Real Estate Information Archive

Sadly, one of the best mortgage programs in our country will cease to exist at the end of December, 2018.  An extremely generous government refinance program called HARP (Home Affordable Refinance Program) is in its final days. It was launched by the US Government during the Obama administration in an effort to assist middle class home owners by offering lucrative access to lower interest rates and reduced payments amidst the Great Recession. Through HARP, you can not only get a lower interest rate, but you can also get a shorter loan term, or change from an adjustable to a fixed-rate mortgage. And guess what?  There is NO minimum credit score required!  

Take advantage of this fantastic program now, before it’s too late…and here is why: the savings you will gain from participating in this program could rival your best investment. Talk about a great deal! Here are some numbers for you: if you are younger than 50, you are restricted to $18,500 in annual 401K contributions.  A contribution in that amount would yield around $2775 in tax relief for the average American.  But HARP could save you $2400 per year - which would leave you with more cash to invest in your 401K.

This program is geared toward America’s middle class.  Only mortgages under $625,000 qualify.  But if you want to take advantage of it you must apply immediately before time runs out.  Reach out to lenders and find out if you qualify by just answering a few questions. The LendingTree platform will allow you to receive quotes from multiple lenders.

Give yourself the gift of extra cash in your pocket this holiday season!  Check out HARP today! 

If you are in the market to sell or buy 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: Zillow.com

So, you think you like modern décor, or is it contemporary?  You may think the two styles are synonymous, but they are quite different.  If you are decorating your home, or if you’ve hired a decorator to do it for you, terminology matters!  It’s important to know the correct words to describe the look you are going for!  Here is how to tell the difference between modern and contemporary home décor styles.

Modern design was developed in the early to mid-twentieth century.  Highly influenced by Scandinavian and German Bauhaus Design, it created a distinct style focused on simple form and function.  Then, Mid-Century Modern  was developed in the 50s and 60s. But for most interior designers, the word “modern” covers both styles.  Modern spaces tend to follow specific style formats that emphasize balance and lean toward natural and warm neutral colors for decorating.

Contemporary design doesn’t refer to any specific time-period. It is dynamic, changing to reflect current popular trends.  It borrows from other styles including modernism, Minimalism and Art Deco. There are many variations in contemporary interior design and color palettes of brown, taupe, cream and white are featured, with splashes of color sometimes found on a single wall, rug or piece of art.

While the main differences between modern and contemporary are significant, there are similarities as well, which is why people often confuse them.  They both embrace simple, clutter free spaces with smooth, clean lines.  Furniture in both styles feature exposed legs, and reflective surfaces such as exposed metals and glass are popular in both. Neither utilizes ornate designs or dramatic elements.

Hopefully this has cleared up some confusion, but if you like elements of both styles, don’t despair.  Mix it up and have fun with it, because at the end of the day, the only style that matters is YOUR style!

If you are in the market to sell or buy 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: interiorzine.com                      
Photo Credit: thespruce.com

On the first day of Christmas my Realtor said to me:

Buyers: if you’re looking to buy your first home, now is the time! There might be less inventory now, but there is also less competition and more highly motivated sellers. 5 Reasons to Buy a Home This Fall

On the second day of Christmas my Realtor said to me:

Sellers: if your home is for sale during the holiday season, feel free to decorate, but don’t go overboard.  You want your home to look its best while still enjoying your personal touch.  Avoid large decorations that can be overwhelming or distracting.  Remember that potential buyers want be able to envision your home as their own.

On the third day of Christmas my Realtor said to me:

Buyers: take advantage of less competition from other buyers during the holiday season. Less competition might mean you'll be able to negotiate a favorable price for a home you want to purchase. Homes are often priced to sell this time of year. Although there is so much going on during the holidays, it might be worth it to go house hunting if it means a better price for you!

