If you are debating whether to sell your house for sale this fall or even early next year, there are many reasons not to wait! We have a FREE Fall Sellers Guide, Things to Consider When Selling Your Home, that gives you 5 reasons to sell this fall.  Things like the importance of pricing right from the beginning, how an increase in interest rates will impact home sales, and so much more!  No obligation, of course! Download your FREE Sellers Guide then contact us get started with your home sale.Get an instant market valuation of your Montgomery home!Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team! 10/22/2015

Of course the first day of fall was a few weeks ago but it sure hasn’t felt much like it.  This unseasonably warm weather may have made you forget to prepare your home for the cooler months but I hope to remedy that with this blog post chock full of ideas today. So sit back with your hot cup of pumpkin spice coffee and enjoy this post. Below are a few ideas to help prepare your home for fall and winter. If you want to make sure to keep the upcoming cold air drafts out of your house then you need to be sure to go around to each door and check the weather stripping.  Make sure there are no cracks, leaks or wear of the weather stripping.  If you see that there has been some wear and tear on your weather stripping be sure to replace it as soon as possible so that you will stay nice and toas... 10/10/2015

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for August 2015, show the number of homes sold increased 19.35% The average sales price increased by 10.10% to $155,282 for the month. The median sales price increased 15.35% to $124,000, and market times decreased by 27 days.  The highest selling price decreased by 4.82% from August  2014. Midtown Montgomery  August 2015   August 2014 Homes Sold 37 31 Average Selling Price $155,282 $141,040 Median Selling Price $124,000 $107,500 Days On The Market 134 161 Highest Selling Price $790,000 $830,000 Lowest Selling Price $7,130 $11,000 Think you’re ready to buy?Watch this short video to get advice on how to know when you’re ready to buy and what you need to get a competitively-priced loan. 09/17/2015

In February, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Montgomery, AL was 90% higher than the previous month and 27% higher than the same time last year, according to RealtyTrac.com. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Status Distribution The current distribution of foreclosures based on the number of active foreclosure homes in Montgomery, AL. Auctions accounted for 78.9% of foreclosure activity in February 2015 and Bank-owned properties accounted for 21.1%. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased 9.1% compared to the previous month and increased 33.3% from the previous year in February. The number of Auctions increased 167.9% compared to the previous month and 25.0% from the previous year. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographi... 04/02/2015

Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 1948 Graham St – Montgomery, AL 36106MLS# 315039 Sweet Cottage on Sought After Street If you can be patient, you can own this sweet cottage on a sought after street for a lot less than you'd expect! Desirable open-space floorplan created in 2005 total restoration, which included foundation repair according to structural engineer plan. Master bedroom boasts walk-in closet, luxury bath. Detached building has heat/cool pump which makes it ideal for a home office or studio. Short sale so be prepared for a wait--it'll be worth it!Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team REALTORS! 02/04/2015

Montgomery, AL Home For Sale:   1919 Norman Bridge Ct Montgomery, AL 36104​ MLS# 314979 Great Family Home!     Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the Garden District, sits this cute white brick house that is a lot bigger than it appears. Check out the hard wood floors, master suite and sunroom plus two more bedrooms and a bath upstairs. With a little TLC this house would make a great home for your family. Walking distance to restaurants, shopping and entertainment.   Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team REALTORS 02/03/2015

In December, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Montgomery, AL was 39% lower than the previous month and 56% lower than the same time last year, according to RealtyTrac.com.   Montgomery AL Foreclosure Status Distribution The current distribution of foreclosures based on the number of active foreclosure homes in Montgomery, AL.     Auctions accounted for 67.3% of foreclosure activity in December 2014 and Bank-owned properties accounted for 32.7%.   Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by MonthThe number of Bank-Owned properties increased 88.9% compared to the previous month and decreased 66.0% from the previous year in December. The number of Auctions decreased 53.9% compared to the previous month and 49.3% from the previous year. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geog... 01/17/2015

