Real Estate Information Archive

​Life these days is far from normal.  Many of us are staying home more than usual in order to stay as safe as possible and that means “home” can start to feel isolating. Do you daydream about getting away to a peaceful haven, far from the drudgery of day-to-day life?  Sadly, wishes and dreams will not take you there, but you CAN create a tranquil retreat at home. Here are some tips for turning your living space into a calm and soothing oasis:

• Use Relaxing Colors - Soft colors like watery blues and greens create a sense of serenity in a room.  But they are not the only relaxing colors.  If you do not care for blues, use gentle hues like rose, taupe, peach or mocha. 15 Calming Paint Colors to Help You Chill Out
   
• Store Things Out of Sight - Loud sounds are not the only “noise” that can ruin a serene atmosphere. Visual noise consists of anything you can see that results in you feeling stressed or anxious. Get rid of the visual noise, and your space will feel calmer. Utilize closed storage for the majority of your belongings and choose only special items to keep on display.  Remember that chaos on the outside = chaos on the inside.
   
• Use Solids and/or Subtle Patterns – If you are seeking to create a calm aesthetic in a room, stick with solid colors or subtle patterns in muted tones.  There is nothing wrong with a bright, colorful, busy pattern, but you may find it distracting when you are trying relax and rejuvenate.  Keeping it simple will go a long way toward designing the peaceful vibe you are going for.
   
• Use Gentle Lighting – Nothing feels less relaxing than walking into a room filled with bright, harsh lighting. Natural light is best, so keep window treatments open during the day to let the sunshine in. But as it gets dark out, instead of turning on a blazing overhead light, trying using string lights, candles, lamps and lanterns for a soft glow. How Lighting Affects Mood
   
• Create an Backyard Retreat – Nothing is more relaxing than spending quiet time in the fresh air on a beautiful day.  When the weather cooperates and presents you the gift of a gorgeous day, being able to step right outside your door to enjoy it is a wonderful thing!  When designing your outdoor space, be sure to incorporate privacy, comfy textures, pleasing aromas, and lots of plants.  Add a water feature to enjoy the soothing sounds of water. Twenty-four Outdoor Water Feature Ideas
   
• Find a Place to Hide Your Tech – You may not be able to put your tv “away”, but smaller tech items like phones, tablets and laptops simply need to go bye-bye when you are trying to relax. Find an out of the way drawer or cabinet where these items can be stored so that they will not be a tempting distraction when you are trying to unwind and de-stress.  Trust me, spending time away from screens might be the best thing you do for yourself!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: Roberto Nickson/unsplash.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? Rental Income: The Pros and Cons of Leasing 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. What is a Property Manager

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 there are also risks to renting out your home. 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 must think about whether you can afford a new mortgage while you still own the first house. 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, after doing your research, you can decide whether selling or renting is the best and most financially sound choice for you.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her hat team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: psychologycompass.com

Have you been thinking about painting some rooms in your home?  You may want to keep in mind that the colors in your home can have a huge effect on your moods. The shade of your walls has been show to affect emotions. For example, there are certain colors that will bring you down; ones that will help you relax; and even some that will suppress your appetite. Room Color and How it Affects Your Mood

Here are some color ideas for you that will promote a joyful environment:

Yellow for HAPPINESS

Yellow is a natural source of positive energy and sparks feelings of happiness. Shades of yellow can also activate metabolism and boost thinking. Be careful with how much you use though, because yellow can also be fatiguing to the eyes if overused or overly bright.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Sky Blue for RENEWAL

Pale blues are calming and help to restore natural rhythms.  Sleeping well contributes to productivity and overall well-being.  Calming blues have soothing and restorative qualities that help you rest better.

Photo Credit: decorpad.com

Violet Black for MINDFULNESS

While it may appear dark and moody, a hidden undertone of violet in a dark background draws you in and provides a sense of escape and relaxation.  This color also creates a space for focus and reflection.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Yellow-Green for OPTIMISM

This combination of green and yellow captures the essence of spring’s first bloom and the anticipation of renewal.  These colors bring positive energy into a space and stimulate personal growth.

