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The Hat Team

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Displaying blog entries 1031-1040 of 1998

1/2% Could Make a Big Difference

Monday, February 9, 2015
by The Hat Team

Over 50% of homebuyers don’t shop to find the best interest rate for their mortgage.  While a buyer would rarely purchase the first home they look at, they will accept the rate and terms offered by only one lender.

.5 percentWhile the borrower and the property affect the rate and terms that a lender may offer, it is not to be said that all lenders will offer the same terms and rates to the same buyer.  Credit score, home location, home price and loan amount, down payment, loan term, interest rate type and loan type all affect the interest rate but different lenders can interpret this information differently.

Shopping around to compare rate and terms for a mortgage is a reasonable exercise considering that a half percent lesser interest rate could not only lower the payment but the cumulative interest that is paid while that loan is outstanding.

Some borrowers don’t shop the mortgage because they are concerned that having their credit checked multiple times could adversely affect their credit score.  The credit bureaus take this into consideration when several requests are made by the same category of lender in a short period of time.

Check to see the difference 0.5% could make in the mortgage you’re considering by using the calculator provided by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.  Contact your real estate professional for a list of trusted mortgage professionals to consider.

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Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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4 Compelling Reasons To Buy a Home

Thursday, February 5, 2015
by The Hat Team

According to Fannie Mae the top five reasons people buy a home:

  • To have a better place to raise their children
  • A place where their family can feel safe
  • To have more space; Freedom to renovate to their own taste
  • Being a homeowner is a better investment.

home buyersDoes this hold true for you? Well, let’s take a look at these reasons to get a broader perspective…then you decide for yourself about being a homeowner.

1. To have a better place to raise children and family can feel safe…

This can very subjective and involves a lot of factors. It boils down to community and personal preferences. What is the look and feel of a community where you could see yourself living? The school system and convenience to shopping are important. Local government services provided such as emergency services, hospitals, fire, police, utilities, etc. must be considered. Is there a neighborhood watch, public parks, a community center with activities for everyone in the family, etc.? Try making a list of all the things important to you and use it evaluate where you’re searching for a home.

2. To have more space…

This is also somewhat subjective, but can be looked at analytically as well. Much depends on your lifestyle and the size of your family. There are large and small apartments, and large and small houses. Much has to do with how much space you would like to have versus how much you can afford. And this also really flows into the next topic…

3. Freedom to renovate for your own taste…

Whether you want to add on or simply renovate within existing walls, “freedom” is a huge factor in deciding to buy a house. Buying is not for everyone. Renting is a very good option for a lot of people. But the freedom to do as you please with your home is a powerful motivator. Here’s where lifestyle comes into play. It costs more to own a home than to rent. The money saved by renting can arguably be used to support a different lifestyle, which is also a form of freedom. Only you can decide.

4. Owning is a better investment…

There is no doubt that at the end of a renting cycle you walk away with no financial benefit except for the money you have saved in the process. How that savings compares with what you have when you sell a house you have owned is the question. And the answer is “It all depends.” Being a homeowner costs money. But, a lot of the money spent owning a home potentially can be recuperated. A homeowner is also building equity every month they make a mortgage payment. In that sense home ownership can be viewed as a huge savings fund.

If freedom is your primary key factor, buying real estate and becoming a homeowner is definitely to be considered!

Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Realtor Sandra Nickel.

 

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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 1948 Graham St

Wednesday, February 4, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

1948 Graham St – Montgomery, AL 36106
MLS# 315039

If you can be patient, you can own this sweet cottage on a sought after street for a lot less than you'd expect! Desirable open-space floorplan created in 2005 total restoration, which included foundation repair according to structural engineer plan. Master bedroom boasts walk-in closet, luxury bath. Detached building has heat/cool pump which makes it ideal for a home office or studio. Short sale so be prepared for a wait--it'll be worth it!

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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Montgomery, AL Home For Sale: 1919 Norman Bridge Ct

Tuesday, February 3, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery, AL Home For Sale:  

1919 Norman Bridge Ct Montgomery, AL 36104​
MLS# 314979

Great Family Home!

1919 Norman Bridge Ct

Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the Garden District, sits this cute white brick house that is a lot bigger than it appears. Check out the hard wood floors, master suite and sunroom plus two more bedrooms and a bath upstairs. With a little TLC this house would make a great home for your family. Walking distance to restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

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Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 2737 Chevy Chase Dr

Thursday, January 29, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery, AL Home For Sale:  

2737 Chevy Chase Dr – Montgomery, AL 36107
MLS# 314895

Great Starter Home!


Great starter home or PERFECT addition to your investment portfolio! recent updates include paint, updates in kitchen, and creation of laundry room, accessible from the interior. Quiet cul-de-sac is so conveniently located to shopping, dining, and the interstate/downtown area. Hardwood floors throughout (except kitchen) are a plus! Carport means your vehicle is protected from elements, and you don't have to deal with getting wet in the he rain!

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 8206 Lochwood Dr

Thursday, January 29, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery, AL Home For Sale:  

8206 Lochwood Dr  Montgomery, AL 36117
MLS# 314870

Great Location & Features!

Come take a look at this wonderful home in Halcyon Meadows. Convenient to Eastchase and the interstate, and literally walking distance to Halcyon Elementary (and zoned for the new Park Crossing high school!) This split floor plan design is great for families, and the living room even has a built-in armoire! Custom plantation shutters in most rooms. Back patio is covered for shady outdoor living, and there is a large detached storage building out back. Best price in Halcyon Meadows, so don't let this one get away!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team REALTORS!

