By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On October 29, 2010
There were 1,682 Madison County & Huntsville foreclosure homes for sale with 81 new foreclosures in Sept 2010. One in every 1,747 housing units received a foreclosure filing in Sept. The average sales price of a Madison County AL home was $203,438 and the average foreclosure sales price was $152,833, a $50,604 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.
Madison County & Huntsville Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index
The Madison County and Huntsville price appreciation was 0.0% in Sept with 81 new foreclosure homes.
Madison County AL foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or repossession notice – each month. Home price appreciation is based on month-over-month percentage change of the Home Price Index. The Home Price Index is calculated from home sales records.
Madison County & Huntsville Foreclosure Geographical Comparison
Madison County & Huntsville foreclosure activity was 0.21% lower than national statistics and 0.01% lower than state figures.
Madison County & Huntsville Foreclosure Activity by Month
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On October 26, 2010
Despite economic uncertainty, 68 percent of those surveyed in the 2010 National Housing Pulse Survey, conducted by the National Association of Realtors, still believe now is a good time to buy a home; while that number is down from last year (75 percent), it’s up from 2008 (66 percent) and 2007 (59 percent). Lower home prices and record-low mortgage interest rates are attracting buyers to the housing market – more than one-fourth of renters said they are thinking more about buying a home than they were a year ago. Sixty-three percent of renter respondents said that owning a home is a priority in their future, and nearly 40 percent said it was one of their highest priorities.
Americans are seeing more stability in the real estate market. Nearly seven out of 10 believe that home values have stabilized in their area; the same number expects home sales to remain about the same through the end of the year.
While nearly seven out of 10 say it’s harder to sell a home in their area today than it was a year ago, it’s less of a concern from last year when the number was 10 percentage points higher. This is most likely the result of lower home inventories.
Take a look at how the Huntsville real estate market fared in September compared to the previous month.
Madison County/Huntsville Real Estate Sales Statistics
Huntsville and Madison County saw an decrease of 5% in sold listings in September when compared to August 2010. The average sales price increased by 3% to $215,122. The average price per square foot decreased by 2% in September 2010 when compared to August 2010. And the average list price decreased by 1%, while homes were on the market an average of 16 days less than in August 2010.
Date
Sold Listings
Average List Price
Average Sale Price
Percent SP/LP
Average DOM
Average Price Sqft
Sept 2010
333
$212,088
$215,122
98.56%
72
$81
Aug 2010
352
$214,173
$207,709
96.89%
88
$83
On average, we have between a 9-12 months supply of homes currently on the market in all price ranges.
For more information about Huntsville AL real estate, please visit MoveToHuntsville.com or call me at 256-508-0211.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On October 22, 2010
If you’re a homeowner who is unable to refinance to a lower interest rate because your Huntsville home’s value has decreased, there’s hope.
A program called the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) has been extended for another year. This program, intended to help borrowers whose homes have fallen in value, was due to expire as of June, 2010. Fortunately, HARP has been extended and will now stay in effect through June 30, 2011.
How does HARP help?
The program allows qualified borrowers who owe more than their homes are worth to refinance at lower interest rates. It’s projected to help 4 to 5 million homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
If you’re a Huntsville home owner whose mortgage interest rate is significantly higher than the current market rate, you could see an immediate reduction in your payments. However, some homeowners may not see their interest payments go down if they refinance to a fixed rate and payment. Those include homeowners who are:
paying interest only
have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future
face a balloon payment
If you are one of these homeowners, you should still consider refinancing because it could save you a great deal of money by reducing the amount of interest you pay over the life of your mortgage.
Who qualifies for HARP?
You may qualify if:
You own and live in your home.
The loan on your home is owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
When you apply, you are current on your mortgage payments.
The amount you owe on your mortgage does not exceed 125% of the current market value of your property.
You’re able to pay the new mortgage payments.
