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Tips To Avoid A Reverse Mortgage Nightmare

by The Hat Team

Many times folks hear about a reverse mortgage on the television and they think it sounds like the best thing since sliced bread.  There are a few things you need to know about reverse mortgages before you decide to move forward with one and below we have listed a few tips on how to avoid a reverse mortgage nightmare.  

  1. One way to avoid even thinking about doing a  reverse mortgage  is to not wait until you simply don’t have any other option.  Do not go into something like a reverse mortgage without counseling with a HUD-certified housing counselor.  If you make huge decisions such as getting involved with a reverse mortgage during a time of financial stress, you will likely end up worse off than you started. 
  2. Another tip for avoiding a reverse mortgage nightmare is to search around for all that is offered.  You don’t have to settle for a reverse mortgage just because you think it’s the only thing you can do.  Talk to a financial counselor and find out what all of your options might be and then make an informed decision based off of the facts and not just what you think the facts might be. 
  3. If the lender you have chosen to move forward with suddenly starts telling you that your home needs a ton of repairs, be sure to find a new lender as quickly as possible.  HUD insures over 95% of reverse mortgages and they only require that the home be safe and functional.  Any small issues that your home might have shouldn’t even come into play during a reverse mortgage consultation. 
  4. If you feel pressured at all to sign on the dotted line to receive a reverse mortgage, do your part and do not sign the papers.  You don’t want to end up in a reverse mortgage nightmare just because you felt like you were being pressured into signing the papers.  Again, get up and leave the room if you feel any kind of pressure to sign on the dotted line for a reverse mortgage.
  5. Be sure to show up for the closing if you do decide to do a reverse mortgage.  If you are not present things may go astray and you might end up with a raw deal in the end. 

These are just a few tips to avoiding a reverse mortgage nightmare.  Do your part to pay close attention to detail so that you don’t end up living in the middle of a real nightmare.  

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.   

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:3225 Audubon Road Montgomery AL 36106

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale

MLS#43320
$449,000
 

Welcome to Petite Provence, a 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath hidden oasis in the heart of historic Cloverdale-Idlewild. Built in 1965 by noted Montgomery architect John Shaffer for his family, this exquisite home incorporates reclaimed elements from some of Montgomery's grandest historic homes including rustic wide-plank heart pine floors, patinated copper shingle roof and antique beams. Now offered by the second owners who completed a thoughtful renovation designed by McAlpine architect Lida Cunningham Sease and using the highest quality materials, this home is one of the most unique properties in Montgomery. Situated on a private keyhole lot with nearly an acre of beautifully landscaped land full of lush mature foliage and flocks of beautiful song birds, one feels as if they are deep in the quiet country but with the convenience of Cloverdale's trendy shops, restaurants, playhouse and movie theatre just a short walk away. The ground floor of the 1.5 story main home features a large en-suite master bedroom with walk-in closet; a powder room with antique garden wall sink; formal living room with fireplace; formal dining room with murals depicting the grounds hand painted by local artists; a cozy bookcase lined library with fireplace; large, bright eat-in kitchen and charming screened porch. The second story includes two large bedrooms, a luxurious chromotherapy and sound soaking tub room and an additional full bath. The attached sunlit guest house boasts a bedroom, full bath, kitchen and large living area complete with fireplace and beautiful mural by local McAlpine architect and artist David Braly. Do schedule your appointment to experience this retreat-like home today, you will be enchanted!

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - Sept 2016

by The Hat Team

mortgage rates

Freddy Mac reports that mortgage rates staying low. Here are the national averages for mortgage rates during the week ending Oct. 6:

  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.42 percent, with an average 0.5 point, unchanged from last week. A year ago, 30-year rates averaged 3.76 percent.
  • 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 2.72 percent, with an average 0.5 point, also unchanged from last week’s average. Last year at this time, 15-year rates averaged 2.99 percent.
  • 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.80 percent, with an average 0.4 point, dropping slightly from last week’s 2.81 percent average. A year ago, 5-year ARMs averaged 2.88 percent.

With rates like this, is it time for you to buy a home? If so, just hit reply to get started!

Take a look at how many folks bought homes in our market last month…

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for September 2016 show the number of homes sold increased 36.6%. The average sales price increased by 14.5%. The median sales price increased by 14.4%. Market times dropped by 87 days.

Midtown Montgomery Sept 2016    Sept 2015
Homes Sold 41 30
Average Selling Price $130,667 $114,082
Median Selling Price $109,000 $99,000
Days On The Market 87 174
Highest Selling Price $469,000 $417,000
Lowest Selling Price $12,000 $15,600


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.

