Real Estate Information

Montgomery Real Estate Blog

The Hat Team

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1421-1430 of 1998

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - October 2011

Thursday, December 1, 2011
by The Hat Team

There were 882 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 1 in every 796 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing in October 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $121,760 and the average foreclosure selling price was $52,416, a $69,344 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.07% in October while the number of foreclosed homes increased from 95 in September to 122 in October.

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 0.05% lower than national statistics. 0.03% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics for the month of October.

 

montgomery al foreclosure 

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties increased from 53 homes in September to 55 in October. The number of Auctions increased from 42 to 67. There is a 6-month rising trend.

 

montgomery al foreclosure 

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.

Add Comment

Thanksgiving Thoughts from The Hat Team

Friday, November 18, 2011
by The Hat Team

happy thanksgivingThanksgiving is a time to reflect on the changes, to remember that we, too, grow and change from one season of life to another.  - Author unknown

Sarah Joespha Hale, author Mary Had a Little Lamb, campaigned vigorously for 20 years to have Thanksgiving made a national holiday.  Five presidents turned a deaf ear to her pleas, but Abraham Lincoln listened, and on October 3, 1863, he declared that the last Thursday in November would be a national holiday.  Sarah was also the one who urged that the Thanksgiving feast include such foods as turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes of two kinds.  Sound familiar?

And speaking of food, are you thankful for the abundance of our planet?  Show your gratitude by implementing these “green” suggestions for your holiday meal:

  • Use organic cranberries, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin
  • Shop at a famers’ market
  • Start a compost pile with all your leftovers

Click here for other earth-friendly holiday ideas.

Interested in giving traditional foods a modern twist?  Try baby greens with fennel, wheatberry stuffing, and wild mushroom gravy.  What about shredded Brussels sprouts or cranberry spinach salad?  For recipes for these dishes and other updated foods, visit the web sites of Good Housekeeping and Allrecipes.

What do you get when you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter?  Pumpkin Pi!

 ”Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.”
William Jennings Bryan

Giving back…Thanksgiving is a perfect time to share our blessings with those less fortunate than we are and to spread the spirit of friendship and community.  Opportunities for helping others during the holiday season are many and can involve one individual or the entire family.  Some ways to foster goodwill and embrace the idea of sharing include:

  • Collecting and contributing non-perishable foodstuffs for a local food bank.
  • Giving money to local agencies who feed the hungry.
  • Volunteering your time to sort supplies, set up and/or clean up, or serve meals on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Inviting a neighbor who lives alone to join you for dinner.
  • Taking a warm plate of Thanksgiving food--and a big smile--to a shut-in.
  • Contributing to holiday food collection bins in grocery stores.
  • Purchasing pre-packaged boxes of food (generally under $10.00) to be distributed by local grocers.
  • Checking with your local place of worship to see where you help is most needed.

support our troopsAnd remember our military personnel… by contacting A Million Thanks, a year-round campaign to show our appreciation for our U.S. military men and women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, and prayers.  Over 5 million pieces of mail have been sent to date.  Zazzle will send free holiday cards to military folks, and Coupons to Troops has a great program in which you donate unwanted or expired coupons to military families living overseas.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!  Remember to be grateful for what you have and to “give thanks for unknown blessings already on the way.”  (Native American saying)

Add Comment

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3993 Green Acres Drive Montgomery, AL 36106

Thursday, November 10, 2011
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3993 Green Acres Drive Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS#288337 

Looking for a great buy in Green Acres?? Come quick and check out this wonderful home that's ready for the next family to move in and love it! The huge front porch is inviting, the great room is comfy with a gas fireplace and built-in bookshelves, the spacious updated kitchen is perfect for hanging out and the covered patio and pool are perfect for entertaining. Please put this one at the top of your list to see!

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.

Add Comment

Thinking About Investing In Montgomery AL Real Estate? Read On

Thursday, November 10, 2011
by The Hat Team

Given the state of the economy, the housing “crisis,” and the volatility of the stock market, more and more folks with both extra cash and initiative are being drawn to the idea of property investment. Many real estate and financial gurus offer suggestions for you as a first-time investor in Montgomery AL real estate--both tips to follow and traps to avoid. First and foremost, all the experts stress the importance of your need to be realistic about the amount of time, money, energy, and commitment required in such a venture. Their second most common piece of advice is to educate yourself in as many areas of investment fundamentals as you can before you begin.

montgomery al real estateTIPS:

