Real Estate Information Archive

Deciding whether to buy a home is a big deal, especially for military families who may only live someplace for a short period of time. If you are in the military and are thinking about buying a home, here are some important things to take into consideration:

RESEARCH

It’s important to start researching the area where you will be moving long before your moving date. Check out real estate listings online. Have a list of wants and needs prepared to help narrow down the types of homes you’re interested in viewing. Pay particular attention to houses in the neighborhoods you’re interested in to see how long they are staying on the market and if there are changes in their asking prices.

COMMUNITY

Moving a lot can make it challenging for military families to find a sense of community. Buying a home in an area that offers a lot of amenities makes it easier for residents to meet people and form connections. Look for neighborhoods that offer things like pools, fitness centers, dog parks, playgrounds, and community gardens. Families with children moving in the summer before school starts can utilize these amenities to meet people and establish relationships that will help you integrate more easily into the school year.

MILITARY INCENTIVES

You will find that many developers and builders will offer special incentives for military buyers. Some communities even offer free landscaping services for members of the military who are deployed. Military buyers also can qualify for interior design extras and help with closing costs. It is prudent to always ask about any available extras for active military and veterans. In addition, military buyers can benefit from special financing options. Using a VA Home Loan is a great advantage for military buyers. And if the military buyer has greater than 30% disability, there are tax benefits which will lower his or her tax rate. With low interest rates and your housing allowance, you will be able to pay your mortgage and build equity even if you only live there a short time.

Military buyers want the same things in a new home that all buyers want…a good floorplan, great schools, lots of storage, nice appliances, and a safe neighborhood. But you do bring a unique perspective to the home-shopping experience. Connecting with a military-friendly professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel is vital to navigating the homebuying process. Sandra is a Certified Residential Specialist who will provide information about schools, safety, traffic, and neighborhood activities to help military families make the best choice for their new 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 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/ for more info! 

3241 Gatsby Lane, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 552544

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,518 Square Feet | Hillwood West

Neat as a pin in Hillwood West! This adorable patio home is the perfect spot to land if you are looking for low maintenance. The open floor plan has a living room, dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar and a family room/den perfect for an office. Two bedrooms are on opposite ends with two full bathrooms in between. Ideal location close to the interstate, restaurants, and shopping.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Lauren Keen, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

Whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing a home and a mortgage is involved, a home appraisal is going to be an important aspect of the process. Therefore, it’s crucial that you understand how the appraisal process works and how an appraiser determines a home’s value.

A home appraisal is an unbiased, professional opinion of a home’s value. Conducted by a licensed home appraiser with the knowledge and experience to determine the fair current value of the home, it takes place in almost every home purchase/sale transaction and is commonly used in refinance situations as well. Within a purchase/sale transaction, it is used to establish if the home’s contract price is appropriate, based on the home’s location, condition, and features. For a refinance, the appraisal makes sure that the lender isn’t giving the borrower more money than the home is worth. Because the home serves as collateral for the loan, lenders want to make sure that the homeowner is not over-borrowing. With a purchase/sale transaction, the home appraisal is typically paid for by the buyer and the fee is included in the closing costs.

The reason the home appraisal is so important is because it lets the lender know that they are lending the appropriate amount of money for the value of the home. Sometimes the appraisal will come in for a lower amount than the agreed upon price and when that happens, the lender might deny a loan for that amount. If the appraisal comes in at or above the contract price, the transaction can proceed. However, chances are the seller doesn’t want the deal to fall through, so if the appraisal comes in low, the buyer may be able to use it to negotiate a lower selling price. Knowing that the bank won’t lend any buyer more than what the home is worth, the seller may be willing to lower their selling price so that they can proceed with the sale.  A low appraisal can also derail a homeowner’s attempt at refinancing their home. The home needs to appraise at or above the amount the homeowner wants to refinance. One exception is if you have an FHA mortgage.  With an FHA mortgage, you can refinance without an appraisal through the Streamline Your FHA Mortgage.

