Real Estate Information

The decision to move is a big one. Chances are a lot of time, thought and energy went into making it. But now that you have decided, it’s time to start thinking about getting ready for the move. You’ve already answered the “should I stay, or should I go” question, now it’s time to ask yourself “what should I bring with me and what should I get rid of”?  Whether you have kept a lot of things because of sentimental value, or you have let things accumulate over the years, it’s time to decide what to keep and what to let go.

Here are some things you should definitely “let go” of before you move:

CLOTHES YOU DON’T WEAR ANYMORE

You know…that dress that you don’t like, but keep just in case you need a dress for something, or that suit that fit a few years ago and might fit again if you can just lose a little weight? Yep. Time to go. Same with any clothes you simply don’t wear anymore, whether because of style or fit. There is no reason to drag them to your next home. If they are in good condition, place them in a donation bag and drop them off. And if they are trash, well…you get the idea.

GAG GIFTS AND FREE PROMOTIONAL ITEMS

Been to a golf tournament recently? If so, you likely came home with a “swag bag” of sorts. If you consider chip clips, notepads, pens, and plastic cups “swag”, then by all means, hang onto it. But if the bag has been sitting on the kitchen counter for weeks, it’s time to say goodbye. Same with any other similar items. Gag gifts are fun to open, but they just end up cluttering your junk drawer. Don’t take junk with you when you move. Trust me…you won’t miss it.

KITCHEN APPLIANCES YOUR RARELY (IF EVER) USE

Who even uses a “Fry Daddy” anymore? All that grease and fat? Yuck. Just because it was a wedding gift 25 years ago, doesn’t mean you should bring it along with every move. Any appliance that you haven’t used in over a year needs to go. Why take up space in your moving boxes with something you likely won’t use again? Bye-bye!

CHEAP ART

Maybe you were on a tight budget when you were decorating your current home, so you bought some inexpensive posters and art for your walls. If you’ve outgrown them, don’t take them with you.

MOST THINGS YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE OF

I bet you’ve replaced a laptop or cell phone during the years you have lived in your current home. And how many new pairs of eyeglasses have you gotten during that time? I also bet that when you replaced those items, you didn’t get rid of the original items you were replacing. Am I right? Well, now is the time my friend. Outdated technology doesn’t have to end up in a landfill, nor does it need to stay with you forever. Take it to be recycled!  And you can donate all those old eyeglasses to Lion's Club International where they will distribute them to people in need.

ALL THE FANCY BATH PRODUCTS YOU HAVE RECEIVED AS GIFTS

Seriously. If you haven’t used them yet, you probably never will. If you have a stash of bath bombs and such that you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to use, either use them before you move or get rid of them.

STUFF YOU BORROWED FROM FRIENDS

As you’re cleaning out cupboards and closets you may come across items you borrowed long ago. Or items friends left at your house after a party or cook-out. GIVE THEM BACK. You might be a little embarrassed if a lot of time has passed, but your friends will appreciate it and it will be one (or two, or three) less things you have to pack and move.

ANYTHING YOU FORGOT YOU HAD TO BEGIN WITH

If you come across something that you have genuinely been missing and thought was lost forever, yay! That’s awesome. But if you come across something that you are surprised you ever had to begin with? It goes.

STUFFED ANIMALS

Sigh. Even as a grown-up this one can be tough. They are so cute and cuddly. But depending on how many there are, they can take up a lot of space. Pick a few favorites if you must and keep your childhood favorite. But if you have a huge collection (whether they are yours or your children’s) I recommend you weed out as many as possible. 

The bottom line is, the less you must pack, the less overwhelmed you will feel about your move. Less truly is more…more time, more energy, more peace of mind.

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

3155 Montezuma Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 549020

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Baths | 2,275 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

This Cloverdale gem boasts 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, AND there is an attached 1 bedroom/1BA apartment that can be rented out or used as a guest/in-law/adult child residence! Main part of house has spacious living room, dining room, sunroom, and paneled den/family room. The kitchen has newer appliances, quartz countertops, and plenty of storage. Breakfast nook has pantry space and room for an additional refrigerator or stand-up freezer. Out back there is a detached 2 car garage with storage, a greenhouse, and a lovely brick patio. The attached apartment has living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bath. Roof, HVAC, and water heater were replaced ~2018, as well as updated wiring. Main house could rent for $1,500/month, and apartment is bringing $600/month; so this would make a great investment property!

