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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - June 2012

Thursday, June 21, 2012
by The Hat Team

Everyone knows that the Montgomery real estate market has been rather daunting for the last several years. Ups and downs, reports of good news and bad news, short sales, foreclosures, declining inventory, increase in mortgage applications, buyer frustrations, and seller indecision—all have kept the real estate industry on a roller coaster for too long.  Hope springs eternal, however, and rays of optimism from several fronts may well signal better times ahead.

  • In a recent survey, more than three-quarters of homeowners (78 percent) said that owning a home is one of their greatest achievements, and 85 percent of U.S. adults (which includes both homeowners and renters) agreed that they always dreamed of owning a home.
  • Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes gained five points in May. This is the index’s strongest reading since May of 2007 and bodes well for Montgomery real estate.
  • The median existing single-family home price rose in 74 out of 146 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) based on closings in the first quarter from the same quarter in 2011.
  • In Fannie Mae’s Monthly National Housing Survey, the percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to sell increased from 10 percent for the fourth straight month to 15 percent

Lets look at the statistics in our local real estate market? 

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for May show the number of homes sold increased by 38% compared to May 2011. The average sales price decreased by 13% to $99,619 during the same period. The median sales prices increased by 5%, and market times increased by 22% or 28 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 21%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 54%.

Midtown Montgomery May 2012 May 2011
Homes Sold 56 35
Average Selling Price $ 99,619 $ 114,116
Median Selling Price $ 78,000 $ 74,000
Days On The Market 130 102
Highest Selling Price $ 380,000 $ 480,000 
Lowest Selling Price $ 5,800 $12,500


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.

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Time is Right to Invest in Montgomery AL Real Estate

Thursday, June 7, 2012
by The Hat Team

Simply stated, low home prices and low interest rates make this a great time to become an investor in Montgomery AL real estate.  "We haven't seen home prices this low in so many years, coupled with the rates being so low," says Jill Sjolin, an agent in Washington who specializes in investment properties. "When the money is cheap to borrow and the houses are cheap to buy, it's absolutely the best time to invest."

montgomery al real estateIt goes without saying, of course, that the first step in acquiring investment property is to analyze your finances to make sure you can afford it without compromising the security of your other assets.  Look closely at your income, savings, and spending habits. Check each of your three credit reports well before you start looking at Montgomery AL real estate or shopping for lenders. Consider tax implications, property taxes, and renovation costs. Online calculators can provide you with a guide to possible financial outcomes of the purchase and rental of an investment property.

The next step is to determine the goal for your purchase. Investment property can yield income two ways--through regular rents and/or capital gains. Most experts advise novices to invest for the long term rather than try for quick flips and to begin with residential Montgomery AL real estate rather than commercial properties.  Click here for more tips, including financing options, for first-time investors.

Once you have determined the how? and the why? of your investment transaction, you move on to the where?  Locating the right property is easier if you work with a real-estate agent experienced in investment property deals who can help you locate promising properties.  A second option is to collaborate with a more experienced real-estate investor and close a deal together. In this economy, an experienced real-estate investor may be willing to work with you in exchange for the capital you can provide, giving you the opportunity to glean investment knowledge and experience firsthand.

With foreclosures flooding the real estate market, many investors are hitting the auction circuit looking to capitalize on the next great deal. For those who are new to this venue, there are a few ‘rules of thumb’ you’ll want to keep in mind before placing your bid. PropertyAuctions.com provides detailed information, explanations, and some essential tips for those looking to get in on the auction action. 

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.

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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - April 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012
by The Hat Team

Housing and the economic recovery will play a large part in deciding the outcome of the 2012 presidential election, according to public policy experts at this month's Legislative and Political Forum during the Realtors® 2012 Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, leading Democratic strategist Celinda Lake, and National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling provided their unique insights into issues affecting the long-term direction of the country.

"As the leading advocate for homeownership, the National Association of Realtors® is working closely with policymakers to ensure that mortgages are more readily available for qualified buyers and real estate investors," said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. "We believe efforts that help creditworthy homebuyers obtain mortgage financing and allow more people to stay in their homes or avoid foreclosure through streamlined short sales are important for a housing and economic recovery."

