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Maybe you elected to leave your job to take care of your children or an ailing relative, or perhaps you are a victim of a job layoff or downsizing.  Whatever the cause for your current unemployed status, you should plan mortgageahead for the day when you’ll be able to consider purchasing a Montgomery AL home.  The following information should be of help to you in your quest for a mortgage after a period of unemployment.

  • Potential lenders often review your employment history when considering your loan application, and relatively recent gaps in employment can hurt your chances for approval. Mortgage lenders typically like to see you've had continuous employment, preferably with the same employer, for the previous two years. Lenders equate job stability with personal stability, which is an indicator you'll be able to continue making payments over time.
     
  •  Based on current guidelines, which are subject to change, most lenders require that a gap of employment longer than three months be followed up by at least six months of employment before your income can be considered toward qualifying for the Montgomery AL home loan.
     
  • Most lenders have a two-year "same line of work" requirement; the employment gap doesn't disqualify your  income from counting so long as you’ve been in the same line of work for at least two years.  Even then, the lender will likely use only your base salary to count toward your loan qualifications. Commissions, overtime, bonuses and other employment compensation beyond the base salary cannot be counted toward your ability to repay your mortgage without a two-year paper trail documenting the extra income.
     
  • If you are looking to change lines of work, you will need to prove that you’ve been in the field for two years before your income will count. Time spent enrolled in an educational course does count toward the two-year "same line of work" requirement.
     
  • Obtaining a home mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration is a meticulous process, so it pays to familiarize yourself with its policy on employment gaps before applying for a purchase or refinance loan for your Montgomery AL home. The FHA underwriter evaluates the "four Cs" of borrower credit: credit history, capacity to repay, cash assets, and collateral. To determine whether you are capable of making monthly payments on-time, the underwriter analyzes your employment history and the income it generates, also known as effective income.

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 Homes For Sale: 3318 Lexington Rd

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Homes For Sale:

3318 Lexington Rd, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 298936

This Will Catch Your Eye!

3318 lexington rd

Tudor-style cottage will catch your eye the moment you drive by! Architectural features include barrel-vault ceiling and Moorish fireplace in the living room. Enjoy the updated kitchen with breakfast nook as well as a formal dining room. As an added bonus to the original 3 bedroom 1 bath design, there is a mother-in-law addition which includes a bedroom, bath, walk-in closet, and kitchenette with separate entrance (and makes a great master SUITE!) Like new wood decks at front and back, and private side courtyard are fun places to gather. There is a large workshop out back with electricity, storage area, work bench, and storage loft (great man-cave!) Walk to the nearby park for summer concerts and holiday celebrations, and enjoy being minutes away from exciting Downtown Montgomery.

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 Real Estate For Sale: 1815 Highland Ave

by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:

1815 Highland Ave, Montgomery AL  36107
MLS# 298904

Snag This Investment Now!

1815 highland ave


Old world charm including high ceilings, big rooms and huge windows that provide wonderful natural light. Up-to-date mechanicals for trouble-free ownership. And just-redone modern open concept interiors that will attract and retain quality tenants. Good ones already in place--management, too--so snag this investment 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.

 

Montgomery Home For Sale: 2112 Wentworth Dr

by The Hat Team

Montgomery Home For Sale:

2112 Wentworth Dr, Montgomery AL  36116

MLS# 298906

One Of The Best Deals In The Area!

2112 Wentworth Dr MOntgomery AL

Worried about nosy neighbors backing up to your property? Not here! This Ridgefield home backs up to The Montgomery Academy property. Traditional floor plan includes formal living/dining room combination as well as a casual den/family room with cozy fireplace and tons of built-in bookshelves. Kitchen area has a sunny breakfast area, and the BIG laundry/utility room between kitchen and carport makes a perfect mud room for the kids. Originally built as a 4 bedroom home, the current owners removed the wall between the front two bedrooms, making one large space (and the wall could easily be returned if your family needs 4 bedrooms.) Mature landscaping and large brick patio out back, and a heated and cooled storage/workshop attached to the carport. Move-in ready, and one of the best deals in the area!

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 Foreclosure Trends - Dec 2012

by The Hat Team

There were 810 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 1 in every 1,024 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing in December 2012. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $166,547 and the average foreclosure selling price was $65,632, a $100,915 savings according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 3.35% in December while the number of foreclosed homes dropped from 122 to 88.

montgomery al foreclosure

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was 0.03% lower than national statistics, 0.01% higher than Alabama and and the same as Montgomery County statistics in December 2012.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties stayed the same at 69 homes in December. The number of Auctions dropped from 53 to 19 and there is a 6-month rising trend.