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2 Questions Buyers and Sellers Ask About Real Estate

Thursday, January 29, 2015
by The Hat Team

There are two typical questions buyers and sellers ask all the time about real estate…

leysSellers: “Shouldn’t I first start with trying to save some money by selling on my own as a “For Sale By Owner?”

Buyers: “Shouldn’t I just look around on my own and work with the listing agents when I find something I like?”

Both of those scenarios have hidden problems. The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. Real estate professionals “know the ropes” so you don’t need to. Here are some thoughts for you to consider!

  • Sellers need true expert guidance navigating the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a buyer ready, willing and able to pay fair market value at a time when lending standards are so stringent is not an easy task.
     
  • Buyers are finding reasonable financing is not easy to come by. It can be very tricky when interest rates are volatile like they have been over the last several months. And underwriting standards are tight, meaning that you need special guidance getting pre-approved and assuring that your credit is clear.
     
  • Both buyers and sellers need to be hiring a talented negotiator who could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible re-negotiation of that offer after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.
     
  • Sellers should also realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family?
     
  • Buyers should consider working with a buyer’s agent from the start. That should be someone who really tunes into your needs and wants. That’s so they can really pinpoint the search for the right property for you. They can save you hours of spinning your wheels and they are ultimately compensated by the seller at the closing table.

Both buyers and sellers should take to heart that old saying “You get what you pay for.” Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, real estate professionals will save you money when all is said and done.

Information courtesy of Montgomery Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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Wetumpka AL Home for Sale: 75 Willow Bend Road

Thursday, January 22, 2015
by The Hat Team

Wetumpka AL Home for Sale:

75 Willow Bend Road, Wetumpka AL 36093
MLS# 314726

Country Living Without Being In the Country!

Looking for country living without being in the country? Come see this lovely home located in the quiet wooded neighborhood of Willowood. From first sight, this house has a homey feel with the huge front porch. Step inside to find a large family room with built-in bookcases and gas fireplace, a bright eat-in kitchen and spacious bedrooms (all upstairs). Don't miss the huge basement area with tons of storage and a garage. This home is waiting for its next family.

Marketed by Montgomery Realtor Sandra Nickel.

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Get Ready to Garage Sale

Thursday, January 22, 2015
by The Hat Team

A well-planned garage or yard sale can make room in your home, get rid of unused items and make some money but it needs some planning to be successful.

  • garage saleStart early to research and plan
  • Promotion is key
  • Display items attractively
  • Price items right
  • Organize checkout

Saturdays are generally the best day but there may be some exceptions.  Experienced garage-salers believe that a well-planned one-day event will do as well as a multi-day event.  Serious purchasers will look for the “new” sale and most people don’t come back multiple days.

Advertise in local newspapers and free online classified sites like craigslist.  If several families are going together for the sale, mention that in the ad; it will be a big draw.  Mention your bigger-ticket items like furniture, equipment and baby items.

Garage sale signs can be purchased or made at Staples, Fedex Office or Kwik Signs.  Signs need large lettering so they’re easy to read while people are driving. Most important info: Garage or Yard Sale, address, date and time.  Directional signs are also important.  Balloons and streamers to attract attention to the signs are very helpful.

Consider using the service Square so that you can take credit cards.  The cost is 2.75% per swipe and can be done on your smartphone or iPad.  You’ll need to sign up at least two weeks in advance to receive your reader.

Unless you’re having an estate sale, keep your home locked.  You don’t want people wandering through your home while you’re outside.  If you start to accumulate a lot of money, take some of it inside.  Don’t discuss how much money you’ve made during the sale or how successful it has been.

People will want to bargain; it’s the nature of the game.  Consider this strategy: less negotiations early in the sale and possibly, more toward the end of the sale.

Information courtesy of Sandra Nickel Hat Team REALTORS.

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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends for Dec 2014

Thursday, January 22, 2015
by The Hat Team

2015 is off to a great start for home buyers according to an executive order announced last week authorizing FHA to cut .5 percent from the annual mortgage insurance premium for the FHA backed loans with terms greater than 15 years.  For most FHA loans this will reduce the annual premium from 1.35 percent of the loan balance to .85 percent. Loans with balances above the loan limits in effect in most areas and with current MIP of 1.50 to 1.55 percent will see new premiums of 1.00 or 1.05 percent respectively. The upfront premium for all loans will remain unchanged at 1.75 percent.

Borrowers with FHA-insured loans can refinance and obtain the lower annual MIP, as long as the original endorsement was after May 31, 2009 (Older loans have a lower annual MIP. The annual MIP was increased from 0.55% to 0.90% in October 2010, to 1.15% in April 2011, to 1.25% in April 2012, and to 1.35% in April 2013 for borrowers with less than 5% down.)  

Take a look at December’s real estate sales statistics.

December 2014 Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Update

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for December 2014, show the number of homes sold decreased by 17.24% when compared to December 2013. The average sales price increased by 58% to $136,785 for the month. The median sales prices decreased by 4.55% to $105,000, and market times decreased by 17 days.  The highest selling price decreased by 10.96%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 16.88% compared to $9,000 from December 2013.

Midtown Montgomery  December 2014  December 2013
Homes Sold 24 29
Average Selling Price $136,785 $135,399
Median Selling Price $105,000 $110,000
Days On The Market 135 152
Highest Selling Price $455,000 $511,000
Lowest Selling Price $9,000 $7,700

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.

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Displaying blog entries 1031-1040 of 1998

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