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Just Moved In? Make Yourself at Home!

by The Hat Team


Congratulations! You’ve just moved into your new house! It’s exciting, but it’s also a huge transition. It takes time to make a new house feel like home. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • BE ACTIVE

If you have moved to a new area where you do not know anyone, you may be tempted to isolate yourself. After all, you have unpacking to do and maybe a new job to start. But try to resist that temptation. Staying socially, physically, and communally active, triggers significant feelings that create the sense of home. Join a gym or exercise class, join a community such as a church, the school PTA or a book club, and shop locally to get to know your surroundings.

  • SURROUND YOURSELF WITH LIVING THINGS

A move can be difficult, especially if you are grieving the place you left. It’s not uncommon for people to become depressed after moving to a new home. Combat those feelings by cultivating relationships with living things. Start a garden, spend time with your children and pets or volunteer in the community. Step out of your comfort zone…you will be glad you did!

  • COMFORT YOURSELF WITH COLORS

Decorate with a palette of colors that lift your mood. Choose colors that promote calm, happy feelings. For example, earth tones create a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere that evokes feelings stability, reassurance, and ease, while light pastel colors stimulate feelings of peacefulness, calm and cleanliness.

  • SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE FAMILIAR

Even before you are completely settled into your home, placing familiar items such as family pictures and heirlooms in your new space can make it feel more like you. Even if you don’t hang your art right away, take it out of boxes and lean it against walls so that you can still enjoy it until you find time to place it where you want it. Some other ways to make you feel at home: cook favorite meals, burn candles with favorite scents and/or play your favorite music.

  • UNPACK

This may seem obvious, but it’s not unusual for people to still have boxes cluttering the house months after moving in. Take your belongings out of the boxes right away and begin decorating and arranging furniture. Start with your closets and dressers so that you will be able to find the things you need easily in order to set up the rest of your house. The sooner you do this, the sooner this once strange place will feel like home!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: antiquefarmhouse.com, verywellfamily.com, globalsportsmatters.com, angi.com, pinterest.com, dailyrepublic.com

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Home Loan

by The Hat Team

You are ready to buy a house, and chances are you do not have a suitcase full of cash at your disposal. So, that means you will need to get a home loan. Before you start shopping for your home, you will need to shop for a mortgage. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:


Step 1: Research Mortgage Lenders

Many first-time buyers make the mistake of finding the perfect house before they have shopped for a mortgage. All lenders are a little bit different in terms of interest rates, closing costs etc., so it is smart to comparison shop before choosing your lender. This process will also help you discover if there are any concerns lenders might have with your application so that you can take care of them before you find your dream home!

We work with many local lenders and know their special programs, so check with us first for a lender referral.  And keep your business local as that (1) gives the seller a comfort level and (2) helps if there is a hiccup along the way.


Step 2: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Loan

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an important step that should not be skipped. It not only lets you know how much you can afford for a house, but it also lets sellers know that you are serious about buying and may give you an advantage over other buyers. 

Step 3: Get a Home Appraisal

Once you’ve chosen a lender, made an offer on a home, and signed a sales contract, your lender will want to schedule a home appraisal. A professional home appraiser will check out the home and assess its market value using comparable homes for comparison. It is also time to schedule the home inspection as soon as possible. Doing so will give you adequate time before your closing date to negotiate with the seller if the inspection reveals any unforeseen issues. Click here to learn the potential cost of skipping a home inspection.  


Step 4: Title Search

Once you have purchased your home, you will “take title” of the property. Congratulations!  You are now the rightful owner!  But your lender will want proof. So, they will ask for a title search.  A paid title company will search public records for any possible heirs that think the property belongs to them, for liens that might still be on the home, or other issues. Once the title is cleared, you can move forward to closing.

Securing a mortgage may seem like a long, time-consuming process, but when you sign the dotted line and become a homeowner, it will all have been worth it!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: regentology.com, realtor.com, allianzebposervices.com

Buying in a Seller’s Market

by The Hat Team

It’s a challenging time to purchase a home because you not only have to find a property you want; you must also beat out all the other homebuyers who want to make an offer on it as well. It is a seller’s market and that means supply is low and demand is high. The latest figures from the National Association of Realtors show that that there was only a 1.7 -month supply of homes for sale in February, which is significantly lower than the six-month supply that indicates a balanced market that equally benefits buyers and sellers.

