Real Estate Information Archive

Preparing to sell your home can be a stressful process.  Often you will find yourself making improvements just for the sake of the sale.  While some of these enhancements may boost the look of your property and make it easier to sell your home, you will be surprised to discover that they do not increase the value of your home.  In fact, some improvements might actually detract from it.  Here is a list of 6 “home improvements” that do not increase the value of your home:

EXTENSIVE PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING

Landscaping choices are a personal preference.If you are going to invest in elaborate landscaping, you should do it for your own enjoyment, because no matter how grand your yard is, it’s not going to bring you big bucks upon resale.

NEW ROOF, GUTTERS, SPRINKLERS OR HVAC

There are certainly buyers in the market who will be looking for homes that have newer features, but they won’t pay more for them.Replacing things that are broken or past their life expectancy is considered and not something buyers expect to pay for.

SWIMMING POOL AND/OR PERSONAL SPA

While water-related improvements can provide a lot of fun and entertainment for your family, the cost of installing a pool or spa never finds its way back to you. In fact, some buyers will ask that you take the spa with you or won’t purchase a house with a swimming pool.Installing a pool or spa should only be done for your own pleasure.

MAKING DATED IMPROVMENTS

If you think you might be selling your house, you need to be careful about making improvements that are not in style. For example, you might love white appliances and countertops in your kitchen, but because these are not currently trendy, potential buyers are not likely to feel the same way.

PAINTING YOUR HOUSE

Painting may be the single most cost-effective improvement you can make before selling your home, but it won’t return any bang for your buck unless you do the painting yourself. Fresh paint on the exterior or interior of your home absolutely makes the home more saleable, but an appraiser will not give you a credit boost for it.

SOLAR PANELS

The people selling you those solar panels will tell you that they will improve the value of your home and add to your bottom line profit, but it’s not true. You get zero approved value for solar panel installation.

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 at 334-834-1500 today!

Photo Credit: centrestaged.com

Want to Boost Your Curb Appeal  without breaking the bank?  Painting your front door is just the thing to brighten up the front of your home and it’s a project you can tackle yourself.  Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started on this fun DIY project:

- Pick a weekend to select your color, purchase supplies and complete the task. Make sure the weather will be appropriate. Paint needs to dry, so clear, sunny days with mild temperatures are best.

- Choose a color. If you’re not sure what color you want to use, you can purchase small samples in several colors and paint them on the door to get an idea of what you might like.  Look at them throughout the day to see how they look as the light brightens and dims.  Once you have chosen your favorite hue, you can then purchase what you will need to complete the project. For an exterior door that has been primed, you will need about one quart of paint.

- Make sure you use the right kind of paint. If you don’t have a glass or storm door that protects your front door from the elements, you are definitely going to want to use exterior paint. (Difference Between Exterior Paint and Interior Paint).  Paint with a glossy finish is best because it not only stands out, but also holds up against nicks and scrapes better than flat or eggshell paint.  Most importantly, make sure to note if you are using latex or oil-based paint.  When you need to touch up the paint in the future, you should never use oil paint over latex or vice versa.  Also, be sure that your primer has the same base as your paint.

- Prepare to paint. You can paint your door in place or remove it from the hinges if you have a glass or storm door to keep insects and such from finding their way inside.  You can also use a tarp to cover your doorway if you don’t have a storm/glass door. Remove all hardware from the door.  Using a wet rag, clean the door, and then use a sander or sandpaper to smooth it out.  If you are painting a different color, you will need to prime it first. 

- Now you are ready to paint! Begin by applying the Primer. Cover the entire door using a roller for application.  After the primer dries, it is finally time to paint. If the door has trim work or small details, use a paintbrush to go over them.  You can use a low-nap or foam roller to paint the whole door, but a paint brush will give you a lovely, hand-painted look.  You can also just use a paintbrush for the final coat to give it that look.  Make sure the door is completely dry before reattaching the hardware and rehanging the door if you removed it to paint.  Voila! You are done and you just spruced up your curb appeal!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home in the Montgomery area, call Sandra Nickel at 334-834-1500 and let her and her Hat Team of professionals put their skills and expertise to work for you!

