Real Estate Information Archive

Spring seems to fly by so fast. Especially in years when the temperatures stay cool longer.  Before you know it the end of April is here, and you haven’t even started your spring planting.  But even if you miss the early spring planting period, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a yard full of fragrant, colorful flowers in late spring and through the summer. There are several types of plants that grow in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8-10 that thrive in the summer months when planted in April.  And luckily, Montgomery falls right within those zones!

Here is a handy list of plants that are ideal for planting in late spring:

Bare Root Perennials

These plants are perfect for April planting because they are fast growers and will fill your landscape with radiant color during the summer. Bare root perennials are sold by nurseries and online catalogs after they have grown for a year and had their growth trimmed to about an inch above the crown. When purchased they are ready to be transplanted outdoors after removing soil from the roots. 

Some examples of bare root perennials are Daylily Plants, Astilbe, and Clematis.

Annuals

There are several, easy to grow, summer-blooming annuals that can be planted in April. Sunflowers are quite sturdy and don’t require a lot of attention once planted. They will thrive in a variety of soil conditions, and they include short ones that grow a few feet tall, to tall plants that can grow to be 8 feet and taller. “Cosmos” are easy to grow flowering plants as well and provide brightly colored blooms for your garden.

Flowering Shrubs and Citrus

Choose drought-tolerant shrubs to plant in April and they will do well through the summer. Ceanothus, otherwise known as the California Lilac, produces blossoms of delicate, tiny blue and purple flowers. Because there are so many, the entire bush looks blue or purple. Another good bush to plant in April is the Common Flannel Bush. Also a California native, this bush produces vibrant yellow flowers that bloom all at once. Rosemary Bushes have fragrant leaves that can be used for cooking and little blue or purple flowers for color. Citrus Trees come in many varieties that have sweetly scented blooms.

So, if you didn’t get a chance to plant flowers in early spring, it’s not too late to add a garden full of vivid colors to your landscape!

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.

Do you love the idea of growing your own food, but don’t have room for a garden? Don’t worry! You can still grow vegetables and herbs even if you don’t have a sunny patch of soil to plant them in. You just need some containers!  You might be surprised to discover how many of your favorite edibles will grow just fine in a container.

To get started, you must make sure that the container you choose is large enough to hold a full-grown plant.  Veggies like lettuce and spinach don’t require a lot of space, nor do many herbs. But beefy tomatoes and peppers will need some growing room.

Once you’ve got the right containers, it’s time to purchase the proper potting mix designed for container growth. You will also need to water more often because roots in containers can’t work their way out to reach water. Make sure that the area where you plan to have your containers can withstand their weight. For example, if you plan to put them on your second-floor balcony, you’re going to want to check the building code to make sure it can handle heavy pots.

Here are some examples of edibles that do well in containers:

• Herbs

Herbs do well in containers of all shapes and sizes. You can place them on a patio, in a windowsill or line them along your sidewalk. The trick is to make sure the pot you choose matches the adult size of the plant. Smaller herbs like chervil, chives, cilantro, marjoram, oregano, parsley, sage, savory, tarragon and thyme do well in containers that are 6-12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Larger plants like basil, lavender, and lemongrass need a minimum of 16–18-inch containers, while rosemary and dill need even larger pots.

• Salad Greens

​Salad greens like lettuce, lettuce blends, mesclun and microgreens have very shallow roots and only require pots to be about 6 inches deep. Others like chicory, radicchio and spinach need 8 inches.

• Strawberries

Strawberries make beautiful container plants. Imagine having one close to where you sit outdoors and simply reaching over to pluck a ripe, scrumptious berry right off the plant. They also do well in hanging baskets. The berries will be at eye level while keeping pests from getting into them. Strawberries will grow in just about any container as long as they’re at least 8 inches deep. If you do choose to use a hanging container, go a little bigger; at least 12 inches wide and deep.

• Peppers

The advantage of growing peppers in a container is that you can start them earlier than normal, meaning you will also get to harvest them earlier for your dining pleasure. The disadvantage is that they may not be as big as garden-grown versions. But they will be as tasty! And they provide a colorful addition to a balcony or patio garden. You will want a container that is at least 8 inches deep and at least 16 to 18 inches wide.

• Tomatoes

Tomatoes grown in containers are just as yummy as the ones grown in garden soil, but they have the added perk of avoiding soil-borne diseases. If you plant in containers you start with new soil every year. It’s important to match the tomato size to the container size for optimal growth. Always err on the side of more space. Even the tiniest tomatoes, like cherry tomatoes, will need planters that are at least a foot deep and even wider.

