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Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 330 Finley Avenue

Wednesday, July 30, 2014
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

330 Finley Avenue, Montgomery AL 36104
MLS# 311101

Lovely Turn-Of-The-Century Architecture!


Historic 1890's home has been completely updated. With high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, and coffered ceilings, this home will please anyone who appreciates turn-of-the-century architecture. Plenty of room for your family and guests, you will never run out of space. Large updated kitchen and open breakfast room have views of the side deck. True master suite on first floor has bedroom, sitting room/den, walk in closet, and HUGE master bath with tub and large separate shower. Upstairs you will find 3 generous bedrooms (one currently used as a spacious closet/dressing room) and a sitting area. Manicured grounds, fenced yard, and plenty of under-house storage plus detached 2-car garage with tool shed.

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 Report for June 2014

Monday, July 28, 2014
by The Hat Team

If you sold your primary residence and made a profit, you may be able to exclude that profit from your taxable income. Here's how it works.

Individuals can exclude up to $250,000 in profit from the sale of a main home (or $500,000 for a married couple) as long as you have owned the home and lived in the home for a minimum of two years. Those two years do not need to be consecutive. In the 5 years prior to the sale of the house, you need to have lived in the house for at least 24 months in that 5-year period. In other words, the home must have been your principal residence. Just like calculating capital gains, the formula for calculating the gain or loss involves subtracting your cost basis from your selling price.

The formula for calculating your cost basis on your main home is as follows:

Purchase price

     + Purchase costs (title & escrow fees, real estate agent commissions, etc.)

     + Improvements (replacing the roof, new furnace, etc.)

     + Selling costs (title & escrow fees, real estate agent commissions, etc.)

     - Accumulated depreciation (for example, if you ever took the office in the home deduction)

     = Cost Basis

And then calculating your profit or loss would be:

Selling price

     - Cost Basis

     = Gain or Loss

Now let's look at how many homes were sold in Midtown Montgomery during June.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for June 2014, show the number of homes sold decreased by 27% when compared to June 2013. The average sales price increased by 3.8% to $210,426 for the month. The median sales prices increased by 6.7%, and market times decreased by 47 days from June 2013.  The highest selling price increased by 45%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 64% compared to June 2013.

Midtown Montgomery  June 2014 June 2013
Homes Sold 26 36
Average Selling Price $210,426 $151,658
Median Selling Price $155,750 $93,000
Days On The Market 181 134
Highest Selling Price $870,000 $600,000
Lowest Selling Price $15,000 $9,100

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.

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Indecision Costs

Thursday, July 24, 2014
by The Hat Team

questionMore money has been lost to indecision than was ever lost to making the wrong decision.  The economy and the housing market have caused some people to take a “wait and see” position that could cost them in lost opportunities as well as almost certain higher costs in the future.

To illustrate what the opportunity cost might be, let’s compare what the value of the down payment two years from now would be if it was invested in a certificate of deposit, the stock market or used to purchase a home today.

A 3.5% down payment on a $175,000 home is $6,125.00.  If it was invested in a CD that would earn 2%, a person would have $6,372 in two years.  The earnings would be taxed as ordinary income tax rates.  It wouldn't earn much but it would be safe and secure.

The same amount would grow to $7,013 in the stock market if you picked the right stock or fund and it yielded 7%. The earnings would be taxed at the long term capital gains rate.  The return could be greater but so is the risk involved.

If this person were to purchase a home today that appreciated 2% in value over the next two years, the equity in the home would grow to $18,769 due to value going up and the unpaid balance going down.

Your Best Investment.png

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The question, we all must ask ourselves is “where should our money be invested?”  Try Your Best Investment to see the difference it will make based on your price range, down payment and earning rate.

Information brought to you by Sandra Nickel Hat Team Realtors.

 

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Flipping - Is It Right For You?

