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Displaying blog entries 1221-1230 of 1998

Montgomery AL Real Estate: 36 Boardwalk Street, Pike Road, AL 36064

Thursday, October 24, 2013
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate: 36 Boardwalk Street, Pike Road, AL 36064​ 

MLS # 305080

Charming house near Lake Cameron and the town center of The Waters

This charming house is in the established section of the neighborhood and is like new, but not at a new house price. Beautiful hard wood floors, lots of natural light, lovely kitchen, darling backyard, 1st and 2nd floor porches. Convenient to all of the desirable amenities: Lake Cameron, infinity pool and boat house, town center.

 

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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Why Borrowers Pay Different Rates

Thursday, October 24, 2013
by The Hat Team

interest ratesLenders, like any business, have to make a profit.  The cost of acquiring the funds, the operating costs to service and the expected profit margin are easily identified.  The variable in pricing is the type of mortgage and the credit worthiness of the borrower. 

A loan with a 3.5% down payment is riskier than a loan with 20% down payment.  If the lender has to take the property back to recover their expense, the margin is greater between what is owed and what the property is worth on an 80% mortgage. 

Credit scoring is a risk-based pricing method that allows a lender to be competitive in the market for the best loans from different borrower groups.  Individual lenders set their own levels for what they consider “A” credit which is reserved for the best rates.  If good credit is approximately 710 to 740, scores below that are considered higher risk and will have higher rates.

Risk must be assessed for both the borrower and the property that collateralizes the loan.  The borrower’s credit history and income stability are strongly evaluated by the lender but if a default should occur, the property must secure the loan to avoid a loss to the lender. 

Mortgage pricing.png

The challenge for some buyers is they are unaware of what their credit score is and how it will affect the interest rate offered by the lender.  It is to the buyer’s advantage to be pre-approved by a reputable lender prior to starting the process of looking for a home.  In some cases, the lender can actually improve the borrower’s credit score to help them qualify for a lower interest rate.

Contact me for a recommendation of a trusted mortgage professional - [email protected]

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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Tips For Selling Your Montgomery AL Home In The Fall

Thursday, October 24, 2013
by The Hat Team

Perhaps your Montgomery AL home has been on the market all summer or personal circumstances require you to list it now.  In either case, selling during the fall season requires that your property has ultimate appeal and stands out from the competition.  Although the pool of potential buyers diminishes once summer is over, those who do continue look more often than not have a goal of finding a place before the holidays.  It makes sense, then, that house salewith mindful staging strategies, continued landscape maintenance, and seasonal awareness, your home could be just what they have been looking for.

As you’ve read numerous times, a buyer’s first impression is paramount in importance.  Play up any lovely foliage in your yard by patching brown spots in the lawn, mowing whenever needed, and raking leaves frequently (both front and back).  Keep in mind that as leaves fall, the exterior of your Montgomery AL home becomes more exposed, so consider power washing dirty siding, touching up chipped paint, cleaning gutters and downspouts, repainting faded shutters, railings, and doors, and pruning overgrown trees and bushes.  Keep walkways clear of debris and outdoor lights clean and in good working order.  Make your entrance way inviting by adding autumn potted plants, a seasonal door wreath, and a pumpkin or two.

And don’t forget the garage—inside and out.  You may consider the garage just an add-on, but prospective purchasers react quite well to one that is clean, organized, and useful for storage.  You can get online help in removing unsightly grease/oil stains from the concrete floor and for tips on garage organization.

“Staging” is the process of arranging your Montgomery AL home so that it appeals to all buyers and allows them to imagine themselves living there.  Three C’s —clean, cozy, and clutter-free--work well here in making both physical and emotional impressions on buyers.  Highlight fall colors with pillows, towels, rugs, flowers, or bedding.  Enhance brightness by using higher wattage bulbs and keeping curtains open.  Display a bowl of apples or bake a pie or cookies just before an open house.   If you have a fireplace, make it the focus of a room.  Want more ideas?  Several sites, including Rismedia, and Realtor.com offer valuable do-it-yourself staging tips that will enhance the “sell-ability” of your home.

