All About Montgomery Real Estate

Montgomery Home Buyers Get Free Credit Report

2007-02-02T15:18:00.000-06:00

One of the first steps a Montgomery home buyer needs to take when preparing to buy a home is to get their finances in order. This includes a credit report review to determine if there are any discrepancies and then to take the steps necessary to get the discrepancies corrected.

Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, we are all entitled to a free annual report from all three major credit bureaus–Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion–available at www.annualcreditreport.com.

If you find an error, contact the bureau immediately (the address is on the report). By law, the credit bureau has 30 days to investigate and respond. The bureau must correct, or remove, inaccurate information and send a revised report to anyone who has requested your report in the past six months.

If you have any questions concerning your credit report or need a referral to a well-qualified mortgage lender, give us a call. We are here to help.

Americans Migrating West & Southeast

2007-01-27T07:30:00.000-06:00

United Van Lines has released its 2006 Migration Study. A strong mobility pattern continued in 2006 as many Americans packed up their belongings and headed to the West and Southeast parts of the country, while the Central Northeast region of the country experienced an increase in residents departing. The statistics are among the findings of United Van Line’s 30th annual “migration” study that tracks where its customers, over the last 12 months, moved from and the most popular destinations. The findings were announced by Carl Walter, vice president of United Van Lines, the nation’s largest household goods mover.

The report shows Alabama (57.5%) experienced its fourth year as a high-inbound location. Many Americans have learned what Alabamans have know all along. Alabama is a great place to live!

If you are interested in Montgomery AL real estate, vist my website to view all real estate listings, get new listing alerts, and learn what makes Montgomery special.

Midtown Montgomery Housing Market Expected to Rise in 2007

2007-01-19T14:10:00.000-06:00

"After bottoming in the fourth quarter of 2006, existing-home sales are expected to rise through 2007 and into 2008, while new home sales should turnaround by summer, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors." Is this an accurate forecast for Midtown Montgomery? Let's take a look.

The number of sold single family homes in Midtown Montgomery (Midtown consists of neighborhoods south of I-85 between Exits1 and 6) in December was down 25 percent compared to December 2005. The number of pending listings remained unchanged. December 2005 saw market times of 83 days compared to this December's 103 days, a 24 percent increase.

The average sales price in December increased 16 percent to a price of $148,942.

Now, let's take a look at the year end statistics for Midtown. Sales in 2006 were down from 2005 by 10 percent. A better stat than December's 25 percent, indicating the fourth quarter was not as strong as the beginning of the year.

Market times actually decreased in 2006 from 100 days on the market to 83 days on the market. This is a dramatic and very positive difference from the December figure.
2006 appreciation is 16 percent (same as December), with the average price being $151,018 compared to $129,851 in 2005.

Montgomery remains a strong market and avoided the price decreases experienced throughout much of the country. Based on buyer activity early in January (calls, walk-ins, open house attendance, etc.), 2007 will be a very strong year.

Wondering what prices are doing in your neighborhood? Visit MontgomeryHomeInfo.com. A market evaluation will be emailed to you.

Information is provided by the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Published by the Montgomery Advertiser

2007-01-12T04:48:00.000-06:00

The Montgomery Advertiser has published my article, "Vacant Lots, Buildings Disappear with Infill Housing" which addresses development in Midtown Montgomery. The article was originally written for our monthly newsletter, Midtown Living, which was referenced is the previous post.

Are you interested in buying Midtown Montgomery real estate? If so, you can sign up for a FREE email home search at EmailMontgomeryAlabamaHomes.com. It's fast, easy, convenient, no obligation and most of all FREE!

Infill Housing in Midtown Montgomery

2007-01-08T07:46:00.000-06:00

We are proud to present the January/February 2007 edition of Midtown Living, featuring articles concerning:

Infill Housing in Midtown
What's Ahead for 2007
Predicting Midtown's Future
Heater Safety Inspections & Guarantees by Hans Heating & Air
Homes For Sale in Midtown
and more...

CNNMoney.com Reports Increase In New Home Sales

2006-12-28T13:01:00.000-06:00

New homes sales increased, unexpectedly, in November according to CNNMoney.com. November sales did not compare to the to the red hot market of 2005, but came in 7 percent higher than July sales which were the lowest this year. It looks as though sales have bottomed out and are on the rise again. Read the full story...

