Real Estate Information Archive

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

3224 LeBron Avenue, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 310507

Well Maintained Charming Cloverdale Cottage!

Look no further your search is over!! Charming Cloverdale cottage offering the Three bedrooms and two baths most buyers seek! Under $170k and the location you will want! Beautiful hardwood floors and transoms you expect in a home of this vintage add to its historic charm. You will find a small yet updated very efficient and functional kitchen. A rear wrap-around deck connects the kitchen to the side porch perfect for cookouts. Two good size bedrooms down and nice main bedroom up with lots of closets, storage and even a trunk room (see original blueprints framed upstairs).  Attached bonus area is now used as an in-home office and complements main bedroom area. Covered porch off dining room is a great place to sit, relax and watch your neighbors stroll past. This home has had but three owners and it shows. Walk to the Capri movie theater, Cloverdale Playhouse, 1048 blues club or one of many other local restaurants or hot spots! Seller has made many improvements and maintained this home to a high standard. Give us or your favorite agent a call to view today! See 3224lebron.weebly.com for more detailed info about home from seller!

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.

It certainly appears that summer heat is here to stay.  While we humans have the ability to limit our time outside and escape to the relief of air conditioning and fans, the plants in the gardens of your Montgomery AL home are not so fortunate and must withstand high temperatures and frequent dry conditions.

Just as we make an extra effort to watch over young children and the elderly during the summer months, so, too, we need to be aware of the needs of our plants.  The following tips should be useful in ensuring enduring greenery through the fall:

• Dead heading:  Remove the spent flowers (called "deadheading") as they die, so the plant can put its energy into producing more flowers. This is particularly beneficial for geraniums, marigolds, roses, and most perennials.
   
• Cutting back: When greenery such as petunias, impatiens, and trailing types of plants become long and spindly, cut them back by one-third to one-half and then fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer.
   
• Weeding:  Although you most likely put down a thick layer of mulch when you first planted, those pesky weeds do have a way of cropping up.  Every few days check the gardens for weeds and pull them as needed. It is easier to pull weeds if the soil is moist.  If you must use a chemical weed control, check to see if it is selective or non-selective.
   
• Watering:   Proper watering is critical to your plant's health, but frequent, shallow watering (rain, sprinklers, etc.) leads to shallow root systems and thus a low drought-tolerance.  Click here for a deep watering schedule and tips that will be most beneficial to the landscaping of your Montgomery AL home.
   
• Fertilizing:  In addition to keeping the vegetation in the gardens of your Montgomery AL home healthy, fertilizing will also help keep your soil in good shape in case of drought or a stretch of extremely hot weather. Acid-loving species (camellias, gardenias, and azaleas) as well as those displaying yellow leaves will be especially appreciative of your diligence.

Remember, too, to take precautions to maximize your own well-being when engaged in any outside gardening projects.  Be vigilant about drinking plenty of water, taking frequent rests, and protecting your skin.  Be alert for signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration.  For specific tips on caring for yourself while gardening in the summer months, click here.

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.

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

377 Winthrop Court, Montgomery AL 36104
MLS# 310434

Lots Of High End Updates!

Incredible property on one of the best kept streets in the Garden District! Lots of high end updates! Beautiful hardwoods and heavy moldings! Kitchen has top grade granite, many built-ins, lazy susan’s, ceramic subway tile and on demand boiling water. Den features heart pine floors, fireplace, book shelves and rough sown cedar walls. Dining room looks out to a wonderful covered deck and yard. Downstairs bath features black and white marble flooring and custom vanity. Spectacular main suite upstairs with six large closets, bookcases and built in window box drawers, Upstairs office could be nursery. Downstairs office has upholstered walls and could serve as extra living area/den. Electric gated entry drive. Great condition and ready to move in! Your clients won’t be disappointed! Call us or your favorite agent to view today!

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.

It’s disappointing, frustrating and sometimes, discouraging when you lose a home you want to buy.

