Real Estate Information Archive

Summer is here, accompanied by heat, humidity, and high electric bills. Depending on your location, the size of your home, and utility costs in your area, summer often brings the highest monthly bills of the year. The good news, however, is that there are some easy tips to help keep you cool in your Montgomery AL home and save a little money at the same time.

Reduce the heat inside your Montgomery AL home:

• Use a microwave oven, slow cooker, or barbecue grill rather than your oven.
• Put lids on pans to hold the heat in while cooking.
• Do "wet" chores (washing clothes or dishes, mopping floors, watering indoor plants, etc.) in the early morning or at night when it's cooler. This will help to keep humidity down.
• Lower your shades and close your curtains to keep the sun out.
• Seal windows and doors efficiently to keep the cold air inside and the hot air outside.
•  Install efficient lighting that runs cooler. Only about 10%–15% of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light—the rest is turned into heat.

Lower energy usage:

• Most hot water heaters have thermostats that may be set to 140 degrees for hot water. This usually isn't necessary--turn the thermostat down to 120 or 115.
• Take a short shower, say about 5 minutes, and you'll only be using one third of the amount of hot water than you would with a bath.
• Don't use the drying function in your dishwasher. Let the dishes air-dry.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Dry your clothes on hangars or outside your Montgomery AL home.
• Turn off computers, printers, copiers, and home electronics when they are not in use. Surge protectors that allow you to plug several items into one strip with an on/off switch make this even easier.
• Turn thermostats to78 degrees when at home; 85 degrees when away.
• Use fans to circulate cool air.
• Close any central air registers in empty and/or unused rooms.
• Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F)
• Keep lots of food in your refrigerator to keep it from warming up too fast when the door is open.

Now you have no excuse for not implementing at least a few tips for staying cool and saving money on your utility bills this summer.  For more helpful hints, visit MyTwoDollars, Energysavers.gov, and the Department of Energy.

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Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

If you’re thinking of selling your house in the near future, you need to know that updated bathrooms are one feature greatly desired—or sometimes demanded--by potential buyers.  Renovated bathrooms are extremely popular in today’s market, but they can also become an expensive undertaking.  However, depending on your willingness to take an active role in the updating process, you can make the bathroom a major plus when selling your Montgomery AL home--without breaking the bank.  Take advantage of free or inexpensive classes or seminars given by home improvement stores—far-reaching in topics and easy to follow in technique—or search the web for instructional videos, such as this one from YouTube about applying grout.

Before you even begin your physical efforts, you should explore popular new trends in bathroom function, among which are wall-mounted toilets, recessed tubs, offbeat sinks, heated towel racks, and the use of stone.  A tour of model homes in your area will give you a good idea of what’s “hot” and what you might like to include in your own bathroom.  Websites such as Better Homes and Gardens and EHOW can provide inspiration, design assistance, and decorating ideas which are both clever and inexpensive, and free design software allows you to plan an entire layout and create an online model for the renovated bathroom of your Montgomery AL home.  Worried that you may be spending too much money on your project?  Get a cost estimate of your anticipated improvements.

If you aren’t up for a large-scale remodel or even an extensive renovation, there are many simple--and inexpensive-- steps you can take to upgrade the function and appearance of your bathroom.  Consider doing the following:

• Repaint in neutral colors.  If all walls are tiled, paint the ceiling.
• Replace the sink if it’s an outdated color and change the faucet to a more modern one.
• Install a new medicine cabinet, light fixture, and/or mirror.
• Re-glaze the tub in your Montgomery AL home and replace caulking as needed.
• Deep scrub or reapply grout.
• Change window treatments.  Think about bamboo blinds rather than curtains.
• Use “earthy” and green materials for a more natural look.
• Purchase a new shower curtain.
• Paint old cabinets.  White is quite popular right now.
• Add shelving for storage.
• Hang an unusual piece of art.
• Display attractive towels and throw rugs.
• Remember to feature simple accessories such as a waste can, hooks, a soap dish, a toothbrush holder, towel racks, and eye-catching containers.

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Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

Interested in buying a bank-owned home? Get bank-owned listings alerts FREE!

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

Because more and more Montgomery AL homes are being burglarized, especially in the recent quest for gold items, more and more homeowners are taking steps to protect their homes and their families.  According to the Insurance Information Institute, intruders will generally bypass your residence if they would be forced to work in the light, have to take more than four or five minutes to break in, or if noise will be a factor. 

Although 80% of homeowners with burglar alarms rated them rated them as effective, the financial cost for this peace of mind is not inexpensive.  Consumer Reports magazine says the owner of a Montgomery AL home should expect to pay $1-$2 per square foot and at least $25 monthly for monitoring.  Start-up expenses also need to be investigated.  Before purchasing or leasing any system or monitoring service, make sure that you get multiple quotes, know the type that is best for your house, and check the contract for specifics concerning early cancellation fees and company liability limits.  You can also read online reviews and ask for references for present and past owners.  Homesecurity.com offers tips on assessing types of systems, choosing what is best for your home, and comparing the prices of alarm companies.