The refinance improves your ability to pay your mortgage long term.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On October 15, 2010
When you first set out to sell your home, you are probably excited by all the possibilities, maybe a little scared, and often thinking about the best ways to save money. Many times saving money when selling Huntsville real estate means trying to sell it as a FSBO (For Sale By Owner). If you have the conviction, the salesmanship, and the knowhow you might be able to sell your home yourself and keep the commission in your pocket. There are, however, a few key elements you should be aware of when attempting to sell your own home.
Your House—Not Your Home
The first trick of selling your own home is to immediately stop thinking about it as your home. It may seem like an insignificant change and purely a matter of semantics but as your ‘home’ you will have far less ability to coldly asses its value than simply as a piece of Huntsville real estate—a house.
As a ‘home’ it will be harder to handle rejection, off-handed comments by viewers, and a feeling of general violation as strangers traipse through your rooms at all hours of the day interrupting your home life. As a house it is simply a piece of property you have to move. Thinking about your property as just a house, a structure you need to get rid of, will help you detach emotionally enough to have realistic expectations and the ability to handle the stress of selling.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On October 12, 2010
Here are some fun things to do to celebrate Halloween in Huntsville:
Scarecrow Trail
The Scarecrow Trail is back at Huntsville Botanical Garden. Dozens of wild, wacky, scary and funny crows are hiding behind the trees throughout the Garden. Other related activities include the creepy sorghum maze, the enchanted forest in the Nature Trail, and weekend hay rides.
Cotton Pickin’ Pumpkins
Pack up the kids and spend an adventuresome and family-friendly day at one of the happinest places around Huntsville in the fall. Pick your own pumpkin off the vine, pet the animals and try out the hay maize. You can also get lunch at Tate Farmsif you stay a long time and need something to eat.
Haunted House
Graystone Manor is over 30,000 sqft of ultimate terror, with twists, turns and all manor of horrors the Doctor’s evil mind could conjure. And because the Doctor loves his bodies warm and fresh we have an indoor holding and ticketing area. Plus you can grab your last meal at Dead Debbie’s Diner while you wait, no need to die on an empty stomach. New for 2009: While at Graystone Manor be sure to go through Dr. Vanburan’s Asylum where the insane’s nightmares come to life.
Ghost Walk
Huntsville Ghost Walk announces a new trolley tour! Starting at Harrison Brothers Hardware Store (124 Southside Square Downtown Huntsville) every Saturday Night through October 31t promptly at 6 p.m. Admission is $8.00 for adults; $6.00 for children 12 and under. Call (256) 509-3940 for more information. Tickets sold in advance at Harrison Brothers or on the night of the walk.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On October 7, 2010
There were 1,629 Madison County & Huntsville foreclosure homes for sale with 101 new foreclosures in August 2010. One in every 1,401 housing units received a foreclosure filing in August. The average sales price of a Madison County AL home was $197,088 and the average foreclosure sales price was $179,163, a $17,925 savings, according to RealtyTrac.com.
Madison County & Huntsville Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index
The Madison County and Huntsville price appreciation was 0.0% in August with 101 new foreclosure homes.
Madison County AL foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or repossession notice – each month. Home price appreciation is based on month-over-month percentage change of the Home Price Index. The Home Price Index is calculated from home sales records.
Madison County & Huntsville Foreclosure Geographical Comparison
Madison County & Huntsville foreclosure activity was 0.19% lower than national statistics and 0.02% lower than state figures.
Madison County & Huntsville Foreclosure Activity by Month (more…)
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On October 4, 2010
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition will open at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center on October 9 and run through January 5, 2011. Based on the epic film series and C.S. Lewis‟ beloved fictional books, the 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art entertainment and educational experience offers visitors the opportunity to tour scenes from the fantastical literary world of Narnia. Through authentic costumes, props and set dressings from Disney‟s magical films, visitors will enter a world that combines the wonders of science with elements of fantasy.
