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The temperatures have been extremely high this summer, often resulting in physical discomfort, limited activity, and even medical distress.  Although most of us think we know how to cope with high heat in order to remain cool and safe, it sometimes helps to see reminders in black and white.  Read on…

thermometerTIME AND PLACE:

  • Schedule physical activities for cooler times of day, early morning or the evening.  Even when you are just walking around outside your Montgomery AL home, the heat and humidity will make all parts of your body sweat and can result in heat stress.
  • Take breaks in a cool, shady spot regularly and often.  Better still, get into some air conditioning.  No AC?  Visit libraries, shopping malls, movie theatres, museums, and the like.
  • Use your shower or bathtub frequently and let the cool water lower your body temperature.

ATTIRE:

  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, “breathable,” loose clothing.
  • Wear a hat—and perhaps a headband to keep perspiration out of your eyes.
  • Use sunglasses.
  • Wear socks (not 100% cotton) to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.

PROTECTION DO’S:

  • Apply sunscreen (SPF 15+) all over—even on lips and ears.
  • Stay inside your Montgomery AL home as much as possible.
  • Check with your doctor to see if your medication or medical condition requires special precautions to avoid sun-related side effects.
  • Stay hydrated! Drink cool, plain water regularly—up to 4 quarts a day if you are exercising.  Did you know that very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps?  It’s also best to avoid alcohol or drinks containing caffeine, lots o sugar, or too much salt.
  • Monitor your physical state often.
  • For temporary but quick relief from heat, set a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan and let the air blow directly on you.

PROTECTION DON’TS:

  • Don’t use salt tablets unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
  • Don’t ignore signs of heat stress such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. 

SPECIAL NEEDS:

  • Understand that babies, young children, and older adults are at a much greater risk for heat-related illnesses since their body temperature can rise 3-5 times faster than that of others.
  • If you have a senior friend, especially one without air conditioning, check on them regularly and often.
  • Provide pets with plenty of fresh water in a non-tip bowl, easily accessible shelter, and shade.  Remember that dogs can get sunburned and burn the bottom of their paws.

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.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - June 2011

by The Hat Team

There were 1,098 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 100 new foreclosures in June 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $129,246 and the average foreclosure selling price was $71,141 a $58,105 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.64% in June while the number of foreclosed homes decreased from 111 in May to 100 in June.

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 0.07% lower than national statistics. 0.03% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics for the month of June.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties increased from 52 homes in May to 64 in June. The number of Auctions decreased from 59 to 36. There is a 6-month falling 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.

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Sales - June 2011

by The Hat Team

Most Americans still believe that owning a home is a solid financial decision, and a majority of renters aspire to home ownership as a long-term goal. According to the 2011 National Housing Pulse Survey released today by the National Association of Realtors®, 72 percent of renters surveyed said owning a home is a top priority for their future, up from 63 percent in 2010. 

Seven in 10 Americans also agreed that buying a home is a good financial decision while almost two-thirds said now is a good time to purchase a home. The annual survey, which measures how affordable housing issues affect consumers, also found that more than three quarters of renters (77 percent) said they would be less likely to buy a home if they were required to put down a 20 percent down payment on the home, and a strong majority (71 percent) believe a 20 percent down payment requirement could have a negative impact on the housing market. 

Some key findings from this year’s survey include:

  • Seven-in-ten Americans (71 percent) say requiring a down payment of twenty percent on the cost of a home would have a negative impact on the overall American housing market.
  • More than three quarters of renters (77 percent) say they would be less likely to buy a new home if they were required to make a 20 percent down payment. Among current homeowners, four-in-ten (39 percent) say they would not have been able to buy their current home if they been required to make a 20 percent down payment.
  • Having enough money for a down payment and closing costs is the largest obstacle that makes housing too expensive and unaffordable (82 percent say it is a “huge” or “medium-size” obstacle).
  • Two in every three Americans (67 percent) oppose eliminating the home mortgage interest deduction as one part of a plan to reduce the federal deficit. Underscoring the intensity of this opinion, a majority of Americans (51 percent) strongly oppose eliminating it.
  • Even more Americans (73 percent) believe that eliminating the home mortgage deduction would have a negative impact on the American housing market, while 65 percent say it would have a negative impact on the overall economy.
  • While fewer Americans than in the past agree, the overwhelming majority (72 percent) still say that buying a home is a good financial decision. Almost two–thirds (64 percent) say that now is a good time to buy a home.
  • The stalled economy continues to adversely affect the housing market. Confidence in job security is a top obstacle (80 percent say “huge” or “medium-size”) to home ownership, while job layoffs and unemployment are ranked as the top problem facing Americans (61 percent say it is a “very big” or “fairly big” problem in their area).

Now take a look at how the Midtown Montgomery real estate market performed in June.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for June show the average sales price increased by 2% to $151,399 when compared to June 2010.  The number of homes sold decreased by 16% in June.  The median sales prices increased by 13%, and market times increased 5% or 6 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 23%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 7%.

