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The Hat Team

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Displaying blog entries 1371-1380 of 1998

Ways To Protect Your Montgomery AL Home

by The Hat Team

Because more and more Montgomery AL homes are being burglarized, especially in the recent quest for gold items, more and more homeowners are taking steps to protect their homes and their families.  According to the Insurance Information Institute, intruders will generally bypass your residence if they would be forced to work in the light, have to take more than four or five minutes to break in, or if noise will be a factor. 

montgomery al homeAlthough 80% of homeowners with burglar alarms rated them rated them as effective, the financial cost for this peace of mind is not inexpensive.  Consumer Reports magazine says the owner of a Montgomery AL home should expect to pay $1-$2 per square foot and at least $25 monthly for monitoring.  Start-up expenses also need to be investigated.  Before purchasing or leasing any system or monitoring service, make sure that you get multiple quotes, know the type that is best for your house, and check the contract for specifics concerning early cancellation fees and company liability limits.  You can also read online reviews and ask for references for present and past owners.  Homesecurity.com offers tips on assessing types of systems, choosing what is best for your home, and comparing the prices of alarm companies.

The most effective security system is actually the least expensive--the monitored burglar alarm. The following list summarizes some options along with the pros and cons of each.

  • Wireless home security system: inexpensive, runs on batteries and will alert you to fire and gas emergencies as well as burglaries. Needs to be monitored to keep the batteries charged; if it does not call authorities, it may not be effective against burglary in rural areas.
  • Home burglar alarm system: makes a lot of noise letting neighbors know to call authorities. Drawback: if neighbors are at work at the same time you are, there may be no one there to call for you. Also, burglars know how to disarm these and go on about their behavior.
  • Home security camera: lets you see what is going on at your Montgomery AL home from work as long as you have access to a computer. Drawback: the system can be expensive, and if you are supposed to be working, you may not have the time to pay attention to your home.
  • Motion Detector (Lights) Alarm with Telephone dialer: this alarm connects to a telephone socket and will automatically dial a preset number if motion is detected within 20 feet. It will also set off a 125 decibel siren, although you can select the silent alarm option. The only drawback to this one is that you have to remember to set the alarm when you leave the house. This is the cheapest and most effective option, especially when combined with door and window contact sensors.
  • Driveway alert: uses a weather-proof, infrared motion detector that sends a signal to a base unit located inside the house. The base unit then sets off an alarm. Drawback: A smart crook probably won’t come down the driveway.
  • Door and window contact magnets: sensors featuring a magnetic seal that detects movement if a door or window is disturbed. Not particularly effective by themselves, but very effective when installed as part of a monitored system.

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.

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

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 

3224 LeBron Avenue Montgomery, Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS#292445

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for a charming Cloverdale cottage with 3 bedrooms 2 full baths in a great location and great condition? Look no further...your search is over!! It's only a short walk to the lower Park and under $200k. Beautiful hardwood floors and transoms you expect in a home of this vintage add to the historic charm. This home features many classic details. You will find an updated kitchen which opens to rear wrap-around deck perfect for cookouts and entertaining. Two bedrooms and a bath down, nice size main bedroom-bath suite upstairs with lots of closet, storage space, and even a trunk room.  Attached bonus room now being used as office complements bedroom suite. Covered porch off dining room is a great place to sit relax and watch your neighbors stroll past. This home has had but 3 owners and comes with an original set of blueprints. Walk to the Capri movie theater, Cloverdale Playhouse, 1048 Blues club or one of many other local restaurants or hot spots!! Motivated seller has priced it to sell! Please give us or your favorite agent a call to see today!

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.

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 2012

by The Hat Team

The increases in FHA mortgage guarantee costs that took effect on April 1 have many home buyers asking, "What do these increases mean to me when I get an FHA loan?"  Megan Booth and Rob Freedman with Realtor.tv break down the facts in this informative video.

Lets look at the statistics in our local real estate market? 

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for March show the average sales price decreased by 26% to $95,339 when compared to March 2011.  The number of homes sold increased by 33% in March 2012.  The median sales prices decreased by 51%, and market times increased by 8% or 11 days.  The highest selling home price increased by 7%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 67%.

Midtown Montgomery March 2012 March 2011
Homes Sold 33 22
Average Selling Price $ 95,339 $ 128,461
Median Selling Price $ 55,000 $ 112,000
Days On The Market 133 122
Highest Selling Price $ 375,000 $ 350,000 
Lowest Selling Price $ 13,500 $4,500

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.

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

Information is provided by the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Home Affordable Refinance Program

by The Hat Team

If your loan was “sold” to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac prior to June 1, 2009, you may qualify to refinance your mortgage without an appraisal—and you don’t have to worry about the value of your home either!

Determining if your home qualifies

  • Call me with your property address and I will check Fannie/Freddie’s website
  • Your current home, rental property, second home qualifies
  • If you have a 2nd mortgage, the 2nd mortgage holder must agree to “subordinate.”