Photo Credit: houzz.com

Silver-Sage for BALANCE

The blend of sage green and silvery gray provides balance and harmony.  These are the perfect colors for a peaceful, refreshing and tranquil living space.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

For more color ideas, check out: Eight Paint Colors That Promote Wellness at Home

Whether you plan to paint for your own health and happiness, or you’re sprucing your house up to put it on the market, choosing the right colors can make all the difference in the world!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

When you purchase a home, you are not only choosing where to live, you are making a financial investment as well. Home equity is the percentage of your home value that you own and with each mortgage payment you make you are contributing to your own financial savings.  The goal is to build up as much equity as you can so that when you sell your home, you will make a nice profit!  Here are some tips for building home equity:

• Take Out a 15-Year Mortgage Loan - It’s common for people to choose a 30-year mortgage because many believe a 15-year mortgage is out of their budget.  However, it can’t hurt to ask your mortgage lender to run the numbers to see if a 15-year mortgage is doable for you.  You might be surprised to discover that the shorter term is within reach.  Sticking to a budget that allows you to pay off your house in half the time will build equity faster and will certainly pay off in the long run! 32 Hacks for Sticking to Your Budget
   
• Pay Down the Principal - Build equity faster by paying down your home loan quicker.  Even if you don’t have the ability to take out a 15-year mortgage, you can still make extra mortgage payments when you have the means to do so and the difference extra mortgage payments can make toward building equity are huge. If you make just one extra payment toward principal each year, you can potentially pay off your home loan seven or eight years ahead of schedule.  There are ways to do this without breaking your budget.  For example, you can use a tax refund or a work bonus.  Another way to do it is to simply add a small amount to your principal payment each month.
   
• Make a Larger Down Payment - Depending on your credit standing, you can qualify for a conventional mortgage loan with a down payment as low as 3%, and an FHA loan with a down payment as low as 3.5%.  While it’s tempting to buy a house with a low down payment so that you have more cash on hand, the pros of making a larger down payment may outweigh the cons. The larger the down payment, the faster you build equity.  The faster you build equity, the more profit you will make should you have to sell your home before paying it off.
   
• Make Improvements on Your Home - Making home improvements is a good way to add value to your property.  It’s important to educate yourself about what home improvements give you the best ROI (return on investment).  For example, per Chris Terrill, CEO of HomeAdvisor, “a minor kitchen remodel is one of the best investments homeowners can make.”  “Projects including refinishing cabinets, updating the countertops and installing new appliances all provide high return without breaking the bank.”  Other home improvements that add value to your property include replacing garage doors, adding a bedroom, updating a bathroom and installing new windows. And don’t underestimate the value of curb appeal!  A professionally landscaped yard will not only help with a quick sale; it can also add up to 20% to your home’s value! Which Home Improvements Pay Off?

Owning a home is likely the largest financial investment you will make, and the more equity you acquire, the more wealth you will generate.  You can utilize your equity as a nest egg for the future or it can be used as a cash down payment on your next home.  Use these tips to build up your savings an enjoy this wonderful perk of home ownership!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: achievalife.com

If you’ve ever had to call a plumber to come out to your house to fix a clogged sink or jammed garbage disposal, you already know how expensive that visit can be. Now you have the added concern of having someone come into your home while maintaining social distancing. Here are some tips for things you can do to take care of your kitchen sink so that you won’t have to call a plumber to fix it for you:

1. Do not pour grease, oil or fat into your garbage disposal or drain. Grease will slowly accumulate and impede your garbage disposal’s grinding ability as well as clog drains.
    
2. Do not use hot water when grinding food waste. Hot water will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate, causing drains to clog.
    
3. Don’t grind extremely fibrous materials like corn husks, celery stalks, onions, and artichokes. Fibers from these can tangle and jam the garbage disposal motor and block drains.
    
4. Don’t turn off the motor or water until grinding is completed. When grinding is complete, turn off the garbage disposal first. Let water continue to run for at least 15 seconds, flushing out any remaining particles. Then turn off water.
    
5. Don’t put too many potato peels down the garbage disposal. The starches in the potatoes will turn into a thick paste and may cause blades to stick.
    
6. Don’t put large amounts of food down the garbage disposal. Feed food into the garbage disposal a little at a time with the cold water running; this will help the food scraps flow down freely through the drain pipes and plumbing.
    
7. Don’t put expandable foods into your garbage disposal. Foods like pasta and rice expand when you add water in a pot; they do the same thing once inside your pipes or garbage disposal and are the cause of many jams and clogs.
    
