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Creating a Moving Day Survival Kit

Wednesday, April 25, 2018
by The Hat Team

You’ve closed on your new home and it’s time to move in!  This is an exciting time, but can also be a bit stressful.  Where do you even begin?  A good place to start is to create a moving day survival kit for yourself. It should include anything and everything that is important or of great value to you and should stay with you and not go with movers. Here is a list of “must have” items to make your move as organized and stress-free as possible:

 - Toilet Paper.  At least a few rolls. Trust me on this one.

- Pain reliever and all your medications.  You don’t want to be searching for these necessities, so make sure they are easily accessible.

 -Toilet Plunger.  Yes, really. Especially if your new place only has one bathroom. Better safe than sorry!

 - Cash for tipping your movers.

 - A Multi-Tool.  While having a whole tool box handy would be great, there is only so much you can (and should) fit into your survival kit.  Something like a Leatherman will provide you with a way to open boxes and other small tasks…and it will fit in your pocket!

 - Trash Bags.  And clear recycling bags.  Look up where you can recycle locally and have the address in your phone so you can take packing boxes/materials there after you unpack. Montgomery Recycling

 - Power Strip and Mobile Phone Charger.  There is nothing worse than discovering your phone is dying and you have no idea where your charger is!  The power strip will come in handy because you will probably clear one small area and can plug in your electronics, a lamp, a coffee pot, etc.…

 - Personal Hygiene Items.  Pack an overnight bag with your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo etc.  That way, when you are ready to call it a day you can jump right in the shower without having to search through boxes for them.

 - All Purpose Cleaner and a Roll of Paper Towels (or two). Hopefully move-in day won’t be cleaning day, but you never know.  Be prepared.  Even if the house looks clean, you are going to want to wipe down the toilets, sinks and counters.

 - Bottled Water and Granola Bars.   You are going to be hungry. And tired.  Have water and snacks on hand to get you through the day.  Look up some Take Out Restaurants and have their numbers in your phone so you can have food delivered.

 - First Aid Kit.  Well, at least a box of Band-Aids in case you cut yourself opening boxes.

 - Note Pad and Pen.  Because you WILL come up with a list of things you need and need to do as you are unpacking and you will want to write them down so you don’t forget.

 - Scented Candles or Air Fresheners.  Even the cleanest house will smell a little musty if it has been closed-up for a while.

 - Flashlight.  Some rooms won’t have overhead lights and if you haven’t unpacked the lamps yet, a flashlight will come in handy.

Enjoy your new home!  And if you haven’t found your dream home yet visit Homes for Sale in Montgomery AL  or call Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professional Realtors at 334-834-1500 and start your search today!

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

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3514 Prince George Dr. - Spacious Home in Desirable Dalraida!

Friday, April 20, 2018
by The Hat Team

3514 Prince George Dr, Montgomery AL 36109

MLS# 431423

4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2,179 square feet | Hillman Heights

Step right in to find a large family room with fireplace, hardwood floors and built-ins to store your books. Just off the family room is the dining room where you can wine and dine family during the holidays. The galley style kitchen features updated granite counter tops, new cabinets and separate breakfast area. All your bedroom furniture will fit perfectly in the spacious bedrooms. Covered patio off den in the fenced yard where you can sit enjoy the kids playing. Call us or your favorite agent to view today.

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

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Buying is Better than Renting: Here’s Why

Wednesday, April 18, 2018
by The Hat Team

With interest rates still relatively low, buying a house right now is less expensive than renting in many places, including Montgomery, AL.  Now is a great time to lock into a rate.

Buying is often considered to be financially better than renting over the long run because your mortgage payments build equity in your home, which you will eventually own, while rent only goes toward the upkeep of your home and the pocket of your landlord. That is just one reason buying is better than renting.  Here are some others:

  • You can do what you want with your property. Making home improvements will be your choice…from colors to paint the walls to light fixtures to types of floors, you won’t need permission from a landlord to make changes.
  • Tax benefits. Tax Deductions are a great perk of home ownership.
  • Stable monthly payments. Rents can go up, but with a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments won’t change.
  • Forced savings.  Renting might seem less expensive, but would you actually save the money you don’t spend on rent?  Since your mortgage payments are building equity in your own home, which you can later sell for profit, it’s like a forced savings.

Using a Rent vs But Calculator you can see how buying is a better financial option right here in Montgomery.  For example, after 4 years, the cost of homeownership (down payment, mortgage, taxes, etc.) for a $150,000 home in Montgomery would be $94,094.  The total cost to rent the same house for that period would be $52,193.  Renting would leave you with $41,901 in your pocket (including the money you didn’t spend on a down payment).  So, it looks like renting would be better financially, right?  But wait…not so fast.  Let’s look at what you gain over the same 4-year period if you buy.  After 4 years, your home will have $70,371 in equity. However, if you instead rent and invest your down payment and the other money you save at a 6% return rate, it will earn around $8,351 in 4 years.  So, if you look at your gross costs, equity and investment potential, it’s better for you to buy than rent if you plan to live in your home more than 3 years and 3 months.

