Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 15

Eliminate Mortgage Insurance

Monday, June 29, 2015
by The Hat Team

Why would you consider refinancing if your mortgage is only two or three years old and the rate is not considerably higher than what is currently available on new loans? Because you may be able to eliminate the mortgage insurance and have significant monthly savings.

chopped.jpg

Many homes have seen their values rise in the past few years. The current loan-to-value ratio may be low enough to no longer require mortgage insurance. In some cases, a homeowner might actually pay a little higher rate than they currently have but lower their monthly payment dramatically because the mortgage insurance isn’t required.

A rough rule of thumb is that mortgage insurance is not needed on loans at or less than 80% of value. There could be programs available that would allow a higher LTV than 80%.

Careful consideration should also be given to the fees required to refinance. Lenders differ in not only the rates they charge but also the fees associated with the loans and the process. If you’d like a recommendation of a trusted mortgage professional, we’d be happy to make a recommendation.

Information provided by Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Add Comment

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 2742 S Wallace Dr

Sunday, June 28, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

2742 S Wallace Dr Montgomery, AL 36116
MLS #318874

Completely Renovated Gem!

Total renovation and less than $45 per sq. ft. New roof, new fixtures, carpet, paint, flooring, counter-tops, and the list goes on!! Den has wood burning fireplace off kitchen. Good closet space throughout. Seller will install HVAC and range at close. Single car carport to keep your car from the sun and rain. Double driveway so you won’t have to move cars around! Eat-in kitchen and large indoor laundry! Large patio off kitchen for relaxing! Call us or your favorite agent today!

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

Add Comment

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 2406 Poplar St

Friday, June 26, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

2406 Poplar St Montgomery, AL 36107
MLS #318891

Charming Cottage!

Don't let this gem pass you by! This cute cottage has recently updated kitchen and big covered deck out back for entertaining or just relaxing. Quiet neighborhood is convenient to I-85 and downtown, with plenty of dining and shopping just down the street! Looking to get into real estate investing? This is the perfect property to start your portfolio...just put a tenant in and start making money!

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

Add Comment

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends for May 2015

Friday, June 26, 2015
by The Hat Team

In May, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Montgomery, AL was 1% higher than the previous month and 16% higher than the same time last year, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Status Distribution

The current distribution of foreclosures based on the number of active foreclosure homes in Montgomery, AL.

Auctions accounted for 38.9% of foreclosure activity in May 2015, Pre-foreclosures accounted for 25.7 and Bank-owned properties accounted for 35.4%.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased 0.6% compared to the previous month and increased 58.2% from the previous year in May. The number of Auctions increased 5.6% compared to the previous month and 4.9% from the previous year. Pre-foreclosures dropped 4.0% from the previous month and 5.2% from the previous year.

montgomery al foreclosure

Foreclosure Rates For the US in May 2015

foreclosure rates

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.

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

Add Comment

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 3706 Cricklewood Dr

Tuesday, June 23, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

3706 Cricklewood Dr Montgomery, AL 36109
MLS #318836

Splendidly Renovated in Dalraida!

Distinguished Dalraida home has had stunning and complete renovation! Breathtaking views of the sparking pool with new liner from den, breakfast room, kitchen and main bedroom! Need 4 bedrooms, it’s got it! Kitchen includes hard surface flooring, granite counter tops, tile back splash, and stainless appliances. New, new, new... fixtures, hardware, lighting, new roof, new windows, new upper and main level HVAC and the list goes on. Two separate living spaces for entertaining, one overlooks pool, one has a fireplace! Home comes with a one year AHS Warranty for your peace of mind. Corner lot and fenced backyard with refreshing cool pool! Large metal storage building with roll up door to store all your things or even your car! Call us or your favorite agent to view today!

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Add Comment

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - May 2015

Friday, June 19, 2015
by The Hat Team

When people dream of vacation homes, oftentimes they cut themselves off quickly, thinking they would never be able to afford one. However, new research by the National Association of REALTORS® shows that is probably not the case. While vacation homes are obviously a big investment, they aren’t out of reach for those under the six-figure salary mark. According to NAR’s 2015 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, the median household income for those who own a vacation property is $94,380, only about $15,000 more than the median income for those who own their primary residence ($79,650). And if you thought buyers needed cash to buy it, think again—70 percent of vacation homes purchased last year were financed with a mortgage. Considering buying a vacation home? Start your search here!