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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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - October 2013

Saturday, October 19, 2013
by The Hat Team

The Fed recently announced they would continue their current pace of purchasing bonds until the economy was stronger. This bond purchasing program is the reason that mortgage interest rates are at historic lows. Rates began to increase over the last several months just on the anticipation that the Fed would announce that they would be reducing the level of bond purchases last month. When that didn’t happen, rates actually decreased.

That was great news for any buyer in the process of purchasing a home. However, this window of opportunity is expected to close in the very near future as most experts expect the Fed to taper the bond purchasers in December.

So, don't let this opportunity pass you by. Leverage your buying power NOW while rates remain low. Contact us today for help!

Take a look at sales figures in our local real estate market for September 2013.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for September 2013 show the number of homes sold increased by 28% when compared to September 2012. The average sales price increased by 29% to $ 184,238 for the month. The median sales prices increased by 21%, and market times increased by 52 days from September 2012.  The highest selling home price increased by 33%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 22% from September 2012.

While it’s tempting to rejoice over these huge increases, it’s important to remember that they compare just one month’s activity in each year.  And because Midtown homes are so different in size, degree of renovation, etc., sales values from year to year reflect more than just “more business” but “different business” as well.  A more important and meaningful statistic is this:  at the end of the September, 2013, selling prices market-wide are up 3.46%.  Yes!!!!!!

Midtown Montgomery September  2013 September 2012
Homes Sold 29 21
Average Selling Price $ 184,238 $ 131,321
Median Selling Price $ 155,000 $ 122,500
Days On The Market 166 114
Highest Selling Price $ 545,000 $ 367,500
Lowest Selling Price $ 20,000 $ 25,500


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.

Information is provided by the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

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Rating Your Best Friend

Monday, October 14, 2013
by The Hat Team

Man’s best friend enjoys many of the benefits of his master’s home besides food and shelter and a comfortable place to live and play.  In return, dog owners expect companionship and possibly, protection; after all, even a small dog can bark to signal intruders.

dogFew people doubt that most dog owners love their pets and treat them well.  The costs associated with having a dog can include medical and dental that rivals human expenses, premium food, toys, grooming and license fees.  However, one of the expenses not anticipated by pet owners is a higher homeowner’s insurance premium.

There are almost five million dog bites a year with children being the main victims.

“Dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowner’s insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2012, which amounted to more than $489 million,” said Peter Robertson, representing the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, testifying against the bill at a hearing of the Committee on Financial Services.  He said, “The total cost of dog bite claims increased by more than 51 percent between 2003 and 2012.”  It is now estimated that dog bites cause losses of over one billion dollars a year.

Some insurance underwriters have denied or canceled coverage or increased the premium of the owner’s liability insurance based on the homeowners’ specific breed of dog such as Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Akitas, Mastiffs, Malamutes and even German Shepherds.  The aggressive nature of certain types of dogs combined with specific training or lack of training, abuse or neglect are identified by insurer’s refusal to provide liability coverage.

If you are considering what insurers identify as a high-risk pet, you might want to visit with your insurance agent prior to acquiring your new best friend to see if it affects your rates.

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

Have a Happy Halloween At Your Montgomery AL Home!

Friday, October 11, 2013
by The Hat Team

halloweenThere's a goblin at my window,
A monster by my door.
The pumpkin at my table
Keeps on smiling more and more.
There's a ghost who haunts my bedroom,
A witch whose face is green.
They used to be my family,
Till they dressed for Halloween.
- by Sandra Liatsos

Question: What do you do when 50 zombies surround your Montgomery AL home?

Answer: Hope it’s Halloween!!

Did you know that 86% of Americans decorate their houses for Halloween? And Halloween in the US is second only to Christmas in terms of consumer spending!

Halloween actually started as a kind of semi-serious holiday…it was a celebration of the end of the harvest and it is on the eve of All Saints Day (November 1st), also known as All Hallows Day.