• Eggplants

This gorgeous plant often gets overlooked when considering a container garden, but it shouldn’t! It will brighten up any container garden with its lovely violet spring flowers and shiny purple fruits. While they are not huge plants, they will need some space to thrive. Containers for eggplants should be a minimum of 12 inches deep and 16-18 inches wide.

These are just a sampling of edible plants that can be grown in containers. If you thought you could never have an herb or vegetable garden, think again!  Get started on your own edible container garden and you will be enjoying fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies before you know it! The 35 Easiest Container and Pot Friendly Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs

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 almost here! Yay! That means it is the time of year to throw open the windows and start washing, sweeping and scrubbing all the rooms in your home. This is the ideal time of year to do your deep cleaning in order to keep your house looking its very best. Also, if you start now, you will be done and ready to enjoy the weather when spring arrives.

If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning your whole house, here is a handy guide to help you get started:

Kitchen

• Empty your cabinets and wipe them down. Take some time to check your spices for expiration dates and toss any that have expired. Keep a note pad nearby so you can write down what needs to be replaced.
• Clean your oven. If it is self-cleaning, make sure you have your windows open (pick a cool day for this), so that the house doesn’t get too hot. If it is not self-cleaning, create a paste with baking soda and water, cover the interior of the oven with the paste and leave it overnight. The next day, use a plastic scraper to remove the paste and grime along with it. Then wipe with a damp cloth.
• If you are able, carefully move your kitchen appliances and sweep or vacuum and mop to get rid of built-up dirt and grime.

Bathroom

• Clean the bathroom exhaust fan. It can collect dust like a ceiling fan, so give it a good cleaning to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
• Clean hairbrushes and combs by soaking them in the sink. Do the same with makeup brushes, wash them with mild soap and allow them to air dry.
• Go through your vanity drawers and get rid of any old makeup or skin care products that you no longer use or that have passed their prime.

Bedrooms

• Take mattresses off the bed to vacuum both sides of them. Then, if possible, prop them in the sunlight for a few hours. The sunlight can help kill germs. When you replace the mattresses on the bed, be sure to flip and rotate them from their previous position.
• If you don’t wash your pillows regularly, now is a great time to do it. If they are looking pretty bad, then you should replace them.
• Switch to lighter weight bedding for spring and summer. If you have been using flannel sheets and heavy comforter, change to light cotton sheets and quilt for warmer months.

Overall

• Don’t neglect your walls! They get dirty too. Use an extended duster to remove dust and cobwebs and then use a flathead mop to wipe away dirt.
• Take down curtains and wash them (following manufacturer’s instructions). Clean blinds as well. Either take them down and clean them outdoors or thoroughly clean them using appropriate cleaning materials.
• Clean your baseboards. The best way to do it is to get down on the floor and scrub them with microfiber cloth and hot, soapy water. But if getting on the floor is a deal breaker for you, they have many tools available specifically for wiping down baseboards.

Spring cleaning does not have to be an overwhelming task!  Don’t try to do it all in one day. Spread it out over a few days or a weekend. And don’t do it all yourself!  Get the whole family involved and you will be done before you know it!

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.

Do you need some more living space in your home, but don’t want to spend the money on a room addition?  Well, maybe the answer is right in front of you…when you pull into your driveway. Converting your garage into a living space is a great alternative to adding a room to your home. In fact, if you have a two-car garage, you can add about 600 square feet of living space. And since a garage already has a foundation, walls, and a roof, it will cost approximately half of what you might pay for an addition.

While not as expensive as a new addition, a garage conversion still should not be done cheaply. A quality conversion might take from 4-6 weeks and will include the following:

• insulating walls and ceiling
• raising the floor so that insulation can be placed over the concrete slab
• establishing a heating and cooling source for the space via the house’s main system or by adding an independent one
• upgrading your electrical service
• possibly creating a partition in the wall between your house and garage if you are trying to design and open floorplan
• replacing garage doors with fully insulated stud walls
• adding windows and doors

Before deciding to convert your garage into a living space, consider what you will be losing. You will no longer have a place to park your vehicles indoors to be protected from the elements. You will also be sacrificing storage space for things like landscaping tools, lawn mowers, bicycles, and outdoor gear.

