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Montgomery Real Estate Blog

The Hat Team

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Displaying blog entries 921-930 of 1998

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale: 3150 Cloverdale Road

by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

3150 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 324000

Gorgeous Mission Style Home with Guest House!

Gorgeous Mission style home across from Cloverdale Bottom Park in Midtown Montgomery. Great condition! Beautiful hardwood floors, big sunny windows throughout, sleek kitchen and custom cabinetry are just a few of the many quality features. Beauty of the interior is matched by exterior and grounds. A deep, private lot boasts a multi-level deck, interesting rock arch and koi pond. GUEST HOUSE and WORKSHOP also make this property a must see!

Marketed by Montgomery Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Things Mortgage Lenders Look For

by The Hat Team

mortgage

Getting a mortgage in 2016 is quite a bit easier than it has been in years past.  However, there are still certain things that mortgage lenders are looking for  when you apply for a home loan.  Keep in mind that although your credit score is important, there are other factors that come into play when applying for a home loan. 

  • The first thing that mortgage lenders are going to want to know from you is if you are a good credit risk.  They are going to look at your FICO score but they are also going to look at how you pay your bills.  If you want to get a good interest rate on your mortgage then you will want to make sure and pay your bills on time every time.  Your debt to income ratio is also going to play a key factor in what kind of interest rate you get on your home loan.
  • Lenders are going to want to know if you will be able to handle your house payment once you get into your new home.  In order to find this out they are going to look closely at how much you and your spouse make on a weekly or monthly basis.  They will also, as I already mentioned, look closely at your debt to income ratio.  Lenders also want to know that you have a steady job and that you have been there for a number of years.   
  • Lenders do NOT want you to go out and purchase new things for your new house on your credit card right before you get your home loan approval.  Many folks mess up by doing this type of thing right before they get their approval only to be devastated to find out that because they ran up debt on a credit card they are no longer going to be considered for the loan.  Play it safe and only make your new purchases for your new home once you are safely in your new home.   A good time to have a little extra money to purchase new items might be during the first month you are in your new home because many times your payments won’t start until you have been in your home for one month. 

These are just a few ideas to help you get the most out of your home mortgage.  Remember to shop around for the best match when it comes to a lender.  Although most lenders are good at what they do, they are not all created equal.  Do your best to work hard, pay your bills on time and not use your credit cards for large purchases and you will be well on your way to a home loan approval. 

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale: 3547 Lancaster Lane

by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

3547 Lancaster Lane, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 323687

Ideal for Entertaining Family and Friends!

3547 lancaster lane

This lovely home in the desirable Hillwood section of Midtown Montgomery is awaiting its next family! Great living space with a formal living room, dining room, eat-in kitchen and cozy den with fireplace. Master suite has space for an office/study or a dressing room. Beautiful landscaping and private patio overlooking the salt water pool, with dog run and play area, ideal for entertaining family and friends. Charming home, check it today!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

 

 

Open House Etiquette

by The Hat Team

open house

If you are in the market for a new house, don't be scared to attend open houses in your area.  As long as you go armed with the knowledge of what might be asked of you at an open house you should be ready to answer without worry or hesitation. Keep in mind that Realtors who hold open houses are not like used car salesmen, they are there to help you find the home of your dreams. Be polite and remember your open house etiquette when touring an open house. 

  • You may be asked at an open house how long you have been looking for a home.  This question is only asked to find out just how serious you are about purchasing a home and in what time frame you are planning to do so.  For example if you have already been looking for a few months then you are most likely more than ready to hone in on exactly what type of house you are looking for.  Be very specific with your answer to this question.
  • Another question you may be asked at an open house is if you already have an agent you are working with.  This question is asked because the Realtor wants to know if they can represent you in your search for a new home.  You may be asked who your agent is if you already have one.  Don't hesitate to give out names because all the Realtor wants to do is call your agent for feedback instead of bothering you with such things.  By answering this question you are keeping yourself from having to give out any of your own personal information.  This way you have a buffer between you and the Realtor who is holding the open house.
  • You may be asked if you are looking to buy in the specific neighborhood in which the open house is being held.  The Realtor is not trying to get all into your business by asking this question, he or she is just trying to find out if you really are serious about making a home purchase and what area you are interested in.  Just be honest with your answer, there is no right or wrong answer here. 

The main thing I would suggest to you when attending an open house is that you go in with an open mind.  Be willing to open up and answer any questions you might be asked with a clear honest answer.   You never know you may just be walking right in to your new dream home!

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 7143 Knoll Loop

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

7143 Knoll Loop, Montgomery AL 36116
MLS# 323524

Rolling Hills Beauty!

7143 knoll loop
Looking for a spacious four bedroom home in Pike Road school district? You have found it! From the eat-in kitchen with granite counter-tops overlooking the den with cozy brick fireplace and ceiling beams, to the updated bathrooms (master has double sinks, tub and separate shower and walk-in closet)this house is not your typical ranch. Featuring brand new HVAC, 4 year old roof, fresh paint, new kitchen back-splash, like-new laminate floors, a big laundry room with half bath, two car carport, patio and nice sized back yard, this Rolling Hills beauty is move in ready and waiting on its next family. Check it out today, what a deal!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Midtown Montgomery Market Report for 2015

by The Hat Team

growth

The headline from Realtor.com for its Housing State Of the Union is “We’re Back, Baby!” 2015 was a great year of growth and improvement—one that sets the stage for a return to normalcy in the months and years ahead.

