Should I Buy Huntsville Real Estate In These Troubling Economic Times?
The Huntsville real estate housing market has never been better for many potential buyers. In fact, more often than not, it is less expensive to own your own home rather than rent.
The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that in 57 out of the 100 most populated metro areas, renting a three-bedroom home is more expensive than monthly costs on a six percent mortgage for a typical low-priced house in the same area.
With all the news these days concerning the economic crunch and these tumultuous economic times, you might think I’m crazy saying it is a good time to buy a Huntsville home. Of course, home buyers with strong credit are best positioned to take advantage of today’s opportunities. A high credit score will yield a lower interest rate and increase the likelihood that a loan application will be approved.
For example, a home buyer with a 6 percent mortgage will pay a third less per month than a buyer who has a loan at 8 percent. This difference can be hundreds of dollars per month.
FHA loans, VA loans and government backed first-time buyer loans are all available to qualified buyers. With the current low interest rates and affordable home prices, it is a great time to buy your Huntsville home.
It is also a time to keep in mind that buying Huntsville real estate is a long term investment…and an investment you and your family can enjoy for many years!
Does your Huntsville home have a façade only a homeowner could love? Selling a home can be an emotional experience, and people can lack objectivity when it comes to their own abode. Presenting a home in its best light is always important, but it’s imperative in our current competitive real estate market.
Professional advice and assistance can make the difference between “Wow!” and “Whaaa?” – a recent industry study found that staged homes sold for 6.9 percent more than homes that were not staged. Another study compared listing times before and after staging. Homes that had first been offered for sale without staging were on the market an average of 4.5 months; the same homes sold within a week, on average, after being staged.
Below are 7 tips to ‘setting the stage’ and making your home more appealing to buyers:
1. Thoroughly clean from top to bottom, especially kitchens and baths.
A dirty house an immediate buyer turn-off. The two most important areas are the kitchen and the bathrooms. If you have not deep cleaned all counter and tile surfaces to a spotless condition, you stand the chance of having the buyers walk right back out the door.
2. De-clutter the entire house.
Clutter makes it extremely hard for the buyers to visualize moving into your home. The disorganization affects the buyer’s ability to focus on your home and they will most likely overlook your key selling features. In addition, clutter has the affect of making your home appear smaller than it is as the “open” feeling is gone.
3. Remove the personal memorabilia.
People are generally curious and when you want them to notice the beautiful entryway they may be focused on all the family pictures on the piano or all the “stuff” stuck to the front of your refrigerator. Your objective is to change the view of your home from “lived in” to “ready to move in.”
4. Neutralize inside and out.
best way to present a home is for the wall colors to be painted a neutral color. This goes for the outside as well – a loud or non-neutral color may just keep the buyers from even stopping to see the inside.
5. Let the sun shine in with spotless windows.
Nothing is more distracting to a buyer than to be looking at a view through a dirty window. What you don’t see is often more important that what you do see.
6. Make your pets go away.
While your pets are a loving member of your family, for the buyers their presence, food and boxes are generally a turn-off. Every trace of their presence should be removed so, once again, the buyers are not distracted from the prime objective – viewing your home in the best possible light.
7. Add curb appeal.
A healthy, neat, trimmed and well maintained yard and flower beds are the keys to getting the buyers up to the front door. A well-maintained exterior translates to a well maintained home in the mind of the buyer.
Need help setting the stage and showing off your Huntsville home in its best light? Give us a call, we are glad to help.
This Sunday, we will all roll our clocks back an hour and nightfall will come sooner each night.In the winter months our homes can seem darker than usual, but there are ways to use the natural light that is available in your home to brighten things up.Money Magazine has published a list of “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for adding light to any home – among the topics covered are:
Skylights (pick ones that open and choose carefully where to put them)
Big windows (install them to showcase your best views, but don’t forget to add small windows above or below them that open)
Window height (put windows high on the wall, but not tight to the ceiling)
Window grouping (group several windows together, but don’t separate them with fat supports)
Window shades (install shades in windows that face east, west, and south; avoid using UV-inhibiting coating)
Following these tips for adding light to your home will help to increase your home’s value.To receive a complimentary comparative home value analysis, click here.For more information about Huntsville AL real estate, please visit MoveToHuntsville.com or call me at 256-508-0211.
