Real Estate Information Archive

When you make an offer on a home and it gets accepted, you have every reason to be excited. Becoming a homeowner is making an investment in your own future; likely the largest financial investment you will make. However, it is prudent to be aware that there are other costs involved in purchasing a home other than your down payment and monthly mortgage payments.

Closing costs are an expense you may not be aware of if you are a first-time homebuyer. These costs must be paid prior to closing on the home. They include property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, title search fees, and appraisal fees. In addition, the closing costs provide the funds that pay the people who have performed services throughout the loan process, like the appraiser and your real estate agent.

Your closing costs will be itemized for you and provided at your closing. But it is important that you look over them closely and take the time to ask any questions you may have before you sign any documents. If there is something you do not understand, your mortgage banker or Realtor can explain it to you.

The homebuyer can negotiate with the seller to determine who will cover the closing costs, but every loan has different guidelines about how much a seller can pay.  Your mortgage banker can provide you with your options. How to Negotiate Your Mortgage Closing Costs

Whether you end up paying for all or just some of your closing costs, it is crucial for you to include the amount you will have to pay into your budget. You can estimate the cost by calculating 2% to 6% of your purchase price. For example, if your loan is $200,000, your closing costs will range anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000. You will also receive a document from your mortgage banker after you apply for your loan that will list the anticipated closing costs. They may change a little during the process, but it will give you a good idea of what to expect.

So, while saving for a down payment is an obvious necessity, you may want to also set aside some cash each month to go toward other expenses associated with buying a new home. 5 Expenses That Shock First-Time Home Buyers

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

Photo Credit: foxbusiness.com

Spending time outdoors in the fall and winter months is not much fun if you are cold, but if you have a nice, warm fire to gather around, you can enjoy outdoor time despite cooler temperatures. It is fairly easy to build your own fire pit and it can be done in a short amount of time without breaking the bank. So, follow these steps and before you know it you will be toasting marshmallows around your own DIY fire pit!

Step 1: Go to a home improvement store and purchase your materials. Choose your large pavers first. They are not expensive and work perfectly as the ring for your fire pit. I recommend getting enough to make your fire pit deep and wide.  Depending on the size of the pavers, you will need twelve or thirteen for each level of the pit. So, if you are doing three levels, you will need 36 to 39 pavers.  You will also need smaller pavers for the floor of the fire pit, and paver sand for filling in the gaps and spaces. Paver Fire Pits 

Step 2: When you get your materials home, choose the site for your fire pit and arrange the large pavers in a circle creating the diameter of your pit. Then arrange two additional levels on top of the base you have created. Be sure the gaps between pavers are as small as possible. You may have to adjust them several times before you get them just right.

Step 3: With the smaller pavers, build the floor of your fire pit.  Make sure that they fill in the entire space.  You may have to get some that are shaped differently to make them fit.

Step 4: Use paver sand to fill in the cracks and spaces in the floor.  Fill in the spaces and then use a broom or your hands to spread it evenly across the floor.

Before you begin your project, check out these  Do's and Don'ts of Building a Fire Pit.

Now you can build a roaring fire and enjoy your new fire pit!

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

Photo credits; hgtv.com and dektile.com 

Autumn gardens bring to mind vivid, jewel toned hues such as scarlet, deep purples and gold.  It is not too late to add a burst of autumn colors to your landscaping.  But, before planting, research what kind of flowers and plants will do best in your area.  To help, here is a list of some that will thrive in Montgomery. Hardiness Zones 8A & 8B

Goldenrod: This low maintenance beauty has been erroneously blamed for causing hay-fever.  The real culprit is rag weed.  The pollen in goldenrod is too heavy to fly in the air.  Instead, it sticks to the legs of the butterflies and insects that feed on its nectar.  It blooms late in the season and is deer and drought resistant.

Chrysanthemums:  Commonly called “mums”, these richly hued plants are true sign       of fall. When buying mums, look for ones labeled “hardy mums” or “garden mums” for the best chance of having them thrive throughout the season.  Plant them as soon as you buy them.  Late August is not too early.  Given the opportunity to develop a strong root system, they will last longer. When to Plant Mums

Helenium: Part of the daisy family, this cheery flower blooms in yellow, orange and red bringing a vibrant ambiance to your garden. These tough, easy-to-grow perennials bloom late in the season and last a long time.

Asters: Available in a variety of hues in shades of pink, purple, blue and white, these perennials bloom from mid to late fall.  Loved by bees, butterflies and other pollinators, they provide a late feeding opportunity for them.   Plant them as soon as they are available in early fall so that they can establish a strong root system.

