Financial Report

Shoals housing still most affordable

The housing market in the Shoals remains the most affordable in the state, based on the third quarter Alabama Affordability Index.

The index is calculated by the University of Alabama's Center for Real Estate and posted as acre.cba.ua.edu/affordabilityindex.php.

The statewide housing affordability index is based on the ratio of the state's median family income to the income needed to buy and finance the state's median priced home. The local figures are based on the area's median family income and median priced home.

An index of 100 means that a family earning the state's or area's median income has just enough buying power to qualify for a loan on the median priced, single-family home. The higher the index, the more affordable the housing.

The state housing affordability average for the third quarter of the year is 154.4, a drop of 7.7 from the second quarter. The rate is still far above the national average of 127.1. The affordability index for the Shoals is 189.3, which is down slightly from the second quarter results.

The annual median family income in the Shoals is listed at $52,300 and the median priced home was $115,133. A family would need an annual income of $27,625 to qualify for a loan on a house selling for $115,133. Baldwin County had the state's lowest affordability average at 108.9.

Thrifty approach brings more gardens

As American families tighten their purse strings in unstable economic conditions, many folks are turning to cost-saving measures, including following a new trend called "Grow It Yourself."

Statistics show that more than one in four of all U.S. households grow vegetable plants, one of the fastest-growing pastimes, and one that is becoming more of a necessity rather than a hobby.

"This 'Grow It Yourself' trend is something similar to what you found 50 years ago when families grew vegetables in their own backyards as a way to reduce household expenses," says Bob Bartels, of Alabama-based b2 ideas, a public relations consultant who has worked with companies such as Bonnie Plant Farm, The Quikrete Companies and The Home Depot.

"Consumers are being thrifty with their dollars, but there are several other benefits to growing your own herbs and vegetables. Gardening is a great family activity, it helps to reduce stress, it helps to maintain healthy eating habits and it can be accomplished in small spaces," Bartels added.

Container vegetable gardening is a $1.3 billion industry, and Bartels expects more brands to enter the category, with an emphasis on green products, gardening start-up kits and high-yield vegetable plants.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA

Class shows how to sell on eBay

Registration is under way for computer courses in eBay, which are being offered by Continuing Studies and Outreach at the University of North Alabama.

The first related class - Learn How to Sell on eBay the Right Way - will be Dec. 2.

Diane Kutz, who will lead the four-hour course, has been buying and selling on eBay since 1999. She became an eBay trained education specialist in 2007 so she could train others how to buy and sell on eBay, too. She uses the same materials and techniques used at eBay University. The training will teach you how to use the eBay platform to sell; post listings, descriptions and photos; set pricing, including starting price; accept online payments with PayPal; and be a successful seller on eBay.

The class will be conducted 1-5 p.m. Dec. 2 in Room 302 in Keller Hall. Price for the course is $69, with a $20 textbook fee payable to the instructor at the class.

Register online at una.edu/conted (select Computer Workshops), or call 765-4862 to register by phone.