With this week’s news coverage of the devastating fires in California, home fire safety is a most timely topic.Although we may not be at great risk for wildfires here in Huntsville, an important part of responsible homeownership is being prepared to both prevent a fire in your home and to rescue yourself and your family should there be a fire in your home.
This printable Fire Safety Checklist, provided by FireSafety.gov, is a great resource for determining what fire hazards may lurk in your home, how to make them less hazardous, and what to do in the event of a fire.The Today Show also provided some useful tips to ensure you would know what to do if you had to evacuate your home in the event of fire.These tips include:
Make copies of your documents.Either put them in a waterproof and fire-proof safe, or give the copies to a trusted friend or relative.Make electronic copies, as well.Remember that valuables left in a safe deposit box at a bank could also be destroyed in the case of a widespread natural disaster.
Get your insurance information in order.If disaster strikes, make your claim right away, and be sure to take pictures of the damage.
Prepare an emergency kit. Don’t wait until it’s too late.Gather essential items such as a battery operated radio, bottled water, food, medication, blanket, first-aid kit, etc.
Come up with a family plan.Again, do it now!Make sure everyone knows where the important documents are, and agree on a meeting place in case you become separated.
Many of these items are tips we hear over and over again, but they never really seem useful until a disaster strikes close to home.By the time that happens, of course, it is generally too late to put the tips to use.Preparedness now can save time and, possibly, lives later.
If you are thinking of becoming a homeowner in Huntsville AL, please call me today at 256-508-0211 or visit MoveToHuntsville.com.You may also begin searching Huntsville AL real estate here!
Your family and your wallet will be comfortable in this new home in New Market, AL. The all brick 2-story offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. An engaging great room with fireplace and wood floors is a space where the family will love to gather.A formal dining room will accommodate the largest dinner parties and the cook-friendly kitchen features stainless appliances. The master suite includes a walk-in closet, whirlpool tub, separate shower, and dual vanities. A loft/study provides extra space for an office, workout room or play area for the kids. The covered patio allows for outdoor entertaining. You’ll enjoy the many custom features including crown molding, smooth ceilings, hardwood floors, lots of tile work and an in-ground sprinkler. There is garage and storage space galore with a 2-car attached and detached garage. A perfect home for family and friends!
For more information on this home or other Huntsville homes for sale, visit my website or give me, Mike Manosky, a call at 800-239-4749 #4932. Your source for Huntsville, Alabama real estate.
Display your style and live in luxury at this 2-story all brick home in Hampton Cove. You’ll enjoy the 5 spacious bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. An impressive 2-story foyer with curved staircase greets welcomes into a fashionable living room with hardwood floors. The remarkable dining is open to the living room and will accommodate the largest of dinner parties. The kitchen has been remodeled with custom cabinetry, stainless appliances and granite counter-tops. The breakfast bar is perfect for quick snacks and the informal dining area looks out over a woodland setting. The family room has an air of casual elegance and is sure to be a family favorite. The master suite features its own fireplace and is the perfect retreat at the end of a long day. The master bath includes a makeup table, whirlpool tub for tired bones, and separate shower. In addition to the 5 bedrooms, there is a loft with built-in entertainment center. The walk-out basement is not your run of the mill basement, but features distinctive rec room with fireplace, wet-bar and kitchen. One of the bedrooms and baths is also on this level, making it the perfect guest or in-law suite. Other custom features include custom moldings, recessed lighting, 3 fireplaces, mud room, and gorgeous park-like setting. This home is an entertainer’s delight and is sure to please the most discerning buyers!
