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Don’t Be Deceived by Real Estate Myths

Thursday, October 19, 2017
by The Hat Team

Whether you are buying or selling a home for the first time or you are a seasoned veteran of buying/selling real estate, chances are you think you have the knowledge needed to navigate the process based on what you have read or heard from friends and family. Unfortunately there are a plethora of myths circulating about buying and selling houses that have become prevalent, but just aren’t true.  The pitfall of believing everything you hear or read is that real estate myths can hurt you where it counts…in the wallet.  Here are seven common ones that can cause home buyers/sellers to make unnecessary mistakes:

  • Set your home price higher than what you expect to get. Setting your asking price too high may actually reduce your net sales price. That’s because many shoppers and their real estate agents will not look at houses that are priced above market value. While it’s true that you can lower your price if you have not gotten offers in the first few weeks, “Buyers are highly suspicious of houses that have sat on the market for more than three weeks,” says Nela Richardson, chief economist for the brokerage Redfin.
     
  • You can get a better deal as a buyer if you don’t use a real estate agent.

This is a false assumption. When a house is listed with an agent, the total sales commission is already built into the price.  If the buyer doesn’t use and agent, that just means the selling agent will get the entire commission.

  • You can save money selling your home yourself.

While it is possible to successfully sell your home on your own, there is a great deal of work that goes into it. You must know how to get the home listed online, market it to prospective buyers, negotiate the contract and deal with any issues that arise during the inspection or loan application phases.  In addition, buyers will expect a significant discount, so what you might save on real estate commission may not be as much as you thought it would be.

  • The market will only go up.

Over the years, homebuyers and sellers have experienced a time of increasing home values, then a sharp decline due to the economy and then an upturn where values increase again.  But many people believe the market only goes up.  You need to be aware that prices can fall dramatically.

  • You should renovate your kitchen and bathroom before you sell.

If your kitchen and bathroom are in working order, an extensive remodel could be a mistake. Potential buyers might not like what you’ve done with the place, but they don’t want to change something that has just been renovated.  You are better off adjusting your price accordingly.

  • You’ll earn back what you spend on renovations.

Repairing things like your heating system, air conditioner or roof may help your home to sell faster, but you probably will not recoup what you spend. Per Remodeling Magazine’s 2017 cost-vs-value report, the only renovation that is likely to net you as much as you spent is adding fiberglass attic insulation. You will likely only get back 65.3% on a full kitchen renovation. And redoing your bathroom might get you 59.1%.

  • All the properties listed in the multiple listing service show up online.

Your agent must choose to let the listings show up online. Most do, but it’s a good idea to verify that yours will.

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Mortgage-Tips-for-First-Time-Homebuyers

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Dont-Be-Afraid-to-Pursue-the-Dream-of-Home-Ownership

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/First-Time-Home-Buyers-and-Unexpected-Expenses

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Mortgage Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Wednesday, October 4, 2017
by The Hat Team

Deciding to buy a home is exciting. But it can also be overwhelming, especially for first-time home-buyers.  There is so much to think about. Before you start your home search, you should find a mortgage lender who can help walk you through the home-buying process.  Follow these mortgage tips and you will be prepared to purchase the home of your dreams!

  1. FIND THE BEST LENDER

With a little homework, you will be able to find the best lender to help walk you through the home-buying process.  Ask us, we know the good guys and gals. Interview lenders. Find out what their closing time averages are and look up customer satisfaction rates.  This is likely the largest financial investment you will ever make, so be sure that the lender you choose is right for you both personally and financially.

  1. DETERMINE HOW MUCH YOU WANT TO SPEND ON A HOME

There is a difference between what you can afford and what you are willing to spend.  Many factors play into this decision.  Your lifestyle, the size of home you’re looking for, and other expenses should all be considered.  You might be shocked by what the numbers say. Chances are you won’t want to spend as much as you qualify for.  So, work out a budget first and don’t overestimate what you can afford.

  1. GET PRE-APPROVED FOR A MORTGAGE LOAN

The last thing you want to happen is to find the perfect home and not be able to make an offer because you haven’t been pre-approved for a loan.  Taking the time to do this now will save you time and grief in the future.

  1. STOP SPENDING

Now is not the time to make large purchases.  Avoid taking out new lines of credit.  Don’t purchase a new car or apply for a new credit card.  Make sure that you are not adding to your credit card balances.  Remember that your debt to income ratio is a vital piece of the mortgage puzzle and can be a deal breaker if you go over your limit.  Save large purchases for after closing day.

  1. DON’T RUSH!

Now that you’ve got all your ducks in a row, the fun begins.  Take your time searching for the right home.  This is a financial investment that you will be living with for a long time, so don’t settle.  Sandra Nickel and The Hat Team Realtors can answer any questions you have about purchasing your first home.  Give us a call today at (334) 834-1500.

