Real Estate Information Archive

Whether you are a DIY expert or you plan to hire experts to “fix” your home, buying a fixer-upper is a risk.  But often it is a risk very well worth taking!  It just depends upon finding the RIGHT home to fix up.  Here are steps to take before you make the decision to invest your money, time and energy into fixing up a house:

1. Consider the Price Carefully

A fixer-upper should have a fixer-upper price.That may seem obvious, but you might be surprised by how much sellers think a home is worth.Try not to have a “this is the one!” moment with a house when the listing claims it just needs a little TLC. Do your research first. An experienced Realtor like Sandra Nickel can help you find out what similar homes in the neighborhood have sold for.  You are also going to want to be aware of what types of homes they are so that you don’t over invest in luxury improvements that price your house right out of the neighborhood for future resale. When determining your budget, base it on the market value of the homes in the neighborhood.

2. Determine What Improvements Are Needed

How much work do you want to do? How much do you want to spend?Ideally a fixer-upper will offer many opportunities for “instant equity”, meaning that you would make money on the home if you immediately sold it after fixing it up. Some fixer-uppers will just need cosmetic fixes like painting and landscaping.Other may require large renovations.You will need to carefully consider the potential cost of improvements along with the sale price of the home so that you don’t get in over your head.

3. Research Which Projects Will Give You Instant Equity

Will you have to hire a professional to complete the projects?If so, will the cost of that outweigh the money you might get back in instant equity?While many home improvements add some equity, some add a lot more value than others. But they are usually the types of projects that require the help of a professional.Here are some examples of projects that will give you excellent return on investment even if you pay a professional to complete them: new roof, hardwood floors, and insulation. Why a New Roof May Cost You Zero Dollars (In the Long Run)

4. Be Sure You and Your Family Can Cope With the Disruption

A fixer-upper takes time and patience. If you have to move into the home to complete the renovations,you may be living in chaos for a while. Also remember that not all projects go smoothly and there may be set backs and unexpected issues.Can you handle that emotionally?It’s important to consider how the disruptions will affect you and your family before deciding to take on a fixer-upper.

Buying a fixer-upper should never be a spontaneous decision. It needs to be well thought out.  So, do your homework first to determine your budget along with how much you are willing and able to take on before jumping into a fixer-upper.  With the proper preparation, you will end up with a beautiful home that is worth much more than you paid for it!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500! 

Photo Credit: realtor.com

Everyone has different tastes when it comes to home decor, and window dressing is no exception. While most of what we see in magazines and home websites are windows covered in draperies, that may not be what we have in mind for our own home. What are the alternatives? There are plenty of different ways to dress up our windows without forgoing privacy or style.

• Using shutters instead of curtains give you privacy while allowing light to come through when you have adjustable louvers on the shutters. Most are made of wood and can be painted or stained to match your room’s decor or make a statement.
• A pelmet or cornice covered in fabric and paired with plain sheer panels is a simple way to draw the eye up, and make the room appear larger.
• Shades are simple and are mostly used for light control and privacy. Shades come in three main styles:  rolling, cellular, and Roman.
  • Rolling shades are much improved from the days of the plain white; they come in decorative fabrics and colors to coordinate with the room decor.
  • Cellular shades are great for insulating the windows the cover, and softly filter the light coming in.
  • Roman shades can be made of fabric or natural materials, such as bamboo for a casual look.
• Covering a window with a piece of art is nothing new:  vintage stained-glass windows can be found in flea markets and tag sales. If you’re feeling crafty, make your own “stained glass” with paints, and hang the piece over your window.
• For a simpler craft, use the “stained glass” paint in clear to make the window look like wavy antique glass.
• A sunny window is a perfect place for plants, so use them as your window treatment! Purchase shelving and install, or make shelves for your green thumb display.
• Laser-cut metal panels can be installed over windows, and are becoming increasingly popular. Pattern choices are seemingly endless and can be easily purchased at online home decor sites.

Gone are the days when everyone’s home interiors were almost cookie-cutter identical, and good riddance! Our homes should reflect our unique style, and windows are no exception.  Whatever you choose for a window treatment, you will not have a problem finding the right product for you, your family, and your home.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500! 

Photo credit: DIY Plantation Shutters

If you’ve ever had to call a plumber to come out to your house to fix a clogged sink or jammed garbage disposal, you already know how expensive that visit can be. Now you have the added concern of having someone come into your home while maintaining social distancing. Here are some tips for things you can do to take care of your kitchen sink so that you won’t have to call a plumber to fix it for you:

1. Do not pour grease, oil or fat into your garbage disposal or drain. Grease will slowly accumulate and impede your garbage disposal’s grinding ability as well as clog drains.
    
