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Look For These 6 Attributes In A Neighborhood Before Buying

by The Hat Team


Welome to the neighborhood!

Here are just a few things you may want to look for in a neighborhood before you buy a home there.  Keep an open mind when searching for a neighborhood and do your best to pay attention to these things and you will most likely enjoy your new home for years to come.

  1.  Walkability – A good thing to look for in a neighborhood before you buy is the walkability of it.  If you don’t know, a good place to start is to walk the neighborhood yourself.  If you don’t want to get out and walk around in the neighborhood before you purchase a home there, you can always check the walkability score on sites such as Walk Score
  2. Neighbors – A great way to check out the neighbors in a hood that you are considering buying a house in is to drive through the neighborhood on a Saturday afternoon.  Most of the time you will at least get to take a look at a few of the neighbors out in their yards.
  3. School Rankings – If your children’s education is important to you, you may want to check out the schools in the area in which you are planning to buy a home.  Talk to neighbors, go to the school and talk to teachers, check for school ratings in that area online to get an idea of what you should expect.
  4. Crime Rates – It is very important that you check into crime rates in a neighborhood before you make a purchase so that you are not surprised once you move in.  Most of the websites such as Zillow and Trulia have a crime rate locator that will show you just how much crime goes on in different areas.
  5. Places Of Interest – A good thing to look for in a neighborhood before you buy a house there is for places of interest nearby.  You may or may not get a chance to do all of the fun things nearby your new home once you move in but knowing there is a lot to do within a close distance may be important to your children.
  6. Demographics -   If it is important to be in a neighborhood of people who look like you and who are around the same age you may want to check out the demographics before you buy a house there.

These are just a few things you may want to look for in a neighborhood before you purchase a home there.  Keep an open mind when searching for a neighborhood and do your best to pay attention to these things and you will most likely enjoy your new home for years to come.

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.

 

Things to Accomplish Soon After Moving Into Your New Home

by The Hat Team


Things to accomplish after moving to your new home.

If you were lucky enough to move into a new home recently then you need to know a few things that you should strive to accomplish soon after the move.    These things will get you set in the right direction for being comfortable in your new home for years to come.  A few of these ideas are listed below. 

  • Be sure to take pictures of each room in your new home before moving in. Sometimes the inspection takes place and then the previous owners come back to get a few last items of theirs moved out.  You never know, especially if the previous owners were forced to move due to a short sale, what they may have done to the house.  Take pictures before you move your furniture inside.  This way if any damage has occurred you will have full documentation of it and may be able to get things fixed more easily.
  • If you hire a moving company to move your belongings from one house to the other you will want to check all of your belongings to make sure there was no damage done to anything during the move.  You should have liability coverage in your moving contract and if that is the case if any damage occurs and you document the damage you should be able to get reimbursed for that. 
  • One of the most important things to accomplish as soon as you move into a new home is to change the locks.  You have no way of knowing how many folks have a key to your home from the previous owners and you surely don’t want to worry about someone being able to get inside of your home without your knowledge.  Get this task done right away. 
  • If you want to make the home have a nice new feel, painting is a great way to do that.  Painting an empty house is much easier than having to move the furniture around later. 
  • If you are a registered voter and you have recently moved into a new home that is in a different county, you will want to change your voter registration right away.  It’s not a good feeling to be turned away at the polls because your address is incorrect. 

These are just a few ideas of things you should strive to accomplish soon after moving into a new home. Hopefully they will be of some help to you and yours.

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.

 

What to Renovate When Selling Your Home

by The Hat Team

Renovate your home to sell.

It can be hard to set a budget and stick to it when it comes to renovating your home. If you are planning on selling your home soon, you should go ahead and do a few renovations that may need to be done but do the ones that don’t cost a lot of money. Of course if your home has some issues and you feel you can get a lot more money out of your home if you make those renovations now, you may want to go ahead and do so. Below are a few tips on what exactly you should consider when renovating your home to prepare it for sale.

  • One of the best ways to prepare your home to sell is by renovating your walls and floors.  You can add paint to the walls of your home for a quick “pick me up” that will help your home appear newer than it is.  Refinishing hardwood floors or pulling up carpet to reveal hardwoods is also a great way to spruce things up around your home.  Be sure if you are painting to do so with neutral colors that will be pleasing to everyone’s pallet.  Likewise if you are putting down carpet, be sure to choose a neutral color.  If you are refinishing hardwoods, be sure to stay away from any dark stains that may turn some buyers away.  Stick with the natural light wood floors that seem to be so popular these days. ​
     
  • Doors are another place you may want to consider during your home renovations.  Replacing your front door with a steel door adds a great deal of value to your home.  Adding some new garage doors may help to add value as well.   Keep in mind you don’t have to spend a ton on these types of things, just replacing old with new will likely be enough.
     
  • If you don’t have the money to redo your entire kitchen, try upgrading by replacing old worn out drawer pulls or cabinet knobs.  You may also want to put a little paint on your old cabinets to lighten and brighten things up a bit.  Keep in mind if money is not an issue that kitchen renovations  can sometimes make or break the sale of your home.  If you need to” bling it out” and you have the funds to do it, go for it. 

Any and all renovations you do to your home in an effort to get more money out if it during a potential sale is a good thing.  Don’t go crazy spending a lot of money for cosmetic fixes but ‘DO’ do your best to make your home look like a shiny new penny!