Thursday, July 17, 2014
by The Hat Team

If you watch home-and-garden cable channels, it looks like everyone is flipping houses. i.e. buying a piece of real estate, making minor repairs, and quickly selling it at a substantially higher price.  Basic investing 101: Buy low, sell high.

flipping real estateCertainly sounds appealing--and you may be tempted to join the ranks of those who have been successful in this field.  Be forewarned, however, that like most money-making endeavors, flipping requires time, money, patience and skill.

For tips on how to begin, steps to follow, and advice on how to avoid pitfalls, read on…

Do your research and be knowledgeable well in advance:

  • Talk to (and learn from) successful flippers, read up on the subject, follow real estate deals in the newspaper, use the Internet as a teaching resource, attend open houses and auctions.
  • Identify possible house locations, size, and style.  Educate yourself on how to recognize promising properties and how to spot a lemon.
  • Familiarize yourself with current prices, taxes, utility rates, HOA fees, municipal and restrictions in each area you are considering.   Study your market. Get to know it as well as you possibly can. Understand the trends, the kinds of houses, the neighborhoods, the streets
  • Visit the potential homes and neighborhoods in person.  Talk to residents, Realtors, and repair companies who are familiar with the area.

Set up a budget, a time line, and financing:

  • Figure out how much money you have (or can put your hands on using investors) without borrowing
  • Calculate the cost of repairs, taxes, utilities, materials, contractor/labor expenses, and the like.  Professional contractors advise flippers to add an extra 10% to their repair estimate.  Also, to be on the safe side, make sure that you’ll be able to hold on to the home as a rental property for a while, if need be.
  • Experts suggest factoring in the flip time into your budget and your potential profit before you purchase the home. According to investors, a successful flip is one that makes you around a 15% profit.

Be prepared:

  • When you find the right piece of real estate, you must act quickly to buy it.
  • Have appraisers, agents, contractors, skilled laborers lined up so they can start work immediately upon your purchase.  Remember, in flipping, time is money!
  • Be ready to make quick decisions, devote a great deal of time (and possibly sweat equity) to this project, and face unexpected expenses.

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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Fifteen Will Get You Three

Friday, July 11, 2014
by The Hat Team

mortgageFreddie Mac chief economist, Frank Nothaft, says that affordability, stability and flexibility are the three reasons homebuyers overwhelmingly choose a 30 year term.  However, for those who can afford a higher payment, there are three additional reasons to choose a 15 year term: save interest, build equity and retire the debt sooner.

First-time buyers have a higher tendency to use a minimum down payment and are very concerned with affordable payments.  It is understandable that the majority of these buyers select 30 year, fixed-rate mortgages.

Consider a $200,000 mortgage at 30 year and 15 year terms with recent mortgage rates at 4.2% and 3.31% respectively. The payment is $433.15 less on the 30 year term but the interest rate being charged is higher.  The total interest paid by the borrower if each of the loans was retired would be almost three times more for the 30 year term.

mortgage.png

Another interesting thing about the 15 years mortgage is that more of the payment is going to principal than interest from the very first payment.  It would take over 13 years on the 30 year mortgage for the principal to exceed the interest allocation.

Some people might suggest getting a 30 year loan and making the payments as if they were on a 15 year loan.  That would certainly accelerate amortization and save interest. The real challenge is the discipline to actually make the payments on a consistent basis if you don’t have to.  Many experts cite that one of the benefits of homeownership is a forced savings that occurs due to the amortization that is not necessarily done by renters.

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 AL Home for Sale: 3525 LeBron Road

Thursday, July 10, 2014
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

3525 LeBron Road, Montgomery AL 36111
MLS# 310700

Lovely And Really a Deal!

3525 lebron road

Move in ready and perfect for a first time homebuyer! This South Cloverdale home has new carpet, fresh paint, lots of space and is ready for its new owner. Lots of windows make it bright and cheery. Lots of cabinet space in the kitchen, living room, dining room and nice big den. Separate laundry room off the kitchen, attached carport and private backyard. This home is lovely and really a deal! Check it out today.

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 AL Real Estate: 3224 LeBron Avenue

Thursday, July 10, 2014
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

3224 LeBron Avenue, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 310507

Well Maintained Charming Cloverdale Cottage!