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

Buying a home in the midst of the holiday season might sound like a crazy idea, but the truth is this time of year can be a great time to buy! 

Here are 5 good reasons to purchase a home during the holidays:

1. Less Real Estate Market Activity

Because fewer people are looking for houses this time of year, there is less competition for buyers. And with less competition, buyers have more leverage when negotiating purchases. People selling homes during the holidays must often lower asking prices or make other concessions to sell. So, if you buy this time of year, you might get a bargain!

2. Highly Motivated Sellers

If someone is selling their house at the end of the year, it’s because they need to. Usually, sellers avoid the end of the year due to shorter days and cold weather, so if they are selling this time of year they are likely under pressure and motivated to make a deal.

3. Tax Perks

Buy a house before the end of the year and you can deduct any points you paid upon closing. You can also deduct property taxes and mortgage interest. Learn about the tax benefits of buying a home and find out if it is to your advantage to buy before year’s end. While your decision to buy a home shouldn’t be made solely for tax reasons, you certainly want to take advantage of the perks that exist!

4. Faster Closings

Everybody involved in the home buying/selling process has incentive to complete transactions before the end of the year. Lenders want to close their books; Realtors want to receive their commissions before the new year and sellers are anxious to move on. Since everyone is so motivated, and there is less real estate activity, closings should happen quickly and efficiently.

So, if you’ve been thinking about buying a home, but thought you should wait until the new year, think again! NOW may just be the right time for you to find a new home for the holidays!

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

1148 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 548823

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,542 Square Feet | Garden District

This 1925 Garden District cottage has been completely remodeled just in time for its 100th birthday (almost)! The charming brick exterior exudes old house charm, while the interior boasts a modern feel with its open floor plan and tons of natural light! Brand new flooring, fresh paint, new fixtures, new countertops, and a NEW roof! The master suite has a brand-new bath with a sleek double vanity, tiled shower, walk-in closet and second closet in the bedroom. The front bedroom suite has a spruced up original bath and washer/dryer connection in the hall. Check it out today!

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

1253 Magnolia Curve, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 548675

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,637 Square Feet | Cloverdale

It's the perfect time of year to FALL in love with this fantastic Cloverdale cottage!! You will love being within walking distance of Huntingdon College and Cloverdale's entertainment district! This spacious home boasts 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms so there's plenty of space for everyone! Upon entering this home, you will find a lovely entryway that leads you into the very brightly lit living room and dining room. You will also notice the crown molding, plantation shutters, high ceilings and lovely hardwood floors throughout the house. Custom cabinetry was recently added to the breakfast nook for all your kitchen storage needs. Plus, the soft-close cabinets and drawers are a kitchen lover’s dream! The master ensuite was recently modeled to include a nicely tiled walk-in shower. The detached garage is divided into 3 sections: 1 single car garage, an air-conditioned workshop and separate storage. Don't miss this opportunity to live on the beautifully tree-lined Magnolia Curve!!

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

Have you ever wondered how Halloween started? Now that Halloween is just a few days away, it’s a good time to learn a little bit about the history of this scary, fun-filled, candy-coma inducing holiday!

When we think of Halloween, we think of candy, costumes, haunted houses, and trick-or-treating. But the word Halloween literally means “hallowed evening”. There was a time, long ago in Europe, when it was known as All Hallows’ Eve.  All Hallows’ Eve (celebrated on October 31) and All Saints’ Day (celebrated November 1) were both times to honor saints (“hallows” means “saints”). Eventually the two celebrations were combined in to one name – Halloween.

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st because the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, considered the earliest version of Halloween, occurred on that day. It was a time of year when the season changed and people believed that the wall between this world and the next became thin, allowing the two worlds to connect. The idea of being able to communicate with the dead lead to Halloween becoming known as a “haunted” holiday.

