Real Estate Information Archive

Sometimes things happen that are out of our control.  Perhaps a change in employment is forcing a move that you weren’t expecting. Other times you might have known you were moving, but were so busy that you waited until the last minute to start preparing.  Either way, it can seem overwhelming.  Whether your move is unexpected or you are just an expert procrastinator, here are some tips to help you get through a last-minute move:

• Think Logically - A last minute move might make you feel paralyzed with anxiety over where to even start.  There is so much to be done and the “to do list” can seem insurmountable. Don’t despair. The key word here is “list”.  Take a deep breath, sit down with pen and paper and make a list of what you need to do. As you complete each task, simply cross it off the list. Before you know it, there will be more items crossed off than there are to do.  The first step should be hiring a moving company or renting a moving truck (depending on whether you are using movers or doing it yourself). It can sometimes be challenging to find movers and/or trucks available last minute, so make sure to do this as soon as you know you are moving.  There are tools you can use such as a moving company directory to help you find reputable companies in your area.  Make sure to get two or three quotes, but then decide quickly.  Once you have the logistics worked out, you can get on with the rest of the tasks on your list. Best Movers in Montgomery, AL
   
• Eliminate Items You Don’t Want or Need - Packing is quite a chore and the less you have to pack, the easier it will be. With a last-minute move, easy packing is all the more important.  As you go through each room in your house, separate items you no longer want or need into three categories: donate, recycle, and throw away.  Now is not the time for sentimentality.  Don’t make the mistake of packing everything thinking you will sort through it after you move.  Get this done before you go and you will have less to pack, which will make setting up your new home easier.  Once you have your piles sorted get rid of them immediately.  Donation Town is a great resource for finding places where you can donate items in your area.
   
• Create an Essentials Bag - Prior to packing, set aside an overnight bag and fill it with essential items that you can’t afford to misplace.  Items such as medications, electronics chargers, important papers, toiletries and a couple of changes of clothes should go in this bag.  This bag is especially important for a last-minute move where things might get a bit chaotic. You may also want to consider putting together a moving day survival kit. Moving Day Survival Kit
   
• Time to Pack - Packing in a hurry means there won’t be much time to think and organize.  The important thing is to get everything into boxes so your possessions make it from your current home to your new home.  Don’t worry about trying to pack only “like” items in each box.  Put things where they fit. You can sort through everything once you’ve moved.  Keep a marker handy to label the boxes in a general manner. For example, simply label which room a box should go to such as kitchen or bathroom.  It’s ok if there are miscellaneous items that don’t belong in the room the box is labeled for, as you can put them where they belong later.  Use towels, socks and blankets to wrap around breakable items.  Save yourself time and boxes by packing clothes as they are.  Use garbage bags to wrap around hanging clothes using the bag’s strings to tie around the hangers.  Keep clothes in dresser drawers and wrap the drawers in packing materials to be moved as is.
   
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help - This is a big task you’re taking on, particularly since it must be done quickly.  Family and friends can and will help if you ask. And with help, you will get the job done quicker, which is the goal in a last-minute move!  To show your appreciation you can order a meal for your helpers while they are there.

Moving is stressful regardless of how much time you have, but when moving quickly, focus on the end goal…which is getting all your belongings to your new home as safely as possible.

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: mercuryinsurance.com

Whether moving for a job or just relocating for personal reasons, you still must decide what to do with your current home.  Should you rent it out?  Or sell it?  There are many circumstances to consider before making that decision.  How long do you have before you move?  What is the housing market doing in your area?  And do you have someone you can trust to manage your property? Rental Income: The Pros and Cons of Leasing Your Property

Of course, the biggest motivator in your decision is which option will be most financially profitable.   If you have a lot of equity in your house and can sell it, you’ll walk away with some cash to put toward your new home.  If the house is paid off, you’ll walk away with A LOT of cash.  However, if your equity is built up and you have low mortgage payments (or no mortgage payment), you could bring in a substantial monthly income by renting the house for more than your monthly payments.  You do have to consider the costs involved with renting the house out.  If you’re relocating to another town, you will likely have to hire a Property Manager to collect rent and take care of issues that come up.  You might also have to pay to advertise the home. What is a Property Manager

There are going to be risks involved either way.  If you put the house up for sale, you run the risk of not selling it quickly and possibly ending up with two mortgage payments or a house payment and rent payment on a new place.  But there are also risks to renting out your home. There’s a chance you will rent it to people who you think will be good tenants, but wind up paying the rent late or not at all.  There is also the risk that renters will not take care of the house and lower its value.