The appraiser will look at many things to determine the home’s fair current value. The property’s value will be influenced by recent sale prices of similar properties and by current market trends. The home’s amenities, floor plan, functionality, square footage, and number of bedrooms/bathrooms will also play a part in coming up with a fair price for the lender.  A thorough visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the property will allow the appraiser to note any issues that might have an adverse effect on the property’s value.  You may confuse a home appraisal with a home inspection, but they are not the same thing, A home inspection is a much more detailed evaluation of the home and does not involve the lender.

Usually, the home appraisal will just be a box checked off on your home closing checklist. But if the appraisal comes in lower than expected, the purchase/sale transaction can be delayed or canceled.  Understanding the process and being aware of potential problems will help you be better prepared to handle whatever circumstances come your way.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Spring is just around the corner, and it is a great time to sell a house! In fact, per a Zillow study, homes listed between May 1 through May 15 sold, on average, around 18.5 days faster than homes not listed during this period. Add this to the fact that the largest number of buyers are actively searching for homes in the months of April, May and June and you will see that getting your property on the market during spring is a must!

Here are some tips that will help your house stand out among the plethora of homes that get put on the market in spring:

• Wash windows inside and out and polish all mirrors. A little bit of sparkle goes a long way in impressing potential buyers.
  
• Rake the yard and trim back bushes. Your yard is the first thing people will see. Dead leaves and debris do not paint a pretty picture. In addition, you want as much natural light as possible flooding through your windows, so make sure bushes aren’t blocking the rays.
   
• Mow the yard diagonally and edge along the driveway and sidewalks.  Mowing diagonally makes yards look larger. And edging shows that you give attention to small details and lets buyers know you have cared for your property.
   
• Plant yellow flowers. Yellow tulips and daffodils promote feelings of happiness and contentment.
  
• Clean window treatments and open windows. It will be worth your while to take down your drapes, curtains, and blinds to clean them and give them a crisp, fresh look. Weather permitting, opening windows lets the fresh air in and gives the whole house the feeling of spring.
   
• Have fresh, fragrant flowers in the house.  Artful home-staging brings color and pleasant aromas indoors.
   
• Polish floors to a high gloss. Make those floors shine! Refinish them if necessary.
   
• Use light colors. Even if you must spend a little to replace items; towels, linens, throws, and sofa pillows are inexpensive accents that will pay off. Use soft, spring colors such as yellows, pinks, pale blues, and lavenders to light up a room.
   
• Spruce up your entryway. This is the part of your home where buyers will get their first impression. Make it a good one!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my  Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

3012 Norman Bridge Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36105

MLS# 553669

8 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 4-Plex | Southmont

Great investment opportunity and prime location in Midtown/Cloverdale area! This brick 4-plex has spacious 2 bedroom /1 bath apartments with hardwood floors and large rooms. 3 of the units have screened porches, and 1 upstairs unit has an enclosed porch/sunroom! Some of the units come with a washer/dryer and dishwasher. Incoming electrical system and meters/breaker boxes updated within the last few years. Exterior has just had fresh paint, rotten wood replacement, and porches refreshed. Ample parking in the rear off Norman Bridge. Across from historic Brewbaker mansion and other fine homes, as well as LeGrand Park! Minutes to downtown, Huntingdon, ASU, I-65 and I-85, Jackson, and Baptist South hospitals.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team

Purchasing your first home is a huge milestone…and not one that should be taken lightly.  It’s a big commitment and you want to be sure you get it right. It is important that you educate yourself before you begin the home buying process so that you can find the right property and procure the financing for it. 

Here are some things you should know as a first-time homebuyer:

• PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

Entering the home buying process for the first time might feel a little overwhelming. You will have a lot of questions, but don’t worry, there will be people who will guide you through. The first thing to do is to find an experienced, professional Realtor. Your Realtor will assist you in finding your starter home, making an offer, and negotiating with sellers. Another person you should meet with prior to starting your home search is a mortgage lender. Your mortgage banker will help you complete your loan application along with determining the amount you qualify for.

Getting preapproved for a mortgage is an important step that will set you on the right course for buying your first home.

