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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - September 2013

by The Hat Team

The American Dream of homeownership is alive and well, according to a majority of renters surveyed for the NAR 2013 National Housing Pulse Survey. The survey found that more renters are thinking about becoming homeowners than in past years and the number of Americans who prefer to rent is declining. Thirty-six percent of renters said they were thinking about purchasing a home, compared to only 25 percent in 2011. 

Americans’ concerns about home values continuing to drop have also diminished. A majority of respondents revealed that housing prices in their area are higher than last year, and 38 percent reported an increase in local housing market activity in the past year.

Take a look at sales figures in our local real estate market for August 2013.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for August 2013 show the number of homes sold increased by 19% when compared to August 2012. The average sales price increased by 38% to $133,319 for the month. The median sales prices increased by 9%, and market times increased by 20 days from August 2012.  The highest selling home price increased by 67%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 2% from August 2012.

Midtown Montgomery August  2013 August 2012
Homes Sold 31 26
Average Selling Price $133,319 $96,731
Median Selling Price $84,000 $76,500
Days On The Market 128 108
Highest Selling Price $590,000 $352,000
Lowest Selling Price $9,640 $8,000

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.

Information is provided by the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Montgomery AL Homes For Sale:

3340 Montezuma Road, Montgomery AL, 36106
MLS #304489

Large Spacious Brick Cottage w/ First Floor Master Suite!
 

Live large in great space in this classic story and a half 1920's Cloverdale cottage! Large formal living with fireplace! Dining room looks out on great attached enclosed front porch. The kitchen is up to date with built in china cabinet, center island and tons of cabinets. Nice old house gleaming oak floors, moldings and wainscoting complement downstairs area. Downstairs main bedroom will satisfy most buyers with large sitting area and plenty of room for king bed. Built in desk, bookcases and huge walk in closet complete this suite. Upstairs has two bedrooms, bath and a large den. Wonderful back deck with built in grill for cookouts! Fully fenced yard for kids and pets! Smooth Move pre-inspection on hand for buyers review. View this great spacious home today with us or your favorite agent.

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 Real Estate: 3124 Woodley Terrace

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

3124 Woodley Terrace, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS #299025

Land In Hip Cloverdale Area!

Click on Photo to Enlarge

Nice lot...one of a scant few still available in the highly desirable Cloverdale area. Surrounded by storybook-looking tudor cottages, this might be your opportunity to have a NEW house in cool, hip area of much older and historic homes.

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.

Equity Dynamics

by The Hat Team

Equity is the difference in what your home is worth and what you owe. Ideally, as the value goes up and the unpaid balance goes down with each amortized payment made, the equity grows from two directions.

equity dynamicsThis dynamic leads to increasing a person’s net worth much faster than many other investments.

A homeowner has minimal control over value. It is necessary to maintain the property to avoid depreciation and make good decisions on capital improvements. After that, appreciation is generally controlled by supply and demand and the economy.

Mortgage management is something that the homeowner does have control. Making the decision to select a shorter term mortgage at a lower interest rate can have an impact on equity build-up. Lower interest rates amortize faster than higher interest rates which will also affect equity growth. Currently, it is possible to get a 1% lower rate on a 15 year mortgage than a 30 year mortgage.

Compare two alternatives of a 30-year and a 15-year mortgage. The payments will definitely be higher on the shorter term because it pays off quicker. However, if a person can afford the higher payments of $362.53 more per month in this example, the equity will be greater. Even after you take into consideration the higher payments, the increased equity is $17,236 at the end of the seven year holding period.

Equity dynamics.png

Another decision that can affect equity build-up is making additional principal contributions along with the regular payments. Whether you’re making an occasional lump sum payment toward principal or regular monthly contributions, it will save interest, build equity and shorten the term on a fixed rate mortgage. Estimate your personal savings with this Equity Accelerator.

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 Real Estate: 3505 Blair Place

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

3505 Blair Place, Montgomery AL 36109
MLS# 304343

Good Investment Potential!

3505 Blair Place

This spacious duplex has been owner occupied for over 50 years! While left side is basically in original condition (and currently used by owner as storage) the right hand unit has had upgrades to bath, electrical, and HVAC. Large corner lot has many shade trees, and plenty of parking (two separate two-car carports.) Good investment potential, great location!

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: 1222 S McDonough St

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

1222 S McDonough St, Montgomery AL 36104
MLS# 304330

Garden District Gem with Charm!

1222 S McDonough St
Pristine and waiting for you to say "I'm HOME! This Garden District gem will charm you with its gleaming hardwood floors, antique glass French doors, and space-saving built-ins. Kitchen is updated with glass-front cabinets and tile counter-tops. Third bedroom has had French doors added which lead to a sunny Florida room addition, and the rear deck overlooks a large fenced back yard. Don't miss the "nicest" basement in Montgomery, perfect for a man-cave, kids play area, or large media/rec. room. Wonderful neighborhood, great neighbors, and close to churches, shopping, dining, and minutes from Downtown!

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 Homes for Sale: 2757 Fairmont Road

by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes for Sale

2757 Fairmont Road, Montgomery, AL 36111
MLS# 304287

This Gem is Sure to Please!