So, home sales are moving quickly and often have multiple offers. That means you need to be strategic to get into the home of your dreams.  Going to open houses and perusing listings is not enough to acquire the house you want in this market.

Seeking out an Experienced Realtor to assist you in your search is vital to your success in buying a home right now. Realtors can help you with everything from finding properties, to placing appropriate offers and negotiating terms.

Knowing what is most important to sellers is key to winning a bidding war.  A good agent will know what motivates sellers.

Take the following steps to prepare and you will have a better chance at success:

  • Get your finances in order and shop for a mortgage pre-approval prior to making an offer on a house.
  • Move quickly once you find the house you want.
  • Do not make snap judgements based on listing photos. You must see a home in person to know if you truly love it or hate it. Pictures do not tell the whole story!
  • Be realistic about the inspection and repairs. In a competitive market, owners don’t need to make repairs to sell. Inspections should be utilized to find major flaws that may be deal breakers for prospective buyers.
  • Start with your best offer. A competitive market is not the right market for negotiating a bargain.
  • Make a big earnest money deposit. A large deposit will let sellers know that you are serious about the purchase.
  • Make a backup offer. Even if a house is already under contract, the deal might still possibly fall apart for various reasons such as inspection issues or financing.  If you love a house, put a backup offer on it so that you will be first in line if the initial buyer walks away.
  • Consider waiving or shortening contingencies. Most offers are made contingent on the buyer being approved for a mortgage, the appraisal being equal to the purchase price and the buyer approving the inspection. Waiving any one of those contingencies can be risky but may be worth taking a chance on in some circumstances.


If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: rates.ca, affinityfcu.com, foxbusiness.com

Don’t Make These Bidding War Mistakes

by The Hat Team


The current real estate market is still a sellers’ market, meaning bidding wars are not the exception, but the rule when trying to purchase a home. If you are attempting to buy in a desirable area, there are likely to be multiple offers on the property you want, meaning you will have to be competitive to come out on top. It is easy to get caught up in the process and your desire to “win” at all costs may, well…cost you.  Mistakes might not only cost you the home of your dreams but might also have you end up in a house that you regret. So, you need to be careful out there!

Here are some common bidding war mistakes to avoid:

  • Bidding ALL Your Money

NO. Don’t do it. With houses selling for thousands of dollars above asking price, it may be tempting to empty your budget just to “win”. But what if you do get the house and it needs repairs and/or updates? With all your cash gone, you will be left with nothing to put towards improving your new home. DO NOT PANIC and make impulsive decisions that you will come to regret.

  • Rushing to Bid

If you don’t have your financing in place or know exactly where your money is coming from, then now is NOT the time to get into a bidding war. For example, if you make your offer contingent upon the sale of your current house, you are likely to lose in a bidding war because the seller will choose a buyer that has the fewest contingencies. Get pre-approved for a mortgage loan and have all your ducks in a row to stand out to sellers.

  • Bidding with NO Contingencies

Desperate times call for desperate measures, but there are some contingencies that you should NEVER waive. Waiving a home inspection and the ability to back out of the deal if the inspection reveals major issues would be a BIG mistake. It is just not worth the risk. You can compromise on other contingencies but sacrificing the right to inspection is never a good idea.

  • Counting on a Second Chance

When entering a bidding war, it might be tempting to make an offer that leaves room for you to make a “better” offer later. But with so much competition, you likely won’t get a second chance. Work with your Realtor to write your bid as if it is the only bid you will make. If you’ve done your homework and have your financing in order, you should already know the limits of your bidding potential. If you don’t win the bidding war, it simply means the property was not the one for you.

One of the most important things to do when entering the market to buy a home right now is to find an experienced, professional Realtor to help you through the process. Their knowledge of the market along with their expert negotiation skills will be invaluable in your quest to find, and win, the right home for you!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: ovmfinancial, dsnews, fincancebuzz

Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers

by The Hat Team

Have you been hesitant to purchase your first home because you are worried about having enough cash for a down payment or that you will not qualify for a loan? Don’t despair! There is help out there for you. Owning a home is a sound financial investment and there is no reason to keep paying a landlord’s mortgage when you could be paying your own and building equity for your future. There are programs available in Alabama that make home ownership more affordable. From looser lending requirements to down payment assistance, to lower mortgage rates, these programs, overseen by the Alabama Housing Finance Authority, make it possible for you to be a homeowner.

