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Invest In Your Nest - Why Buy Montgomery Home

by The Hat Team

Many consumers today are understandably worried about their nest egg. For many of them, however, their "nmontgomery homeest" is the best investment they can make. 

Not only does owning a Montgomery home help people build long-term wealth, but also it provides shelter and security for their families and fosters involvement in community life. In essence, homeownership is the cornerstone of a healthy community.   

U.S. Census Bureau data shows that Montgomery homeowners move less frequently than renters. This stability is important in creating strong foundations for both families and communities. 

A recent NAR research study shows that Montgomery homeowners are more likely to vote, volunteer time for civic events or participate in local crime prevention programs because they're invested in what happens in their neighborhoods. 

If you are considering buying a Montgomery home to build your nest, visit HatTeam.com or give me a call. I'm glad to guide you through the process. 

Search all Montgomery homes for sale.

 

10 Steps To Montgomery Home Ownership

by The Hat Team

The thought of buying a home can be overwhelming for many Montgomery home buyers and understandably so, as buying a home is one of the biggest decisions most of us make. Below are 10 steps to Montgomery home ownership that will make home buying a little less daunting:montgomery home

 

1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.

2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.

3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.

4. Start saving. Do you have enough money saved to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment?  Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. Also, don’t forget to factor in closing costs. Closing costs — including taxes, attorney’s fee, and transfer fees — average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.

5. Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately. A credit report provides a history of your credit, bad debts, and any late payments.

6. Determine your mortgage qualifications. How large of mortgage do you qualify for? Also, explore different loan options — such as 30-year or 15-year fixed mortgages or ARMs — and decide what’s best for you.

7. Get preapproved. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan. You might need W-2 forms, copies of at least one pay stub, account numbers, and copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements.

8. Weigh other sources of help with a down payment. Do you qualify for any special mortgage or down payment assistance programs? Check with your state and local government on down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers. Or, if you have an IRA account, you can use the money you’ve saved to buy your fist home without paying a penalty for early withdrawal.

9. Calculate the costs of homeownership. This should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities, and association fees, if applicable.

10. Give us a call. An experienced REALTOR® is the best person to guide you through the home buying process.

Learn more about buying a Montgomery home at HatTeam.com.

Search all Montgomery homes for sale.

What to Do Before Selling Your Montgomery Home

by The Hat Team

Spring is here! If you are thinking of selling your Montgomery home this spring, now is the time to start getting ready to sell. Below are 5 things to do before putting the ‘For Sale' sign in the yard: montgomery home, sale sign

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you'll be able to make repairs before open houses begin. 

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine. 

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don't plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.  

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house. 

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you're a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments? 

Learn more about selling your Montgomery home at HatTeam.com. 

What is your Montgomeryhome worth?

 

www.REALTOR.org/realtormag Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® . Copyright 2003. All rights reserved.

Why Its A Good Time For Montgomery Home Buyers To Buy In 2009

by The Hat Team
One man’s loss is another man’s gain and right now buyer’s have everything to gain. It was only a few short years ago that sellers controlled the market and were calling the shots. In order to buy a home, buyers were paying over the asking price, foregoing home inspections and paying all their own closing costs. Montgomery home buyers were jumping through any and all hoops.
 
Now the market has shifted. The strong sellers’ market is a thing of the past and it is the sellers who are jumping through hoops. Buyers are calling the shots with offers that include home inspections; requests that closing costs, homeowner association fees and inspection fees be paid by the seller; decorating allowances; home improvement; and prices far below the asking price.
 
So why are Montgomery home buyers hesitating? Fear of a tanking economy, falling home prices and job instability are concerns for many potential home buyers. But if you are financially stable and plan to stay in a home for at least five years, there are 5 top reasons to buy a Montgomery home in 2009:
 
1. Homes are affordable.
According to the National Association of Realtors' housing affordability index, homes were more affordable in December than at any other point since the group started the index in 1970. The affordability index is a measure of the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income.

A recent report from Moody's Economy.com predicted that house prices will stabilize by the end of this year. The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's Web site has a house price calculator that can help. Visit the calculator.
 
