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Displaying blog entries 1591-1600 of 1998

What Is HAFA? What Does It Mean For Montgomery Home Owners?

Thursday, April 29, 2010
by The Hat Team

HAFA or Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives, is a program initiated by President Obama on November 30, 2009. HAFA helps families in distress who are having difficulty selling their homes. HAFA along with HAMP, the Home Affordable Modification Program, to revitalize the real estate market.

HAFA provides incentives to families to take advantage of selling their Montgomery home by means of a short sale (the home is sold for less than the value of the loan), or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (the home owner voluntarily gives the deed to the lender.

HAFA helps families quickly sell their Montgomery homes by giving them pre-approved short sales terms before listing the property. They are fully released from future liability for the first mortgage debt, and can receive $1,500 for borrower relocation assistance. HAFA also allows investors and servicers to receive financial assistance for administrative costs, processing fees, etc. The program sounds simple, but is actually quite complex with many guidelines and rules. HAFA officially began on Monday, April 5, 2010 and will end on Monday, December 31, 2012.

Here you can watch ‘An Animated HAFA Story’, an informative video explaining HAFA…

I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), trained in helping families in distress avoid foreclosure. Are you or someone you know behind on mortgage payments? You do have options! A short sale may be what is needed to save your, your family and your credit. Please contact me anytime for a private consultation.

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Montgomery Real Estate Sales Statistics - March 2010

Saturday, April 24, 2010
by The Hat Team

Pending home sales rose sharply in February, potentially signaling a second surge of home sales in response to the home buyer tax credit, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Contracts signed in February, rose 8.2 percent above February 2009. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which usually occur with a lag time of one or two months.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the improvement is another hopeful sign. “The rise in pending sales may signal the early stages of a second surge of home sales this spring. The healthy gain hints home prices are continuing to flatten. We need a second surge to reduce inventory and stabilize home values.”

Let's look at March real estate sales to see how the Montgomery AL real estate market is faring.

Montgomery AL real estate sales statistics for March show pending sales have decreased by 11% in 2010 compared to March 2009. The average sales price increased by 14% to $149;265 while sold listings were up by 19% from 2009.  Market times were 68 days more than 2009.

Midtown
Montgomery

Pending
Sales

Sold
Listings

Average
Market Times

Average
Sales Price

Mar 2010

51

37

163

$149,265

Mar 2009

57

30

95

$129,037

For the latest Montgomery AL 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.

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Government Deadlines are Fast Approaching for Montgomery Home Buyers

Thursday, April 15, 2010
by The Hat Team

Buy or Refinance Your Montgomery Home NOW!!

The federal Home Buyer Tax Credit ends in just two weeks. Time is running out for you to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to get FREE money from the government to buy a home.

1.  Home Buyer Credit Act

  • DEADLINE: April 30, 2010 (June 30th with a signed, binding contract).

  • montgomery homeELIGIBILITY: First-time buyers and repeat buyers (those who have owned and lived in one residence for 5 consecutive years of the last 8).

  • INCOME LEVELS; $125,000 individual and $225,000 for couples.

  • PURPOSE Allows Montgomery home buyers to receive a tax credit (which may be claimed on this year’s taxes) of $6500 to $8,000.

***Remember that a tax credit is a dollar-for dollar reduction in what a taxpayer owes. If the credit exceeds the amount owed, a refund will be issued.

2. Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP)

  • DEADLINE: June 2010
  • ELIGIBILITY: The mortgage loan on your Virginia Beach property must be owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and owner occupied.  Property may include 1 to 4 units. Current mortgage must be paid current and up to date. Loan-to loan value cannot exceed 125% (previously 105%).

  • PURPOSE: To extend underwriting guidelines so as to allow “underwater” mortgage holders (those with loan balances which exceed the value of their Montgomery home) to avoid foreclosure.

3. MILITARY SERVICE MEMEBERS Exception!

If you are a service member on official EXTENDED duty outside of the United States for at least 90 days during the period Jan. 01, 2010 to April 30, 2010, you are GRANTED A 1 YEAR EXTENSION on the First-Time Homebuyer Credit.  That means you have to be under contract by April 4, 2011 and close by June 30, 2011. 

Contact us today for help getting you home buyer tax credit!

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Montgomery Homes For Sale: 3207 Capstone Court

Sunday, April 11, 2010
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

3207 Capstone Court, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 273538

montgomery homes for sale

No "Heavy Lifting" Required! Paint and a tiny bit of carpet is all you'll need to make this bargain-priced 4 bedroom your family's next home!  30-year roof, granite countertops and lots of upscale landscaping are already in place.  And you're going to love the floor plan with its huge light-filled great room and separate den/study that might even qualify as a "man cave!"  Buy with as little as $750 down on the FHA step-up program. 

Learn more about 3207 Capstone Court and Montgomery homes for sale.

Search all Montgomery homes for sale.

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Montgomery Real Estate Podcast - April 2010

Friday, April 9, 2010
by The Hat Team

Sandra Nickel of The Hat Team presents:





This month's edition covers Montgomery real estate market activity and with this being the last month for the $8,000 tax credit extension, we'll discuss how buyers and sellers are taking advantage of this opportunity!

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.


Program length: approximately 8 1/2 minutes
download podcast mp3 file | subscribe to podcast feed
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Montgomery Homes For Sale: 1505 E. Fairview Avenue #A Montgomery AL 36106

Friday, April 2, 2010
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:1505 E. Fairview Avenue #A Montgomery AL 36106

MLS#273327

Looking to simplify your life? Grab this easy-care Cloverdale condo before it gets away! Spend weekends travelling instead of mowing and summers relaxing instead of painting. Nice large rooms and plenty of storage means you won't have to give up the things you love...just the chores you don't. Priced for updating so bring your imagination or your decorator.