One of the hardest lessons for today’s buyers is that writing an offer doesn’t mean that you’ll get the home or even a counter-offer.  The low inventory affecting many of the housing markets requires a different strategy to give you the best chance to get the home you want.

1. Make your best offer initially; you may not get a chance to accept a counter.
2. Submit a written pre-approval letter from the lender.
3. Increase earnest money above what is considered normal.
4. Make a larger down payment.
5. Eliminate unnecessary contingencies.
6. Don’t ask for personal property not included in the listing agreement.
7. Pay your own customary closing costs.
8. Shorten the inspection period.
9. Buy the home “as is” subject to inspections which still allows you to get your earnest money back if the inspections are unacceptable but doesn’t require the seller to make repairs.
10. Write the seller a hand-written, personal letter telling them why you want their home; include a picture of your family.
11. Offer to use the seller’s or listing agent’s preferred title company.
12. If you can pay cash, do so and arrange financing after closing.  Be prepared to show proof of available funds.
13. Schedule the closing as soon as possible but let the seller know you can be flexible.
14. Once you decide on a home, act with expedience.
15. Ask your real estate professional if they have any other suggestions. 

Think of making an offer like applying for a job. You want to make your best impression and show why you are the best choice.  You won’t always know that there are multiple offers.  Approach the process like the competition is doing their best to get the 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.

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.

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

2110 Mona Lisa Drive, Montgomery AL 36111
MLS# 310416

Bring Your Imagination!

How's your imagination? If you can look past dirty carpet and envision the hardwood below, you'll see that this well-loved house has the potential to be your new home. Kitchen and baths are modern and in great shape. An over-sized laundry room has space for crafts or work-shopping. And the huge fenced yard cries out for kids and/or pets. Great peach trees, too, and within walking distance of Baptist and Alfa so call now!

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.

All-cash offers are an unusual real estate tactic, but often times are a winning strategy at the negotiating table, and are presently on the rise. The National Association of Realtors^® reports market share of all-cash purchases has risen and currently makes up 33 percent of the market. This is a unique trend, especially since the market has experienced a decrease in distressed homes and investor activity.

Economists point out many reasons for this popular trend. One is restrictive lending standards have caused many buyers, especially wealthy ones, to forgo a loan. Another is the aging baby boom generation, many of whom are trading down and paying for their purchase with cash accumulated from decades of equity. Some also point to foreign buyers; home purchases by foreign buyers in the U.S. are increasing and those buyers don’t have the credit history in the U.S. to qualify for a loan.

None of those situations have significantly impacted the Montgomery market.  For May, 24% of the sales were all-cash and averaged just $42,500.  This indicates they were predominantly investor sales of distressed properties.  Now let's look at the other May statistics for Midtown Montgomery.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for May 2014, show the number of homes sold increased by 5.7% when compared to May 2013. The average sales price increased by less than 1% to $144,882 for the month. The median sales prices increased by 17%, and market times decreased by 4 days from May 2013.  The highest selling price decreased by 5%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 45% compared to May 2013.

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.

In a study released by TD Bank, 65% of buyers with mortgages that required mortgage insurance said the higher monthly payment was more than they originally expected.

Private mortgage insurance is required on loans that exceed 80% of the home’s value.  For conventional loans, the premiums range from 0.5% to 1% annually.  The PMI could add close to $100.00 a month to the payments on a $200,000 mortgage and over $200.00 a month on a FHA mortgage.

FHA has two components to its mortgage insurance which includes an up-front charge on closing of the loan and an annual charge.  The up-front premium is 1.75% of the mortgage which can be paid in cash at closing or added to the mortgage amount.  The annual premium ranges from 0.45% to 1.35% depending on the loan-to-value and term of the mortgage.

Most lenders are required to automatically cancel coverage when a 78% loan-to-value is reached which on a 30 year loan with normal amortization could be eight to eleven years depending on original loan amount and interest rate.   If the value of the home has increased as documented by an appraisal so that the current mortgage is below 80% loan-to-value, the lender can be petitioned to eliminate the PMI.