Pansies: One of the most popular cool weather annuals, pansies are favorites for fall flowerbeds. They are very hardy and can continue to bloom through winter and into spring, thereby adding lively color to your garden almost year ‘round! The ideal time to plant pansies in hardiness zone 8 is late October.

With temperatures cooling a bit, now is a great time to get outside and bring a bold, beautiful autumn aesthetic to your flower beds!

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

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale:

3346 Montezuma Rd, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 479771| 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,041 Square Feet | Cloverdale

Virtual Tour

The epitome of a Cloverdale charmer! From the inviting front porch you will walk in to find a bright living room with a beautiful mantle, a large dining room and cheerful eat-in kitchen. Right off the kitchen is a cozy family room/den that opens onto the wrap around deck, which gives you plenty of room to entertain family and friends in this adorable house. There is one bedroom downstairs and two up, all with pristine hard wood floors. You can move right in to this immaculately kept home in Midtown Montgomery that has been cared for by the same family for decades. Come see for yourself today!

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

When you are putting your home on the market to sell, your top priority may be money. As in, how much money can you get for your house? And it should be. Owning a home is likely the largest financial investment you will ever make and it is only natural that you want to get the most profit possible when you sell.  Setting the right asking price can mean the difference between selling quickly or having your home languish on the market for months. The following myths can be harmful when trying to decide on the best price to ask for your house:

1. YOU’LL GET A BETTER OFFER IF YOU WAIT -  Receiving an offer right away when you list your house can give you a false sense of confidence that it is a hot commodity. You may think that if this buyer was willing to make an offer so quickly, then surely many other people will be interested in your property as well.  But the truth is, you might not get another offer…at all, let alone for more money.  With no other offers guaranteed, it may be in your best interest to accept the first offer if it is a fair one. Do You Accept the First Offer on Your Home, Or Wait and See?
    
2. YOU SHOULD LEAVE ROOM TO NEGOTIATE WHEN PRICING YOUR HOME You want top dollar for your home. Of course you do! But overpricing it, thinking that will leave room for you to accept a lower offer, may backfire on you. Buyers might see the high price and not even bother looking at the property. And if you keep dropping the price, buyers might wonder what is wrong with the place.  Price it fairly to begin with and you are more likely to achieve a successful, profitable sale.
    
3. YOUR HOME IS WORTH MORE THAN YOUR REALTOR SAYS IT IS -  An experienced, professional Realtor will be able to tell you how much your home is worth based on the current market. You should trust your Realtor. While online estimates might tell you that your home is worth more (yay!) or less (boo!) than your Realtor states, they are likely not accurate. Trust your Realtor over the internet. It is as simple as that.
    
4. YOU CAN GET BUYERS TO PAY FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS YOU MADE IN ORDER TO SELL -  While some home improvements have a better return on investment (ROI) than others, you are not likely to get back all that you spend getting your house ready for the market. It is wise to educate yourself about which home improvements will help you sell, which will get you a better ROI than others, and which might not be worth bothering. The Best (and Worst) Projects for Your Home's Resale Value
    
5. REDUCING THE ASKING PRICE IS A SIGN OF WEAKNESS -  Nobody wants to drop the asking price of a home. But it is important to remember that time is money. And if time is passing and nobody is showing any interest in your home, you are still stuck paying the mortgage, taxes and insurance. This will be especially stressful if you have already purchased a new home. Lowering your price a little may be all it takes to generate interest and who knows? You might end up getting your original asking price anyway!

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

Photo Credit: orthodonticslimited.com

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale:

3146 Malone Dr, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 479667 | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 2,163 Square Feet | Hillwood

This one level, end-unit home in Midtown Montgomery is larger than most on the street, and has tons of storage! The great room has a wet bar, stone fireplace and plenty of space for all the furniture you don't want to leave behind when you downsize. The formal dining room is big enough for your table and china cabinet, and the eat-in kitchen has room for a breakfast table & chairs. The large sun room off the kitchen overlooks a private enclosed courtyard with nice planting beds for gardening. A half bath off sun room has additional storage for holiday decorations. The attached covered garage with a rear entry from alleyway provides off street parking and easy covered entry into the home. The bedrooms have low maintenance wood floors and lots of closet space!

