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Displaying blog entries 1501-1510 of 1997

Tips For Improving Your Score

Friday, August 19, 2011
by The Hat Team

Your credit score is a number that helps lenders predict how likely you are to make your payments on time. This score affects your ability to obtain credit and helps determine what you pay for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages on Montgomery AL homes. Even your insurance rate is related to your score. The higher your score, often referred to as a FICO score, the more apt you are to be approved for and pay a lower interest rate on new loans. Scores ranging from 650 and below are considered bad and indicate to the lender that you are a very high risk. Chances are you will be unable to secure a loan, or if you are, it will be at a much higher interest rate and/or require a cosigner.

What If there Are Errorsup

What to do if you have a low score and do not qualify for a mortgage on a Montgomery AL home? Your first action should be to check your credit report for errors. If you find erroneous information, you need to act immediately by contacting both the credit bureau (the three major ones are Equifax, Experian, and Transunion) and the organization that provided that information.

  • The credit bureau/agency: Send a certified, return receipt requested letter to the bureau pointing out each inaccuracy and enclose copies of documents which support your claim as well as the report itself (with the misinformation highlighted). Factually explain why you dispute each item and request a deletion or correction for each one.
  • The creditor or information provider: Send the same type of letter and enclose the same documents. Request that the provider notify you of action taken (generally within 90 days) so that you can verify the amended information.

If there are no errors on your report, then you should take immediate steps to improve your credit. Ways to do this include the following:

  • Stop using your credit cards. Do not continue to accumulate debt.
  • Get current on delinquent accounts. Since payment history makes up 35% of your score, this action will have a great impact on your score.
  • Keep accounts with balances open, but don’t apply for more credit.
  • Call your creditors. Explain your financial situation and ask about possible hardship programs which will temporarily reduce your monthly payments.
  • Begin paying off your existing debts, even if you have to sell some belongings to do so. Come up with a get-out-of-debt plan and stick to it.
  • Get professional help. There are resources available to help you reestablish a good credit rating. Contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling for assistance.

7. Be patient. Realize that improving your credit score takes time and that there is no quick-fix --and keep in mind your goal of owning a Montgomery AL home.

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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Survival Guide For Montgomery AL Homeowners: Coping With Summer Heat

Friday, August 12, 2011
by The Hat Team

The temperatures have been extremely high this summer, often resulting in physical discomfort, limited activity, and even medical distress.  Although most of us think we know how to cope with high heat in order to remain cool and safe, it sometimes helps to see reminders in black and white.  Read on…

thermometerTIME AND PLACE:

  • Schedule physical activities for cooler times of day, early morning or the evening.  Even when you are just walking around outside your Montgomery AL home, the heat and humidity will make all parts of your body sweat and can result in heat stress.
  • Take breaks in a cool, shady spot regularly and often.  Better still, get into some air conditioning.  No AC?  Visit libraries, shopping malls, movie theatres, museums, and the like.
  • Use your shower or bathtub frequently and let the cool water lower your body temperature.

ATTIRE:

  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, “breathable,” loose clothing.
  • Wear a hat—and perhaps a headband to keep perspiration out of your eyes.
  • Use sunglasses.
  • Wear socks (not 100% cotton) to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.

PROTECTION DO’S:

  • Apply sunscreen (SPF 15+) all over—even on lips and ears.
  • Stay inside your Montgomery AL home as much as possible.
  • Check with your doctor to see if your medication or medical condition requires special precautions to avoid sun-related side effects.
  • Stay hydrated! Drink cool, plain water regularly—up to 4 quarts a day if you are exercising.  Did you know that very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps?  It’s also best to avoid alcohol or drinks containing caffeine, lots o sugar, or too much salt.
  • Monitor your physical state often.
  • For temporary but quick relief from heat, set a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan and let the air blow directly on you.

PROTECTION DON’TS:

  • Don’t use salt tablets unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
  • Don’t ignore signs of heat stress such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. 

SPECIAL NEEDS:

  • Understand that babies, young children, and older adults are at a much greater risk for heat-related illnesses since their body temperature can rise 3-5 times faster than that of others.
  • If you have a senior friend, especially one without air conditioning, check on them regularly and often.
  • Provide pets with plenty of fresh water in a non-tip bowl, easily accessible shelter, and shade.  Remember that dogs can get sunburned and burn the bottom of their paws.