Beginning in April, 2013, FHA requires the mortgage insurance to be paid for the entire term of the mortgage.   Prior to this rule change, it was required to remain in effect for a minimum of five years but could be cancelled when the mortgage is reduced to 78% of the original purchase price.

A homeowner can greatly reduce their cost of housing by avoiding mortgage insurance with a minimum 20% down payment.  If a higher loan-to-value mortgage is required to purchase the home, the objective should be to pay down the mortgage amount to relieve the need for the mortgage insurance.   Generally, loans with lower loan-to-value mortgages also have lower interest rates.

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.

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

529 Felder Ave, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 310069

In The Heart Of Old Cloverdale!

Check out this location in the heart of Old Cloverdale! Step into a huge living room with fireplace that looks into the dining room and has a great sunroom off of it that's perfect for an office or playroom. This charming house has beautiful hard wood floors and high ceilings. All of the bedrooms are spacious including the large den and enormous laundry room with lots of cabinets. Put your touch on the kitchen and two baths although you might even like them just the way they are. Relax on the private side deck or stroll to the restaurants, bars and stores just around the corner.

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.

Buying a Montgomery AL home, especially if for the first time, requires a large investment of both your money and your time, for the experience can be complex and sometimes even intimidating.  Depending on professional advice and knowing the right questions to ask, however, will expedite the process, boost your confidence, and help you make a wise decision.

Before you begin to ask questions, you need to check your credit score, analyze your finances, obtain mortgage pre-approval, and find a Realtor who is very familiar with and an expert on the precise neighborhoods that interest you.

Then you may want to ask the following questions:

1. Where do I want to live—and why?  Think about your lifestyle and what is important to you.  Investigate the schools, nearby amenities, house prices, commuting time, public transportation.  Ask about future plans for a neighborhood and talk to current residents about virtues/problems of the area.  Spend some real time (at various times of the day) in the neighborhood you’re considering.  Remember that while you can change paint color or appliances, the location of your home will remain the same,

2. What will my monthly expenses be?  In addition to the principal and interest on the loan, you should also be aware of—and prepared for—

• Property insurance (do you need flood and/or mortgage insurance, too?)
• Taxes
• Utilities
• HOA fees
• Landscaping costs
• Repairs and/or maintenance

3. Are all facts/figures on the listing accurate?  Do not take the information contained in the listing as absolute truth.  Make sure your agent double checks these facts directly with the source, like HOA offices, county tax pages, and the like.  Your Realtor should also check comparable prices in the area—active, pending, and sold (Comparative Market Analysis).

4. Have there been any past issues with this house?  It’s against the law to fraudulently conceal any major problems in your home, so ask the seller for a full disclosure of problems, both past and present.  Asking a seller to disclose material facts means you’re asking him/her to disclose anything about the house that might be problematic. While you can’t always force someone to sign a disclosure (depending on the laws in the state), you do have the right to leave any deal because of undisclosed (and known) problems.

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.

Planning a summer trip is usually focused on what you’ll do, see and experience.  Enjoy it even more by spending a little time before you leave to make sure your home is safe while you're gone.

Consider these suggestions along with your other normal efforts:

• Tell your neighbors you’ll be out of town and to be aware of any unusual activity.
• Notify your alarm company .
• Discontinue your postal delivery.
• Use timers on interior lights to make it appear you’re home as usual.
• Don’t make it easy for burglars by leaving messages on voice mail or posting on social networks.
• Post on social networks about your vacation after you’ve returned.
• Remove the hidden spare keys and give one to a trusted neighbor or friend.
• Lock everything, double-check and set the alarm.
• Take pictures of your belongings in case you need them.
• Disconnect TVs and other equipment in case of unexpected power surges.
• Adjust your thermostat.
• Arrange for lawn care.
• Consider disconnecting the garage door opener.
• Put irreplaceable valuables in a safety deposit box.

 It’s nice to go out of town on a well-deserved trip and it’s always nice to get back home…especially when it is just the way you left it.

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.