The most effective security system is actually the least expensive--the monitored burglar alarm. The following list summarizes some options along with the pros and cons of each.

• Wireless home security system: inexpensive, runs on batteries and will alert you to fire and gas emergencies as well as burglaries. Needs to be monitored to keep the batteries charged; if it does not call authorities, it may not be effective against burglary in rural areas.
• Home burglar alarm system: makes a lot of noise letting neighbors know to call authorities. Drawback: if neighbors are at work at the same time you are, there may be no one there to call for you. Also, burglars know how to disarm these and go on about their behavior.
• Home security camera: lets you see what is going on at your Montgomery AL home from work as long as you have access to a computer. Drawback: the system can be expensive, and if you are supposed to be working, you may not have the time to pay attention to your home.
• Motion Detector (Lights) Alarm with Telephone dialer: this alarm connects to a telephone socket and will automatically dial a preset number if motion is detected within 20 feet. It will also set off a 125 decibel siren, although you can select the silent alarm option. The only drawback to this one is that you have to remember to set the alarm when you leave the house. This is the cheapest and most effective option, especially when combined with door and window contact sensors.
• Driveway alert: uses a weather-proof, infrared motion detector that sends a signal to a base unit located inside the house. The base unit then sets off an alarm. Drawback: A smart crook probably won’t come down the driveway.
• Door and window contact magnets: sensors featuring a magnetic seal that detects movement if a door or window is disturbed. Not particularly effective by themselves, but very effective when installed as part of a monitored system.

Search all Montgomery AL Real Estate And Homes For Sale.

Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

St. Patrick’s Day is an Irish holiday celebrated around the globe to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is a time for shamrocks, leprechauns, parades, corned beef and cabbage, and green beer.  ‘Tis an occasion for the wearing of the green, sporting of Irish symbols, singing loudly at the neighborhood pub, and searching for a four leaf clover.  And, in addition, it can also act as a reminder of the benefits of going green in your Montgomery AL home.  

In spite of the recent push for making “big item” (and often costly) environmental changes to your Montgomery AL home, there are innumerable small steps you can take before, on, or after March 17^th, to benefit the earth-- and your budget.     An eco-friendly lifestyle doesn't need to be difficult or expensive, and you can begin with these tips from Good Housekeeping to create a home that'll make you — and the earth — proud.

• Get the kids to turn off video games (both the TV and the console) after they're done playing, and you'll win back about $100 per year.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Leaving the tap running during the recommended two minutes of brushing can waste up to five gallons of water a day.
• Switch to Energy Star-rated CFL bulbs, like Satco's Mini Spiral S6202; they use 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than standard bulbs.
• Open windows and doors or operate window or attic fans when the weather permits. Most heating and cooling systems do not bring fresh air into the house.
• Get off junk-mail lists.  Register with the Direct Marketing Association's DMAchoice mail preference service, and you'll see a significant reduction in mail after three months.

Other suggestions include:

• Power down computers every night for the good of the equipment and to save money. Leaving computers on all the time shortens their lifetime due to heat stress and mechanical wear.
• Unplug cell phone chargers when not in use. Even when your phone isn't being charged, your charger is using electricity.
• Make five minute showers a goal.
• Visit sites such as Simple Mom, Parentdish, or Worldwatch Institute for many more easy-to-practice tips for your Montgomery AL home.

Although there is no guarantee that using these suggestions will help you find a pot of gold, you will certainly be making the earth a greener place by doing so!
 

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Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

Given the state of the economy, the housing “crisis,” and the volatility of the stock market, more and more folks with both extra cash and initiative are being drawn to the idea of property investment. Many real estate and financial gurus offer suggestions for you as a first-time investor in Montgomery AL real estate--both tips to follow and traps to avoid. First and foremost, all the experts stress the importance of your need to be realistic about the amount of time, money, energy, and commitment required in such a venture. Their second most common piece of advice is to educate yourself in as many areas of investment fundamentals as you can before you begin.

