You may have heard buzz around the term "universal design" in recent years, but do you know what it is or how it affects the Montgomery AL real estate and construction markets?   According to Lowes.com, universal design is the creation of products and environments meant to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialization. The intent is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal Design benefits people of all ages and abilities.   Think this is some "far out" theory just now working its way into the "modern" world? Think again: if you've ever walked through an automatic door, you've experienced a version ... 08/05/2008

This month's edition covers Montgomery AL real estate market activity and then we'll discuss the new changes in FHA lending. Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning. Program length: approximately 7 1/2 minutes download podcast mp3 file | subscribe to podcast feed To learn more about the current Montgomery AL real estate market, please call me at 800-HAT-LADY or visit HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com! 07/29/2008

Modest near-term movement is expected in Montgomery AL real estate sales, with a recovery in sales seen during the second half of the year, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said some pullback after a sharp increase in the previous month was expected. “The overall decline in contract signings suggests we are not out of the woods by any means. The housing stimulus bill that is still being considered in the Senate is critical to assure a healthy recovery in the housing market, jobs and the economy,” he said. Furthermore, Yun said location has never mattered more than in the current market. “Some markets have seen a doubling in home sales from a year ago, while others are seeing contract signings cut in half. Pric... 07/22/2008

Before lending you a large sum of money to purchase a piece of Montgomery AL real estate, it is understandable that your lender will want to know a little bit about you and your ability to pay back the loan.  If you are a first-time homebuyer, or if it has been a while since you last spoke with your lender, it is helpful to be prepared for some of the questions you may be asked and to have some responses in mind.  Below are some general examples of questions you may expect to hear when applying for a home loan:  Employment and income • Where do you work? • How much do you make? • How long have you been at your job? • How is your income derived -- steady salary or irregular income? (if it's the latter, plan on providing more details so that you get a favorable interest rate) Outstanding ... 07/15/2008

See my outside blog. 07/05/2008

This month's edition covers Montgomery real estate market activity and then we'll focus on buyer representation and look at the new FHA limits. Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning. Program length: approximately 7 1/2 minutes download podcast mp3 file | subscribe to podcast feed If you would like to learn more about the current Montogmery AL real estate market, please call me at 800-HAT-LADY or visit HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com.  You may also sign up to receive automated emails of new listings at EmailMontgomeryAlabamaHomes.com.  06/24/2008

3402 Wiley Road, Montgomery AL 36106Montgomery 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 ... 06/08/2008

Montgomery AL real estate for sale located at 550 Green Ridge Road, Montgomery AL 36109  You can stop your search when you go inside this Forest Hills beauty. You will find a lot of updating done to this 3 bedroom, 2 bath house. The bonus here is the sunroom that is off the galley style kitchen. The laundry room is location inside this sunroom. There are gleaming hardwood floors throughout the house. French doors open from the great room onto the large, shady backyard patio. This house is move in ready and has already had the inspection done for you. Don't let this one get away. For more information on 550 Green Ridge Road or other Montgomery real estate, visit HatTeam.com. Search all Montgomery real estate or get the value of your Montgomery home. 06/08/2008

What follows is a local monthly market conditions report for Montgomery Alabama.  This particular report is for the month of May, 2008.  Unemployment figures are provided for the previous reporting period. In March, Montgomery MSA (Metropolitan Servicing Area) is listed as having a civilian labor force of 173,425 with 166,222 employed and an unemployment rate of 4.2%.  Since January 2008 the unemployment rate has varied from 4.1%(Jan), and 4.4%(Feb).  Alabama's unemployment rate (seasonably adjusted)increased to 4.1 percent up from 3.7% reported in February. Alabama's March rate was below the national rate of 5.1% (March) and the current national unemployment is being reported as 5.1%(April). Government jobs represent the highest number of jobs in Montgomery with 43.0% of the local work... 05/12/2008

My latest blog post contains the latest Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics - take a look today to see how our market is faring!  Spring is a great time to consider buying or selling a home in Montgomery.  If you would like to get more information about Montgomery AL real estate, please call me at 800-HAT-LADY or visit HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com.  You may also sign up to receive automated emails of new listings at EmailMontgomeryAlabamaHomes.com! 03/25/2008

As a National Mortgage Banker, Ascent Home Loans has provided innovative lending solutions for over 10 years. With our state of the art technology, I can give you quick loan decisions when you need to refinance, or fast pre-approvals that will give you that edge when negotiating for a new home. At Ascent Home Loans of Santa Rosa CA, I want to help you make the right choices when it comes to selecting the correct mortgage for you and your family. How do I do this?  I listen to my clients. With the right questions being asked, a client can provide a wealth of information on their future home loan and investment needs. I unlike other lenders, help you choose the right loan program that best fits your needs, not ours. Now, I can be like other every other mortgage company and tell you we ha... 03/23/2008