Lets look at the statistics in our local real estate market? 

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for April show the number of homes sold decreased by 14% compared to April 2011. The average sales price increased by 19% to $159,152 during the same period. The median sales prices increased by 26%, and market times increased by 28% or 41 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 6%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 29%.

 

Midtown Montgomery April 2012 April 2011
Homes Sold 25 29
Average Selling Price $ 159,152 $ 129,495
Median Selling Price $ 135,000 $ 100,000
Days On The Market 146 105
Highest Selling Price $ 600,000 $ 649,000 
Lowest Selling Price $ 6,000 $8,500


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.

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 1935 Norman Bridge Ct

Saturday, May 26, 2012
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:

1935 Norman Bridge Ct, Montgomery AL 36104
MLS# 293236

Affordability and Practicality!

1935 Norman Bridge Ct

Quiet Garden District cul-de-sac is just minutes from all the action at the Cloverdale dining and entertainment district, as well as Downtown! Spacious "L" shaped living/ dining room affords plenty of space for variety of furniture arrangements, and good sized den/family room is perfect for casual living. OR, use LR/DR area as one large living space, and utilize the den/family room (just off kitchen) for a more formal private dining space. Once a third bedroom with access only from middle bedroom, this space has been converted to a large master bathroom with endless possibilities for dressing/storage areas. Chill on the brand new rear deck, and enjoy the peacefulness of this tucked away yet conveniently accessible location. And, with Historic designation, your value will be protected from neighbors doing terrible things to adjacent properties. Affordability and practicality!

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.

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Celebrating Memorial Day 2012

Friday, May 25, 2012
by The Hat Team

“America, we marched with pride. We gave our life, for you we died." - Roger J. Robicheau

soldierDo you celebrate Memorial Day at your Montgomery home?  Or, to be more specific, do you acknowledge the real purpose of the holiday and participate in activities designed to commemorate those who died for our country?  If your answer is “No,” you are among the majority of US citizens, for the celebration of this  day has strayed far from its original intent and has become an opportunity to enjoy a three-day weekend which ushers in summer.

Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War and was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action.

Originally known as Decoration Day, the current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II, and it was celebrated on May 30, regardless of the day of the week on which it fell. In 1968 the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May.

Memorial Day is observed throughout the United States with many special ceremonies, parades, concerts, festivals, patriotic performances, and more.  Wreaths are placed at soldiers’ tombs, and soldiers of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) place an American flag at each of the more than 220,000 graves at Arlington National Cemetery. 

How can you observe Memorial Day at your Montgomery home?  Regardless of where you do your celebrating, you can include red, white, and blue decorations in the form of streamers, balloons, stars, or paper goods.  You can also proudly display an American flag or hang a patriotic wreath on your door.  

Help your children have holiday fun while learning about our nation’s history and military sacrifice by involving them in many themed crafts and activities.   The Holiday Zone.com provides a wide variety of free printable puzzles, coloring pages, crossword puzzles, and the like to keep young ones entertained in your Montgomery home or at the picnic grounds.  For crafts for the kids, click here.

Check your local paper or online for activities scheduled for your area—and perhaps say a silent “thanks” to those who have died and those who are currently in harm’s way sometime during the day.

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Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - April 2012

Thursday, May 17, 2012
by The Hat Team

There were 819 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 1 in every 936 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing in April 2012. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $105,207 and the average foreclosure selling price was $76,446, a $28,761 savings according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 3.91% in April while the number of foreclosed homes dropped from 108 to 101.

montgomery al foreclosure

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was 0.03% lower than national statistics, 0.03% higher than Alabama and 0.01% higher than Montgomery County statistics for April 2012.

montgomery al foreclosure 

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties increased from 28 homes in March to 35 in April. The number of Auctions dropped from 81 to 66. There is a 6-month rising trend.

montgomery al foreclosure

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!

