Hoover Alabama Real Estate

Weichert $8000 Tax Credit Countdown

2009-08-29T11:09:00.001-05:00

How Much House Can You Afford?

2008-08-31T15:27:00.003-05:00

If you are thinking about buying a house, either for the first time or upgrading, it is a good idea to calculate how much of a mortgage payment can you afford. It’s best to calculate these numbers BEFORE you start looking for a house. Otherwise, you run the risk of clouding your judgment or wasting your time looking at houses you can’t afford. So, how do we calculate how much we can afford? It’s not a hard calculation but it does require you to be honest with yourself.

STEP 1 - Figure Out Your Net Income

This is your income minus:

taxes
Social Security withholding
retirement contributions
and anything else that is taken directly out of your check

For this example, we’ll assume that your monthly NET income is $4,500.

STEP 2 - Add Up Your Monthly Payments on ALL Your Debt

These items can include the following:

student loans
car payments
credit card payments

NOTE: do not include your rent or current mortgage payment.

If this number is MORE THAN 30% of your net income (or $1,350 using the $4,500 from above), STOP! You have too much debt! Your first priority should be to pay down your current debts so that you can better afford a mortgage payment in the future.

STEP 3 - Add Up ALL Your Monthly Living Expenses

Be sure to include EVERYTHING (even items that are marked savings). Be honest with yourself. If it’s something you pay once a year, divide it by 12 to get the monthly amount.

NOTE: Again, do not include your rent or current mortgage payment.

Subtract your monthly expenses from your net income (found in STEP 1). What’s left over is the MAXIMUM amount that you can afford to spend on your mortgage payment (including property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, maintenance, PMI, and any other costs that come with home ownership.)

Keep in mind that this formula does not include any tax benefits that might be available to you via income tax deductions. It would be beneficial for you to sit down with your tax consultant or your tax software and run the numbers to see what type of deductions you might be able to get. Any deductions will lower your monthly costs of home ownership.

What if you’re not ready for a mortgage payment? Don’t sweat it. Pay down your debts, save up some money, and have patience.

For further assistance in figuring your maximum mortgage payment and finding the perfect home...call me anytime day or night!
Andi Thapa
Your Hoover Real Estate Specialist
(205) 602-4588

I'm Back and with a new word...FRUGAL

2008-08-14T13:53:00.005-05:00

I took a short break to have my third child, but now we are all used to each other and have a somewhat steady routine.
Having 3 small children with gas prices averaging $4 a gallon and milk almost $2 more per gallon (and can you believe a 20 oz coke is $1.39!) , I'm learning everyday about being more frugal! As I’ve always been frugal, for the most part, I started to look into being greener as well.
For instance: I conserve water in my home, along with electricity. Primarily because I want to keep the cost down. BUT in doing so, I am also being kinder to the environment by not wasting unnecessary water OR using more electricity, burning more fuel and leaving less of a carbon footprint by cutting back.
While it may not be in our nature, we can often make do with less. Look first for monthly expenses that qualify as luxuries. Cut down on meals away from home and cook up all the goodies in the pantry and freezer before you head out to the grocery. Look for other ways to shave unnecessary spending from your budget. Driving is my big issue since I now drive a huge tank to stowaway all my children and get around for work. I am struggling with it, but am having luck finding ways to reduce my driving.
Whether you choose to live frugally, or you choose to live green, or be a tree hugger, or be conservative, it's all the same in the end. Just a matter of the words you put together to describe it
SO...to get back on point...I'M BACK and I'm helping clients buy and sell AND SAVE!
Call or email me now to get information on how I can help save you money when buying or selling your home. athapa@weichert.com (205) 602-4588

TIME magazine confirms it...

2008-03-05T22:11:00.007-06:00

This is part of an email sent to me from Jim Weichert (President of Weichert, Realtors) that I thought was worth sharing...

(recent) TIME magazine article....

If you haven’t seen it, the article makes a case for why buyers should act now. We have been saying this for a long time, and now a major news magazine agrees that there might not be a better time than now to buy a home.

Some of the points the author Dan Kadlec makes are worthy of sharing:

· According to famed money manager Peter Lynch, one’s first investment, even above purchasing stocks, should be to buy a home. In his view, an owner-occupied home is nearly always profitable, even in a declining market.

· Interest rates are low, making it the ideal time for buyers to make a move. As the economy and real estate market recover, home prices and mortgage rates will rise making homes less affordable.

· Trying to time real estate might not pay off. Kadlec uses a great example: If you buy a home today for $218,900 with 20 percent down and a 5.5 percent 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly principal and interest will be $994.31. If you wait a year and purchase the house for less – $197,010 – but have to pay a 6 percent mortgage rate, your monthly payment would be $994.94. In the end, you would have saved nothing and wasted a year “living someplace you would rather not be.”

How more true could that be! The time is now, so get on the phone and give me a call!

Andi Thapa

for your Hoover, Alabama Real Estate Needs

(205) 602-4588

Thinking of buying real estate??