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Unless you plan to stay in a home for the rest of your life, resale value should be a major consideration when purchasing a house. Home-ownership is a huge financial investment and the goal should be to get as much monetary return as possible when you sell.  While you can’t always predict what the future holds for the real estate market, there are some basic guidelines for what kind of properties have good resale value.  Don’t make the error of focusing only on what you want when doing your home search.  Think about the following factors that will affect the resale value:

1. LOCATION - This should be a primary consideration when looking for a home that will provide a good return on your investment.  A desirable location is likely to remain a hot market for home sales.  Think about the school district you will be in.  Even if you don’t have children in school, a top district will draw many buyers.  Different people will be looking for different things, but most buyers will want basically the same things from the location of the home. Home Buying: Location Matters
2. NUMBER OF BEDROOMS - A house with more than two bedrooms will sell faster and for a better price than one with only one or two bedrooms.  Even a couple with no children will want extra space for an office or guestroom (or both).
3. NUMBER OF BATHROOMS - Buyers will expect to pay much less for a home with only one bathroom.  If people are choosing between a house with one bathroom and one with two, they will almost always be willing to spend a little extra to get that additional restroom.
4. GATHERING SPACE - Buyers want a large, informal space for relaxing and entertaining family and friends.  You will get more value out of a spacious family room than you will out of a formal living room. 
5. STORAGE - These days people have a lot of “stuff” and they need places to put it all.  Storage space, including closets, a pantry and loads of cabinets will improve the odds of getting high bids for your house. 
6. GARAGE - People who live in suburban areas need places to park their cars.  A covered parking place or two is ideal.
7. OPEN FLOORPLAN - Buyers are looking for homes with open spaces and rooms that flow from one to the next.  A house with an Open Floorplan will improve your chances for a profitable resale.
8. OVERALL CONDITION - A property that is well-cared for, updated and remodeled will greatly enhance resale value.  Focus on rooms that matter most to buyers - kitchens and bathrooms. Make sure everything is in good working order.  Some people might be looking for a fixer upper, but many buyers are willing to pay a premium for a move-in ready home.

If you are in the market for a new home let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of professionals assist you in finding your dream home.  Call them at 334-834-1500 today!

Whether you are looking to purchase a home or getting ready to sell one, the process of doing so will go much more smoothly if you have an experienced Realtor to represent your interests.  You might be thinking that you can save money by trying to do it on your own, but the truth is that the time, energy and stress a Realtor will save you is priceless!  Here are the top five reasons why you should hire a Realtor when buying or selling a house:

1. EXPERTISE - Experienced real estate professionals will know all the ins and outs of buying and selling homes. Real estate has a language of its own, and Realtors will speak it fluently.  They are not only familiar with all the forms, reports and disclosures involved, they understand them and can explain them to you.  They will work to get you the best deal possible and help you avoid costly mistakes. Glossary of Real Estate Terms
2. ACCESS - Realtors can search listings that the public does not have access to.  They will know immediately when a house goes on the market; long before you can find it on the internet.  Local Realtors will also have a lot of knowledge about different neighborhoods and areas that may appeal to you.
3. NEGOTIATION - Realtors are trained negotiators.  It is their job to get you a first-rate deal.  With fierce competition for homes and the chance of a bidding war, you are going to want a shrewd and experienced negotiator on your side.
4. CONNECTIONS - They know who’s who in every aspect of a real estate transaction. They can hook you up with a mortgage lender, home inspector, real estate attorney, home stager, etc.  And since the best deal for you benefits them as well, they are going to make sure to recommend the top people in their professions.
5. TIME - While searching for a new house, or getting one ready to sell, chances are you’re still working full time, taking care of a family and feeling a little stressed about everything you need to do.  Slow down, take a deep breath and let your Realtor alleviate that stress a bit.  Being a Realtor is a full-time job that you don’t need to add to your to do list. 

The bottom line is, you probably can buy or sell a home on you own, but that doesn’t mean you should.  Hiring an experienced professional like Sandra Nickel will make your home-buying/selling experience less stressful and more successful.  Call her today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: wondersunn.com

Independence Day is just around the corner many people will celebrate by gathering with family and friends for a cookout or picnic.  Make your July 4^th meal a special treat with these creative, patriotic recipes: (click on links for recipes)

PATRIOTIC FRENCH TOAST
Do you have guests staying with you for the holiday?  If so, what better way to start Independence Day than with a patriotic breakfast?  Serve up this red, white and blue french toast to start the day of with a bang!

