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Montgomery Real Estate Blog

The Hat Team

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Displaying blog entries 1091-1100 of 1998

Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 1551 Gilmer Ave

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

1551 Gilmer Avenue, Montgomery AL 36104
MLS# 311836

This One Is Special!

As soon as you step onto the wonderful wrap around porch you will know this one is special! From the coffered ceilings to the hardwood floors, you will find spacious charming rooms with plenty of bookcases. The flow of this home makes entertaining a breeze from the living room to the big updated galley kitchen, on through to the relaxing sun porch and out to the deck overlooking a great salt water pool and beautiful private backyard. Come check out this fabulous Craftsman bungalow on one of the Garden District's most desirable blocks.

Marketed by Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel REALTORS, Montgomery Alabama.

Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 629 Cotton Terrace Loop Deatsville

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

629 Cotton Terrace Loop Deatsville, AL 36022
MLS# 311798

One Owner & Shows Like New!

629 cotton terrace loop
One owner home!! Shows like new! Single elderly woman has babied this home since day one! Owner added plantation shutters on all windows, enclosed rear patio into sunroom. Added a power garage screen door to garage and added enough plantings that will leave you with a beautiful yard in all seasons. Nice split plan with nice size bedrooms will please most buyers. Living / separate dining. Separate keeping area open to kitchen with gas log fireplace. Double garage and cannot describe the like new condition of this less than 8 year old home. Please give us or your favorite agent a call to see this like new home today!

Marketed by Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel REALTORS, Montgomery AL.

How's Your Memory?

by The Hat Team

home inventoryHow old is your bedroom furniture and what did you pay for it?  Don’t know?  That’s okay, let’s try an easier question.  When did you buy the TV in your family room and is it a plasma, LCD or a LED?

Whether you are the victim of a burglary, a fire or a tornado, most people are comforted they have insurance to cover the losses.  However, unless you’ve filed a claim, you may not be familiar with the procedures.

The adjustor will want to know the date and how the loss occurred.  Assuming you have contents coverage, the claim for personal belongings is separate from damage to the home.

You’ll be asked to provide proof of purchase, like receipts or canceled checks, or a current inventory.  If they’re not available, you can reconstruct an inventory from memory.  The challenge is trying to remember things you may not have used for years and may not miss for years more.

Relying on memory can be a very expensive alternative.  A prudent homeowner will create a home inventory with pictures or videos while all of their belongings are in the home and they can see them.

Download a home inventory to make your project a little easier.

Information courtesy of Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 3547 Warewingwood Dr

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

3547 Warewingwood Dr, Montgomery AL 36109
MLS# 311741

What A Deal!

3547 warewingwood dr

What a deal in the Dalraida school district! Here is an adorable, move in ready home that's perfect for a first time home buyer or an investor! Updated kitchen with new counter-tops and back-splash that's open to a sunroom. The hard wood floors are in great shape and the third bedroom above the garage has laminate flooring. Check this out today, at this price it won't last long!

Marketed by Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel REALTORS, Montgomery Alabama.

 

Tips for Adding Value to Your Home

by The Hat Team

In today's economy many potential buyers don't have extra cash available for repairs and updates and are looking for move-in ready houses.  It makes sense, therefore, in order to attract serious buyers and add value to your home, that you consider the following relatively inexpensive and non-time-consuming improvements:

adding valueInterior updates:

  • If you can’t replace the water heater with a tankless model, wrap the one you have in fireproof insulation.
  • Install modern light switches and outlets throughout your home.  Add dimmer switches.
  • Insulate windows.  (Easy-to-follow instructions.)
  • In bathrooms replace dated towel racks, light fixtures, sinks, toilet seats, and hardware.  Purchase a low flow toilet.  Re-grout where needed.  If the floor is in poor shape, consider putting easy-to-install vinyl tiles right over the old one.
  • Add crown moldings, wood trim, and/or cornices to give room a look of quality.
  • Update your kitchen inexpensively by replacing fixtures, faucets, and hardware.  Consider pendant lighting.  Refinish cabinets rather than replacing them.
  • Clean and organize all closets.  For helpful free and/or inexpensive designs created for your particular needs, visit Closet Maid.

Exterior improvements:

  • Keep shrubs and trees neatly pruned.  Plant new trees for energy savings and aesthetic value.
  • Add low-voltage lighting for pathways
  • Pay attention to the front door.  Does it need new weather stripping?  A fresh coat of paint? Updated (or at least polished) hardware—knockers, knobs, hinges, and light fixtures?
  • Spend $10 to test your lawn for needed nutrients.
  • Attend to the garage door.  Use a mixture of one part bleach to three parts water and a soft-bristled brush to give it a thorough cleaning.  Still dirty or stained?  Rent a power washer for about $60.
  • Check for faded or peeling paint.  Sand and apply a fresh coat.

Real estate gurus will tell you that the wisest updates you can make are in the kitchen and the bathroom.  (Not only are these rooms of high importance to buyers, those updates will add the most value and give you a good return on your money.)  Check BankRate.com and DIYnetwork.com for suggestions and good advice on the benefits of more ambitious projects for adding 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.

Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 740 Felder Avenue

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

740 Felder Avenue, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 311164

Rich and Elaborate Detailing!