3224 lebron ave

Look no further your search is over!! Charming Cloverdale cottage offering the Three bedrooms and two baths most buyers seek! Under $170k and the location you will want! Beautiful hardwood floors and transoms you expect in a home of this vintage add to its historic charm. You will find a small yet updated very efficient and functional kitchen. A rear wrap-around deck connects the kitchen to the side porch perfect for cookouts. Two good size bedrooms down and nice main bedroom up with lots of closets, storage and even a trunk room (see original blueprints framed upstairs).  Attached bonus area is now used as an in-home office and complements main bedroom area. Covered porch off dining room is a great place to sit, relax and watch your neighbors stroll past. This home has had but three owners and it shows. Walk to the Capri movie theater, Cloverdale Playhouse, 1048 blues club or one of many other local restaurants or hot spots! Seller has made many improvements and maintained this home to a high standard. Give us or your favorite agent a call to view today! See 3224lebron.weebly.com for more detailed info about home from seller!

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 AL Home for Sale: 377 Winthrop Court

Wednesday, July 2, 2014
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

377 Winthrop Court, Montgomery AL 36104
MLS# 310434

Lots Of High End Updates!


Incredible property on one of the best kept streets in the Garden District! Lots of high end updates! Beautiful hardwoods and heavy moldings! Kitchen has top grade granite, many built-ins, lazy susan’s, ceramic subway tile and on demand boiling water. Den features heart pine floors, fireplace, book shelves and rough sown cedar walls. Dining room looks out to a wonderful covered deck and yard. Downstairs bath features black and white marble flooring and custom vanity. Spectacular main suite upstairs with six large closets, bookcases and built in window box drawers, Upstairs office could be nursery. Downstairs office has upholstered walls and could serve as extra living area/den. Electric gated entry drive. Great condition and ready to move in! Your clients won’t be disappointed! Call us or your favorite agent to view today!

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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Make Good Offers Better

Tuesday, July 1, 2014
by The Hat Team

It’s disappointing, frustrating and sometimes, discouraging when you lose a home you want to buy.

good-betterOne of the hardest lessons for today’s buyers is that writing an offer doesn’t mean that you’ll get the home or even a counter-offer.  The low inventory affecting many of the housing markets requires a different strategy to give you the best chance to get the home you want.

  1. Make your best offer initially; you may not get a chance to accept a counter.
  2. Submit a written pre-approval letter from the lender.
  3. Increase earnest money above what is considered normal.
  4. Make a larger down payment.
  5. Eliminate unnecessary contingencies.
  6. Don’t ask for personal property not included in the listing agreement.
  7. Pay your own customary closing costs.
  8. Shorten the inspection period.
  9. Buy the home “as is” subject to inspections which still allows you to get your earnest money back if the inspections are unacceptable but doesn’t require the seller to make repairs.
  10. Write the seller a hand-written, personal letter telling them why you want their home; include a picture of your family.
  11. Offer to use the seller’s or listing agent’s preferred title company.
  12. If you can pay cash, do so and arrange financing after closing.  Be prepared to show proof of available funds.
  13. Schedule the closing as soon as possible but let the seller know you can be flexible.
  14. Once you decide on a home, act with expedience.
  15. Ask your real estate professional if they have any other suggestions. 

Think of making an offer like applying for a job. You want to make your best impression and show why you are the best choice.  You won’t always know that there are multiple offers.  Approach the process like the competition is doing their best to get the 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.

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.

Add Comment

Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 2110 Mona Lisa Drive

Monday, June 30, 2014
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

2110 Mona Lisa Drive, Montgomery AL 36111
MLS# 310416

Bring Your Imagination!

2110 mona lisa drive

How's your imagination? If you can look past dirty carpet and envision the hardwood below, you'll see that this well-loved house has the potential to be your new home. Kitchen and baths are modern and in great shape. An over-sized laundry room has space for crafts or work-shopping. And the huge fenced yard cries out for kids and/or pets. Great peach trees, too, and within walking distance of Baptist and Alfa so call now!

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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