2. Do not use hot water when grinding food waste. Hot water will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate, causing drains to clog.
    
3. Don’t grind extremely fibrous materials like corn husks, celery stalks, onions, and artichokes. Fibers from these can tangle and jam the garbage disposal motor and block drains.
    
4. Don’t turn off the motor or water until grinding is completed. When grinding is complete, turn off the garbage disposal first. Let water continue to run for at least 15 seconds, flushing out any remaining particles. Then turn off water.
    
5. Don’t put too many potato peels down the garbage disposal. The starches in the potatoes will turn into a thick paste and may cause blades to stick.
    
6. Don’t put large amounts of food down the garbage disposal. Feed food into the garbage disposal a little at a time with the cold water running; this will help the food scraps flow down freely through the drain pipes and plumbing.
    
7. Don’t put expandable foods into your garbage disposal. Foods like pasta and rice expand when you add water in a pot; they do the same thing once inside your pipes or garbage disposal and are the cause of many jams and clogs.
    
8. Don’t grind large animal bones of any kind.
    
9. Don’t put coffee grounds down the garbage disposal. They won’t harm the disposal but they can accumulate in drains and pipes, causing clogs.
    
10. Most importantly: Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners to unclog the drain. They damage blades and pipes.

Follow these tips to take care of your sink and garbage disposal and save yourself from that expensive plumber’s bill!!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: thespruce.com

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner and many people enjoy spending time outdoors to savor the warmer weather.  Unfortunately, there are some not-so-pleasant aspects of spending time outside such as bugs, rain and hot, humid days. Whether you have a deck, patio or a fancy She Shed, the following tips will help make the time you spend outside more comfortable in any situation:

1. BUGS. 

Yuck.Whether you are hosting an alfresco dinner party or simply trying to relax with a good book on your deck, nothing will send you running back inside faster than nasty, annoying bugs.If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, dealing with them is imperative if you want to be able to enjoy the outdoors.Screening in a porch is an ideal way to be able to feel like you are outside without all the awful bug bites. Check out these screened porch ideas on Pinterest. Other ways to keep insects away:

• Do not keep any standing water on your property.  Even a single forgotten flowerpot full of rainwater can become a mosquito breeding ground.
• Make water features running rather than standing, or treat them with Mosquito Dunks.
• Install ceiling fans on porches - flies and mosquitoes do not like moving air.
• Hire a service to spray your yard every six weeks.  We use Mosquito Authority, and it has transformed our ability to be outside during bug season!

2. USE OUTDOOR FABRICS IN EXPOSED AREAS.

If your porch is covered, you may be able to get away with using more delicate furniture and cushions not specifically made for outdoor use.But if your seating area is exposed to the elements, you will want to invest in fabrics and furniture made for outside use.They will likely be more expensive, but they won’t fade in the sun, will resist stains and are water resistant.The cushions are stuffed with material that sheds water easily so that they won’t stay waterlogged if they get wet. Weather Proof Patio Furniture

3. UTILIZE A STORAGE BENCH. 

While outdoor cushions are designed to stand up to repeated soakings, they will still be wet for a while directly after a rainstorm.You can avoid having to sit on damp cushions by keeping them in a covered storage bench when you know there is a chance of rain.If they won’t fit in a storage bench, lean your larger cushions against the wall of the house.Do the same with any lightweight folding chairs.

4. MASK SOUNDS WITH RUNNING WATER. 

If noise is an issue that prevents you from indulging in a peaceful outdoor experience, try using a water feature to drown out the distraction.Water is a great way to gently camouflage sounds from close neighbors.Try installing a small fountain near your seating area for a more tranquil atmosphere.

5. MUSIC.

If the water feature doesn’t appeal to you, soft music playing in the background can be just as effective at masking sounds.With wireless speakers, you don’t even need an outlet to play your music.