Midtown Montgomery May 2011 May 2010
Homes Sold 22 45
Average Selling Price $ 150,975 $ 166,925
Median Selling Price $ 111,450 $ 118,900
Days On The Market 121 103
Highest Selling Price $ 480,000 $ 750,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 12,500 $ 5,100

For the latest Midtown Montgomery real estate market conditions in your area, please call me at 800-HAT-LADY or visit HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com.

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.

Montgomery Real Estate Podcast - July 2011

by The Hat Team

Sandra Nickel of The Hat Team presents:



podcast
This month's edition covers Montgomery real estate market activity and then we'll discuss improvement projects that generate ROI.

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.


Program length: approximately 6 1/2 minutes

Summer Safety Tips

by The Hat Team

Oh, we do love summer and the myriad of family activities it provides! Fun in the sun, the sand, and the water brings squeals of delight, opportunities for new adventures, and a renewed feeling of family togetherness. Unfortunately, summer can also bring sunburn, insect bites, heat -induced illness, water hazards, falls, and poisoning if you are not alert and proactive in taking preventive measures while enjoying life at your Montgomery home or away on a family vacation

child-beachSunburn:

The two most important hints are to limit sun exposure time and wear protective clothing (including sunglasses and a hat), of course, but realistically those two situations are not always viable. So-sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen-- applied liberally and often and having an SPF of at least 15. Try to avoid sun exposure during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the peak intensity times. Be aware that certain medications increase sun sensitivity.

Insect Bites And Stings:

Things to avoid include settings at your Montgomery home or vacation spot where bugs congregate (gardens, stagnant water, uncovered food), wearing brightly colored or flowery clothing, scented soaps or sprays, and combination sunscreen/insect repellant products. Use repellants containing DEET with caution; the recommended is 10%-30% for children over the age of two months. Choose the lowest concentration for the required time of coverage. Inspect yourself and others for ticks, removing any found with tweezers and cleaning the area of the bite with an antiseptic. For bee stings, scrape the stinger away with a fingernail or credit card and then wash the area with soap and water.

Heat Illness:

The risk of heat illness increases with the intensity of both the sun and the activity. Preventive measures are plenty of fluids, shade, and air-conditioning! Be alert for thirst, fatigue, and cramping in the legs or abdomen--all signs of heat exhaustion. More serious symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, fast heartbeat, and a rising body temperature.

Water Safety:

Whether a child is swimming in the fenced-in pool in the yard of your Montgomery home or at a park or hotel, stringent safety precautions must be taken to prevent drowning. Youngsters who don’t know how to swim should use a life vest (“floaties” just don’t cut it), and all children should be supervised at all times by an adult who is well-versed in rescue techniques. The buddy system should be enforced when swimming in any type of open water, and a lifeguard should be on duty. Instruct children never to dive into water unless it is okayed by an adult, and teach them that open water swimming is different from pool swimming because of uneven surfaces, undertow, currents, strong waves, and the like.

Falls:

Fair weather brings out the bike rider and the skateboarder, both of whom should always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing and be lathered in sunscreen.

Poisonings:

Rule one--keep the number of the CDC with you at all times--1-800-222-1222.

Rule two--keep all poisonous substances out of the reach of children. This list includes items used mainly in the summer, things such as insect repellant and charcoal lighter fluid, e.g. 

Okay, so those are definitely worst-case scenarios and most likely won’t affect you or your vacation in any way. Never-the-less, it is best stay alert whiling you’re having fun in the sun! Enjoy!

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.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - May 2011

by The Hat Team

There were 1,161 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 111 new foreclosures in May 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $120,478 and the average foreclosure selling price was $115,922 a $4,556 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.64% in May while the number of foreclosed homes decreased from 171 in April to 111 in May.

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 0.06% lower than national statistics. 0.04% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics for the month of May.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased from 121 homes in April to 52 in May. The number of Auctions increased from 50 to 59. 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.

Happy Fourth of July Montgomery!

by The Hat Team

“America is best described in one word--freedom” Dwight D. Eisenhower

flagAs Americans, we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th to honor our nation’s birthday and the Declaration of Independence. It is day replete with parades, cookouts, picnics, waving flags, and fireworks--and a heavy dose of patriotism.

DISTINCTIVE DATES:

  • JULY 4, 1776: The Second Continental Congress completed its work on the Declaration of Independence.
  • JULY 8, 1776: Independence Day was first Celebrated in Philadelphia on, and the Liberty Bell was sounded on that day.
  • JULY 4, 1804: The first public celebration was held at the White House
  • JULY 4, 1826: Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on this day.
  • JULY 4, 1941: Independence Day was first celebrated as a federal legal holiday

“There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right with America.” Bill Clinton

PATRIOTIC PLACES:

Ever been to Liberty, MO? How about Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty, or East Liberty--all in Iowa? And then there are the eleven places with Independence in their names and five which feature Freedom; Freedom, CA, is the largest of these. Five more towns sport the word America, but only one can lay claim to Patriot, and that is a spot in Indiana with a population of 202.