Midtown Montgomery Housing Report

2006-12-22T07:46:00.000-06:00

David Lereah, National Association of Realtors chief economist, said a fairly steady pace of home sales can be expected for the next two months. "It's important to focus on where the housing market is now - it appears to be stabilizing, and comparisons with an unsustainable boom mask the fact that home sales remain historically high - they'll stay that way through 2007." he said. "In addition, a temporary correction in prices distracts from the fact that it is primarily the number of homes sales that affects the economy, and the number for this year will be the third highest on record." How do local home sales stack up to this prediction?

The number of sold single family homes in Midtown Montgomery (Midtown consists of neighborhoods south of I-85 between Exits1 and 6) for November is down 11 percent compared to November 2005. The number of pending listings are, also, down by 29 percent. November 2005 saw market times of 115 days compared to this November's 85 days, a 26 percent decrease. A decrease in market times is very unusual in a slower market and is an indication the Midtown market will remain strong. The average sales price has decreased by $1,390 or 1 percent.

When thinking about selling your home, be sure to give us a call. We have the market knowledge and expertise needed to help you price your home correctly thus assuring a successful sale and putting the most money in your pocket.

Information is provided by the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Interest Rates Continue To Fall

2006-12-08T06:01:00.000-06:00

Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey reports the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage to be 6.08 percent for the week ending Dec. 7. This is down from the previous week's 6.14 percent and the lowest rate this year since mid-January.

"Continued signs of slowing in the housing market and weakness in the manufacturing sector helped keep mortgage rates down this week," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist.

Is a new home on your wish list this holiday season? The falling interest rates can help make your wish a reality. Visit MontgomeryAlabamaHomeSearch to view all Montgomery real estate listings. And give us a call. We have the expertise, knowledge and experience to make your new home a reality!

Tips For Selling A Home In A Buyers Market

2006-12-01T15:23:00.000-06:00

For the past few years, sellers have been in control of the real estate market, calling on the shots. All buyers could do is say, "How high?" With the current transition to a buyers market, homes are staying on the market longer and buyers have regained some of their negotiating power.

BankRate.com has a great article for seller's with tips on how to sell in a buyer's market. The tips include:
1. Prepare yourself mentally for what you're about to go through.
2. Get ready for picky buyers.
3. Educate yourself about your neighborhood's real estate market.
4. Hire an inspector.
5. Consider paying the buyer's discount points.

If you are thinking about selling your home, the article is worth a full read! Then visit my website or give me a call. I'm here to help with all your real estate needs.

Midtown Montgomery Home Sales Coast Into 2007?

2006-11-26T06:57:00.000-06:00

Existing home sales are expected to coast into 2007 at roughly the same level as 2006, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Even though existing home sales are expected to fall 8.6 percent this year, 2006 remains the third-best year on record. What are Midtown Montgomery sales doing?

The number of sold single family homes in Midtown Montgomery (Midtown consists of neighborhoods south of I-85 between Exits1 and 6) for October is down 19 percent compared to October 2005. The number of pending listings are, also, down by 7 percent. October 2005 saw market times of 98 days compared to this October's 72 days, a 27 percent decrease. A decrease in market times is very unusual in a slower market and is an indication the Midtown market will remain strong. The average sales price has increased by $7,892 or 6 percent.

Home prices are continuing to rise, which is good news for Midtown sellers. But, there is more competition for ready, willing and able buyers. Homes must be priced right and in excellent condition to attract today's buyer. Give us a call if you are thinking of selling your home. We have the knowledge, experience and expertise needed to get sellers the highest possible price for their homes.

If you would like to view all Midtown real estate listings, visit MontgomeryAlabamaHomeSearch.

Information is provided by the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Learn About Mold Inspections

2006-11-17T08:22:00.000-06:00

Join us for the Montgomery Real Estate Podcast. This month's edition covers Montgomery Real Estate market trends and information buyers need to know concerning mold inspections and air quality.

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.

Download podcast mp3 file subscribe to podcast feed.

Give us a call if you are interested in selling your home or visit our website, www.HatTeam.com.

Should You Try to Sell Your Home During the Holiday Season?

