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Montgomery Homes For Sale: 428 Derby Ln

Tuesday, March 24, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

428 Derby Ln - Montgomery, AL 36109
MLS # 316165

Wonderful well-maintained County Downs home!

Traditional layout with large living and dining rooms, kitchen with family style breakfast room, and spacious den/family room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. Originally 4 bedrooms, current owners removed wall between back 2 bedrooms and made one LARGE bedroom for grandchildren (could easily be converted back to 2 separate bedrooms, making 4 total!) Big master with split master bath and 2 walk-in closets. Out back enjoy a covered patio, large open patio, and beautiful sparkling pool with plenty of decking. Attached 2 car carport and additional pad provides plenty of parking. Recent updates make this home ready to move into (and one of the best deals in County Downs!)

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

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Selecting a Lender

Tuesday, March 24, 2015
by The Hat Team

Finding a mortgage lender is not a problem. Selecting someone who will help you find the best loan product for your situation even if it means sending you to another lender is paramount.

lenderThere is a huge advantage to be able to sit across the table from someone you’re doing business with and look them straight in the eye. It’s difficult to make an informed decision based on a website and a phone call.

Doing business with a full-time professional who specializes in residential loans like you’re trying to get is important. You want the loan officer to be familiar with local conditions, values and practices.

It’s to your benefit to have a loan officer who has the experience to put the unusual transaction together even if yours is not. 

Here are a few questions that will be helpful in selecting the right loan officer.

  1. What percentage of your business are FHA & VA compared to conventional mortgages and how long have you been doing them?
  2. What percentage of your loans close on time according to the sales contracts?
  3. Will my credit score affect my interest rate?
  4. Will you help me select the best loan product for me regardless of your commission?
  5. Are there prepayment penalties on any of the loans we’re considering?
  6. Are there any restrictions on refinancing any of the loans we’re considering?
  7. When is my loan rate locked-in? Is there a charge for that?
  8. Is your loan underwriting in-house?

A real estate professional can be your best source of information and can recommend a trusted lender. If you have any questions as to what kind of answers you should expect, please give me a call.

Information provided by Montgomery AL Realtor Sandra Nickel, Hat Team Realtors.

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Montgomery Homes For Sale: 2426 Wentworth Dr

Thursday, March 19, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

2426 Wentworth Dr Montgomery, AL 36106
MLS #316082

Great layout for a family!

What family would not love the space in this home...THREE separate living areas, split bedroom plan, and wonderful lanai and in ground swimming pool! Calming courtyard with Koi pond greets you as you approach the entry. Nicely updated, you can certainly spread out in this uniquely designed home. And, if you like to entertain, WOW does this place fit the bill! Great flow, wet bar, and space galore inside and out. Conveniently located in Vaughn Meadows, minutes from I-85, shopping, dining, and great schools.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

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Top 5 Reasons to Own Your Own Home

Friday, March 13, 2015
by The Hat Team

According to Fannie Mae the top five reasons people buy a home:

  • To have a better place to raise their children
  • A place where their family can feel safe
  • To have more space; Freedom to renovate to their own taste
  • Being a homeowner is a better investment.

home buyerDoes this hold true for you? Well, let’s take a look at these reasons to get a broader perspective…then you decide for yourself about being a homeowner.

To have a better place to raise children and family can feel safe…

This can very subjective and involves a lot of factors. It boils down to community and personal preferences. What is the look and feel of a community where you could see yourself living? The school system and convenience to shopping are important. Local government services provided such as emergency services, hospitals, fire, police, utilities, etc. must be considered. Is there a neighborhood watch, public parks, a community center with activities for everyone in the family, etc.? Try making a list of all the things important to you and use it evaluate where you’re searching for real estate.

To have more space…

This is also somewhat subjective, but can be looked at analytically as well. Much depends on your lifestyle and the size of your family. There are large and small apartments, and large and small houses. Much has to do with how much space you would like to have versus how much you can afford. And this also really flows into the next topic…

Freedom to renovate for your own taste…

Whether you want to add on or simply renovate within existing walls, “freedom” is a huge factor in deciding to buy a house. Buying is not for everyone. Renting is a very good option for a lot of people. But the freedom to do as you please with your home is a powerful motivator. Here’s where lifestyle comes into play. It costs more to own a home than to rent. The money saved by renting can arguably be used to support a different lifestyle, which is also a form of freedom. Only you can decide.

Owning is a better investment…

There is no doubt that at the end of a renting cycle you walk away with no financial benefit except for the money you have saved in the process. How that savings compares with what you have when you sell a house you have owned is the question. And the answer is “It all depends.” Being a homeowner costs money. But, a lot of the money spent owning a home potentially can be recuperated. A homeowner is also building equity every month they make a mortgage payment. In that sense home ownership can be viewed as a huge savings fund.

If freedom is your primary key factor, buying real estate and becoming a homeowner is definitely to be considered!

Ready to own your own home? Start your search here!

Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Realtor Sandra Nickel, Hat Team!

 

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Montgomery Homes For Sale: 3545 Southview Ave

Wednesday, March 11, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

3545 Southview Ave Montgomery AL 36111
MLS #315866

Bring your contractor and dream big!​



This Edgewood home has good bones and sits on a LARGE lot, and needs a total rehab! Spacious rooms and downstairs design affords rehab without moving a lot of walls, with space for a master suite down. Detached guest apartment behind carport has full kitchen, living, dining and separate bedroom/bath areas. Extra deep lot has much potential.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

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Montgomery Homes For Sale: 2963 Old Farm Rd

Monday, March 9, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

2963 Old Farm Rd. Montgomery AL 36111
MLS #315731

Designer Custom Townhome!

2963 old farm road

Here's your chance to own a custom town home designed by noted Montgomery architect! Brimming with character, this contemporary townhouse has open spaces, soaring ceilings, and lots of natural light. Downstairs study/library with beautiful built-in bookshelves is adjacent to a full bath and spacious closet, and could easily be used as a downstairs bedroom suite if necessary. Two bedrooms upstairs share a large bath, and current owner enclosed a balcony off the master bedroom to make a 2nd floor sunroom overlooking the New Orleans-style courtyard. Rear access from alley to 2 car carport with additional storage. Covered breezeway from carport to back door means never having to get in the elements.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 1860 Cobbs Ford Rd

Monday, March 9, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

1860 Cobbs Ford Rd, Millbrook, AL 36111
MLS #315708

Great Business Space!

​

Current use Auto sales! Approximate 500 sq.ft. heated and cooled. 3 room office, 2,000 sq. ft heated showroom, 3,500 sq. ft. heated shop, half bath in shop area also half bath off showroom area. Two roll up doors to shop. Showroom has fold out glass doors.  Includes security System, fixtures/furniture, display window.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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Fast and Easy But Is It Accurate?

Monday, March 9, 2015
by The Hat Team

There are sites all over the web that offer to tell you what your home is worth.  Simply plug in your address and email and you’ll get a value.  It’s fast; it’s easy but is it accurate?

325000The value is determined by what is called an Automated Valuation Model (AVM) that analyzes public record data with computer decision logic.  Square footage, age, number of bedrooms and location are easily definable objective data.  The challenge is identifying, measuring and comparing the subjective data.

An AVM cannot identify how unique features might add or detract from the value, if the market is declining or why the comparable sales apply or don’t apply to the subject property.  Is a home worth more because it is near shopping or less because it is across the street from a high-traffic commercially zoned property?

Experienced professionals are more likely to make proper adjustments for condition, market appeal and positive and negative influences.

Imagine that you’re going out for dinner and you consult HamburgerAVM.com to tell you how much a hamburger is worth.  It might be accurate based on condiments, vegetables and weight but can it address things like taste, quality, cleanliness, service, convenience or atmosphere.  You certainly couldn’t present the printout to the waiter to negotiate a lower price.

An AVM can be a tool that a homeowner, prospective buyer, mortgage officer, appraiser or real estate agent can use to get a quick idea of price but there are inherent limitations that can only be considered by personal examination balanced with experience in the market place.

Experience and understanding of the subject property and the marketplace are critical to having confidence that a value is accurate.  Any person could go through the same steps to arrive at a value but an experienced, well-trained professional is far more likely to assess all of the variables more accurately.

Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Realtor Sandra Nickel, Hat Team.

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Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends for January 2015

Friday, March 6, 2015
by The Hat Team

In January, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Montgomery, AL was 2% higher than the previous month and 55% lower than the same time last year, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Status Distribution

The current distribution of foreclosures based on the number of active foreclosure homes in Montgomery, AL.

Auctions accounted for 39.6% of foreclosure activity in January 2015 and Bank-owned properties accounted for 60.4%.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties increased 88.2% compared to the previous month and decreased 22.0% from the previous year in January. The number of Auctions decreased 40.0% compared to the previous month and 72.4% from the previous year.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was 0.03% lower than national statistics,0.03% higher than Alabama numbers and 0.01% higher than Montgomery County statistics in January 2015.

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!

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Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 254 E Fairview Ave

Thursday, March 5, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 

254 E Fairview Ave, Montgomery AL 36105
MLS# 315734

Updated South Hull Charmer!

254 e fairview ave

Lots of living space for the money! This updated South Hull Charmer has old world charm and space galore. So much character (even the ever-present Cloverdale "slope") throughout with spacious living and dining rooms, large updated kitchen, and bonus area with two bedrooms and a half bath on the 2nd floor perfect for growing family. Lots of natural light at all times of the day. Beautiful fenced back yard sports a party deck with "Sunsetter" automatic awning for afternoon shade. Detached workshop provides additional storage. Convenient to both Cloverdale dining/entertainment districts and just a few minutes to Downtown's vibrant entertainment scene.

Marketed by Montgomery Realtor Sandra Nickel, Hat Team REALTORS!

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