What you will need to apply

  • Estimate of the current value of your home based on comps from a real estate agent
  • 30-days’ worth of paycheck stubs
  • Bank statements
  • Decent credit scores
  • Copy of driver’s license
  • Private Mortgage Insurance (did you have to include on your original loan?)
  • Copy of title policy
  • Copy of homeowner’s insurance policy

What is “unknown”

  • Fannie/Freddie may require additional documents once the file is submitted to underwriting
  • You may have to bring money to closing
  • How long it will take to process your loan
  • Fannie/Freddie may determine whether or not you will need an appraisal.

What are the benefits?

  • Lower interest rate
  • Decrease in the number of years left to pay off your mortgage
  • No appraisal required (if determined by Fannie/Freddie)
  • PMI insurance may decrease or be eliminated.

There is a huge window of opportunity for you to take advantage of a lower interest rate and reduce the number of years on your mortgage, with lower closing costs.  Call me to see if you qualify! 

 

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

 

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

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - March 2012

by The Hat Team

There were 848 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 1 in every 867 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing in March 2012. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $95,359 and the average foreclosure selling price was $27,444, a $67,915 savings according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 3.95% in March while the number of foreclosed homes rose from 80 to 109.

montgomery al foreclosure

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was 0.04% lower than national statistics, 0.03% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics for the month of March 2012.

monrtomery al foreclosure 

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased from 44 homes in February to 28 in March. The number of Auctions climbed from 36 to 81. There is a 6-month rising trend.

montgomery al real estate

Are you or someone you know behind on mortgage payments and facing a Montgomery foreclosure? You do have options. A short sale may be the answer to saving you, your family and your home. I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) with specialized training in helping families avoid foreclosure. Give me a call for a private consultation.

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.

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

 

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale

121 Bradley Drive Montgomery, Al 36109

MLS#290124

Become a landlord the easy way. Buy this sweet little cottage with a good tenant already in place! No worries about making payments on a vacant house or finding a reliable property manager. Short sale subject to lender approval so you'll have to be patient. And your patience will be rewarded with a great deal!

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.

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

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale

2832 Spann Place Montgomery, Al 36107

MLS#290128

Become a landlord the easy way. Buy this sweet little cottage with a good tenant already in place! No worries about making payments on a vacant house or finding a reliable property manager. Short sale subject to lender approval so you'll have to be patient. And your patience will be rewarded with a great deal!

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.

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

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale

2836 Spann Place Montgomery, Al 36107

MLS#290129

Attention Investors--Lender's Loss is Your Gain! Own this sweet little cottage for about 1/3 of what current owner paid a few short years ago. Great cash flow with good tenant already in place! No worries about making payments on a vacant house or finding a reliable property manager. Short sale subject to lender approval so you'll have to be patient and your patience will be rewarded with a great deal!

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.

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

Talk about a setback!  You’ve spent recent months preparing your house for sale or looking for the perfect house to buy, negotiating a fair price, and anxiously awaiting the settlement date.  And now the appraisal on that piece of Montgomery AL real estate has come in below the asking price.  What to do?  First, whether you are the buyer or the seller, remain calm.  This is not an unusual occurrence in today’s market.  Understanding the possible reasons for the disappointing appraisal and exploring strategies to save the transaction are your next steps.

REASONS F0R A LOW APPRAISAL:montgomery al home appraisal

  • Overpricing by seller
  • Declining market values
  • An abundance of foreclosures or short sales in the neighborhood
  • Inflated price resulting from multiple offers
  • Incorrect evaluation by the appraiser
  • Cash back to buyer from the seller
  • Error(s) on the part of the appraiser

WHAT A SELLER CAN DO:

  • Lower the price of the Montgomery AL real estate.  After researching and analyzing the latest comps with your Realtor, realistically reconsider your asking price and decide whether you are willing to begin the selling process all over again.
  • Offer to carry a second mortgage for the buyer if the above option is not possible.

WHAT A BUYER CAN DO:

  • Ask the seller to make up the difference in cash.
  • Ask the lender for a new appraisal after presenting your justification for this request.

OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO BOTH SELLER AND BUYER:

  • Check the appraiser’s report for errors (in facts or omission) in information about the Montgomery AL real estate.  Verify the accuracy of the square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.  Have any recent improvements you’ve made to the property been included?  If not, appeal the appraisal.
  • Supply to the underwriter a list of recent comparable sales that justify the selling/purchase price and ask for a review of the appraisal.
  • Order a new appraisal.  Although you will have to pay for it, it could be money well spent if it results in a higher appraisal. Your lender will give you a list of appraisers if the loan is an FHA one.  If it’s conventional, it is subject to the rules of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC).
  • As a last resort, cancel the transaction.  Most purchase contracts contain a loan contingency which deals with low appraisals.

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.

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

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale

1919 Madison Avenue Montgomery, AL 36107

MLS#291773

Historic Madison Avenue brick bungalow! Beautiful architectural style roof and tudor details add to the character of this classic home. Standard high ceiling, transoms and hardwood floors you expect in a house of this era lend a quality feel. Updated eat in kitchen will impress the fussiest cooks. Separate laundry room with sink will make this chore a pleasure. Three nice size bedrooms and one with it's own private bath make this layout flow. Separate room at rear of home will make a great office, study or whatever you desire. Last but not least you will own a wonderful large covered front porch perfect for entertaining. Please give us or your favorite agent a call to view 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.

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

Displaying blog entries 1371-1380 of 1998

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