2. There are lots of homes to choose from.
The slow down in the housing market has caused homes to stay on the market longer, creating a huge inventory. There was a 9.6-month supply of unsold existing homes in January given that month's sales pace, according to NAR.
 
A large inventory gives buyers more selection, driving down prices. As buyers start to jump back into the market, the inventory will shrink and cause prices to start going back up. The time to get the best deal is before most buyers buy.
 
3. Builders are offering perks.
New home builders are offering price reductions, free upgrades and other perks such as free appliances, homeowners’ fees being paid, lower interest rates decorating allowances. Once their inventory shrinks, these perks will go away.
 
4. Interest rates are at historical lows.
Lenders are not lending as freely, but if you have good credit and the needed down payment, mortgage interest rates are historically low and hovering around 5 percent.
 
5. There is an $8000 tax credit

If you are a first-time Montgomery home buyer, you will qualify for an $8000 federal tax credit if you buy before December 1, 2009. Unlike the previous tax credit offered in 2008, this does not have to be repaid. Extra money comes in handy when buying a home.
 
Trying to decide if buying a Montgomery home in 2009 is right for you. Visit HatTeam.com or give me a call. I’m glad to review your situation with you.

8 Low Cost Fixes To Getting Your Montgomery Home Sold

by The Hat Team
If you have a home that only you can love, you will benefit for these 8 low cost fixes to getting your Montgomery home sold quickly. We don’t live in a house the way we sell a house. Buyers aren’t interested in seeing dirty socks lying around or dirty dishes in the sink. Below are a list inexpensive things, from Realtor Magazine, that you can do to make buyers fall in love with your Montgomery home.

1. Move it.
Simply rearranging the furniture can reenergize a room. Add and remove furniture, lamps, rugs, and accessories from other parts of the house to create a whole new look. Mirrors are particularly useful when it comes to updating a room. Try one out in different rooms to see where it fits best. Even just moving a mirror to a different wall can create a more welcoming feel.

 2. Plant it.
Houseplants are a generally undervalued design component that can add texture, warmth, and color to any room. Just drop plants in their store containers into decorative planters. Small plants can be moved easily and regrouped to change a room's look, while larger ones make a statement on their own. 

Group plants together of differing heights, fullness, and color for the most dramatic effect. It's important to have plants that are well maintained and in tip-top condition.

 3. Paint it.
Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make a substantial change. Use dramatic colors in powder rooms and dining rooms, and more neutral colors in living spaces. When selecting colors, "be sure to ask, 'What am I trying to do? How do I want this to feel?'" And always, always do a test before you paint the whole room. 

 4. Organize it. 
Clutter just happens. So neaten up! A variety of organizing tools can make a space feel polished while maintaining utility. Hooks and shelves inside the door give people a place to hang coats and keys, while canvas bins or natural baskets help contain magazines and mail. Just a row of hooks pre-attached on a board is so easy to install. And shelves are a great way to neatly display collectibles. 

5. Hide it.
Have a banged-up wall? It may be easy to camouflage. Paintable wallpaper will smooth out an uneven wall or hide minor dents and dings. Adventurous home owners can even try a simple two-step painting process for a more complex finish. A apply a solid base coat, then a glaze. 

Your intent should never be to mislead buyers; be sure to disclose flaws that would affect home value. 

6. Replace it.
Cabinet handles, switch plates, and other small pieces of housing hardware can update a home for just a few dollars a piece. Scan each room to see what looks worn or outdated and then replacing it. Inexpensive quick-connect faucets can make upgrading the look of your bathroom a snap. Just be sure to measure before you go to the hardware store. Some sinks are drilled for an eight-inch spread. Others require just four inches. 

And don't forget the toilet seat. Fresh towels and a new toilet seat go a long way toward making a bathroom feel clean and new. 

7. Light it.
Lighting can have a major impact on a home's look and feel. Whether a room seems dark or too bright and harsh, try "layering" the lighting by adding accent pendants and lamps. Make sure they have independent controls, so that you can turn them on and off at will. 
Light is such a mood setter. You can create a cozy feel just by turning down the lights. Add dimmers in the dining room, bathrooms, kitchen, and even the hallways for less than $4 each. Then adjust the lighting to create the mood you want.

