Real Estate Information

Montgomery Real Estate Blog

The Hat Team

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1761-1770 of 1998

Montgomery Homes For Sale: 340 E Fairview Avenue

by The Hat Team
Montgomery Homes For Sale:
 
You'll get the best of both worlds in this sweet South Hull cottage. If you love the charm and character of older homes and want something that has been updated and move in ready, this home is for you. Spacious open rooms, beautiful hardwood floors, charming built-in china cabinets, and a cool, retro double-drainboard sink are just some of the features this home offers. Enjoy mornings in the sunroom and afternoons in the big back yard! Corner lot affords both space and privacy.

Learn more about 340 E Fairview Avenue and other Montgomery homes for sale by visiting HatTeam.com.

Why Its A Good Time For Montgomery Home Buyers To Buy In 2009

by The Hat Team
One man’s loss is another man’s gain and right now buyer’s have everything to gain. It was only a few short years ago that sellers controlled the market and were calling the shots. In order to buy a home, buyers were paying over the asking price, foregoing home inspections and paying all their own closing costs. Montgomery home buyers were jumping through any and all hoops.
 
Now the market has shifted. The strong sellers’ market is a thing of the past and it is the sellers who are jumping through hoops. Buyers are calling the shots with offers that include home inspections; requests that closing costs, homeowner association fees and inspection fees be paid by the seller; decorating allowances; home improvement; and prices far below the asking price.
 
So why are Montgomery home buyers hesitating? Fear of a tanking economy, falling home prices and job instability are concerns for many potential home buyers. But if you are financially stable and plan to stay in a home for at least five years, there are 5 top reasons to buy a Montgomery home in 2009:
 
1. Homes are affordable.
According to the National Association of Realtors' housing affordability index, homes were more affordable in December than at any other point since the group started the index in 1970. The affordability index is a measure of the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income.

A recent report from Moody's Economy.com predicted that house prices will stabilize by the end of this year. The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's Web site has a house price calculator that can help. Visit the calculator.
 
2. There are lots of homes to choose from.
The slow down in the housing market has caused homes to stay on the market longer, creating a huge inventory. There was a 9.6-month supply of unsold existing homes in January given that month's sales pace, according to NAR.
 
A large inventory gives buyers more selection, driving down prices. As buyers start to jump back into the market, the inventory will shrink and cause prices to start going back up. The time to get the best deal is before most buyers buy.
 
3. Builders are offering perks.
New home builders are offering price reductions, free upgrades and other perks such as free appliances, homeowners’ fees being paid, lower interest rates decorating allowances. Once their inventory shrinks, these perks will go away.
 
4. Interest rates are at historical lows.
Lenders are not lending as freely, but if you have good credit and the needed down payment, mortgage interest rates are historically low and hovering around 5 percent.
 
5. There is an $8000 tax credit

If you are a first-time Montgomery home buyer, you will qualify for an $8000 federal tax credit if you buy before December 1, 2009. Unlike the previous tax credit offered in 2008, this does not have to be repaid. Extra money comes in handy when buying a home.
 
Trying to decide if buying a Montgomery home in 2009 is right for you. Visit HatTeam.com or give me a call. I’m glad to review your situation with you.

Montgomery Homes For Sale: 1537 Melissa Lane

by The Hat Team
Montgomery Homes For Sale:
 
1537 Melissa Lane, Montgomery Al 36117 
MLS# 263487

 
Welcome to the "Peacemaker Plan!" Your squabbles over closet space and bathroom tidiness are OVER when you make this home your own! His 'n hers walk-in closets provide personal storage space, and truly separate vanity areas mean you won't have to look at your spouse's mess all over the countertop. 20-inch Italian tile floors throughout the living areas and hallways mean no more arguments about having the pets inside. And kids can spill their Kool-Aid without upsetting Mom and Dad. Formal and informal eating areas, a fantastic kitchen and even a covered back patio make this 4-bedroom ideal for your family. So check out the photos then put this one on your "must see" list today!
Learn more about 1537 Melissa Lane and other Montgomery real estate by visiting HatTeam.com.