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

 

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In Danger of Losing Your Montgomery AL Real Estate? Making the Loan Modification Process Easier

Friday, May 11, 2012
by The Hat Team

When the Obama administration rolled out the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) in 2009, officials estimated 3 to 4 million borrowers would seek relief from their mortgages through the program during the worst recession and housing market collapse in decades. More than two years later, however, those projections have proven to be optimistic, to say the least. According to the Treasury Department, only about 700,000 homeowners had sought aid from HAMP through the third quarter of 2011.

montgomery al real estateA major reason for the smaller number is that many distressed owners of Montgomery AL real estate are intimidated by the confusing process involved in applying for HAMP and don’t know how to go about getting the help they need.  It doesn’t have to be that way, however.

Stephfan Nurse, a loan modification expert and founder of ConsumerEducationOnline.com, says, “The key is knowing and understanding your options. With education, you are empowered."  His online site is designed to give owners of Montgomery AL real estate the information they need to navigate the process. It includes a free pre-qualifier, where homeowners can input their figures and determine for which modification program they qualify.  It also offers software to assist in preparing financial statements and necessary documents, thus reducing stress on the applicant.

In order to make the loan modification process go as smoothly as possible, it is necessary that you, the owner of Montgomery AL real estate, understand it fully and seek available help. Visit Making Home Affordable for free HUD-approved counselors, helpful phone numbers, detailed explanations of terms, etc.

Be aware that HAMP is not your only option. The fact is that more than 70 percent of modifications now are internal modifications made available by the investor holding the mortgage note. The only way to get an internal modification is to ask for one. Worth noting: HAMP bases its modifications on gross income (your mortgage must exceed 31 percent of what you make in a month) while internal modifications are based on monthly net (after-tax) income.

Another important tip: Be complete and thorough in your paperwork. Lenders receive thousands of faxes every day, so make sure your account number is on every page and that all questions and categories are filled out. It's also best to follow up with the lender weekly.  Being diligent, informed, and proactive are effective ways to hold on to your Montgomery AL real estate.

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.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - March 2012

Thursday, April 26, 2012
by The Hat Team

The increases in FHA mortgage guarantee costs that took effect on April 1 have many home buyers asking, "What do these increases mean to me when I get an FHA loan?"  Megan Booth and Rob Freedman with Realtor.tv break down the facts in this informative video.

Lets look at the statistics in our local real estate market? 

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for March show the average sales price decreased by 26% to $95,339 when compared to March 2011.  The number of homes sold increased by 33% in March 2012.  The median sales prices decreased by 51%, and market times increased by 8% or 11 days.  The highest selling home price increased by 7%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 67%.

Midtown Montgomery March 2012 March 2011
Homes Sold 33 22
Average Selling Price $ 95,339 $ 128,461
Median Selling Price $ 55,000 $ 112,000
Days On The Market 133 122
Highest Selling Price $ 375,000 $ 350,000 
Lowest Selling Price $ 13,500 $4,500

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.

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.

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Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - March 2012

Friday, April 20, 2012
by The Hat Team

There were 848 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 1 in every 867 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing in March 2012. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $95,359 and the average foreclosure selling price was $27,444, a $67,915 savings according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 3.95% in March while the number of foreclosed homes rose from 80 to 109.

montgomery al foreclosure

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Montgomery AL foreclosure activity was 0.04% lower than national statistics, 0.03% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics for the month of March 2012.

monrtomery al foreclosure 

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased from 44 homes in February to 28 in March. The number of Auctions climbed from 36 to 81. There is a 6-month rising trend.

montgomery al real estate

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.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

 

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 121 Bradley Drive Montgomery, Al 36109

Saturday, April 14, 2012
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale

121 Bradley Drive Montgomery, Al 36109

MLS#290124

Become a landlord the easy way. Buy this sweet little cottage with a good tenant already in place! No worries about making payments on a vacant house or finding a reliable property manager. Short sale subject to lender approval so you'll have to be patient. And your patience will be rewarded with a great deal!

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.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

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