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Tips For Maintaining The Appliances In Your Montgomery AL Home

Friday, September 9, 2011
by The Hat Team

The average homeowner has thousands of dollars invested in major appliances, so it makes good sense to operate and maintain them properly to protect your investment and ensure that they will provide many years of trouble-free service. As an added bonus, proper maintenance and use almost always results in a decreased consumption of electricity/gas in your Montgomery AL home.

soapThe following suggestions are helpful tips in appliance care:

REFRIGERATOR:

  • Clean cooling coils which are located at floor level with a coil brush once or twice a year.
  • Clean interior shelves and gaskets every three months
  • Keep the temperature at 37 degrees
  • Check to see if the door(s) is sealing properly. If it won’t hold a dollar bill in place, it isn’t.
  • Vacuum underneath and behind the unit every year or two.

DISHWASHER:

  • Regularly check the filter and clean the inside of the unit.
  • Occasionally run an empty cycle to clear inner workings and hoses. Other, run only with a full load.
  • Run the garbage disposal in your Montgomery AL home before running the dishwasher.
  • Let dishes air dry whenever possible.
  • Make certain that the dishes do not obstruct the rotating arm sprays.
  • Recoat rust spots with a rubber-like fluid found in hardware stores. In addition, replace broken rollers and insert replacement tips on damages vertical prongs.
  • Reopen clogged holes in spray arms with hot vinegar and a safety pin.

WASHING MACHINE:

  • Check resiliency of older rubber hoses and replace with metal ones if necessary.
  • Add detergent before you load the washer.
  • Make sure there is a clear path from the unit to the floor drain.

DRYER:

  • Clean lint trap after each load.
  • Use a dry paint brush to clean lint from corners and cracks in the unit’s interior annually.
  • Disconnect and thoroughly clean the duct pipe every three to five years.
  • Once a year clean the outside of the exhaust tubing.

STOVE:

  • Keep reflector bowls clean at all times.
  • Test the seals on the oven door with the dollar bill trick mentioned above.
  • Periodically check the exhaust fan in your Montgomery AL home for grease build-up.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL:

  • Run the disposal for 30 seconds with each use.
  • Always run cold water when using the disposal to maintain the integrity of the blades and coagulate any grease (thus making it easier to chop)
  • Continue to run water for a while after the unit is shut off.
  • Put larger amounts of food into the garbage rather than down the drain.
  • Occasionally add vinegar or citrus peels to deodorize and prevent buildup of food particles.

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.

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Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - July 2011

Friday, September 2, 2011
by The Hat Team

There were 1,069 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 92 new foreclosures in July 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $146,582 and the average foreclosure selling price was $76,628 a $69,953 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.55% in July while the number of foreclosed homes decreased from 100 in June to 92 in July.

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. 0.01% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics for the month of July.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties increased from 64 homes in June to 68 in July. The number of Auctions decreased from 36 to 24. 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.

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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Trends - July 2011

Friday, August 26, 2011
by The Hat Team

At least one fear was not realized amid last week’s stock market meltdown according to CNNMoney.com: the concern that mortgage rates would immediately shoot higher in response to Standard & Poor's downgrade of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored entities that are the 800-pound gorillas of the mortgage market. In fact, the initial response to Fannie and Freddie getting cut to AA+ from AAA was precisely the opposite. Mortgage rates were poised to continue declining.

Mortgage rates are set off of the interest rates on U.S. Treasury notes and bonds. Even though Standard & Poor's pulled its AAA rating of the United States, investors still rushed into U.S. Treasury securities as a safe haven, believing more in the "full faith and credit of the United States" than in the opinion of Standard & Poor's credit analysts. As investors snapped up Treasury notes and bonds they pushed down interest rates on those securities, which move inversely to prices.

Analysts warn the drop in interest rates may not last. If investment flows were to move back into stocks and out of bonds, interest rates on Treasury securities, and consequently mortgages, would rise. "Over the long-term, if the U.S. has to pay more in interest rates, consumer rates will likely go up," said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com.

For now, lower mortgage rates may offer only limited benefits to American consumers. Banks' lending standards have been tough recently, and consumers need the wherewithal to qualify for loans. That appears increasingly difficult as the economy continues to sputter.

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

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for July show the average sales price decreased by 18% to $114,292 when compared to July 2010.  The number of homes sold increased by 36% in July.  The median sales prices decreased by 10%, and market times increased 10% or 15 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 36%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 43%.

Midtown Montgomery July 2011 July 2010
Homes Sold 25 16
Average Selling Price $ 114,292 $ 138,794
Median Selling Price $ 100,000 $ 110,950
Days On The Market 155 140
Highest Selling Price $ 320,000 $ 500,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 4,000 $ 7,000

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.

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.