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 Real Estate For Sale: 2328 Lott Drive Montgomery, Al 36106

Friday, August 5, 2011
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 2328 Lott Drive Montgomery, Al 36106

MLS#286222

 

Pride of ownership is evident in this spacious 4 bedroom 2 bath brick home which has been lovingly maintained by the same owner for the past 15 plus years. This is not a repo flip with a thrown away yard, it has been kept up as it should have and if an item needs attention it is fixed. Refinished parquet floors and plantation shutters are just a few of the upgrades that make this home outshine the competition. Raised hearth fireplace in den makes it cozy in winter and separate living/dining will give you the opportunity to show off your nice formal furnishings. You will enjoy the bright white kitchen which is updated. Your cars will find shade and shelter in the attached double carport and good-sized outdoor storage for stuff. You will be able to entertain anytime outside under covered patio perfect for cookouts. Fenced dog area for pets and a gorgeous 125' wide lot make this home look less like a cookie cutter subdivision and more that of a small estate. One of if not the best values for your hard earned money in beautiful Vaughn Meadows. Call us or your favorite realtor today to see this outstanding well kept property.

Learn more about 2328 Lott Drive and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com. 

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Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - June 2011

Thursday, August 4, 2011
by The Hat Team

There were 1,098 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 100 new foreclosures in June 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $129,246 and the average foreclosure selling price was $71,141 a $58,105 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.64% in June while the number of foreclosed homes decreased from 111 in May to 100 in June.

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 June.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties increased from 52 homes in May to 64 in June. The number of Auctions decreased from 59 to 36. 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.

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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Sales - June 2011

Thursday, July 28, 2011
by The Hat Team

Most Americans still believe that owning a home is a solid financial decision, and a majority of renters aspire to home ownership as a long-term goal. According to the 2011 National Housing Pulse Survey released today by the National Association of Realtors®, 72 percent of renters surveyed said owning a home is a top priority for their future, up from 63 percent in 2010. 

Seven in 10 Americans also agreed that buying a home is a good financial decision while almost two-thirds said now is a good time to purchase a home. The annual survey, which measures how affordable housing issues affect consumers, also found that more than three quarters of renters (77 percent) said they would be less likely to buy a home if they were required to put down a 20 percent down payment on the home, and a strong majority (71 percent) believe a 20 percent down payment requirement could have a negative impact on the housing market. 

Some key findings from this year’s survey include:

  • Seven-in-ten Americans (71 percent) say requiring a down payment of twenty percent on the cost of a home would have a negative impact on the overall American housing market.
  • More than three quarters of renters (77 percent) say they would be less likely to buy a new home if they were required to make a 20 percent down payment. Among current homeowners, four-in-ten (39 percent) say they would not have been able to buy their current home if they been required to make a 20 percent down payment.
  • Having enough money for a down payment and closing costs is the largest obstacle that makes housing too expensive and unaffordable (82 percent say it is a “huge” or “medium-size” obstacle).
  • Two in every three Americans (67 percent) oppose eliminating the home mortgage interest deduction as one part of a plan to reduce the federal deficit. Underscoring the intensity of this opinion, a majority of Americans (51 percent) strongly oppose eliminating it.
  • Even more Americans (73 percent) believe that eliminating the home mortgage deduction would have a negative impact on the American housing market, while 65 percent say it would have a negative impact on the overall economy.
  • While fewer Americans than in the past agree, the overwhelming majority (72 percent) still say that buying a home is a good financial decision. Almost two–thirds (64 percent) say that now is a good time to buy a home.
  • The stalled economy continues to adversely affect the housing market. Confidence in job security is a top obstacle (80 percent say “huge” or “medium-size”) to home ownership, while job layoffs and unemployment are ranked as the top problem facing Americans (61 percent say it is a “very big” or “fairly big” problem in their area).

Now take a look at how the Midtown Montgomery real estate market performed in June.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for June show the average sales price increased by 2% to $151,399 when compared to June 2010.  The number of homes sold decreased by 16% in June.  The median sales prices increased by 13%, and market times increased 5% or 6 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 23%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 7%.

Midtown Montgomery May 2011 May 2010
Homes Sold 22 45
Average Selling Price $ 150,975 $ 166,925
Median Selling Price $ 111,450 $ 118,900
Days On The Market 121 103
Highest Selling Price $ 480,000 $ 750,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 12,500 $ 5,100

For the latest Midtown Montgomery real estate market conditions in your area, please call me at 800-HAT-LADY or visit HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com.

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.

Information is provided by the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

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Montgomery Real Estate Podcast - July 2011

Friday, July 22, 2011
by The Hat Team

Sandra Nickel of The Hat Team presents:



podcast
This month's edition covers Montgomery real estate market activity and then we'll discuss improvement projects that generate ROI.

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.