Photo Credit: allrecipes.com

RED, WHITE & BLUE POTATO SKEWERS
Simple to prepare and serve, these tasty potato skewers are sure to be a hit at your July 4^th gathering!

Photo Credit: fitfoodiefinds.com

STAR SPANGLED SALSA
This festive salsa is a tasty sweet and savory snack; perfect for the 4^th of July!

Photo Credit: twopeasandtheirpod.com

PATRIOTIC POPSICLES
You know it’s going to be hot outside on this summer holiday, so let your guests cool off with these refreshing patriotic popsicles!

Photo Credit: thelittlekitchen.net

PATRIOTIC CHICKEN DIP
Add some color to your table by creating red and blue crumbs to add stars to your favorite dip. Serve with crackers or red and blue tortilla chips for a yummy appetizer or snack!

Photo Credit: hungryhappenings.com

STARS, STRIPES & SHORTCAKE
No celebration is complete without a yummy dessert!  This easy-to-make, fun and festive dessert is sure to please!

Photo Credit: bakersroyale.com

WISHING YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home in the Montgomery area, call Sandra Nickel at 334-834-1500 and let her and her Hat Team of professionals put their skills and expertise to work for you!

During the summer, many people spend time outdoors to savor the warm weather.  Unfortunately, there are some not-so-pleasant aspects of spending time outside this time of year as well.  Bugs, rain and hot, humid days can make you want to stay indoors.  The following tips will help make the time you spend outside more comfortable:

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

• Do not keep any standing water on your property.  Even a single forgotten flowerpot full of rainwater can become a mosquito breeding ground.
• Make water features running rather than standing, or treat them with Mosquito Dunks
• Install ceiling fans on porches - flies and mosquitoes do not like moving air.
   

2. USE OUTDOOR FABRICS IN EXPOSED AREAS.  If your porch is covered, you may be able to get away with using more delicate furniture and cushions not specifically made for outdoor use.  But if your seating area is exposed to the elements, you will want to invest in fabrics and furniture made for outside use.  They will likely be more expensive, but they won’t fade in the sun, will resist stains and are water resistant.  The cushions are stuffed with material that sheds water easily so that they won’t stay waterlogged if they get wet.
    
3. UTILIZE A STORAGE BENCH.  While outdoor cushions are designed to stand up to repeated soakings, they will still be wet for a while directly after a rainstorm.  You can avoid having to sit on damp cushions by keeping them in a covered storage bench when you know there is a chance of rain.  If they won’t fit in a storage bench, lean your larger cushions against the wall of the house.  Do the same with any lightweight folding chairs.
    
4. MASK SOUNDS WITH RUNNING WATER.  If noise is an issue that prevents you from indulging in a peaceful outdoor experience, try using a water feature to drown out the distraction.  Water is a great way to gently camouflage sounds from close neighbors.  Try installing a fountain near your seating area for a more tranquil atmosphere.
    
5. MUSIC. If the water feature doesn’t appeal to you, soft music playing in the background can be just as effective at masking sounds.  With wireless speakers, you don’t even need an outlet to play your music.
    
6. SHADE.  Even when you are craving the warmth of the sun, sitting outside without any shade on a hot, sunny day will send you running for the AC before too long.  There are a lot of options for adding shade to your yard. Try freestanding umbrellas, a cloth overhang, lattices, a shade tree or a pergola.
    
7. PUT TOGETHER AN OUTDOOR DINING KIT.  Dining alfresco will be easier if you have a kit ready and waiting.  Put your frequently used outdoor items in a basket or on a big tray with handles so you can just grab it and go.  Here are some things to include:

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

8. HAVE BLANKETS FOR CHILLY EVENINGS. Keep some blankets nearby.  Old wool camp-style blankets, lightweight kantha quilts, or fringed throws work well.  Your guests will thank you on chilly evenings in the garden!
    
9. HAVE ADEQUATE NIGHTTIME LIGHTING.  Your outdoor space will really come alive at night with Outdoor Lighting. Try placing lighting under a bench seat for subtle illumination, make a ring of lanterns on the grass around your dining table or hang strings of lights overhead.  Landscape lighting will add to the ambiance as well.

If you’re looking for a home with a beautiful space for outdoor enjoyment, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of professional Realtors help you find the right home for you and your family!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: durhamhill.com

Whether moving for a job or just relocating for personal reasons, you still must decide what to do with your current home.  Should you rent it out?  Or sell it?  There are many circumstances to consider before making that decision.  How long do you have before you move?  What is the housing market doing in your area?  And do you have someone you can trust to manage your property?