• STARTING YOUR HOME SEARCH

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “location, location, location” in relation to real estate. It exists for a reason. Because location is one of the most important aspects in choosing a home. The first thing you must do when searching for your starter home is determine the area you want to live in. You should take many things into consideration when making this decision. Do you want city, suburban, or country living? What is the reputation of the school system? Are there shopping, dining, and entertainment activities nearby? The answers to these questions aren’t just important for you when you’re living there but may also have an impact on resale value. Remember, this is your starter home, not necessarily your forever home. So, you should take resale value into consideration when choosing the location. Once you’ve determined WHERE you want to look, you can create a list of what you’re looking for in a home. You may have to compromise on some things, but going into your search knowing what you want will make things less confusing.

• FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

When buying your first home, there may be some expenses that you didn’t anticipate. Don’t risk being blindsided by unexpected expenses. Do your research and make sure you know what you are getting into. Here are some costs you may not have thought of:

• Closing costs
• Home inspection
• Moving expenses
• Setting up your new house

Remember that your Realtor and Mortgage Banker are there to answer questions you may have, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of their expertise!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

While there are many perks to home ownership (and tax breaks are a big one!), people who are beginning the journey of purchasing a home may be easily misled by common homeowner tax myths.

First, it is important to note that owning your own home does come with tax benefits. For example, a conventional loan’s PMI (private mortgage insurance), the VA loan funding fee, the USDA loan guaranteed fee, and FHA loan upfront mortgage insurance premiums are each tax deductible per the IRS. But as a first-time homeowner, it’s important that you educate yourself on extended tax benefits so that you will know what you can and cannot deduct. Because, unfortunately, some things you might have heard about homeowner tax perks may not be true.

MYTH: DEDUCTIONS ALWAYS CUT YOUR TAX BILL IN HALF

TRUTH: While it is possible for your home ownership deductions to reduce your tax bill, it is not a guarantee. In order to claim deductions, they must add up to more than the combination of the standard deduction and non-home related write-offs, such as sales taxes or charitable donations. You also will have to itemize your deductions.  Timing, in this case, is everything. For example, if you close on your home in April, you will make several mortgage payments throughout the tax year and chances are that you will exceed the standard deduction and write-offs, in which case your tax bill will be reduced. But if you close in November, you might only make one mortgage payment in the taxable year and you likely won’t exceed the standard deduction, meaning this is one homeowner tax perk that you won’t be able to enjoy until the following tax year.

MYTH: EVERY PAYMENT MADE AT CLOSING IS DEDUCTIBLE

TRUTH: Some closing costs are deductible. Not every fee you pay at your home closing can be written off.  The following closing costs ARE deductible: real estate taxes, mortgage interest, and PMI (private mortgage insurance). You will not receive a tax break for your homeowner’s or flood insurance premiums. The same applies to appraisal fees, escrow accounts for property insurance and taxes, and title insurance.

MYTH: HAVING A HOME OFFICE IS A GUARANTEED DEDUCTION

TRUTH: Having a home office can indeed provide a deductible…for those who qualify.  You must keep in mind that the IRS’s definition of a “home office” is very specific. The following will qualify you for a home office deduction: you are self-employed, own a small business, work from home and have turned one of your home’s rooms into your office space. If you just work from your couch with your laptop, it doesn’t qualify as a “home office” in the eyes of the IRS.

If you fill out a W-2, your home office is NOT deductible.

Purchasing your first home can be an overwhelming and sometimes intimidating process. Educating yourself about homeowner tax breaks is one step you can take toward becoming a knowledgeable, prepared home owner.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334=834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

3174 Lexington Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 552107

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,533 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

Love the charm of Cloverdale but looking for stylish updates too? Then this is the one for you! Entering this house, it's impossible to not fall in love with the unique arched front door! Then you're immediately greeted with beautiful hardwood floors and ample amounts of natural light! The living room, dining area and kitchen are all open creating plenty of space for the family or entertaining friends! The kitchen has updated counter tops, subway tile and cabinetry making cooking a pleasure. Wait until you see the master suite! The recessed ceiling and lighting add a touch of elegance to this room! Along with that, the updated bathroom includes a double vanity, gorgeous counter tops and a tiled walk-in shower surrounded by glass. The guest bedrooms are spacious, and the guest bathroom has a claw foot tub! The large backyard is spacious enough for cookouts, garden beds or anything else your heart desires! Don't miss your chance to see this beautiful house that's only minutes away from everything Cloverdale has to offer!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Alison Bertschy, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

