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Montgomery Real Estate Blog

The Hat Team

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Displaying blog entries 1491-1500 of 1998

Questions To Ask Before Buying Montgomery AL Real Estate

by The Hat Team

So your life circumstances indicate that now is the time for you to buy a piece of Montgomery AL real estate. Perhaps this will be your first home or you need a larger space to accommodate a growing family. You may be in search of a better school district or be forced to move because of your job. Whatever the reason for your housing search, there are four basic areas you need to investigate and specific questions you should ask before making a final decision on any house.

WISH LIST:

Before you actually tour any Montgomery AL real estate, you should determine exactly what you are looking for by asking yourself (and your family members) questions such as “What type of house do I want”? How much space will I need? What type of community and amenities are important to me? How much can I realistically afford to pay?

LOCATION:

Once you have narrowed down your neighborhood choices, do further exploration of these locations by asking about zoning, since apartments and commercial/industrial buildings lower the real estate value of homes. Is the appearance of the community appealing? Does the school district have a good reputation/rating? What about noise? Consider nuisance factors such as traffic sounds, barking dogs, railroad tracks, etc.--anything that will disturb or annoy you on a recurring basis. Ask, too, about property easements, commuting time to and from work, and demographics. Will you be the only family with young children or the sole 50+ resident in the neighborhood?

CONDITION OF THE MONTGOMERY AL REAL ESTATEquestion mark:

In order to determine and structural or maintenance issues, ask about the age of the house, roof, and appliances. What kind of foundation and insulation does the home have? If you’re looking at an older property, ask if the plumbing and electrical systems have been updated. Has the house been inspected or appraised recently, and, if so, were any problems documented? Will the exterior of the residence require annual maintenance?

COST:

Asking the right questions in this area is extremely helpful in determining your offer on the Montgomery AL real estate. Inquiring about neighboring comps, what the seller paid, and how much he owes will give you an idea of the rise/fall of nearby prices and alert you to possible short sale or foreclosure status. Ask how long the house has been on the market and if there have been any offers; perhaps the seller will be willing to negotiate price or offer incentives. Addition inquiries should be made re: the cost of insurance and property taxes on the property and the amount of any homeowners’ association fees.

Arming yourself with answers to questions such as these should help you make an educated decision as to whether or not a particular piece of Montgomery AL real estate is for you.

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.

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 41 Mountain Terrace Wetumpka, AL 36093

by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 41 Mountain Terrace Wetumpka, AL 36093

MLS#287212 

This immaculate home was built as a "Parade of Homes" model and boy does it come loaded with extras! Situated on an oversized lot in a pristine private neighborhood atop Redland, yet minutes away from daily conveniences. From the impressive foyer, you have full view of the exquisite formal dining room with its extensive molding as well as the living /great room with fireplace, built-in entertainment center, and faux finished walls. If entertaining is your thing (or you just like open floor plans) then you are sure to appreciate the chef's delight kitchen with custom cabinets, and tons of "extras". The split plan has a large master suite on one end (off kitchen) and three more bedrooms with jack-and-jill baths on the opposite end of the house, allowing much privacy! Enjoy morning coffee or afternoon drinks on the covered back patio. Rear yard large enough for pool if that's your thing, and perfectly pretty as it is. Oversized garage has attached storage room with double doors for riding mover, and attic above garage provides tons of floored storage. Don't miss this rare opportunity to live in Mountain Terrace!

Learn more about 41 Mountain Terrace and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com

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Tips For Maintaining The Appliances In Your Montgomery AL Home

by The Hat Team

The average homeowner has thousands of dollars invested in major appliances, so it makes good sense to operate and maintain them properly to protect your investment and ensure that they will provide many years of trouble-free service. As an added bonus, proper maintenance and use almost always results in a decreased consumption of electricity/gas in your Montgomery AL home.

soapThe following suggestions are helpful tips in appliance care:

REFRIGERATOR:

  • Clean cooling coils which are located at floor level with a coil brush once or twice a year.
  • Clean interior shelves and gaskets every three months
  • Keep the temperature at 37 degrees
  • Check to see if the door(s) is sealing properly. If it won’t hold a dollar bill in place, it isn’t.
  • Vacuum underneath and behind the unit every year or two.