2008-02-23T18:30:00.004-06:00

When your are ready to start visiting homes for sale, consider working with a Real Estate Agent. It is the first step to ensure your new home and community meet your needs. I am ready to help you from finding the right home all the way to the day you get the keys.
If you're interested in finding out how to save time and money when searching for your new home, please contact me at athapa@weichert.com or just give me a call anytime at (205) 602-4588.
Andi Thapa
Your official Hoover, Alabama Real Estate resident Agent

Selling your real estate...

2008-02-22T12:52:00.003-06:00

Thinking of selling your home? I love to list and market homes in todays real estate market. My marketing, along with Weichert, Realtors, is creative providing many options to sellers so that their home can be sold at top dollar in today's market. I'm here to assist you in gathering all the information before taking the next step forward. As you may know, price is a key factor in selling your home. Call me today to your free home analysis based on the statistics in your neighborhood.
Your Hoover Alabama Real Estate Agent,
Andi Thapa
(205) 602-4588

Why "Hoover 's Happening"

2008-02-21T20:34:00.006-06:00

Hoover, Alabama is a great place to live, work and raise a family and this is why... Hoover is home to more than 70,000 residents and offers an unprecedented quality of life. The housing market and cost of living are among the most affordable in the Southwest United States. The city of Hoover was recently awarded an international award for livable communities competing with cities all over the world.
Hoover, Alabama has an outstanding school system: Spain Park High School was recently nominated as a blue ribbon award finalist. Hoover High school was selected as one of 24 model high schools in the United States by the international center for leadership and education. Teachers and students are recognized at both state and international levels.
Hoover is the fastest growing city in Alabama with a wide variety of attraction to suite just about everyone. There are a tremendous number of shops, recreation and entertainment venues.
Residents of Hoover, Alabama have the opportunity to see first hand why Mayor Tony Petelos always says "Hoover's happening".

Don't miss out! Call me when you're ready to start visiting homes for sale!
Andi Thapa
(205) 602-4588
Let's make HOOVER REAL ESTATE happen!

2008-02-14T16:17:00.005-06:00

From your Hoover, Alabama Real Estate Agent
Andi Thapa
(205) 602-4588

No web site, large or small, can take the place of a REALTOR

2008-02-10T23:49:00.001-06:00

Not even mine! Even with the many resources provided to you within my web site and throughout the internet, there is no substitute for me, or any other agent that you choose to work with. Many questions cannot be answered by a web site, and for your benefit, it is important to work with an area expert. This site is filled with ways that you can contact me for one-on-one expert help and advice. That's my job.

Whether you are looking for the best home in your area within your price range, or wanting to sell your home, for as much as the market will bear, and as quickly as possible, you can depend on me for all your real estate needs in the Hoover and surrounding areas.

Andi Thapa
(205) 602-4588

Home Buyers Seminar

2008-02-10T23:26:00.001-06:00

Don't miss our next home buyers seminar! We are here to answer your questions and ease any fears you may have of buying a home, whether it be your 1st or 4th!
NEXT SEMINAR is Thursday, March 6th @ 7pm. It's free to attend so call me and let me know how many seats to reserve for you.

Andi Thapa
(205) 602-4588

Don't miss out!

2008-02-04T15:45:00.000-06:00

Nervous, scared, have questions or just don't know where to start...I am here to help! We are having a Buyer's Seminar in a few weeks- please call for more information.
The Real Estate market in Hoover, Alabama is so exciting right now! Things are really selling so don't just sit around while someone else makes a MOVE right into your dream home!

Andi Thapa
(205) 602-4588

Market meltdown?? I don't think so...

2008-02-02T20:10:00.000-06:00

While the Birmingham market is having its second best year ever, the state is not doing so bad itself.

Alabama had its third best year ever.

Across the state sales dropped 5% from 2006. This number is very insignificant compared to a lot of markets across the US, and the 13% overall average for the nation.

2006 and 2005 were the only two years to have higher numbers of transactions than the 57,083 we had in 2007.

The median price dropped to $217,000 a total of 1.8% drop for the nation, while Alabama held steady at about $129,000

In an article, State Posts Its 3rd Best Total Amid Decline, Grayson Glaze, director of UA's Alabama Center for Real Estate, "noted another positive for Alabama - a decline in the number of homes on the market since a peak was reached in July. This so-called "inventory" figure is considered a key indicator because having a high number of homes for sale puts pressure on prices." and "The long-term key in 2008 to generating stability in the housing market is the continued correction of the inventory imbalance, the continued improvement in the levels of housing affordability and the restoration of consumer confidence in the market place..."

Over the previous 2 years, 2005 and 2006, Alabama was experiencing record growth. Obviously, while this trend is fun to have it is typically not something you would experience for a number of years consecutively.

According to Grayson Glaze, "Home sales in 2008 will represent a more sustainable pace when compared to recent years where record sales and sales growth were the norm..."

He also noted that Alabama has good indicators when the future talking about our economy and said, "The state's underlying economy remains stable despite the slower projected growth, state unemployment remains below the national average and Alabama consumers' personal income continues to experience steady growth..."