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

So, you’ve decided to buy a house. Chances are you have a good idea of what you want, and an even better idea of what you don’t want.  With all these ideas in your mind, looking at houses can become overwhelming.  While there are a lot of things that can be deal breakers for buying a home, there are some things that are not as bad as they seem. If you have found a home that is otherwise right for you, here are some things to look past when making your decision to buy:

• FUNKY WALLPAPER AND UGLY PAINT - A house that is move-in ready is great, but sometimes the perfect house just needs a little TLC.  Wallpaper can be removed and a new coat of paint can do wonders to improve the look of a home that has good bones.  These small cosmetic changes do not have to break the bank. So, try to ignore the weird wallpaper and unfortunate paint jobs and keep in mind that this is a DIY project you can handle! How to Remove Wallpaper
   
• HOW A ROOM IS USED - The people currently living in the home might be using rooms in ways that you do not care for.  For example, maybe they have converted their formal dining room into a playroom for their children. Or perhaps they needed and office more than a guest bedroom.  Just because they have the home arranged that way, does not mean that you must keep it that way.  Try to overlook the way they have the rooms set up and picture the way you would use them.  It might be challenging for you to “see” it, but if this is your dream house, you don’t want to let something this minor stop you from buying it. 25 Smart, Inspiring Ways to Use a Spare Bedroom
   
• DIRTY CARPET -  Ugh…there is nothing worse than nasty, worn out carpeting in a house. But if you love everything else about a home, do not let dirty carpet be a deal breaker for you.  Like wallpaper and paint, it is easily replaced.  Often, you can even negotiate for new carpet (or the cost of it) in your offer.  If the owner is anxious to sell, they just might be willing to replace the carpet for you.
   
• THE OWNERS’ BELONGINGS - While many Realtors recommend that sellers remove as many personal items as possible before showing their home, not all sellers comply. A lot of “stuff” can be very distracting and make it difficult to really see the house as your own. But if the house is everything you are looking for - right location, right size, right style etc., do not let all that stuff ruin it for you. Look past all their clutter and try to picture the space with your furniture and belongings. 

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

Photo Credit: thehouseshop.com

A couple does not have to be joined in matrimony to buy a home together, but it is important to understand that you are still making a huge commitment.  And being unmarried does present some challenges for home buyers.  So, before you begin your home search, here are some important things for you to consider:

SHARING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

If you’re going to buy a home together, then you need to be transparent with each other regarding your finances.  You do not want to meet with a lender only to be blindsided by something that your partner did not share with you.  So, it is vital that you review all of your financial history with your partner, including your Credit Score, income, and any debts that are tied to your name.  By doing this, you will not only be able to determine if you both have good credit, but you will also get an idea of how much house you can afford together.

HOW YOU ARE GOING TO SPLIT EXPENSES

You might already be living together, in which case you may have a system in place for who pays what living expenses.  But things can be more complicated with a mortgage in the picture.  You need to discuss this before you start the home buying process. The first thing you need to figure out is how you are going to split the down payment and closing costs when you buy a home together.  And if you will be living together for the first time, it would be smart to discuss how you will split the monthly bills including your mortgage, utilities, and home maintenance. What if there is need for a costly, emergency repair? You may want to consider opening a joint bank account that exists only to cover home expenses.  It is also a good idea to meet with a real estate attorney so you can get everything in writing and have a legally binding contract just in case things do not work out down the road. Unmarried Couples and Property: Basics

EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT OWNERSHIP OPTIONS

You are buying a home together and splitting the expenses, but whose name is going to be on the title?  This is something that requires serious thought because it can have a significant impact on your future. There are three options to choose from:

• Joint Tendency - Property is owned equally and if something happens to one owner, the second owner automatically inherits the other’s stake and becomes sole owner of the property.
• Tendency in Common - Each partner owns a pre-determined percentage of the property. Should something happen to one or the other, the ownership interest would go to whomever is specified in a living will, will, or trust. If none of those are in place, the interest in the property would go to the next of kin and not to the significant other. Living Will vs Living Trust
• Sole Owner - For some couples it might make more sense for one person to have full ownership of the home even though you are splitting expenses. For example, if one person has poor credit and will not qualify for a mortgage loan, then the person getting the loan would be the sole owner of the home.

Determining ownership should not be taken lightly.  It is probably the most important decision you will make when buying a home with someone you are not married to.  Keep in mind that if you are splitting the costs of the home, but you are not on the title, you probably won’t be able to enjoy the tax perks of being a home owner.

LOOK FORWARD

Whether you are married or not, everyone should think about where you see yourself in 3 to 5 years.  There is a lot to consider.  Do you have job stability?  Is it possible you will need to move soon?  Do you want to start a family?  These are just a few questions to ask yourself before taking on the commitment of home ownership.  It is crucial that you have a heart-to-heart talk with your partner about your future before you start your home search!