Here is a list of programs available to first-time homebuyers in Alabama:

AHFA STEP UP PROGRAM

The Alabama Housing Finance Authority’s (AHFA) program will assist new homebuyers in obtaining a fixed-rate mortgage. Eligible homebuyers (both first-time or repeat buyers) can get a 30-year conventional loan, FHA loan or VA loan at a competitive rate along with down payment assistance. Here are the requirements that need to be met to participate in this program:

  • Property must be in Alabama
  • Credit score must be 640 or higher (depending on loan type)
  • Income can’t exceed the lesser of $130,600 or 80% of the area median income (depending on loan type)
  • Debt to income ratio (DTI) has to be 45% or lower
  • A homeowner education course must be completed

AHFA STEP UP DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

The Step-Up program includes an option for down payment assistance of up to 4% or $10,000 (whichever is less). These assistance funds come via a 10-year second mortgage, but both loans can be paid for in a single payment each month. You must be participating in the Step Up first mortgage program to qualify for down payment assistance.

AHFA AFFORDABLE INCOME SUBSIDY GRANT

This grant will provide up to 1% of your mortgage to assist you in paying for closing costs. It is only available if you are obtaining an HFA Advantage conventional loan, not an FHA loan. It can be combined with the Step Up down payment assistance, as well as a mortgage credit certificate. The requirements are the same as the Step-Up program requirements. But there are different income limits that are based on the county where the home is located.

MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE (MCC)

Along with a competitive mortgage rate and down payment assistance, AHFA also offers a mortgage credit certificate to first-time homebuyers. An MCC is a tax credit, and in Alabama, depending on the size of your loan, it can equal as much as 30% to 50% of your mortgage interest. As stated above, your MCC can be combined with AHFA’s Step Up program or any other 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage obtained via a participating lender. Here is how to qualify for an MCC:

  • You must be a first-time homebuyer or not have owned a home within the last three years.
  • There are income limits and purchase price limits that must be met
  • The property being purchased must be in Alabama


So, if you’re ready to stop paying rent and to become a homeowner, one of these approved Alabama Housing Finance Authority programs could provide a starting point for you. AHFA does not offer mortgages directly, but they do work with over 50 lenders all over the great state of Alabama. Be sure to shop around and compare loan offers so that you can find the best possible loan.

A seasoned, professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel can help you navigate the process of figuring out what you can afford and how to start your homebuying journey.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: hometrek.org, mlsmortgage.com, FinanceBuzz.com

The Pros and Cons of a Homeowners Association

by The Hat Team


You’ve found your dream home! The neighborhood is lovely, with well-kept lawns and freshly painted exteriors. There is a resort-like pool and a playground for the kids. Awesome! Oh, and there is a Homeowners Association (HOA) that will cost you $500 a month. Didn’t see that coming, did you?  It is important to be informed about the pros and cons of living in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association.

PROS

  • The neighborhood will be aesthetically pleasing. Most HOAs establish rules for residents that ensure keeping up the appearance of the neighborhood. The guidelines might include keeping lawns manicured, whether you can have a fence (and the type and color of the fence), and what exterior paint colors you can use. You may even have to get permission to remove or add trees and shrubs.
  • Awesome amenities. You will enjoy the amenities that come with your HOA fees. Most HOAs offer luxuries such as a pool, a fitness center, play areas, parks and security gates.  That is in addition to covering the expenses of landscaping and maintenance of the common areas.
     
  • Maintenance costs are shared.  You will not have to worry about the upkeep of the pool, fitness center or common areas.
     
  • An HOA will handle disputes between neighbors. If someone has a dog barking at all hours or loud parties, you can contact the HOA and they will contact the neighbor; especially if HOA rules are being broken.

CONS

  • HOA dues.  They can be expensive, sometimes as much as $1,000 per month depending on what amenities are offered. These fees need to be taken into consideration when deciding if you can afford a house in the neighborhood. They will be included in your mortgage lender’s assessment of your monthly mortgage payment, so you will have to qualify for a loan amount that includes them.
  • Needing permission to make changes to your property. If you want to add a room to your home or modify it in some way, you will have to make a request that will go before the HOA board for approval. If they don’t approve it, you will not be able to make the changes you want.
     
  • HOA financial problems could become your problem. If your HOA is struggling financially, it could damage your ability to obtain a loan for a home and it could be detrimental to home sale prices in the community.
     