“This exhibition is a truly captivating and entertaining experience for all ages,” said Eddie Newquist, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, GES. “From the scene displays and props seen in the Narnia films, to the scientific and educational aspects of the exhibition that stimulate the senses and the mind, guests will be transported into another world to experience Narnia like never before.”
Visitors to the exhibition will view artifacts from C.S. Lewis‟ personal study and
experience exciting environments such as the famous attic and wardrobe. Once inside
Narnia, visitors will encounter falling snow and other interactive and instructive elements
including:
A replica of the White Witch‟s Throne where visitors can sit on the icy throne and feel the chill. A nearby display describes the impact of climate change on our planet and investigates whether our planet could be frozen for 100 years, like the world of Narnia.
An area featuring King Miraz‟s Castle from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian where visitors have the opportunity to build an arch, while learning about the architectural structure and strategy involved in the design. (more…)
Hold on to your socks because this gorgeous home is sure to knock them off. As you drive up to this stunning all brick custom home take a moment to submerge yourself in the lush landscaping, lighted pathway and peaceful surroundings all nourished by the in-ground sprinkler system. Come on in through the custom entry with transom and skylights illuminating the wood floors and you are sure to feel right at home. The formal dining room boasts wainscoting and a dazzling chandelier to enhance your dining pleasure. The formal living room has French doors and custom plantation shutters making this the perfect home office or private entertaining area. Royalty will fit right in the king sized family room with all the perks for casual entertaining. Listen to your favorite tunes piping through the surround sound as you create culinary masterpieces in the designer kitchen. Featuring custom cabinets, solid counters, tile backsplash, a huge pantry and a serving bar this kitchen is sure to make somebody’s day. Featuring a luxurious bathroom with soaring ceiling, dual vanities, two walk-in closets, a garden tub and a huge shower, the master retreat is sure to please mom and dad. The additional bedrooms are sized generously for a growing family. An upstairs recreation room is a great place to stash the kids. A private oasis awaits you just out your backdoor. Step out on the tiled patio with soothing ceiling fan and enjoy outdoor entertaining rain or shine. Come on over and take a swim in the 40 x 16 in-ground pool with 8 foot L section. No need to worry about neighbors peeping in as the vinyl fence gives the ultimate privacy. The 30 x 16 combination workshop and garage is perfect for the craftsman in your family. Pack you bags and bring your check book! We are sure you will want to stay. Call us today for a private showing.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On October 1, 2010
It’s time for some tough love, here. Your home doesn’t fit in with other Huntsville homes for sale. It doesn’t play well with others. When you put it on the market, you priced it more than 8% higher than the other Huntsville homes for sale. Frankly, it’s a market bully.
Look, I understand that you want to make the most out of your investment. Maybe you’ve done some serious remodeling that you feel warrants the price hike. I’m not putting any of that down, but I’d be doing you a disservice if I let you ignore the facts.
There is no longer a federal tax credit to entice buyers and get them interested.
Your house is competing with several foreclosures – many of which are priced as low as the lender can handle.
The longer your house sits on the market, waiting for a buyer, the harder it will be to actually attract a buyer.
There is a very little incentive for buyers to go out and buy now, especially higher priced homes.
Any seller hitting the market in today’s economy has two choices: wait or cut your losses. They aren’t pretty choices, but life is seldom convenient, no matter what commercials say.
If selling your home isn’t an absolute necessity, consider the fact that it might serve you better to hang in there. If you don’t have a compelling reason to put it on the chopping block, don’t.
The program allows qualified borrowers who owe more than their homes are worth to refinance at lower interest rates. It’s projected to help 4 to 5 million homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
The first trick of selling your own home is to immediately stop thinking about it as your home. It may seem like an insignificant change and purely a matter of semantics but as your ‘home’ you will have far less ability to coldly asses its value than simply as a piece of 
The 
Graystone Manor
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition
There is no longer a federal tax credit to entice buyers and get them interested.