama Daisies

Alabama Two Tone Plain Edge Statehood Quarter with 18 Rope Necklace $66.62 This coin is in new brilliant, uncirculated mint condition and is first layered in pure bright silver. Then, by hand, the figure is highlighted and brought to life with rich, pure 24K gold. This breathtaking work, done exclusively by J & J Jewelers, turns the obverse of each gleaming commemorative coin into a stunning and true work of art. Each coin is hermetically sealed against wear in clear, hard acrylic coating. The coin comes with an 18" chain and in a jewelry box. You have your choice of a beautiful sterling silver or a gold filled (as shown) rope type bezel frame around the coin. Please Note: The gold and silver is much brighter and distinct than what the photograph shows.

Alabama Two Tone Rope Bezel Statehood Quarter with 18 Rope Necklace $104.71 This coin is in new brilliant, uncirculated mint condition and is first layered in pure bright silver. Then, by hand, the figure is highlighted and brought to life with rich, pure 24K gold. This breathtaking work, done exclusively by J & J Jewelers, turns the obverse of each gleaming commemorative coin into a stunning and true work of art. Each coin is hermetically sealed against wear in clear, hard acrylic coating. The coin comes with an 18" chain and in a jewelry box. You have your choice of a beautiful sterling silver or a gold filled (as shown) rope type bezel frame around the coin. Please Note: The gold and silver is much brighter and distinct than what the photograph shows.

Alabama Crimson Tide Perfect Season With Championship Game $69.62 Rated: NASynopsis: This set contains every regular season game of the championship season that included Alabama's 1st Heisman Trophy winner, 6 All Americans, 13th National Championship and Butkus Award winner Rolando McClain. Also included in this historic set are the SEC Championship Game vs. Florida Gators and the National Championship Game vs. Texas. All games are presented in full screen digital video and without commercial interruption. The main menu allows you to jump from quarter to quarter. You can replay your favorite plays and touchdowns that led the Alabama Crimson Tide to their National Title. Own every second of the Alabama Crimson Tide perfect season and the 2010 National Championship game today! 14 Discs

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Quarter $87.62 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Quarter is one fourth,, or 25. Quarter may also refer to: Quarter (academic), a division of an academic year lasting from 8 to 12 weeks Quarter (United States coin), valued at onefourth of a U.S. dollar Quarter (Canadian coin), valued at onefourth of a Canadian dollar Quarter day, in British and Irish tradition, one of four dates in each year on which rents, etc. were due Quartering (heraldry), joining several coats of arms on one shield partitioned in four Quarters, a drinking game Academic quarter, term used by universities in various European countries for the 15 minutes between the defined start time for a lecture and the actual time it will start Fiscal quarter, three months of a fiscal year An imperial measure of weight, equal to 28 pounds. (See hundredweight) Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 132 Publication Date: 2010/06/12 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.30 inches

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Alabama - Panoramic Map - Alabama $19.99 Alabama - Panoramic Map - Alabama - Premium Poster

Alabama SEC Classics 3-DVD Set $49.99 This 3-DVD set includes these classic SEC match-ups: vs. Florida / December 5, 1992 - Alabama and Florida faced off in Birmingham for the SEC Championship. As the Gators faced 1st-and-10 at their own 21, Crimson Tide cornerback Antonio Langham returned an interception 27 yards for the game-winning score. The play, which came with just 3:16 remaining, earned Langham Most Valuable Player honors. Alabama won the SEC Championship game, 28-21. vs. Georgia / October 1, 1994 - Senior QB Eric Zeier led the Georgia Bulldogs into Bryant-Denny Stadium with a 3-1 record, looking to upset the No. 10 ranked Crimson Tide. At halftime, the Dawgs had a 21-10 lead. Nearing the fourth quarter, Zeier directed the potent Bulldog offense to a 28-19 lead, passing for 263 yards and scoring four touchdowns. However, there was another hero waiting in the wings to take over by the name of Jay Barker. The senior Bama QB passed for 396 yards on his way to leading Bama to a 29-28 victory. vs. Arkansas / September 15, 2007 - Arkansas was ranked No. 16 at the time of this clash. Alabama was trying to rebuild a historic program. This was a crucial game early in the season for both programs. After building a 21-point lead, the Crimson Tide ended up being in a battle until the end. John Parker Wilson passed to Matt Caddell for the game winning touchdown with less than 10 seconds remaining to seal the come-from-behind 41-38 victory. Run Time - 7:09:17

Alabama 2009 Perfect Season DVD Set (w/ BCS Champions DVD) $119.99 This set contains every regular season game of the championship season that included Alabama's 1st Heisman Trophy winner, 6 All Americans, 13th National Championship and Butkus Award winner Rolando McClain. Also included in this historic set are the SEC Championship Game vs. Florida Gators and the National Championship Game vs. Texas. All games are presented in full screen digital video and without commercial interruption. The main menu allows you to jump from quarter to quarter. You can replay your favorite plays and touchdowns that led the Alabama Crimson Tide to their National Title.

Alabama Crimson Tide Charcoal Collegiate Crush 1/4 Zip Fleece Sweatshirt $32.99 For comfort- style and team spirit all rolled into one- try this Alabama Crimson Tide Charcoal Collegiate Crush 1/4 Zip Fleece Sweatshirt on for size! Made by Old Varsity Brand- this cozy Alabama Crimson Tide sweatshirt features a front pouch pocket and an appliqué wordmark. This Crimson Tide sweatshirt will make a perfect addition to your closet. Quarter Zip Fleece Sweatshirts Front kangaroo pocket Appliqué team graphics Rib knit cuffs and waist 80% Cotton and 20% Polyester Officially licensed

Alabama SEC Classics 3 DVD Set $50 This 3 DVD set includes these classic SEC match-ups: Alabama vs. Florida- December 5- 1992 Alabama and Florida faced off in Birmingham for the SEC Championship. As the Gators faced 1st-and-10 at their own 21- Crimson Tide cornerback Antonio Langham returned an interception 27 yards for the game-winning score. The play- which came with just 3:16 remaining- earned Langham Most Valuable Player honors. Alabama won the SEC Championship game- 28-21. Alabama vs. Georgia October 1- 1994- Senior QB Eric Zeier led the Georgia Bulldogs into Bryant-Denny Stadium with a 3-1 record- looking to upset the No. 10 ranked Crimson Tide. At halftime- the Dawgs had a 21-10 lead. Nearing the fourth quarter- Zeier directed the potent Bulldog offense to a 28-19 lead- passing for 263 yards and scoring four touchdowns. However- there was another hero waiting in the wings to take over by the name of Jay Barker. The senior Bama QB passed for 396 yards on his way to leading Bama to a 29-28 victory. Alabama vs. Arkansas September 15- 2007- Arkansas was ranked No.16 at the time of this clash. Alabama was trying to rebuild a historic program. This was a crucial game early in the season for both programs. After building a 21-point lead- the Crimson Tide ended up being in a battle until the end. John Parker Wilson passed to Matt Caddell for the game winning touchdown with less than 10 seconds remaining to seal the come-from-behind 41-38 victory. Run Time 7:09:17. Officially licensed

University of Alabama $89.99 University of Alabama - Wall Tapestry

Crazy in Alabama $224.99 Crazy in Alabama - Framed Poster