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale: 1948 Graham St

by The Hat Team

1948 graham st

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

1948 Graham St, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 409031

3 bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,472 Square Feet | Cloverdale

Adorable Cloverdale cottage on one of the most desirable streets! Step right in to find a wonderful open floor plan, perfect for entertaining family and friends. The charming kitchen is updated and has a huge breakfast bar. The bedrooms are spacious and the master bath has been beautifully renovated and there's even a walk-in closet! Other recent upgrades include newly refinished hard wood floors, freshly painted interior and exterior, brand new HVAC and a 3 year old roof. In the back yard there is a wired building that could be a workshop, studio/office, man cave or just storage. Literally steps away from fabulous restaurants and shopping district of Midtown Montgomery that has everything you would need. Check it out today!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Layfield, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 614 Federal Drive

by The Hat Team

614 federal dr

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

614 Federal Drive, Montgomery AL 36107
MLS# 407607

3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 1,662 Square Feet | Montgomery Heights

Wonderful starter home or investment property in Montgomery Heights. One family has owned this property for the past 73 years and it has been well cared for. Plenty of room with a spacious living room/dining room, breakfast room, den and a finished attic for an additional bedroom or bonus room. Last but not least, is a nice sun room overlooking a huge deck and lovely backyard. There is a green house and storage building in the back as well. Don't miss this opportunity for a great deal!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Layfield, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Open House: 3225 Audubon Rd

by The Hat Team

Open House: 3225 Audubon Rd, Montgomery AL 36106
Sunday, October 23. 1:00 - 3:00pm

3225 audubon rd

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 1569 Hallwood Lane

by The Hat Team

1569 hallwood lane

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

1569 Hallwood Lane, Montgomery AL 36117

MLS# 407783

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,481 Square Feet | Thorington Trace

Move-in ready in beautiful Thorington Trace! This one owner home situated on a quiet cul-de-sac has been meticulously cared for. Split floor plan with tall vaulted ceilings in the master and living room give it an open feel. Wonderful neighborhood that has a great community atmosphere and ideal location just minutes from restaurants, shops and East Chase. Check it out today!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Layfield, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale: 321 Felder Ave

by The Hat Team

321 felder ave

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

321 Felder Ave, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 407861

3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 1,951 Square Feet | Garden District

Located in the center of Midtown Montgomery's vibrant historic district, this classic bungalow is within walking distance to some of the town's best eateries and drinking establishments. Covered porches and shady yards compliment outdoor living and exchanges with lovely neighbors passing by. If you appreciate old-world charm and vintage architectural details, you will absolutely love being greeted each day by the massive arched front door. Continuing that detail, three arched front windows flood the living room with light, and the stone fireplace will give warmth and atmosphere for cozy evenings. Grand or intimate dinner parties can be enjoyed in the formal dining room, while more casual meals suit the butler's pantry area with great built-in serving station (and doubles as additional counter space.) And, you won't have to scrimp on master bathroom space, as this one has plenty of room and has been nicely updated. Call us or your favorite agent for a private tour of this charming bungalow.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team REALTORS.

 

4 Common Real Estate Myths Debunked

by The Hat Team

real estate myths

If you are in the process of buying or selling a home, you may have already come across some of these common real estate myths.  Real estate myths are abundant and are quite prevalent in the real estate world.  Below you will find a few real estate myths to be wary of whether you are buying or selling a home. 

  1. Some folks believe that if you don’t use a real estate agent you are likely to get a better deal.  This is totally false because no matter which one of you have the agent…one of them is going to get the commission be it the buyer’s agent or the sellers agent.  The only way to get around dealing with paying a commission to a realtor is if you sell or a buy a home that is for sale by owner.  If you do decide to purchase or sell by owner, be very careful because there are a lot of things that can and perhaps will go wrong when you try to go it alone.  Real estate agents deserve all the commission they get because they do a lot of work that you don’t have to worry about doing yourself. 
  2. Another common real estate myth  is that you should set your asking price higher than what you expect to make.  If you price your home too much above the market value you are likely going to be doing yourself an injustice.  Folks are going to pass your home by because they know that it is not in their price range.  Setting your home at a reasonable price is a good way to get buyers to show some interest and not be scared off by sticker shock. 
  3. Yet another common real estate myth is that all of the houses listed in the multiple listing systems are all available to look at online.  Most of the houses on MLS are listed online but if you don’t tell your realtor that you want your home listed online he or she may not do so. 
  4. Another real estate myth  is that having an open house will basically guarantee that you home will sell.  While open houses are good to get folks out looking at your house, they don’t always bring the buyer to your door.  Typically those that look at your house during an open house are just browsing and likely won’t give you an offer. 

Do your part not to let these real estate myths fool you by knowing them ahead of time before you buy or sell a home. 

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel, Hat Team.

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 1810 Grove Hill Lane

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

1810 Grove Hill Lane, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS #407327

3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 1,753 Square Feet | Midtown Montgomery

Great investment property with 3 bedrooms in Grove Hill neighborhood!

Make yourself some money on this great investment property in Midtown Montgomery! Home needs lots of work!! Formal living /dining, kitchen open to den with fireplace. Hardwood floors. Three bedrooms and two full tiled baths. Separate laundry, two car detached garage, and a covered rear patio! Beautiful lot near Publix and shopping on Zelda Road!

Marketing by Montgomery AL Realtor Frank Powell, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

Displaying blog entries 151-160 of 171

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