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Displaying blog entries 221-230 of 274

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 2330 McCarter Ave

Tuesday, April 14, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

2330 McCarter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36107
MLS #316802

Capitol Heights Bungalow!

You will not believe the condition of this sweet Capitol Heights bungalow. Immaculate hardwood floors, plantation shutters in LR and DR, and nicely updated kitchen. Behind a closet door in the hall discover a tiny staircase to a HUGE finished (heated and cooled) bonus room in the attic space, perfect for kids, rec room, or man-cave/media room. And if that little surprise were not enough to get you excited, check out the lushly landscaped backyard with separate guest/in-law apartment! This spacious like new cottage has ample living and dining space, full sized kitchen, bedroom, walk-in closet, full bath, and its own central heating and cooling system. Fenced yard perfect for pets, and don't miss the heirloom azaleas, tulips, and gorgeous iris plants. All this just minutes from exciting Downtown!

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 386 Rose Ln

Monday, April 13, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

386 Rose Ln Montgomery, AL 36104 
MLS #316729

Garden District Delight!

Step inside and you'll know you're home. Family-perfect, this Garden District home in Midtown Montgomery puts you all within walking distance from so much entertainment in Midtown: children's matinees at the Capri Theatre, handmade gelato, pastries and pizza at Tomatino's and Cafe Louisa, Biscuits baseball games and seasonal activities in area parks. The hardwood floors, exquisite antique Italian marble mantle and original bathroom tile will make you think of bygone times and the updated kitchen - complete with stainless steel appliances - makes you ready for any meal request, no matter how big or small! Call us today at (334) 834-1500 to tour your new home!

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 428 Thorn Pl

Friday, April 10, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

428 Thorn Pl - Montgomery, AL 36106
MLS # 316669

Incredible renovation on Cloverdale cottage!

Gleaming hardwood floors throughout. High quality finishes and fixtures complement all the original old house amenities. Front porch and adjourning terrace for visiting neighbors. Updated kitchen with almost new high end appliances and caeserstone counter tops. Professional grade gas stove, oven and disposal. Separate laundry room with old bead board walls. Screened rear porch and private fenced back yard for entertaining. Detached garage for storage or even your car. Call us or your favorite agent to see this great house today! Almost forgot owner just installed a brand new roof!! It has a 5 year transferable warranty! Caution security system.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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How To Determine the Real Value Of Your Home Improvement

Friday, April 10, 2015
by The Hat Team

The value of home improvements has two primary considerations:

  • the tangible dollar value that is added to your home compared to costs
  • the intangible value of your enjoyment of the improvement

home improvementMost  homeowners focus primarily on the costs, and whether they are adding dollar for dollar value to their home for resale. Those are legitimate concerns. Let’s break them down…

The tangible costs of a project have many components to consider:

  • The first advice to seek is from a Realtor you know and trust. Ask them for some free advice. You want to know what is the likely increase in value you can expect from a project based on what “comparables” are available. You also want their professional opinion about how the buyers in your market are likely to value the improvement. Lastly, you want recommendations about builders you should talk with.
     
  • The next step is to talk with at least two builders/remodelers. Ask them to meet at your home. Describe what you are thinking about doing. Ask for suggests they have and for an estimate of what it is likely to cost. Also ask if they do design work, or do you need an architect?
     
  • Here are some general considerations to think about:
    • usefulness of the improvements to a future buyer will effect the value
    • if the house is older consider replacing electric wiring and plumbing
    • make sure everything is done professionally, even if done by the homeowner
    • badly done home improvements can actually detract from the home’s value
       
  • Lastly, be very careful about re-purposing a bedroom. It should be able to be re-converted back to a bedroom later. The number of bedrooms has a large impact on the value of a home.

The intangible value of your enjoyment is very important. Try to put a dollar amount on your enjoyment value. What benefits will you and your family gain? How long do you anticipate living in your home? What is your enjoyment worth to you in dollars?

Now you’re in a position to add to the tangible cost estimates you have. Add to the tangible costs the dollar value you place on your enjoyment of the benefits. Then compare that total improvement value to what your Realtor has estimated you can get back at resale. You’re now ready to make a decision whether or not to make the improvements.

Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel, Hat Team.

Thinking of selling your Montgomery home? Start by getting your home's current value!

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Home Too Big Now?

Wednesday, April 1, 2015
by The Hat Team

Once the kids are grown, have careers, relationships and get a place of their own, parents find that they may not need their “big” home like they did before. Their lifestyle may have changed and the house just doesn’t “fit” anymore.

kidsBenefits of a smaller home:

  • Easier to maintain 
  • Lower utilities
  • Lower property taxes 
  • Lower insurance
  • More convenient location
  • Convenience of a single level
  • Possibly more energy efficient
  • Possibly lower maintenance

Moving from a larger home frees equity from the previous home that can be invested for retirement income, purchase a second home, travel, education or just to have a nest egg for unexpected expenses.  The profit on the home, in most cases, will be tax-free up to the exclusion limits set by IRS.

There will be expenses involved in selling a home as well as the purchase of a new home.  These will lower the amount of net proceeds available to invest in the new home.

Like any other big change in life, it is recommended that you take your time to consider the possible alternatives and outcomes.  Your real estate professional can provide information that can be valuable in the discernment process such as what your home is worth, what you will net from a sale as well as alternative properties for your next stage in life.

Information courtesy of Montgomery Realtor Sandra Nickel, Hat Team.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 2233 McKinley Ave

Thursday, March 26, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

2233 McKinley Ave Montgomery, AL 36107
MLS# 316275

Great Investment in Historic Capitol Heights!