Back in the old days, people would dress up as saints and go door to door singing songs and reciting verses. Children would ask for “soul cakes” (similar to biscuits), which eventually evolved into trick-or-treating. It wasn’t until the early to mid-1900s that giving out candy became mainstream in the U.S. People would give candy (treats) in the hopes that it would prevent them from being the victims of holiday pranks (tricks).

Costumes also evolved from being tributes to saints to wearing scary-looking costumes in order to give unsuspecting neighbors a fright. This custom began with some young Scottish and Irish pranksters and thanks to them, now dressing up for Halloween has become a tradition of wearing spooky, funny, and creative costumes of all kinds.

Halloween is a popular holiday in America today, but it almost didn’t make it here. The Puritans disapproved of the holiday’s pagan roots and did not take part in Halloween celebrations. Then Irish and Scottish immigrants began arriving in America in great numbers, and with them came the celebration of this fun holiday where people would sing, dance and tell ghost stories to commemorate the upcoming harvest.

By the early 20th century, it is estimated that Halloween was celebrated by the majority of people across the nation. In fact, it is now the second largest holiday in our country based on consumer spending (second only to Christmas). This year will be no different!

However, you decided to celebrate this haunting holiday, stay safe and enjoy!

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing a home and a mortgage is involved, a home appraisal is going to be an important aspect of the process. Therefore, it’s crucial that you understand how the appraisal process works and how an appraiser determines a home’s value.

A home appraisal is an unbiased, professional opinion of a home’s value. Conducted by a licensed home appraiser with the knowledge and experience to determine the fair current value of the home, it takes place in almost every home purchase/sale transaction and is commonly used in refinance situations as well. Within a purchase/sale transaction, it is used to establish if the home’s contract price is appropriate, based on the home’s location, condition, and features. For a refinance, the appraisal makes sure that the lender isn’t giving the borrower more money than the home is worth. Because the home serves as collateral for the loan, lenders want to make sure that the homeowner is not over-borrowing. With a purchase/sale transaction, the home appraisal is typically paid for by the buyer and the fee is included in the closing costs.

The reason the home appraisal is so important is because it lets the lender know that they are lending the appropriate amount of money for the value of the home. Sometimes the appraisal will come in for a lower amount than the agreed upon price and when that happens, the lender might deny a loan for that amount. If the appraisal comes in at or above the contract price, the transaction can proceed. However, chances are the seller doesn’t want the deal to fall through, so if the appraisal comes in low, the buyer may be able to use it to negotiate a lower selling price.  Knowing that the bank won’t lend any buyer more than what the home is worth, the seller may be willing to lower their selling price so that they can proceed with the sale. A low appraisal can also derail a homeowner’s attempt at refinancing their home. The home needs to appraise at or above the amount the homeowner wants to refinance. One exception is if you have an FHA mortgage.  With an FHA mortgage, you can refinance without an appraisal through the Streamline Your FHA Mortgage.

The appraiser will look at many things to determine the home’s fair current value. The property’s value will be influenced by recent sale prices of similar properties and by current market trends. The home’s amenities, floor plan, functionality, square footage, and number of bedrooms/bathrooms will also play a part in coming up with a fair price for the lender. A thorough visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the property will allow the appraiser to note any issues that might have an adverse effect on the property’s value. You may confuse a home appraisal with a home inspection, but they are not the same thing, A home inspection is a much more detailed evaluation of the home and does not involve the lender.

Usually, the home appraisal will just be a box checked off on your home closing checklist. But if the appraisal comes in lower than expected, the purchase/sale transaction can be delayed or canceled.  Understanding the process and being aware of potential problems will help you be better prepared to handle whatever circumstances come your way.

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Life these days can be hectic and stressful for many of us. As you get through your work week, perhaps you daydream about getting away to a peaceful haven, far from the drudgery of day-to-day life. Sadly, wishes and dreams will not take you there, but you CAN create a tranquil retreat at home.

Here are some tips for turning your living space into a calm and soothing oasis:

Use Relaxing Colors

Soft colors like watery blues and greens create a sense of serenity in a room.  But they are not the only relaxing colors. If you do not care for blues, use gentle hues like rose, taupe, peach or mocha.

