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Celebrating Halloween In Montgomery AL 2012

Thursday, October 18, 2012
by The Hat Team

hapy halloweenTonight is the night
When pumpkins stare
Through sheaves and leaves
Everywhere,
When ghouls and ghost
And goblin host
Dance round their queen.
It's Halloween.
- Harry Behn

It’s nearly that time of year again—Halloween, a time of ghosts and ghouls, tricks and treats, and costumes and candy!  Did you know that Halloween is second only to Christmas in terms of spending?  Yep--$1.2 million on costumes and another $2.5 million on candy, decorations, and other themed paraphernalia! 

Other little-known facts include:

  • 86% of Americans decorate their houses.                                                  
  • 10% of pet owners costume their pets.
  • 35 million pounds of candy corn are produce yearly. (How many are consumed in your home?)

Halloween traditions are many and varied.  ‘Tis the night for donning a costume, wearing a mask, bobbing for apples, and, the children’s favorite—trick-or-treating.  Looking for something different to give to the little ones coming to your Montgomery AL home this year?  How about juice boxes, mini-marshmallows, popcorn balls, fruit roll-ups, 4 pack crayons, small glo-sticks, silly erasers, temporary tattoos, unusual pencils ,themed bandaids or goldfish snacks?  Visit Green Halloween for more clever suggestions.                                                                  

Carving a Jack-o-Lantern: 

Be your pumpkin orange, white, green, and yes, even blue, you want the face on the porch of your home to be individual and unique.  Get free templates to assist you in carving or for cut and paste faces here.

The Count Dracula Society was founded by Dr. Donald A. Reed in 1962.

Costumes:  witch

Forget the old standbys of ghost and witch.  Get creative and think about the unusual.  A cupcake?  Or perhaps popcorn or an aquarium?  Although the web is filled with sites which sell costumes, you can express yourself by making your own garb.  Check out CostumeIdeaZone.com for silly, serious, and/or super fast ideas.

Orange and black are Halloween colors because orange is associated with the fall harvest and black is associated with darkness.

Activities for the young and young at heart:

Check out Caboose.com, Halloween.com, ZombiePumpkins.com, and TheTeachersCorner.net.  For creative ideas such as wicked wreaths, friendly ghosts, fright lights, tasty treats, and much, much more, visit LowesCreativeIdeas.com.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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Deconstruction - A Green Alternative For Montgomery AL Real Estate

Friday, June 15, 2012
by The Hat Team

Deconstruction, the careful removal of building materials for reuse, has for the past ten years been gaining popularity as an alternative to demolition.  Spurred by environmental, aesthetic, and economic concerns, it is an idea whose time has come within the home building and remodeling business.

The preservationist's answer to bulldozing a building and dumping the splintered remains into a landfill, deconstruction involves going room by room, handpicking features to be salvaged: millwork, crown moldings, leaded windows, still-sound kitchen cabinets, crystal chandeliers, and hardwood floors.  Items typically salvaged also include bricks, camontgomery al real estatebinets, windows, lighting fixtures, and countertops.

The eco-friendly construction and renovation business is growing in popularity not only among do-it-yourself consumers but also in the building and construction sector with contractors and architects. When it first emerged, green building was popular almost exclusively among environmentalists. But now those who want to save substantial dollars on building materials have joined those wanting to reverse the “throw away” trend.

The obvious advantages to such a program are the recycling of valuable resources and the decreasing impact on already over-burdened landfills.  Other positive impacts are the economic savings to the re-modelers of Montgomery AL real estate, the ease in procuring municipal permits, governmental training for deconstruction workers, and the cooperative efforts of contractors, suppliers, and homeowners.

Deconstruction stores are rapidly gaining popularity, with over 750 nationwide to date.  The inventory of these retail outlets consists of a large variety of items donated by those who are in the process of remodeling their Montgomery AL real estate and surplus materials from distributors and/or manufacturers.

 Purchasers of used items generally save one third of the cost, and buyers of new merchandise can save up to one half of the retail price.  Other economic incentives for those who donate materials include not having to pay disposal costs (pick up of the items if free) and frequently a tax deduction if the store is charity-based.