  • Keeping up with the dues. If you fall behind on your HOA dues, it can do great harm to you financially. You may even end up facing foreclosure. That is why it is crucial that you include the fees when determining if you can afford a house. You may also be subject to late fees if you do not pay on time. In addition, HOAs can fine you for not following guidelines and rules, so it is imperative that you can afford the upkeep required for living in the neighborhood.

It is vital that you consider all these pros and cons before deciding to purchase a home in a neighborhood with an HOA.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: homelight.com, blog.realmanage.com, excelam.com

3 Types of Home Values and What They Mean

by The Hat Team


Whether you are selling a home or buying one, you are going to want to know the value of the home so that you can determine selling price or if the sale price is appropriate. But what you may not be aware of is that there are 3 different types of home values. It may be confusing to you when trying to determine what the true value of the home is. Let us break it down for you so that you will understand the 3 types of home values and what they mean.

  1. ASSESSED VALUE

The assessed value is the assigned dollar value of your home used by local tax assessors to determine property taxes. Tax assessors calculate assessed value based on various factors, which may include the appraised value and the fair market value, as well as any home improvements, whether you generate income from the property, and any tax exemptions. The assessor will give you a figure that is commonly a percentage of what they perceive the value to be. Because property taxes are based upon assessed value, ideally, this figure will be lower. It should be close to your actual market value, but frequently it is not.

  1. APPRAISED VALUE


When you are refinancing or purchasing a house, an appraiser will be hired to determine the value of the house in question.
They will use the same process that real estate professionals use to determine the fair market value. A licensed appraiser will consider the location, size, and condition of the home along with any renovations that have been completed. They will walk through the home and compare it to others with similar amenities and improvements in the area that have sold. Most appraisals will include a construction or replacement cost that is used for insurance purposes.

  1. FAIR MARKET VALUE


Fair market value is what a home is worth based on the current market climate
. It encompasses how a home looks to prospective buyers compared to other homes in the area. It takes into consideration the sale prices of homes that are similar (same number of bedrooms, square footage etc.) A real estate agent will start by looking at “comps” to figure out what buyers have been willing to pay for properties comparable to yours. Other things that help determine fair market value are whether it is a seller’s or buyer’s market and how much inventory is available.

Because these different types of values can be subjective, it is vital to make sure you are looking at a comprehensive overview when trying to determine the value of the home you are selling or buying. An experienced Realtor like Sandra Nickel can assist you with this process by providing a comparative market analysis.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: mashvisor.com, corporatefinanceinstitute.com, mashvisor.com, realestatelawblog.com

Home Sale Pending? Here’s What You Need to Know

by The Hat Team

If you have been out house hunting, you may have noticed some for sale signs with “sale pending” badges on them. What does it mean when a sale is pending? Here is what you need to know about a pending home sale:


A home sale is pending after a seller has accepted an offer and the contract between the seller and the buyer has been signed. 

When the home sale is pending, it’s no longer considered active on the multiple listing service (MLS). The time-frame in which the deal is pending varies depending upon where you live. In some places, it is during the due diligence period when a property is inspected and its public record is checked to be sure there are not any legal issues. In other areas, the pending phase starts after the due diligence phase. Either way, pending home sales are considered a key indicator of market activity.

Due Diligence: In real estate, the period of time known as due diligence is an opportunity for you, the buyer-investor, to receive full disclosure of the facts and conditions of a potential asset prior to completing a transaction with the seller.


Once a sale is pending, the buyer needs to start preparing for the closing.  The best way for the buyer to do this is to make sure the necessary professionals are on hand, including the mortgage lender, title insurance company, Realtor, and inspector. A real estate attorney is also good to have to help complete all legal documentation prior to closing. In most markets, the due diligence period starts once the contract is signed and lasts about 10 days. During this time, the formal application for the loan is submitted to the lender, and appraiser researches the house and area to determine the property’s market value. The attorney will comb through the home’s public documents to make sure there is nothing that could affect sale of the home. This period is also the right time for the buyer to closely examine the details of the house and the transaction to make sure there are no deal breakers.  If both parties are ready to move forward and have agreed to waive the contingencies regarding inspection or appraisal, all that’s left to do is to wait until closing day.

The seller can relax a little more than the buyer while the sale is pending.

After the contract is signed, the seller pretty much just has to wait. The listing agent typically will schedule the inspection, appraisal or any other visits to the property, but the seller might need to be around to allow people in or to be present for the inspection.  However, in some cases, the seller may decide to not be present for any of it. 