That is a day of remembering the saints who have departed this life. Hallows Eve, or evening, became shortened to Hallowe’en and then Halloween. Because it is a day of remembering the dead it conjures up images of ghosts and other spooky things in the night before All Saints Day.

halloween witchIt has become a night of costumes and partying and trick-or-treating. In old Scotland trick-or-treating was known as “guising.” That came from the word “disguise,” as in “disguising” yourself using a costume to go around soliciting treats. Isn’t that a fun word?

Speaking of fun, are you going to carve a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern? What a fun way to decorate your Montgomery AL home for the holiday. By the way, the term “jack-o-lantern” is said to have come from the spooky appearance of peat bogs sometimes burning in the night. A burning bog flickers with small flames that look very spooky and unnatural at night. If you want some fun with transforming a pumpkin here’s where you can get some patterns and stencils.

If you’re looking for some ideas for dressing up for Halloween try this website for costumes. And your Montgomery AL home won’t be complete unless you have plenty of treats on hand for the goblins coming to your door. Most of all have fun and enjoy the holiday.

Question: What room does a ghost not need?

Answer: A living room!

Happy Halloween!

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Montgomery AL Real Estate: 3827 Duquesne Dr

Thursday, October 10, 2013
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

3827 Duquesne Dr, Montgomery AL 36109
MLS# 304774

Priced To Sell And Ready for YOU!


3827 Duquesne Dr Montgomery AL

Calling first time home buyers and savvy investors. This BRICK rancher is priced to sell and ready for a new owner. This floor plan has living room/dining room combo with hardwood floors PLUS a den and eat-in-kitchen. PLUS, there is a bonus room off the kitchen with a closet that has been used as a 4th bedroom, study, game room, office, and extra storage space. Out back there is a fully fenced back yard, patio, large workshop, and covered area for various uses. Hallway and all 3 bedrooms have oak hardwood floors under the carpet. Needs lipstick and rouge, but otherwise ready to go!

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: 363 Ryan St

Thursday, October 10, 2013
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

363 Ryan St, Montgomery AL 36107
MLS# 297862

Move-In Ready!

363 Ryan St Montgomery AL

Like new low maintenance patio home is fresh and ready to move into! Convenient to I-85, shopping, and dining...this open floor plan home makes a perfect first home or downsize home, and works beautifully for a room-mate situation. New carpet, fresh paint, plus refrigerator, washer, and dryer. All for less than you would pay in monthly rent for the same quality space!

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 AL Foreclosure Trends - August 2013

Friday, October 4, 2013
by The Hat Team

In August, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Montgomery, AL was 3% higher than the previous month and 36% higher than the same time last year, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Status

The current distribution of foreclosures based on the number of active foreclosure homes in Montgomery, AL.
 

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Auctions increased 32.6% compared to the previous month and increased 10.9% compared to the previous year. The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased 24.0% compared to the previous month and increased 111.1% compared to the previous year.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was the same as national statistics, 0.04% higher than Alabama numbers and the same as Montgomery County statistics in August 2013.

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.
Add Comment

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - September 2013

Friday, September 27, 2013
by The Hat Team

The American Dream of homeownership is alive and well, according to a majority of renters surveyed for the NAR 2013 National Housing Pulse Survey. The survey found that more renters are thinking about becoming homeowners than in past years and the number of Americans who prefer to rent is declining. Thirty-six percent of renters said they were thinking about purchasing a home, compared to only 25 percent in 2011. 

Americans’ concerns about home values continuing to drop have also diminished. A majority of respondents revealed that housing prices in their area are higher than last year, and 38 percent reported an increase in local housing market activity in the past year.

Take a look at sales figures in our local real estate market for August 2013.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for August 2013 show the number of homes sold increased by 19% when compared to August 2012. The average sales price increased by 38% to $133,319 for the month. The median sales prices increased by 9%, and market times increased by 20 days from August 2012.  The highest selling home price increased by 67%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 2% from August 2012.

Midtown Montgomery August  2013 August 2012
Homes Sold 31 26
Average Selling Price $133,319 $96,731
Median Selling Price $84,000 $76,500
Days On The Market 128 108
Highest Selling Price $590,000 $352,000
Lowest Selling Price $9,640 $8,000

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.

Information is provided by the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Add Comment

Displaying blog entries 1221-1230 of 1998

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