With over 2,200 square feet and spacious living areas, this gem is sure to please! Versatile spaces allow creative use of rooms (current living room is used as family-sized dining room.) Oversized den/family room has wall of built-ins for books and collectibles, as well as a fireplace and picture window overlooking private courtyard. Eat-in kitchen has rich solid wood paneling and pine cabinets. HUGE master bedroom has fireplace and seating area, and opens to a private screened porch. Out back the covered patio is truly an extension of inside living space and overlooks park-like back yard.

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.

Real Estate Projects That Pay Off

by The Hat Team

As the spring “spruce up” season approaches, the fancy of Montgomery AL real estate owners often turns to home improvement projects.  Whether these be large or small, interior or exterior, for resale purposes or for personal houseenjoyment, do-it-yourself or contracted out, nearly 30 % of renovators maintain that they are hoping to increase the value of their home and recoup as much of the cost as they can.

Taking precedence would be the non-glamorous “basic updates” to maintain a healthy, solid, safe home To that end, deal with repainting, fixing the leaky roof, and replacing rotting wood, wiring, and/or plumbing as needed are ongoing needs.

And then?

  • One of the top remodeling projects is as simple as replacing the siding on the outside of your home, thus increasing both protection and curb appeal to your Montgomery AL real estate.  Choose either fiber-cement to recoup 78% of the cost or vinyl for a payback of 69.5 %.
     
  • Updating your windows comes next. Whether you select vinyl or wood windows to replace drafty old ones, you can recoup up to 69.1 percent of the project's cost on your home's resale value.  New windows do much for the look of a home inside and out and certainly contribute to energy-efficiency.
     
  • Since kitchens have become increasing important facets of Montgomery AL real estate, remodeling updates in this room pay off and are well-worth considering.   According to HGTV, you can expect to recoup 60%-120% of your investment on a kitchen remodel, as long as you don’t go overboard. You should never make your kitchen fancier than the rest of the house--or the neighborhood, for that matter.
     
  • And don’t forget energy-efficiency in the kitchen improvement plans. . By using energy-efficient appliances, households can save up to $400 per year on utility bills.  Click here for a few simple steps to follow when shopping for energy-efficient appliances.
     
  • The National Association of Home Builders states that adding a bathroom to a single-family detached home has a strong impact on the home's overall value.  An additional bathroom, even a half bathroom, adds significant value to your home, according to the experts at NAHB.  A half bath may add up to 10.5 percent to a home’s value, while a full bath can tack on an additional 20 percent.

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.

Selling Your Montgomery AL Home: Set The Stage

by The Hat Team

theaterIf you’ve ever been involved in a theatrical production, you are well aware of the many hours of planning, practice, and preparation that precede the actual performance.  You hope to gain rave reviews from your audience and will thus be sure to put forth much energy and effort in order to do so.to be successful. 

In much the same way, you, as the seller of your Montgomery AL home, have aspirations of wowing potential buyers with your stellar presentation and being rewarded by appreciative applause in the form of a quick sale.  Just practice the following script and stage directions for dramatic results…

The curtain opens on a tastefully furnished room with adequate, but not overcrowded, furniture.  There is ample room to walk between the moderately-sized pieces, and doors and windows are not blocked.  Flowers and bowls of fresh fruit add color and a pleasant scent.  Personal photos and memorabilia are not present, and the few paintings that adorn the walls contribute to the overall light and airy atmosphere.

ACT I:

  • Clean, clean, clean and de-clutter even more!  Create an impressive stage set by buffing floors and washing walls. This is the time to donate, throw away, and organize the many items that take up too much room, distract from positive features, make your Montgomery AL home appear smaller, and create a feeling of chaos.  Let your granite countertops, roomy closets, and ample cabinet space take center stage for potential buyers.

Intermission:

Audience members will now be milling about the area

outside your theatre, so be sure that you have taken steps to

make it attractive and appealing.

 

ACT II:

  • Concentrate on stage lighting.  Wash windows, open curtains and drapes, illuminate darker spaces. Put away winter bedding, accessories, and area rugs. Bring in spring with soft colors. Consider investing in inexpensive staging items like towels, throw pillows, candles and table settings in lavender, yellow, sage green and pale blue.   

 

Final curtain:

Time to take a bow, accept the flowers, bask in the applause, and enjoy

the accolades. Your presentation has been a complete success, and you

 will soon be entertaining offers for your 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.

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 Real Estate: 6013 Arbor Glen Drive

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate

6013 Arbor Glen Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS # 304081m

Lovely Garden Home in Woodmere Community!

Check out this great home in Woodmere! It's been completely remodeled and everything is brand new - including new laminate floors in living area that resemble hard wood, updated kitchen with plenty of counter space and new appliances and new HVAC that will be installed right before closing! This is one of the only 3/2's and has a nice split floor plan and manageable backyard with patio. It's a quiet street with long term residents and only minutes from I-85, Shakesphere, Blount Cultural Park, restaurants and shopping.

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 1-10 of 14

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