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Montgomery AL Home For Sale: Guest Suite Offers Lots Of Privacy!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: Guest Suite Offers Lots Of Privacy!

2212 Vaughn Lane, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 308331

Lots of privacy even for an extended family! If you have an elderly parent, adult child, or other relative all living under one roof, this property was MADE for you! Spacious design includes a true mother-in-law suite with living area (kitchenette), bedroom, and bath on one end of the house. It even has its own separate entry! Other areas include formal living and dining rooms, den/family room open to breakfast area and kitchen. Large master bedroom with 3 walk-in closets and split design features two vanity areas, garden tub, and separate shower. Another bedroom and bath reside on the first floor, and there is a guest suite and private bath on the second floor. AND, don't miss the HUGE attic area that could be several more rooms, a home theater, work-out area, man-cave, and, of course, awesome accessible storage! Corner lot affords much privacy.

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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.

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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Negotiating The Sale Of Your Montgomery Home

Friday, April 4, 2014
by The Hat Team

If you’re a seller of a Montgomery home you need to understand the complexities of negotiating. This is particularly true if you are attempting to sell your home by yourself. This is known as a “for sale by owner” or FSBO.

keysMost people understand that selling a home is complicated. But just about the least understood component of being a seller is the need to do a lot of negotiating. Even if you are working with a Realtor it is good to know what is going on, often behind the scenes. Why? So you have an appreciation of what the Realtor is doing for you.

Here are just a few of the types of negotiations you need to be ready to deal with…

  • The buyer’s agent whose sole responsibility it is to protect the best interest of the buyer, not yours.
  • The buyer who wants the best deal possible from you.
  • The home inspection company which is working for the buyer and almost always finds problems with the property for sale.
  • The termite company if there are challenges by the buyer.
  • The buyer’s lender if the structure of the financing requires the seller’s participation.
  • The appraiser if there is a question of value.
  • The title company if there are any challenges with permits, certificates of occupancy, or the survey.
  • The municipal government if there a problems with permits or certificate of occupancy.
  • The survey company if there any discrepancies or challenges.

Every one of the above participants in a real estate transaction has special interests and specialized knowledge about a different component in the sales process. Each one has to be negotiated with on some level to make sure the sale gets to closing smoothly.

It takes a lot of skill to understand everyone’s interests and how those interests fit into the bigger picture. Some of their interests and intertwined, and some are very specific to a given specialty. Some of the interests are very objective and others are very subjective and emotional.

In addition to all of that, your emotions as the seller tend to run high. It is extremely difficult to remain calm and objective when dealing with other people over the sale of your Montgomery home. That is because you are not just selling a house and a property…you are selling the home you and your family have lived in. It’s personal.

The primary message is to be very careful about making a decision to go the FSBO route and be very selective when deciding on a Realtor to be your agent of negotiation.

Ready to sell? Click here for the 7 Essential Steps to Selling Success!

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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Looking for the Largest Deduction

Wednesday, April 2, 2014
by The Hat Team

IRS allows taxpayers the option to take the standard deduction or the itemized deduction.  The astute taxpayer will compare to see which one will result in the greatest deduction and the election can be made each year.

deductionsThe 2013 standard deduction for a married couple filing jointly is $12,200 and $6,100 for a single taxpayer.  It doesn’t require any proof of actual expense and has no requirement for home ownership.

Items that can be included on Schedule A for itemized deductions include: 

  • Certain taxes paid for state and local income tax, general sales tax, real estate property taxes, personal property taxes or other taxes paid
  • Qualified home mortgage interest, investment interest or possibly, mortgage insurance premiums
  • Charitable contributions
  • Casualty or theft losses
  • Medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income if born before 1/2/49 or 10% if born after 1/2/49
  • Job expenses and other miscellaneous deductions that exceed 2% of adjusted gross income

A non-homeowner taxpayer who has been taking the standard deduction needs to consider that it isn’t just the ability to deduct the mortgage interest and property taxes.

While the standard deduction might be the obvious choice for a non-homeowner, the combination of the mortgage interest and the property taxes plus other allowable deductions not recognized previously such as charitable contributions, now makes taking the itemized deductions significantly more advantageous.

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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Montgomery AL Home For Sale: Commanding View From the Front Porch!

Thursday, March 27, 2014
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: Commanding View From the Front Porch!

3174 Cloverdale Rd, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 308082

3174 cloverdale rd

Incredible location across from Cloverdale Lower Park!! Commanding view from front porch will be your favorite reason to come home if it's not the updated kitchen with granite counters, custom cabinets and lots of storage. Hardwoods refinished and a separate laundry will keep housework out of sight. Multi room storage building in rear of home will be perfect for all your clutter. This home is move in ready in one of the best locations historic Cloverdale has to offer at this amazing price. Please give us or your favorite agent a call to see 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.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate: The Best Of Everything!

Thursday, March 27, 2014
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate: The Best Of Everything!

357 Felder Ave, Montgomery AL 36104
MLS# 308076

The best of everything...classic style and updated features! This beautiful federal-style 3 story charmer has elegant formal spaces and comfortable living areas. The custom-designed kitchen features high-end appliances and a chef's stove! Off the kitchen and family room is a BIG covered patio overlooking a private back yard with in-ground swimming pool. Master suite on 2nd floor runs the entire width of the home and has cozy seating area with fireplace. Access the 3rd floor from a spiral staircase and find a wonderful split design AND full bath, making a great teen retreat, rec room, home theater, or tons of upscale storage. Detached 2 car garage affords additional storage and great off-street parking.

