Montgomery Real Estate Podcast - December 2009
Sandra Nickel of The Hat Team presents:
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Sandra Nickel of The Hat Team presents:
There are 1,207 Montgomery foreclosure homes for sale with 180 new foreclosures in November 2009. The average selling price of a Montgomery home is $179,504 and the average foreclosure selling price is $116,951, a $62,553 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.
Montgomery Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index
Montgomery foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings - default notice, foreclosure auction notice or repossession notice - each month. Home price appreciation is based on month-over-month percentage change of the Home Price Index. The Home Price Index is calculated from home sales records.
Montgomery Foreclosure Geographical Comparison
Montgomery foreclosure activity is 0.05% lower than national statistics and 0.07% higher than Alabama statistics.

Montgomery Foreclosure Activity by Month
The number of Bank-Owned properties increased from 74 in October to 79 in November. The number of Auctions decreased from 127 to 79. The 6-month trend reflects an increase in Montgomery foreclosures.

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.
"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."
~ Burton Hillis
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated festivals globally and is no longer viewed as a purely religious holy day. It is now a time enjoyed by people of many countries and faiths, and there are numerous universally recognized icons which we associate with the yuletide. In fact, these symbols have become so commonly associated with the celebration of Christmas that when we see Santa riding on a reindeer, a mantle hung with stockings, coniferous green trees decorated with tinsel and ornaments, or houses festooned with evergreen wreaths and mistletoe, we know that the magic spirit of the season is upon us.
The tradition of the Christmas stocking dates back to approximately 250B.C. in Asia Minor. There Nicholas, rich man who became a very generous Christian
priest and a saint, is said to have secretly filled the stockings of three poor sisters with gold, thus giving them a dowry and allowing them to marry. Legend has it that after that "miracle," neighbors of the fortunate women followed suit with their stockings, and the tradition slowly spread across the globe. Children throughout the world now hang stockings--or even put out shoes--to be filled with small gifts and food by Santa (Saint) Claus (Nicholas). Many people create their own stockings, personalizing them for themselves or for others and often providing a family activity that is fun for all. Find instructions for making your own Christmas fireplace stockings.
Along with the Christmas holly, laurel, rosemary, yews, boxwood bushes, and, of course the Christmas tree, mistletoe is an evergreen displayed during the Christmas season and symbolic of the eventual rebirth of vegetation that will occur in spring. But perhaps more than any other of the Christmas evergreens, it is a plant of which we are conscious only during the holidays. One day we're kissing under the mistletoe, and next day we've forgotten all about it (the plant, that is, not the kisses).
THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE!
And ’tis the season to decide what presents to give, to buy the presents, to wrap the presents, to mail and/or deliver the presents. Whew!--time-consuming and somewhat exhausting unless you’ve discovered online shopping. Here are just a few ideas: EasyXmas.com, Gifts.com, Overstock.com, Amazon.com, Fragrance.net. There are hundreds of other sites just waiting to display their wares and ship them for you. Some even offer free holiday shipping or will do the gift wrapping for you.
Want something a little different? Check out the top ten present picks for 2009.
“May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!"
-- Unknown
Another time-saving tip: rather than hand writing cards to send holiday greetings online to friends and family and have someone else do the work for you. Great selections--warm, funny, cute, animated, talking, photo, traditional, romantic--and no waiting time!
And speaking of greetings—show support for our troops. Xerox still has a web site that lets you send a message of thanks to soldiers currently serving in Iraq. This is a FREE service and only takes a minute to do. What a great way to spread the spirit of the season! Visit www.LetsSayThanks.com today.
Yes, you’re busy, busy, busy, but what about the children?
Need to keep the kids happy and involved? Here are creative and original holiday stories. Chat with Santa’s elves. Have fun with educational activities. Make pom-pom snowmen, a snowman garland, or a Rudolph handprint. Deck your halls and walls with candy-colored crafts.
There is lots of online fun for the kids:
Other good sites for craft creations --ornaments, cards, trees, etc.--to make the days leading up to Christmas happy ones are Parents.com, Christmascrafts.net, SchoolFamilyFun.com, FamilyFun.com, FamilyCrafts.com, and Kaboose.com.
Interested in how Christmas is celebrated around the world? Check out information on the traditions and customs of over forty locations. For instance, general Christmas traditions in Bethlehem are similar to the European and North American customs observed during the festival. From a few days before December 25th, the town is decorated with flags and other items of adornment. Streets are strung with Christmas lights. A Christmas market comes up and Christmas plays are performed. A cross is painted on the door of every Christian home, and Nativity scenes are displayed in every household.
Learn how to express Christmas greetings in many languages. Try it and surprise everyone with you linguistic ability.
"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."
~ Hamilton Wright Mabi
Now let’s move from goodwill to men to good food at Christmas time… eggnog, sugar cookies, Christmas punch, glazed ham, brunch biscuits and eggs--and so much more. You can even view vidoes to help with baking. Decorating cookies, making colorful Rice Krispy treats, and creating gingerbread cookies are all great family activities--and the results are delicious!
Another traditional activity for family members of all ages is caroling--indoors or outside. Rusty on the lyrics...not a problem.
Still hungering for more family time and/or seasonal spirit? It is said that the tradition of making Christmas movies is as old as making movies itself and Christmas has long been a favorite subject of moviemakers. In fact, so many movies have been made on the theme of Christmas that the list would be too long to print here, but you might want to try The Miracle on 34th Street (1947 version or the newer one), A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, and White Christmas.
Christmas facts few people know:
* In the Ukraine, if you find a spider web in the house on Christmas morning, it is a harbinger of good luck.
* In ancient Scandinavia, mistletoe was associated with peace and friendship. That may account for the custom of "kissing beneath the mistletoe.
* The "Urn of Fate" is part of the Christmas celebrations in many Italian households. TheUrn of Fate is brought out on Christmas Eve. It holds a wrapped present for everyone.
* In Sweden a common Christmas decoration is the Julbukk, a small figurine of a goat. It is usually made of straw.
Alas, dear readers, having presents to buy and wrap, cookies to make, movies to watch, ecards to send, songs to sing, pages to color, eggnog to drink, stories to read, a tree to trim, stockings to fill, thanks to express to our troops, caroling and mistletoe kissing to do, this writer must stop, but not before sending warmest wishes to you for a wonderful and
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:
2411 Woodlawn Dr. Montgomery, Al 36106
MLS#268557