It is important to note that once the contract has been signed, the seller cannot back out of the deal, while the buyer is legally allowed to cancel the contract.  But, when negotiation takes place regarding issues found during the due diligence period, the seller can decide what to say yes to.  For example, the seller can choose not to make repairs on things that surfaced during the inspection, or they can refuse to accept a lower price if the property appraises for lower than the sale price. The whole deal can fall apart if the negotiation does not go well, so it’s vital to have a Realtor who will help you through the process whether you are buying or selling.


The last step during the pending sale period is for the seller to move out of the home and leave it in good condition. It is a good idea to leave the home as clean as possible. The buyers will do a final walk-through a couple of days prior to closing. If the closing goes smoothly, the seller will finally be able to slap that sold sticker on the “For Sale” sign!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: realtor.com, inc.com, usatoday.com

Things You SHOULD NOT DO When Trying to Get a Home Loan

by The Hat Team

Trust me when I say that lenders WANT to help you get a loan for your mortgage, but sometimes clients make impulsive decisions that can derail their chances of getting a mortgage loan approval.

Here are ten things you SHOULD NOT DO if your goal is to get approved for a mortgage loan:

  1. DO NOT buy a car (or boat, RV, four-wheeler etc.) If you are trying to buy a home, now is NOT the time to buy a new vehicle of any kind.
     
  2. DO NOT be late on credit card payments. In fact, now is a good time to limit your credit card use as much as possible. You definitely don’t want to hurt your credit report by being late on payments.
     
  3. DO NOT quit or change jobs or become self-employed. Lenders want to see steady employment and income consistency. Once you get into your new address, then you can change jobs.
  4. DO NOT apply for credit. If you’re shopping in a store and they offer a credit card application for a discount on your purchase, JUST SAY NO. Any credit application means a credit inquiry, and that will impact your credit score. Lenders will be looking at your credit report just before closing, and any new activity may result in delays.
     
  5. DO NOT purchase big-ticket items. Just like with vehicles, it is prudent for you to wait until after you are in your new home to buy expensive items like furniture or appliances.
     
  6. DO NOT spend your savings. The last thing you want to do is to get your loan approved, but then not have the money you set aside for your down payment!  Leave your savings intact!
     
  7. DO NOT make unusually large deposits into your accounts. If you suddenly come into a large amount of money, that will raise flags to your lender and will require an explanation. In some cases, you can use gifted funds to purchase a home, but you need to talk to your mortgage banker about how that money needs to be documented.
     
  8. DO NOT hide things on your loan application. Things like owed back taxes, liens or other liabilities WILL be discovered. Be honest from the start so there are no surprises (and disappointments) down the road.
  9. DO NOT co-sign a loan for someone else. Co-signing on a loan for someone else can lower your credit score while also raising your debt-to-income ratio. This, in turn, may affect your chances of qualifying for a mortgage loan.
     
  10. DO NOT open, close, or change bank accounts. Even if you are moving to a new state, don’t close your bank accounts or change them until your home loan has closed. If you have new bank account activity, it will require a paper trail and may delay your loan process.

Mortgage bankers are on your side. They want you to get a home loan as much as you want to get one. Be sure to avoid these “DO NOTS” to help the process go as smoothly as possible!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Photo credits: loans.usnews.com, thebalance.com, bakersfieldcreditrepair.com, vergecampus.com

New Homeowner To-Do List

by The Hat Team


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

  1. Educate Yourself About Your Mortgage Statement

It is 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. Buyers Guide to Home Ownership

  1. Don’t Pay Attention to Refinance Offers

You might start receiving a lot of unsolicited mail after you move into your new home. That is because your information becomes public record and companies will start sending you refinancing offers. The thing is it is 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. Knowing Your Options Guide

  1. 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.

  1. Do a Home Inventory

The day you sign the title to your new home, your homeowner’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. And there’s no better, more convenient time to do this than when you are unpacking in your new home. You Really Need a Home Inventory

  1. Give Your New Home a Deep Cleaning

It is always a good idea to give your new home a deep cleaning before you move in, even if it is a newly constructed home. It is 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!

  1. 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!

  1. 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. Keep all warranties, instruction manuals and such together in one place where you can easily find them when needed.

Becoming a homeowner is exciting and sometimes overwhelming, but you can start out on the right foot by following these tips! 

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information! 

Photo Credits: bobvila.com, thespruce.com, thisoldhouse.com

 

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