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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Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - February 2014

Thursday, March 27, 2014
by The Hat Team

In February, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Montgomery, AL was 36% lower than the previous month and 1% 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 20.0% of foreclosure activity in February 2014 and Bank-owned properties accounted for 80.0%.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased 63.4% compared to the previous month and dropped 60.5% from the previous year in February. The number of Auctions increased 21.1% compared to the previous month and increased 57.9% from the previous year.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was the same as national statistics, 0.02% higher than Alabama numbers and the same as Montgomery County statistics in February 2014.

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 Home For Sale: Truly A Unique House!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: Truly A Unique House!

3051 Mastin Lane, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 307986

3051 mastin lane

Looking for a cool house?!? Check out this stately brick Cloverdale home that has everything for formal entertaining and casual living. Step through the wonderful front porch you will find an elegant living room with gas log fireplace and a lovely dining room with French doors to the arbor covered private patio with a fish pond and landscaped back yard. The large eat-in kitchen boasts custom cabinets, copper countertops and a step-up den/family room that's perfect for hanging out. The bedrooms are spacious and all have hard wood floors. Tons of storage upstairs, as well as in the basement and garage. Truly a unique house and walking distance to restaurants, shops and entertainment including spring concerts in the park just down the street.

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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How's Your IQ on the QM?

Saturday, March 22, 2014
by The Hat Team

qualified mortgageThe Qualified Mortgage Rule came into effect on January 14, 2014 as one of the results to the Dodd Frank Reform Act to protect consumers from predatory lending practices.  This will affect the underwriting standards that the majority of lenders will use to qualify borrowers.

The ability to repay rule states that financial information must be supplied by the borrower and verified by the lender.  The borrower must have sufficient assets or income to pay back the loan which limits the maximum debt-to-income ratio of 43%.  In an effort to present a more accurate picture of the costs to the borrower, teaser rates can no longer hide a mortgage’s true cost.

A maximum of 3% in upfront points and fees can be paid on behalf of the borrower.  There can be no negative amortization, interest-only or balloon payments and the loan term limit cannot exceed 30 years.

While there are more requirements, most deal with good underwriting practices that are followed by reputable lenders such as considering and verifying things that affect the ability to repay the mortgage like income, assets, employment status, simultaneous loans, debt, alimony, child support and credit history.

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.

Add Comment

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Report for February 2014

Friday, March 21, 2014
by The Hat Team

Zillow’s new survey-based index gauging consumer sentiment about housing markets and homeownership indicates that the majority of U.S. consumers feel positive about real estate market.

The Zillow Housing Confidence Index ranges from 0 to 100 with marks above 50 indicating positive sentiment. Households surveyed had a real estate confidence index of 63.7, indicating more people feel positive about real estate than not..

The index includes a “Homeownership Aspiration” component that measures renters’ attitudes and likelihood of pursuing homeownership. Nationwide, renters had an aspiration index of 59.3, indicating that more renters than not aspire to be homeowners.

In addition, 10 percent of current renters nationwide said they plan to purchase a home within the next 12 months.

Zillow estimates that 4.2 million first-time homebuyers would flood the market if all renters purchase a home who indicated that they’d like to in the next 12 months.

Take a look at sales figures in our local real estate market for February 2014.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for February 2014, show the number of homes sold increased by 4% when compared to February 2013. The average sales price increased by 9% to $ 132,424 for the month. The median sales prices increased by 30%, and market times increased by 3 days from February 2013.  The highest selling home price decreased by 30%, while the lowest selling home price increased by 50% from February 2013.

Midtown Montgomery  Feb 2014 Feb 2013
Homes Sold 25 24
Average Selling Price $ 132,424 $ 120,403
Median Selling Price $ 118,000 $ 82,656
Days On The Market 136 133
Highest Selling Price $ 487,000 $ 695,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 10,000 $ 5,000

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.

Add Comment

Montgomery Home For Sale: You Will Be Hard Pressed To Find a Better Deal!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Home For Sale: You Will Be Hard Pressed To Find a Better Deal!

1079 Rosedale Dr, Montgomery AL 36107
MLS# 307873

1079 rosedale dr

One owner home since 1960! And at less than $37 per sq. ft. You will be hard pressed to find a better deal in this area. Maintenance free sturdy brick construction, real hardwood floors and covered parking are just a few of the great aspects of this home. Living/dining combination, spacious eat-in kitchen and separate (approximate 20x20) den with vaulted beamed ceiling will live large for whatever your needs might be. Separate room off den could be a handy office. Two and a half baths and a large separate laundry with storage and room for a freezer are also another feature homes in this price range most likely will not offer. Nice front and rear terrace are great for entertaining or relaxing. New roof and power roof vents installed by Jones Brothers in July 2011 will ensure years of peace of mind. Home also offers low maintenance aluminum windows and vinyl eaves. Pest/termite inspection by Abel every year for years. Easy to show! Please call us or your favorite agent to view before someone beats you to this well priced home which offers lots of value!

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.

 

Add Comment

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