  • Develop a plan. Determine your purpose in becoming an investor. Do you want to flip houses, or are you more comfortable with a long-term rental? What kind of property do you want? Single family? Condo? Multi-family? Will you be bidding at an auction? Buying a short sale or foreclosure? What kind of financing will you need?
  • Identify your target area. Analyze the economic situation of the neighborhood, population levels, and potential employment prospects. Look at the availability of stores, schools, hospitals, and local industry. Determine the median property values.
  • Ask questions. Are prices in the area rising or falling? Is it a safe neighborhood? How long has the property been on the market? What is the condition of the interior and exterior structure?
  • Consider financial circumstances. What is the going rate for rentals in the area? What are the yearly taxes? What will it cost to maintain the property? What kind of financing will be available to you?
  • Avoid Montgomery AL real estate with HOA fees. Home Owner Association dues which pay for shared facilities and maintenance must be paid by you, the owner, and can be quite high, especially when major assessments are levied.
  • Have the property inspected by a professional before you buy. Common sense prevails here. You don't want any unpleasant surprises later on.
  • Stick to your preset buying criteria. Concentrate on your cash flow and not on potential capital appreciation.
  • Be sensible about renovations. Save the high end appliances, fixtures, features, and decorating for your own home. Use your head, not your heart, when outfitting the Montgomery AL real estate you’re buying for investment purposes.

Enjoy the adventure of investing but always be aware that such a venture can be risky. Make sure you consider the downsides as well as the opportunities for success.

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.

Add Comment

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - Sept 2011

Wednesday, November 2, 2011
by The Hat Team

There were 973 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 95 new foreclosures in Sept 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $129,586 and the average foreclosure selling price was $59,568, a $70,018 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.11% in September while the number of foreclosed homes increased from 80 in August to 95 in September.

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 0.07% lower than national statistics. 0.03% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics for the month of September.

montgomery al foreclosure

 

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased from 55 homes in August to 53 in September. The number of Auctions increased from 25 to 42. There is a 6-month falling trend.

montgomery al foreclosure

 

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.

Add Comment

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Trends - Sept 2011

Friday, October 28, 2011
by The Hat Team

A buyer purchasing a typical American home at the prevailing average mortgage rate today would have a mortgage payment of  $698 a month. This figure is not much different from what a home buyer would have faced 30 years ago. In 1981, home prices were much lower but mortgage rates were reaching 18 percent. Today, home prices have come down by about 33 percent on average from the bubble years, but prices still remain comfortably higher than those of the 1980s. However, thanks to record low mortgage rates, the monthly payment obligations have been greatly reduced. This should be good news and bring new buyers into the market. However, very tight underwriting standards, unfortunately, are keeping some good, hard-working Americans from taking advantage of the super affordable conditions.

Now take a look at how the Midtown Montgomery real estate market performed in September.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for September show the average sales price decreased by 14% to $143,362 when compared to September 2010.  The number of homes sold decreased by 4% in September 2011.  The median sales prices decreased by 5%, and market times increased 25% or 45 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 7%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 99%.

Midtown Montgomery September 2011 September 2010
Homes Sold 24 25
Average Selling Price $ 143,362 $ 166,118
Median Selling Price $ 130,500 $ 137,000
Days On The Market 179 134
Highest Selling Price $ 425,000 $ 455,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 1 $ 6,000

For the latest Midtown Montgomery real estate market conditions in your area, please call me at 800-HAT-LADY or visit HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com.

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.

Add Comment

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 6524 Cypress Lane Montgomery, AL 36117

Tuesday, October 25, 2011
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 6524 Cypress Lane Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS#287958

Tucked away on a quiet side street in this East Montgomery neighborhood, you will find this cute brick home perched on a knoll. Large open backyard feels more like country living than city, and there is plenty of room for you, your kids, and/or pets to roam. Open floor plan means you can be in the kitchen and still see your family and friends in the large breakfast/dining area and family room. Close to all the conveniences of town, yet just far enough out to feel like you have some "breathing" room. 

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.

 

 

 

Add Comment

Montgomery Halloween Happenings

Friday, October 21, 2011
by The Hat Team

halloweenThere's a goblin at my window,
A monster by my door.
The pumpkin at my table
Keeps on smiling more and more.
There's a ghost who haunts my bedroom,
A witch whose face is green.
They used to be my family,
Till they dressed for Halloween.
- by Sandra Liatsos

It’s nearly that time of year again—Halloween, a time of ghosts and ghouls, tricks and treats, and costumes and candy!  Did you know that Halloween is second only to Christmas in terms of spending?  Yep--$1.2 million on costumes and another $2.5 million on candy, decorations, and other themed paraphernalia! 

Other little-known facts include:

  • 86% of Americans decorate their houses.                                                  
  • 10% of pet owners costume their pets. (Click here for unique ideas)
  • 35 million pounds of candy corn are produce yearly. (How many are consumed in your Montgomery home?)