Great investment property! Needs work! Lots of square footage along with three bedrooms and two baths for the asking price! Interesting barrel ceiling in living and dining room. Separate laundry room. Fenced yard. Detached garage. Sold as-is!

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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Montgomery Homes For Sale: 428 Derby Ln

Tuesday, March 24, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

428 Derby Ln - Montgomery, AL 36109
MLS # 316165

Wonderful well-maintained County Downs home!

Traditional layout with large living and dining rooms, kitchen with family style breakfast room, and spacious den/family room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. Originally 4 bedrooms, current owners removed wall between back 2 bedrooms and made one LARGE bedroom for grandchildren (could easily be converted back to 2 separate bedrooms, making 4 total!) Big master with split master bath and 2 walk-in closets. Out back enjoy a covered patio, large open patio, and beautiful sparkling pool with plenty of decking. Attached 2 car carport and additional pad provides plenty of parking. Recent updates make this home ready to move into (and one of the best deals in County Downs!)

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

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Top 5 Reasons to Own Your Own Home

Friday, March 13, 2015
by The Hat Team

According to Fannie Mae the top five reasons people buy a home:

  • To have a better place to raise their children
  • A place where their family can feel safe
  • To have more space; Freedom to renovate to their own taste
  • Being a homeowner is a better investment.

home buyerDoes this hold true for you? Well, let’s take a look at these reasons to get a broader perspective…then you decide for yourself about being a homeowner.

To have a better place to raise children and family can feel safe…

This can very subjective and involves a lot of factors. It boils down to community and personal preferences. What is the look and feel of a community where you could see yourself living? The school system and convenience to shopping are important. Local government services provided such as emergency services, hospitals, fire, police, utilities, etc. must be considered. Is there a neighborhood watch, public parks, a community center with activities for everyone in the family, etc.? Try making a list of all the things important to you and use it evaluate where you’re searching for real estate.

To have more space…

This is also somewhat subjective, but can be looked at analytically as well. Much depends on your lifestyle and the size of your family. There are large and small apartments, and large and small houses. Much has to do with how much space you would like to have versus how much you can afford. And this also really flows into the next topic…

Freedom to renovate for your own taste…

Whether you want to add on or simply renovate within existing walls, “freedom” is a huge factor in deciding to buy a house. Buying is not for everyone. Renting is a very good option for a lot of people. But the freedom to do as you please with your home is a powerful motivator. Here’s where lifestyle comes into play. It costs more to own a home than to rent. The money saved by renting can arguably be used to support a different lifestyle, which is also a form of freedom. Only you can decide.

Owning is a better investment…

There is no doubt that at the end of a renting cycle you walk away with no financial benefit except for the money you have saved in the process. How that savings compares with what you have when you sell a house you have owned is the question. And the answer is “It all depends.” Being a homeowner costs money. But, a lot of the money spent owning a home potentially can be recuperated. A homeowner is also building equity every month they make a mortgage payment. In that sense home ownership can be viewed as a huge savings fund.

If freedom is your primary key factor, buying real estate and becoming a homeowner is definitely to be considered!

Ready to own your own home? Start your search here!

Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Realtor Sandra Nickel, Hat Team!

 

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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 191 Canyon Rd

Wednesday, March 4, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

191 Canyon Rd Wetumpka, AL 36092
MLS #315697

Contemporary Style Home in the Foothills of Blue Ridge!


California contemporary in the foothills of Blue Ridge!  Current owner bought from original owner in 1978!! Home has not been offered for sale or on the market for 37 years! Rustic wood and stone exterior with plenty of floor to ceiling glass. Stone fireplace with gas insert! Long lasting metal roof. Decks surround the living area of house. Needs kitchen, bath, carpet and paint updates. If you are willing to do some updating you could have a showplace convenient to Montgomery or Wetumpka! Still verifying lot size, owner thinks between 1 to 1.5 acres.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

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Save on Homeowner's Insurance

Tuesday, March 3, 2015
by The Hat Team

Insurance is a way to hedge the risk of a possible loss on an asset that a person or entity cannot afford.  The cost of the coverage is determined by risk and exposure to the insurer and reflected in the premium.

insuranceAnother way to say it is: don’t buy insurance when you can afford the loss.  If you have a mortgage on your home, you must have insurance.  It is probably prudent for most people to have property insurance but certain coverage might be avoided because you can afford the loss if you were to have an occurrence.

  1. Call your current agent and review your insurance coverage.  Ask if there are any available discounts whether your property qualifies for now or after certain improvements are made.  Monitored alarm systems, dead bolts, smoke detectors, updated electrical, certain types and ages of roofs among other things may be eligible for individual discounts.
     
  2. Compare the newly revised coverage and premium with other reputable agencies and insurers.  Shopping can be time consuming but experts agree that the exercise can be valuable and should be considered every few years.
     
  3. Deductibles are an easy way to affect the premium based on the initial amount of loss that the insured wants to assume.  The higher the deductible, the lower the premium.  Determine the amount of risk you want to assume and select an appropriate deductible.
     
  4. Consider bundling your home and auto policies for possible discounts and leverage for better service.
     
  5. Don’t become a co-insurer.  Most policies stipulate that a building must be insured for at least a certain percentage, usually 80% of its insured value to be able to collect the full amount of a partial loss.  Insured value is not always the same as market value.  The land is not considered in the value but replacement cost of the dwelling is.

It isn’t possible to purchase insurance after a loss; it must be purchased before a loss is incurred.  Premiums are based on careful analysis of insurer’s loss and overhead expense plus a profit.  As a homeowner and an insured, it would be equally wise to analyze coverage, claim service, your risk tolerance and the premium you’ll pay for that coverage.

Information courtesy of Sandra Nickel Hat Team REALTORS.

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