Shopping for a mortgage is as important as shopping for a Huntsville AL home to buy.  It’s the only way to get the best interest rate and terms with a lender you trust.  Take your time, do your research, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you found the mortgage that meets your needs.

Here are six tips to help you find the best mortgage to use to purchase your Huntsville AL home:

1. Find a lender you like and trust.  Ask your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and most importantly, your real estate agent for names of lenders they admire and enjoy working with.  You want to find one who is knowledgeable about the mortgage industry, will answer all your questions and can talk with you about loans in a way you understand.
2. Explore your options.  There is a wide-variety of loans for Huntsville AL homes.  Talk with your lender to make sure you understand the pros and cons of the loans and which one works best for your circumstances.
3. Get a low interest rate.  One-tenth of a point can make a big difference in a 30-year loan and save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the mortgage.
4. Identify fees and negotiate them down.  The lender is required to give you a good-faith estimate which includes an itemized list of all costs associated with the loan.  If there are any fees you don’t understand, ask your lender to explain them thoroughly.   Ask for fees you believe are too high to be eliminated or reduced. 
5. Find out if there are any penalties.  Ask if there are any penalties for anything on the loan you’re considering.  Do not get a loan with a pre-payment penalty.  A few loans have pre-payment penalties even if you pay it off early because you’re moving or refinancing.
6. Lock in your interest rate.  Most interest rates lock in for 30 to 90 days.  Make sure you have plenty of time to find your home, get the inspections done, and complete closing before the locked-in rate expires.

(more…)

Bookmark It

No, this isn’t just another timely spooky story, although it just may have to do with ghosts!  Be you a believer or a scoffer, the fact is that there are pieces of Huntsville AL real estate on the market which are purported to be haunted and thus far more difficult to sell than an ordinary home.  Known as “stigmatized” properties, these houses have the reputation of being haunted or are the site of a previous violent crime–and the perception of ghosts and gore is not easy to erase.

So what to do?  First, check with your Realtor to see if you’re required to disclose information about the stigma attached to your Huntsville AL real estate because you could be spooked by a lawsuit if you don’t.  Regardless of what the state dictates, being upfront about your home’s paranormal guests or ghoulish histories is always the best moral policy.  

Okay, that’s the first step.  Then what?  Be sure to pay attention the appearance of your property—inside and out.  To minimize the presence (imagined or real) of ghosts, your home needs to look spirit-free and inviting on the outside. Clean up a dark, forbidding atmosphere; clear away any dead trees, especially those with hanging branches; replace rusty iron gates with a white picket fence, get rid of unwanted residents like stray cats and spiders. On the inside, think warm, bright, and clutter-free. Getting rid of darkness and gloom that could promote the idea of spirits may require removing outdated, musty furniture, antique rugs, old pictures of ancestors, and other items that contribute to an “eerie atmosphere” so that you can alleviate any pre-conceived notions in potential buyers.

If you simply cannot dispel persistent beliefs about the “dark side” of your Huntsville AL real estate, you may have to resort to (gasp!) bringing in a ghost buster.  David Frankin Farkas, owner of HouseHealing.com, makes a full-time living by ridding properties of specters and/or negative energy.  Farkas claims that formerly-haunted houses frequently sell in a matter of days after he has completed his task.  Click here to find groups who will investigate paranormal activity in your home.
(more…)

Bookmark It

A buyer purchasing a typical American home at the prevailing average mortgage rate today would have a mortgage payment of  $698 a month. This figure is not much different from what a home buyer would have faced 30 years ago. In 1981, home prices were much lower but mortgage rates were reaching 18 percent. Today, home prices have come down by about 33 percent on average from the bubble years, but prices still remain comfortably higher than those of the 1980s. However, thanks to record low mortgage rates, the monthly payment obligations have been greatly reduced. This should be good news and bring new buyers into the market. However, very tight underwriting standards, unfortunately, are keeping some good, hard-working Americans from taking advantage of the super affordable condition.

Now take a look at the Huntsville’s real estate sales for September.