Learn more about 1505 E. Fairview Avenue and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com.

Search all Montgomery homes for sale.

 

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Tips For First-time Montgomery Home Buyers

Thursday, April 1, 2010
by The Hat Team

Low listing prices, reasonable interest rates, and an abundant variety of homes to choose from are among a few of the reasons now is the perfect time for buyers to make a move in today’s real estate market. Current market trends and other factors have made conditions even more favorable for first-time homebuyers. Though becoming a homeowner comes with huge responsibilities and financial commitments, first-time home buyers should take advantage of the market over flowing with opportunities. The following tips will help ease the mind when considering the smart purchase of your first Montgomery home.

1. Become familiar with the new first-time homebuyer federal tax credit.

montgomery homePeople who are considering the purchase of their first home, or have not been home owners for at least the past three years can gain great benefits from the first-time homebuyer tax credit. According to FederalHousingTaxCredit.com, qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before May 1, 2010 will receive a tax credit of up to $8,000. Unlike past tax credits from 2008, the money received does not have to be repaid, unless the homebuyer sells the property with in three years.

2. Determine what is reasonably affordable.

Prior to beginning the hunt for the perfect home, it is important to find an affordable price range. Many factors such as money available for a down payment, eligibility for a loan, and monthly mortgage payments, all play a role in determining what the buyer can comfortably afford. Total monthly mortgage payments should be, on average, approximately 30 percent of one’s gross monthly income. Affordability or loan calculators found on the internet can give a good idea of what is affordable. Before seriously inquiring the purchase of your first Montgomery home it is important to have a consultation with a knowledgeable financial advisor.

3. Deciding where and what

Once an affordable price range is determined, it is time to decide where you want to live and what you are looking for in a home. Whether staying with in the same general area, or looking for a new location, it is crucial to do a fair amount of research on the area and its demographics. For example crime rates, school districts, shopping, medical facilities, and travel, are all important factors have to be considered since they could affect your everyday life. It is also essential to know what you are looking for in a home. Separate lists of essential needs and wants should be carefully thought out towards the beginning of the home search. The list of basic needs should include things such as minimum square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, location, and price. The want list should be compiled of things that would be nice to have, such as pools, big yards, and gated communities. 

4. Find a knowledgeable Real Estate professional

Finding and purchasing a home is a complicated, overwhelming experience, which should be nothing but exciting. Working with an experienced real estate agent can make the process run smoothly and be more successful. The chances of finding the perfect Montgomery home are significantly increased when put in to the hands of the right real estate professional.

Learn more about how we can help you purchase a home by visiting HatTeam.com or give us a call for more personal service.

Search all Montgomery homes for sale.

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3114 LeBron Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106

Tuesday, March 30, 2010
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3114 LeBron Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS#273090

 

Looking for the perfect three bedroom two bath cottage in Cloverdale? Come quickly because everyone else is too! The old house lovers will appreciate the hardwood floors, high ceilings, built-ins, wide central hallway plus updated kitchen and bathrooms. The outdoor lovers will appreciate the covered front porch with swing and the wrap-around party deck out back shaded by grand old trees. 

Learn more about 3114 LeBron Avenue and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com. 

Search all Montgomery Real Estate and homes for sale.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate Market Trends - Feb 2010

Thursday, March 25, 2010
by The Hat Team

Owning a home is its own reward, but home ownership can also bring rewards at tax time. This year is especially beneficial for people who are in the market to buy a home, thanks to the $8,000 first-time buyer credit and the $6,500 tax credit for repeat buyers.

Current homeowners can benefit, as well. Tax credits are available for owners who improve the energy efficiency of their home, including replacing exterior windows, skylights and doors and installing efficient heating and air conditioning systems. Certain home improvements may qualify for as much as 30 percent of the project cost, up to $1,500.

Homeowners also enjoy a mortgage interest deduction; allowing them to deduct all the interest paid on up to $1 million in mortgage debt. If you bought a home in the past year, be sure to provide a copy of your HUD-1 statement to your tax preparer. The interest you paid at closing is not reflected in your year-end mortgage statement. Points and other closing costs may also be tax deductible.

Many housing markets were affected by an extremely harsh weather in February. Take a look at what February looked like in our Montgomery AL real estate market:

Montgomery AL real estate sales statistics for February show pending sales have remained consistent in 2010 compared to February 2009. The average sales price decreased by 38% to $118,700 while sold listings were up by 32% from 2009.  Market times were 17 days less than 2009.

Midtown
Montgomery

Pending
Sales

Sold
Listings

Average
Market Times

Average
Sales Price

Feb 2010

34

31

93

$118,700

Feb 2009

34

21

110

$190,729

To take advantage of these tax benefits and for the latest Montgomery AL 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.

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 88 Hummingbird Lane, Pike Road, AL 36064

Monday, March 22, 2010
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 88 Hummingbird Lane, Pike Road, AL 36064

MLS #272865

 Enjoy the best of town and country! Indulge your love for sleek, modern open styling and still enjoy all the benefits of country life! Over 10 acres plus pond to give you privacy and peace while you luxuriate in a beautifully crafted almost new and very sophisticated town-style home. Gleaming wood floors, custom doorways (most with transoms!) and a kitchen open to both the dining and living areas so your friends can congregate and help you cook. Two-room master suite on the first floor and great kids' rooms with big closets upstairs. Great value, too, so make arrangements to see (and own) this one before it gets caught on someone else's hook!

 

Learn more about 88 Hummingbird Lane and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com.

 

Search all Montgomery Real Estate and homes for sale.

 

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Displaying blog entries 1591-1600 of 1998

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