3264 Le Bron Road, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 551684

3 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1 Half Bath | 1,815 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

This Cloverdale charmer offers the best of both worlds! Classic historic features you would expect in a vintage home, with improved amenities like a new roof, updated electrical, tankless water heater and more. Half bath added for guests, hall/main bath updated with glass/tile walk-in shower and separate tub, and beautiful spacious kitchen with new appliances, new cabinets, and gorgeous countertops. Bonus room has closet and could be 4th bedroom, den, home office, or playroom. Cozy covered deck overlooks lush, fenced backyard with small shed and covered RV parking! Located just a couple of blocks from Cloverdale Bottom Park which hosts spring concerts, festivals, a playground for the kiddos, and neighborhood holiday celebrations. Walk to restaurants, bars, theatres, and shopping.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Ali Bertschy, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

When people think about where they might retire, the first place that comes to mind is Florida. But Florida is far from the only place that is great for retirement. According to U.S News Real Estate, Montgomery, Alabama, with its affordable home prices, inexpensive taxes, and low cost of living is a great place to stretch your retirement funds. Family homes here cost lower than the national average and Alabama has some of the lowest property taxes in the country. Add to that its rich culture and warm weather and Alabama is one of the best kept secrets of retirement opportunities!

Finances are a vital aspect of retirement, and you want to live in a state where you can get the most bang for your buck without having to sacrifice comfort and enjoyment. And Alabama has a lot to offer in that respect. You will find a lot of the same tax advantages in Alabama that you would find in Florida. Combined with the fact that Alabama is overall a less expensive place to live, it should be a top contender when deciding where to retire. Consider these financial perks:

• While Alabama does have an income tax, it is one of the lowest in the country, and social security benefits are completely exempt.
   
• The cost of living in Montgomery, specifically, is 11% lower than the national average.
   
• The cost of housing in Montgomery is 30% lower than the national average.
   
• Healthcare costs are lower in Alabama as well, with retired couples paying an average of 4.4% less than the average retired American couple.
   
• Retirees who own a home in Alabama benefit from one of the lowest property tax rates in the country.

Other than it being a financially smart decision to retire to Alabama, here are several reasons that Montgomery is a wonderful place to live out your golden years:

• The weather is ideal all year ‘round! With a subtropical climate, you will enjoy hot summers and mild winters.
   
• Alabama’s capital city is filled with art and culture. The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, Hank Williams Museum and Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts offer opportunities to experience the charming history of this southern town along with fine art from around the world. You will also be able to enjoy professional performances at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center, the Montgomery Ballet, and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
   
• The city of Montgomery is so rich with civil rights history it is known as the birthplace of the civil rights movement. Check out the Civil Rights memorial Center (CRMC), one of Alabama’s premiere civil rights sites. Experience an unforgettable journey through American history at the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. More great sites to visit include Rosa Parks museum; the Freedom Riders museum; the Southern Poverty Law Center Civil Rights Memorial; the Alabama State Capitol building; Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church and its Parsonage Museum, where King once lived.
   
• You can stay active and social at Montgomery Riverfront Park. Catch a ballgame featuring the Montgomery Biscuits at Riverwalk Stadium or take a riverboat cruise on the Harriott II. Bring chairs or a blanket and grab a spot on the grass where you can watch a show or listen to music at the Riverwalk Amphitheater.
   
• If you love outdoor living, one of the best parts of retiring in Montgomery will be the vast amount of green space and trails that are easy to access. Blount Cultural Park offers a dog park, open green space, a pond and more! Check out Eat South, Montgomery’s own urban teaching farm, or play nine holes at the golf course. Gateway Park offers hiking trails, or you can have a picnic, play horseshoes, and check out the planetarium at Oak Park.
   
• If you are a “foodie”, one of the best parts of living in Montgomery is all the incredible cuisine it offers!  From the finest southern cooking to the most exquisite fine dining, you will love the dining options in Montgomery!

So, if a lower cost of living, tax perks, mild weather, arts & culture, and green spaces all appeal to you, consider Montgomery, Alabama when making your list of possible places to retire.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.