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Preparing For a Spring Sale Of Your Montgomery AL Home -- Part 1

by The Hat Team

As 2013 emerges with positive signs for the real estate industry, homeowners who have been sitting on the sidelines may finally be ready to put their homes on the market.  If you are one of those preparing your sold signMontgomery AL home for sale, there are some tried and true tips to help you gain the most from your efforts. In fact, some of the most important fix-up projects a homeowner can perform may be accomplished with little more than elbow-grease, and they can definitely help to speed up the sale of your property.

A thorough cleaning, a fresh coat of a neutral colored paint, simple staging, and attentive grooming of your yard are the basics of prepping for a successful sale.  First impressions are important, and a neat, clean, and roomy look certainly appeals to potential buyers of your Montgomery AL home.

First steps:

  • Cleaning: When you clean, pay attention to small details. Wash windows, dust blinds, launder curtains, dust/scrub baseboards, scour appliances, and straighten up the contents of your closets.  Clean all door knobs, phones, entertainment equipment (remote controls), switch plates, banisters, and other things that are repeatedly touched. Click here for an organized check list and schedule.
     
  • De-Odorizing: (especially if you have pets).  Vacuum and wash potentially smelly surfaces (don’t forget dog beds and littler boxes!), steam clean your carpets, and rid your home of pet hair as much as possible. Also, be wary of using scented candles or oils to mask unpleasant smells as some people may be bothered by synthetic fragrances. Gizmodo.com offers sage advice for naturally eliminating unwelcome household odors.
     
  • De-cluttering: Get rid of piles of magazines and stacks of mail.  Too many books for the bookcase?  Pack them up and store them.  Organize kitchen and bathroom drawers. Use attractive storage bins to keep things out of sight but still easily accessible.  Remove large or bulky furniture and decorative accessories to  allow for ample walk-through room.  For more on effective use of space, click here.
     
  • De-personalizing: As important as they may be to you, knick-knacks, personal photos, and keepsakes add to an overall cluttered feeling that can make your Montgomery AL home appear smaller and more difficult for potential buyers to envision as their own. Personal collections, be they butterflies, trophies, or decorative masks, need to be kept out of sight until you move.

Next?  Interior and exterior staging.  Coming soon.

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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

 

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - March 2013

by The Hat Team

Let’s face it, all the information in the world about how to buy and sell a house is at your finger tips. So why hire a real estate professional to represent you in the purchase or sale of your home, when you can save the big fat commission they charge and do it yourself. If you have asked yourself this question, you are not alone. Here are the top 5 reasons to hire a real estate professional:

1. Education & Experience

Most people buy or sell homes 2-3 times in their lives. Many real estate professionals are involved in buying and selling real estate 2-3 times a month. Henry Ford once said that when you hire people who are smarter than you are, it proves you are smarter than they are. You don’t need to know all there is to know about buying or selling real estate, you just need to hire the people that do. Hire someone with more experience and education than you that can help you get the best possible deal and save you precious time and money.

2. Agents are Buffers

If you are a buyer, agents will insulate you from builder representatives and listing agents, who can be piranhas when going after a sale. And if you are a seller, your agent will weed through the ‘lookie loos’ and bring you only well-qualified buyers. Real estate professionals save you time…and as they say, ‘time is money.’

3. Neighborhood Knowledge

Your neighbor may know that the people who sold the house down the street were asking $350,000, but your real estate agent will know that the house actually sold for $295,000 and paid $5,000 of the buyer’s closing costs after being on the market 45 days.

4. Price Guidance

Your real estate agent is able to guide you through the decision making process to help you make the right choice for yourself and your family. Whether a buyer or seller, agents are able to provide you with the data you need to choose a correct price and then put together a negotiating strategy based on market supply, demand and conditions.

5. Market Conditions Information

Real estate professionals can also provide you with market data such as price per square foot, median and average sales prices, days on market and list/sell ratios that will have a bearing on your buying and selling decisions.

Take a look at sales figures in our local real estate market for February 2013.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for February 2013 show the number of homes sold increased by 25% when compared to February 2012. The average sales price increased by 21% to $120,403 for the month. The median sales prices increased by 30%, and market times increased by 16 day. The highest selling home price increased by 59%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 20% from February 2012.