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 332 Winthrop Court

by The Hat Team
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:
332 Winthrop Court, Montgomery, AL 36104 
MLS# 263462

 
This old lady needs a facelift, and maybe a "posterior-lift" as well. But she's got all her original charm and with your imagination and renovation will make you an incredible home! Look at the room dimensions and you'll see there's space for all your family. Look at the photos to see all the old-house detailing you love, a backyard that can become a peaceful oasis and the bare bones of a guest house for friends/relatives or rental should you choose. You'll love Winthrop Court because it's like a small town with close-knit families and lots of activity. And you'll appreciate the Garden District historic district with architectural controls that protect your investment and keep the wonderful old neighborhood looking old!
Learn more about 332 Winthrop Court and other Montgomery real estate by visiting HatTeam.com.

Search all Montgomery real estate and homes for sale.

8 Low Cost Fixes To Getting Your Montgomery Home Sold

by The Hat Team
If you have a home that only you can love, you will benefit for these 8 low cost fixes to getting your Montgomery home sold quickly. We don’t live in a house the way we sell a house. Buyers aren’t interested in seeing dirty socks lying around or dirty dishes in the sink. Below are a list inexpensive things, from Realtor Magazine, that you can do to make buyers fall in love with your Montgomery home.

1. Move it.
Simply rearranging the furniture can reenergize a room. Add and remove furniture, lamps, rugs, and accessories from other parts of the house to create a whole new look. Mirrors are particularly useful when it comes to updating a room. Try one out in different rooms to see where it fits best. Even just moving a mirror to a different wall can create a more welcoming feel.

 2. Plant it.
Houseplants are a generally undervalued design component that can add texture, warmth, and color to any room. Just drop plants in their store containers into decorative planters. Small plants can be moved easily and regrouped to change a room's look, while larger ones make a statement on their own. 

Group plants together of differing heights, fullness, and color for the most dramatic effect. It's important to have plants that are well maintained and in tip-top condition.

 3. Paint it.
Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make a substantial change. Use dramatic colors in powder rooms and dining rooms, and more neutral colors in living spaces. When selecting colors, "be sure to ask, 'What am I trying to do? How do I want this to feel?'" And always, always do a test before you paint the whole room. 

 4. Organize it. 
Clutter just happens. So neaten up! A variety of organizing tools can make a space feel polished while maintaining utility. Hooks and shelves inside the door give people a place to hang coats and keys, while canvas bins or natural baskets help contain magazines and mail. Just a row of hooks pre-attached on a board is so easy to install. And shelves are a great way to neatly display collectibles. 

5. Hide it.
Have a banged-up wall? It may be easy to camouflage. Paintable wallpaper will smooth out an uneven wall or hide minor dents and dings. Adventurous home owners can even try a simple two-step painting process for a more complex finish. A apply a solid base coat, then a glaze. 

Your intent should never be to mislead buyers; be sure to disclose flaws that would affect home value. 

6. Replace it.
Cabinet handles, switch plates, and other small pieces of housing hardware can update a home for just a few dollars a piece. Scan each room to see what looks worn or outdated and then replacing it. Inexpensive quick-connect faucets can make upgrading the look of your bathroom a snap. Just be sure to measure before you go to the hardware store. Some sinks are drilled for an eight-inch spread. Others require just four inches. 

And don't forget the toilet seat. Fresh towels and a new toilet seat go a long way toward making a bathroom feel clean and new. 

7. Light it.
Lighting can have a major impact on a home's look and feel. Whether a room seems dark or too bright and harsh, try "layering" the lighting by adding accent pendants and lamps. Make sure they have independent controls, so that you can turn them on and off at will. 
Light is such a mood setter. You can create a cozy feel just by turning down the lights. Add dimmers in the dining room, bathrooms, kitchen, and even the hallways for less than $4 each. Then adjust the lighting to create the mood you want.

 8. Clean it.
Turn a critical eye to the flooring to make sure it's up to snuff. Scrub grout and seal natural stone. Rub out scratches and nicks on wood floors with scratch cover. Get down on your hands and knees and detail the floors. It takes a little elbow grease, but the results are well worth it. Vinyl flooring is a bit harder to spruce up but usually can be replaced easily and inexpensively.