2006-11-13T16:49:00.000-06:00

A common misconception is that trying to sell a home during the holidays is a bad idea. If you are serious about selling, it can be an excellent time to list. During the holidays buyers are more serious. They have a different motivation like using vacation time to search for property. They're doing that because they have to buy, rather than want to buy. Remember Thanksgiving and Christmas is one day a piece not two months.

10 reasons why you should list your home during the holidays

1. Most November and December buyers are particularly serious and very likely facing some sort of deadline.
2. January is the biggest transfer month of the year and job transferees use the holidays to house hunt.
3. Many people want to buy before the end of the year for financial and tax reasons. Investors usually want to close escrow by year-end for tax purposes.
4. Most sellers wait until spring or summer to list their home. This means that during the winter months your property will have far less competition versus any other time of the year.
5. Homes show well when decorated for the holidays creating a sense of family and people are much more emotionally drawn to the house, emotion sells.
6. Many people take vacation around the holidays allowing more time to look for a home.
7. Remodeling, decorating, appliance installation and other services are more available and at less of a premium.
8. There is plenty of mortgage money available for buyers.
9. Lenders aren't as busy and can process loans faster.
10. Showings will be fewer and less intrusive, but more likely to be fruitful with motivated, qualified buyers.

Give us a call if you are interested in selling your home or visit our website, www.HatTeam.com.

10 Mistakes To Avoid When Flipping Property

2006-10-28T12:34:00.000-05:00

Your goal may be to build wealth quickly by buying and selling properties. But the reality is that flipping properties is a tough business. Here are 10 mistakes that could turn a flip into a flop.

1. Liar loans. "Lying on a mortgage application is a federal crime," says Joseph Falk of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. "It includes bank fraud, wire fraud and mail fraud and potentially a host of state offenses. This can result in jail time."

2. Overpaying. No matter how promising the property, the bottom line is trump.

3. Lacking cash. Desperation makes investors do crazy things. When you act in haste, you're more likely to make poor decisions.

4. Quitting your day job. A steady source of cash staves off desperation.

5. Hiring unlicensed contractors. Not only do they present an insurance risk, but worse yet, often they don’t get the job done.

6. Buying sight unseen. You can bet it will be uglier than the seller said it was.

7. Buying property far, far away. Even the tiniest repair can mushroom into a crisis.

8. Buying too many properties too fast. Too much money, too little time.

9. Underestimating remodeling costs. There’s no such thing as a cheap and easy fix.

10. Having a poor exit strategy. Running out of cash and living on credit cards doesn’t work.
Source: USA Today, Noelle Knox (10/23/2006)

If you are thinking of buying Montgomery investment property, visit our website, InvestInMontgomeryAlabama.com.

Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Prices Continue To Rise

2006-10-20T14:38:00.000-05:00

Home sales appear to be bottoming out with lower home prices attracting buyers in many areas of the country, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Is this happening with Midtown Montgomery real estate?

The number of sold single family homes in Midtown Montgomery (Midtown consists of neighborhoods south of I-85 between Exits 1 and 6) for September is down 6 percent compared to September 2005. The number of pending listings are, also, down by 15 percent. Whereas, last month (August) there was a 14 percent increase.

During this same time period, there has been a dramatic decrease in market times. September 2005 saw market times of 109 days compared to this September's 90 days, a 17 percent decrease.

The average sales price has decreased by $13,523 or 9 percent. This is the first decrease in the average sales price this year. We have seen a steady increase in prices each month until now. This month's decrease may be an indication that the market is leveling off. Or, it could be a more normal fall market for Midtown when prices soften a bit compared to the previous spring.

It would be easy for buyers to overpay for a Midtown Montgomery home in the current market. We have the experience, market knowledge and negotiation skills needed to get you the best possible deal.

Letter To The Advertiser

2006-10-14T05:30:00.000-05:00

Wanted you to be aware of a letter I have today sent to Ken Hare at the ADVERTISER.
________________________________
Last month, Volkert Engineers under contract with the Alabama Department of Transportation presented a comprehensive presentation about the proposed I-85 extension that would connect Montgomery to Meridian Miss.