Take a look at May 2015's real estate sales statistics.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for May 2015, show the number of homes decreased 10%. The average sales price decreased by 15.71% to $118,566 for the month. The median sales price decreased by 21.59% to $96,250, and market times increased by 15 days.  The highest selling price decreased by 48.03% from May 2014.

Midtown Montgomery  May 2015   May 2014
Homes Sold 44 40
Average Selling Price $118,566 $140,671
Median Selling Price $96,250 $122,750
Days On The Market 148 133
Highest Selling Price $330,000 $635,000
Lowest Selling Price $1 $9,249

 

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.

Add Comment

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale: 3051 Mastin Lane

Thursday, June 18, 2015
by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

3051 Mastin Lane, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 318745

Cool House In Midtown!

3051 mastin lane

Looking for a cool house? Check out this stately brick Cloverdale home in Midtown Montgomery that has everything for formal entertaining and casual living. Step through the wonderful front porch and you will find an elegant living room with gas log fireplace, a lovely dining room with French doors to the arbor covered patio with fish pond. The large eat in kitchen boasts custom cabinets, copper counter-tops and a step-up den/family room that's perfect for hanging out. The bedrooms are spacious and all have hard wood floors. Tons of storage upstairs as well as in the basement and garage. Don't miss the great laundry closet on the 2nd floor. Truly a unique house and walking distance to restaurants, shops and entertainment including the park down the street that does spring concerts.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Add Comment

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 423 Martha St

Tuesday, June 16, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

423 Martha St, Montgomery AL 36104
MLS# 318603

Live in a Landmark and Save!

423 martha st

Live in a Landmark and Save! Why pay rent when you can own this sweet little cottage for a lot less than you'd expect: $295 principal and interest on a 4.5% loan. Around $400 with add-ons. Try doing that in an apartment in the downtown area. What's more, this home qualifies for special financing with lender-paid closing costs, so what are you waiting for? Call now!!!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

 

Add Comment

Staging Helps Get Top Dollar

Thursday, June 11, 2015
by The Hat Team

If you’re considering selling your home in the near future here are some things to be thinking about. Staging your home most commonly refers to paying attention to how your home shows on the inside to buyers. Curb appeal refers to how it looks to buyers on the outside. Staging and curb appeal are often thought of as separate issues.

stagingHowever, if you think of them together the results will often be more than just the sum of the parts. The things you do to improve on by staging and curb appeal may even enhance your enjoyment of your  home for the time before you sell. Let’s consider staging for selling in this blog…

There are a of lot things you can do yourself without spending big dollars, especially if you start well ahead of selling. “Streamlining” is a new term that encompasses “de-cluttering.” Things that we all get used to living with do not always make a positive impression on a buyer. So, look around your living environment and be honest about what you could maybe do without, especially for the short term.

You might find that you would enjoy a little less stuff around right now. That includes things that are in storage. If you haven’t used something in 2 or 3 years maybe you could do without it? For the things that you really do want to have handy, is there a better way to store them? Here are some easy staging ideas you can do yourself.

Talk with your favorite Realtor to get some suggestions. They may even know a reasonably priced staging professional who can help. But, if you’re the type to do it yourself there are all sorts of tips on the internet. A good start is to do some planning. Make a checklist for yourself to help organize the effort for the big picture.

Also think about things that can make a big impression. An example of a high impact effort that looks at both indoors and outdoors is dressing up the entry into your home. That idea and 12 other tips are included in an article you can access here. Work your way through your checklist and keep thinking inside and outside together. Over a relatively short period of time you’ll find you are making significant changes toward selling your home.

Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Add Comment

Take Pictures Now

Thursday, June 11, 2015
by The Hat Team

Preserve the memories you’re making by taking photographs of your home now. The pictures will remind you of the role your home played with your family and life.

houseReminiscing is easier when scrolling through pictures to remind you of people and times. One of the least heard regrets is that we should have taken more pictures.

Shots to consider:

  • The front of the home from across the street    
  • Times when your yard and plants looked exceptional
  • Holiday decorations
  • Special occasions in the homes like birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc.
    Home improvements
  • Major purchases for the home
  • Times when the home looked the best and the worst
  • Family, friends and pets in the home
  • Your children’s height marks on a door frame
  • The view from a favorite window

From an organizational standpoint, put the pictures in a folder with your address as the name. Even if you don’t take time to name each picture, you’ll have the file date to identify when it was taken. Since the cost of film and processing has disappeared, there is little reason not to chronicle your life in pictures.

Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Add Comment

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 15

Syndication

Categories

Archives

   cdpe    crsHat Lady on Zillow