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Mortgage Loan Pre-Approval Will Make You Stand Out to Sellers!

by The Hat Team

Across the country right now, the number of buyers seeking homes far outnumbers the number of homes available.  Because of this, the housing market is super competitive and buyers often need to do something to stand out.  One way to show that you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search.

Even in a less competitive market, knowing your budget will give you security of knowing if a home is within your reach.

One of the many advantages of working with a local Realtor is that many have relationships with lenders who will be able to help you with this process.  Once you have chosen a lender, you will need to fill out their loan application and provide them with vital information regarding your credit, debt, work history, down payment and residential history.

There are 5 Cs that aid in determining the amount you will be qualified to borrow:

  • Capacity: Your current and future ability to make payments.
  • Capital or cash reserves: The money, savings, and investments you have that can be sold quickly for cash.
  • Collateral: The home or type of home that you want to purchase.
  • Character: Your history of paying bills and other debts on time.
  • Conditions: Current interest rates and amount of principal influence lender’s likelihood of financing the borrower.

Getting pre-approved not only shows sellers you are serious, but also speeds up the process of completing the purchase once your offer has been accepted.

Many people overestimate the down payment and Credit Score needed to qualify for a mortgage.  If you are ready to buy, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised at what you can afford!  Contact Sandra Nickel and her team of professionals at 334-834-1500 and let them help you achieve your dream of home ownership today!

6716 Old Selma Rd, Montgomery AL 36108

MLS# 428978

4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 3,027 square feet | 1830

This exquisitely proportioned home represents the transition from the Federal style to that of Greek Revival and is nestled on a small estate in the bucolic outskirts of Montgomery, just 7 miles from bustling downtown and 10 minutes from Montgomery Regional Airport. Modern bathrooms and updated kitchen blend beautifully with the original historic and architectural stylings of the original structure listed on the Alabama Historic Register of Landmarks and Heritage. The 3,000+ square foot house boasts large central hallway, original high ceilings, heart pine floors, many original windows, four fireplaces, and is of massive hand-hewn construction. The magnificent formal gardens, including a pond, Italian cypress allee, topiary hedges, fruit tree orchard, rose garden, shade garden, perennial garden, boxwood sculpture garden, and maze garden were created by noted landscape designer Martin Mayer who used elements of Italian, English landscape, Victorian, and early 20th century designs. A detached structure contains a workshop, storage, 2 car garage and 2 car car-port. This is truly a magnificent estate for anyone who appreciates history, historical architecture, and lush landscaping. Oh, and did I mention that Tallulah Bankhead visited her great grandmother and slept here many times!

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

3135 Cloverdale Rd, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 428910

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2,549 square feet | 1927

Ideal location in Cloverdale Idlewild; right across from the park and just in time for the Spring Concert Series! Get ready for lots of entertaining because all your family and friends are going to want to hang out at your house! This wonderful home has been meticulously maintained and beautifully updated with fresh paint, new flooring, new lighting, and new appliances. The kitchen has brand new cabinets for plenty of storage, granite counter tops and a cool tiled back splash. Don't miss the renovated laundry room with tons of storage as well as a sink. All the bedrooms are spacious and have hard wood floors. Tons of living space inside with the formal living room, dining room, family room and upstairs bonus room/loft. But the best might be the fabulous outdoor living with private screened in porch, enormous deck, large back yard with privacy fence and fire pit in the front. This house has it all, including a prime location in Midtown Montgomery! Check it out before someone else does!


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

663 Hubbard St, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 428715

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,464 square feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

Located on a quiet, tucked away street in Cloverdale/Idlewild, this quaint cottage is calling you home. Living room and dining room plus a cozy sunroom share the first floor with the master bedroom and bath. Upstairs you will find two more bedrooms with a hall bath for guests. The eat-in kitchen has been recently updated, and the deck off the kitchen is a perfect place for cookouts or just relaxing. Fenced back yard is pet friendly. Don’t miss out on this charming home convenient located in Midtown Montgomery!

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

 

1483 S Perry St, Montgomery AL 36104

MLS# 428721

4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 3,251 square feet | Garden District

This Garden District home in Midtown Montgomery offers grand living on a large scale! Space abounds in this turn-of-the-century beauty with tasteful modern updates. Classic high coffered ceilings are present in the living room, parlor/music room (with giant pocket doors that really work) and banquet-sized dining room. The family-style updated kitchen opens to a big breakfast area with built-in seating and a light filled den/keeping room with cozy fireplace. This space overlooks a beautifully landscaped side courtyard with brick terrace. Also on the main level you will find a full bath and a den/study that could be (and currently is being) used as a first-floor bedroom if needed. The second floor has a large master bedroom, tons of closets, and an updated master bath with dressing area. Rounding out the upstairs are three more bedrooms, a nice hall bath, and a staircase to the third-floor attic area with endless storage and a large cedar-lined walk-in closet for off-season clothes. Don't miss this opportunity to own one of the Garden District's grand old dames.