What bothers me most is the lack of attendance and public awareness of the opportunity for the public to see and participate in the planning process, point out concerns and make suggestions as to the proposed route. I understand that packed houses attended similar presentations in Selma and Demopolis, yet the one held in Montgomery was the least attended. In spite of the fact that the ramifications of a decision will have lasting impact on the city's future direction, our local media did not even cover it in advance or during the event.

On the eastern end of the project, two alternatives are proposed. One would go south of Montgomery, through Lowndes County, the other would go north of the city through northern Autauga County.

Without doubt, there are some legitimate concerns to the proposed I-85 extension, but I cannot understand the public apathy when this decision will impact our region's economy and growth patterns for a century.

Thankfully, much time remains for those with concerns to seek answers and express reservations.

The firm charged with the I-85 corridor study seems genuinely interested in doing this the right way. They know what elected officials know that this Interstate is meant for the benefit of this region of the state, not it's detriment. So it is a reasonably safe assumption that they will seek to choose the most acceptable route for this longterm project.

Surely, any of the proposed routes will upset some. That is the inevitable by-product of progress. While it may be easy for us to say such when we have no property to be lost in the project or personal gain to be made by its location, we have a responsibility to express our views and insure accountability for the decisions ahead.

Nonetheless, there are great benefits in the I-85 extension project. Not only will it provide access to jobs for some of the state's poorest counties, it will open a new east west route across the US from the port of Savannah to the West Coast. It will lower mileage costs to truckers, and it will open up Montgomery as an even better distribution center. Plus, it will make leisure travel much easier and shorter, not to mention providing a new evacuation route from the Gulf Coast.

As a member of the Montgomery Chamber's I-65 Corridor Committee and a champion of Montgomery and the River Region, I encourage all citizens to educate themselves about this project and become involved in future public hearings, the next of which will be held in February 2007. This project may take years to finish, but the work being done now holds great ramifications for future decisions. Officials hope that this fast track planning will permit fast track completion of this important project.

For those who did not attend the public meeting, there is a public web site at www.I85extension.com where citizens have an opportunity to see what is proposed and to express an opinion. They may also call toll free at 1-866-485-7623.

This may be the most important economic decision of the century, and we should all feel a responsibility to be involved. After all, they asked for our input up front, not after decisions are made.

Sandra Nickel
1200 S. Lawrence
Montgomery 36104
834-1500

Alabama National Fair Opens Today

2006-10-06T07:39:00.000-05:00

Opening Day for the Alabama National Fair

One of the most anticipated events of the year, the Alabama National Fair, opens today in Montgomery and runs through October 15.

The Alabama National Fair organizers' philosophy this year is to give fairgoers more. That means more variety in the music acts, more rides and more activities. We hope to see you there!

_________________________________
If you are thinking of buying or selling Montgomery real estate, visit our website to view all Montgomery real estate listings, get the current market value of your home, and more!

Tags: Alabama State Fair, montgomery real estate, montgomery homes for sale, montgomery real estate listings

Montgomery Housing Market Defies Predictions

2006-09-30T09:07:00.000-05:00

Housing prices are expected to continue to have a limited fall throughout 2006, according to testimony submitted by the National Association of Realtors® at last week's Senate Banking Committee hearing on the economy. The Midtown Montgomery housing market is disregarding this forecast, however, with increased sales and increased prices.

The number of sold single family homes in Midtown Montgomery for August is up 64 percent compared to August 2005. The number of pending listings, which is a leading indicator of the future of the market, has increased by 14 percent. At the same time, there has been a dramatic decrease in market time. August 2005 saw market times of 178 days compared to this August's 84 days, a 53 percent decrease. The average sales price has increased by $10,860 or 8 percent.

Even with all this activity, homes must be staged well and priced correctly to attract today's savvy buyers. Contact us if you are thinking of selling your home. We have the experience, market knowledge and marketing expertise needed to sell your home in today's market! You can also visit our website to view all Montgomery real estate listings, get the current market value of your home and more.

Information is provided by the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Tags: national association of realtors, montgomery housing report, montgomery real estate listings, selling a home in montgomery

Montgomery & Air Force Swap Land

2006-09-22T14:14:00.000-05:00

Montgomery and Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base finalized a land swap yesterday that was 20 years in the making.