Another issue to consider is that housing markets can greatly fluctuate from year to year. You must question whether your neighborhood is in the kind of shape to support a quick sale.  If other homes haven’t been selling, for example, you might not get as much for your house as you might if you could wait a year or two and rent it out in the meantime.  On the other hand, if the housing market is hot in your neighborhood, it might just be the best time to take advantage of it and sell to get the best price possible.

Finally, you must think about whether you can afford a new mortgage while you still own the first house. Lenders count about 75 percent of the income you receive from renters when figuring out if they’ll give you a new loan, but that’s only if you have a signed lease and your salary is sufficient to cover the rest of the mortgage requirement.  Selling your house will make it much easier for you to qualify for a new loan.

The bottom line is, after doing your research, you can decide whether selling or renting is the best and most financially sound choice for you.

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: psychologycompass.com

House hunting can be overwhelming sometimes, especially when beginning the search for your first home. Chances are you might get caught up in the process and important details might slip by you. While the number of rooms, condition of the kitchen, and size of the yard are important, there are other things to consider before you make an offer.  This list of things to look for can help get your search off to the right start.

Location

They say that the 3 most important things to look for when buying a home are location, location, location! While a home might not be perfect, loving your neighborhood and neighbors can make all the difference in living with imperfection.  And face it…you can change almost anything about your house, but you can’t change its location or the people living nearby.  When you go house hunting, make sure to consider the home’s proximity to your work, the appeal of the neighborhood, where in the neighborhood the home is situated, ease of access, noise from neighbors, traffic, pets and access to parks, shopping, schools and public transportation. The 5 Factors of a "Good" Location

Home Placement

Beyond location, look at how the home is situated.  If the home is on a hill does it have a view, a walkout basement, or lots of stairs to climb? Do neighbors' windows look directly into the home? Is the yard suitable for kids, pets, gardening, or other uses? Is their safe access to the home? These are all important questions to ask yourself when determining if it is the right property for you.

Check Out the Neighborhood

While it’s important for your house to meet your expectations, it’s equally important that the neighborhood meets them too. Take a drive around the development you are interested in on weekdays and weekends, during the day and in the evening.  Are the homes in good repair? Are yards kept clean and tidy?  Is the neighborhood safe enough for people to walk, run or bike?  Are there children playing outdoors?

Consider a Home’s Curb Appeal

You want a home that is going to reflect your lifestyle. Do you live a    casual, laid-back life? Then you probably won’t want a formal Victorian or Tudor style home.  A simple, contemporary home might better suit you.  Pay close attention to exterior features.  Think about maintenance.  For example, a brick home is easier to maintain than one with siding.  Do you like working in the yard?  If not, you might not want a house with extensive landscaping.  Is the roof in good condition?  Attention to detail will help you choose the home with the best curb appeal for you. The Importance of Curb Appeal

Size and Floor Plan

You may be thinking about buying your dream home. But is your dream home practical?  Do you need 4 bedrooms and 4 baths when you live alone? A spacious home may provide the extra room you've always wanted for a home office or a theater room, but you'll pay higher heating bills and have higher taxes. Additionally, it will take more furniture to furnish and money to decorate. Think about how the new home space will be used and whether it will fit your lifestyle now and in the future.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need and only    look at homes that meet that criteria.  You don’t want to fall in love with what is otherwise a perfect house if it doesn’t provide the space needed for your family.  It is smart to consider counting an extra bedroom in that number so that you have extra space for a home office or guest room. If you think you might add on to the home later, make sure you consult an architect who can advise you on space planning and regulations.

The Kitchen

For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Don’t settle for a home with a kitchen that doesn’t work for you.  Yes, you can remodel later, but at great expense.  If it is an easy fix like replacing cabinets or countertops, get a price quote before committing to the house so that you will know if it is within your budget to take that on.