Midtown Montgomery February 2013 February 2012
Homes Sold 24 18
Average Selling Price $ 120,403 $ 95,287
Median Selling Price $ 82,656 $ 58,000
Days On The Market 133 117
Highest Selling Price $ 695,000 $ 286,000
Lowest Selling Price $5,000 $4,000

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.

Montgomery AL Homes For Sale: 3417 Wellington Rd

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Homes For Sale:

3417 Wellington Rd, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 299789

Cute, Clean and Ready To Move In!

3417 wellington rd


Cute, clean and move in ready to move in! Cloverdale/ Idlewild neighborhood. Beautiful hard wood floors, no carpet at all. Lots of living space with a formal living room, den/family room, sun porch and the biggest screened in back porch that you'll find in the neighborhood. Check this one out soon so you can be in walking distance of the concerts in the park!

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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

 

 

 

 

Montgomery AL Real Estate: 511 Sandstone Trace Prattville

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

511 Sandstone Trace, Prattville AL 36066
MLS# 299740

So Pristine You’ll think It’s Brand New!

Fabulous Silver Hills home that is so pristine you'll think it's brand new! Seriously! Step inside to find beautiful hard wood floors and columns in the dining room which opens into the great room that flows into the spacious kitchen, the perfect setting for entertaining family and friends. This wonderful split floor plan also has a huge bonus room upstairs with a storage closet where you could store your family's entire off season wardrobe as well as every holiday decoration. The backyard has a gentle slope that allows total privacy on the patio. Don't miss this great buy in a great neighborhood!

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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

 

 

 

Is Your Landlord Uncooperative!

by The Hat Team

Generally, most landlords appreciate good tenants and deal with them in a timely and reasonable.  There may be times, however, when the owner of your Montgomery AL home is unresponsive to your request for necessary repairs, and you know you need to take action of some sort.

Where to start?  First, familiarize yourself with the Residential Landlord / Tenant Act of 1973, RCW 59.18 which clearly details your rights, responsibilities, and legal remedies   You should also carefully you’re your lease and houseresearch your state and municipal laws governing tenant-landlord relations before taking any kind of action against the landlord of your Montgomery AL home.  Free legal advice is available to you at Just Answer.com or other similar online sites.

It is important that you ignore suggestions from well-meaning friends who advise you to withhold rent, have the repair done by a professional and either charge it to the landlord or deduct the cost from your rent, or break your lease.  Each of these options may well be viable, but only if done in a manner prescribed by law and thoroughly documented.

Once you have done your research and are knowledgeable about your rights, create a plan and follow it carefully. 

  • Make your request for a repair to your Montgomery AL home in writing, unless it's an emergency that requires immediate action. Detail the problem, how it affects you, and what you want done and when.
  • If your landlord fails to remedy the problem, build your case. Take pictures. Have a professional assess the problem and estimate repair costs.
  • Consider calling state and local building or health inspectors if repeated requests are ignored.
  • File a lawsuit. Suing your landlord should be a last resort action. However, if the need arises, you should not hesitate. Contact your county court clerk to briefly describe your problem and identify the proper venue for filing a lawsuit. Your state may also require arbitration or mediation before allowing the lawsuit to be heard. Bring witnesses to the trial if they will strengthen your case. Present an organized case with all of your documentation. Do not stray off topic or let your anger and frustration control your actions in court.
  • While it is comforting to know that you have rights as a tenant, do not forget that you also have a responsibility to follow federal, state, and local ordinances in your quest for a solution to your problem.

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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

Montgomery Homes For Sale: 204 Banbury St

by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

204 Banbury St, Montgomery AL 36109
MLS# 299573

Fabulous Mid-century Modern!

204 Banbury St


Fabulous mid-century modern ranch that has been untouched as well as meticulously maintained. Foyer, den and kitchen have unpainted knotty pine paneling. Living room, den and bedrooms all have wonderful built-ins. Eat in kitchen has a retro built-in booth and original red Formica counter tops. Extra bonuses are the huge attached workshop, sunroom overlooking beautiful backyard and hard wood under the carpet! Check out this rare one of a kind opportunity 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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

 

Montgomery AL Real Estate: 4260 Abbotts Walk

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

4260 Abbotts Walk, Montgomery AL 36116
MLS# 295944

Wide Open Floor Plan!

