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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Trends - July 2011

Friday, August 26, 2011
by The Hat Team

At least one fear was not realized amid last week’s stock market meltdown according to CNNMoney.com: the concern that mortgage rates would immediately shoot higher in response to Standard & Poor's downgrade of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored entities that are the 800-pound gorillas of the mortgage market. In fact, the initial response to Fannie and Freddie getting cut to AA+ from AAA was precisely the opposite. Mortgage rates were poised to continue declining.

Mortgage rates are set off of the interest rates on U.S. Treasury notes and bonds. Even though Standard & Poor's pulled its AAA rating of the United States, investors still rushed into U.S. Treasury securities as a safe haven, believing more in the "full faith and credit of the United States" than in the opinion of Standard & Poor's credit analysts. As investors snapped up Treasury notes and bonds they pushed down interest rates on those securities, which move inversely to prices.

Analysts warn the drop in interest rates may not last. If investment flows were to move back into stocks and out of bonds, interest rates on Treasury securities, and consequently mortgages, would rise. "Over the long-term, if the U.S. has to pay more in interest rates, consumer rates will likely go up," said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com.

For now, lower mortgage rates may offer only limited benefits to American consumers. Banks' lending standards have been tough recently, and consumers need the wherewithal to qualify for loans. That appears increasingly difficult as the economy continues to sputter.

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

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for July show the average sales price decreased by 18% to $114,292 when compared to July 2010.  The number of homes sold increased by 36% in July.  The median sales prices decreased by 10%, and market times increased 10% or 15 days.  The highest selling home price decreased by 36%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 43%.

Midtown Montgomery July 2011 July 2010
Homes Sold 25 16
Average Selling Price $ 114,292 $ 138,794
Median Selling Price $ 100,000 $ 110,950
Days On The Market 155 140
Highest Selling Price $ 320,000 $ 500,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 4,000 $ 7,000

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.

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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Tips For Improving Your Score

Friday, August 19, 2011
by The Hat Team

Your credit score is a number that helps lenders predict how likely you are to make your payments on time. This score affects your ability to obtain credit and helps determine what you pay for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages on Montgomery AL homes. Even your insurance rate is related to your score. The higher your score, often referred to as a FICO score, the more apt you are to be approved for and pay a lower interest rate on new loans. Scores ranging from 650 and below are considered bad and indicate to the lender that you are a very high risk. Chances are you will be unable to secure a loan, or if you are, it will be at a much higher interest rate and/or require a cosigner.

What If there Are Errorsup

What to do if you have a low score and do not qualify for a mortgage on a Montgomery AL home? Your first action should be to check your credit report for errors. If you find erroneous information, you need to act immediately by contacting both the credit bureau (the three major ones are Equifax, Experian, and Transunion) and the organization that provided that information.

  • The credit bureau/agency: Send a certified, return receipt requested letter to the bureau pointing out each inaccuracy and enclose copies of documents which support your claim as well as the report itself (with the misinformation highlighted). Factually explain why you dispute each item and request a deletion or correction for each one.
  • The creditor or information provider: Send the same type of letter and enclose the same documents. Request that the provider notify you of action taken (generally within 90 days) so that you can verify the amended information.

If there are no errors on your report, then you should take immediate steps to improve your credit. Ways to do this include the following:

  • Stop using your credit cards. Do not continue to accumulate debt.
  • Get current on delinquent accounts. Since payment history makes up 35% of your score, this action will have a great impact on your score.
  • Keep accounts with balances open, but don’t apply for more credit.
  • Call your creditors. Explain your financial situation and ask about possible hardship programs which will temporarily reduce your monthly payments.
  • Begin paying off your existing debts, even if you have to sell some belongings to do so. Come up with a get-out-of-debt plan and stick to it.
  • Get professional help. There are resources available to help you reestablish a good credit rating. Contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling for assistance.

7. Be patient. Realize that improving your credit score takes time and that there is no quick-fix --and keep in mind your goal of owning a Montgomery AL home.

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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Survival Guide For Montgomery AL Homeowners: Coping With Summer Heat

Friday, August 12, 2011
by The Hat Team

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.

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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Sales - June 2011

Thursday, July 28, 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.