Popular stores involved in the deconstruction movement are Habitat for Humanity's Re-store, Build It Green, Green Demolitions, ReNew Salvage, and EcoBuilding Bargains.  Check with your contractors to find others near to your Montgomery AL real estate.

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Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home. Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - February 2012

Friday, March 23, 2012
by The Hat Team

Housing affordability conditions have reached the highest level since recordkeeping began in 1970, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

NAR’s Housing Affordability Index rose to a record high 206.1 in January, based on the relationship between median home price, median family income and average mortgage interest rate. The higher the index, the greater the household purchasing power. An index of 100 is defined as the point where a median-income household has exactly enough income to qualify for the purchase of a median-priced existing single-family home, assuming a 20 percent down payment and 25 percent of gross income devoted to mortgage principal and interest payments.

NAR projects the affordability index for all of 2012 will be at an annual high, with little movement in mortgage interest rates or home prices during the year.

What does affordability look like in our local real estate market? Take a look at February figures.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for February show the average sales price decreased by 4% to $96,324 when compared to February 2011.  The number of homes sold decreased by 5% in February 2012.  The median sales prices decreased by 26%, and market times increased by 3% or 3 days.  The highest selling home price increased by 1%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 77%.

 

Midtown Montgomery Feb 2012 Feb 2011
Homes Sold 19 20
Average Selling Price $ 96,324 $ 99,860
Median Selling Price $ 60,000 $ 81,200
Days On The Market 116 113
Highest Selling Price $ 286,000 $ 285,500
Lowest Selling Price $ 4,000 $17,500

Search all Montgomery AL Real Estate And Homes For Sale.

Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

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Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - November 2011

Friday, January 6, 2012
by The Hat Team


There were 859 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 1 in every 796 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing in November 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $102,519 and the average foreclosure selling price was $76,367, a $26,152 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 3.99% in November while the number of foreclosed homes remained the same at 22.

montgomery al foreclosure

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was 0.04% lower than national statistics, 0.06% higher than Alabama and 0.01% higher than Montgomery County statistics for the month of November.

montgomery al foreclosure 

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased from 55 homes in October to 51 in November. The number of Auctions increased from 67 to 71. There is a 6-month rising trend.

montgomery al foreclosure 

Are you or someone you know behind on mortgage payments and facing a Montgomery foreclosure? You do have options. A short sale may be the answer to saving you, your family and your home. I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) with specialized training in helping families avoid foreclosure. Give me a call for a private consultation.

Search all Montgomery AL Real Estate And Homes For Sale.

Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

 

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2012 New Year Nuggets

Friday, December 30, 2011
by The Hat Team

Yes, we’ve reached the end of what has been a difficult year for so many, and yet we’ll celebrate the coming of 2012—and a fresh start-- with glittery hats, silly horns, champagne (or beer), and kisses at midnight.  We’ll reflect on the old year and make resolutions for the new one.  Forecasters of the future will capture our imaginations as we wonder what is to come in terms of scientific discoveries, political unrest, wars, health issues, and the economy.  So many questions—and so many possibilities…it’s enough to wear one out.  So sit back in the den of your Montgomery AL real estate, relax, and ponder these points.

  • happy new yearDid you know that celebrating the New Year is a tradition that dates back nearly 4000 years? Or that Julius Caesar was the first person to designate January 1st as the start of the new year?
  • Did you know that the symbol of Baby New Year dates back to ancient Greece? The Greeks marked the rebirth of their god of fertility by parading a baby around in a basket.
  • 40 to 45 percent of American adults make one or more resolutions which include weight loss, exercise, quitting smoking, and money management. By the second week of January, 25 percent of people have abandoned their goals, however.
  • Certain foods play an important role in the kitchens of Montgomery AL  real estate on New Year’s Day.  Circular foods such as donuts and cakes represent good fortune, while legumes, especially black-eyed peas and lentils, promise good luck and wealth.  Cabbage and other greens whose leaves resemble folded money are also popular, as is ham, which symbolizes progress and prosperity. 
  • As with many other holidays, numerous superstitions and traditional practices are connected with the onset of the new year.  It is thought that the first visitors to your Montgomery AL  real estate will bring you good or bad luck, depending on who you keep as friends and enemies, and in Italy people wear red underwear on New Year's Day as a symbol of good luck for the upcoming year.
  • And as for the future of Montgomery AL  real estate?  Opinions vary from the cautiously optimistic to those far less rosy, with many financial gurus still sitting on the fence.  Oh, for a crystal ball!

