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Displaying blog entries 141-150 of 170

Renovating On A Budget: Update The Bathroom In Your Montgomery AL Home

Friday, July 6, 2012
by The Hat Team

If you’re thinking of selling your house in the near future, you need to know that updated bathrooms are one feature greatly desired—or sometimes demanded--by potential buyers.  Renovated bathrooms are extremely popular in today’s market, but they can also become an expensive undertaking.  However, depending on your willingness to take an active role in the updating process, you can make the bathroom a major plus when selling your Montgomery AL home--without breaking the bank.  Take advantage of free or inexpensive classes or seminars given by home improvement stores—far-reaching in topics and easy to follow in technique—or search the web for instructional videos, such as this one from YouTube about applying grout.

montgomery al homeBefore you even begin your physical efforts, you should explore popular new trends in bathroom function, among which are wall-mounted toilets, recessed tubs, offbeat sinks, heated towel racks, and the use of stone.  A tour of model homes in your area will give you a good idea of what’s “hot” and what you might like to include in your own bathroom.  Websites such as Better Homes and Gardens and EHOW can provide inspiration, design assistance, and decorating ideas which are both clever and inexpensive, and free design software allows you to plan an entire layout and create an online model for the renovated bathroom of your Montgomery AL home.  Worried that you may be spending too much money on your project?  Get a cost estimate of your anticipated improvements.

If you aren’t up for a large-scale remodel or even an extensive renovation, there are many simple--and inexpensive-- steps you can take to upgrade the function and appearance of your bathroom.  Consider doing the following:

  • Repaint in neutral colors.  If all walls are tiled, paint the ceiling.
  • Replace the sink if it’s an outdated color and change the faucet to a more modern one.
  • Install a new medicine cabinet, light fixture, and/or mirror.
  • Re-glaze the tub in your Montgomery AL home and replace caulking as needed.
  • Deep scrub or reapply grout.
  • Change window treatments.  Think about bamboo blinds rather than curtains.
  • Use “earthy” and green materials for a more natural look.
  • Purchase a new shower curtain.
  • Paint old cabinets.  White is quite popular right now.
  • Add shelving for storage.
  • Hang an unusual piece of art.
  • Display attractive towels and throw rugs.
  • Remember to feature simple accessories such as a waste can, hooks, a soap dish, a toothbrush holder, towel racks, and eye-catching containers.

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.

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 - June 2012

Thursday, June 21, 2012
by The Hat Team

Everyone knows that the Montgomery real estate market has been rather daunting for the last several years. Ups and downs, reports of good news and bad news, short sales, foreclosures, declining inventory, increase in mortgage applications, buyer frustrations, and seller indecision—all have kept the real estate industry on a roller coaster for too long.  Hope springs eternal, however, and rays of optimism from several fronts may well signal better times ahead.

  • In a recent survey, more than three-quarters of homeowners (78 percent) said that owning a home is one of their greatest achievements, and 85 percent of U.S. adults (which includes both homeowners and renters) agreed that they always dreamed of owning a home.
  • Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes gained five points in May. This is the index’s strongest reading since May of 2007 and bodes well for Montgomery real estate.
  • The median existing single-family home price rose in 74 out of 146 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) based on closings in the first quarter from the same quarter in 2011.
  • In Fannie Mae’s Monthly National Housing Survey, the percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to sell increased from 10 percent for the fourth straight month to 15 percent

Lets look at the statistics in our local real estate market? 

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for May show the number of homes sold increased by 38% compared to May 2011. The average sales price decreased by 13% to $99,619 during the same period. The median sales prices increased by 5%, and market times increased by 22% or 28 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 21%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 54%.

Midtown Montgomery May 2012 May 2011
Homes Sold 56 35
Average Selling Price $ 99,619 $ 114,116
Median Selling Price $ 78,000 $ 74,000
Days On The Market 130 102
Highest Selling Price $ 380,000 $ 480,000 
Lowest Selling Price $ 5,800 $12,500


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

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

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Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - April 2012

Thursday, May 17, 2012
by The Hat Team

There were 819 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 1 in every 936 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing in April 2012. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $105,207 and the average foreclosure selling price was $76,446, a $28,761 savings according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 3.91% in April while the number of foreclosed homes dropped from 108 to 101.