TIPS:

• Develop a plan. Determine your purpose in becoming an investor. Do you want to flip houses, or are you more comfortable with a long-term rental? What kind of property do you want? Single family? Condo? Multi-family? Will you be bidding at an auction? Buying a short sale or foreclosure? What kind of financing will you need?
• Identify your target area. Analyze the economic situation of the neighborhood, population levels, and potential employment prospects. Look at the availability of stores, schools, hospitals, and local industry. Determine the median property values.
• Ask questions. Are prices in the area rising or falling? Is it a safe neighborhood? How long has the property been on the market? What is the condition of the interior and exterior structure?
• Consider financial circumstances. What is the going rate for rentals in the area? What are the yearly taxes? What will it cost to maintain the property? What kind of financing will be available to you?
• Avoid Montgomery AL real estate with HOA fees. Home Owner Association dues which pay for shared facilities and maintenance must be paid by you, the owner, and can be quite high, especially when major assessments are levied.
• Have the property inspected by a professional before you buy. Common sense prevails here. You don't want any unpleasant surprises later on.
• Stick to your preset buying criteria. Concentrate on your cash flow and not on potential capital appreciation.
• Be sensible about renovations. Save the high end appliances, fixtures, features, and decorating for your own home. Use your head, not your heart, when outfitting the Montgomery AL real estate you’re buying for investment purposes.

Enjoy the adventure of investing but always be aware that such a venture can be risky. Make sure you consider the downsides as well as the opportunities for success.

Search all Montgomery AL Real Estate And Homes For Sale.

Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

The average homeowner has thousands of dollars invested in major appliances, so it makes good sense to operate and maintain them properly to protect your investment and ensure that they will provide many years of trouble-free service. As an added bonus, proper maintenance and use almost always results in a decreased consumption of electricity/gas in your Montgomery AL home.

The following suggestions are helpful tips in appliance care:

REFRIGERATOR:

• Clean cooling coils which are located at floor level with a coil brush once or twice a year.
• Clean interior shelves and gaskets every three months
• Keep the temperature at 37 degrees
• Check to see if the door(s) is sealing properly. If it won’t hold a dollar bill in place, it isn’t.
• Vacuum underneath and behind the unit every year or two.

DISHWASHER:

• Regularly check the filter and clean the inside of the unit.
• Occasionally run an empty cycle to clear inner workings and hoses. Other, run only with a full load.
• Run the garbage disposal in your Montgomery AL home before running the dishwasher.
• Let dishes air dry whenever possible.
• Make certain that the dishes do not obstruct the rotating arm sprays.
• Recoat rust spots with a rubber-like fluid found in hardware stores. In addition, replace broken rollers and insert replacement tips on damages vertical prongs.
• Reopen clogged holes in spray arms with hot vinegar and a safety pin.

WASHING MACHINE:

• Check resiliency of older rubber hoses and replace with metal ones if necessary.
• Add detergent before you load the washer.
• Make sure there is a clear path from the unit to the floor drain.

DRYER:

• Clean lint trap after each load.
• Use a dry paint brush to clean lint from corners and cracks in the unit’s interior annually.
• Disconnect and thoroughly clean the duct pipe every three to five years.
• Once a year clean the outside of the exhaust tubing.

STOVE:

• Keep reflector bowls clean at all times.
• Test the seals on the oven door with the dollar bill trick mentioned above.
• Periodically check the exhaust fan in your Montgomery AL home for grease build-up.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL:

• Run the disposal for 30 seconds with each use.
• Always run cold water when using the disposal to maintain the integrity of the blades and coagulate any grease (thus making it easier to chop)
• Continue to run water for a while after the unit is shut off.
• Put larger amounts of food into the garbage rather than down the drain.
• Occasionally add vinegar or citrus peels to deodorize and prevent buildup of food particles.

Search all Montgomery AL Real Estate And Homes For Sale.

Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

Your credit score is a number that helps lenders predict how likely you are to make your payments on time. This score affects your ability to obtain credit and helps determine what you pay for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages on Montgomery AL homes. Even your insurance rate is related to your score. The higher your score, often referred to as a FICO score, the more apt you are to be approved for and pay a lower interest rate on new loans. Scores ranging from 650 and below are considered bad and indicate to the lender that you are a very high risk. Chances are you will be unable to secure a loan, or if you are, it will be at a much higher interest rate and/or require a cosigner.

What If there Are Errors

What to do if you have a low score and do not qualify for a mortgage on a Montgomery AL home? Your first action should be to check your credit report for errors. If you find erroneous information, you need to act immediately by contacting both the credit bureau (the three major ones are Equifax, Experian, and Transunion) and the organization that provided that information.

• The credit bureau/agency: Send a certified, return receipt requested letter to the bureau pointing out each inaccuracy and enclose copies of documents which support your claim as well as the report itself (with the misinformation highlighted). Factually explain why you dispute each item and request a deletion or correction for each one.
• The creditor or information provider: Send the same type of letter and enclose the same documents. Request that the provider notify you of action taken (generally within 90 days) so that you can verify the amended information.