The number of available properties for sale nationwide has dropped dramatically over the past 12 months according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). If you’re a homebuyer searching for real estate chances are you have found a low inventory of properties. A low inventory of properties also tends to cause bidding wars to come back. That means homebuyers have to get more creative. Paul Bishop, VP of NAR suggests going beyond the usual market tactics to help you be the first to find homes. Simply getting pre-qualified for a mortgage is not enough anymore. Here are some tips for creative strategies… Head off the competition by finding “pocket listings.” These are listings that have been contracted for, but haven’t reached the market or been posted on the MLS. There are various re... 11/21/2014

In September, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Montgomery, AL was 9% lower than the previous month and 8% lower than the same time last year, according to RealtyTrac.com. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Status Distribution The current distribution of foreclosures based on the number of active foreclosure homes in Montgomery, AL. Auctions accounted for 94.3% of foreclosure activity in September 2014 and Bank-owned properties accounted for 5.728.6%. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased 81.8% compared to the previous month and 88.2% from the previous year in September. The number of Auctions increased 20.0% compared to the previous month and 57.1% from the previous year. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comp... 10/30/2014

In August, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Montgomery, AL was 43% higher than the previous month and 22% lower than the same time last year, according to RealtyTrac.com. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Status Distribution The current distribution of foreclosures based on the number of active foreclosure homes in Montgomery, AL. Auctions accounted for 71.4% of foreclosure activity in August 2014 and Bank-owned properties accounted for 28.6%. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased 4.3% compared to the previous month and 42.1% from the previous year in August. The number of Auctions increased 77.4% compared to the previous month and dropped 9.8% from the previous year. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Compari... 10/14/2014

Buying a property through a short sale can be financially beneficial. But you need to go into the process understanding your market! That means having a knowledgeable realtor and attorney A homeowner is “underwater” with their mortgage when they owe more than the value of their home. The term “short sale” comes from the situation where the proceeds from a sale are less than, or “short” of, the amount of debt. Lenders are motivated to allow a short sale when they perceive it will create more net income than a foreclosure. Sellers are motivated because it puts them in more control of timing, and causes less damage to their credit than foreclosure. For the buyer, a short sale means a purchase price that is discounted from the normal sale price. However, the market situation with short sale... 09/26/2014

At a time when there is a shortage of homes for sale in Montgomery, buyers need to give themselves an edge on the competition for their dream home. 1. Get pre-approved for financing prior to shopping for your dream home. Three to four months before you start shopping for your dream home do some homework. Review your credit scores and take action to clear up any credit discrepancies. Michael Corbett, author of Before You Buy, then recommends getting a bank or mortgage lender to pre-approve your loan. That does not guarantee you will receive a loan, but it shows credibility to the sellers and realtors involved with your potential transaction. It shows you can afford a mortgage for a given amount. 2. Don’t lowball your first offer on a property you really want. In the current market there... 09/12/2014

In July, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Montgomery, AL was 44% lower than the previous month and 44% lower than the same time last year, according to RealtyTrac.com. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Status Distribution The current distribution of foreclosures based on the number of active foreclosure homes in Montgomery, AL. Auctions accounted for 57.4% of foreclosure activity in July 2014 and Bank-owned properties accounted for 42.6%. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased 41.0% compared to the previous month and 54.0% from the previous year in July. The number of Auctions decreased 46.6% compared to the previous month and 36.6% from the previous year. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison Montgome... 09/05/2014

Billionaire money manager and founder of The Paulson & Co, John Paulson believes buying a home to live in is the best investment possible. July 2014 Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Update Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for July 2014, show the number of homes sold increased by 18% when compared to July 2013. The average sales price increased by 11% to $152,134 for the month. The median sales prices increased by 11%, and market times decreased by 89 days.  The highest selling price decreased by 17%, and the lowest selling home price decreased by 43% compared to July 2013. Midtown Montgomery  July 2014 July 2013 Homes Sold 39 33 Average Selling Price $152,134 $137,013 Median Selling Price $120,000 $107,500 Days On The Market 198 109 Highest Selling Price $637,500 $75... 08/29/2014