Interested in selling your Montgomery home? Give me a call, I’m glad to help!

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3417 Southview Avenue

by The Hat Team
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:

3417 Southview Ave
, Montgomery AL 36111

MLS# 263455

Have you ever wanted your very own PARK? Do you enjoy lush landscape, privacy, rolling lawns, intimate outdoor rooms, and communing with nature? If you say "yes" to any of these questions, then you have found shangri-la! The jewel of this Edgewood property is the expansive double lot and grounds designed by the Olmsted firm (Central Park, New York!) Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the AWESOME house built for entertaining. Grand sized living and dining rooms, and a spacious yet cozy den/family room with "pickled cypress-finish" walls and built-ins. For your teenagers, there is a cool 2nd floor loft-like getaway suite with its own entrance, and for the guys, there is a "man-cave" on the lower level just perfect for exercise equipment, power tools, video games, and beer coolers! This most special and unique home and grounds are waiting for another family to fall in love with it, so call us today for your personal tour.

Learn more about 3417 Southview Avenue and other Montgomery real estate by visiting HatTeam.com.

Search all Montgomery real estate and homes for sale.

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 2501 Winchester Road

by The Hat Team
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:
 
Looking for the best deal in Vaughn Meadows? Here it is! This spacious brick home on large corner lot has great bones and awaits fresh paint, new carpet, and your creativity in updating the ample kitchen and bathrooms. Your family will have lots of room to grow with 4 well-proportioned bedrooms; and plenty of room to play in the huge backyard.

Laern more about 2501 Winchester Road and other Montgomery real estate by visiting HatTeam.com.

Search all Montgomery real estate and homes for sale.

Montgomery Keeps Getting Better

by The Hat Team

Montgomery just keeps getting better! In Forbes Magazine’s 11th annual ranking of the Best Places for Business and Careers, Montgomery ranked 49, up from 102 last year and 120 in 2007.  Fueling Montgomery’s rise in the rankings is the “Projected Job Growth” for the Montgomery Metro – rising from 57 in 2008 to 17 this year. In fact all of Alabama’s metros are in the top 20 metros, out of 200 metros.

The rankings are determined by a series of metrics established by Forbes ranking factors including local colleges, educational attainment of residents, and quality of life offerings.

With 651,000 jobs in February and 4.4 million since the recession began in December 2007, this is quite an accomplishment for Montgomery. Kudos to all!! 

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 1811 Longmeadow Drive

by The Hat Team
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:
1811 Longmeadow Drive, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 263142
 
Move in ready and convenient to everything! If you like being outdoors, you'll love the big covered porch and huge back yard. Dotted with mature landscaping, the back yard is fenced and even has a large "dog run" in the rear. Back inside this cozy home there are 3 good sized bedrooms, and if you have lots of clothes, you're in luck because all 3 have DOUBLE closets! Quite street and great neighbors make this one you'll love to come home to for years to come!

Learn more about 1811 Longmeadow Drive and other Montgomery real estate at HatTeam.com.

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 1314-1316 Hull Street

by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:

1314-1316 Hull Street, Montgomery AL 36104
MLS# 263041

Potentially wonderful and currently acceptable triplex in Montgomery's historic Garden District. 1314 occupies entire first floor and is over 1500 sq ft including living room with decorative fireplace, formal dining room, breakfast room, modern kitchen, sunroom, laundry room, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. Each charming upstairs unit (1316A&B) has living room, breakfast room, modern kitchen, 1 bedroom, 1 bath. All have front porches and rear balconies--just the kind of thing historic neighborhood tenant’s desire. And a wonderful place to enjoy the peal of the church bells from The Ascension, just down the block. Off-street parking at rear for 4 or more cars.
Learn more about 1314-1316 Hull Street and other Montgomery real estate at HatTeam.com.

Search all Montgomery real estate and homes for sale.

Displaying blog entries 1761-1770 of 1998

Syndication

Categories

Archives

   cdpe    crsHat Lady on Zillow