The south and west portions of the Riverside Heights will go to the Air Force in exchange for Maxwell Heights, the location of former military housing. Maxwell-Gunter needed the property at Riverside Heights for base housing because it is adjacent to the base and allows for tighter security. Montgomery's plans for the former Maxwell Heights land is still under consideration, but most likely will not be residential, as it is close to the runway.

Residents of the subsidized housing area were given vouchers to help with relocation to other parts of the city.

Tags: maxwell-gunter air force base, montgomery & air force swap land, Riverside Heights, Maxwell Heights

Identity Theft

2006-09-15T08:14:00.000-05:00

Identity theft is a serious crime impacting more than 10 million victims each year. Often, consumers first learn they are identity theft victims when they are in the process of buying or renting a home. The National Association of Realtors is working with the Federal Trade Commission to educate comsumers to minimize the risk of identity theft. This new initiative, Deter-Detect-Defend is focused on empowering consumers to protect themselves against identity and to minimize its impact.

‘Deter’ Tips to Share with Consumers
1. Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.

2. Protect your Social Security number. Your Social Security number is the key to your identity and must be closely protected. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.

3. Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.

4. Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a Web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.

5. Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

6. Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.

‘Detect’ tips to share with consumers

Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:
1. Mail or bills that do not arrive as expected

2. Unexpected credit cards or account statements

3. Denials of credit for no apparent reason

4. Calls or letters about purchases that were not made

Inspect:
1. Your credit report. This contains information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history.

** The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it.

** Visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com/ or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by these three companies, to order your free credit reports each year. You also can write: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

2. Your financial statements. Review financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make.

‘Defend’ tips to share with consumers
1. Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports. A fraud alert on your credit report tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open any new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. Each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies has a toll‑free number you can use to place an initial fraud alert. Only one call is necessary; the company you call will notify the other two. An initial fraud alert is active for 90 days. If you want to place an extended (seven-year) fraud alert, you must follow additional procedures.

** Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
** Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
** TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts you didn’t open, and debts on your accounts that you can’t explain.

2. Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.

* Start by calling the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your authorization. Follow up in writing and include copies of supporting documents.

* Use the "ID Theft Affidavit," available at ftc.gov/idtheft, to support your written statement.Get written verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts have been discharged.

* Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.

3. File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials – for example, state or local police. It will help you work with creditors who may request documentation that a crime has occurred.

4. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your information helps law enforcement officials across the country with their investigations.

**Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
** By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338), or TTY,1-866-653-4261
** By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20580

Tags: identity theft, national association of realtors, federal trade commission, deter-detect-defend,annual credit report

Help Create A New Montgomery

2006-09-07T10:41:00.000-05:00

Dover Kohl and Partners, the design firm hired by the city for more than $300,000 kicks off its weeklong visit here Friday, and they want input from Montgomery residents. They want to know if you would paint the town purple, ban all traffic lights or maybe sell cotton candy on every street corner. Whatever it is, Dover Kohl and Partners want to hear it. "What we will then do is take all the different ideas and refine those ideas throughout the week to create one unified plan."

The design team has already presented a housing analysis to city council predicting potential for approximately 2,600 households in downtown.

Residents are invited to participate in a weeklong planning session beginning Friday. The purpose is to make downtown Montgomery livable and walkable for everyone. Here are the events:

Friday: Community kick-off presentation at Troy University Montgomery's Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: Hands-on design session at Lockhart Gym, Alabama State University, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday through Wednesday: Open design studio at 2 Dexter Ave., 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, 9 to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday

Thursday: Work-in-progress presentation. Location: Davis Theatre, Troy University Montgomery. Time: 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Tags: Dover Kohl & Partners help redesign downtown Montgomery, planning session for Montgomery, shape downtown Montgomery, make downtown Montgomery livable

Podcast: Mistakes Montgomery Sellers Make

2006-09-01T10:13:00.000-05:00

Montgomery Real Estate Podcast

This month's edition of our Podcast, the Montgomery Real Estate Podcast discusses Montgomery real estate market trends, as well as, exploring the four biggest mistakes sellers make when putting their home on the market.

Our special guest speaker is Terri Murphy of US Learning.

Enjoy listening!