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Tips For Improving Your Score

Friday, August 19, 2011
by The Hat Team

Your credit score is a number that helps lenders predict how likely you are to make your payments on time. This score affects your ability to obtain credit and helps determine what you pay for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages on Montgomery AL homes. Even your insurance rate is related to your score. The higher your score, often referred to as a FICO score, the more apt you are to be approved for and pay a lower interest rate on new loans. Scores ranging from 650 and below are considered bad and indicate to the lender that you are a very high risk. Chances are you will be unable to secure a loan, or if you are, it will be at a much higher interest rate and/or require a cosigner.

What If there Are Errorsup

What to do if you have a low score and do not qualify for a mortgage on a Montgomery AL home? Your first action should be to check your credit report for errors. If you find erroneous information, you need to act immediately by contacting both the credit bureau (the three major ones are Equifax, Experian, and Transunion) and the organization that provided that information.

  • The credit bureau/agency: Send a certified, return receipt requested letter to the bureau pointing out each inaccuracy and enclose copies of documents which support your claim as well as the report itself (with the misinformation highlighted). Factually explain why you dispute each item and request a deletion or correction for each one.
  • The creditor or information provider: Send the same type of letter and enclose the same documents. Request that the provider notify you of action taken (generally within 90 days) so that you can verify the amended information.

If there are no errors on your report, then you should take immediate steps to improve your credit. Ways to do this include the following:

  • Stop using your credit cards. Do not continue to accumulate debt.
  • Get current on delinquent accounts. Since payment history makes up 35% of your score, this action will have a great impact on your score.
  • Keep accounts with balances open, but don’t apply for more credit.
  • Call your creditors. Explain your financial situation and ask about possible hardship programs which will temporarily reduce your monthly payments.
  • Begin paying off your existing debts, even if you have to sell some belongings to do so. Come up with a get-out-of-debt plan and stick to it.
  • Get professional help. There are resources available to help you reestablish a good credit rating. Contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling for assistance.

7. Be patient. Realize that improving your credit score takes time and that there is no quick-fix --and keep in mind your goal of owning a Montgomery AL home.

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 - June 2011

Thursday, August 4, 2011
by The Hat Team

There were 1,098 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 100 new foreclosures in June 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $129,246 and the average foreclosure selling price was $71,141 a $58,105 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.64% in June while the number of foreclosed homes decreased from 111 in May to 100 in June.

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 June.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties increased from 52 homes in May to 64 in June. The number of Auctions decreased from 59 to 36. 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.

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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Sales - June 2011

Thursday, July 28, 2011
by The Hat Team

Most Americans still believe that owning a home is a solid financial decision, and a majority of renters aspire to home ownership as a long-term goal. According to the 2011 National Housing Pulse Survey released today by the National Association of Realtors®, 72 percent of renters surveyed said owning a home is a top priority for their future, up from 63 percent in 2010. 

Seven in 10 Americans also agreed that buying a home is a good financial decision while almost two-thirds said now is a good time to purchase a home. The annual survey, which measures how affordable housing issues affect consumers, also found that more than three quarters of renters (77 percent) said they would be less likely to buy a home if they were required to put down a 20 percent down payment on the home, and a strong majority (71 percent) believe a 20 percent down payment requirement could have a negative impact on the housing market. 

Some key findings from this year’s survey include:

  • Seven-in-ten Americans (71 percent) say requiring a down payment of twenty percent on the cost of a home would have a negative impact on the overall American housing market.
  • More than three quarters of renters (77 percent) say they would be less likely to buy a new home if they were required to make a 20 percent down payment. Among current homeowners, four-in-ten (39 percent) say they would not have been able to buy their current home if they been required to make a 20 percent down payment.
  • Having enough money for a down payment and closing costs is the largest obstacle that makes housing too expensive and unaffordable (82 percent say it is a “huge” or “medium-size” obstacle).
  • Two in every three Americans (67 percent) oppose eliminating the home mortgage interest deduction as one part of a plan to reduce the federal deficit. Underscoring the intensity of this opinion, a majority of Americans (51 percent) strongly oppose eliminating it.
  • Even more Americans (73 percent) believe that eliminating the home mortgage deduction would have a negative impact on the American housing market, while 65 percent say it would have a negative impact on the overall economy.
  • While fewer Americans than in the past agree, the overwhelming majority (72 percent) still say that buying a home is a good financial decision. Almost two–thirds (64 percent) say that now is a good time to buy a home.
  • The stalled economy continues to adversely affect the housing market. Confidence in job security is a top obstacle (80 percent say “huge” or “medium-size”) to home ownership, while job layoffs and unemployment are ranked as the top problem facing Americans (61 percent say it is a “very big” or “fairly big” problem in their area).