On the fourth day of Christmas my Realtor said to me:

Sellers: make your home feel inviting. If it’s cold outside, make it warm and cozy inside. Play soft, classical music and offer homemade holiday treats. If potential buyers are comfortable, they will spend more time in your home and will have more time to appreciate all its best features.

On the fifth day of Christmas my Realtor said to me:

Buyers: consider possible tax advantages.  If you itemize your taxes, you can deduct any points you paid upon closing, as well as property taxes and mortgage interest. Whether it is to your advantage to buy before or after year’s end depends on factors such as how many other deductions you have this year and expect to have next year.

It is best to consult with a tax professional before purchase. Even though you do not want to decide on a home purchase strictly for tax reasons, it could be to your benefit to close before the end of the year. Buying a Home: The Tax Impact of Your New Home

On the sixth day of Christmas my Realtor said to me:

Sellers: there will be motivated buyers this time of year. If people are house hunting during the holidays, they probably have a good reason for doing so. For example, they may be relocating for a job or investing for a tax deduction.  If they are on a deadline, they will be highly driven to find a home quickly.  It may be worth it to do the extra work involved in showing your home during the holiday season.

On the seventh day of Christmas my Realtor said to me:

Buyers: you may find that there are better interest rates this time of year. Generally, there is often a cyclical trend of lower interest rates during the holidays due to limited demand forcing greater competition among lenders.

On the eighth day of Christmas my Realtor said to me:

Sellers: price your home to sell.  A home that is reasonably priced for the market will make buyers feel merry and bright.  Many real estate agents advise sellers to initially price their home to sell rather than making small price reductions over time.

On the ninth day of Christmas my Realtor said to me:

Buyers: you may get a faster closing on your new home since all parties involved have incentive to complete the transaction before the end of the year. Lenders want to close their books; realtors want to receive their commissions and buyers and sellers want to settle into their new homes. Since all parties are motivated and there are fewer transactions taking place during this time, in many circumstances, it should be easier to put everything in place for a smooth and rapid closing.

On the tenth day of Christmas my Realtor said to me:

Sellers: provide photos that show your home year-round.  Yards and landscaping aren’t always at their best during the winter months.  Make sure that potential buyers see the beauty of your home during other times of year when the grass is greener and trees and flowers are in bloom.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my Realtor said to me:

Buyers: motivated sellers may mean a better deal for you. People who are selling their homes over the holidays often have a need to sell fast. If a house has already been on the market for a while, that need is even greater. It may be advantageous for you to buy now. You can negotiate fairly but firmly with the sellers for a lower price and/or other concessions such as having them pay closing costs.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my Realtor said to me:

Sellers: create a video tour for the web. You might get less foot traffic during the holidays due to the business of the season.  By posting a video tour, you may attract house hunters who don’t have time to go to your home in person.

If you are in the market to sell or buy 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!

Pumpkin is very popular this time of year. It seems “pumpkin spice” is everywhere.  But if you’re like most people, you have never ventured beyond the most common way to serve and enjoy pumpkin -  in a pie.  Don’t get me wrong!  Pumpkin pies are great!  But if you love pumpkin, you might be surprised to discover there are a lot of other ways you can enjoy it!  Check out these 6 ways to eat pumpkin (not in a pie):