The bottom line is, if you’ve been thinking about buying a home in the Montgomery area, don’t wait!  Start investing your money in your own home vs that of a landlord today!

Contact Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of professional Realtors at 334-834-1500 and let them help you find your dream house today!

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2043 Hazel Hedge Ln - Spacious Home in Sought After Location!

Tuesday, April 17, 2018
by The Hat Team

2043 Hazel Hedge Ln, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 429320

3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2,001 square feet | Hazel Hedge

Downstairs main bedroom!!! Sought after location near Cloverdale in Midtown Montgomery!! Sophisticated decor with wonderful color and texture. Great party house that has lots of room to entertain. 24X13 great room open to lovely courtyard. Formal dining with two china closets. Kitchen open to great room. Very spacious. Also, there are 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths upstairs plus a bonus room that could contain your office or exercise room. You must get inside this fabulous house to see the full value. Call us or your favorite agent to see today!

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

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1164 S McDonough St - Unique Converted Firehouse in Desirable Garden District

Sunday, April 15, 2018
by The Hat Team

1164 S McDonough St, Montgomery AL 36104

MLS# 431287

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 3,064 square feet | Garden District

Normalcy Is SO Overrated! She was never very practical, they said. She lived with her head in the clouds and followed her dream-filled heart in her decision making. And because they were always attended by an unexpected assortment of characters, her parties were the most sought after invitations in town! If YOU’D like to be that lady (or man) and escape the ordinary, here’s your chance: a bona fide 1917 firehouse in Midtown Montgomery—complete with pole—extravagantly converted to a home that’s been the talk of the town and repeatedly featured in national media. Firehouse Nine awaits your visit… bring your own fire truck!

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

 

                                                                                                                                         

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3520 McGehee Place Ct S - Spacious Patio Home in Quiet Neighborhood

Thursday, April 12, 2018
by The Hat Team

 

3520 McGehee Place Ct S, Montgomery AL 36111

MLS #431354

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1 half bath | 3,653 | McGehee Place Estates

You truly will not believe the space in this McGehee Place patio home! Encompassing over 3,500 square feet, it includes a large living room with built-in display cabinet for all your collectibles, an open dining room perfect for dinner parties and family meals, and a gathering room between living room and sunroom. This great hang out space is open to the spectacular kitchen with huge center island and the most unique granite you have ever seen. Light-filled sunroom overlooks private deck/courtyard with ample room for entertaining. If you are an artist or are just crafty, you will love the studio with built in work spaces and cabinets to spare. Plus, above the two-car garage is an additional walk-up bonus room that would make great guest quarters. Both guest bedrooms have walk-in closets, and master has double walk-through closets, separate vanities, big walk-in shower and separate tub. Quiet neighborhood in Midtown Montgomery with park and gazebo and great neighbors!

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

 

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Tips for Protecting Family Heirlooms

Wednesday, April 11, 2018
by The Hat Team

Family heirlooms are treasures that evoke memories of the past and hold great sentimental value.  Keeping them safe and well preserved is important. There are many kinds of keepsakes. What may seem not very special to one person, might be the most cherished of items to another.  The following tips will help you preserve them and keep the memories alive:

Paper Documents

Don’t make the mistake of keeping precious papers in a box somewhere. Paper is vulnerable to crumbling and fading if it is exposed to too much light, heat or moisture.  You can keep documents safe by placing them in acid-free envelopes or folders.  When you want to look at them, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Avoid using lotion on your hands if you know you are going to be handling paper heirlooms.  Three ring binders are excellent for keeping documents organized and safe.  Keep them in temperature-controlled parts of the house to avoid deterioration due to heat and moisture.

Books

Like paper documents, books need to be kept away from heat, bright light and anything highly acidic.  If you want to keep a book pristine, interleaf the pages with acid-free tissue paper.  If you keep favorite books on a shelf, make sure it is not exposed to too much sunlight.  They will fade over time but keeping them out of harsh conditions will make them last longer.

Photographs

Many people have photographs stored in old-school albums where they are stuck on the pages by adhesive. Unfortunately, many of these old albums are not acid-free and will cause the photographs to deteriorate and fade over time. To preserve them, remove them from these albums and place them in PVC-free plastic sleeves, which can then be placed in binders.  If you are lucky enough to still have the negatives from old photos, keep them safe so that you can replace pictures if they are destroyed or lost.

Textiles

When preserving textiles such as quilts, wedding dresses, baptismal gowns or antique linens, you want to make space for flat storage.  It’s vital that you keep them in an acid-free box and in an area free of pests.  If you get them cleaned and pressed, make sure starch isn’t used because bugs will attract bugs. Make sure your hands are clean and free of lotion when handling your cloth heirlooms.  Do your research and get professional advice on how to clean them before storing.

Regardless of what kind of treasure you are attempting to preserve, it is advisable that you never store them in the attic or basement. Extreme temperatures and humidity will harm stored artifacts.  Keep your boxes and binders of family heirlooms in a closet or on a shelf in your temperature-controlled living space.  Make sure they are out of direct sunlight.  Not only will this keep them safer and preserve them longer, but it will also make it easier for you to get them out to look at when you want to take a trip down memory lane!