As you reflect on the past year, do remember the good things that have occurred in your life and in the world and resolve to greet 2012 with a positive attitude and a sense of anticipation.

Search all Montgomery AL Real Estate And Homes For Sale.

Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime

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Kitchen Remodeling Trends For Your Montgomery AL Home

Thursday, December 22, 2011
by The Hat Team

Ready to update the kitchen in your Montgomery AL home? Whether the renovation is for the purpose of increasing resale value or for your own personal use and enjoyment, it never hurts to know what the building industry sees as sustainable, in-demand, cost-effective, and efficient improvements for one of the most important rooms in your kitchenMontgomery AL home. As American lifestyles change, so do the needs and desires of your family members and/or potential buyers, especially in the areas of appliances, flooring, lighting, counter tops and backsplashes, cabinetry, energy efficiency, and color.

  • Basic design:

An energy-efficient and functional design is extremely popular right now. Function, maintenance, and appearance should be combined to provide a streamlined look, adequate storage, easy accessibility, maximum dining, prep space, and a welcoming appearance. More and more homeowners are opting for removal of walls to make the kitchen more open and family-friendly

  • Flooring:

Hardwood floors are still desirable, as are those made of renewable bamboo and cork. Stone and porcelain tiles are also in demand because of their longevity, easy maintenance, and the availability of a wide variety of shapes and designs. Some tiles even look like wood and come in plank configurations.

  • Cabinetry:

Practical and attractive are the order of the day for this feature. Cabinets are available in recycled materials and exotic woods, and darker woods are in demand. Mixing materials, such as glass and wood or two different types of wood or wood stains, has become popular in remodeled or brand new kitchens. Desired cabinetry features include many drawers, swing-out shelves, pull outs (for dishes, pots and pans, and bake ware, e.g.) and drawer organizers.

  • Countertops:

Granite is still the most popular material, but engineered surfaces are often used instead. Many kitchens of today feature island/peninsula combinations or dual or tiered islands to allow more than adequate space for food preparation, storage, and family dining.

  • Backsplashes:

No longer simply a feature to protect the kitchen walls in your Montgomery AL real estate, homeowners are now using this area to add color and decoration. Glass tiles in a wide array of hues, especially those made from recycled glass, are predominant this year and allow you easy maintenance and a way to express your own style.

  • Appliances:

The integration of appliances into the cabinetry is big for 201, and, of course, all appliances must be energy-efficient! Stainless steel remains the preferred finish.

  • Lighting:

LED lights are the choice of the safety and energy conscious owner of Montgomery AL real estate. Layers of light, including ceiling, under-the-counter, and ambient lighting, are being combined to illuminate kitchens. Pendant lighting is increasingly popular.

  • Wall treatments

Wallpaper is back! Often paintable and washable, wall paper can be metallic, hand-painted, tone on tone, patterned, and textured and is now being used to decorate entire rooms rather than just an accent wall. Paint colors? Try out the deep colors of dark grey, grape, navy, or forest green.

Search all Montgomery AL Real Estate And Homes For Sale.

Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

 

 

 

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Buying Or Selling Montgomery AL Real Estate During The Holidays

Friday, December 9, 2011
by The Hat Team

Traditionally, both sellers of Montgomery AL real estate and those looking to purchase a home have avoided doing so during the winter months, especial in December.  Because the last month of the year is a time of many religious, social, and cultural celebrations, most people feel they are too busy to deal with real estate matters and/or are convinced that the market is pretty much dormant until at least early spring.  Not so, say many Realtors!  bellNot only do many folks have vacation time in December and are thus free to house shop, but the slower months are often the ones where buyers are really serious and prices have been reduced. 