Here are highlights from the report which is bases on data through November 2015:

  1. new-home sales were up 13% and existing-home sales were up 7%
  2. strong household formation (1.4 million households formed in the past four quarters ending in September)
  3. year of solid job creation (an average of 210,000 jobs per month through November)
  4. distressed sales declined
  5. home prices rose 5% to 7% nationally
  6. lower inventory levels and faster-moving inventory every month
  7. affordability remains strong with only marginally higher mortgage rates

See how this relates to our local housing market in 2015…

2015 Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Update

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for the year 2015 show the number of homes sold increased 9.56%. The average sales price decreased by 7.68% to $131,622. The median sales price decreased by 2.25% from the year 2014. Market times decreased by 14 days.

Midtown Montgomery  2015    2014
Homes Sold 424 387
Average Selling Price $131,622 $142,574
Median Selling Price $114,700 $117,339
Days On The Market 145 159
Highest Selling Price $900,000 $870,000
Lowest Selling Price $1 $6,500


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.

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale: 2152 Meadowlane Drive

by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

2152 Meadowlane Drive, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 323509

Room To Spread Out In Midtown!

2152 medowlane dr

You will have lots of room to spread out in this spacious Midtown Montgomery home! Main floor boasts three bedrooms, well-appointed living and dining rooms, and updated kitchen that opens to a large den/family room with fireplace and built-in bookshelves. Added in 2005 is an addition with 2 spacious bedrooms, each with walk-in closet, and true Jack-and-Jill bath. Relax on the 2nd floor balcony overlooking shady back yard. Great covered parking with covered breezeway to back door, all on a quiet cul-de-sac street.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

 

 

Best Realtor Blog Awards 2016

by The Hat Team

best real estate blog

Sometimes you just have to pat yourself on the back and crow a little about your accomplishments! We are proud to announce that we have won an award for one the Best Realtor Blogs 2016 according to the Coastal Real Estate Group. The Coastal Group are Realtors in Newport Beach, CA who wanted to highlight the best of the best. With over 1.3 million Realtors in the U.S. alone, there are an outrageous number of Realtor blogs to choose from. Here is what the Coast Group has to say about our blog:

"Sandra Nickel and her team area service the Montgomery Alabama market.  Sandra has over 30 years of experience and brings a wealth of knowledge that is reflected in her posts.  One reason I like Sandra's blog is she showcases a lot of investment properties in her market.  Its always good to see what the rental market is for your properties.  In addition Sandra and her team give lots of practical tips for buyers and sellers such as "How to raise your Credit Score" or "New Kitchen Trends" and of course lots of local market data.  If you are in Montgomery Alabama this is a blog for you."

Thank you to the Coastal Group Real Estate Team for the recognition!

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale: 2351 Fernway Drive

by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

2351 Fernway Drive, Montgomery AL 36111
MLS# 323229

Ideal For Entertaining!

This lovely home in desirable McGehee Estates in Midtown is not your typical ranch. This house is ideal for entertaining and perfect for a large family. The fifth bedroom has its own entrance and would be great as a mother-in-law suite or for that mom or dad that works from home. It offers pristine hard wood floors, a spacious kitchen, a den with vaulted ceiling, plantation shutters on every window and tons of closets and storage space. Meticulously maintained with beautiful landscaping and brand new HVAC, put this at the top of your list to see today.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Tips for Settling Into Your New Home

by The Hat Team

moving

Congratulations! You’ve survived the process of leaving one home and finding another and the onus of packing everything up and then unpacking the same boxes.  You’ve found a new bank and a new doctor; you’ve investigated trash pick-up times, licensing requirements, and car registration; and your mail is being forwarded on a regular basis.  So far so good, but now that you’re somewhat settled in your home, it’s time to become familiar with your new environment.

The following tips are designed to help you become part of your new community and re-create the sense of belonging you had in your previous location.

  • Go online to learn about the new area and what it has to offer. Look at the city or chamber of commerce website. Research religious facilities, cultural opportunities, parks and outdoor activities, and so much more!
     
  • Acquire a regional map and drive around. Explore shortcuts and pinpoint the location of shopping malls, medical services, libraries, the post office, city offices, etc.
     
  • Talk to neighbors. Ask advice about home maintenance companies, babysitters, doctors, or the civic league or homeowners’ organization association.
     
  • Take a walking tour of your neighborhood. Introduce yourself to and initiate conversations with neighbors who are outside. Compliment their yard or ask directions, for starters.
     
  • Attend garage/yard sales in the vicinity of your home. Shoppers at these events are generally friendly and gregarious, so talk to them.
     
  • Read the local newspaper to discover places of interest and happenings in the area. Look for clubs or group meetings that focus on your interests--art, gardening, books, sports, crafts, e.g.
     
  • Join a recreation center or gym. Attend classes there or work out with a group that you know will share your interests.
     
  • Volunteer. Check with a church or synagogue, a hospital, library, or school near you. Volunteering is a terrific way to meet people and to make you feel an integral part of the community.
     
  • Give a house warming party and invite all your neighbors. Such an occasion is a good reason to finish unpacking and decorating your new home and a wonderful way to make friends..

Before long you will become familiar with your new environment and be comfortable there. Best of all, you’ll “belong” once again! 

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

Displaying blog entries 921-930 of 1998

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