Tired of answering the same old objections, over and over again? Folks don't argue with "policy" or the printed word.So pre-print your commisison and any other fees right in your listing paperwork. Print it, don't write it. In advance. Before the appointment. (Thanks, Ed Hatch)Then get your broker to write a printed policy about the commission you charge, or do it yourself. Print it up. Carry it with you. And haul it out when you're asked to reduce your fees! (Thanks, TerryWatson)Now watch those objections dissolve right before your eyes!We get what it takes to protect your income, so we'll go the extra mile to ensure you get paid on all your Montgomery, Alabama referrals! So send 'em our way.Thanks--we appreciate you!Sandra Nickel, ABR, CRS, SRESSandra Nickel, REALTORS1044 E Fairview A... 03/19/2008

Sandra's Successgram...with a tip of the hat to Ed Hatch of Ed Hatch Seminars:Sellers don't want to negotiate or reduce their "price." After all, it's THEIR price!And not a seller alive will argue with the concept of accepting "fair market value." After all, it's FAIR!So eliminate 'price' from your vocabulary and talk only about 'fair market value!'And when it comes to getting your Montgomery, AL referrals closed and paid, we'll treat YOU fair and square. So call or email us whenever you need real estate help in our part of the world!Thanks--we appreciate you!Sandra Nickel, ABR, CRS, SRESSandra Nickel, REALTORS1044 E Fairview AveMontgomery AL 36106800/HAT LADYSandra@HatTeam.com 03/10/2008

A continuation of soft market conditions is forecast for existing-home sales in the months ahead, with improvement expected by the second half of this year if loan limits are increased, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said sales activity is expected to remain soft through the first half of the year despite a generational low in mortgage interest rates.  "Existing home sales have moved narrowly since last September, but when the full impact of higher loan limits for conventional mortgages begins to impact the market there is likely to be a notable rise in home sales and prices," he said.This would seem to indicate that now would be a great time to be a home-buyer in the national marketplace.  Let's take a look ... 02/25/2008

Welcome to Historic Capitol Heights. Typical bungalow with expansive front porch. Recently remodeled with new wiring and new plumbing. The updated kitchen has large laundry room, built in microwave and new stove. Roof recently replaced. The large center hallway connects the living room, kitchen and bedrooms. This is a must see to believe. For more information on this home or other Montgomery AL real estate, visit HatTeam.com. Interested in knowing when new homes come on the market? Click here. 01/24/2008

Spacious duplex in historic district. Ideal for owner to live in one side and rent out other. Attic partially floored. Detached garage. Upgrades done on both sides to include carpet, paint, kitchen floor and entire new HVAC on 3377 side. For more information on this home or other Montgomery AL real estate, visit HatTeam.com. Interested in knowing when new homes come on the market? Click here. 01/24/2008

In my latest blog article, I have posted the Midtown Montgomery sales statistics for 2007 and compared them against 2006.  Please take a look and check back next month to see how 2008 is shaping up!To learn more about Montgomery AL real estate, please visit HomesForSaleInMontogmeryAlabama.com or call me at 800-HAT-LADY. 01/17/2008

Temporary problems in the mortgage market are expected to free some pent-up demand, but disrupted existing-home sales and distorted prices on sales closed in September, according to the National Association of Realtors®.  Even so, prices continued to rise in some area.  Because of this and other factors, total existing home sales fell 8% and are 19% below the level that they were in September 2006.   Lawrence Yun, NAR senior economist, said the decline is understandable.  “Mortgage problems were peaking back in August when many of the September closings were being negotiated . . . the good news is that mortgage availability has markedly improved in recent weeks . . .”   Let’s take a look at the midtown Montgomery October sales statistics to see if this trend held true: Midtown Montgome... 11/15/2007

A profile in courage was the theme of a headline article about Scho Sellers In Friday's Montgomery Advertiser, also available online at http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage.Scho is the son of Hat Team support member Bob Sellers. If you've ever bought or sold a home with us, it was probably Bob who did needed minor repairs. And like so many of us, Scho is absolutely unwilling to give in. Fighting cancer for five years, a golf tournament on July 16 seeks to raise funds to help with medical expenses, Those of us who don't golf may want to participate also. In Scho own words, "every day is a good day for me," please join me in making a contribution to the fund to help him have another good day.Write a check to "Scho Sellers Golf Classic" with a memo for "medical expen... 07/09/2007

People don't want to list their home--they want to SELL it! So take a cue from Wall Street: Do stock brokers have listings? No, they have new "offerings." Say, "Mr. Buyer, you'll enjoy seeing our new offerings!"And say "relevant offerings" instead of "comparables" and see how quickly that's accepted by sellers!Our thanks to Jock Barker for the above.And our thanks to you for all your Montgomery Alabama referrals!Thanks--we appreciate you! 04/18/2007