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Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 3211 Cloverdale Rd

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

3211 Cloverdale Rd, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 298842

Classic Cottage Style!

3211 cloverdale rd

Picket fence, mature trees, and classic cottage style…exactly what you would expect in a Cloverdale address! Large living and dining rooms are plenty big for entertaining, and the cozy den off the living room is perfect for TV watching or just hanging out. Quaint breakfast room has antique built-ins for all your collectibles and glassware, and the well-proportioned kitchen will please any cook. If house plants are your thing, or if you like to read you will love spending time in the bright and cheery sunroom, just off the kitchen. Relax in the large screened porch out back overlooking oversized PRIVACY fenced back yard. Walk in minutes to neighborhood parks, the new Playhouse, and Cloverdale's dining and entertainment district.

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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Stay Cool and Save Money With Energy Saving Tips

Thursday, July 12, 2012
by The Hat Team

Summer is here, accompanied by heat, humidity, and high electric bills. Depending on your location, the size of your home, and utility costs in your area, summer often brings the highest monthly bills of the year. The good news, however, is that there are some easy tips to help keep you cool in your Montgomery AL home and save a little money at the same time.

thermometerReduce the heat inside your Montgomery AL home:

  • Use a microwave oven, slow cooker, or barbecue grill rather than your oven.
  • Put lids on pans to hold the heat in while cooking.
  • Do "wet" chores (washing clothes or dishes, mopping floors, watering indoor plants, etc.) in the early morning or at night when it's cooler. This will help to keep humidity down.
  • Lower your shades and close your curtains to keep the sun out.
  • Seal windows and doors efficiently to keep the cold air inside and the hot air outside.
  •  Install efficient lighting that runs cooler. Only about 10%–15% of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light—the rest is turned into heat.

Lower energy usage:

  • Most hot water heaters have thermostats that may be set to 140 degrees for hot water. This usually isn't necessary--turn the thermostat down to 120 or 115.
  • Take a short shower, say about 5 minutes, and you'll only be using one third of the amount of hot water than you would with a bath.
  • Don't use the drying function in your dishwasher. Let the dishes air-dry.
  • Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Dry your clothes on hangars or outside your Montgomery AL home.
  • Turn off computers, printers, copiers, and home electronics when they are not in use. Surge protectors that allow you to plug several items into one strip with an on/off switch make this even easier.
  • Turn thermostats to78 degrees when at home; 85 degrees when away.
  • Use fans to circulate cool air.
  • Close any central air registers in empty and/or unused rooms.
  • Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F)
  • Keep lots of food in your refrigerator to keep it from warming up too fast when the door is open.

Now you have no excuse for not implementing at least a few tips for staying cool and saving money on your utility bills this summer.  For more helpful hints, visit MyTwoDollars, Energysavers.gov, and the Department of Energy.

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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In Danger of Losing Your Montgomery AL Real Estate? Making the Loan Modification Process Easier

Friday, May 11, 2012
by The Hat Team

When the Obama administration rolled out the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) in 2009, officials estimated 3 to 4 million borrowers would seek relief from their mortgages through the program during the worst recession and housing market collapse in decades. More than two years later, however, those projections have proven to be optimistic, to say the least. According to the Treasury Department, only about 700,000 homeowners had sought aid from HAMP through the third quarter of 2011.

montgomery al real estateA major reason for the smaller number is that many distressed owners of Montgomery AL real estate are intimidated by the confusing process involved in applying for HAMP and don’t know how to go about getting the help they need.  It doesn’t have to be that way, however.

Stephfan Nurse, a loan modification expert and founder of ConsumerEducationOnline.com, says, “The key is knowing and understanding your options. With education, you are empowered."  His online site is designed to give owners of Montgomery AL real estate the information they need to navigate the process. It includes a free pre-qualifier, where homeowners can input their figures and determine for which modification program they qualify.  It also offers software to assist in preparing financial statements and necessary documents, thus reducing stress on the applicant.

In order to make the loan modification process go as smoothly as possible, it is necessary that you, the owner of Montgomery AL real estate, understand it fully and seek available help. Visit Making Home Affordable for free HUD-approved counselors, helpful phone numbers, detailed explanations of terms, etc.

Be aware that HAMP is not your only option. The fact is that more than 70 percent of modifications now are internal modifications made available by the investor holding the mortgage note. The only way to get an internal modification is to ask for one. Worth noting: HAMP bases its modifications on gross income (your mortgage must exceed 31 percent of what you make in a month) while internal modifications are based on monthly net (after-tax) income.

Another important tip: Be complete and thorough in your paperwork. Lenders receive thousands of faxes every day, so make sure your account number is on every page and that all questions and categories are filled out. It's also best to follow up with the lender weekly.  Being diligent, informed, and proactive are effective ways to hold on 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.

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.