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Dont-Be-Afraid-to-Pursue-the-Dream-of-Home-Ownership

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/First-Time-Home-Buyers-and-Unexpected-Expenses

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/3-Mistakes-First-Time-Buyers-Make-and-How-to-Avoid-Them

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Don’t Be Afraid to Pursue the Dream of Home Ownership!

Wednesday, September 6, 2017
by The Hat Team

The idea of purchasing your first home is exciting, but can also feel overwhelming.  Before starting your home search, you need to figure out how much you can afford.  If you’ve been hesitant to move forward because you’re afraid you won’t have enough cash for a down payment or that you won’t qualify for a loan, you shouldn’t despair.  There are programs available that can help you!  So, stop padding your landlord’s pockets and take advantage of programs that will assist you in making a sound financial investment in a home of your own.

The Alabama Housing Finance Authority has two programs designed to assist people with purchasing homes:

1.Step Up - Step Up is a homeownership program designed specifically for moderate-income home buyers who can afford a mortgage, but need help with the down payment.  With this program, the money for the down payment is secured by a 10-year second mortgage and is combined with a 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage.  Since the loans are serviced by ServiSolutions, a division of AHFA, homeowners have only one check to write each month.  Program participants must complete a homebuyer education course to qualify…a small price to pay to become a homeowner!  People who earn less than $97,300 are eligible for the Step Up program, regardless of household size or location.

Step Up+ is a new, temporary program that was just announced by the AHFA in June, 2017.  This mortgage enhancement will pay the upfront split private mortgage insurance premium (up to $1,500) for homebuyers who earn less than 80% of the area median income.  This way, homebuyers will pay a lower monthly premium as part of their mortgage payment. Information and qualifications:

  • HFA Preferred conventional loans only
  • 3% down payment assistance available through Step Up
  • For new or existing homes in Alabama
  • Homebuyers must have a credit score of 620 or higher
  • Must complete homeownership education course
  • Must apply for loan through a participating lender
  • Private mortgage insurance will be underwritten by Genworth or ARCH (no delegated options)

All Step Up+ loans must close by September 30, 2017.

The Step Up program’s standard $97,300 household income limits will NOT apply for Step Up+.

For more information, contact a participating lender.

2.Mortgage Credit Certificates - The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program gives homebuyers another savings option.  MCCs are available with conventional fixed-rate, FHA, VA, Rural Development and privately insured mortgages.  Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis by a statewide network of participating lenders.  Participants must meet federally established income and sales price limits.

MCCs provide a tax credit to reduce the amount of federal taxes owed by a percentage               of the annual mortgage interest paid each year.  The remaining annual interest may be claimed as a mortgage interest deduction on the homebuyer’s federal tax return.

Qualified homebuyers pay lower federal income taxes or benefit from immediate savings by updating the withholdings on their W-4 form.  MCCs may be paired with AHFA’s Step Up program or any other 30-year, fixed rate, amortizing mortgage offered by a participating lender.

Mortgage credit rates are based on the loan amount:

  • 20% MCC for loans of $150,001 or greater; no cap
  • 30% MCC for loans of $100,001 to $150,000; $2,000 per year cap
  • 50% MCC for loans of $100,000 or less; $2,000 per year cap

The real estate professionals at Homes for Sale in Montgomery Alabama can explain these programs to you and answer any questions that you have.  Contact them and start your home search today!

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/First-Time-Home-Buyers-and-Unexpected-Expenses

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Apartment-Hunting-for-College-Graduates

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Home-Buying-Made-Easy

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Reasons Why Buying an Older Home May Be a Good Idea

Thursday, July 13, 2017
by The Hat Team

Perhaps you are currently on the market for a new home.  You may have grand plans to buy the biggest and newest one you can find.  Have you ever given any thought to perhaps buying an older home instead?  Below you will find a list of reasons why you may want to do just that.  

 

  1. 1. If price is an issue for you when looking for a new place to live, going for one with some age on it instead of a new one may be something to consider.   If you can find one that was built in or around the 1970’s you may find a diamond in the rough.  Keep an open mind when looking for a house to purchase and you may just find the place of your dreams.   

  2.  

  1. 2. They just don’t build em’  like they use to.  Likely you have heard this statement before.  You may have wondered whether or not it is true and in fact it is.  Houses built in years past typically were built with old hard wood trees.  These trees were usually allowed to grow to an old age without being disturbed unlike trees today.  These old hardwoods are much less likely to have any warping issues and resist rot.   Instead of dry wood for walls, many older homes have been built with plaster and lathe.  These materials are superior to dry wall because they provide better insulation as well as sound proofing.   

  2.  

  1. 3. Many times new houses are built in newly established neighborhoods.  While this is not a bad thing in itself, it leaves unknown factors like crime rates, school districts and the general population of a certain area.  Older homes tend to be in areas that are well established so you won’t have any questions left unanswered.   

  2.  

  1. 4. If character in a house is important to you then buying a home with some age on it is a great way to get what you are looking for.   Crown moldings (which add a lot of character) are many times found in older homes.   