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!

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

 

Yes, you realize that the economy is tough, and, yes, you’re well aware that it is a buyers’ market in the real estate world.  But your Montgomery AL home has been for sale for a long time now, and similar houses in the area have been selling.  You’re asking what you consider a fair price for the property, and you allow your Realtor to have periodic open house showings, so what is going on?

soldGenerally the problem lies in one of four areas:  price, condition, availability, and location.

  • Price:  In today’s economy everyone is looking for a bargain. With access to so much information on the internet, buyers cannot be fooled because it is very easy for them to compare prices. Many people won’t even bother looking at a house if they believe it is overpriced. Therefore, you should make sure your Montgomery AL home is not priced higher than similar homes on the market. However, if you are looking to sell your home quickly, you should set the price even lower than the competition.  For more help with pricing, visit RIS Media and Realtor.com
     
  • ConditionThe condition of your home inside and out is critically important to making a sale. If your home doesn’t show well, a potential buyer is going to head elsewhere. Because most buyers are looking for a house they can move into without a ton of small repairs and cleanup, you should make any interior or exterior repairs on your Montgomery AL home that may be noticeable. While some buyers may be willing to negotiate on the price when there are repairs that need to be done, there are many who are looking for a home with a “move in worry free” condition. Clean and de-clutter thoroughly, and eliminate all odors  For staging suggestions, go to About.Com

     
  • Availability:   Getting as many people as possible to view your home is important. Too much restriction on viewing times will naturally lessen the chance of selling the house quickly. Also, restrictions on viewing times may make a buyer may feel that the seller is not flexible and would not be willing to negotiate on anything else.

     
  • Location:  When it comes to buying a house location is everything. No matter how beautiful a home is, if it is in a bad location, it will be hard to sell.  To compensate for a bad location, you may reduce the price of your Montgomery AL home substantially if it needs to be sold quickly. Click here for possible solutions to a location concern.

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.

New Credit Scoring Helps Buyers of Montgomery AL Real Estate

by The Hat Team

The most important item in a consumer's financial resumé today is his/her credit score. The rating system most widely used currently is the "FICO" (Fair Isaac Corporation) score, the standard measure for credit risk. Developed in 1989, this three-digit number between 300 and 850 predicts one’s creditworthiness. The higher a credit score, the more likely loan approval and/or favorable interest rates.  Click here and here for more in-depth information on how your credit rating may impact your desire to buy Montgomery AL real estate.

credit reportRecently, however, FICO has teamed up with data provider CoreLogic on a new credit scoring system specifically for mortgage lenders aimed at giving them more confidence in risk taking and hopeful homebuyers of Montgomery AL real estate more credit for good financial decisions.  The FICO Mortgage Score Powered by CoreLogic uses the FICO model to mine information from a new CoreLogic credit report, much as the old model worked with other data sources to produce the familiar FICO score.

The new system supplements traditional credit data with property transaction data, landlord and tenant information, borrower-specific public data, and other alternative credit information that creates a more complete and predictive evaluation of a consumer's credit risk profile to help lenders better manage risk.

Will this new system benefit folks applying for a mortgage on Montgomery AL real estate

Yes, says Bradley Graham, a FICO senior director.. "A significant portion of people moved up on the new credit score scale and did so with an increase in predictiveness," he said.  "For example, about 23 percent of persons with a credit score below 680 moved above that score, often way above," Graham noted.   He predicted that 8% would score above 757 and an additional 3% would rank higher than the current 715 median score.   Also, validation studies run by the company found the scoring was 7.5 times more predictive of loan risk performance than the current models.

No, according to a recent article in U.S. News and World Report.  It argues that the addition of CoreScore  will greatly increase a bank's access to personal finance information (and possible misinformation) including  property values and taxes, tax liens, alimony judgments, pay day loans, and rent payments.

As only about 25 lenders currently use the new scoring system (not yet approved for Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae), its future is uncertain.

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 Foreclosure Trends - November 2012

by The Hat Team

There were 802 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 1 in every 775 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing in November 2012. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $102,112 and the average foreclosure selling price was $92,251, a $9,861 savings according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 3.35% in November while the number of foreclosed homes climbed from 104 to 122.

montgomery al foreclosure

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was 0.01% lower than national statistics, 0.03% higher than Alabama and 0.01% higher than Montgomery County statistics in November 2012.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties increased from 52 homes in October to 69 in November. The number of Auctions rose from 52 to 53 and there is a 6-month rising trend.