DISHWASHER:

  • Regularly check the filter and clean the inside of the unit.
  • Occasionally run an empty cycle to clear inner workings and hoses. Other, run only with a full load.
  • Run the garbage disposal in your Montgomery AL home before running the dishwasher.
  • Let dishes air dry whenever possible.
  • Make certain that the dishes do not obstruct the rotating arm sprays.
  • Recoat rust spots with a rubber-like fluid found in hardware stores. In addition, replace broken rollers and insert replacement tips on damages vertical prongs.
  • Reopen clogged holes in spray arms with hot vinegar and a safety pin.

WASHING MACHINE:

  • Check resiliency of older rubber hoses and replace with metal ones if necessary.
  • Add detergent before you load the washer.
  • Make sure there is a clear path from the unit to the floor drain.

DRYER:

  • Clean lint trap after each load.
  • Use a dry paint brush to clean lint from corners and cracks in the unit’s interior annually.
  • Disconnect and thoroughly clean the duct pipe every three to five years.
  • Once a year clean the outside of the exhaust tubing.

STOVE:

  • Keep reflector bowls clean at all times.
  • Test the seals on the oven door with the dollar bill trick mentioned above.
  • Periodically check the exhaust fan in your Montgomery AL home for grease build-up.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL:

  • Run the disposal for 30 seconds with each use.
  • Always run cold water when using the disposal to maintain the integrity of the blades and coagulate any grease (thus making it easier to chop)
  • Continue to run water for a while after the unit is shut off.
  • Put larger amounts of food into the garbage rather than down the drain.
  • Occasionally add vinegar or citrus peels to deodorize and prevent buildup of food particles.

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.

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 972 Gibson Hills Drive Montgomery, Al 36116

MLS#287005

Short Sale In 5 Acre Country Setting! Fabulous country setting only 11 miles from Eastchase and offering super schools! Watch the sunrise and sunset over your 3/4 acre pond and the horses graze peacefully behind their fence. Invite friends to fish with you when the bass are biting. Awake to deer grazing and birds chirping. Barn and loft plus 600 sq ft shop with power, gas and water mean you'll have lots of space to tinker, too. Short sale so you'll have to be a little patient, and at this price this home will be well worth the wait!!

Learn more about 972 Gibson Hills Drive and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com.

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 1462 Woodley Road Montgomery, Al 36106

MLS#287000 

Perhaps the most wonderful townhome in Midtown! Secluded location right in the heart of all the action in Cloverdale, this spacious home has upgrades and extras that truly make it one-of-a-kind. An elegant foyer with a graceful staircase welcomes you in past the formal living room into the light filled dining room/den area. If entertaining is your hot button, you will love the flow from one room to the next and out into courtyards and brick paths. The oversized master bedroom has wonderful built-ins and a cozy fireplace, plus it opens to a private brick courtyard! The open-feel kitchen has just had a make-over, boasting a Décor stove, new dishwasher, and compactor, and is ready to be loved by YOU. Upstairs there are two well-proportioned bedrooms and tons of closet/storage space. Lastly, I cannot say enough about the outdoor living spaces, which include a secluded dining area, a covered patio with swing, brick terraces, intimate spaces, and lush landscaping.

Learn more about 1462 Woodley Road and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com

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Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - July 2011

by The Hat Team

There were 1,069 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 92 new foreclosures in July 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $146,582 and the average foreclosure selling price was $76,628 a $69,953 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.55% in July while the number of foreclosed homes decreased from 100 in June to 92 in July.

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 0.07% lower than national statistics. 0.01% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics for the month of July.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties increased from 64 homes in June to 68 in July. The number of Auctions decreased from 36 to 24. There is a 6-month falling 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.

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 1770 E D Nixon Avenue Montgomery, Al 36104

MLS#286881

                                 

Get in on the leading edge of West Montgomery revitalization and score the deal of a lifetime, too! You'll absolutely love living in Lanier Place in an upscale brand new home at a very affordable price! A big front porch lets you people-watch and your sodded lawn will look great and be easy-care from day one. Old-house architecture fits right into the Graetz neighborhood AND the interior boasts all the modern stuff you love like a huge walk-in closet and private bath in the master suite plus a totally up-to-date open floorplan. Energy Star means your utilities will be low and affordable, too. Special down payment help available so call or stop by today!

Learn more about 1770 E D Nixon Avenue and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 1782 E D Nixon Street Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS#286749

 

The quality you'd find at The Waters on Pike Road can be yours at an unbeatable price! Plus with $15,000 in down payment assistance for the first 3 folks to move to Lanier Place! That's right you can own a brand new home for only $500 out of pocket!! Energy Star features mean your utilities will be super low. And you'll love having a brand new home with wood and tile floors, beautifully equipped kitchen and a private master bedroom suite with big walk-in closet. Rocking chair front porch, rear parking and sodded yard. Come see this fantastic home today! For more information, visit www.LanierPlaceMontgomery.com.