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  1. 5. If having a bit of a yard is something you wish to have then you may want to choose a place with some age on it. Newer homes come with less acreage.  

  2.  

These are just a few reasons why buying an older home might be appealing to you.  Now that you have some facts on the subject you may find that you have changed your mind and your direction in your search for a “new” home.   

 

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.   

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Home Buying Made Easy

Wednesday, May 3, 2017
by The Hat Team

If you are currently in the market for buying a house, then you are likely already aware of just how difficult it can sometimes be.  There are many stressors throughout the process that can make the home buying process seem anything but easy.  Below are a few ways that home buying can be made a bit easier if you do your part to put them into action.  
 

  1.  The first and most important thing you need to do before looking for a home to buy is to find an agent.  The reason this part is the most important is because buying a home is a huge financial obligation and you want to choose the right person to help you with such a big decision in your life.  A good way to find an excellent Realtor is to talk with your friends and family members that you trust to see whom they have used in the past.  Once they give you a few suggestions, you can meet each one and see which one best matches your personality wishes.  You will be spending quite a bit of time with this person so you want to make sure that you get along beautifully with them.   
     

  1. The next step in home buying made easy  is to find a lender.  Many times you can find out from your Realtor about what lenders they tend to use or who they think can be the best match for you and your particular situation.  If your Realtor doesn’t lead you to the best match, again you can talk to your friends and family for suggestions.   
     

  1. You then need to make sure your credit is as clean as it can possibly be.  Lenders can many times give you a bit of guidance in this area so that you can get approved for a loan.   
     

  1. It is important that you get pre approved for a loan before you go out searching for the home of your dreams.  The lender that you choose will help you to know exactly how much of a house you can comfortably afford before you get your heart set on one.  
     

  1. Lastly, figure out exactly what you are looking for in a house.  Make a list of your wants and desires in order of their importance.  This will help to guide you in your home buying  adventure and will help avoid wasting precious time.   
     

These are just a few ideas on how to make the home buying process a bit easier.  Once you do your part to put all of these in motion you will be well on your way to finding the home of your dreams.   

 

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.   

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Do Schools Matter when Buying a Home?

Wednesday, March 29, 2017
by The Hat Team

When buying a home various factors come to mind immediately-location, price range, home style, home condition, wish list for the interior and exterior, number of bedrooms and bathrooms desired; just to name a few. One component which can be overlooked by some but is extremely essential to many would be the local school system in the neighborhood. I highly value my communities’ school system.

Studies have found that home buyers would give up one aspect of their home to have their children attend a ‘better’ school district; this speaks volumes to how important education is for parents’. For some parents there are alternatives such as private schools but that is not the case for many. Even if buyers don't have or plan to have school-age children in the house, the quality of nearby schools can have an impact on how much you pay, and how much a home sells for down the line.

Montgomery public schools  have succeeded in the improvement to maintain outstanding schools for all of our children. Through strategic planning and organizational development our schools continue to advance! Here are the top rated schools in Montgomery, showing that good local schools are amongst us in high numbers and will provide our children with the learning and education they should receive but with the type we wish for them to obtain as well.

For additional information on our school systems please visit Alabama State Department of Education.

If you are you thinking about buying or selling Real Estate give me a call 334-834-1500 or send me an [email protected]!

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.   

 

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Reasons to Purchase a Home before the End Of 2017

Wednesday, February 22, 2017
by The Hat Team

Now is the time, now is the best time, now is the best time to purchase a home.  Do yourself a favor; don’t wait to purchase your dream home until the end of 2017.  If you have even given a small thought that you might want to move in the next year or so, go ahead and begin looking now so that you might be able to make that purchase today instead of tomorrow.   A few of the reasons why you should purchase your home before the end of the year are listed below for you. 

  1.  One of the many reasons you should go ahead and purchase a home   before the end of 2017 is because interest rates are already beginning to rise.  The current average interest rate is a little above 4 percent but that rate could reach 6 percent by 2019.  Begin looking for the home of your dreams now so that you can purchase one and get moved in while the market is in your favor.
  2. Fewer homes are available as the years go on.  Just a few short years ago there were plenty of homes to choose from; however this list is getting a bit smaller yearly.   Buyers of today will have many more homes to choose from than buyers of tomorrow so get out and get house shopping now!  Call your Realtor today if purchasing a home is on your mind. 
  3. House prices are rising and will continue to rise in the future.  If there ever was a reason to go ahead and purchase a home before the end of the year, this is the one!  You just might be able to get more of a house for your money now than if you waited until later to purchase. 

Again, if purchasing a home has even been on your mind at all and you think you might want to move in the next year or so, get a jump start on your search by starting today.  It can’t hurt to start looking now because you just may be more likely to find it now than later.   Buying a home is a big deal and can cost quite a bit of money so it’s best to start looking now to find the home you have always dreamed of.  

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.   

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