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Displaying blog entries 1441-1450 of 1998

Setting a Selling Price for Your Montgomery AL Home

Sunday, March 4, 2012
by The Hat Team

dollar sign and question markUnfortunately, selling your Montgomery AL home in the current real estate market can be both difficult and frustrating.  As much value as you may feel your home has, the current conditions might say differently. In this buyer’s market, accurate pricing of your home is imperative in getting your property sold quickly and for the best price possible. While this might sound simple enough, correctly pricing your property is far from easy and is a decision which requires time and effort on your part.  The following tips should help make the pricing process a smooth and beneficial one for you.

  1. Do your research: It’s important to know http://www.montgomeryhomeinfo.com/what other homes in your area are selling for right now in order to get an idea of a price point for your own property, but you shouldn’t rely on that alone. An Automated Valuation Model, better known as an AVM, is a web-based technology that immediately generates home values based on data analysis of recent area comparable sales, tax assessments and price trends.
  2. Find the right Realtor: Hiring the listing agent who quotes you the highest price isn’t always wise.  Interview at least 3 Realtors familiar with the area around your Montgomery AL home and choose the agent who supports a suggested price with comparative market data. It is the job of your Realtor to know the current market and market trends inside and out, to be closely connected to the real estate market at large, and to be aware of other properties currently for sale in your particular neighborhood..
  3. Cast emotions aside:   It’s important to remain as realistic and objective as possible when pricing your property. Although your home will most likely be invaluable to you, focus on the statistics from your research and on the advice given to you by your real estate agent for a satisfactory sale.
  4. Avoid overpricing at the outset.  Because your property has the best chance of selling within its first seven weeks on the market, the longer it stays on the market, the less it will ultimately sell for.  In addition, you will lose out on savvy potential buyers who won’t even come by to look, and fewer knowledgeable Realtors will preview your Montgomery AL home.  Lowering your price later will only result in delays and suspicions that something is wrong with the property.

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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. 

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 - January 2012

Friday, February 24, 2012
by The Hat Team

2012 is off to an encouraging start. Mortgage rates have remained under 4% for nearly two months. Home sales are strengthening and pending home sales, a measure to gauge future sales, are at their highest levels since March 2010.

Job growth increased during most of 2011, with unemployment dropping to 8.4%. As more people are getting jobs, consumer confidence has also been increasing.  However, underemployment with a rate of 18.1% continues to be a problem for a stronger recovery. There are still a significant number of people working part time, who would like to have full-time work.

Even with substantial national improvements, the recovery is spotty. Payroll jobs were up in 25 states, but down in 24, demonstrating the delicate state of the U.S. economy. Global factors such as the European debt crisis are also complicating a more robust recovery. 

What does the recovery look like in our local real estate market? Take a look at January figures.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for January show the average sales price decreased by 3% to $141,407 when compared to January 2011.  The number of homes sold increased by 39% in January 2012.  The median sales prices increased by 1%, and market times decreased by 11% or 18 days.  The highest selling home price increased by 38%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 31%.

 

Midtown Montgomery Jan 2012 Jan 2011
Homes Sold 28 17
Average Selling Price $ 141,407 $ 145,709
Median Selling Price $ 124,450 $ 122,850
Days On The Market 140 158
Highest Selling Price $ 785,000 $ 487,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 9,000 $13,000

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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.

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

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Ins And Outs Of Mortgages

Friday, February 17, 2012
by The Hat Team

If you are a potential purchaser of Montgomery AL real estate, you need to be familiar with the various types of mortgages available to you and the terminology that accompanies them.  So many choices may be a boon to borrowers, but that very variety holds the potential for much confusion.  Here is a simplified guide to terms and types.

mortgageTERMS:

  • Fixed rate:  The interest rates do not change during the life of the mortgage, thus allowing you to know the amount of your payment at all times.
  • Adjustable rate (ARM):  The interest rate is tied to a certain index and margin and can fluctuate up or down, thus affecting the amount of your payment.
  • Step:  The interest rate and monthly mortgage payment for your Montgomery AL real estate remain the same for a specified period of time, but after that the interest changes to the prevailing rate and stays there
  • Balloon:  A loan payment that expands after a specified period of time.  Similar to a fixed rate loan in the early years but with a steep payment of all money owed at the end.