 8. Clean it.
Turn a critical eye to the flooring to make sure it's up to snuff. Scrub grout and seal natural stone. Rub out scratches and nicks on wood floors with scratch cover. Get down on your hands and knees and detail the floors. It takes a little elbow grease, but the results are well worth it. Vinyl flooring is a bit harder to spruce up but usually can be replaced easily and inexpensively.

Interested in selling your Montgomery home? Give me a call, I’m glad to help!

If you are thinking of selling your Montgomery home this spring, now is the time to start getting ready to sell. Below are 5 things to do before putting the ‘For Sale’ sign in the yard: 
 
1. Have a presale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.
 
2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.
 
3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin. 
 
4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.
 
5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?
 
Learn more about selling your Montgomery home at HatTeam.com.
 
 
www.REALTOR.org/realtormag Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® . Copyright 2003. All rights reserved.

Low Cost Energy Saving Tips For Montgomery Homeowners

by The Hat Team
I found a great website, Energy Savers, with low cost energy saving tips for Montgomery homeowners. This site provides homeowners with tips for saving energy and money at home and on the road.
 
By following just a few of the simple tips found on this Energy Savers Web site, you can make your home more comfortable and easier to heat and cool—while you save money. The site also helps you beat the high cost of fuel, with driving and car maintenance tips to save you money on the road.

Some easy low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy include: 

  • Install a programmable thermostat to keep your house comfortably warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer.
  • Use compact fluorescent light bulbs with the ENERGY STAR® label.
  • Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
  • Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
  • Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power).
  • Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120°F.
  • Take short showers instead of baths.
  • Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
  • Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gasoline.
  • Look for the ENERGY STAR label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. 
The information on this Web site is also available in PDF format (PDF 2.7 MB).
 
If you are a Montgomery homeowner, I encourage you to check out Energy Savers. Following a few of their suggestions will not only put more money in your pocket, but make our planet healthier and greener.
 
If you are thinking about buying a Montgomery home, visit HatTeam.com. It’s a great place to learn about Buying a Montgomery home and viewing Montgomery homes for sale.

Should I Be Movin' On Up To A Larger Montgomery Home?

by The Hat Team
Should I Be Movin' On Up To A Larger Montgomery Home? 
 
Should I move up to a larger home is a question many Montgomery homeowners are asking. The questions below will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location.
 
1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home?
 
If you have owned your Montgomery home for a number of years you might have built up some equity. Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to determine your loan balance. Then give me a call to determine your home’s market value. The difference between your loan amount and market value is your equity. You can also get your market value for your Montgomery home by clicking here.
 
2. Has your income or financial situation improved?
 
If your income has increased, you may be able to afford a higher mortgage payment. 
 
3. Have you outgrown your neighborhood?
 
Often, the neighborhood or location you buy your first home in may no longer suit your needs. You may want to be closer to work, be in a better school district or have a home on a lake rather than close to it.
 
4. Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on?
 
Sometimes adding on to your current home is the answer. If you will end over-improving for the neighborhood, moving may be a better option.
 
5. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market?
 
In the current Montgomery real estate market, your home may not sell quickly for what it would have a few years ago, but the home you buy also less expensive expensive.
 
6. Are interest rates attractive?
A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer and interest rates are currently at record lows.
 
If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move. If so, please visit HatTeam.com to learn more about buying a Montgomery home or give me a call. I’m glad to help!
 

Does Buying A Montgomery Home Makes Sense?

by The Hat Team

Does Buying A Montgomery Home Makes Sense?

 

The housing market has never been better for many potential Montgomery home buyers. In fact, more often than not, it is less expensive to own your own home rather than rent.

 

The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that in 57 out of the 100 most populated metro areas, renting a three-bedroom home is more expensive than monthly costs on a six percent mortgage for a typical low-priced house in the same area.