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Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3228 Lexington Road Montgomery, AL 36106

Friday, June 17, 2011
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3228  Lexington Road Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS#284664

This unassuming tudor-style cottage has some awesome architectural detailing! Classic barrel-vault ceiling and lots of natural light in living room give a feeling of openness. The "moorish" style fireplace between the living and dining rooms seems to "float" and has a unique niche built-in for a treasured piece of sculpture. Wide central hall is a great place to show off an art collection and is even big enough for furniture. If you like retro, you will flip over the hall bath with its original yellow and black retro tile that looks like it came from the Chrysler Building in New York! Off the living room is a private side courtyard that leads to an open backyard with plenty of space for kids and pets to play. Unfinished basement is a great storm shelter and could be a cool space to store wine. Recent improvements include new roof, French drain system, fresh paint, and new double pane window in the living room.

Learn more about 3228 Lexington Road and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com. 

Search all Montgomery Real Estate and homes for sale.

 

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Making the Most of the Montgomery Real Estate Market

Thursday, November 13, 2008
by The Hat Team

Making the Most of the Montgomery Real Estate Market:

The Economy, Your Home, Our Commitment

We’ll continue with what some consider our strict requirement that buyers be preapproved before we even show them a house, and that sellers take the front-end steps to prepare for a sale by discovering all infrastructure areas that need to be addressed before an offer ever comes to your table. We call it a “smooth move,” and it’s saved scores of sellers from a
delayed closing or even a canceled offer, which the buyer can legally opt out of when something unexpected is discovered. We’ll encourage sellers to make their houses more saleable by addressing curb appeal and recommending actions which stage the house to appeal to the largest number of prospective buyers.

In short, we’re in this for the long haul. We’ve faced up and down markets before. We’ve worked hard to earn the trust of our clients. And we’re not going to sit back and expect someone else to bail us out. If you’re tired of real estate agents telling you there’s nothing they can do about it; if you’re fed up with those who simply list your house and sit back and wait for someone else to sell it; or if you’re not going to let the media scare you from pursuing your dream of selling or
buying your home, then perhaps it’s time to sit down for a visit to discuss what The Hat Team will do for you. When you first meet with us, know we’re not going to force you to do anything. If you sign a contract to hire us to act as your agent and you don’t like the way we’re handling
your property, you can fire us. After all, you hire us to represent your best interests in buying or selling your most important investment—your home, and you’d expect us to complete the job and keep you well informed. Our goal is your goal because we don’t get paid until you get paid.
So don’t sit around waiting for change. You’ll likely be disappointed and miss out on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. You can move in a down market, saving much more on your new larger home than you’d ever lose on the sale of your current smaller one. And great builders are willing to talk trade-in on your current home to make the process even easier! Ask us about trading
up to a brand-new Prestige-built home in Crenshaw Close; or any one of TH Taylor’s four new homes in Grove Park and Beauvoir. Those who wait will be sadly mistaken. Those who do nothing will be missing out on a great opportunity to own a home at reasonable prices, or
sell their existing one. It’ll be a rough marketplace for some time yet and we, the Realtors, the lenders and the dozens of people who participate in the process of preparing your home for sale
and getting it to the table for a completed sale, have to work very hard to re-earn the trust of the American homebuyer. That we will do!

So, give us a call and let’s talk. You’ll find our knowledge about the housing market is superb, and you’ll learn that we work as a true team unlike any other Realtor group in this area. Don’t sit around and fret. Call now to set up a time to meet at your convenience. We’ll give you our best view of the current situation based on our extensive network of experts. It may not be as bad as you imagine. When the time comes to sell or buy, we’ll be honored to interview for the job. You’ve got enough stress in life not to worry about the many details of selling or buying your home.

Learn more about Montgomery real estate at HatTeam.com.

Search all Montgomery real estate and homes for sale.

The Economy, Your Home, Our CommitmentEveryone knows the economy has taken a big hit, the availability of money has been tightened and the government has stepped in to take a number of poor mortgage loan decisions off the books of major lenders. But, what you may not know is that if you have decent credit, mortgage
money is available, interest rates are low and there are opportunities to take advantage of great home prices.

