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Step by Step Guide to Painting Your Front Door

by The Hat Team

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

1319 Pampas Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 

MLS# 436914

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,985 sqft | Woodmere

Pristine custom built one owner home in Woodmere. This spacious ranch is in immaculate condition! Wonderful living areas with the eat-in kitchen open to the large family room, huge sun room overlooking the shaded deck and nice sized bedrooms. Attached two-car carport and situated on a private pie shaped lot. You can move your family right in!  

767 Hillman Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36109 

MLS# 436521 ​

2 Bedrooms | 1.5 Bathrooms | 1,600 sqft | Dalraida Park Estates 


Sensational original mid century modern ranch in beautiful Dalraida.... large corner lot ... this home should be on the pages of Atomic ranch magazine.... Many original 1950's details intact.... wonderful lot..... call us or your favorite agent today!!!!!!!! 

 

Resale Value - What Matters Most

by The Hat Team

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!

340 E Fairview Avenue, Montgomery 36105 

MLS# 436581

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,794 sqft | South Hull District 

You will get the best of both worlds with this sweet South Hull District cottage. With all the charm and character of Cloverdale, but half the price! Pack your things and get ready to move into this home featuring hardwood floors, built-in corner china cabinets in dining room, classic transoms (that still work) and a cool, retro double drainboard porcelain sink in the kitchen. Enclosed sun porch on the front and covered back porch make great places to relax, and the large back yard is perfect for kids, pets, and grown-up games! And, within minutes to Cloverdale's entertainment districts as well as all that is happening downtown. Charming home close to Midtown Montgomery and all Cloverdale has to offer! 

The Top Five Reasons to Hire a Realtor

by The Hat Team

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

Celebrate Independence!

by The Hat Team

 

2243 Country Club Dr, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 436401

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2,222 square feet | Country Club Estates

Sought after Country Club Drive in Midtown Montgomery! Huge great room with wood burning fireplace open to eat in kitchen!!! Former living room can be used as formal dining. Oversized main bedroom with fireplace. Wonderful screened in rear porch. Hardwood floors.  Two more good sized bedrooms and hall bath. Beautiful small fenced back yard. Property backs up to a private park. Be the first to see this desirable property!


Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Frank Powell, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

 

 

643 Felder Ave - Grand Tutor in Old Cloverdale!

by The Hat Team

643 Felder Ave, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 435539

3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 3,886 square feet | Cloverdale

Incredible rare opportunity to own in one of the best locations in Old Cloverdale. Grand Tudor offers more details and charm than can be described. Not available in over 40 plus years. Grand front foyer with beautiful staircase. Formal parlor and dining room. Kitchen offers separate breakfast area. Three large bedrooms upstairs. Updated master bath. Laundry and loft also on 2nd floor. Walk up attic. Upstairs balcony across rear of home. Beautiful lot in Midtown Montgomery near all Cloverdale has to offer!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Frank Powell, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

 

3235 Wellington Rd - Adorable Cloverdale Cottage!

by The Hat Team

3235 Wellington Rd, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 436424

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,824 square feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

Set on a quiet side street, this adorable Cloverdale cottage in Midtown Montgomery will capture your heart! Whether it's for one person, a couple, or a family, this home fits all. Spacious living room with fireplace and lots of built-ins for books and collectibles. Dining room for big family dinners. PLUS a cozy warm den/family room with classic coffered ceilings that will satisfy all your living needs. Kitchen overlooks gathering room/breakfast room and allows grown-ups to prepare meals while the little ones do homework or play. Elevated rear deck overlooks shady back yard, large brick patio with fire pit, and playground-grade jungle gym for the kids. Back yard also boasts wired and insulated workshop that once was a music studio with additional storage attached. And, this one is move-in ready, so call your favorite agent for a private tour and start packing!


Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

3235 Wellington Rd

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