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 0.03% lower than national statistics, 0.03% higher than Alabama and 0.01% higher than Montgomery County statistics for April 2012.

montgomery al foreclosure 

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties increased from 28 homes in March to 35 in April. The number of Auctions dropped from 81 to 66. 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.

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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Ways To Protect Your Montgomery AL Home

Friday, May 4, 2012
by The Hat Team

Because more and more Montgomery AL homes are being burglarized, especially in the recent quest for gold items, more and more homeowners are taking steps to protect their homes and their families.  According to the Insurance Information Institute, intruders will generally bypass your residence if they would be forced to work in the light, have to take more than four or five minutes to break in, or if noise will be a factor. 

montgomery al homeAlthough 80% of homeowners with burglar alarms rated them rated them as effective, the financial cost for this peace of mind is not inexpensive.  Consumer Reports magazine says the owner of a Montgomery AL home should expect to pay $1-$2 per square foot and at least $25 monthly for monitoring.  Start-up expenses also need to be investigated.  Before purchasing or leasing any system or monitoring service, make sure that you get multiple quotes, know the type that is best for your house, and check the contract for specifics concerning early cancellation fees and company liability limits.  You can also read online reviews and ask for references for present and past owners.  Homesecurity.com offers tips on assessing types of systems, choosing what is best for your home, and comparing the prices of alarm companies.

The most effective security system is actually the least expensive--the monitored burglar alarm. The following list summarizes some options along with the pros and cons of each.

  • Wireless home security system: inexpensive, runs on batteries and will alert you to fire and gas emergencies as well as burglaries. Needs to be monitored to keep the batteries charged; if it does not call authorities, it may not be effective against burglary in rural areas.
  • Home burglar alarm system: makes a lot of noise letting neighbors know to call authorities. Drawback: if neighbors are at work at the same time you are, there may be no one there to call for you. Also, burglars know how to disarm these and go on about their behavior.
  • Home security camera: lets you see what is going on at your Montgomery AL home from work as long as you have access to a computer. Drawback: the system can be expensive, and if you are supposed to be working, you may not have the time to pay attention to your home.
  • Motion Detector (Lights) Alarm with Telephone dialer: this alarm connects to a telephone socket and will automatically dial a preset number if motion is detected within 20 feet. It will also set off a 125 decibel siren, although you can select the silent alarm option. The only drawback to this one is that you have to remember to set the alarm when you leave the house. This is the cheapest and most effective option, especially when combined with door and window contact sensors.
  • Driveway alert: uses a weather-proof, infrared motion detector that sends a signal to a base unit located inside the house. The base unit then sets off an alarm. Drawback: A smart crook probably won’t come down the driveway.
  • Door and window contact magnets: sensors featuring a magnetic seal that detects movement if a door or window is disturbed. Not particularly effective by themselves, but very effective when installed as part of a monitored system.

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

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - 2010 vs 2011

Saturday, February 4, 2012
by The Hat Team

Environmentally friendly features have become more important to home buyers according to the 2012 Home Buyer and Seller Profile published by the National Association of Realtors. The importance of various features such as heating and cooling, energy efficient appliances and lighting, landscaping, and an environmentally friendly community differ by region.

  • Commuting costs and environmental efficiency have increasingly factored into home buying decisions due to higher energy costs, but also due to overall concern for the environment.
  • Factors that are most important to buyers are those directly related to the buyers’ pocketbook.
  • Heating and cooling costs were at least “somewhat” important to 87 percent of home buyers.
  • Commuting costs were at least “somewhat” important to 73 percent of home buyers.

Now take a look at how the Midtown Montgomery real estate market performed in 2011.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for 2011 show the average sales price decreased by 8% to $126,628 when compared to 2010.  The number of homes sold decreased by 18% in 2011.  The median sales prices decreased by 5%, and market times increased 3% or 4 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 13%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 99%.

Midtown Montgomery 2011 2010
Homes Sold 290 354
Average Selling Price $ 126,628 $ 137,427
Median Selling Price $ 110,000 $ 116,052
Days On The Market 128 124
Highest Selling Price $ 649,000 $ 750,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 1 $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.

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

 

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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.

Add Comment

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.

Add Comment

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