Nature lover's delight! Enjoy morning coffee (or an adult beverage after work) on the screened porch watching the squirrels and listening to the birds cavort in the towering trees out back. Like to entertain? The back yard is mighty private and the perfect spot. Or if it's chilly, snuggle up in the front of the fireplace and enjoy the beauty of hardwood floors and old-house charm. Conveniently located near I85 and the Mulberry District.
Learn more about 2411 Woodlawn Drive and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com.
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:
26 N Pennsylvania Street, Montgomery AL 36107
MLS# 269987

Ever notice how rare it is to find covered parking, much less ATTACHED covered parking in any of Montgomery's older neighborhoods? Well, this brick home in historic Capitol Heights comes with an ATTACHED 2-car GARAGE. No more getting rained on coming to and from your home, no more scraping ice in the winter and scorching hot seats in the summer! Walk through the breezeway connecting the garage to the house and you'll find a roomy 3 bedroom two bath home with living room, dining room, eat-in kitchen and sunroom! Out back there is a two tiered deck great for entertaining or just relaxing with the family. The large fenced yard is pet friendly and great for kicking the ball around with the kids or grand kids. Conveniently located to schools, shopping, dining, and all the Downtown Montgomery has to offer.
Learn more about 26 N Pennsylvania Street and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:
1019 Avondale Road Montgomery, AL 36109
MLS# 268560

Great schools and convenient, too! This cozy little cottage is only a short walk from Flowers Elementary and not far from Goodwyn Jr High and Lee High School, so getting your kids to a good school will be a piece of cake. No car? Walk about a block to shopping or catch MATS Twin Oaks route to Super Wal-Mart. Plus it's a nice little house in a neighborly neighborhood, so check it out today!
Learn more about 1019 Avondale Road and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com.
Search all Montgomery Real Estate and homes for sale
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:
3425 Idlewild Montgomery, AL 36106
MLS #268538

Cloverdale cottage is on a quite cul-de-sac near many Midtown parks and attractions. Barbecue on your covered rear deck or rock on your front porch while neighbors stroll past. Enjoy the incredible tree canopy outside and the interesting architectural details within. Recent updates include electrical, plumbing, kitchen and bath. You'll have few worries with an almost new roof and HVAC. At this price you can stop paying the rent monster and have low payments to boot.
Learn more about 3425 Idlewild Court and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com.
Search all Montgomery Real Estate and homes for sale.
Montgomery Homes For Sale:
1277 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery AL 36104
MLS# 268390

Completely renovated Garden District bungalow! As you walk up to this lovely home you are greeted by a huge front porch. The living room has wonderful built-ins on either side of the fireplace and French doors that lead into the pretty dining room. Spend evenings relaxing in the cozy den which has a built-in entertainment center. Through the dining room you will find a lovely updated eat-in kitchen with tile counter tops, tile floor and a butler's pantry. The laundry room is conveniently located right off the kitchen. There is storage everywhere in this home.
Learn more about 1277 S Lawrence Street and other Montgomery homes for sale by visiting HatTeam.com.
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:
437 S Highland Court, Montgomery AL 36104
MLS# 268398

This house is bound to be Montgomery's best bungalow! This home boast incredible detailing throughout like lovely heart pine floors, doorways with transoms and four decorative fireplaces...all the stuff that you as an old house lover appreciate. There is a wonderfully cozy inglenook in the living room and a huge formal dining room with a butler's pantry. The kitchen has been updated and comes fully equipped, there is also a built-in. The homes original bath room is home to your very own claw foot tub. And all of these great little details come at a price well within your budget. This great bungalow sits on a quiet dead-end street!
Learn more about 437 S Highland Court and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting TheHatTeam.com
Months of Inventory is a measuring tool to determine the current demand for Montgomery real estate. The general rule of thumb is when inventory levels are between 5 & 7 months, the real estate market is stable. Prices remain steady or may rise slightly. When inventory levels exceed 7 months, the demand for real estate is low and prices are likely to fall. This is referred to as a Buyers Market.
When inventory levels fall below 5 months, sellers have more control over price and terms, often resulting in rising pricesor a Sellers Market.
Months of Inventory for Midtown Montgomery Real Estate
The chart below reflects the Months of Inventory for Midtown Montgomery Real Estate comparing 2008 to 2009. As you can see Midtown Montgomery real estate continues to be a Buyers Market with inventories above the 7 month level.

Have questions about Montgomery real estate? Visit HatTeam.com.
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