For more information on this home and Huntsville AL real estate, visit my website or give me a call at 800-239-4749 #4932.
Lots of room awaits you inside this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home brick in Madison. You’ll enjoy striking formal living room, a tasteful dining room, and a relaxing family room with gas fireplace and soaring vaulted ceiling. The family-friendly kitchen with breakfast area includes a microwave, work island for rolling dough, double ovens for big dinners. Everyone gets their own room with the 4 bedrooms plus a bonus room with skylights and access to plenty of attic storage. this will definitely become the kids favorite place to hang out. The master suite with a sitting area and tray, also features a luxurious bath with dual sinks, a whirlpool tub, and separate shower. The walk-in closet will house the largest wardrobe. Newly painted inside and out, this home is in move-in condition. It sits on a lovely lot with no backyard neighbors and room enough for a pool. To see it is to love it!
To learn more about this Madison Al home for sale, visit my website or give me a call at 800-239-4749 #4932 for more personal service.
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Sellers — Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky
Everyone loves pets, but pet odors can be a turn off to prospective home buyers. These odors are more noticeable to strangers coming into your home than they are to you personally. Here are ways to eliminate offensive odors when selling your Huntsville home.
1. Use a black-light to locate odor-producing areas.
2. Apply the appropriate odor neutralizer or cleaner.
3. Never use ammonia. It will remove odors, but more often than not causes more accidents.
4. Choose the best product of the stain or odor. Talk with your pet supply store owner for suggestions.
5. Test all cleaners in a hidden area before moving to the middle of the room.
6. The most effective and safest disinfectant for use around pets is Chlorhexidine, which is sold under such names as Nolvasan, Chlorasan and Chlorhex.
If you have any questions about preparing your home for sale, visit my website or give me a call at 800-239-4749 #4932.
If you are thinking of buying a Huntsville home, you have heard your lender refer to your FICO score. FICO is a rating system created by the Fair Issacs Company. FICO scores are based on information reported in consumer credit files. The formula used for FICO scores creates a standardized rating of a borrower’s credit history.
Even if you are diligent in reviewing your credit report, the report doesn’t give your FICO score. BankRate.com is offering a free FICO score estimator. You answer these ten easy questions and we’ll give you a free estimated range plus customized product recommendations from myFICO, the most trusted name in credit scoring. Check it out.
When you decide to purchase a Huntsville home, your first step should be to determine how much you can afford to spend. Of course, your mortgage lender will ultimately assess the amount you’re eligible to borrow. Therefore, you need to target an appropriate price range before you begin house hunting.
I work with several local mortgage lenders. Call or email me and I will send you a current list. They can assist you at no cost to see exactly how much you can afford wehn buying Huntsville real estate. There are many different mortgage programs available including those with no money down.
To get an estimated figure, look at your monthly budget and estimate how much you’re willing and able to set aside for your mortgage payment each month. You should also consider how your monthly mortgage payment will relate to your total monthly income.
Generally, your total housing expense should not exceed 28% of gross monthly income (FHA is 29%, VA is N/A). Your total housing expense is the sum of principle, interest, and escrows. Also, total monthly obligations should not be greater than 36% of gross monthly income (FHA and VA are 41%). Monthly obligations include total housing expense plus payments on installment loans revolving credit payments, mortgage payments on real estate that doesn’t produce income, and alimony and child support payments.
You can calculate how much home you can afford in Huntsville on my website. You’ll probably have more questions after you do this, so don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m here to help.
The Huntsville real estate housing market has never been better for many potential buyers. In fact, more often than not, it is less expensive to own your own home rather than rent. 
Professional advice and assistance can make the difference between “Wow!” and 
This Sunday, we will all roll our clocks back an hour and nightfall will come sooner each night.
With this week’s news coverage of the devastating fires in California, home fire safety is a most timely topic.