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!

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

 

Real Estate Provisions in “Fiscal Cliff” Bill

by The Hat Team

On January 1, 2013 both the Senate and House passed H.R. 8 legislation to avert the “fiscal cliff.” The bill will be signed shortly by President Barack Obama.

fiscal cliffBelow is a summary of real estate related provisions in the bill as summarized by the National Association of Realtors:

Real Estate Tax Extenders

  • Mortgage Cancellation Relief is extended for one year to Jan. 1, 2014
  • Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums for filers making below $110,000 is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012
  • 15-year straight-line cost recovery for qualified leasehold improvements on commercial properties is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012
  • 10 percent tax credit (up to $500) for homeowners for energy improvements to existing homes is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012

Permanent Repeal of Pease Limitations for 99% of Taxpayers

Under the agreement so called “Pease Limitations” that reduce the value of itemized deductions are permanently repealed for most taxpayers but will be reinstituted for high income filers. These limitations will only apply to individuals earning more than $250,000 and joint filers earning above $300,000. These thresholds have been increased and are indexed for inflation and will rise over time. Under the formula, the amount of adjusted gross income above the threshold is multiplied by three percent. That amount is then used to reduce the total value of the filer’s itemized deductions. The total amount of reduction cannot exceed 80 percent of the filer’s itemized deductions.

These limits were first enacted in 1990 (named for the Ohio Congressman Don Pease who came up with the idea) and continued throughout the Clinton years. They were gradually phased out as a result of the 2001 tax cuts and were completely eliminated in 2010-2012. Had we gone over the fiscal cliff, Pease limitations would have been reinstituted on all filers starting at $174,450 of adjusted gross income.

Capital Gains

Capital Gains rate stays at 15 percent for those in the top rate of $400,000 (individual) and $450,000 (joint) return. After that, any gains above those amounts will be taxed at 20 percent. The $250,000/500,000 exclusion for sale of principle residence remains in place.

Estate Tax

The first $5 million dollars in individual estates and $10 million for family estates are now exempted from the estate tax. After that the rate will be 40 percent, up from 35 percent. The exemption amounts are indexed for inflation.

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.

 

Midtown Montgomery Market Trends - Dec 2012

by The Hat Team

With the gift-giving season in full swing, some parents are considering a sizable and meaningful present for their children and/or grandchildren - real estate. This is the sign of a solid trend, with a growing number of parents are currently helping their children purchase homes, whether they’re buying these homes for their sons and daughters outright, helping them pay for closing costs, or coming up with the money for their down payments.

While such a gift is certainly in keeping with the spirit of the season, those who are giving or those relying on monetary donations from their parents or family members to buy real estate should follow some fairly simple underwriting and IRS rules.

  • You can gift a total of $13,000 a person without being taxed on that money.
  • The person giving the gift must file a form 709 (gift tax return) for any gifts over $13,000 per year per recipient.
  • Buyers applying for a conventional mortgage loan must use their own funds for at least 5 percent of their down payment.
  • When buyers are providing a down payment of at least 20 percent of their home’s purchase price, they can rely on gift funds for the entire down payment.
  • Mortgage lenders will need to see documentation showing the origin of gifted funds.
  • A gift of real property is accomplished through a deed. A warranty or grant deed is normally used, but in some cases a quitclaim deed may be appropriate. You will identify the property being transferred and sign, notarize, and register the deed as clear evidence that the property has been given to your children.

As with all major financial decisions, you would be wise to consult your accountant and/or tax attorney before gifting monetary assistance for the purchase of real estate or the property itself.

Take a look at sales figures in our local real estate market for November. Unfortunately, Midtown Montgomery has yet to "jump on the upswing bandwagon." Our numbers continue to disappoint.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for November show the number of homes sold decreased by 90% when compared to November 2011. The average sales price increased by 23% to $156,890 during the same period. The median sales prices increased by 14%, and market times increased by 19% or 31 days. The highest selling home price decreased by 27%, and the lowest selling home price was the same.

Midtown Montgomery Nov 2012 Nov 2011
Homes Sold 37 366
Average Selling Price $ 156,890 $ 117,500
Median Selling Price $ 117,500 $ 101,250
Days On The Market 163 132
Highest Selling Price $ 575,000 $ 785,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 3,000 $3,000


The good news is that the level of buyer activity in the Midtown Montgomery market is up substantially, which may mean and upturn ahead.

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.

Displaying blog entries 611-620 of 759

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