8. Don’t grind large animal bones of any kind.
    
9. Don’t put coffee grounds down the garbage disposal. They won’t harm the disposal but they can accumulate in drains and pipes, causing clogs.
    
10. Most importantly: Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners to unclog the drain. They damage blades and pipes.

Follow these tips to take care of your sink and garbage disposal and save yourself from that expensive plumber’s bill!!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: thespruce.com

Millennials (or Generation Y) have emerged as a preeminent force in the housing market.  Per the National Association of Realtors’, “older millennials, buyers aged 30 to 39 years, made up the largest share of home buyers by generation at 25 percent of all home buyers in 2019.” In fact, this group, born between 1980 and 1989 comprised the largest share of buyers for the seventh consecutive year. Older Millennials: Forming Families, Establishing Homes

That being said, when selling your home, it would be wise to think about the wants and needs of millennials as potential buyers.  Here are 10 must-haves for selling a home to millennials:

1. Updated kitchens and baths – Millennial homebuyers seek out updated kitchens and baths because they are on a budget.  Most of their money will go toward down payments and furnishings, and kitchens and baths are the most expensive spaces to update, so millennials will want a home that requires little to no work in these rooms.  As a seller, you want to find ways to update your bathrooms and kitchen as inexpensively as possible. While these updated rooms will attract younger buyers, you want to avoid losing the money that you put into them.
    
2. Big kitchen, open floor plan – There was a time when a formal dining room was on every buyer’s wish list. But this generation of buyers would rather eat and hang out in the kitchen, along with the family room. And because of how this generation of homeowners entertain, they prefer an open floor plan for easier flow throughout the house.
    
3. Home office – per recent US Census data, over 13 million Americans are working from home and it is a trend that is expected to continue.  Even if a room is currently staged as a bedroom, a real estate agent can point it out as a potential office space.  And it’s not just for those who work full-time from home. With ever growing technology making us increasingly mobile, a home office is a dedicated space for making phone calls, skyping or face-timing clients or even just paying bills.
    
4. Good location -  Millennial buyers seek out locations with easy access to public transportation and a good walk score. Montgomery Alabama Walk Score
    
5. Low maintenance – young buyers want low maintenance homes.  Things like wood floors and granite countertops appeal to them because they are both attractive and easy to take care of.  They also like smaller yards. They want to spend their weekends doing activities that don’t include mowing the lawn or doing housework.
    
6. Technology – internet and cell phone service matter a lot to this generation.  Many millennials don’t even use a landline.  You may not be able to control the strength of cell service at your home, but you can be sure that young buyers will be asking about it.
7. Energy efficiency – With a growing interest in protecting the environment, younger buyers look to buy homes that are green.  While energy efficiency is not the top reason to purchase a house, it can certainly be an advantage when dealing with millennial buyers. 8 Simple Ways to Turn Your Home From Toxic to Green
    
8. The reality TV effect – Real estate reality shows on channels such as TLC and HGTV have had an impact on how buyers view homes.   Staging has become a crucial part of the selling process. It is not unusual to hear a younger buyer speak about a room being staged or not staged.
    
9. Low HOA costs – when considering a property, younger buyers sometimes find that while the price is within their budget, homeowners association fees or condo fees make it unaffordable.  They seek homes in neighborhoods with low, or preferably, NO monthly assessments.
    
10. Online photos – Technology strikes again!  If you are serious about attracting young buyers, you need to consider how your home shows online. Millennials start their home searches online and if the photos don’t look good, they will likely scroll on by without ever stepping foot in the house. How to Take the Best Photos to Sell Your Home

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: wsj.com

Older homes appeal to many due to their charm and endurance.  But living in an older home can become cumbersome as its parts age and break.  You can update your little piece of history without changing the overall ambiance that attracted you to begin with.  Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to update your older home:

1. Paint the Front Door

Buying a new front door can be pricey. In addition, you may be hard-pressed to find a “new” door that complements the style of your older house.  But PAINTING the front door that you already have is a fabulous alternative.  It will only cost you the price of the primer, paint and supplies.  Not only can you add some color to your exterior, you will also add protection from the element meaning that your door will last longer.