Madison County/Huntsville AL Real Estate Sales Statistics 

Huntsville and Madison County saw an increase of 3% in sold listings in September 2011 when compared to August 2011.  The average list price increased 4% to $199,173 and the average sales price increased by 4% to $199,173.  The average price per square foot decreased by $9 per square foot, while market times increased by 15 days.

 
Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

Bookmark It

There’s a goblin at my window,
A monster by my door.
The pumpkin at my table
Keeps on smiling more and more.
There’s a ghost who haunts my bedroom,
A witch whose face is green.
They used to be my family,
Till they dressed for Halloween.
- by Sandra Liatsos

It’s nearly that time of year again—Halloween, a time of ghosts and ghouls, tricks and treats, and costumes and candy!  Did you know that Halloween is second only to Christmas in terms of spending?  Yep–$1.2 million on costumes and another $2.5 million on candy, decorations, and other themed paraphernalia! 

Other little-known facts include:

• 86% of Americans decorate their houses.                                                  
• 10% of pet owners costume their pets. (Click here for unique ideas)
• 35 million pounds of candy corn are produce yearly. (How many are consumed in your Huntsville home?)

Halloween traditions are many and varied.  “Tis the night for donning a costume, wearing a mask, bobbing for apples, and, the children’s favorite—trick-or-treating.  Looking for something different to give to the little ones coming to your Huntsville home this year?  How about juice boxes, mini-marshmallows, popcorn balls, fruit roll-ups, 4 pack crayons, small glo-sticks, silly erasers, themed pencils, or goldfish snacks?

Ghoulish Groaners:  

What is a mummy’s favorite music?    Wrap
Best Halloween insurance?  Mediscare
Favorite drink of ghosts and goblins?  Ghoulade    

Carving a Jack-o-Lantern: 

Be your pumpkin orange, white, green, and yes, even blue, you want the face on the porch of your Huntsville home to be individual and unique.  Get free templates to assist you in carving or for cut and paste faces here.

If you see a spider on Halloween, the spirit of a loved one is watching over you.

Costumes: 

Forget the old standbys of ghost and witch.  Get creative and think about the unusual.  A bearded lady? A cupcake?  Or perhaps popcorn or an aquarium?  Although the web is filled with sites which sell costumes, you can express yourself by making your own garb.  Check out CostumeIdeaZone.com for silly, serious, and/or super fast ideas.

A kid came up with a bright idea to dress up as an IRS Agent. This way he could take 28% of the man’s candy and leave without saying ‘Thank You!’ J)))

PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART CAN BE FOUND AT Caboose.com, Halloween.com, ZombiePumpkins.com, and TheTeachersCorner.net.  For creative ideas such as wicked wreaths, friendly ghosts, fright lights, tasty treats, and much, much more, visit LowesCreativeIdeas.com.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  

Bookmark It

Are visions of renovating a stately, older Huntsville AL home dancing in your head?  Older homes offer a unique beauty that can’t be found in newer homes. And, rehabbing them can be rewarding.  But, think twice before taking on this difficult and expensive task.

Here are six problems to look for in the older home you’re thinking about buying:

1. Plumbing problems.  The plumbing in older homes can be inefficient or downright unreliable.  Homes that are 25 years old or older almost always have plumbing problems with the most common problem being lead pipes.  Even after lead pipes were replaced in the late 1940s, the earliest galvanized steel pipes still contained lead. Lead also was present in much of the solder used to join copper pipes as recently as the mid-1980s.
2. Electrical issues.  Electricity in older homes may not be grounded and wiring may not be safely installed.  Even if the electricity is grounded, it may not be available in the quantity needed for today’s home and the vast array of gadgets that depend on electricity.  Electrical boxes in vintage homes were typically 60 or 100 amps. Today’s standard is 200 amps.
3. Lack of insulation.  Older homes are typically drafty, cold and uncomfortable. Not to mention expensive to heat and cool.  Check the type of insulation that was used.   Many older homes were insulated with newspaper, asbestos, or not insulated at all.
4. Cracked foundations.  The foundation materials used in older homes, such as cement and cinder blocks, crack and leak over time.  These days the exterior sides of foundations are commonly sealed; not so with older homes.  As a result, water seepage occurs and can lead to structural threats and health issues such as mold.
   (more…)

Bookmark It

Here’s a sampling of Halloween things to do in and around Huntsville AL.