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

Photo Credit: thebalance.com

When you are searching for a new home, location is one of the most important factors to consider.  You might love a house, but if it’s not in the right neighborhood, it may not be the right house regardless of how much it appeals to you.  So, before you start scrolling through home listings online, it is smart to have an idea of WHERE you want to live.  Here are some things to consider when searching for the right neighborhood:

• You may have heard this saying before: “It’s better to have the worst house in the best neighborhood than the best house in the worst neighborhood”. While nobody really wants to live in the “worst” house anywhere, there is some good logic behind this statement.  If you ever plan to sell your home, its value will be impacted by the surrounding homes in the neighborhood.  For that reason, you will have better resale value if you are surrounded by homes that are similar to yours.  So, it is a good idea to research home values in the neighborhoods that appeal to you.How to Buy the Worst House on the Best Block
   
• How important is convenience to you?  Some people prefer living in more rural areas, but others desire close proximity to things like major interstates, shopping areas, medical facilities, and schools.  Before you start your home search it is important to decide how much convenience matters to you.  In addition, you may want to think about the fact that having a home that is convenient to highways and such can have a positive impact on your resale value.
   
• Are home values rising or falling in the neighborhood? If a neighborhood has home values that are climbing, that is a positive indication that it is a good place to buy.  However, if a neighborhood has stagnant or falling home values, it might not be the best place to look for a home.  Many things can have an impact on home values; for example, if an area is growing with new businesses, the career opportunities involved can lead to rising home values in the area. US Home Values
   
• Does the neighborhood have an HOA? (Home Owners Association)?  Some people love an HOA. They appreciate how it protects home values by establishing rules for maintaining the appearance of the homes and neighborhood. They also enjoy perks such as a neighborhood pool and clubhouse, parks, and walking trails.  However, for other people, an HOA is a deal breaker. They do not care for the rules and regulations (and payments) that come with it.  HOA regulations and costs vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, so it is important to research them before you decide to live in a community with an HOA.
   
• How are the schools rated?  Whether you have children or not, the school system is an important factor when choosing where to live. If you plan to send your children to public school, you will definitely want to live where schools are highly rated.  You may think that if you do not have kids in school, that it doesn’t matter how the school system is rated. But that thinking is a mistake. The truth is that the rating of a school system can have a huge impact on your resale value; positive or negative.
   
• How safe is the neighborhood?  Safety is important to everyone. Nobody wants to live in a neighborhood that is not safe.  You can research crime statistics for neighborhoods online.  If you are relocating to a new state and you are not familiar with the area, an experienced local Realtor is a great resource to help you determine what areas are safe for you and your family.

There are so many factors involved in the home buying process, but determining the right location is a decision that requires thought and research.  Once you have found the right place, then you can start searching for the right house!

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

Photo Credit: moving.com

While open-concept homes have been quite popular over the past decade, some experts are predicting that their popularity will begin to decline in the coming months and years.  With all that is going on in our world, people are looking for homes that offer multiple rooms with clearly defined spaces for privacy and to accommodate multigenerational families.  There are certainly upsides to open-concept floorplans, but these cons might move you to start looking for a more traditional closed-concept home:

• Lack of privacy.  If your household includes people of various ages on a multitude of different schedules, an open floor plan can make things challenging.  For example, if your teenager wants to have friends over for a study group at the kitchen table, but you want to watch a movie.  Or perhaps you want to read quietly on the couch, but your daughter’s having a sleepover and they want to have pizza and bake cookies.  A separate, enclosed kitchen may be better for some families. 2020 Kitchen Trends: Movement Away From Open Concept
   
• Limited wall space. Placing furniture in an open space is tricky sometimes, especially if you have a lot of windows.  And if you are an art lover, you are going to want blank walls for displaying your treasures.
   
• Overwhelming mess.  Smaller, enclosed rooms are easier to keep neat and tidy.  With open floor plans, stuff tends to spread out.  And you may not want kids’ toys in your main living space, so a smaller, enclosed room might be your preference for a play area.
   
• Too noisy.  With an open plan, there are more acoustics, therefore noise travels further. A quiet conversation in the kitchen may not be possible with the television on across the way.
   
• The coziness factor.  It can be challenging to design a cozy environment in a wide open space.  Smaller rooms make it easier to create a sense of warmth and comfort. Designers Share 40 Ways to Make Your Living Room Cozy
   
• Energy efficiency.  Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer is more difficult with fewer interior walls.

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

Photo Credit: southernhospitalityblog.com