If you feel that having more living space in your home outweighs your need for indoor parking and storage, then converting your garage is a good option for you!

Another thing to consider is that there will be zoning and legal issues to contend with.  A garage goes through a major legal transformation when it becomes a living space. That means there will be requirements for the room that did not exist when it was simply a space to house vehicles. There will be permits involved for the changes you want to make. 

If you ultimately decide that converting your garage is the best way to add more space to your home, be sure to get estimates from several reputable contractors and find one that shares your vision for your new room. 

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.

Making your home more energy efficient is a cost-effective way to not only save money but to also improve the performance of your home. The most effective strategy for improving your home’s energy efficiency is to focus on the “shell” of the house…the walls, attic, windows and doors. Next, improve the energy efficiency of systems such as heating, cooling, lighting and appliances. Last, but not least, consider clean energy generation such as solar or geothermal.

The first step toward energy efficiency is to make sure that your walls and attic are well insulated. High quality insulation slows the rate that heat flows out of the house in the winter or into the house during summer. That means it takes less energy to heat or cool your house. If your walls have no insulation, it will certainly pay off to add blown-in insulation and it will also improve the comfort of your home. If you have an unfinished attic, it is worthwhile upgrading its insulation. It is a good idea to use an Energy Auditor to make sure that the insulation is installed properly.

The next step is to upgrade the windows. If your windows are old or leaky, particularly if you live in an historic area, it is time to increase their efficiency by using weather stripping and storm windows. While it’s not usually cost-effective to replace windows just to save energy, if you are going to replace them anyway, the additional cost of Energy Star-rated replacement windows is very modest and is a comfort improving upgrade that is worth the cost

Another way to save some energy in your home is to plant shade trees and shrubs around your house. If you have an older home with poor insulation and windows, good landscaping can help, especially if planted on the house’s west side. Deciduous trees are the best way to go for this purpose. During the summer, the foliage will block the infrared radiation that would warm the house, while in the winter the bare branches will let the radiation through.

Replacing an older furnace with a new high-efficiency system may seem like a huge expense, but in the long run it will save energy and money. If your furnace was built before 1992 and has a standing pilot, it likely wastes 35% of the fuel it uses, and it’s probably near the end of its service life. ACEEE (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy) recommends you replace it with a condensing furnace with annual efficiency of at least 90%.

You can improve the efficiency of your hot water system by turning down the temperature of your water heater to the “warm” setting (120 degrees F). You can also insulate your hot water lines so that they don’t cool off quickly between uses. And using low-flow fixtures in your showers and baths will help as well.

You can use ¾ of the energy used with incandescent light bulbs by replacing them with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). You may not realize that the cost of the electricity used to run a light bulb is higher than the cost of the bulb itself. A CFL may be a little more expensive than the traditional light bulb, but it lasts for 10,000 hours and uses only 27 watts to generate as much light as 100-watt incandescent bulb. Over the long haul, you will save money by investing in CFLs.

You can save money with an energy-efficient home in many ways, including the tax benefits that are available to you. Federal tax incentives are out there for energy efficiency upgrades to existing homes. 

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://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

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://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information! 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And if you have your house on the market, you might be packing up everything you own very soon. The last thing you want to do is unpack all your Christmas decorations only to have to pack them back up again. In addition, if you are showing your home to potential buyers, you are going to want to keep your holiday décor as simple as possible.

You don’t have to be a “Scrooge” though!

You can decorate beautifully without spending a lot of money and without having to unpack all your personal treasures.

Here are five inexpensive ways to decorate for Christmas:

Make Homemade Garland

A lot of craft stores have great sales and coupons this time of year. Grab some greenery and then head over to a dollar store and pick up some pretty ornaments. You can find DIY instructions for making a festive garland on YouTube. 

Use a Real Tree

If you have been using an artificial tree and don’t want to unpack it, this is a good time to buy a real tree. Some can be very expensive, but you can find a pretty tree for as little as $49 in some places. Consider using a smaller tree and placing it on a tabletop instead of on the floor. Decorate with old-fashioned strings of popcorn and cranberries. And you might be surprised at the sparkly ornaments you can find at very little cost.

Display Wrapped Gifts

Beautifully wrapped gifts can be used to create any aesthetic you desire. For a more formal look, wrap gifts in shiny silvers and golds. Want to go whimsical? Try wrapping paper in fun shades of red, green, pink and white. And if you’re going for a winter wonderland look, use blues and silvers. The point is that you can use the gifts themselves to create gorgeous holiday décor.