Closets and Storage

Older homes often have small closets and lack storage space.  As you’re looking at a home ask yourself where you will store your belongings. Tiny closets don’t have to be a deal breaker.  There are ways to maximize storage without renovations. Newer homes tend to have lots of storage and you may sacrifice living space while having more closet space than you need.

Windows and Lighting

While looking at a home keep in mind your preferences regarding light and privacy.  Do you want a lot of windows to provider bright, sunny rooms?  Pay attention to the locations of electrical outlets and fixtures to make sure they will meet your lighting needs.

Finishing Touches

Even a simple home can look spectacular with the right moldings, hardware, and a fireplace.  If elements like these are important to you, look for them while house hunting. 

You may not find everything you want in one house, but keep this list handy and you are more likely to find the home that best suits your needs and desires.  Happy House Hunting!

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: consumerreports.org

Have you been thinking about painting some rooms in your home?  You may want to keep in mind that the colors in your home can have a huge effect on your moods. The shade of your walls has been show to affect emotions. For example, there are certain colors that will bring you down; ones that will help you relax; and even some that will suppress your appetite. Room Color and How it Affects Your Mood

Here are some color ideas for you that will promote a joyful environment:

Yellow for HAPPINESS

Yellow is a natural source of positive energy and sparks feelings of happiness. Shades of yellow can also activate metabolism and boost thinking. Be careful with how much you use though, because yellow can also be fatiguing to the eyes if overused or overly bright.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Sky Blue for RENEWAL

Pale blues are calming and help to restore natural rhythms.  Sleeping well contributes to productivity and overall well-being.  Calming blues have soothing and restorative qualities that help you rest better.

Photo Credit: decorpad.com

Violet Black for MINDFULNESS

While it may appear dark and moody, a hidden undertone of violet in a dark background draws you in and provides a sense of escape and relaxation.  This color also creates a space for focus and reflection.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Yellow-Green for OPTIMISM

This combination of green and yellow captures the essence of spring’s first bloom and the anticipation of renewal.  These colors bring positive energy into a space and stimulate personal growth.

Photo Credit: houzz.com

Silver-Sage for BALANCE

The blend of sage green and silvery gray provides balance and harmony.  These are the perfect colors for a peaceful, refreshing and tranquil living space.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

For more color ideas, check out: Eight Paint Colors That Promote Wellness at Home

Whether you plan to paint for your own health and happiness, or you’re sprucing your house up to put it on the market, choosing the right colors can make all the difference in the world!

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: 1217 S Lawrence St, Montgomery AL 36014

MLS# 474213

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,472 Square Feet | Garden District

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This adorable Garden District cottage pines for a new owner that will love it as much as the current owners have for over 25 years. Many memories have been made with friends and neighbors on the covered front porch and on the rear screened-in porch overlooking the sparkling salt-water swimming pool. Great den/family room addition off the kitchen could also be used as a large third bedroom. Great neighbors and convenience to downtown and shopping/dining/entertainment in adjacent Cloverdale neighborhoods make this an ideal location in Midtown Montgomery. It’s perfectly priced and move-in ready, so call your favorite agent for a showing...you will not be disappointed!

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

When you purchase a home, you are not only choosing where to live, you are making a financial investment as well. Home equity is the percentage of your home value that you own and with each mortgage payment you make you are contributing to your own financial savings.  The goal is to build up as much equity as you can so that when you sell your home, you will make a nice profit!  Here are some tips for building home equity:

• Take Out a 15-Year Mortgage Loan - It’s common for people to choose a 30-year mortgage because many believe a 15-year mortgage is out of their budget.  However, it can’t hurt to ask your mortgage lender to run the numbers to see if a 15-year mortgage is doable for you.  You might be surprised to discover that the shorter term is within reach.  Sticking to a budget that allows you to pay off your house in half the time will build equity faster and will certainly pay off in the long run! 32 Hacks for Sticking to Your Budget
   
• Pay Down the Principal - Build equity faster by paying down your home loan quicker.  Even if you don’t have the ability to take out a 15-year mortgage, you can still make extra mortgage payments when you have the means to do so and the difference extra mortgage payments can make toward building equity are huge. If you make just one extra payment toward principal each year, you can potentially pay off your home loan seven or eight years ahead of schedule.  There are ways to do this without breaking your budget.  For example, you can use a tax refund or a work bonus.  Another way to do it is to simply add a small amount to your principal payment each month.
   