1. Pumpkin Soup - If you’re looking for a simple way to enjoy pumpkin, then pumpkin soup is the way to go. Nothing says fall like a warm bowl of soup.  Make it from scratch with this Simple Pumpkin Soup recipe!
2. Toasted Pumpkin Seeds - Not only are they tasty, but they are a healthy snack!  After getting the seeds out of the pumpkin, rinse them in a colander. Boil them in a pot of salted water for about ten minutes. Drain the pot and toss the seeds in a tablespoon of olive oil. Add any seasoning to taste. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until the seeds start to turn a toasty brown.
3. Pumpkin Pancakes - Create a sweet and tasty breakfast with these  Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes! This easy recipe is made with ingredients you probably already have at home. And along with pumpkin, fall flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg will have your mouth watering for this delectable dish!
4. Pumpkin Dip - If you’re hosting a holiday gathering or you will be attending one, this yummy pumpkin dip is perfect for serving to guests. This quick and easy Pumpkin Dip is light and scrumptious. Serve with apple slices or graham crackers or ginger cookies for a tasty treat!
5. Roasted Pumpkin Risotto - Looking for a more savory pumpkin dish?  Try this Roast Pumpkin and Feta Risotto.  A combination of sweet and salty, this recipe will please most any palate!
6. Savory Pumpkin Hummus - Another savory option, pumpkin hummus is easy to make and healthy to eat.  Just blend a can of garbanzo chick peas with a can of pumpkin, season to taste, and voila! - you have a healthy hummus, perfect for snacking!

So, don’t limit yourself to pie! These are just a few of MANY recipes that include palate pleasing pumpkin. Try them and enjoy all things pumpkin!

If you are in the market to sell or buy 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: laferme1794.ch

It’s that time of year again.  A time for friends and family to come together to celebrate the holidays.  Many of you will be hosting guests in your homes over the next two months and while you are surely delighted to spend time with your loved ones, it can be a stressful time as well.  If you are opening your doors to family members or friends this holiday season, here are some ideas for prepping your home so that you’ll be ready to welcome them with open arms.

Tidy up the house.  Use this as motivation to thoroughly clean your house.  Get rid of clutter, make small house repairs and complete that decorating project you’ve been putting off.

Stock up on food and drinks. Make sure you have different types of beverages and snacks that your guests enjoy. It’s nice for them to be able to easily grab a quick snack whenever they want. Check with your guests to see if they have any food allergies or dietary needs so that you can provide safe and healthy choices for them.

Have activities planned for your guests. Depending on how long they are staying, you may want to plan some special events or activities for your guests.  Whether it’s a shopping excursion, a day at a museum, a holiday concert or just a nice dinner out, your visitors will appreciate your thoughtfulness in keeping them entertained. Click here for a list of fun events happening in the Montgomery area this holiday season: Holiday Events

Be mindful of the little ones. If your guests include children, be sure to plan for them as well.  If you don’t have children, you may want to pick up a game or some arts and crafts to have around for them.  Find out their food preferences prior to their arrival so that you are prepared to accommodate them at meals. 

Provide comfortable sleeping spaces. Be sure to have nice, clean sheets, pillows and extra blankets.  If you have a guest bedroom that has not been used in a while, strip the bed and wash the bed linens so that they are fresh for your guests. 15 Tips for Turning Your Guest Bedroom into a Retreat

Provide toiletries.  The guest bathroom should have soap/body wash, shampoo, conditioner and lotion available for guests. 

Give instructions for electronics. If the guest room has a television, leave written instructions for how to use the remote.

By following these tips and prepping your home ahead of time, you will be able to offer a warm welcome to your guests and enjoy the time you have with them!

If you are in the market to sell or buy 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: frugalandthriving.com.au

Want to buy a house but a low credit score has you down?  Don’t despair! There are ways to raise your credit score and save thousands on your mortgage.   A strong credit score can lead to better interest rates, additional loan programs to benefit homebuyers, and easy and quick approvals which will put you on the fast track to home ownership.  Here are some tips for raising your credit score:

• Make sure your credit reports are accurate.  The first step toward improving your credit score is checking your credit reports.  You will find your credit scores on three different reports, one each from the 3 Major Credit Bureaus.  Keep in mind that credit reports can have mistakes…and they often do.  That’s why it’s important that you analyze them carefully.  Make sure that the information on the reports is accurate, because if there are mistakes, they will be reflected in your score.  It’s easy to check your credit reports and doesn’t have to cost anything since you are entitled to a free copy, once a year, of all three thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  Once you have copies of your credit reports go through them carefully and make sure of the following:

• Is your personal information is accurate?
• Are all your credit accounts are being reported?
• Are there any late or missed payments that you remember making on time?
• Are there any applications for credit that you don’t recognize?
• Are there any accounts you don’t recognize?
• Are there decades old items still on your report?