The inventory of available homes, almost everywhere, is abundant. In the greater Montgomery area, it’s larger than what’s needed for more than 10 months. Normally, the inventory of available homes turns over in about six months. Simply put, too many speculative homes were built at too high a price point. Some people bought homes beyond their needs and ability to pay for them. Some of the folks who got into those homes simply stopped paying for their mortgages and the lenders foreclosed on them. Some—mostly out-ofstate investors—had speculated on investment properties, didn’t “flip” them successfully and just walked away.

Despite the negative headlines, homes are selling and being purchased. People are moving in and out of them for all kinds of reasons: career moves, changing household size, marriages, divorces, moving up or sizing down, or simply looking for greener pastures. That is true even in the worst economic situations.

The Hat Team’s Response

So what are we going to do? The Hat Team Realtors will continue working to make sure our clients become raving fans. We’ll work to continue earning your confidence. We’ll help you know where to look for available funds to purchase your home. We’ll match our buyers and seek
others who will find your current home right for them.
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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 3402 Wiley Road

Sunday, June 8, 2008
by The Hat Team

3402 Wiley Road, Montgomery AL 36106
Montgomery AL Real Estate for sale: 

Mid-century modern at its best. Located in Ridgefield. Walls of windows look onto the professionally landscaped lawn & gardens, along with vaulted ceilings. The kitchen has been remodeled with new cabinetry, floor and appliances. Hardwood floors throughout. The 2-car garage is heated and cooled and also has a workshop area. Located on a corner lot with beautiful trees and plantings that provide year-round foliage. This is a must see! Call first no answer-show. The portable pad to the security system will be placed on the chest just inside the front door. Please reset alarm when you leave. The permanently mounted security pad is in the bedroom. You have 45 seconds to get to it.
For more information on 3402 Wiley Road or other Montgomery AL real estate, visit HatTeam.com.  Search all Montgomery Al real estate. Enroll in our free, automated New Listing Alerts and have a list of new homes emialed to your Inbox as they hit the market.
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Montgomery Homes For Sale: 7004 Eastern Shore Road

Friday, May 16, 2008
by The Hat Team

7004 Eastern Shore Road, Montgomery AL 36117
MLS# 254158

 

 

Bring your boxes and move right in this Montgomery home for sale in Eastern Oaks. Just refurbished with fresh paint and new carpet. Open floor plan with trey ceilings in the Great Room and Master Bedroom. Oversized laundry with a closet. Outside you will find a large covered patio and privacy fenced back yard.

For more information on 7004 Eastern Shore Road or other Montgomery homes for sale, visit our website, HatTeam.com or give us a call for more personalized service, 800-428-5239.

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Montgomery Homes For Sale: 866 Autumn Ridge Lane

Friday, May 16, 2008
by The Hat Team

866 Autumn Ridge Road, Montgomery AL 36117
MLS# 254178

866 autumn ridge

You'll fall in love with this gracious and well maintained Montgomery home for sale in Halcyon Summit. Conveniently located to shopping, dining, schools, doctors,and the Interstate. This gem has graceful arches, formal columns, volume and vaulted ceilings, and decorator colors. The cook's delight kitchen is sure to please, and the breakfast room is bathed in natural light. Spacious great room has fireplace and room for all your collectables. The oversized master bedroom has a walk-in closet and a wonderful bath with double vanity, garden tub, and separate shower. The other 2 bedrooms and baths are separated from the master for additional privacy via an arched hallway. Don't miss the extra large laundry and storage room. Out back there is a private back yard, patio, and large pine tree for afternoon shade.

For more information on 866 Autumn Ridge Road or other Montgomery homes for sale, visit our website, HatTeam.com or give us a call for more personalized service, 800-428-5239.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate Podcast

Thursday, April 24, 2008
by The Hat Team


This month's edition covers Montgomery real estate market activity and then our experts explain how making a few changes in your home’s presentation can make it go from ordinary to extraordinary!

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.

Program length: approximately 8 minutes

 

download podcast mp3 file | subscribe to podcast feed

 

To learn more about Montgomery AL real estate, please call me at 800-HAT-LADY or visit HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com.  You may also begin searching for Montgomery AL real estate here!

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