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 2185 Woodley Rd

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

2185 Woodley Rd, Montgomery AL 36111
MLS# 318131

Your Dream Home Awaits!


2185 woodley rd

Your dream home awaits! Buy this home and lovely lot and either renovate or demolish the structure to make way for the home of your dreams. Whether you're the creative type yourself or have an architect or designer, the potential of this location will be obvious. Attractive financing products make it easy to go from concept to completion. And the end product will be surrounded by other homes of extremely high value, too. So think big and call your REALTOR 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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Report for May 2014

by The Hat Team

All-cash offers are an unusual real estate tactic, but often times are a winning strategy at the negotiating table, and are presently on the rise. The National Association of Realtors® reports market share of all-cash purchases has risen and currently makes up 33 percent of the market. This is a unique trend, especially since the market has experienced a decrease in distressed homes and investor activity.

Economists point out many reasons for this popular trend. One is restrictive lending standards have caused many buyers, especially wealthy ones, to forgo a loan. Another is the aging baby boom generation, many of whom are trading down and paying for their purchase with cash accumulated from decades of equity. Some also point to foreign buyers; home purchases by foreign buyers in the U.S. are increasing and those buyers don’t have the credit history in the U.S. to qualify for a loan.

None of those situations have significantly impacted the Montgomery market.  For May, 24% of the sales were all-cash and averaged just $42,500.  This indicates they were predominantly investor sales of distressed properties.  Now let's look at the other May statistics for Midtown Montgomery.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for May 2014, show the number of homes sold increased by 5.7% when compared to May 2013. The average sales price increased by less than 1% to $144,882 for the month. The median sales prices increased by 17%, and market times decreased by 4 days from May 2013.  The highest selling price decreased by 5%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 45% compared to May 2013.

Midtown Montgomery  May 2014 May 2013
Homes Sold 33 35
Average Selling Price $144,882 $144,725
Median Selling Price $123,000 $105,000
Days On The Market 126 140
Highest Selling Price $635,000 $665,000
Lowest Selling Price $9,250 $17,000

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.

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: This One Will Steal Your Heart!

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: This One Will Steal Your Heart!

1915 Norman Bridge Ct, Montgomery AL 36104
MLS# 308492

1915 Norman Bridge Ct

SUPER CUTE cottage on quiet cul-de-sac will steal your heart! All the character you expect in a Garden District home, freshly painted and nicely updated. And, the bonus is the large master addition with spacious bedroom, jetted tub and split vanities in bath, and walk-in closet. Cozy sunroom off living room will become your favorite hang-out space. Out back is a deck and shady back yard. Priced right, so come take a look!

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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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


 

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: Pristine and Practically New!

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

Pristine and Practically New!

3910 Audubon Rd, Montgomery AL 36111
MLS# 308449

3910 Audubon Rd Montgomery AL

Practically new! This home is pristine and ready to move into. Hardwood floors have been refinished and fresh paint on walls, brand new kitchen, and new master bathroom with BIG walk in shower. Split plan puts master bedroom on one end of house and other two bedrooms opposite. Large fenced backyard has producing pecan tree and detached workshop. Don't miss this great buy in Druid Hills!

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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

Montgomery Home For Sale: You Will Be Hard Pressed To Find a Better Deal!

1079 Rosedale Dr, Montgomery AL 36107
MLS# 307873

1079 rosedale dr

One owner home since 1960! And at less than $37 per sq. ft. You will be hard pressed to find a better deal in this area. Maintenance free sturdy brick construction, real hardwood floors and covered parking are just a few of the great aspects of this home. Living/dining combination, spacious eat-in kitchen and separate (approximate 20x20) den with vaulted beamed ceiling will live large for whatever your needs might be. Separate room off den could be a handy office. Two and a half baths and a large separate laundry with storage and room for a freezer are also another feature homes in this price range most likely will not offer. Nice front and rear terrace are great for entertaining or relaxing. New roof and power roof vents installed by Jones Brothers in July 2011 will ensure years of peace of mind. Home also offers low maintenance aluminum windows and vinyl eaves. Pest/termite inspection by Abel every year for years. Easy to show! Please call us or your favorite agent to view before someone beats you to this well priced home which offers lots of value!

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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

 

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: Charming Craftsman Bungalow!

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: Charming Craftsman Bungalow!

2118 Winona Ave, Montgomery AL 36107
MLS# 307656

2118 winona ave

This charming Craftsman bungalow is the perfect representation of Capitol Heights! Starting with the awesome front porch, inside you will find beautiful hard wood floors, a huge eat-in kitchen and nicely updated bathroom. The bedrooms are spacious and one even has a huge walk-in closet. Put this on your list to see 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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

 

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: Living Is Easy!

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: Living Is Easy!

153 Sunset Ridge, Montgomery AL 36108
MLS# 307555

153 sunset ridge

Popular layout makes for easy living in quiet Sunset Ridge. Open living room has vent less fireplace with large cut-out above for entertainment system. Separate but open dining area could double as a formal living space if desired. The large kitchen accommodates multiple cooks. Extra-large master bedroom will hold king-sized bed and lots of heavy furniture, and the master bath has garden tub and walk-in shower.

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.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

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

Displaying blog entries 91-100 of 170

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