If there are no errors on your report, then you should take immediate steps to improve your credit. Ways to do this include the following:

• Stop using your credit cards. Do not continue to accumulate debt.
• Get current on delinquent accounts. Since payment history makes up 35% of your score, this action will have a great impact on your score.
• Keep accounts with balances open, but don’t apply for more credit.
• Call your creditors. Explain your financial situation and ask about possible hardship programs which will temporarily reduce your monthly payments.
• Begin paying off your existing debts, even if you have to sell some belongings to do so. Come up with a get-out-of-debt plan and stick to it.
• Get professional help. There are resources available to help you reestablish a good credit rating. Contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling for assistance.

7. Be patient. Realize that improving your credit score takes time and that there is no quick-fix --and keep in mind your goal of owning a Montgomery AL home.

Search all Montgomery AL Real Estate And Homes For Sale.

Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

The temperatures have been extremely high this summer, often resulting in physical discomfort, limited activity, and even medical distress.  Although most of us think we know how to cope with high heat in order to remain cool and safe, it sometimes helps to see reminders in black and white.  Read on…

TIME AND PLACE:

• Schedule physical activities for cooler times of day, early morning or the evening.  Even when you are just walking around outside your Montgomery AL home, the heat and humidity will make all parts of your body sweat and can result in heat stress.
• Take breaks in a cool, shady spot regularly and often.  Better still, get into some air conditioning.  No AC?  Visit libraries, shopping malls, movie theatres, museums, and the like.
• Use your shower or bathtub frequently and let the cool water lower your body temperature.

ATTIRE:

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, “breathable,” loose clothing.
• Wear a hat—and perhaps a headband to keep perspiration out of your eyes.
• Use sunglasses.
• Wear socks (not 100% cotton) to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.

PROTECTION DO’S:

• Apply sunscreen (SPF 15+) all over—even on lips and ears.
• Stay inside your Montgomery AL home as much as possible.
• Check with your doctor to see if your medication or medical condition requires special precautions to avoid sun-related side effects.
• Stay hydrated! Drink cool, plain water regularly—up to 4 quarts a day if you are exercising.  Did you know that very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps?  It’s also best to avoid alcohol or drinks containing caffeine, lots o sugar, or too much salt.
• Monitor your physical state often.
• For temporary but quick relief from heat, set a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan and let the air blow directly on you.

PROTECTION DON’TS:

• Don’t use salt tablets unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
• Don’t ignore signs of heat stress such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. 

SPECIAL NEEDS:

• Understand that babies, young children, and older adults are at a much greater risk for heat-related illnesses since their body temperature can rise 3-5 times faster than that of others.
• If you have a senior friend, especially one without air conditioning, check on them regularly and often.
• Provide pets with plenty of fresh water in a non-tip bowl, easily accessible shelter, and shade.  Remember that dogs can get sunburned and burn the bottom of their paws.

Search all Montgomery AL Real Estate And Homes For Sale.

Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Montgomery AL real estate market. Sandra assists buyers looking for Montgomery real estate for sale and aggressively markets Montgomery AL homes for sale. Sandra is also an expert in helping families avoid foreclosure through short sales and is committed to helping families in financial hardship find options. For more information you can visit AvoidForeclosureMontgomery.com.

You can reach Sandra by filling out the online contact form below or give her a call anytime.

Considering buying a newly built Montgomery AL home? Here are some things to think about.

ADVANTAGES:

• HOME WARRANTY: Generally this warranty is good for one year and covers heating, cooling, and electrical systems and plumbing. Some also cover appliances.
• INCENTIVE PROGRAM: Many builders use incentives, both large and small, to attract buyers. Examples include vacations or furnishing for your Montgomery AL home. Note: these incentives are often offered only if you use the builder’s lender.
• CUSTOM DESIGN: If you become involved with the builder early in the building process, you may have a say in the home’s construction--from customized features to flooring to colors.
• FASTER CLOSING. No titles to search.
• SAFETY/HEALTH: No worries about old wiring. lead paint, or asbestos.
• LESS MAINTENANCE: Materials used in the exterior of a new home do not require yearly painting.
• ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Less waste, and thus lower bills.

PRECAUTIONS:

• HIRE A BUYERS REAL ESTATE AGENT who is experienced in new home sales. A strong realtor negotiating on your behalf can save you thousands!
• CHECK OUT THE BUILDER: Talk to those already living in the new community. Find five or six homeowners who have purchased a Montgomery AL home from him in the past five years. Ask what they like and don’t like about their houses. Has he been responsive to problems? Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against him.
• EVALUATE THE BUILDER’S LENDER: Some builders own their own lending company and therefore don’t offer you the best deal . Beware of being locked into using that lender in order to qualify for incentives. Request that the lender guarantee its Good Faith Estimate.
• HIRE A HOME INSPECTOR: Even if you have a one year warranty on your Montgomery AL home, some problems won’t surface until that service has expired.
• GET LEGAL ADVICE: Have a real estate lawyer check your purchase agreement to make sure you are protected and to explain your liabilities and commitments.