Highlight any discrepancies you find.  If you do find errors, you will have to dispute each one separately.  How to Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report

• Figure out what you need to fix/change/improve.  Here are some examples of things that could be causing your score to be lower than it should:

• Your identity may have been stolen and someone is screwing up your credit.
• An old collection account could still be haunting you, way past its statute of limitations for your state.
• Do you have an ex-spouse? Perhaps he or she has not paid a bill he or she was supposed to pay per your divorce settlement.  Unfortunately, you could be suffering the consequences.
• If you have ever defaulted on a loan it might be showing up as several defaults on your credit report because it has been sold to other debt collectors.
• It might be a simple name mix up…your credit information might be mixed up with that of someone with a similar name.
• Devise a plan to improve your credit score.  You can open a free account on Credit.com where you can get tips to help you determine where your poor credit issues are and they can assist you in creating an action plan for improving your score.  To get started, try keeping your credit card balances as low as possible, and start paying down debt rather than moving it around.
• If you have a habit of making late payments…stop.  It’s vital that you make payments on time. Set up alerts when payments are due so that you won’t forget.  If due dates don’t coincide with when you get paid, make some calls to get the dates moved around to better suit your schedule.  Don’t be afraid to ask a credit card issuer or lender to forgive a past due payment. You might be surprised to discover they will happily work with you if you have a history of making on-time payments.
• Open a secured credit card.  This is a type of credit card that allows you to make a deposit into a checking account that “secures” the line of credit being extended to you.  You will be able to get a secured credit card even if you already have bad credit, and adding a new account with a positive payment history will help improve your credit score over time.

2018's Best Secured Credit Cards for Building Credit

Once you get your credit score where it needs to be, you will reap the benefits by qualifying for better rates and save money on your mortgage loan!

If you are in the market to sell or buy 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: cfcw.com

Halloween is just a week away, but with unusually warm temperatures this year it hasn’t exactly felt like pumpkin season.  If you’ve been waiting to decorate your porch with pumpkins for Halloween, it’s not too late. Here are some unique and fun ways to get your craft on and welcome trick or treaters with pumpkins on your porch!

Speckled Pumpkins - This simple project allows you to create whimsical pumpkins in various colors.  Paint a pumpkin white and then dip another paintbrush into the color of your choice and splatter paint on it to create different sized speckles and blob of color. Want smaller specks? Try dipping a toothbrush in paint and flicking it toward the pumpkin.  This is an easy craft to do with kids too!

Photo Credit: janecanblogcotcom.wordpress.com

Pushpin Pumpkin - This is another way to decorate pumpkins without carving them.  Whether you stick with orange or you want to paint your pumpkins various colors, you can add more to them by adding pushpin designs.  Just draw out your design on the pumpkin with a marker and then push the pins in and voila - you have a beautiful, shiny design!

Photo Credit: marthastewart.com

Patterned Glowing Pumpkins - All you need to create pumpkins that glow are a knife, a drill, an erasable wax pencil, and a battery-operated light.  While the common thing to do is to cut the top of the pumpkin off to place the light inside, in this case you can leave the top alone.  Cut a hole in the bottom instead. Once you’ve scooped out the pulp and seeds, draw the pattern of your choice on the pumpkin using the pencil.  Then, using a medium drill bit, punch out a dotted line of your image leaving approximately the same amount of space between each hole.  Turn on your light and set the pumpkin on top of it and your pattern will glow!

Photo Credit: bhg.com

Pumpkin Votive - Light up your front porch with candles in your pumpkins.  Purchase small pumpkins and cut out the top and scoop out the pulp and seeds.  Place a votive candle inside.  Use them to line your walkway and porch steps or along your porch railing…or set up a small table with a collection of them.  If you’re not going to be outdoors waiting for trick or treaters, use Flameless Votive Candles to be safe.