Tags: Montgomery Real Estate Podcast, mistakes Montgomery sellers make, Montgomery real estate

Montgomery Beats The Housing Slump

2006-08-24T09:23:00.000-05:00

Montgomery Housing Market Not In A Slump

The Montgomery Advisor writes, "While Montgomery is showing some signs of slowing, by and large the market here remains strong and homes continue to sell. The reason: Montgomery wasn't on the bubble. According to some estimates, home prices here were as much as 10 percent undervalued at the start of the year."

We didn't get to participate in the run-up, and we are definitely not going to have to participate in the fall-off. Take a look at the July figures for Midtown.

The number of sold single family homes in Midtown Montgomery for July is up 14 percent compared to July 2005. The number of pending listings, which is a leading indicator of the future of the market, has also increased by 27 percent. Market times are relatively unchanged for the same time period.

This is all great news for Montgomery buyers and sellers, but the best news is the increase in the average sales price from $136,105 to $176, 540 or 30 percent.

Information is provided by the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Tags: montgomery beats housing slump, no housing bubble for montgomery, midtown montgomery july housing statistics

Montgomery Public Schools Open

2006-08-17T08:31:00.000-05:00

Montgomery Children Are Back to School This Week

With the opening of Montgomery Public Schools this week, we thought we would share convenient links to the public school sites, safety and anything else we can find that is school related.

Montgomery Public Schools - find school calendars, lunch menus, link to individual schools, Board of Education, job openings and more.

Alabama Schools Online - links to all Alabama public schools and institutions of higher learning.

Montgomery Private Schools - list of private schools in Montgomery

Back To School Safety Checklist - by the U.S. consumer Product Safety Commission.

Homework Alabama - Alabama's free live online homework help center.

Alabama Public Library Service - news for Alabama's public library system.

Alabama Public Library Live Homework Help - free live online homework help.

Kids Health - dealing with back to school jitters.

Alabama Homeschooling - comprehensive guide to homeschooling in alabama.

Tags: Montgomery schools open, Montgomery public schools, Montgomery private schools, Alabama homeschooling, Alabama public library offers live homework help,, Alabam homework help center

2006-08-10T16:03:00.000-05:00

Mortgage Closing Costs - How High Is Too High?

Closing costs. We all hate them and think it is money down the drain when we are buying a home, but if we are financing our home purchase with a bank loan they are unavoidable.

A closing cost survey comparing costs from 10 lenders in all 50 states was conducted by BankRate.com. The survey ranks Alabama as the 10th most expensive state to obtain a loan. This is up from the number 12 position in 2005.

Lender, title and settlement fees totaled an average of $3,o24. Alabama's costs are #3,189.
The number one position goes to New York with costs totalling $3,887 and Missouri comes in last with $2,713 in costs.

If you in the market for a home contact us so we can counsel you on how to get the lowest closing costs possible!
_______________________________
Buying or selling a home in Montgomery? Visit our website to view all real estate listings, get the current market value of your home, free reports and more!

Tags: closing costs, mortgage, loan, Bankrate.com, Alabama, New York, Montgomery, buy, sell, home, real estate, listings, Hat Team

2006-08-03T10:35:00.000-05:00

Where The High Tech Jobs Are

When looking for high tech jobs, San Francisco, Boston, Washington DC, and New York immediately come to mind. But you might want to consider Montgomery, AL!

Paul Maidment's latest article in Forbes.com sings Montgomery's praises with jobs 'aplenty' and much lower costs of living than the big guys. "A programmer earning $100,000 per year in San Jose, Calif., for example, would only need to earn $61,515 in Montgomery, according to data from ACCRA, a nonprofit that compiles cost-of-living data."

Where are the jobs you ask? Maxwell Air Force base is the computing hub for the Department of Defense and the 754th Electronic Systems Group. Oracle and Dell have offices in Montgomery to support these operations.

"For IT, this is the center of mass for change," says Greg Garcia, director of the 754th. He just moved there a year ago from Tucson, Ariz., and says he loves the schools for his two daughters, the southern hospitality and, of course, how much further his dollars go.

"It's great," he says. "For the price of a house in Boston, you'd get three in Montgomery."

When considering an IT job in Montgomery, visit our website to view all real estate listings, learn about our community and the best real estate Team in town!

Tags: Forbes, Forbes.com, IT Montgomery, Alabama, Maxwell Air Force base, Oracle, Dell, jobs, real estate, relocate, listings, homes for sale, Sandra Nickel, Hat Team