Sandra Nickel and her team of professional Realtors can help you find the perfect home to start making your family memories in! Give them a call today at 334-834-1500!

Photo credit: familytree.com

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3301 Hillcrest Ln - Recently Renovated Forest Hills Charmer!

Monday, April 9, 2018
by The Hat Team

3301 Hillcrest Ln, Montgomery AL 36109

MLS# 431147

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1, 320 square feet | Forest Hills

This recently renovated home will steal your heart! No dinky living room here, just a GREATROOM with vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace! Separate dining room overlooks patio and large corner-lot fenced back yard. Who wouldn't enjoy the updated kitchen with real granite countertops, tile backsplash, and new appliances? Brand new roof, fresh paint, and new floor covering round out this Forest Hills charmer. Priced to sell, so call your favorite agent before this one is gobbled up by another buyer!

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

 

3301 Hillcrest Ln, Montgomery AL 36109

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Renovating Before Selling - Worth it or Not?

Thursday, April 5, 2018
by The Hat Team

If you are preparing to list your house for sale, you may be wondering if the financial reward will be worth the time, effort and money to fix up things that are in disrepair or that are dated.  The answer to that question depends on a myriad of circumstances such as the current real estate market, the condition of competing inventory and whether the renovations that need to be made generally provide a return on investment.

Some home buyers are looking to purchase a "Fixer Upper". They are looking for properties priced to sell, perhaps because they don’t qualify for more expensive homes or maybe because they want to make a profit by fixing the home up themselves.  Most fixer buyers want to do simple repairs such as painting walls, replacing light fixtures and putting in new carpet. Only a few want to take a house down to the studs and completely redo it.  These potential buyers will want a price for the home that will allow for all the repairs, the inconvenience of doing the work, and often a bit more.  For example, if a home is worth $200,000 fixed up but needs a new roof, and the roof costs approximately $10,000, a buyer most likely will not offer $190,000 for this home.  The reason is that they can probably find a similar house that already has a new roof for $200,000 and save themselves the headache of replacing it themselves.  A buyer in this situation might offer $175,000 or less, in which case it would make more sense for the seller to replace the roof and sell it for $200,000.

It’s important to note that many buyers are looking for "Turn Key" homes.  They fear having to make major repairs because they might be costlier than anticipated or other problems might be revealed.  Even if the price is right, homes listed for sale in “as is” condition might not attract as many buyers.

However, before doing major renovations, there are many things to consider.  Smart sellers will research what their home’s market value will be once improvements are made and compare it to the cost of the renovations. If an upgrade won’t provide return on the investment, it probably doesn’t make sense to do it.  Knowing the condition of your competition is helpful.  For example, if other homes for sale in your neighborhood all have modern kitchens, it might make sense to update yours.  This doesn’t mean you should tear it down and start from scratch.  Often a minor kitchen remodel will suffice.  Also, keep in mind that kitchen and bathroom remodels are known to bring the best return on investment.

Start by making a list of the things in your home that are dated or in disrepair and then prioritize.  Here is a list of 10 minimum improvements to make before putting your house on the market:

  • Patch all holes and cracks in walls and ceilings.
  • Fix all appliances and HVAC systems.
  • Repair leaky faucets.
  • Replace worn carpeting.
  • Repaint dark or marred walls in neutral colors (not white).
  • Replace broken windows.
  • Repair the roof.
  • Change dated light fixtures/ceiling fans.
  • Replace old linens/window coverings.
  • Fix any code violations.

If your real estate market is a sellers’ market and homes are moving quickly, you can get by with fewer fix ups, however a home that needs repairs will still deliver a lower price.  If it’s a buyers’ market, people might not even be willing to look at homes that need repairs.  Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professional Realtors can help you understand the current market in Montgomery, AL so that you can make informed decisions about whether to sell your house “as is” or not. Give them a call today at 334-834-1500!

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1438 Crenshaw Place- Low Maintenance in Midtown!

Monday, April 2, 2018
by The Hat Team

1438 Crenshaw Place, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 431032

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2,960 square feet | Midtown

Looking to downsize yet stay in Midtown? Looking for literally LOADS of storage in a low Maintenance home, Crenshaw Place might just meet your needs! Soaring vaulted ceiling makes a grand statement in the oversized great room, which has open views into the dining room. Fully updated kitchen has upgraded appliances and a large storage pantry off the ample laundry room. First floor master bedroom means you don't have to climb the stairs every night, and your guests/family will have their own space on the second floor. Enjoy morning coffee or evening drinks on your screened back porch and private rear deck. And, if you have lots of stuff (books, collectibles, decorations) you will not believe the bonus space off both upstairs bedrooms. It feels like it just goes on and on, and you wonder how much heated and cooled space can you get from a patio home! Quiet cul-de-sac right in the heart of the Cloverdale area, and located just across from Montgomery Country Club. Location, convenience, space, and updated living!

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

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