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Montgomery AL Real Estate Tip: What Is Universal Design?

Thursday, July 31, 2008
by The Hat Team
You may have heard buzz around the term “universal design” in recent years, but do you know what it is or how it affects the Montgomery AL real estate and construction markets?
 
homeAccording to Lowes.com, universal design is the creation of products and environments meant to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialization. The intent is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal Design benefits people of all ages and abilities.
 
Think this is some “far out” theory just now working its way into the “modern” world? Think again: if you've ever walked through an automatic door, you've experienced a version of Universal Design.   Likewise, a ramp or curb cut is just as welcome to someone with a baby stroller as it is to someone in a wheelchair.

Universal Design has become a hot topic in the Montgomery AL real estate market as more residents are retiring and making the decision to “age in place,” as opposed to moving into assisted living facilities. As we discussed previously, this aging generation is already driving the design of new products for the home that will affect real estate in the future. Even if you are not part of the “mature” population, however, Universal Design should be important to you. If you are planning to build or renovate, keep in mind the principles of Universal Design and know that it's more cost effective to add many Universal Design features during the planning stage. There are a number of design features that can be built for little or no cost. Their addition at the beginning saves the need for future retrofits.

Some examples of Universal Design features include:

Lighting
To learn more about trends in the Montgomery AL real estate market, please call me at 800-HAT-LADY or visit HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com. 
Additional task lighting is needed for "older" eyes.
Added lighting is also advised in areas to increase safety, such as for stairs.
Kitchens
Push/pull lever faucets for those with limited hand strength or dexterity.
Side-by-side refrigerators.
Doors
Leverset entry or interior door hardware.
Wide swing hinges allow use of the entire doorway.
Baths
Roll-in showers.
Add reinforcement into the wall substructure now in the event the addition of grab bars is needed later.
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Montgomery AL Real Estate Podcast

Thursday, July 24, 2008
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate Podcast

This month's edition covers Montgomery AL real estate market activity and then we'll discuss the new changes in FHA lending.

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.

Program length: approximately 7 1/2 minutes

download podcast mp3 file | subscribe to podcast feed

 

To learn more about the current Montgomery AL real estate market, please call me at 800-HAT-LADY or visit HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com!

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Montgomery AL Real Estate Trends - Continued

Tuesday, July 22, 2008
by The Hat Team

When I put together the stats that I shared earlier this week about Montgomery, Alabama, sales for the month of June, I should have remembered that old and true expression, “The devil is in the details.”  Now here’s the rest of the story:

Yes, sales in our area are off substantially from June 2007—431 total sales in the Tri-County area this year vs 554 the same month last year.  And, on the surface it seems that prices are plunging:  $162,416 average sale price June 2008 vs $175,541 the year prior.   What this does NOT, however, take into account is the enormous impact of REO’s being sold in our marketplace.

In June 2008, 16% of the closed sales--68 of the total 431—were REO’s, with an average sale price of $61,125.  Non-REO sales totaled 363 at an average $181,391 sale price.  That’s only $2,404 or slightly more than 1% below the June 2007 average of $183,795. 

Clearly. REO’s are a real drag on the current market.  And of the 3314 properties for today in the Tri-County area, 301 are under right of redemption.  The average list price of those 301 properties is $97,957 and the media is $68,900.  So for months to come we may continue to see a wide gap in “average sale price” between 2008 and 2007.  This will no doubt continue until the inventory of REO’s declines substantially.

For investors, this is great news:  we have 301 “motivated sellers” who need to move properties.  The range of values runs from a low of $2,900 to a high of $699,900—something for everybody!

If you are ready to begin investing in Montgomery AL real estate, please call me at 800-HAT-LADY, or visit HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com. 

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Montgomery AL Home For Sale - 4713 Mitford Circle

Monday, July 21, 2008
by The Hat Team


Garden home living at its best. Great floor plan with privacy in mind. The master suite is separate and has a fabulous bath with double vanities and huge walk-in closet. You will have plenty of choices for placing furniture in the great room because of the corner fireplace. The rear entry garage is oversized to be utilized for storage. The large covered patio is off the great room and breakfast room. Let's count the ways the swing room can be used....office, formal dining room or 4th bedroom. You choose. At this price, this one won't be around long so hurry and see.

For more information on this home or other Montgomery real estate, visit our website, HatTeam.com or give us a call for more personalized service, 800-428-5239.

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Montgomery AL Home For Sale - 2814 Newport Road

Monday, July 21, 2008
by The Hat Team


Garden Home living at its best. This one owner model home built by Burt Loeb had many extras that you don't find in spec construction. High ceilings, crown molding, Concreations design sidewalk, broad windows and laminate floors. The floor plan is unique in that there is a bonus room that is perfect for a den or office. A large open floor plan for the living area and the bedrooms are split. Out back is a 2-car carport. This home is located on a quiet cul-de-sac and is ready for new owners. Make this one first on your list.

