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Adding Value To Your Montgomery AL Real Estate

Thursday, January 19, 2012
by The Hat Team

coin houseIf you are one of the millions of Americans whose home has lost value in recent years, despair not.  Whether you’re trying to spiff up your Montgomery AL real estate for resale, to raise its appraisal, or just to keep current with updating and maintaining what you currently have, there are many relatively easy and budget-worthy steps you can take.   Some of these minor projects designed to increase value are quick fixes while others may require a weekend’s worth of work, but all will certainly revive the look of your property.

Exterior improvements:

  • Keep shrubs and trees neatly pruned.  Plant new trees for energy savings and aesthetic value.
  • Add low-voltage lighting for pathways
  • Pay attention to the front door of your Montgomery AL real estate.  Does it need new weather stripping?  A fresh coat of paint? Updated (or at least polished) hardware—knockers, knobs, hinges, and light fixtures?
  • Spend $10 to test your lawn for needed nutrients.
  • Attend to the garage door.  Use a mixture of one part bleach to three parts water and a soft-bristled brush to give it a thorough cleaning.  Still dirty or stained?  Rent a power washer for about $60.
  • Check for faded or peeling paint.  Sand and apply a fresh coat.

Interior improvements:

  • If you can’t replace the water heater in your Montgomery AL real estate with a tankless model, wrap the one you have in fireproof insulation.
  • Install modern light switches and outlets throughout your home.  Add dimmer switches.
  • Insulate windows.  (Easy-to-follow instructions.)
  • In bathrooms replace dated towel racks, light fixtures, sinks, toilet seats, and hardware.  Purchase a low flow toilet.  Re-grout where needed.  Display matching towels.  If the floor is in poor shape, consider putting easy-to-install vinyl tiles right over the old one.
  • Add crown moldings, wood trim, and/or cornices to give room a look of quality.
  • Update your kitchen inexpensively by replacing fixtures, faucets, and hardware.  Consider pendant lighting.  Refinish cabinets rather than replacing them.
  • Clean and organize all closets.  

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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A Resolution for Montgomery AL Real Estate Owners

Friday, January 13, 2012
by The Hat Team

Yes, it’s once again that time of year when we examine our life and vow to make positive changes by losing weight, becoming more active, quitting smoking or drinking, managing debt, etc.  But did you know that numerous recent polls indicate that a full 50% of Montgomery AL real estate owners resolve to spend less time working and more time enjoying family and friends and that 87% say that the stress of trying to balance their work and life schedules is adversely affecting their health? 

happy new yearWhile we all need a certain amount of stress to spur us on and help us perform at our best, the key to managing stress lies in that one word: balance. Achieving a healthy work/life balance an attainable goal, but in order to do so you must make changes in your life.  Following are a few tips to ensure success:

Leave your work at work:  Use your commuting time to transition from work to home.  Rather than think about problems at work, shift gears and concentrate on your family responsibilities or enjoyable activities which await you at your Montgomery AL real estate. You can also use commuting time to unwind by listening to music or a book.  Change your clothes when you arrive home to strengthen the notion of being away from work.  Resist the urge to check any and all electronic devices for work related messages.

Inquire about flextime or telecommuting:  It just may be that your boss will recognize that you can do your work at different times or from different places.

Learn to say “NO” on occasion:  Be it for work or for home, you don’t always have to be the one to “step up to the plate” and volunteer for yet another responsibility.

Make time in your schedule for physical activity and fun:  Every Montgomery AL real estate owner knows that keeping fit by exercising and eating healthy foods is a remedy for stress and/or depression, but too many of us don’t make a concentrated effort to write in our calendars—in  ink—specific visits to the gym.  Consider, too, the benefits of taking up a new hobby, such as cooking, scrapbooking, or archery, that you can enjoy individually or with family or friends. 

If you have already tried most of the above recommendations but have still not succeeded in balancing the roles in your life, you might ponder this thought by author Jon Gordon and read his new book:  “Personally, I have never been able to balance the scales of work and life on a day-to-day basis. Rather, I’ve come to realize that the dance between work and life is more about rhythm than balance.

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 Real Estate and Homes For Sale: 912-914 E Edgemont

Thursday, February 5, 2009
by The Hat Team
Montgomery Real Estate and Homes For Sale:
912 - 914 E Edgemont Avenue, Montgomery AL 36111
MLS# 261632

Traditional style and popular Cloverdale Idlewild location make this an investment you won't want to miss. Fully leased and many upgrades to keep your tenants happy. Hardwood, parquet and hard tile floors. Fully equipped kitchens with washer-dryer connections. Unit 914 has living room plus den and was occupied by previous owner. Unit 912 has a sweet little rear courtyard and exterior porch--the goodies old house tenants really appreciate. Paved rear parking for 4 or more cars. Each unit has an outside storage area in the crawl space. L-shaped lot with side street alley access makes maintenance a breeze. 

For more about 912-914 E Edgemont Avenue and other Montgomery real estate visit HatTeam.com.
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Montgomery Real Estate and Homes For Sale: 2804 Windsor Avenue

Wednesday, February 4, 2009
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate and Homes For Sale:  

2804 Windsor Avenue, Montgomery AL 36109
MLS# 261630

Great starter home or investment property. This rock solid Morningview house in Montgomery has hardwood floors and good sized rooms. Tons of charm, and what a beautiful yard! Mature trees, heirloom shrubs, carport, detached garage, large patio, and brick fire pit make backyard entertaining fun!

Learn more about 2804 Windsor Avenue and other Montgomery real estate by visiting HatTeam.com.
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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 2220 Felder Terrace

Sunday, January 18, 2009
by The Hat Team
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:
2220 Felder Terrace, Montgomery, AL 36106
MLS 261094

 
Looking for low maintenance, lock-it and leave-it, and move-in condition? Look no further! This Old Cloverdale charmer has been totally updated to include brand new custom kitchen with stainless appliances and granite countertops. Spacious rooms and gleaming hardwood floors downstairs are perfect for entertaining, and you'll love the New Orleans style brick courtyard out back. Professionally landscaped front yard adds to the appeal, and all this within walking distance to the Cloverdale entertainment district. Check this one out before someone else beats you to it!
Learn more about 2220 Felder Terrace and other Montgomery real estate by visiting HatTeam.com.
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Montgomery Real Estate for Sale: 2632 Boultier Ave

Sunday, January 18, 2009
by The Hat Team
Montgomery Real Estate for Sale:
2632 Boultier Ave #B, Montgomery, AL 36106
MLS 261089

Condo living at its best. This 4-unit complex is located just a short walk from the business Hub of Old Cloverdale and Huntingdon College campus. A few of the amenities include parquet floors, fire place, downstairs master bedroom, good storage, and a private courtyard. Smooth Move inspection is available. Price reflects the fact that minor cosmetic improvements need to be done. Put this first on your list to see.
Learn more about 2632 Boultier Avenue and other Montgomery real estate by visiting HatTeam.com.
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Displaying blog entries 141-150 of 163

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