Real Estate Information

Montgomery Real Estate Blog

The Hat Team

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1311-1320 of 1998

Debt Relief = Income

by The Hat Team

 

Mortgage Relief.pngMany times a homeowner might feel relieved being out from under the obligation of a mortgage they can’t afford even though the property was lost due to foreclosure or short sale. If a lender cancels or forgives debt, a taxpayer must include the cancelled amount in their income for tax purposes depending on the circumstances. The tax significance could be serious.

Congress enacted the Mortgage Relief Act specifically to help homeowners who might be affected in the housing crisis that started approximately in 2007. The Act expired on 12/31/12 but was temporarily extended by Congress until December 31, 2013.

This relief only applies to a taxpayers’ principal residence which does not include second homes and investment property. The maximum amount is limited to $2 million of mortgage debt forgiveness or $1 million if filing separately.

Another provision is that the debt relief is limited to acquisition indebtedness used to buy, build or improve the property. It excludes cash equity loans whether made separately or in a refinance of the original mortgage.

Due to the serious consequences involved in short sales and foreclosures, it is advised that homeowners faced with this possibility should seek expert advice from their legal and tax professionals.

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 1701 Mitford Ct

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

1701 Mitford Ct, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 302210

Close To Everything!

1701 mitford ct montgomery al


Extremely convenient location! This is a great custom built home with tons of upgrades. Open floor plan with hardwood floors, nice crown molding, custom-designed mantle with stone surround and wood burning fireplace with gas starter. Lovely kitchen with travertine floors, tile countertops and back splash. Split floor plan with large master suite, huge walk-in closet and garden tub. 4th bedroom off master is perfect for a computer room, study/office or nursery. Attached 2 car carport and fenced in backyard with patio. Close to everything!

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.

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends - June 2013

by The Hat Team

The housing market outlook continues to be optimistic. Research by the National Association of Realtors® reveals that steady job creation and household formation have been helping release pent-up demand. Home prices are primed to rise in 2013 and 2014 due to lagging housing starts and an ongoing inventory shortage. Americans are also feeling confident in the housing recovery. According to a HouseLogic.com article, More than Half of Americans Think Home Prices Will Rise in Year Ahead, Fannie Mae’s April 2013 National Housing Survey revealed 51 percent of Americans now expect home prices to climb within the next year; up from 32 percent at the same time last year.

Take a look at sales figures in our local real estate market for May 2013.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for May 2013 show the number of homes sold decreased by 21% when compared to May 2012. The average sales price increased by 18% to $ 149,493 for the month. The median sales prices decreased by 13%, and market times remained consistent with May 2012.  The highest selling home price increased by 43%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 40% from May 2012.

Midtown Montgomery May  2013 May 2012
Homes Sold 35 44
Average Selling Price $ 149,493 $ 122,453
Median Selling Price $ 105,000 $ 121,000
Days On The Market 139 139
Highest Selling Price $ 665,000 $ 380,000
Lowest Selling Price $ 17,000 $ 10,200

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.

Get Your Offer Accepted

by The Hat Team

The Montgomery AL real estate inventory is dramatically shrinking and it is commonplace in many markets to have multiple offers on a home. While the sellers would prefer to be able to choose the best offer for them, it can be incredibly frustrating for the buyers who might consider the following tips to get their offer accepted. 

serious buyer1. Remove the uncertainty that you may not be approved for a mortgage by having a pre-approval letter from your mortgage company.

2. Show your sincerity by increasing the normal amount of earnest money customary for the area and price of the home. The earnest money will be applied toward your down payment and closing costs. Consider placing even more money in escrow when the contingencies have been met.

3. Specify a closing date in the contract but acknowledge that you can be flexible to accommodate the sellers moving date. If it becomes an issue, it still must be mutually agreed upon.

4. Make the contingency periods shorter if possible to make the seller feel that they’ll know sooner that the offer is solid.

5. If the contingency really isn’t important to you, leave it out of the offer. The more contingencies included in a contract, the more the seller will feel might happen to keep it from actually closing.

6. Write a personal note to the seller explaining why you like and want their home. Consider including a picture of your family and pets.

7. Physically sign the offer with a felt tip pen of contrasting color. You’d be surprised how this adds a personal touch to the offer.

Offer a fair price for the property in your initial purchase agreement. It shows sincerity and good faith that you’re actually trying to purchase the home and not trying to take advantage of the seller. The old adage that you can always go up later may never happen if there are multiple offers on the property in the beginning.

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.

Economic Factors to Consider When Relocating

by The Hat Team

Whether you are thinking about leaving your Montgomery AL home because of employment, health, a desire for a change of scenery, retirement, etc., a move to a new location is not to be undertaken lightly and requires research on your part to be successful.  While most potential transplants are aware of the need to check out housing costs, moving truckair quality, job market prospects, available health care, specific amenities, and school ratings, not all fully comprehend the economic impact relocation may have on their lives.