740 felder ave

Fabulous Felder among large 400k+ estate type homes! Walking distance to parks, restaurants, and more. This large scale circa turn of the last century home is believed to be one of the first few built in Old Cloverdale. Tax record indicates a 1925 build, believed to be more like 1915. The rich and elaborate architectural detail sustains that claim. Priced at less than $125k will leave you room for all the renovation dollars needed to bring this fine old home back to its glory days! Not for the faint of heart, as this home needs a major renovation, but priced accordingly. Please call us or your favorite agent 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.

Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 1548 College Court

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

1548 College Court, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 311293

Rocking Chair Front Porch & Private Garden!

1548 college court
Location, Location, Location, walk to the Capri, Montgomery's only independent theater, Cloverdale Playhouse, and one of the areas many restaurants / hot nightspots. Not too often does a home come available on this well-kept one block dead end street! It's the kind of street where the neighbors have a key to your house and that's a good thing! Third large room with closet and fireplace could easily be third bedroom or den! Visit neighbors from your old fashion front porch and garden in your private backyard. If uneven floors and a fair amount of cosmetics are a concern, you may have to find another. If not, this could be one of the best and least expensive homes Old Cloverdale has to offer. Recent new roof and exterior paint. Call us or your favorite agent 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.

How Was It Measured?

by The Hat Team

In an attempt to compare homes, one of the common denominators has been price per square foot.  It seems like a fairly, straight forward method but there are differences in the way homes are measured.

measuring tapeThe first assumption that has to be made is that the comparable homes are similar in size, location, condition and amenities.  Obviously, a variance in any of these things affects the price per square foot which will not give you a fair comparison.

The second critical area is that the square footage is correct.  The three most common sources for the square footage are from the builder or original plans, an appraisal or the tax assessor.  The problem is that none of sources are infallible and errors can always be made.

Still another issue that causes confusion is what is included in measuring square footage.  It is commonly accepted to measure the outside of the dwelling but then, do you include porches and patios?  Do you give any value for the garage, storage or other areas that are not covered by air-conditioning?

Then, there’s the subject of basements.  Many local areas don’t include anything below the grade in the square footage calculation but almost everyone agrees that the finish of the basement area could add significant value to the property.

Accurate square footage matters because it is used to value homes that both buyers and sellers base their decisions upon.

Let’s say that an appraiser measures a home with 2,800 square feet and values it at $275,000 making the price per square foot to be $98.21.  If the assessor reports there are 2,650 square feet in the dwelling and the owner believes based on the builder, there is 2,975 square feet, you can see the challenge.

If the property sold for the $275,000, based on the assessor’s measurements, it sold for $103.77 per square foot and by the owner’s measurements, it sold for $92.44 per square foot. Depending on which price per square foot was used for a comparable, valuing another property with similar square footage could have a $30,000 difference.

The solution to the dilemma is to dig a little deeper into where the numbers come from and not to take the square footage at “face value”.  It is important to recognize that there are differences in the way square footage is handled.

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 for June 2014

by The Hat Team

In June, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Montgomery, AL was 57% lower than the previous month and 98% higher 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 59.8% of foreclosure activity in June 2014 and Bank-owned properties accounted for 40.2%.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased 78.1% compared to the previous month and increased 6.0% from the previous year in June. The number of Auctions increased 20.8% compared to the previous month and 141.7% from the previous year.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was 0.02% higher than national statistics, 0.05% higher than Alabama numbers and the same as Montgomery County statistics in June 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!

Why Own Your Own Home

by The Hat Team

The majority of articles advocating home ownership center around financial benefits—fixed monthly expenses, tax benefits, accruing equity, etc.—and indeed these incentives do propel many people to purchase a home.  According to two recent polls (Gallop and the Allstate / National Journal survey), however, other more intangible factors also motivate the purchase of a piece of real estate.

  • Speopleense of community:  As a homeowner, you’ll be centered in a strong community of like-minded people, which can be a valuable asset for you and your family.  Homeownership brings a sense of pride in both your home and your community.  Various studies suggest that a higher homeownership rate brings lower crime rates, higher property values, better educated children, and ultimately closer communities.  Investing in a home may also mean investing in your family and your community by getting involved.  Once you own a home, you feel more attached to the area in which you live. You're more interested in what happens in your neighborhood, to the roads, schools, and shopping areas.
     
  • Renewed belief in the American Dream:  Although confidence in that dream has faltered in recent years, the desire to own a home is rebounding, especially among younger buyers and members of diverse ethnic groups.  Pride and family stability are important factors in today’s dream. Your house is the physical manifestation of your years of hard work and financial responsibility. And nothing says “success story” like owning your very own piece of the American dream.
     
  • Higher academic achievement of childrenConsistent findings show that homeownership does have a significant positive impact on educational achievement.  Some studies find that homeownership brings residential stability, and it is this stability that raises educational attainment.  Another asserts that while homeownership raises educational outcomes for children, neighborhood stability further enhances the positive outcome.  Additional research has shown that there is an increased chance of success in many areas for the children of homeowners,
     
  • Freedom to “do your own thing.”  If you own your house, the home improvement store is your oyster! You can paint, remodel, remove, or restyle just about anything in your home to meet your individual needs and/or reflect your tastes and personality.

Owning a home is certainly a wise investment—in so many ways!

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.

 

Displaying blog entries 1091-1100 of 1998

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