TYPES:

  • Fixed rate mortgage:  Traditionally for 25 or 30 years, but also available for 15 or 20.  Although interest rates are somewhat higher than for other types of loans, that rate remains in place for the duration.  Especially good if you plan to live in your home for at least ten years.
  • 1 Year ARM:  Also has a 30 year duration, but the interest rate is adjusted each year.  It is important for you to know how often the rate can be changed and if there are annual and life-of-loan caps on the rate.  Beware of payment caps, which can result in negative amortization.
  • Hybrid mortgage:  Sometimes called a three-year fixed or five-year fixed, this type of mortgage incorporates some of the features of both a fixed rated and an ARM, meaning that the interest rate on your Montgomery AL real estate will remain the same for the first three (or 5) years but will then convert to a one-year ARM for the remainder of the loan term.
  • Balloon mortgage:  In this type of arrangement, you pay a low rate of interest for a certain amount of time.  At that point, the entire amount owed is due, requiring you to refinance your property or make a final—and extremely large—payment to the lender.
  • Interest-only loans:  As the name suggests, you pay nothing on the principal for the first five years.  After that you are expected to make regular monthly payments which include both interest and principal.
  • FHA loans:  FHA mortgage loans are insured by the government through insurance that is funded into your loan. FHA allows down payments of as little as 3%. 
  • VA loans:  Available to veterans who have served in the US military forces.  The main benefit to this type of loan is that you do not need a down payment.  The loan is guaranteed by The Department of Veteran Affairs.

Being familiar with mortgage terms and types should make it easier for you to talk with your Realtor and/or lender about which option is most beneficial for you.

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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.

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

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 2046 Ridge Avenue Montgomery, Al 36106

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 2046 Ridge Avenue Montgomery, Al 36106

MLS #290394

Here is your opportunity to live in Old Cloverdale, just blocks from all the action, for well under $100,000! This great and spacious one bedroom cottage is perfect for a single or newly married owner. Big living room has real wood burning fireplace and built-in bookshelves. Relaxing screened porch off the kitchen is private and cozy. If you are looking for the Cloverdale lifestyle without the Cloverdale price, check this one out!

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.

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

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 2224 Country Club Drive Montgomery, AL 36106

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 2224 Country Club Drive Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS#290410

Get Ready to Party! You can entertain hoards of people gracefully in this golf course home with a fully circulating floor plan and banquet-sized dining room. And every living space in this elegantly expanded and updated beauty has a breathtaking view of the multi-level rear deck, sparkling pool and #7 fairway of the Montgomery Country Club. Kitchen just refreshed with new easy-on-the-feet cork tile. Main level master suite is down a separate hall for total privacy. Toast your toes by any of the three working fireplaces. Guest bedroom and study on north side of home features a Jack-and-Jill bath.  Room off outdoor utility space perfect for pets and even has a Dutch door so they can see and hear but not interfere with guests. Huge closet off foyer is big enough for workout equipment, second home office or "coatroom duty" when owners invite a crowd. This light-filled home shows like a magazine layout so move it to the top of your list!

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.

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

 

 

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3061 Pelzer Avenue Montgomery, Al 36109

Friday, February 10, 2012
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3061 Pelzer Avenue Montgomery, Al 36109

MLS#290229

First time on market in 54 years! This great home has been loved and enjoyed by the same owner since 1958. Constructed in 1952 of quality materials it is one of the most pure untouched mid century ranch homes I've been in years. Just to mention a few of the great period correct details include, open plan, not laminate but real hardwood floors, rock planter room divider and rock fireplace, unpainted pine sliding kitchen cabinets, lots of rich unpainted knotty pine paneling and stained unpainted trim including French doors, colorful 50's style tiled bath, built in ironing board, and built-in phone shelf. Raised conventional foundation combined with huge floor length windows that soak the interior with light give you the feeling of being in a lofty woody cabin. Few but large rooms give you the sense of much more than the economically to heat and cool 1444 square feet. Fully fenced yard for children and pets has a great spot for a deck off the den and kitchen. Seller has freshly repainted exterior windows and most of interior. Nice 90' wide lot keeps you from being right on top of your neighbors. Enjoy the comforts of the attached double carport with entrance to kitchen and all else this wonderful house has to offer for under 90k. Forgot to mention the washer and dryer which are often outside in a storage room on a house of this vintage are inside off the kitchen. Give us or your favorite agent a call 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.