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Home Affordable Refinance Program

Sunday, April 22, 2012
by The Hat Team

If your loan was “sold” to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac prior to June 1, 2009, you may qualify to refinance your mortgage without an appraisal—and you don’t have to worry about the value of your home either!

Determining if your home qualifies

  • Call me with your property address and I will check Fannie/Freddie’s website
  • Your current home, rental property, second home qualifies
  • If you have a 2nd mortgage, the 2nd mortgage holder must agree to “subordinate.”

What you will need to apply

  • Estimate of the current value of your home based on comps from a real estate agent
  • 30-days’ worth of paycheck stubs
  • Bank statements
  • Decent credit scores
  • Copy of driver’s license
  • Private Mortgage Insurance (did you have to include on your original loan?)
  • Copy of title policy
  • Copy of homeowner’s insurance policy

What is “unknown”

  • Fannie/Freddie may require additional documents once the file is submitted to underwriting
  • You may have to bring money to closing
  • How long it will take to process your loan
  • Fannie/Freddie may determine whether or not you will need an appraisal.

What are the benefits?

  • Lower interest rate
  • Decrease in the number of years left to pay off your mortgage
  • No appraisal required (if determined by Fannie/Freddie)
  • PMI insurance may decrease or be eliminated.

There is a huge window of opportunity for you to take advantage of a lower interest rate and reduce the number of years on your mortgage, with lower closing costs.  Call me to see if you qualify! 

 

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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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 Homeowners: Simple Ways to Go Green

Thursday, March 15, 2012
by The Hat Team

St. Patrick’s Day is an Irish holiday celebrated around the globe to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is a time for shamrocks, leprechauns, parades, corned beef and cabbage, and green beer.  ‘Tis an occasion for the wearing of the green, sporting of Irish symbols, singing loudly at the neighborhood pub, and searching for a four leaf clover.  And, in addition, it can also act as a reminder of the benefits of going green in your Montgomery AL home.  

st patricks dayIn spite of the recent push for making “big item” (and often costly) environmental changes to your Montgomery AL home, there are innumerable small steps you can take before, on, or after March 17th, to benefit the earth-- and your budget.     An eco-friendly lifestyle doesn't need to be difficult or expensive, and you can begin with these tips from Good Housekeeping to create a home that'll make you — and the earth — proud.

  • Get the kids to turn off video games (both the TV and the console) after they're done playing, and you'll win back about $100 per year.
  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Leaving the tap running during the recommended two minutes of brushing can waste up to five gallons of water a day.
  • Switch to Energy Star-rated CFL bulbs, like Satco's Mini Spiral S6202; they use 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than standard bulbs.
  • Open windows and doors or operate window or attic fans when the weather permits. Most heating and cooling systems do not bring fresh air into the house.
  • Get off junk-mail lists.  Register with the Direct Marketing Association's DMAchoice mail preference service, and you'll see a significant reduction in mail after three months.

Other suggestions include:

  • Power down computers every night for the good of the equipment and to save money. Leaving computers on all the time shortens their lifetime due to heat stress and mechanical wear.
  • Unplug cell phone chargers when not in use. Even when your phone isn't being charged, your charger is using electricity.
  • Make five minute showers a goal.
  • Visit sites such as Simple Mom, Parentdish, or Worldwatch Institute for many more easy-to-practice tips for your Montgomery AL home.

Although there is no guarantee that using these suggestions will help you find a pot of gold, you will certainly be making the earth a greener place by doing so!
 

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 Real Estate: 737 Park Ave

Thursday, June 23, 2011
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

737 Park Ave, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 285283m

Stress will fade away when you relax on the expansive screened front porch of this wonderful Old Cloverdale home. Calming park-like setting feels like you are in a different place...when actually you are within walking distance of all the Cloverdale action! Big rooms, open feel, and great flow make for great entertaining, and the cook in your family will love the updated kitchen. Shady back yard is as tranquil as the front, and don't miss the heated and cooled workshop/exercise room and 1 car garage with quaint side porch. Classic craftsman features with modern updates...who wouldn't want to live on Park Avenue! 

Learn more about 737 Park Ave and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com. 

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Montgomery Real Estate Podcast - December 2009

Thursday, January 7, 2010
by The Hat Team

Sandra Nickel of The Hat Team presents:




This month's edition covers Montgomery real estate market activity and then we'll share why buyers and sellers have some big reasons to celebrate!

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.

Program length: approximately 7 1/2 minutes
download podcast mp3 file | subscribe to podcast feed
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Record August For Alabama Auto Makers

Monday, September 24, 2007
by The Hat Team

Alabama auto makers experienced record sales in August despite all the doom and gloom reported about the auto industry world wide. Read the full story...

Our Alabama local auto industry is strong and so is Alabama real estate. It is a great time to buy a home or investment property in Montgomery AL. You can view all Montgomery homes for sale by visiting our website, HatTeam.com.

Interested in a list of new homes for sale as they hit the market? Go to EmailMontgomeryAlabamaHomes.com.

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