6. SHADE. 

Even when you are craving the warmth of the sun, sitting outside without any shade on a hot, sunny day will send you running for the AC before too long.There are a lot of options for adding shade to your yard.Try freestanding umbrellas, a cloth overhang, lattices, a shade tree, or a pergola. The Top Ten Reasons for Owning a Pergola

7. PUT TOGETHER AN OUTDOOR DINING KIT. 

Dining alfresco will be easier if you have a kit ready and waiting.Put your frequently used outdoor items in a basket or on a big tray with handles so you can just grab it and go.Here are some things to include:

• Unbreakable wineglasses and plates
• A carafe for water, wine or tea
• Big napkins
• Candles and matches or a lighter
• A wicker or mesh dome-shaped cover to keep flies off the food
• Unbreakable outdoor serving pieces
• A bottle opener

8. HAVE BLANKETS FOR CHILLY EVENINGS.

Keep some blankets nearby.Old wool camp-style blankets, light weight Kantha Quilts , or fringed throws work well.Your guests will thank you on chilly evenings in the garden!

9. HAVE ADEQUATE NIGHTTIME LIGHTING. 

Your outdoor space will really come alive at night with the right lighting.Try placing lighting under a bench seat for subtle illumination, make a ring of lanterns on the grass around your dining table or hang strings of lights overhead.Landscape lighting will add to the ambiance as well.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: theneighborsmagazine.com

Older homes appeal to many due to their charm and endurance.  But living in an older home can become cumbersome as its parts age and break.  You can update your little piece of history without changing the overall ambiance that attracted you to begin with.  Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to update your older home:

1. Paint the Front Door

Buying a new front door can be pricey. In addition, you may be hard-pressed to find a “new” door that complements the style of your older house.  But PAINTING the front door that you already have is a fabulous alternative.  It will only cost you the price of the primer, paint and supplies.  Not only can you add some color to your exterior, you will also add protection from the element meaning that your door will last longer.

2. Replace Outdoor Light Fixtures

Faded, rusted light fixtures can be easily replaced with new one for very little cost.You can even find Vintage Light Fixtures to fit in with the age and style of your home.Just be certain to check with the City Architectural Review Board coordinator, Christy Anderson 625-2041, to be sure your new selection meets their guidelines.

3. Wash Your House

If you don’t own a power washer, it will be well worth it to rent one for a day so that you can give your house a good washing.You will be amazed by the difference it will make when you remove years’ worth of dirt and dust!But don’t use too much velocity or you may find you’re blasting the paint off instead of just cleaning it.

4. Install Porcelain Tile Floors in Your Bathroom

Replacing floors in your home can seem overwhelming due to the expense. But you can start with your smaller rooms, like your bathroom, without spending too much.Look for sales on porcelain tiles and install them yourself to save even more money. How to Lay a Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Floor

5. Replace Light Switch Plates

Do your light switch plates look dingy?You can brighten up a room by simply replacing them with new ones!For example, brushed nickel plates are only about $5 each and when used throughout the home they provide style and consistency.

6. Replace Old Indoor Light Fixtures

Just like with the outdoor light fixtures, old, shabby ones can make your home feel old and shabby.Keep the vintage appeal of your home while updating it with new light fixtures.Check out the Vintage Light Fixtures link above to find ones that with fit in with your home.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: OldHouses.com

Do you love treasures from days gone by?  Whether you have a collection of family heirlooms passed down through generations, or you’re simply a fan of antiquing and have acquired pieces that you want to enjoy in your home, here are some tips for decorating with these timeless treasures:

Go Retro

 The easiest way to decorate with antiques is to give your home a retro vibe. Instead of having one or two antiques in a room, give the whole space a makeover with a retro theme.If you have a piece of furniture that you want to highlight, utilize other things from that era to accent it.They don’t all have to be antiques. You can find many vintage-like things from lamps to art to fabrics that will add to the ambiance while maintain adherence to the time period your furniture is from.

Combine Old With New

If you have just a few antiques that you want to incorporate into your home décor, it’s definitely ok to insert them into your modern or transitional design.  For example, you can hang old photos on the wall or put them in unique frames on your mantle or shelves. Using modern frames allows you to combine the old with the new.  Collectibles like Victorian teacups can be placed in a modern curio cabinet to be displayed in an updated way. How to Mix Antique Modern Decor Styles

Be Careful With Placement

One of the most important aspects of decorating with antiques is placement. You can make the antique the focal point of the room and work around it. Another option is to place items in more inconspicuous areas where they can be accent pieces. Placing small heirlooms on a bookshelf is a great way to display items that bring happy memories without them intruding on the overall aesthetic of the room.

