Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 18

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - June 2015

Friday, July 31, 2015
by The Hat Team

If you are contemplating putting your house on the market, you may want to see if you have some of the top features home buyers are looking for.

  • A large laundry room is on the list of must-haves for most home buyers these days.  The bigger the better when it comes to laundry rooms. Painting this room a fun color is also a great idea.  If you have not yet updated your washer and dryer it may be a good time to do that as well. 
  • Landscape lighting is a plus if you want your house to stand out above all the others on the market.  Taking a photo of your home at night with all the landscape lighting lit may be a good way to market your home in real estate magazines.  Also if you want to add ambiance to the inside of your house you can add wall lanterns in entrance ways and hallways. 
  • A finished garage is an excellent feature that many home buyers are looking for.  You can add drywall and paint as well as paint the floor of your garage.  You will be amazed at what a difference doing this will make to your home.  Make sure to add a lot of storage areas so that the man of the house will be happy about buying your home. 
  • An "eat-in" kitchen  is a must have these days.  If you don’t currently have an “eat-in” kitchen, you may want to knock out a wall to make this possible.  It could be the difference of selling your home or not selling your home.  

Take a look at June 2015's real estate sales statistics.

June 2015 Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Update

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for June 2015, show the number of homes increased 55.56%. The average sales price decreased by 30.46% to $141,904 for the month. The median sales price decreased by 12.95% to $126,225, and market times decreased by 42 days.  The highest selling price decreased by 11.49% from June 2014.

Midtown Montgomery  June 2015   June 2014
Homes Sold 42 27
Average Selling Price $141,904 $204,063
Median Selling Price $126,225 $145,000
Days On The Market 145 187
Highest Selling Price $770,000 $870,000
Lowest Selling Price $1 $9,249

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.

Add Comment

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale: 2757 Fairmont Rd

Thursday, July 30, 2015
by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

2757 Fairmont Rd, Montgomery AL 36111
MLS# 319851

It’s All About the Space!

2757 fairmont rd

It's all about that SPACE, 'bout that SPACE! Versatile spaces allow for creative use of rooms (formal living room is used as a family-sized dining room, formal dining room as a sitting room.) Family time will be enjoyed in the over-sized den with cozy fireplace and wall of built-ins for books and collectibles. HUGE master bedroom is sure to please with its own lounging area which boasts a cozy fireplace, and opens to a cool screened porch. Relaxing is made easy on the spacious covered patio overlooking a shady back yard… perfect for summer cook-outs and parties. And on top of everything else… it’s in desirable Midtown Montgomery!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Add Comment

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale: 1282 Glen Grattan

Thursday, July 30, 2015
by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

1282 Glen Grattan, Montgomery AL 36111
MLS# 319736

Wonderfully Spacious Edgewood Estate!

You will feel like you are finally "HOME" in this wonderfully spacious Edgewood estate in Midtown Montgomery. You certainly will not feel cramped inside or out, as there is more than enough square footage inside for your family to spread out, and plenty of entertaining and play space outdoors. The interior spaces flow generously from formal to casual. Well-proportioned Master bedroom and bath, as well as two other bedrooms with a jack-and-jill bath are located downstairs. Upstairs, there is a large bonus/media/play room and another big bedroom with private bath (could be 2nd Master!). Lovely private back yard boasts gardens, private patio areas and a covered loggia with an outdoor fireplace, making it a great outdoor living room even in the colder months. Big corner lot provides plenty of space and privacy from neighbors.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtors Sand Nickel Hat Team.

Add Comment

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale: 3319 Lexington Road

Thursday, July 30, 2015
by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

3319 Lexington Road, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 319782

Old House Lovers Dream!

3319 lexington rd

Old house lovers hurry to see this quaint very original 1930’s cottage in Midtown! Hardwood floors, arched openings, original double porcelain drain board sink are only a few of its charms. Butler’s pantry with original built-ins is to die for. Three good size bedrooms and two beautifully original baths will be just for your liking if you don't like period incorrect renovations. Screened-in porch at rear overlooks private back yard. Detached double garage for what ever you desire up to and including storing your rolling stock. This is truly a special home with unusual crazy brick pattern on exterior. Pull down stairs leads to a floored attic perfect for storage or future expansion. Call us or your favorite agent before someone else beats you to your dream home!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

 

Add Comment

What's Stopping You?

Wednesday, July 29, 2015
by The Hat Team

The majority of tenants say they’d like to own a home but continue to pay rent and missing out on financial and emotional advantages. There seems to still be a lot of misinformation in the marketplace.