According to Lendingtree there are five strong reasons to buy Montgomery AL real estate during this season:

  • Lower prices. Because many people are too busy to house hunt now, the slackening of demand is reflected in softer house prices.
  • Less competition. With fewer active house-hunters out there, you are unlikely to end up in a bidding war, and sellers will be willing to negotiate.
  • Favorable mortgage terms. Because there is less demand for mortgage money during the holiday season, lenders may be willing to shave a few basis points off the interest rate or to forgo some of their fees in order to get your business.
  • Tax deduction. If you close on or before December 31, you are likely to be eligible to deduct the interest component of your first monthly mortgage payment and any money you paid for points from your taxable income for this year.

If you’re a seller, check out Realtor.om for a long list of reasons that support their belief that December is a good time to sell your Montgomery AL real estate.  Some of their arguments include:

  • Less competition.  People who look at your home over the holidays are serious buyers who have fewer homes from which to choose.
  • Business moves.  January is traditionally a month where employers have to move so they can’t wait until spring.  They have to buy now-- you’re there to capture that market.
  • Advantage for you.  By selling now, you have the opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer for next year when houses are less and you’ll have more opportunities and properties to choose from.
  • Timing.  Many potential buyers want to settle before the end of the year for tax reasons.

Search all Montgomery AL Real Estate And Homes For Sale.

Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

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Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - October 2011

Thursday, December 1, 2011
by The Hat Team

There were 882 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 1 in every 796 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing in October 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $121,760 and the average foreclosure selling price was $52,416, a $69,344 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.07% in October while the number of foreclosed homes increased from 95 in September to 122 in October.

montgomery al foreclosure

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was 0.05% lower than national statistics. 0.03% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics for the month of October.

 

montgomery al foreclosure 

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties increased from 53 homes in September to 55 in October. The number of Auctions increased from 42 to 67. There is a 6-month rising trend.

 

montgomery al foreclosure 

Are you or someone you know behind on mortgage payments and facing a Montgomery foreclosure? You do have options. A short sale may be the answer to saving you, your family and your home. I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) with specialized training in helping families avoid foreclosure. Give me a call for a private consultation.

Search all Montgomery AL Real Estate And Homes For Sale.

Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

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Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - Sept 2011

Wednesday, November 2, 2011
by The Hat Team

There were 973 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 95 new foreclosures in Sept 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $129,586 and the average foreclosure selling price was $59,568, a $70,018 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.11% in September while the number of foreclosed homes increased from 80 in August to 95 in September.

montgomery al foreclosure

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was 0.07% lower than national statistics. 0.03% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics for the month of September.

montgomery al foreclosure

 

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased from 55 homes in August to 53 in September. The number of Auctions increased from 25 to 42. There is a 6-month falling trend.

montgomery al foreclosure

 

Are you or someone you know behind on mortgage payments and facing a Montgomery foreclosure? You do have options. A short sale may be the answer to saving you, your family and your home. I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) with specialized training in helping families avoid foreclosure. Give me a call for a private consultation.

Search all Montgomery AL Real Estate And Homes For Sale.

Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

Add Comment

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - April 2011

Friday, May 27, 2011
by The Hat Team

There were 1,311 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 171 new foreclosures in April 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $163,408 and the average foreclosure selling price was $93,093 a $70,315 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.84% in April while the number of foreclosed homes decreased from 228 in March to 171 in April.

montgomery al foreclosure

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was 0.01% higher than national statistics. 0.10% higher than Alabama and 0.01% higher then Montgomery County statistics for the month of April.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased from 151 homes in March to 121 in April. The number of Auctions decreased from 84 to 50. There is a 6-month rising trend.

montgomery al foreclosure

Are you or someone you know behind on mortgage payments and facing a Montgomery foreclosure? You do have options. A short sale may be the answer to saving you, your family and your home. I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) with specialized training in helping families avoid foreclosure. Give me a call for a private consultation.

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