Did you know that there is a one-gun salute fired at noon on July 4th on every capable military base? It is called the Salute to the Union.

IT’S A GRAND OLD FLAG:

And there are specific rules about displaying it proudly and properly.  Here you can brush up on the do’s and don’t's for honoring Old Glory.

Be sure to take time to honor our military and their families for the sacrifices they make each and every day so we can be free! Something as simple as saying ‘Thank you’ can make a Vets day!

FABULOUS FOOD:

Having a cookout or picnic with friends and family? Think about foods that come in patriotic colors--white snow cone cups filled with red and blue berries, or use the three colors to make napkins which you tie with red, white, and blue patterned shoelaces instead of napkin rings. Be sure to offer hot dogs, hamburgers, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, and watermelon for an all-American meal. Maybe even Mom’s apple pie to top it off! Get many delicious recipes and grilling ideas and safety tips.

FIREWORKS FINALE:

Nearly every U.S. city or town offers an exciting fireworks display to end the day’s festivities, and we’re never too old or too young to ‘ooh and ah’ at the spectacle. Some notable shows are held at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Charles River in Boston, Mt. Rushmore, the Rose Bowl, and the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Perhaps the longest celebration is fittingly held in Philadelphia--a 9 day festival culminating in back-to-back fireworks!

George Washington once said, “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” Do remember, however, that such a plant needs to cherished, taken care of, nourished, and protected by each and every American.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH!!!

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Sales - May 2011

by The Hat Team

Despite the ups and downs of the housing market, home owners and non-owners alike consider owning a home essential to the American Dream according to a survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) by Public Opinion Strategies of Alexandria, VA, and Lake Research Partners of Washington, D.C.

The survey results show that Americans see beyond the immediate housing market to the enduring value of homeownership. An overwhelming 75 percent of the people who were polled said that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market, and 95 percent of the home owners said they are happy with their decision to own a home.

One of the more striking aspects of the survey results is the intensity of sentiment among potential voters, according to Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners. “People believe overwhelmingly that owning a home is an anchor to the American Dream,” she says. “It’s an anchor to your retirement, and it’s an anchor to your personal economic well-being.”

Among the other survey results:

73 percent said owning a home is one of their goals
• Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best investments.
• 80 percent of home owners would advise a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home.
• Saving for a down payment and closing costs is the biggest barrier to homeownership.
• Americans believe that owning their own home is as important as being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member’s education.

Owning a home is not just a commodity to people. It is a core value.

Now take a look at how the Midtown Montgomery real estate market performed in May.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for May show the average sales price decreased by 10% to $150,975 when compared to May 2010.  The number of homes sold decreased by 51% in May.  The median sales prices decreased by 6%, while market times increased 15% or 18 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 36%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 59%.

Midtown Montgomery May 2011 May 2010
Homes Sold 22 45
Average Selling Price $ 150,975 $ 166,925
Median Selling Price $ 111,450 $ 118,900
Days On The Market 121 103
Highest Selling Price $ 480,000 $ 750,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 12,500 $ 5,100

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.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - April 2011

by The Hat Team

There were 1,311 Montgomery AL foreclosure homes for sale with 171 new foreclosures in April 2011. The average selling price of a Montgomery AL home was $163,408 and the average foreclosure selling price was $93,093 a $70,315 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Montgomery interest rates averaged 4.84% in April while the number of foreclosed homes decreased from 228 in March to 171 in April.

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 0.01% higher than national statistics. 0.10% higher than Alabama and 0.01% higher then Montgomery County statistics for the month of April.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased from 151 homes in March to 121 in April. The number of Auctions decreased from 84 to 50. 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.

Home sales are expected to stay on an uptrend through 2012, although the performance will be uneven with mortgage constraints weighing on the market, according to real estate experts.

Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors chief economist, said existing-home sales have been underperforming by historical standards and will rise gradually but unevenly. “If we just hold at the first-quarter sales pace of 5.1 million, sales this year would rise 4 percent, but the remainder of the year looks better,” Yun said. “We expect 5.3 million existing-home sales this year, up from 4.9 million in 2010, with additional gains in 2012 to about 5.6 million – that’s a sustainable level given the size of our population.”

Now take a look at how the Midtown Montgomery real estate market performed in April.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for April show the average sales price decreased by 10% to $129,495 when compared to April 2010.  The number of homes sold decreased by 33% in April.  The median sales prices decreased by 20%, while market times decreased 20% or 27 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 5%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 29%.

Midtown Montgomery April 2011 April 2010
Homes Sold 29 43
Average Selling Price $ 129,495 $ 144,517
Median Selling Price $ 100,000 $ 125,000
Days On The Market 105 132
Highest Selling Price $ 649,000 $ 683,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 8,500 $ 6,000

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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