For more information on this home or other Montgomery real estate, visit our website, HatTeam.com or give us a call for more personalized service, 800-428-5239.

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Montgomery AL Home For Sale - 3132 Fitzgerald Road

Thursday, July 17, 2008
by The Hat Team


This spacious and well maintained brick ranch has 3 separate living areas! This home boasts formal living and dining rooms, a huge 15x19 family room with fireplace, built-in bookshelves and beamed vaulted ceiling and an open bonus/sunroom with tile floor and huge picture window overlooking the pool and landscaped back yard. The kitchen has tile floor, new stove and counter-tops and big breakfast bar. Extra large main bedroom with 2 closets (one walk-in), double sink vanity/dressing area and separate bathing area. Out back is a patio and in-ground pool with new liner. Great neighborhood and within walking distance to Montgomery Academy, Publix and shopping and dining. If you're growing, your family is growing, or you just need loads of space, this one is for you!

For more information on this home or other Montgomery real estate, visit our website, HatTeam.com or give us a call for more personalized service, 800-428-5239.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate Market Trends Report

Thursday, July 17, 2008
by The Hat Team

Modest near-term movement is expected in Montgomery AL real estate sales, with a recovery in sales seen during the second half of the year, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said some pullback after a sharp increase in the previous month was expected. “The overall decline in contract signings suggests we are not out of the woods by any means. The housing stimulus bill that is still being considered in the Senate is critical to assure a healthy recovery in the housing market, jobs and the economy,” he said.

Furthermore, Yun said location has never mattered more than in the current market. “Some markets have seen a doubling in home sales from a year ago, while others are seeing contract signings cut in half. Price conditions vary tremendously, even within a locality, depending upon a neighborhood’s exposure to subprime loans.”

 

Let’s take a look at the sales statistics for June 2008 to see how the Montgomery AL real estate market looks:

In Midtown Montgomery, pending sales decreased 18% in June 2008, compared against June 2007.  Likewise, the number of sold listings dropped 21%.  The average sales price decreased 9% to $131,446, and homes remained on the market for an average of 7 fewer days this June.

Midtown
Montgomery

Pending
Sales

Sold
Listings

Average
Market Times

Average
Sales Price

June 2008

38

37

104

$142,820

June 2007

72

56

133

$149,412

Again, as Yun said, real estate sales and prices vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, even within the same city.  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 AL Home For Sale - 4369 Wares Ferry Road

Wednesday, July 16, 2008
by The Hat Team


Custom built rustic beauty nestled under beautiful trees. This cedar sided contemporary style home is in move-in condition and ready for new owner. Soaring ceilings in the Great Room with a cat-walk overlooking from above. Abundant storage throughout the house in addition to the 2-car attached garage.

For more information on this home or other Montgomery real estate, visit our website, HatTeam.com or give us a call for more personalized service, 800-428-5239.

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Montgomery AL Home For Sale - 1909 Graham Street

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
by The Hat Team


Wonderful Old Cloverdale bungalow has been updated and decorated by published interior designer. Gleaming hardwood floors, plantation shutters, custom silk drapes, unbelievable European style light fixtures and wonderful warm palates grace this home. The formal living room has gas log fireplace for cozy warm evenings. The dining room has a carved chandelier and 2 built-in corner china cabinets. The TOTALLY custom kitchen has poured concrete countertops and an unusual built-in cooking "niche" with secret compartments for spices and condiments. Continuing on the first floor is a guest bedroom and Italianate guest bath, study/home office and wonderful master bedroom with french doors overlooking side deck and pergola. The master bath features tile floor, double sink vanity and walk in closets. Upstairs is a large loft bedroom with unusual knee-wall storage, a private bath and a cool balcony overlooking the back yard. Outside there is a side deck with built- in pergola, detached workshop/storage building and private fenced back yard.

For more information on this home or other Montgomery real estate, visit our website, HatTeam.com or give us a call for more personalized service, 800-428-5239.

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Montgomery AL Home For Sale - 3154 Lexington Road #A

Friday, July 11, 2008
by The Hat Team


Great brick duplex located in historic Cloverdale/Idlewilde.  Each unit has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.  Left side (unit B) completely updated 2-3 yrs ago. New electric service to both units, new roof 2-3 yrs ago. Unit A has enclosed front porch and rear deck.

For more information on this home or other Montgomery real estate, visit our website, HatTeam.com or give us a call for more personalized service, 800-428-5239.

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