Create New Pieces With Old Ones

If arts and crafts are your thing, there are a lot of options for creating art with antiques.For example, people are taking old, rustic window frames and making photo collages with them.Another option is refinishing a door and using it either as art or as a functional addition to your home. 33 Ways to Elevate Vintage Doors into Art

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: veranda.com

You’ve just bough your first home!  Congratulations!  You got through the process with the help of your Realtor, but now you’ve signed the paperwork and received your keys and it’s time to move in. You may find yourself wondering, “what next?”.  Here are some tips to help make your transition to home owner a little less stressful:

• Educate Yourself About Your Mortgage Statement

It’s important that you learn how to read your monthly mortgage statement. When you receive the first one, you will see that there is a lot of information on it. Most importantly, it will tell you the amount due, how to pay it, and the due date.It will also include your loan servicer’s contact information, which you will need if you have any questions about your mortgage. How to Read a Mortgage Statement

• Don’t Pay Attention to Refinance Offers

You might start receiving a lot of unsolicited mail after you move in to your new home.That is because your information becomes public record and companies will start sending you refinancing offers.The thing is, it’s not usually beneficial to you to refinance early on in your mortgage repayment process.It may be a great option for you down the road, but not right away. Mortgage Refinancing: How to Know When the Time is Right

• Organize Your Documents

When you close on your house you will sign a lot of papers and you will be given copies of all of them.Be sure to keep these documents together in a safe place.You will need access to them when it comes time to pay your taxes so that you can take advantage of tax savings that come with home ownership. Tax Benefits of Home Ownership in 2020

• Do a Home Inventory

The day you sign the title to your new home, your home owner’s insurance will go into effect.But there is more work to be done to protect your home and belongings. The smart thing to do is to create a written/photographic inventory of all the valuables in your home.This will be very helpful if a worst-case scenario occurs and your personal property is damaged, stolen or destroyed.If you can present your insurance company with an organized list of what you have lost, it will help expedite your claim. 10 Shortcuts for Completing Your Home Inventory in Record Time

• Give Your New Home a Deep Cleaning

It’s always a good idea to give your new home a deep cleaning before you move in; even if it’s a newly constructed home.It’s so much easier to do this before you have moved all your belongings in and you will feel good about starting out in a freshly cleaned house!

• Change Your Locks

This is a step that many people overlook.You’ve just received the keys to your new home, but many people have had those keys before you.From previous owners, to Realtors, to contractors and more; you really have no idea who might still have access to your home.To ensure your safety, call a locksmith and schedule an appointment to have all your exterior door locks changed the morning after your closing.You will feel safer knowing you are the only ones with keys to your house!

• Educate Yourself About Your Home

Take the time to learn your home systems. Familiarize yourself with your HVAC unit, the circuit breaker, the security system, the fireplace, and the hot water heater. Find where the fire extinguishers are and make sure smoke/carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order.

Becoming a home owner is exciting and sometimes overwhelming, but you can start out on the right foot by following this guide!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: SmartAsset.com

No green thumb? Don’t worry!  The grass CAN be greener on your side of the fence. With spring right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start working on a thick carpet of grass for your yard. Here are some tips for growing a lawn that will have your neighbors GREEN with envy:

• Start by reseeding and fertilizing. If you have bare spots in your grass, taking the time to reseed now will pay off this spring.  Make sure you fertilize for optimal growth and keep the area moist until you see new growth. If you don’t have time to do this yourself, you can hire someone to do it. Lawn Seeding Services in Montgomery Alabama
   
• Look for problems that will hinder growth.  Steep slopes and shady trees can potentially keep grass from growing.  You may want to consider hydroseeding in sloped regions.  And planting fescues in shady zones will help as well. What is Hydroseeding
   
• Patch dead areas with sod.  Re-sodding is the best bet if you have large dead areas. Sod can be installed any time of year…just make sure you water it frequently until it sets.
   
• Look into xeriscaping. No matter what climate you live in, xeriscaping is the best way to weatherproof your lawn.  This low maintenance, low cost method of landscaping will keep your lawn looking beautiful during all the seasons! Guide to Xeriscape Landscaping

Once you have your lawn looking fabulous, you can create a fun outdoor living space to enjoy with your friends and family.  And when you’re ready to sell your home, the first impression potential buyers get from your curb appeal will have them waiting in line to see your house! 

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: leekgarden.com

There are a lot of perks to home ownership, but let’s face it; it can be expensive.  You’re not only making a mortgage payment every month, but you are also responsible for maintaining your home.  But there are lots of easy ways to save money without ever leaving the house. Follow these tips and start saving today!

• Save money on your electric bill by utilizing natural ways to cool your house.  During the spring and summer, open your windows and use fans to get the air circulating through your home.  Ceiling fans will help too. Moving the air through the house will help cool it down quite a bit.
   