2. Replace Outdoor Light Fixtures

Faded, rusted light fixtures can be easily replaced with new one for very little cost.You can even find Vintage Light Fixtures to fit in with the age and style of your home.Just be certain to check with the City Architectural Review Board coordinator, Christy Anderson 625-2041, to be sure your new selection meets their guidelines.

3. Wash Your House

If you don’t own a power washer, it will be well worth it to rent one for a day so that you can give your house a good washing.You will be amazed by the difference it will make when you remove years’ worth of dirt and dust!But don’t use too much velocity or you may find you’re blasting the paint off instead of just cleaning it.

4. Install Porcelain Tile Floors in Your Bathroom

Replacing floors in your home can seem overwhelming due to the expense. But you can start with your smaller rooms, like your bathroom, without spending too much.Look for sales on porcelain tiles and install them yourself to save even more money. How to Lay a Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Floor

5. Replace Light Switch Plates

Do your light switch plates look dingy?You can brighten up a room by simply replacing them with new ones!For example, brushed nickel plates are only about $5 each and when used throughout the home they provide style and consistency.

6. Replace Old Indoor Light Fixtures

Just like with the outdoor light fixtures, old, shabby ones can make your home feel old and shabby.Keep the vintage appeal of your home while updating it with new light fixtures.Check out the Vintage Light Fixtures link above to find ones that with fit in with your home.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: OldHouses.com

You’ve just bough your first home!  Congratulations!  You got through the process with the help of your Realtor, but now you’ve signed the paperwork and received your keys and it’s time to move in. You may find yourself wondering, “what next?”.  Here are some tips to help make your transition to home owner a little less stressful:

• Educate Yourself About Your Mortgage Statement

It’s important that you learn how to read your monthly mortgage statement. When you receive the first one, you will see that there is a lot of information on it. Most importantly, it will tell you the amount due, how to pay it, and the due date.It will also include your loan servicer’s contact information, which you will need if you have any questions about your mortgage. How to Read a Mortgage Statement

• Don’t Pay Attention to Refinance Offers

You might start receiving a lot of unsolicited mail after you move in to your new home.That is because your information becomes public record and companies will start sending you refinancing offers.The thing is, it’s not usually beneficial to you to refinance early on in your mortgage repayment process.It may be a great option for you down the road, but not right away. Mortgage Refinancing: How to Know When the Time is Right

• Organize Your Documents

When you close on your house you will sign a lot of papers and you will be given copies of all of them.Be sure to keep these documents together in a safe place.You will need access to them when it comes time to pay your taxes so that you can take advantage of tax savings that come with home ownership. Tax Benefits of Home Ownership in 2020

• Do a Home Inventory

The day you sign the title to your new home, your home owner’s insurance will go into effect.But there is more work to be done to protect your home and belongings. The smart thing to do is to create a written/photographic inventory of all the valuables in your home.This will be very helpful if a worst-case scenario occurs and your personal property is damaged, stolen or destroyed.If you can present your insurance company with an organized list of what you have lost, it will help expedite your claim. 10 Shortcuts for Completing Your Home Inventory in Record Time

• Give Your New Home a Deep Cleaning

It’s always a good idea to give your new home a deep cleaning before you move in; even if it’s a newly constructed home.It’s so much easier to do this before you have moved all your belongings in and you will feel good about starting out in a freshly cleaned house!

• Change Your Locks

This is a step that many people overlook.You’ve just received the keys to your new home, but many people have had those keys before you.From previous owners, to Realtors, to contractors and more; you really have no idea who might still have access to your home.To ensure your safety, call a locksmith and schedule an appointment to have all your exterior door locks changed the morning after your closing.You will feel safer knowing you are the only ones with keys to your house!

• Educate Yourself About Your Home

Take the time to learn your home systems. Familiarize yourself with your HVAC unit, the circuit breaker, the security system, the fireplace, and the hot water heater. Find where the fire extinguishers are and make sure smoke/carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order.