Photo Credit: apumpkinandaprincess.com

Googly Eye Pumpkins - Even toddlers can help with this crafty way to create cute, whimsical pumpkins.Buy pumpkins, gourds, and googly eyes of various sizes and simply glue the eyes on!It’s as simple as that!Next thing you know you will have a super funny collection of cute, happy looking pumpkins!

Photo Credit: lynnkilmore.com

So, if you haven’t bought or decorated pumpkins yet or you haven’t wanted to carve them for fear they would rot too quickly in unseasonably warm temperatures, don’t despair.  You still have time to get crafty and decorate with pumpkins for Halloween!

If you are in the market to sell or buy 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!

Congratulations!  You have successfully sold your home!  What a relief, right?  Now comes the hard part. Moving.  Moving is one of the 10 Most Stressful Life Events along with job loss, death of a loved one, divorce and major illness. Sounds fun, huh?  That’s why it is important to go about moving in a thoughtful and organized manner.  The more prepared you are, the less stress.  Packing up your house can be overwhelming, but you can make it easier by spreading it out over several weeks rather than trying to do it all right before you move.  Here is a general timeline for packing that you can use as a guide:

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY: PRE-PACKING - Hopefully when you sell your house, you won’t have to immediately vacate.  About a month before moving you can begin to pre-pack items that you won’t need or use before you move.  Out of season clothing, tools and small appliances, and collectibles/knick knacks are items that you won’t miss. Hint: if your house is still on the market you can take this step as well, and it will help with staging your home for prospective buyers.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY: NON-ESSENTIALS - Among the items that you didn’t pre-pack, choose those that you know you likely won’t need before moving.  Books, extra linens, and kitchen items can be packed up because you likely won’t be doing much reading, and you only need enough linens, plates, and utensils for the number of people living in the home.  CDs and DVDs can go as well.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY: THE SERIOUS PACKING BEGINS - Yes…now it is time to start paring down the amount of “stuff” still in your home. If you have children, allow them to choose a few toys/games to keep out, and box up the rest. If you have a home office, clean it out and pack what you plan to take with you.  Any jewelry and shoes that you don’t wear daily can go as well.  You may feel that two weeks is a long time to go without these items, but trust me, before you know it you will be unpacking them in your new abode! 5 Ways Children Can Help During a Move

ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING DAY: SEVEN DAYS AND COUNTING - Now it is time to pack up all but the few things you will need to get through the last few days at your current home.  The rest of your clothes and kitchen items can go (leaving yourself what you will need until the move, of course).  Go through your medicine cabinet and toss any expired medications. Pack the rest except for the ones you take daily.

TWO DAYS BEFORE MOVING DAY: IT’S GETTING REAL YA’LL - At this point your stress level may be peaking, but if you have been following the time-line and packing a bit each week, you should be almost finished!  Box up your electronics (in their original packaging when possible), bathroom items, and any miscellaneous items that are left.  Keep a box for essential items that you will keep with you as you are moving.

MOVING DAY: IT’S HERE! -  All that should be left is furniture and appliances.  Whether you have hired movers to load the large items or you are doing it yourself, it will be so much more manageable with everything else already boxed up and ready to go.

IMPORTANT TIP - Label every box.  You can either write what is in the box or what room the box should go to.  Or both.  You will be glad you did when you are unpacking!

Remember that this is simply a general guideline.  You should do what is right for you and your family when it comes to packing and moving. But hopefully this will make what can be a trying and overwhelming time a little less stressful.

If you are in the market to sell or buy 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!