Of course, the biggest motivator in your decision is which option will be most financially profitable.   If you have a lot of equity in your house and can sell it, you’ll walk away with some cash to put toward your new home.  If the house is paid off, you’ll walk away with A LOT of cash.  However, if your equity is built up and you have low mortgage payments (or no mortgage payment), you could bring in a substantial monthly income by renting the house for more than your monthly payments.  You do have to consider the costs involved with renting the house out.  If you’re relocating to another town, you will likely have to hire a Property Manager to collect rent and take care of issues that come up.  You might also have to pay to advertise the home.

There are going to be risks involved either way.  If you put the house up for sale, you run the risk of not selling it quickly and possibly ending up with two mortgage payments or a house payment and rent payment on a new place. But, renting out your house could be a bigger risk. There’s a chance you will rent it to people who you think will be good tenants, but wind up paying the rent late or not at all.  There is also the risk that renters will not take care of the house and lower its value.

Another issue to consider is that housing markets can greatly fluctuate from year to year. You must question whether your neighborhood is in the kind of shape to support a quick sale.  If other homes haven’t been selling, for example, you might not get as much for your house as you might if you could wait a year or two and rent it out in the meantime.  On the other hand, if the housing market is hot in your neighborhood, it might just be the best time to take advantage of it and sell to get the best price possible.

Finally, you have to think about whether you can afford a new mortgage while you still own the first house.  Per Kiplinger, lenders count about 75 percent of the income you receive from renters when figuring out if they’ll give you a new loan, but that’s only if you have a signed lease and your salary is sufficient to cover the rest of the mortgage requirement.  Selling your house will make it much easier for you to qualify for a new loan.

The bottom line is that, after doing your research, you can decide whether selling or renting is the best and most financially sound choice for you.

If you’re thinking about selling your home let experienced Realtor Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of professionals assist you in getting your home listed and sold for the best possible price!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: hawaiilife.com

Watch any of the home renovation or buying/selling shows on HGTV and you will hear people asking for Open Floor Plans.  Even in small houses, people want the feel of spaciousness that an open floor plan provides.  A “great room” with no wall between the kitchen and living space seems to be the most popular choice when it comes to floor plan considerations.  But is it the best choice for everyone?  Let’s look at the pros and cons of the open floor plan and see if it’s the right decision for you and your family.

Pros:

• You won’t feel isolated.  If you are cooking or doing dishes in a kitchen that flows into a family room, you will be able to chat with family and friends or continue watching television instead of being stuck in a closed off room by yourself.
• You will be able to keep an eye on the kids.  A great room with no walls allows you to watch your kids at play while you are cooking or cleaning.
• More natural light.  Without interior walls, sunlight will flow through the house from the exterior wall windows.  You will also have an unobstructed view of the great outdoors.
• Ideal for entertaining.  When you have guests over, they can congregate throughout the great room, so you won’t miss anything if you are in the kitchen cooking and serving food.

Cons:

• Lack of privacy.  If your household includes people of various ages on a multitude of different schedules, an open floor plan can make things challenging.  For example, if your teenager wants to have friends over for a study group at the kitchen table, but you want to watch a movie.  Or perhaps you want to read quietly on the couch, but your daughter’s having a sleepover and they want to have pizza and bake cookies.  A separate, enclosed kitchen may be better for some families.
• Limited wall space.  Placing Furniture in an Open Space is tricky sometimes, especially if you have a lot of windows.  And if you are an art lover, you are going to want blank walls for displaying your treasures.
• Overwhelming mess.  Smaller, enclosed rooms are easier to keep neat and tidy.  With open floor plans, stuff tends to spread out.  And you may not want kids’ toys in your main living space, so a smaller, enclosed room might be your preference for a play area.
• Too noisy.  With an open plan, there are more acoustics, therefore noise travels further. A quiet conversation in the kitchen may not be possible with the television on across the way.

Remember, just because something is popular, doesn’t mean it’s right for you.  Think about what is going to suit your family’s needs before starting your home search.

Whether you are looking for a home with an open floor plan, or you prefer a different style, Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professional Realtors can help you find the home of your dreams. Give them a call at 334-834-1500 and start your home search today!

Photo Credit: southernliving.com