Questions2.jpg

There are a number of programs for low or no down payment options. Veterans can get into a home with no down payment or closing costs. In qualifying areas, USDA has zero down payment programs. FHA requires 3.5% down payment and there are conventional programs for as little as 3% and 5% down.

People with credit issues need expert opinions about their specific situation. Borrowers with bankruptcies or foreclosures may be eligible to purchase again after certain periods of time. There are short-term fixes for some types of credit problems. There is an extended list of individual issues that a skilled mortgage professional may be able to overcome.

Most tenants realize considerably lower cost of housing by owning once the appreciation, amortization and tax savings are considered. The savings in the first year alone could easily be more than the down payment required.

Plug in your own numbers in a Rent vs. Own to see what your real cost of housing may be. Contact us for a recommendation of a mortgage professional who can give you accurate information about your situation.

Rent vs Own InTouch 7-15.png


Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts The Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 
Add Comment

Looking To Add Value To Your Home? Consider an Outdoor Space

Tuesday, July 21, 2015
by The Hat Team

There are many reasons to consider adding an outdoor living area to your home! The benefits are many and personal. But, one added benefit is the value it can add.

outdoor spaceA recent article in RISMedia, a real estate information leader, highlighted 5 reasons to invest in outdoor spaces. According to IBISWorld, a market research firm, “investing in outdoor living provides a good return on investment for most people, making it an ideal home improvement project.”

Here are some benefits to consider:

  1. Personal enjoyment. Why spend money on home improvements unless they provide personal enjoyment for your family? This can range from providing a space to relax and unwind, to providing a place to simply enjoy each other and have fun, to providing fun for the kids.
     
  2. Save money by having an enjoyable place for your recreation right in your own backyard. Having outdoor spaces at your home means that it is custom made to your desires and you don’t have to get in your car to go somewhere else. The money saved in gas or fees to join a club can be better spent on your own space.
     
  3. Entertaining opportunities abound with your own private outdoor space. Imagine your indoor entertaining space flowing to the outdoors with a place for a fireplace or outdoor barbecue kitchen. It creates more opportunities for adults to have a space to talk and for the kids to have their own recreation opportunities.
     
  4. Benefits of nature. Lot’s of research demonstrates the benefits of spending time outdoors, including stress reduction and improved mental clarity and concentration. Stepping out of your indoor environment into a relationship with nature in any form transforms our ability to relax.
     
  5. Resale value of your home will be enhanced almost immeasurably by creating outdoor spaces. You shouldn’t necessarily count on recuperating 100% of the cost, but HGTV claims that homeowners recoup 65%-90% of their investment just by adding a deck! Meantime you and your family enjoy the added benefits of the outdoor living, and when you decide to sell there is an intangible added attraction for potential buyers.

Bob Dallas, CEO of UltraOutdoors.com, explains “not only is it good for the value of your home, but it’s a solid investment for…giving your family a relaxing area where they can re-charge their batteries.”

Research the many options including outdoor fireplaces, kitchens, water features, decks, sitting areas, and landscaping. The possibilities literally range from the extravagant to the very modest. Consider seeking the help of a design professional. The key is finding just the right combination of possibilities for the enjoyment of your family.

Information courtesy of Montgomery Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Add Comment

Ins and Outs Of Negotiating

Saturday, July 18, 2015
by The Hat Team

If you’re a seller of a home you need to understand the complexities of negotiating. This is particularly true if you are attempting to sell your home by yourself. This is known as a “for sale by owner” or FSBO.

handshakeMost people understand that selling a home is complicated. But just about the least understood component of being a seller is the need to do a lot of negotiating. Even if you are working with a Realtor it is good to know what is going on, often behind the scenes. Why? So you have an appreciation of what the Realtor is doing for you.

Here are just a few of the types of negotiations you need to be ready to deal with…

  • The buyer’s agent whose sole responsibility it is to protect the best interest of the buyer, not yours.
  • The buyer who wants the best deal possible from you.
  • The home inspection company which is working for the buyer and almost always finds problems with the property for sale.
  • The termite company if there are challenges by the buyer.
  • The buyer’s lender if the structure of the financing requires the seller’s participation.
  • The appraiser if there is a question of value.
  • The title company if there are any challenges with permits, certificates of occupancy, or the survey.
  • The municipal government if there a problems with permits or certificate of occupancy.
  • The survey company if there any discrepancies or challenges.

Every one of the above participants in a real estate transaction has special interests and specialized knowledge about a different component in the sales process. Each one has to be negotiated with on some level to make sure the sale gets to closing smoothly.