Learn more about 1782 E D Nixon Street and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com.

 

Search all Montgomery Real Estate and homes for sale.

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Trends - July 2011

by The Hat Team

At least one fear was not realized amid last week’s stock market meltdown according to CNNMoney.com: the concern that mortgage rates would immediately shoot higher in response to Standard & Poor's downgrade of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored entities that are the 800-pound gorillas of the mortgage market. In fact, the initial response to Fannie and Freddie getting cut to AA+ from AAA was precisely the opposite. Mortgage rates were poised to continue declining.

Mortgage rates are set off of the interest rates on U.S. Treasury notes and bonds. Even though Standard & Poor's pulled its AAA rating of the United States, investors still rushed into U.S. Treasury securities as a safe haven, believing more in the "full faith and credit of the United States" than in the opinion of Standard & Poor's credit analysts. As investors snapped up Treasury notes and bonds they pushed down interest rates on those securities, which move inversely to prices.

Analysts warn the drop in interest rates may not last. If investment flows were to move back into stocks and out of bonds, interest rates on Treasury securities, and consequently mortgages, would rise. "Over the long-term, if the U.S. has to pay more in interest rates, consumer rates will likely go up," said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com.

For now, lower mortgage rates may offer only limited benefits to American consumers. Banks' lending standards have been tough recently, and consumers need the wherewithal to qualify for loans. That appears increasingly difficult as the economy continues to sputter.

Now take a look at how the Midtown Montgomery real estate market performed in July.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for July show the average sales price decreased by 18% to $114,292 when compared to July 2010.  The number of homes sold increased by 36% in July.  The median sales prices decreased by 10%, and market times increased 10% or 15 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 36%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 43%.

Midtown Montgomery July 2011 July 2010
Homes Sold 25 16
Average Selling Price $ 114,292 $ 138,794
Median Selling Price $ 100,000 $ 110,950
Days On The Market 155 140
Highest Selling Price $ 320,000 $ 500,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 4,000 $ 7,000

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.

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.

Tips For Improving Your Score

by The Hat Team

Your credit score is a number that helps lenders predict how likely you are to make your payments on time. This score affects your ability to obtain credit and helps determine what you pay for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages on Montgomery AL homes. Even your insurance rate is related to your score. The higher your score, often referred to as a FICO score, the more apt you are to be approved for and pay a lower interest rate on new loans. Scores ranging from 650 and below are considered bad and indicate to the lender that you are a very high risk. Chances are you will be unable to secure a loan, or if you are, it will be at a much higher interest rate and/or require a cosigner.

What If there Are Errorsup

What to do if you have a low score and do not qualify for a mortgage on a Montgomery AL home? Your first action should be to check your credit report for errors. If you find erroneous information, you need to act immediately by contacting both the credit bureau (the three major ones are Equifax, Experian, and Transunion) and the organization that provided that information.

  • The credit bureau/agency: Send a certified, return receipt requested letter to the bureau pointing out each inaccuracy and enclose copies of documents which support your claim as well as the report itself (with the misinformation highlighted). Factually explain why you dispute each item and request a deletion or correction for each one.
  • The creditor or information provider: Send the same type of letter and enclose the same documents. Request that the provider notify you of action taken (generally within 90 days) so that you can verify the amended information.

If there are no errors on your report, then you should take immediate steps to improve your credit. Ways to do this include the following:

  • Stop using your credit cards. Do not continue to accumulate debt.
  • Get current on delinquent accounts. Since payment history makes up 35% of your score, this action will have a great impact on your score.
  • Keep accounts with balances open, but don’t apply for more credit.
  • Call your creditors. Explain your financial situation and ask about possible hardship programs which will temporarily reduce your monthly payments.
  • Begin paying off your existing debts, even if you have to sell some belongings to do so. Come up with a get-out-of-debt plan and stick to it.
  • Get professional help. There are resources available to help you reestablish a good credit rating. Contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling for assistance.

7. Be patient. Realize that improving your credit score takes time and that there is no quick-fix --and keep in mind your goal of owning a Montgomery AL 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.

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

Displaying blog entries 1491-1500 of 1998

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