Program length: approximately 6 1/2 minutes
download podcast mp3 file | subscribe to podcast feed
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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3136 S Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36105

Tuesday, July 19, 2011
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3136 S Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36105

MLS#285849

This home is pristine and ready to move into. Details include gleaming hardwood floors, barrel-vault ceiling in living room, antique marble mantle piece, and built-in banquette in kitchen. You will love the vintage double-drainboard, deep well sink in the kitchen as well as the original tile work. Cozy screened front porch is a joy to relax on, and the extra deep backyard boasts mature shade trees and heirloom shrubs. New energy efficient windows and new insulation in attic and crawlspace mean utilities will be quite affordable. All this...and convenient to Downtown, ASU, Huntingdon, and all the excitement in Cloverdale!

Learn more about 3136 S Perry Street and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com. 

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:1635 E Trinity BLVD Montgomery, AL 36106

Monday, July 18, 2011
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:1635 E Trinity BLVD Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS#285826

Stop paying rent!! This is the perfect pad for first-time buyer, single, couple, or empty nesters. Updated paint, with hard tile in kitchen and dining areas. Wonderful private rear sunroom done by current owners looks out on very secluded oasis of trees. The front porch is ideal for rocking and meeting great neighbors. The current owners have enjoyed this quite retreat for several years. Two outside storage units and 1 car covered parking and parking pad for your car and clutter. Condo dues include termite treatment and pest protection, trash disposal, water, ground maintenance, insurance on exterior of home, exterior maintenance of home. Best priced unit in Quail Run!

Learn more about 1635 E Trinity Blvd and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com.

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Summer Safety Tips

Friday, July 15, 2011
by The Hat Team

Oh, we do love summer and the myriad of family activities it provides! Fun in the sun, the sand, and the water brings squeals of delight, opportunities for new adventures, and a renewed feeling of family togetherness. Unfortunately, summer can also bring sunburn, insect bites, heat -induced illness, water hazards, falls, and poisoning if you are not alert and proactive in taking preventive measures while enjoying life at your Montgomery home or away on a family vacation

child-beachSunburn:

The two most important hints are to limit sun exposure time and wear protective clothing (including sunglasses and a hat), of course, but realistically those two situations are not always viable. So-sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen-- applied liberally and often and having an SPF of at least 15. Try to avoid sun exposure during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the peak intensity times. Be aware that certain medications increase sun sensitivity.

Insect Bites And Stings:

Things to avoid include settings at your Montgomery home or vacation spot where bugs congregate (gardens, stagnant water, uncovered food), wearing brightly colored or flowery clothing, scented soaps or sprays, and combination sunscreen/insect repellant products. Use repellants containing DEET with caution; the recommended is 10%-30% for children over the age of two months. Choose the lowest concentration for the required time of coverage. Inspect yourself and others for ticks, removing any found with tweezers and cleaning the area of the bite with an antiseptic. For bee stings, scrape the stinger away with a fingernail or credit card and then wash the area with soap and water.

Heat Illness:

The risk of heat illness increases with the intensity of both the sun and the activity. Preventive measures are plenty of fluids, shade, and air-conditioning! Be alert for thirst, fatigue, and cramping in the legs or abdomen--all signs of heat exhaustion. More serious symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, fast heartbeat, and a rising body temperature.

Water Safety:

Whether a child is swimming in the fenced-in pool in the yard of your Montgomery home or at a park or hotel, stringent safety precautions must be taken to prevent drowning. Youngsters who don’t know how to swim should use a life vest (“floaties” just don’t cut it), and all children should be supervised at all times by an adult who is well-versed in rescue techniques. The buddy system should be enforced when swimming in any type of open water, and a lifeguard should be on duty. Instruct children never to dive into water unless it is okayed by an adult, and teach them that open water swimming is different from pool swimming because of uneven surfaces, undertow, currents, strong waves, and the like.

Falls:

Fair weather brings out the bike rider and the skateboarder, both of whom should always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing and be lathered in sunscreen.

Poisonings:

Rule one--keep the number of the CDC with you at all times--1-800-222-1222.

Rule two--keep all poisonous substances out of the reach of children. This list includes items used mainly in the summer, things such as insect repellant and charcoal lighter fluid, e.g. 

Okay, so those are definitely worst-case scenarios and most likely won’t affect you or your vacation in any way. Never-the-less, it is best stay alert whiling you’re having fun in the sun! Enjoy!

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 - May 2011

Friday, July 8, 2011
by The Hat Team

There were 1,161 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 111 new foreclosures in May 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $120,478 and the average foreclosure selling price was $115,922 a $4,556 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.64% in May while the number of foreclosed homes decreased from 171 in April to 111 in May.

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 0.06% lower than national statistics. 0.04% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics for the month of May.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased from 121 homes in April to 52 in May. The number of Auctions increased from 50 to 59. 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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Displaying blog entries 1501-1510 of 1997

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