 

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3318 Le Bron Road Montgomery, AL 36106

Thursday, February 9, 2012
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3318 Le Bron Road Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS#290300

Cute, cute, cute! This great Cloverdale bungalow has charm and character. The exterior is hearty stucco and its architecture has Spanish undertones. The spacious living and dining rooms are great for entertaining, and while the kitchen is small, it has recently had a "facelift" and is completely adequate for a one or three person household. Cozy den/study off the living room is great for home office and could serve as a 3rd bedroom in a pinch! Don't miss the walk-in closet in the main bedroom, a rarity in Cloverdale! Priced to sell, so call your favorite agent and see this one before it gets away!

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.

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

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How Divorce Impacts Your Montgomery AL Real Estate

Thursday, February 9, 2012
by The Hat Team

If you are considering a divorce or are going though one, it is important that you learn as much as you can about divorce laws in your state and how they impact your Montgomery AL real estate holdings.  Yes, you probably have enough to deal with already, but knowing as much as you can about relevant divorce laws will certainly make your life easier in the long run. 

divorceAlthough a divorce eventually involves the distribution of all of a couple’s assets—and action dictated by either an equitable distribution system or community property regulation—generally the most pressing issue (other than child custody)—is the resolution of dividing your Montgomery AL real estate.

Since the selling of a home is stressful by itself, let alone when accompanied by a divorce, the cooperation of both parties is vital to make a complicated and emotion-laden process work as smoothly and civilly as possible. The following suggestions to help combat volatile issues and strong feelings:

1.  Consult with your divorce attorney.  A well-crafted settlement agreement can help to avoid many types of disputes. The agreement should be quite detailed, including all potential issues that could arise during the sales process.  The greater the detail, the better.  The agreement should ensure that the interests of both parties are aligned towards selling your Montgomery AL real estate so that you both can move on with your lives.

2.  Find a real estate agent who specializes in selling property for divorcing couples.  With divorce rates continuing to rise, many Realtors are beginning to market themselves as specialists in selling  homes for couples who are divorcing.  These agents understand the complexities of a pending divorce case and will work with you on an individual basis. 

Before you can  decide how your Montgomery AL real estate is to be divided, you must first determine its value.  There are three methods which you can use to do this:

 Tax assessed value.  Although tax valuations tend to be low by as much as 10-20%, this value is likely to be the one used by the courts in case of dispute.

Appraiser.  For a fee of $300-$400 this person will perform a market valuation.

Realtor.  A real estate agent estimate the  can also value your property, generally for little or no cost.  His/her valuation may be less reliable than that of a professional appraiser, however.

Determining equity  in order to equitably divide assets is a complex process which can become quite complicated. 

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. 

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

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 908 Highpoint Road Montgomery, Al 36109

Tuesday, February 7, 2012
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 908 Highpoint Road Montgomery, Al 36109

MLS#290156

Remarkable renovation in desirable Dalraida. Complete new kitchen featuring hard surface floors, counter-tops not to mention stainless appliances, new hardware and light fixtures will make cooking a pleasure. New wood floors, hard tile and carpet throughout. Huge main bedroom offers space for a sitting area with gigantic closet and renovated bath. Remodeled 2nd and 3rd bath serves two other good size bedrooms. The cook will enjoy the wide open living space which offers a view of the wood burning fireplace which can be enjoyed from the kitchen, dining, living room and den. Extra large lot has fresh new landscaping. You will also enjoy large detached garage for cars or maybe even a workshop. Separate laundry room conveniently located off kitchen. Sunroom looks over rear patio which has view of huge yard perfect for kids and pets. Almost forgot new roof and new energy efficient windows throughout will save lots of dollars on heating and cooling. Please give us or your favorite agent a call to see the best value Dalraida currently has to offer.

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.

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

 

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 20 Mountainview Drive Montgomery, Al 36109

Tuesday, February 7, 2012
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 20 Mountainview Drive Montgomery, Al 36109

MLS #290147

Got stuff and need space? Spread out in this family-friendly tri-level that offers privacy for all and a lifestyle like you thought you could never afford! Party by the pool, come inside to the huge bonus room with full bath and never get the carpet wet. Big separate den plus formal living room offers get-aways for adults and teens. Mature trees and shrubs mean beauty year-round. And just blocks from Faulkner, Eastdale and more. The buy of a lifetime so act 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.

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