Becoming a home owner is exciting and sometimes overwhelming, but you can start out on the right foot by following this guide!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: SmartAsset.com

Once you have decided to sell your house, there are a lot of steps to take to get it ready and listed on the market.  The goal should be to get the best possible price for your home with the least amount of stress and disruption.  Manage possible financial dangers by avoiding these home selling risks:

• Selling your current home before closing on a new one.  This is a risk many people take because they need the money from the sale to make the down payment on the new home. But it can be a big mistake. It could mean that you have to move not once, but twice. Once to your temporary abode and then again to your new place once you buy. The financial burden of having to move twice along with the emotional toll it takes (because moving is no fun) can make the whole process very stressful.  If you have not found a new home when it’s time to close on the one you’re selling, at the very least make sure you are pre-qualified for a mortgage.
   
• Moving out in the hope that it will make your house sell more quickly.  Some people think that a house will sell faster if it is vacant. But what if it doesn’t?  What if you have spent the money to move out, and you are paying rent and a mortgage?  That is a huge risk that may add to your financial burden along with the whole moving twice thing mentioned above.  The truth is that a staged home that is lightly furnished attracts more buyers than an empty house. So, be sure to consider the pros and cons of moving out when selling before you start to pack up your house. Reasons Empty Rooms Are a Bad Idea When Selling Your Home
   
• Asking too much for your home.  It may seem like a good strategy to ask for a high price so that there is room for it to come down to an acceptable amount.  But by doing this you may scare off buyers. It can cause a home to sit on the market for too long which can be very detrimental to its selling potential.  When a house sits on the market too long, people start to think there is something wrong with it and they avoid looking at it at all, even if the price comes down. How to Price Your Home For Sale
   
• Skimping on home improvements.  Just don’t do it. Remember that you are trying to sell your home and make a profit. While you may not want to invest a ton of money into improvements, you will want to be sure that what improvements you do make are well done.  Shoddy work will be noticed and will scare off potential buyers.  The right improvements, if done well, can increase the value of your home and enable you to sell it for a higher price. The Best (and Worst) Projects to Improve Your Home Resale Value

While it may be challenging to avoid all risks when selling a house, you can certainly minimize the financial peril you may find yourself in if you take steps to avoid the risks above.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: ericbrown.com

There are a lot of perks to home ownership, but let’s face it; it can be expensive.  You’re not only making a mortgage payment every month, but you are also responsible for maintaining your home.  But there are lots of easy ways to save money without ever leaving the house. Follow these tips and start saving today!

• Save money on your electric bill by utilizing natural ways to cool your house.  During the spring and summer, open your windows and use fans to get the air circulating through your home.  Ceiling fans will help too. Moving the air through the house will help cool it down quite a bit.
   
• Another way to save on your electric bill is to line dry your clothes.  Dryers use a lot of electricity, and there are many good reasons to choose line drying.  Not only is it an energy saver, but it may extend the life of your clothing! 5 Reasons to Line Dry Your Laundry
   
• Get rid of cable television. With all the options for streaming shows on apps like Hulu and Netflix, you could save a lot of money by ending your relationship with cable and using apps to stream your favorite programs.  You might be surprised to discover that even after upgrading your internet, you will still pay less per month than you did for cable television. Best Live TV Streaming Services For Cord-Cutters in 2020
   
• Always unplug.  Even when you are not using an appliance, if you keep it plugged in, it is still pulling electricity.  It may not seem like much, but over years you can save quite a bit by unplugging when not using things.  Chances are you are not going to want to be bothered with walking around your house to unplug everything, but to make it a little easier, consider using power strips so you can just unplug that at the end of the day.
   
• Use a shopping list.  This may sound silly, but when you go shopping without a list you often come home with way more than you need.  Make a list and stick to it. It will not only make shopping more efficient, but it will save you money in the long run.
   
• Learn how to do basic home maintenance.  You can save a ton of money over time by being able to take care of home maintenance yourself.  By doing small tasks like replacing filters and cleaning out dust, you can lengthen the lifespan of many appliances, thus saving money that way as well. 100 Home Repairs You Don't Need to Call a Pro For
   
• Bundle up and save on heating costs.  Invest in quality, warm blankets so you can turn the heat down and still be warm and cozy when you sleep at night.  Decreasing your heat by just a few degrees can save you a lot of money over time.
   
• Create a budget and try to stick to it. By creating a budget, you will be more conscientious about your spending.  It will not only help you to see where you are spending too much, it will also assist you in prioritizing your spending.

Saving money is important.  Whether you’re saving for retirement or for a special family vacation, it’s the little things you do that make a big difference in the long run!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

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