• Make a Larger Down Payment - Depending on your credit standing, you can qualify for a conventional mortgage loan with a down payment as low as 3%, and an FHA loan with a down payment as low as 3.5%.  While it’s tempting to buy a house with a low down payment so that you have more cash on hand, the pros of making a larger down payment may outweigh the cons. The larger the down payment, the faster you build equity.  The faster you build equity, the more profit you will make should you have to sell your home before paying it off.
   
• Make Improvements on Your Home - Making home improvements is a good way to add value to your property.  It’s important to educate yourself about what home improvements give you the best ROI (return on investment).  For example, per Chris Terrill, CEO of HomeAdvisor, “a minor kitchen remodel is one of the best investments homeowners can make.”  “Projects including refinishing cabinets, updating the countertops and installing new appliances all provide high return without breaking the bank.”  Other home improvements that add value to your property include replacing garage doors, adding a bedroom, updating a bathroom and installing new windows. And don’t underestimate the value of curb appeal!  A professionally landscaped yard will not only help with a quick sale; it can also add up to 20% to your home’s value! Which Home Improvements Pay Off?

Owning a home is likely the largest financial investment you will make, and the more equity you acquire, the more wealth you will generate.  You can utilize your equity as a nest egg for the future or it can be used as a cash down payment on your next home.  Use these tips to build up your savings an enjoy this wonderful perk of home ownership!

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: achievalife.com

Perhaps you are ready to buy a home, but you think you can’t because of a low score on your credit report.  Bad credit can present challenges when purchasing a home, but it doesn’t have to keep you from moving forward with your dream of becoming a home owner.  With interest rates still low, now is a great time to buy, so don’t let bad credit hold you back! Here are some tips for how to buy a home even when you have bad credit:

• Get your credit score.  Take a deep breath and do that search.  There are several places you can get your credit score for free. Just keep in mind that you will have three credit scores - one each from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These are the three major credit reporting agencies, so it’s a good idea to get scores form all of them. Get Your Credit Scores
   
• Make sure your credit report is accurate and up to date. Your credit report is like a history of how you have handled borrowed money.  There may be errors in it and if so, that could damage your credit score.  You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting companies annually. When you get the reports, look over them carefully to make sure all the information is correct. If you find any errors, you can dispute them with the reporting companies. How to Dispute Credit Report Information
   
• Prepare yourself to pay a higher interest rate.  Qualifying for a mortgage with a lower credit score is possible if you are willing to pay a higher interest rate.  That’s why it’s a good time to buy when rates are relatively low to begin with.  Lenders charge more to protect themselves should the buyer make late payments or fail to make payments altogether. Unfortunately, bad credit means that you likely have a history of doing just that.  While a higher interest rate does mean a higher mortgage payment, it may be worth it to become a homeowner investing in your own home rather than paying rent to a landlord.
   
• Apply for an FHA loan. Loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA loans) have lower credit requirements.  With a credit score of at least 580, you can qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage with a down payment of just 3.5 percent of your home’s final purchase price.  However, there are some catches.  First, FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, but they are originated by traditional mortgage lenders.  Even though they can originate FHA-insured loans for borrowers with scores as low as 500, it doesn’t mean they are obligated to do so.  They can choose to require higher credit scores.  Secondly, FHA loans come with a financial penalty.  With traditional mortgage loans, you can cancel your private mortgage insurance (PMI) after building up enough equity.  With an FHA loan, you must maintain private mortgage insurance for the life of your loan. Let FHA Loans Help You
   
• Make a larger down payment. If you can come up with a larger down payment, lenders may be willing to take a chance on you. While it’s possible today to get a mortgage with as little as 3 percent down, people with bad credit may find that making a larger down payment is what will get them the mortgage loan they seek. When you put down more money up front it shows the lender that you are willing to take on the risk of a home loan. The lender also will feel you are less likely to walk away from a large financial investment.  If you can come up with a down payment of 20 percent or more, you will increase your chance of getting approval on a mortgage loan. Top 10 Ways to Save For a Down Payment
   
• Rebuild your credit. If your credit is so bad that a mortgage is not feasible right now, don’t despair. It just means that it is time for you to start rebuilding your credit so that you can become a home owner in the future.  To do this, you simply need to start paying all your bills on time every month so that you can build a better credit history.  Also, pay down as much credit card debt as possible to raise your score.