4260 Abbotts Walk Montgomery AL


If you desire an almost new home with a wide open plan this home fits both requirements. Large kitchen has lots of cabinets and countertop space for the cook in the family. Located in beautiful SomerHill, it boosts three good size bedrooms and two baths. Separate huge laundry is conveniently located off kitchen. Master suite has two large walk in closets, separate shower, garden tub, and two linen closets. You will enjoy relaxing on large front or rear porch and the nice size fully fenced back yard. Double garage will be a comfort to you in bad weather and features lots of custom shelves to store your stuff. Call your favorite agent to see this like new home 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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

 

Montgomery Homes For Sale: 3439 Cloverdale Rd

by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

3439 Cloverdale Rd, Montgomery AL 33111
MLS# 299450

Traditional Cottage with Casual Living!

3439 cloverdale rd
This home offers traditional formal spaces with updated casual living areas. Living and dining room with hardwood floors is the perfect space to display your finer acquisitions or those lovely antiques inherited from cherished loved ones. Open to the updated kitchen is a spacious casual den/family room with 2 walls of glass overlooking the large shady back yard. Just off this wonderful den addition is a mud room, 2nd FULL bath, laundry room, and office/study. Three bedrooms and updated hall bath finish out the opposite end of the house. Out back is an arbor-covered deck, an 8x8 wired workshop, an 8x8 garden shed, and an 8x16 storage shed in a privacy fenced back yard.

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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

 

Going Green In The Office Of Your Montgomery AL Home

by The Hat Team

When we consider becoming more “green” at home, we often think about kitchens and bathrooms, spaces which use a lot of energy and water and can pollute the environment of your Montgomery AL home.  While green earththese are certainly high-impact areas that could easily be made more efficient, there’s also much potential for going green in your home office. Check out these simple suggestions:

  • Paper:  Look for paper made with the highest amount of recycled post-consumer content. When you can, print on both sides of the paper. If you need to shred documents, keep that shredded paper to use when sending packages or even for storing items such as fragile holiday decorations or china. To recycle paper on a regular basis, have a small recycling box under the desk in your Montgomery AL home office.
     
  • Printer cartridges:  Every year hundreds of millions of cartridges are used in this country--and 70 percent of those end up in landfills. However, cartridges are actually easily refilled/recycled, and you can also get paid to turn in used ones. There are a number of online sources that will supply a pre-paid shipping label to mail accepted cartridges in exchange for cash. Or you can turn in your used cartridges for recycling at some office supply stores and earn a credit for them.
     
  • Power strips:  Get a single power terminal that connects to all the ancillary gadgets that run with the computer in your Montgomery AL home office. This way the moment you are not using the computer, they can be turned off, too. Keeping the computer and its accessories on through the night consumes more than 30% of the total power consumption when in use.
     
  • Computer hardware:  In addition to being convenient, laptops are said to consume less than 1/8th the power of a regular desktop. With laptops now more affordable, it is advisable to switch to a laptop in your next purchase.  Likewise, LCD and LED monitors use about half the energy compared to a traditional CRT monitor.
     
  • Used manuals and electronics:   Recycle unneeded computer manuals and “how-to” guides by donating them to local workforce development groups and charity organizations.  This also applies to old laptops, printers, and other office equipment. And don’t forget used batteries, cartridges, PDAs, and obsolete cell phones. What you may consider trash, another person may consider a life-changing gift!

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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

Montgomery AL Real Estate: 213 E Haven Rd

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

213 E Haven Rd, Montgomery AL 36109
MLS# 299422

Attention Bargain Hunters!

213 e haven rd


Attention Bargain Hunters! If you've got a little time, you can score a really great deal on this squeaky-clean up-to-date home with pool. Price preapproved by lender, acceptance guaranteed if buyer provides preapproval/proof of funds and does not ask for closing costs or warranty. Don't compromise--own a great home at a great price and be a hero to your family and friends this summer!

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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

 

 

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 14

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