Scarecrow Trail at Botanical Garden

Bookmark It

Buying a home is one of the few occasions in which some form of negotiation is the rule rather than the exception.  Just because it is the norm, however, does not mean that most people are good at it. 

Here are a few tips to help you negotiate the best deal when buying your next Huntsville AL home: 

1. Know your bottom line.  Determine your bottom line and stick to it.  This sometimes means you have to be willing to walk away from a deal.   It also means being realistic about what you’re asking from the seller.  Many sellers are faced with the fact that their home may not be worth what they paid for it.  This puts limits on the concessions a seller can offer.
2. Stay flexible.  For example, what if the Huntsville AL home you’d like to buy needs a new heating system.  The seller is unwilling to replace the unit but is willing to put $3,000 toward your closing costs.  The $3,000 you’re saving in closing costs will cover the cost of a new heating system.  If all you focus on is the seller replacing the heating system, you miss the chance to achieve your overall goal, which is purchasing a home without paying for a new heating system.
3. Find out how long the home has been for sale.  If the home is newly listed, the seller is less likely to lower the price significantly or offer other concessions.  However, if the home has been for sale for 12 months or longer, the homeowner is more motivated to sell, and you’re more likely to get a great deal.
4. Work with a pro.  No one is better at knowing what sellers want and how to negotiate great real estate deals than professional real estate agents.  Unless you are an experienced, savvy negotiator, leave it to the pros. 

 Thinking of buying a Huntsville AL home?  I would be pleased to represent you in your next real estate purchase. 
(more…)

Bookmark It

The above data and % change is provided to illustrate the “general” market direction & trends when comparing a prior date with the most current residential data available. Real estate is local so contact me for market conditions where you live!.

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

Bookmark It

Buying your first Huntsville AL home is exciting, but it can also be expensive, especially if you’re unaware of the mistakes frequently made by many first-time home buyers.  Here are six common mistakes many first-time home buyers make and how to avoid them:

1. Going it alone.  Buying a Huntsville AL home involves a lot of little (and big) details.  Additionally, buying a home is the most expensive purchase you’ll most likely ever make.  All that adds up to needing a professional on your side.
2. Hiring your cousin.   Although your cousin (or cousin’s best friend) may be a real estate agent, it doesn’t mean she’s the right agent for you.  Do your homework.  Interview at least three buyer’s agents to find the agent who meets all your criteria.  If your cousin meets all your criteria, then hire her.  But only after you’ve done all your homework.
3. Working with the seller’s agent.  One of the most costly mistakes you can make when buying a Huntsville AL home is working directly with the agent who is selling the home you want to buy.  They are not looking out for your best interests.  They are looking out for the best interests of the seller.  Instead, hire your own buyer’s agent.
4. Assuming your lender is giving you the best deal.  Lenders are not required to give you the very best terms.  It’s your responsibility to shop for a mortgage the same way you shop for anything you buy.  Consider this:  You’re not just buying a home; you’re buying a very expensive financial product — a mortgage loan.  Getting the best mortgage terms can save you thousands of dollars.  For example, if you get a mortgage for $250,000, at 5 percent interest and keep that loan for a full 30 years, you end up paying $229,910 in interest alone.  Insist on the best mortgage terms, or find a new lender who’s willing to give them to you.
5. Making an unappealing offer.  Yes, this is a buyer’s market, but that doesn’t mean sellers automatically accept any offer that comes their way.  Make your offer impossible to resist by offering the highest price you can, making the largest down payment possible, getting preapproved for a mortgage and attaching a copy of the preapproval letter to your offer.
   (more…)

Bookmark It