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

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for June show the average sales price increased by 2% to $151,399 when compared to June 2010.  The number of homes sold decreased by 16% in June.  The median sales prices increased by 13%, and market times increased 5% or 6 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 23%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 7%.

Midtown Montgomery May 2011 May 2010
Homes Sold 22 45
Average Selling Price $ 150,975 $ 166,925
Median Selling Price $ 111,450 $ 118,900
Days On The Market 121 103
Highest Selling Price $ 480,000 $ 750,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 12,500 $ 5,100

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.

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Montgomery Real Estate Podcast - July 2011

Friday, July 22, 2011
by The Hat Team

Sandra Nickel of The Hat Team presents:



podcast
This month's edition covers Montgomery real estate market activity and then we'll discuss improvement projects that generate ROI.

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.


Program length: approximately 6 1/2 minutes
download podcast mp3 file | subscribe to podcast feed
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Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - May 2011

Friday, July 8, 2011
by The Hat Team

There were 1,161 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 111 new foreclosures in May 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $120,478 and the average foreclosure selling price was $115,922 a $4,556 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.64% in May while the number of foreclosed homes decreased from 171 in April to 111 in May.

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 0.06% lower than national statistics. 0.04% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics for the month of May.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased from 121 homes in April to 52 in May. The number of Auctions increased from 50 to 59. 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.

Add Comment

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Sales - May 2011

Thursday, June 23, 2011
by The Hat Team

Despite the ups and downs of the housing market, home owners and non-owners alike consider owning a home essential to the American Dream according to a survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) by Public Opinion Strategies of Alexandria, VA, and Lake Research Partners of Washington, D.C.

The survey results show that Americans see beyond the immediate housing market to the enduring value of homeownership. An overwhelming 75 percent of the people who were polled said that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market, and 95 percent of the home owners said they are happy with their decision to own a home.

One of the more striking aspects of the survey results is the intensity of sentiment among potential voters, according to Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners. “People believe overwhelmingly that owning a home is an anchor to the American Dream,” she says. “It’s an anchor to your retirement, and it’s an anchor to your personal economic well-being.”

Among the other survey results:

73 percent said owning a home is one of their goals
• Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best investments.
• 80 percent of home owners would advise a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home.
• Saving for a down payment and closing costs is the biggest barrier to homeownership.
• Americans believe that owning their own home is as important as being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member’s education.

Owning a home is not just a commodity to people. It is a core value.

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

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for May show the average sales price decreased by 10% to $150,975 when compared to May 2010.  The number of homes sold decreased by 51% in May.  The median sales prices decreased by 6%, while market times increased 15% or 18 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 36%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 59%.

Midtown Montgomery May 2011 May 2010
Homes Sold 22 45
Average Selling Price $ 150,975 $ 166,925
Median Selling Price $ 111,450 $ 118,900
Days On The Market 121 103
Highest Selling Price $ 480,000 $ 750,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 12,500 $ 5,100

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.

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Pros and Cons Of Buying a New Montgomery AL Home

Friday, June 17, 2011
by The Hat Team

Considering buying a newly built Montgomery AL home? Here are some things to think about.

ADVANTAGES:

  • HOME WARRANTY: Generally this warranty is good for one year and covers heating, cooling, and electrical systems and plumbing. Some also cover appliances.
  • INCENTIVE PROGRAM: Many builders use incentives, both large and small, to attract buyers. Examples include vacations or furnishing for your Montgomery AL home. Note: these incentives are often offered only if you use the builder’s lender.
  • CUSTOM DESIGN: If you become involved with the builder early in the building process, you may have a say in the home’s construction--from customized features to flooring to colors.
  • FASTER CLOSING. No titles to search.
  • SAFETY/HEALTH: No worries about old wiring. lead paint, or asbestos.
  • LESS MAINTENANCE: Materials used in the exterior of a new home do not require yearly painting.
  • ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Less waste, and thus lower bills.

PRECAUTIONS:

  • HIRE A BUYERS REAL ESTATE AGENTwooden home who is experienced in new home sales. A strong realtor negotiating on your behalf can save you thousands!
  • CHECK OUT THE BUILDER: Talk to those already living in the new community. Find five or six homeowners who have purchased a Montgomery AL home from him in the past five years. Ask what they like and don’t like about their houses. Has he been responsive to problems? Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against him.
  • EVALUATE THE BUILDER’S LENDER: Some builders own their own lending company and therefore don’t offer you the best deal . Beware of being locked into using that lender in order to qualify for incentives. Request that the lender guarantee its Good Faith Estimate.
  • HIRE A HOME INSPECTOR: Even if you have a one year warranty on your Montgomery AL home, some problems won’t surface until that service has expired.
  • GET LEGAL ADVICE: Have a real estate lawyer check your purchase agreement to make sure you are protected and to explain your liabilities and commitments.
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