Halloween traditions are many and varied.  “Tis the night for donning a costume, wearing a mask, bobbing for apples, and, the children’s favorite—trick-or-treating.  Looking for something different to give to the little ones coming to your Montgomery home this year?  How about juice boxes, mini-marshmallows, popcorn balls, fruit roll-ups, 4 pack crayons, small glo-sticks, silly erasers, themed pencils, or goldfish snacks?

witchGhoulish Groaners:  

What is a mummy’s favorite music?    Wrap
Best Halloween insurance?  Mediscare
Favorite drink of ghosts and goblins?  Ghoulade    

Carving a Jack-o-Lantern: 

Be your pumpkin orange, white, green, and yes, even blue, you want the face on the porch of your Montgomery home to be individual and unique.  Get free templates to assist you in carving or for cut and paste faces here.

If you see a spider on Halloween, the spirit of a loved one is watching over you.

Costumes: 

Forget the old standbys of ghost and witch.  Get creative and think about the unusual.  A bearded lady? A cupcake?  Or perhaps popcorn or an aquarium?  Although the web is filled with sites which sell costumes, you can express yourself by making your own garb.  Check out CostumeIdeaZone.com for silly, serious, and/or super fast ideas.

scarecrowA kid came up with a bright idea to dress up as an IRS Agent. This way he could take 28% of the man's candy and leave without saying 'Thank You!' J)))

PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART CAN BE FOUND AT Caboose.com, Halloween.com, ZombiePumpkins.com, and TheTeachersCorner.net.  For creative ideas such as wicked wreaths, friendly ghosts, fright lights, tasty treats, and much, much more, visit LowesCreativeIdeas.com.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  

Add Comment

Tips for Cleaning Up The Clutter

Friday, October 14, 2011
by The Hat Team

Why? How? What? Where?

Let’s start with the why? The most common incentive to clear away clutter occurs when you’re selling your Montgomery AL real estate and want to stage it for prospective buyers. Real estate agents will tell you that clutter-filled, disorganized homes appear smaller, and every website offering tips for a fast sale includes--and stresses- the need to show a clutter-free home. Another postitsstrong reason for eliminating clutter is to lower the stress in your life by having everything in its place ((how nice it would be not to spend valuable time and energy looking through clutter for misplaced items!) and returning home to a serene and neatly organized setting. (Polls and studies have shown that physical surroundings do indeed affect one’s level of stress. ) Other mess-removing motivators include selling unused items to bring in extra money, donating still-good items to people who need them, and joining the green movement by recycling unwanted possessions.

How to begin such a daunting task?

All “experts” in the field strongly advise tackling the job in small steps. Begin with one room at a time, play soothing music, and allocate 20 to 30 minutes a day to the job. Bring to each room boxes or bins labeled keep, toss, donate, and recycle. Be ruthless!! If you haven’t used an item in the past year, remove it from your Montgomery AL real estate. (Hint: also check expiration dates on foodstuffs when you de-clutter the kitchen.) Assess your storage capacity and discard accordingly.

What should you dispose of?

The most obvious clutter creators seem to be mail, clothing, newspapers and magazines, documents, books, and home décor accessories. Think, too, about furniture, baby items, food, toiletries, appliances, bedding, electronics, and hardware. Have you heard about the “80/20 rule”? It is generally believed that you can safely let go of 80% of the papers you’ve kept.

Where should your unneeded/unwanted treasures go?

For many of them, the answer is, of course, the trash. (You can easily arrange for bulk pickup for large items.) Others may be candidates for recycling. Perhaps you can list some of them under the Free tab on Craig list or search nearly 5000 groups who use discarded materials.

Ask around your community for organizations which would welcome used books and toys--libraries, hospitals, nursery schools, churches. Give old magazines to doctors’ offices. Lions Club groups collect old eyeglasses, and many organizations eagerly accept working but unwanted cell phones. There are innumerable websites which suggest new homes for your discards. Try RecycleNow.com or Earth911.com (supplies locations of local charities by zip code). Many organizations such as Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, and Disabled Veterans, have handy drop-off boxes or centers or will come to your Montgomery AL real estate location for pickup. (Extra bonus: in addition to the joy of giving to others, you may also receive a tax deduction for your contributions.)

The fact that much of our clutter reflects our memories, values, and achievements makes it difficult to let go of it, but with strong motivation, resolve, and continued effort, you can free yourself of accumulated “stuff”, give yourself extra time, money, and energy, and lessen your stress level while enhancing the lives of others. How to keep your home this way? That’s another article!

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.

Add Comment

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 66 County Road Clanton, Al 35045

Monday, October 10, 2011
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 66 County Road Clanton, Al 35045

MLS#285161

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! You win, builder loses, when you take advantage of the new low price on this brand-new home with granite countertops, tumbled marble backsplash, lifetime water heater and even an emergency connection to police/fire/ambulance assistance. All this in a secure gated community with its own private sewer system no more septic tank woes here. Call today for your private showing!

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.

 

 

Add Comment

Displaying blog entries 1421-1430 of 1998

Syndication

Categories

Archives

   cdpe    crsHat Lady on Zillow