• Another way to save on your electric bill is to line dry your clothes.  Dryers use a lot of electricity, and there are many good reasons to choose line drying.  Not only is it an energy saver, but it may extend the life of your clothing! 5 Reasons to Line Dry Your Laundry
   
• Get rid of cable television. With all the options for streaming shows on apps like Hulu and Netflix, you could save a lot of money by ending your relationship with cable and using apps to stream your favorite programs.  You might be surprised to discover that even after upgrading your internet, you will still pay less per month than you did for cable television. Best Live TV Streaming Services For Cord-Cutters in 2020
   
• Always unplug.  Even when you are not using an appliance, if you keep it plugged in, it is still pulling electricity.  It may not seem like much, but over years you can save quite a bit by unplugging when not using things.  Chances are you are not going to want to be bothered with walking around your house to unplug everything, but to make it a little easier, consider using power strips so you can just unplug that at the end of the day.
   
• Use a shopping list.  This may sound silly, but when you go shopping without a list you often come home with way more than you need.  Make a list and stick to it. It will not only make shopping more efficient, but it will save you money in the long run.
   
• Learn how to do basic home maintenance.  You can save a ton of money over time by being able to take care of home maintenance yourself.  By doing small tasks like replacing filters and cleaning out dust, you can lengthen the lifespan of many appliances, thus saving money that way as well. 100 Home Repairs You Don't Need to Call a Pro For
   
• Bundle up and save on heating costs.  Invest in quality, warm blankets so you can turn the heat down and still be warm and cozy when you sleep at night.  Decreasing your heat by just a few degrees can save you a lot of money over time.
   
• Create a budget and try to stick to it. By creating a budget, you will be more conscientious about your spending.  It will not only help you to see where you are spending too much, it will also assist you in prioritizing your spending.

Saving money is important.  Whether you’re saving for retirement or for a special family vacation, it’s the little things you do that make a big difference in the long run!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: bowmanheatingandair.com

When you’ve lived in a home for a while, it can start to lose the charm you first saw in it.  Day to day life can make it feel like a burden rather than a retreat.  Especially this time of year, when you’ve taken down the holiday decorations and the days are shorter and darker.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  February is the month of love and it’s a great time to remember what made you fall in love with your house to begin with.  Even if your current home is not your dream house, you can still create a place you will love.  Here is a list of ways to love the home you have:

• Declutter.  A messy, cluttered home can make you feel overwhelmed and embarrassed to have company.  Negative feelings about your home make it a place of stress instead of a place of peace and comfort. Cleaning up the clutter can seem like a huge task, but once you’ve done it, you will be glad you did! Stop Household Clutter: 50 Things to Get Rid of Right Now
   
• Show the kitchen some love.  Whether you love to cook or not, chances are you spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  So, it makes sense to have a kitchen you enjoy.  Simple things like keeping the sink, drainer and counters clear will go a long way into creating a space you will feel good about.  Place some fresh flowers on your counter or eat-in kitchen table. Find a spot for a speaker so you can listen to music while cooking.  Make the time spent in the kitchen a joy and not a chore.
   
• Make your bedroom a retreat.  Your bedroom should provide you with peace, quiet and comfort.  When decorating, you might focus on the rooms that guests will see.  But don’t neglect your bedroom.  It is your sanctuary.  Your place to escape to when you want time alone.  Choose colors that give your bedroom a relaxing vibe. Splurge on luxurious bed linens. And don’t be frugal when purchasing a mattress and pillows. Sleep is so important to your overall health and having the right mattress and pillows greatly effects the quality of your sleep. 15 Calming Bedroom Colors to Relax and Unwind
   
• Display favorite family memories. Like many people, you probably have hundreds, if not thousands of photos on your electronic devices.  Take some time to go through them and find photos of your favorite family memories to print and frame for display.  Need some ideas?  Check out Pinterest for lots of unique ways to display photos in your home. Photo Displays
   
• Design a room that works for you.  Do you have a room that doesn’t get used much (if at all)?  For example, a formal living room that nobody in the family uses?  Perhaps it’s time to make use of that room in a way that works best for you and your family.  Don’t get tied down to the fact that is a “formal living room”.  It can be anything you want it to be. Do you love to read?  Create a cozy library with a comfy chair and book shelves.  Do you need home office space?  Then create a home office that makes you look forward to “going to work” each day.

Even if you are not currently living in your dream house, you can make small changes that will help you fall in love with the home you’re in! 

However, if you are looking to sell your current home so you can find your dream home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: facebook.com