Create “DIY” Christmas Wreaths

All you need is a hot glue gun, some inexpensive ornaments, ribbon, and a coat hanger and you can make pretty wreaths. There are lots of other ways to make them too. Check some out here: 36 Christmas Wreaths You Can DIY

Showcase Poinsettias

You can find pretty poinsettias just about anywhere this time of year. Care for them properly, and they will last the whole holiday season. Display them in reds, pinks and whites to create a classy ambiance in your holiday home.

So, don’t let your house being on the market keep you from enjoying this festive season! Enjoy some new Christmas décor that won’t break the bank and might just get a “SOLD” sign in your front yard before the new year!

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://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information! 

Owning a home is likely the largest financial investment many will make, so whether you are buying or selling a home, it is important to think about resale value. With a little research, you will find that there are some things that will get you a great return on investment and there are others that will not.

When selling your home, you may want to make some improvements that will make it more appealing to buyers, ensuring a more profitable sale. But it is when you are searching for a home to buy that you can consider options that will give you desirable resale value in the future.

Here are 5 unexpected things that may raise your home’s value:

1. LOTS OF TREES

While a brand-new house in a recently established community has its perks, what it often lacks is proximity to mature trees. Large, well-rooted trees found in older neighborhoods, not only make for a lovely landscape, but they also provide shade. They add beauty and they save energy, while also increasing your home value.

2. GOOD SCHOOL SYSTEM

It may not seem so unexpected that a home in a good school district would have increased value. But sometimes people without children do not think about this. Even if you never intend to have children, you should keep in mind that many buyers will be highly motivated to purchase a home based on the quality of the area’s school system. For the purpose of resale value, it would be smart to invest in a home in an area with desirable schools.

3. SHOPPING NEARBY

People like convenience, so if a house is near a shopping area with a supermarket, it will likely increase its value. This is especially true if it is close to higher-end stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. Per Zillow, homes near these grocery stores may appreciate in value up to 40% more quickly than other homes.

4. OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS

Living close to a park, walking trails, or other recreation areas can increase your home’s value. Things like dog parks, tennis courts, golf courses, and playgrounds are appealing to people who enjoy staying active. They will be willing to spend a little more to live close to areas where they can enjoy outdoor activities.

5. SEPARATE LIVING SPACE

Whether you have a mother-in-law suite, an apartment, or a carriage house, having a separate living space will add to the value of your home. Unlike the other items listed here, this is something you can add to a home after moving in. But while looking for a home, you may want to keep an eye out for one that already has one. Not only will it boost resale value, but it will give you the opportunity to earn rental income (depending upon the laws in your area) while living in the house.

When buying a home, it is important to find a place that feels right for you, but unless you plan to stay there forever, it will benefit you to think about resale value as well!

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!

There are some beautiful older homes in Montgomery and if you are lucky enough to own one, you want to keep it in the best shape possible. It’s important to take steps to maintain the old-world charm of a historic home. 

Here are steps you can take to keep your aging, vintage home properly protected and preserved:

• KEEP UP WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Routine maintenance, like cleaning and painting (especially the exterior) is vital to minimizing issues that might mean costly repairs. It’s a good idea to develop a maintenance schedule and follow it as best you can.

• LIMIT CHANGES

When repairs must be made, try to keep original details intact. For example, if some trim needs to be replaced due to rot or infestation, only replace the parts that are damaged. This will save wood and money and help preserve the historic fabric of the house. If you do have to replace something completely, take photos prior to removing anything so that it can be duplicated to retain the character of the home.

• KEEP HISTORIC WINDOWS

If you have early twentieth century (or earlier) windows, you are going to want to keep them. They were made to be repaired, not replaced.It is possible to make old windows more energy efficient.

• TAKE SPECIAL CARE WITH MASONRY

While brick and masonry are long-lasting components, they will need maintenance and eventually, repairs. Educate yourself about proper ways to care for and repair them.

• EMBRACE THE QUIRKS

You don’t have to “fix” everything. You can repair and stabilize structural damage while keeping elements that show how your home has aged over the generations.

• KEEP HISTORIC INTERIOR FEATURES

While you will surely want to update some aspects of your home, try to hang on to the charming features that make it unique. Things like transoms, paneled doors, moldings and such are features that make your home special.