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

What Inspires Love at First Sight for Home Buyers

by The Hat Team

Perhaps you have imagined your dream house.  You’ve pictured it in your mind and can only hope that you can find it in real life.  Some buyers have to look for a long time before finding the home of their dreams, but others know right away. When reality matches the vision you have for your home, you might fall in love at first sight. Here are some things that make buyers know they had found “the one” the moment they see it:

  • A gorgeous front porch. Nothing says “welcome home” better than a beautifully appointed front porch.  A creative front door with porch railings painted a complementary color are a great way to draw a potential buyer into a home. That first look can make or break the interest of buyers.
  • Standing out among the crowd.  That neighborhood full of “cookie cutter” houses may be the right area for you, but you don’t want your house to look like everyone else’s.  A home that stands out is the one for you.  For example, maybe that one white brick house in a sea of red brick houses is just different enough to make it the right one for you.
  • Layout. Open concept has been popular for a long time, but maybe your dream house affords more privacy.  When you walk into a home that has defined rooms that serve specific purposes, you have found what you have envisioned as the perfect home for you.
  • The great outdoors.  Perhaps the inside doesn’t matter quite as much as the outside to you.  Despite the imperfections in the house itself, that huge, beautiful yard is all you ever wanted.
  • Good bones.  If your dream house is one that you design yourself, then you might just fall in love with a fixer upper that has good bones.  Just make sure to educate yourself about what it will take to make the vision you have for your home a reality.

There are many things that can make a buyer fall in love with a house at first sight. A professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel can help guide you through the process of finding and purchasing your dream home.  Give her a call at 334-834 1500 let The Hat Team of Realtors help you today!

YOUR HOME SEARCH STARTS HERE            FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH  

Photo Credit: East Bay Homeless

1503 S Hull St, Montgomery AL 36104

MLS# 428393

3 bedrooms | 1 bath | 1,514 square feet | Garden District

This classic Garden District bungalow just needs a little TLC to become a dream home. Situated on a corner lot, across from the beautiful Episcopal Church of the Ascension, this home offers a unique front porch to enjoy the views of the church and bell tower. Home has hardwood floors, spacious rooms, arches and transoms, and a cool vintage double-drain-board porcelain sink in the kitchen. You will love the many heirloom shrubs and flowering trees in the front and back yards. Conveniently located in Midtown Montgomery, this home has great bones, a 1-yr old roof, and tons of charm!

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

1503 S Hull St

 

221 Bowen Bend, Wetumpka AL 36093 - Spacious Home in Desirable Mitchell Creek Estates!

MLS# 426987

4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,634 Square Feet | Mitchell Creek Estates

Welcome to desirable Mitchell Creek Estates! Nestled in the curve on a quiet street you will find this lovely 4-bedroom, 2 bath brick home in pristine condition in REDLAND ELEMENTARY school district. The spacious great room has beautiful hard wood floors and a wood burning fireplace. The recently updated kitchen has beautiful granite, designer back splash, breakfast bar and side by side refrigerator. The best part might be the outdoor living space with screened porch, deck, huge flat yard, and the 27-foot diameter above ground chemical free ionized POOL that is easy to maintain and care for. Perfect for parties for the kids, entertaining friends or just relaxing after work. Plenty of storage in attached carport and detached storage building. Just minutes away from East Montgomery, I-85 and qualifies for the USDA loan program.

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

221 Bowen Bend Wetumpka AL

 

 

1323 S Court St, Montgomery AL 36104 - Beautiful Bungalow in Historic Garden District

MLS# 428305

2 bedrooms | 1 bath | 1 half-bath | 2,210 square feet | Garden District/Cloverdale

Located just one block from the AL Governor’s Mansion in Midtown Montgomery, the charm and character of this 1920's home is sure to impress! Brick arched front porch welcomes you into spacious living spaces. Large living room boasts period lighting, high ceilings, fireplace, and beautiful dentil molding. Bright sun room off the living room makes a great multi-purpose space and could serve as a third bedroom if needed. Big family style kitchen has plenty of cabinets and counter space. Main bath has wonderful original porcelain tub, updated vanity and a separate walk-in shower. Rear entry area is perfect mudroom/utility room and has one of the coolest service sinks you will ever see. Back yard is plenty big and has a driveway off the side street, Linden, and a detached one car carport. Priced right and just waiting for a new owner. Current zoning also will allow for this home to be used as an office.

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

Using a Gift as a Down Payment - What You Need to Know

by The Hat Team

Coming up with the money needed for a down payment on a house is not easy for many people.  Some are lucky enough to have someone (or several people) give them cash as a gift to go towards purchasing a home.  No doubt, that is a wonderful thing!  But there are guidelines that must be followed when using financial gifts for your down payment.

Using gifted funds to buy a home is not as simple as it sounds.  First, the money can’t come from just anyone.  Lenders want the money to come from a family member, such as a parent, grandparent or sibling.  You can also receive gifts from your spouse, domestic partner or significant other if you’re engaged to be married.

You may or may not be able to use gifted money for your entire down payment. It depends on the type of loan you are seeking.  If you are taking out a conventional loan, all your down payment can come from a gift, if you are putting down 20 percent or more.  If you are putting down less than 20 percent, you must include some money of your own.  With FHA and VA loans, the entire amount can be gifted unless your credit score is less than 620, in which case you will have to come up with 3.5 percent of the down payment yourself. No matter what type of loan you apply for, you can only use gifted funds to purchase a primary residence or a second home.

In addition to there being restrictions about who can give you money, you will also have to prove that the money is a gift.  You will need to provide a gift letter that includes the name of the donor, their relationship to you, the date and amount of the gift and a statement that says the money is given with no expectation of repayment.  Both you and the donor must sign the letter. 

While it’s not necessary, it is a good idea to have the gift in your bank account prior to applying for a loan. That way when your lender looks through your bank statements for the previous few months, they will already see documentation of the gift.

If someone has given you money to go toward a down payment, Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of real estate professionals can help you find your dream house.  Give them a call today at 334-834-1500!

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Guide-for-First-Time-Home-Buyers-5-Steps-to-Get-You-Started

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Defeat-Debt-and-Become-a-Homeowner-in-2018

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Dont-Be-Deceived-by-Real-Estate-Myths

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