Areas worth investigating:

  • Moving expenses:  Inquire about an employee relocation package which covers all or part of the costs of your move.  Even if your new employer doesn’t offer any financial assistance, you might be eligible for partial reimbursement at tax time, which can definitely ease some of your financial stress. (Click here to see which expenses qualify.)  Remember to include the cost of your travel from your Montgomery AL home, lodging, and food in addition to the cost of moving your possessions as you calculate expenses.  (Take advantage of sites such as www.Upack.com or Moving Guru.com to assist you.)
  • Job market:  While you may have secured a well-paying job, what are the prospects for your spouse?  What is the salary range for that field?
     
  • Transportation:  What is the cost of public transportation, fuel, tolls, and parking?  Will you require a second car?  What is the personal property tax rate for autos in your new location?
     
  • Municipal fees:  Are there additional costs particular to your new municipality?  What is the average rate of utilities?  Are parks, playgrounds, and museums free?  Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new city for this type of information.
     
  • Overall cost of living:  Since you will need to compare the average cost of living you had in your Montgomery AL home with that of your new surroundings, you will want to take advantage of sites such as Best Places for actual facts and figures related to food, housing, utilities, transportation, health costs, and salaries in each location.  For even more detailed information about these categories, you can’t go wrong with that supplied by Numbeo.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.

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.

Montgomery AL Real Estate: 3141 Gatsby Lane

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

3141 Gatsby Lane, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 301827

Incredible Inside and Out!

3141 gatsby lane


This is an incredible interior end unit (does not back up to the interstate!) that's move-in condition in desirable Hillwood West. New laminate floors throughout that resemble hard wood, updated kitchen with granite countertops, spacious master bedroom and lots of storage. Relax on the fabulous flagstone patio and enjoy the beautiful landscaping. Don't miss this one!

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.

Should You Pay-off Your Mortgage Early?

by The Hat Team

With interest rates so low and economic uncertainty so high, it is no wonder that many owners of Montgomery AL homes are considering paying off, or at least paying down, their mortgages earlier than expected. The topic is a homecontroversial one, however, with real estate and financial experts vociferously arguing about both the advantages and disadvantages of such a move.

Proponents of early pay-offs cite benefits such as a strong sense of financial stability, added housing security, and financial flexibility, whereas opponents point out the loss of liquidity and investment opportunities.  Both sides agree, however, that you should pay off high interest loans first, establish a comfortable emergency fund, and utilize a mortgage calculator to analyze financial gain or loss incurred in the early pay-off of the mortgage on your Montgomery AL home.

In the event that you decide that you do wish to own your Montgomery AL home free and clear now—or in the near future-- there are steps you need to follow.   First, the process is the same whether you obtained your loan from a bank, a credit union, or a mortgage broker/banker. You signed a promissory note and a deed of trust (or mortgage) which was recorded among the land records in the jurisdiction where your property is located.

Before you send in a check, contact your lender and get a written payoff statement, which will include a per-diem interest. Remember that interest accrues daily, and you have to pay the lender up to the date it actually receives your check.( Many title attorneys actually send the lender a few more days' interest just to be on the safe side. Legitimate lenders will refund any overage.)

After you have paid the lien off, some documentation (release or satisfaction) must be recorded among those same land records reflecting that the loan has been paid in full. Talk to your lender as to its procedure. Most will take care of recording the release for a nominal fee; some will send you the promissory note and deed of trust marked "paid and canceled" and ask you to handle the recording.  Be sure you get the original documents back from the lender.

You should also (1) advise your insurance carrier in writing that you no longer have a mortgage; (2) request the real estate taxing authorities in your jurisdiction send you the original tax bills; and (3) stop any automatic payments with your bank.

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.

 

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 3272 Gatsby Lane

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

3272 Gatsby Lane, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 301622

Neat, Clean and Ready for New Owner!

3272 gatsby lane


This wonderful Hillwood end-unit patio home is ready to welcome a new owner! With special thought to the floor plan, this architect paid special attention to large, open spaces and circular flow. And, a design twist...there are double doors from the 3rd bedroom into the foyer, giving it dual use as a den/study/home office. Out back, don’t miss the covered patio with new indoor/outdoor carpet, fully fenced private back yard, and wired storage building. Parking in rear, so curb appeal stays neat and clean!

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.

 

 

Montgomery AL Real Estate: 1254 Gregory Ave

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

1254 Gregory Ave, Montgomery AL 36111
MLS# 301595

Fabulous Estate-like Setting!


Fabulous estate-like setting in Edgewood. Situated on a huge beautiful lot, this home is both spacious and comfortable. If you are looking for a lot of room to spread out, this home is perfect inside and out. Simply wonderful for entertaining or relaxing with family and friends. Eat-in kitchen has been nicely updated with granite. Features include a lovely living room, dining room and den with built-ins and the best side porch where you could read or have a cocktail. This house is a deal for the neighborhood. Hurry and check it out!

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.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Trends - April 2013

by The Hat Team

In April, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Montgomery, AL was 24% lower than the previous month and 25% lower than the same time last year, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

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, 0.01% higher than Alabama and the same as Montgomery County statistics in April 2013.

montgomery al foreclosure

Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties declines 38.6% compared to March and decreased 31.4% compared to April 2012. The number of Auctions decreased 16.1% compared to March and 21.2% from April 2012.

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.

Displaying blog entries 1311-1320 of 1998

Syndication

Categories

Archives

   cdpe    crsHat Lady on Zillow