 

With all the news these days concerning the economic crunch and these tumultuous economic times, you might think I’m crazy saying it is a good time to buy a Montgomery home. Of course, buyers with strong credit are best positioned to take advantage of today’s opportunities. A high credit score will yield a lower interest rate and increase the likelihood that a loan application will be approved.

 

For example, a buyer with a 6 percent mortgage will pay a third less per month than a buyer who has a loan at 8 percent. This difference can be hundreds of dollars per month.

 

FHA loans, VA loans and government backed first-time buyer loans are all available to qualified buyers. With the current low interest rates and affordable housing prices, it is a great time to buy your Montgomery home.

 

It is also a time to keep in mind that buying a home is a long term investment…and an investment you and your family can enjoy for many years!

Learn more about Montgomery homes and real estate.

 

Search all Montgomery homes for sale.

How To Sell Your Montgomery Home NOW!

by The Hat Team
As most owners of Montgomery real estate have realized by now, this is not the ideal time to try to sell a house. With a struggling economy and negative media surrounding the housing market, more and more homes are staying on the market for longer and longer as fewer buyers are out making offers. So what should you do if you are in a situation where you need to sell your home now? The Wall Street Journal offers the following tips that I hope you’ll find helpful:
 
1. DON'T WAIT AROUND.
Even in the better housing areas, it's taking a long time to sell houses; so, don't try to sit out the market. That's what hundreds of other timid sellers are doing, each of them hoping -- somehow, some way -- that hanging on the sidelines will improve prices and, ultimately improve the chances of a successful sale. It won't. If you want your place sold, the best way to make sure that happens is to put it up for sale.
 
2. FIX IT UP AND CLEAN IT UP.
Buyers are taking your house out on a date. It has to make a good impression.
You don’t have to (and shouldn’t!) spend a lot of money, but ensure everything is in good working order.  As you get closer to the date that the house is actually on the market, start moving out by decluttering – buyers don’t want to see a house filled to the rafters with other people's things.
 
3. PRICE IT CHEAPLY.
Don't fight the market by trying to price your house at bubble-era levels or by factoring in all those improvements you made. In today’s market, your best bet is to set a realistic, salable price on day one. Don't let the house hang around on the market as you gradually lower the price. Forget what you think the house should be worth or what it was worth three years ago. That's not what it's worth today.
 
4. HIRE A TOP REAL-ESTATE AGENT.
Get the best listing agent you can find. When everything was selling before it even hit the market, of course, you didn't need the best.  Sellers of higher-end properties may be able to negotiate a lower commission percentage, but this is no time to quibble over a couple of percentage points. Also, offer the agent a big bonus if he or she sells the house in 30 days or at your asking price. Offer other agents bonuses if they bring in the ultimate buyer.
 
5. PROMOTE. PROMOTE. PROMOTE.
The agent should pay the usual marketing costs, but you should be prepared to pony up for extras, especially if you insist on more expensive or untraditional promotions.
Make sure your house is on the leading real-estate Web sites; Trulia, Zillow, Cyberhomes, Eppraisal and Realtor.com are some of the top ones.
Beyond that, get really creative. Advertise in corporate newsletters and intranet listings. Check in with local relocation firms that help transferring corporate executives find new homes. List the house on eBay. Put it on Craigslist. Put it in your church bulletin.
 
6. PLAY THE BANKER.
As bad as things are, there's one big factor in your favor: the tight credit market. If you have no mortgage you have to pay off, your strongest selling point might be your ability to finance all or a substantial part of a buyer's purchase.
You're a lot more flexible than a bank that has the Federal Reserve looking over its shoulders, so you might even be able to charge a higher interest rate than a commercial lender as well as command a higher sale price.
 
7. TAKE THE OFFER.
If any qualified buyer comes in with a reasonable offer, be prepared to accept it.
Negotiate, of course, but recognize that the buyer has a lot more clout than you do. Your house, as wonderful as you think it is, is worth only as much as someone is willing to pay for it.
 
If you are considering selling your Montgomery real estate, let my experience work for you! Please call me at 800-428-5239, visit HatTeam.com, or request a complimentary market valuation of your home.
 

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