• KEEP PLASTER WALLS

Plaster is a remarkable material that is superior to modern day drywall. In recent years, preservation contractors have discovered the benefits of preserving plaster walls. Damaged plaster walls can be repaired, and if necessary, only replace the damaged portions.

• CHERISH THOSE OLD HARDWOOD FLOORS

Retaining the old floors in a historic house requires special care. Be careful not to over-sand them, destroying the antique character in the process. Old floors were hand-planed, and hand-sanding is the best way to maintain their character.

The most important step you can take to maintain your vintage home is to educate yourself. Lots of information can be found online and there are “Old House Specialists” that can help you!

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://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Fall gardens bring to mind vivid, jewel toned colors such as scarlet, deep purples and gold.  Planning for a fall garden needs to start early so that plants are established. Even if they bloom late in the season, they will be hardier and bloom best if they’ve been in the garden longer.  Before planting, research what kind of flowers and plants will do best in your area.  To help, here are some that thrive in hardiness zone 8:

Chrysanthemums

Commonly called “mums”, these richly hued plants are true sign of fall. When buying mums, look for ones labeled “hardy mums” or “garden mums” for the best chance of having them thrive throughout the season.  Plant them as soon as you buy them.  Given the opportunity to develop a strong root system, they will last longer.

​Helenium

Part of the daisy family, this cheery flower blooms in yellow, orange and red bringing a vibrant ambiance to your garden. These tough, easy-to-grow perennials bloom late in the season and last a long time.

Asters

Available in a variety of hues in shades of pink, purple, blue and white, these perennials bloom from mid to late fall.  Loved by bees, butterflies and other pollinators, they provide a late feeding opportunity for them.  Plant them as soon as they are available in early fall so that they can establish a strong root system.

Pansies

One of the most popular cool weather annuals, pansies are favorites for fall flowerbeds. They are very hardy and can continue to bloom through winter and into spring, thereby adding lively color to your garden almost year ‘round!

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Robust, carefree, pretty, and long-lasting, sedum is about as close to perfect as you can get for a fall flower. Sedums come in many various sizes and colors, including mat forming, creeping, and upright varieties. Easy to grow, they are great for beds, borders, or even a rock garden. 

Dahlias

Known for their large blossoms, these lovely flowers boast deep pink petals with a bit of striking white around the edges. They thrive in partial shade or full sun and grow into early winter. Be prepared to prune them to have consistent blooming.

Remember, it’s not too early to start planning for your colorful autumn flowerbeds!

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 our https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Thanks to rising housing and healthcare costs, many families have begun sharing multigenerational homes over the past few years. A multigenerational home is one where grandparents, parents, and children all live under the same roof.  According to Pew Research, 59.7 million Americans were living this way as of 2021. More people sharing a space may not seem ideal, but it does have its perks; from saving money to being present to care for family members when needed.

Multigenerational living means enough space in homes is needed to provide comfort and privacy for all family members. 

If you are in search of a home for this purpose, here are some things to look for:

1. ACCESSIBILITY

Even if the elders in the family are getting around easily now, it is important to think ahead to when it might not be so easy for them. Open floor plans are ideal for creating spaces that are easily accessible should someone be in a wheelchair at some point. In addition, look for a home that has at least one main floor bedroom and full bath so that going up and down stairs won’t be a problem in the future.

2. MAIN FLOOR BEDROOMS

As stated above, it is ideal to have at least one main floor bedroom. But if you can find a home with more than one main floor bedroom, all the better. Having some bedrooms upstairs and some downstairs provides separation and privacy between generations.

3. ROOMS THAT SERVE DUAL PURPOSES

Keep in mind that it is easy to convert a bedroom into another type of space, but not always possible to convert another space into a bedroom. Bedrooms need windows and a closet. So, when looking for a house, look for one with as many bedrooms as possible so that they can be used for different purposes like a den, playroom or office.

4. PRIVATE LIVING SPACE FOR EVERYONE

Look for a home large enough and with enough rooms to provide a private living space for each generation. For example, an office could become a den for grandparents, family room for the middle generation and maybe a playroom upstairs for the youngsters.

5. PRIVATE ENTRANCES

Look for homes that are already set up for multigenerational families. They may have an in-law suite, an apartment over the garage and private entrances for different parts of the home. If you cannot find one already built, consider a renovation of an existing home to add these features.

Whether you find the perfect property, renovate a home, or build one from scratch, remember to consider the needs, privacy and accessibility of all your family members and you will have a home filled with love!

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 our https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!