Have you been thinking about redoing the floors in your home?  There are so many flooring options available that it can be confusing and overwhelming trying to decide what you want.  Floors are a significant part of what defines the style and function for every room, so it’s important to make sure you choose something that you not only like, but that will hold up and look good for years to come.  Here are some current flooring trends you may want to consider:

• BAMBOO

Bamboo flooring has been around for a couple of decades now, but recently advances in manufacturing have strengthened its durability and diversified its appearance.The introduction of super-dense “strand-woven” bamboo means that it can be made into boards that are two and a half times as hard as red oak.Various wood-look styles are available in bamboo as well, meaning there are many options for style.Since it is made from a natural plant, bamboo is eco-friendly. So, if you are environmentally conscious it is a good choice for you.

• LARGE FORMAT TILE

For a modern style, consider large format tile.Whether you want a rustic stone look, a minimalist, industrial feel or a sleek, high-gloss finish, you can find what you are looking for in large format tile.It can make a small space look larger and can give a more streamlined look to a large space.And with fewer grout lines, it is easier to clean. Large Format Tile Images on Pinterest

• LUXURY VINYL

When you think of luxury, vinyl is probably not the first thing that comes to your mind.But luxury vinyl is worth looking in to.It’s nothing like the peel-and-stick flooring that people used to install back in the day.It is a new type of flooring that combines a high-end look with the durability of vinyl. Unlike wood, it stands up well to moisture and is therefore great for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. comes in a variety of looks - from hardwood to stone - and looks so real that people will be surprised to discover it is vinyl!

• CUT & LOOP CARPET

If you love the comfort of carpet, but want a different look, then cut and loop carpet may provide just what you’re looking for.Using a technique that combines both loops and cut loops, manufacturers can create a carpet with eye-catching patterns that add depth and style to your floors. And, with new technology, carpeting is being produced with softer fibers than in the past.Carpet padding has come a long way as well and offers more protection that it used to.

• CONCRETE

If a sleek, industrial look is what you’re after, concrete is the way to go. This durable flooring comes in a variety of textures, colors and finishes, so it can complement almost any décor. Concrete floors are long-lasting and easy to clean and maintain.But they are also hard and cold, so you want to keep that in mind when choosing where to use them.They are not going to be comfortable to stand or walk on all day long.

• AMERICAN HARDWOOD

For beauty and durability, you cannot go wrong with American hardwood.It’s also a great choice for the environmentally conscious.Since it is made here and not shipped from the other side of the world like bamboo, you are reducing your carbon footprint a bit by purchasing wood from trees closer to home.In addition, the United States takes the issue of deforestation seriously, and replenishes forests as they cut trees down. With choices like oak, hickory, maple or heart pine, you can fill your home with warmth and allure while also being environmentally friendly.

If you are in the market to see or buy 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: consumerreports.org

SOLD!  What a relief!  Your house is sold and soon you will be moving out.  Pride in ownership means that you will likely want to leave your house in good shape for its new owners. In some states, the Real Estate Purchase Contract may stipulate that the home is to be “swept clean”, meaning the seller should at least sweep the floors and leave walls and ceilings bare.  But the language can often be vague.  Here is a list of cleaning tips for home sellers to help you leave the house reasonably clean and to create a feeling of goodwill toward your buyer:

Cleaning the Interior of the Home Before Moving Out:

• Remove all personal property.
• Vacuum the floors.
• Clean kitchen appliances including the inside of the refrigerator and over.  Wipe down the counters.
• Scrub sinks and tubs.
• Wipe down interior cabinets and shelves.
• Wash tile/vinyl/wood flooring.

Cleaning the Garage Prior to Closing:

• Remove personal belongings.
• Throw away trash.
• Properly dispose of toxic chemicals.
• Sweep the floor.
• Stack items pertaining to the home such as paint cans, roofing materials or extra flooring.  Check to make sure the buyer wants the extra materials first.

Basically, you want to leave the home in the condition that you would like to find your new home.  Your buyers will appreciate it!  What Are House Cleaning Expectations When a Seller Moves

If you are in the market to sell or buy 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: tm-cleaning.com