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: virginiamortgagelender.com

0 Felder Avenue, Montgomery AL 36104

MLS# 471622

Picture yourself sipping tea (or an adult beverage) on the front porch of your hassle-free brand new home. Wave to your neighbors as they pass by walking their dogs or working out. Then smile smugly to yourself. While they deal with old house issues, you'll enjoy the best of both worlds: new construction and historic district ambiance. Architectural controls assure you that the surrounding historic homes will retain their integrity, which supports your property value. And you'll find yourself only moments from all the action downtown and in Cloverdale. Sweet!

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

Montgomery AL Real Estate: 3334 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 472848

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths| 1,925 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

This adorable Cloverdale cottage in Midtown Montgomery has all the charm you expect in historic homes...like arched doorways, transoms, great molding, and built-ins. And, this one has not only had nice updates to the kitchen and guest/hall bath, there is a spacious master suite addition on the rear of the house sporting vaulted ceiling, bath with garden tub and separate shower, and huge walk-in closet! Enjoy relaxing in the cozy screened-in porch or cookouts on the big back deck. There is plenty of parking behind the house on the 2+car parking pad. Located just blocks from Cloverdale Bottom park and walking distance to dining and entertainment!

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

Whether you are a DIY expert or you plan to hire experts to “fix” your home, buying a fixer-upper is a risk.  But often it is a risk very well worth taking!  It just depends upon finding the RIGHT home to fix up.  Here are steps to take before you make the decision to invest your money, time and energy into fixing up a house:

1. Consider the Price Carefully

A fixer-upper should have a fixer-upper price.That may seem obvious, but you might be surprised by how much sellers think a home is worth.Try not to have a “this is the one!” moment with a house when the listing claims it just needs a little TLC. Do your research first. An experienced Realtor like Sandra Nickel can help you find out what similar homes in the neighborhood have sold for.  You are also going to want to be aware of what types of homes they are so that you don’t over invest in luxury improvements that price your house right out of the neighborhood for future resale. When determining your budget, base it on the market value of the homes in the neighborhood.

2. Determine What Improvements Are Needed

How much work do you want to do? How much do you want to spend?Ideally a fixer-upper will offer many opportunities for “instant equity”, meaning that you would make money on the home if you immediately sold it after fixing it up. Some fixer-uppers will just need cosmetic fixes like painting and landscaping.Other may require large renovations.You will need to carefully consider the potential cost of improvements along with the sale price of the home so that you don’t get in over your head.

3. Research Which Projects Will Give You Instant Equity

Will you have to hire a professional to complete the projects?If so, will the cost of that outweigh the money you might get back in instant equity?While many home improvements add some equity, some add a lot more value than others. But they are usually the types of projects that require the help of a professional.Here are some examples of projects that will give you excellent return on investment even if you pay a professional to complete them: new roof, hardwood floors, and insulation. Why a New Roof May Cost You Zero Dollars (In the Long Run)

4. Be Sure You and Your Family Can Cope With the Disruption

A fixer-upper takes time and patience. If you have to move into the home to complete the renovations,you may be living in chaos for a while. Also remember that not all projects go smoothly and there may be set backs and unexpected issues.Can you handle that emotionally?It’s important to consider how the disruptions will affect you and your family before deciding to take on a fixer-upper.

Buying a fixer-upper should never be a spontaneous decision. It needs to be well thought out.  So, do your homework first to determine your budget along with how much you are willing and able to take on before jumping into a fixer-upper.  With the proper preparation, you will end up with a beautiful home that is worth much more than you paid for it!

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: realtor.com