It takes a lot of skill to understand everyone’s interests and how those interests fit into the bigger picture. Some of their interests and intertwined, and some are very specific to a given specialty. Some of the interests are very objective and others are very subjective and emotional.

In addition to all of that, your emotions as the seller tend to run high. It is extremely difficult to remain calm and objective when dealing with other people over the sale of your home. That is because you are not just selling a house and a property…you are selling the home you and your family have lived in. It’s personal.

The primary message is to be very careful about making a decision to go the FSBO route and be very selective when deciding on a Realtor to be your agent of negotiation.

Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Add Comment

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 3232 Hillcrest Lane

Wednesday, July 15, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

3232 Hillcrest Lane, Montgomery AL 36109
MLS# 319313

Absolutely Adorable!

3232 hillcrest lane

ADORABLE Forest Hills home that is move-in ready! Family room has vaulted ceiling, wood floors, wood burning fireplace and built-ins. Kitchen has been nicely updated with a lovely breakfast room and huge laundry room/pantry. Master bath has just been renovated and looks great. Don't miss the built-in fire pit in the back yard.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

Add Comment

Three M's of Homeownership

Saturday, July 11, 2015
by The Hat Team

Among the many reasons people have to own home, they include having a place of their own, to raise a family and to share with friends. Additional benefits include security, investment, peace, pride and enjoyment.

home maintenance 250.jpg

Together with the benefits come the responsibility to take care of the home for its livability and viability as a sound decision. A homeowner’s concerns can be broken down into three areas.

The maintenance on the property is something that every homeowner deals with. Changing filters are easy to handle yourself. Other things might require a skilled professional but identifying the “right” one can be challenging.

Minimizing expenses can reduce the cost of living in the home. It’s good to recognize when a repair is appropriate compared to a replacement. Reputable and reasonable service providers are key to keeping expense low.

Managing debt and risk becomes the financial side of the effort. Taking advantage of low interest rates or shorter terms for refinancing, making additional principal contributions are just a few ways to manage debt. Home warranty programs and homeowner insurance tips can reduce risk.

We sincerely want to be a resource for you not only when you buy or sell but all of the years in between. It is actually the reason we send this newsletter to you.

Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Add Comment

Is It Time To Downsize Your Home?

Friday, July 10, 2015
by The Hat Team

If you’ve officially joined the ranks of the empty-nesters. one of the first questions that usually comes to mind is should we downsize our home. The kids are gone and we probably don’t need this big house. But is buying a smaller home right for you? Obviously, there are pros and cons to consider about both your finances and lifestyle before making a decision.

downsizeReasons not to downsize:

  • The family is spread all across the country and you want to have a place for everyone to gather for the holidays and vacations.
  • You’ve been in your current home for many years and have filled it with mementos you don’t want to part with.
  • You’re not emotionally ready to pack up and leave a lifestyle you worked hard to create. Leaving family, friends and familiar surroundings is more than you can bear.
  • You enjoy the feelings that go along with your larger home. A smaller home will not feel right for your current lifestyle.

Reasons to downsize:

  • The lower (or zero) mortgage payment that comes with a smaller home would give you more discretionary funds to travel and enjoy other recreational activities.
  • A smaller home means less to maintain and more time to play.
  • You and/or your spouse are not able to navigate the stairs like you use. A single level home is more desirable.
  • A smaller, newer home is more efficient and cost effective.
  • You need to be closer to a family member who needs assistance and your attention.

If you decide to downsize, make sure the new home fits both your lifestyle and pocketbook. Talk with a real estate professional about how much money you will net from the sale of your current home, as well as the costs of buying another one. Look into how much it would cost to move and to maintain the smaller home. Make sure it really is cheaper to live there. Downsize only once you’re satisfied that the finances make sense.

Buy into your new lifestyle

A smaller house in your current neighborhood could be the right decision if your priority is maintaining close ties to neighbors. Just make sure there are amenities like public transportation and stores nearby if your health begins to deteriorate.

A retirement community could be perfect if you never want to move again and you want to focus on travel, hobbies and perfecting your golf stroke instead of mowing the lawn. Talk to current residents to see whether they’re happy with the rules and the way things are run. Another option you may prefer is a condominium to eliminate the maintenance but not be locked in for life like many life care communities.

It is a big decision to downsize. So, make it carefully, do not rush, and get professional advice about the real estate and financial aspects of moving.

Information provided by Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Add Comment

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 18

Syndication

Categories

Archives

   cdpe    crsHat Lady on Zillow