In today's economy many potential buyers don't have extra cash available for repairs and updates and are looking for move-in ready houses.  It makes sense, therefore, in order to attract serious buyers and add value to your home, that you consider the following relatively inexpensive and non-time-consuming improvements: Interior updates: If you can’t replace the water heater with a tankless model, wrap the one you have in fireproof insulation. Install modern light switches and outlets throughout your home.  Add dimmer switches. Insulate windows.  (Easy-to-follow instructions.) In bathrooms replace dated towel racks, light fixtures, sinks, toilet seats, and hardware.  Purchase a low flow toilet.  Re-grout where needed.  If the floor is in poor shape, consider putting easy-to-install vin... 08/15/2014

  Sandra Nickel | Sandra Nickel, REALTOR | 334-834-1500 740 Felder Ave, Montgomery, AL 36106 Rich and Elaborate Detailing! 5Bd/3.5Ba Single Family House   $119,900 Year Built 1925 Sq Footage 4071 sqft. Bedrooms 5 Beds Bathrooms 3.5 Baths Floors 2 Parking 2 Off street Laundry In Unit Lot Size 0.49 Acres Website www.homesforsalei... DESCRIPTION Fabulous Felder among large 400k+ estate type homes! Walking distance to parks, restaurants, and more. This large scale circa turn of the last century home is believed to be one of the first few built in Old Cloverdale. Tax record indicates a 1925 build, believed to be more like 1915. The rich and elaborate architectural detail sustains that claim. Priced at less than $125k will leave you room for all the renovation dollars needed to bring this fi... 08/15/2014

  Sandra Nickel | Sandra Nickel, REALTOR | 334-834-1500 1548 College Ct, Montgomery, AL 36106 Rocking Chair Front Porch & Private Garden! 2Bd/2Ba Single Family House   $119,000 Year Built 1902 Sq Footage 1841 sqft. Bedrooms 2 Beds Bathrooms 2 Baths Floors 1 Parking 2 Off street Laundry In Unit Lot Size 9453 Square Feet Website www.homesforsalei... DESCRIPTION Location, Location, Location, walk to the Capri, Montgomery's only independent theater, Cloverdale Playhouse, and one of the areas many restaurants / hot nightspots. Not too often does a home come available on this well-kept one block dead end street! It's the kind of street where the neighbors have a key to your house and that's a good thing! Third large room with closet and fireplace could easily be third bedroom or den! Visit n... 08/11/2014

In June, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Montgomery, AL was 57% lower than the previous month and 98% higher than the same time last year, according to RealtyTrac.com. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Status Distribution The current distribution of foreclosures based on the number of active foreclosure homes in Montgomery, AL. Auctions accounted for 59.8% of foreclosure activity in June 2014 and Bank-owned properties accounted for 40.2%. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Activity by Month The number of Bank-Owned properties decreased 78.1% compared to the previous month and increased 6.0% from the previous year in June. The number of Auctions increased 20.8% compared to the previous month and 141.7% from the previous year. Montgomery AL Foreclosure Geographical Compariso... 08/08/2014

The majority of articles advocating home ownership center around financial benefits—fixed monthly expenses, tax benefits, accruing equity, etc.—and indeed these incentives do propel many people to purchase a home.  According to two recent polls (Gallop and the Allstate / National Journal survey), however, other more intangible factors also motivate the purchase of a piece of real estate. Sense of community:  As a homeowner, you’ll be centered in a strong community of like-minded people, which can be a valuable asset for you and your family.  Homeownership brings a sense of pride in both your home and your community.  Various studies suggest that a higher homeownership rate brings lower crime rates, higher property values, better educated children, and ultimately closer communities.  Inv... 07/31/2014

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 follo... 07/28/2014