Looks like Alabama and the Greater Birmingham Area are proving to be quite resilient.

For your real estate needs in Hoover, Alabama and surrounding cities...Give me a call!
Andi Thapa
(205) 602-4588

Let's be REAL

2008-01-31T14:15:00.000-06:00

STOP wasting your time with that other agent who can never be found and never answers your call!
For your REAL ESTATE needs in Hoover Alabama and surrounding areas do the right thing- call someone who answers their phone and can provide you with fast results...not empty promises.

Call me for your free consultation whether you are buying or selling!
Andi Thapa
(205) 602-4588

Sellers Tactics: Attracting Buyers in '08

2008-01-31T09:10:00.000-06:00

Home selling strategies should always be carefully tailored to meet current market realities. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re planning on selling your home in 2008.

Get a Home Inspection: In a buyer’s market, it pays to take a pro-active approach. Home defects or outdated systems can hold up a sale or result in price reductions later on. By getting a home inspection before putting your home on the market, you’ll be able to address problems that might otherwise turn off savvy buyers.
Set Pricing Accurate to MarketSetting a realistic asking price is the best way to ensure a timely sale. It’s no longer enough to simply check current comparable listings in your area and match their asking prices. Research both the price and the time on the market of current comparable listings. Pay close attention to any properties that have sat unsold for an extended period of time. Get information on recent sold properties in the area, paying close attention to the sold date. If available, seek out statistical data on local home buying trends. Hire a professional appraiser to give you more finite idea of your home’s value. Keep your mind open to the possibility of a future price reduction should your initial listing not generate the kind of response you desire.
Pre-Market Prep: With inventories rising in many areas, buyers have become much more meticulous. It’s more important than ever to make sure that your home is show-ready before the listing is placed on the market. Clean and de-clutter your home inside and out. If you’ve been considering remodeling, stick to less-expensive projects in key rooms. Make any necessary exterior repairs (such as fixing broken gutters or missing shingles) to improve your home’s curb appeal. A professional stager can draw out your home’s best qualities while downplaying personal touches that may not be for everyone.
Professional Marketing: In a slowing market that favors the individual buyer, the guidance and know-how of a licensed seller’s agent becomes all the more valuable. The available resources, marketing experience and industry knowledge of a real estate professional will help you develop a targeted marketing plan based on your home’s strengths and the makeup of your immediate market.

HOOVER WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD

2008-01-30T16:46:00.000-06:00

Environmental Management Practices among the Best in the World

Hoover, Ala. — The City of Hoover is honored to announce it is a winner in an international competition recognizing livable communities and excellence in environmental management. This is the first time a city in Alabama has been so highly praised for its living conditions and positive ecological impact.

Hoover received a silver award in The International Awards for Livable Communities, in a category of cities with populations of 20,001 to 75,000. The winners of the LivCom contest, livcomawards.com/media-2007/finalists.htm, were announced today in Westminster, London. Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos is in London where he competed on behalf of the City, against St. Cloud, Minnesota, Fayetteville, Arkansas and seven other cities from Australia, the Czech Republic, Albania, Bulgaria, England, Russia and Lithuania.

Hoover’s many achievements include:

· Remaining a model city in Alabama for its efforts preserving and conserving nature

· School system nationally recognized for ethnic diversity and excellence in education

· Well-established culture of volunteerism and community involvement

· Heritage conservation programs

· Alternative fuel initiatives -- such as powering 85% of the City’s police vehicles on ethanol 85, the highest percentage in the country, and running most of the City’s other 326 vehicles on B20 or B100

Speaking from London just after receiving this award, Mayor Petelos said, “This is a great day for The City of Hoover. We are truly honored. In just four short decades, together our citizens have built a beautiful, strong, and growing community that we are all proud to call home. And being internationally recognized for our hard work is deeply rewarding and a truly historical benchmark on our 40th anniversary.”

The City’s next project will be the clean up and preservation of close to 250 acres of green space, to ensure Hoover maintains natural environments for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come. The land is divided into three areas across the City, that when finished will include managed forests, scenic hiking trails, areas to watch wildlife, and a public greenway connecting neighborhoods with nearby shopping areas. Two tracts of land were donated by developers and one was recently purchased by the City for 4.1 million dollars.

The City of Hoover, founded by William Hoover in the late 1950s, grew rapidly after Interstate 65 (Alabama's primary North-South artery) and Interstate 459 were constructed; by 1986, the $300 million Riverchase Galleria was constructed. The city’s population exceeds 65,000 and continues to grow, blending Southern rolling hills with large corporations, businesses and residential developments.

Sample of what Hoover, Alabama has to offer

2008-01-30T16:20:00.000-06:00

Andi goes to Hoover

2008-01-30T10:00:00.000-06:00

A new real estate professional has appeared on the scene of Hoover, Alabama. If you look fast, you may be able to catch her on many of the open houses she holds on weekdays and weekends.