Store Things Out of Sight

Loud sounds are not the only “noise” that can ruin a serene atmosphere. Visual noise consists of anything you can see that results in you feeling stressed or anxious. Get rid of the visual noise, and your space will feel calmer. Utilize closed storage for the majority of your belongings and choose only special items to keep on display.  Remember that chaos on the outside = chaos on the inside.

Use Solids and/or Subtle Patterns

If you are seeking to create a calm aesthetic in a room, stick with solid colors or subtle patterns in muted tones. There is nothing wrong with a bright, colorful, busy pattern, but you may find it distracting when you are trying relax and rejuvenate. Keeping it simple will go a long way toward designing the peaceful vibe you are going for.

Use Gentle Lighting

Nothing feels less relaxing than walking into a room filled with bright, harsh lighting. Natural light is best, so keep window treatments open during the day to let the sunshine in. When it gets dark out, instead of turning on a blazing overhead light, trying using string lights, candles, lamps and lanterns for a soft glow.

Find a Place to Hide Your Tech

You may not be able to put your tv “away”, but smaller tech items like phones, tablets and laptops simply need to go bye-bye when you are trying to relax. Find an out of the way drawer or cabinet where these items can be stored so that they will not be a tempting distraction when you are trying to unwind and de-stress.  Trust me, spending time away from screens might be the best thing you do for yourself!

Create an Backyard Retreat

Nothing is more relaxing than spending quiet time in the fresh air on a beautiful day. When the weather cooperates and presents you the gift of a gorgeous day, being able to step right outside your door to enjoy it is a wonderful thing! When designing your outdoor space, be sure to incorporate privacy, comfy textures, pleasing aromas, and lots of plants. Add a water feature to enjoy the soothing sounds of water.

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Your home equity is how much of your home that you “own”. For example, if you put down 20% on your home when you purchased it, that means you already have 20% of the home’s value of equity in the home. As you pay the loan down over the years, your principal loan value decreases while your equity increases. To calculate your equity, take the current appraised value of your home and then subtract what you still owe on your home.

Every month when you make your mortgage payment, you gain equity in your home. If you make full payments on time, your equity will grow as your principal loan decreases and at the end of the term of your loan, you will own your home outright. So, if you have a 30-year mortgage, you will own your house in 30 years. Building equity is one of the major perks of being a homeowner. It makes your home a valuable asset that you can use in the future to either buy a new home or make other large purchases. Some people even use their home equity to fund their retirement. But thirty years is a long time! If you want or need access to your money sooner, you can build your equity faster and here is how:

• PAY MORE AGAINST YOUR PRINCIPAL MORTGAGE

By making extra mortgage payments, or paying more than you owe each month, you can decrease the amount of your principal balance and build equity faster. For example, if you make one extra mortgage payment a year, you could possibly pay off your loan ahead of schedule. Or, if you pay a little more than your required payment each month, you can also shorten the life of your loan. Say your required monthly payment is $2100. $2100 divided by 12 is $175. If you add $175 to each monthly mortgage payment, after 12 months you will have made one extra payment for the year, thus paying off your mortgage a little quicker! But be careful, because some loans have prepayment penalties for paying off your loan too much ahead of schedule. So, check into that before you decide to pay more on your loan.

• WHEN YOU GET EXTRA MONEY PUT IT TOWARD YOUR LOAN

Extra money? Who has that? Well, you might if you get a bonus or a gift of money. Perhaps you can’t afford to put extra money toward your loan every month, but things like holiday bonuses or even a tax refund or an inheritance may give you the extra cash you need to make and extra loan payment. Just be sure that your money is going toward your principal and not your interest.

• COMPLETE A HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

There are some home improvement projects that can add significant value to your home, thus increasing the equity you have in your home. Even a small project can give you a huge return on your investment (ROI)

• CHOOSE A 15-YEAR LOAN VERSUS A 30-YEAR LOAN

Just because a 15-year mortgage is half the time of a 30-year mortgage, that does not mean that your monthly payment will double. Have the mortgage lender run the numbers to see if you can swing the payments on a 15-year loan. If so, you will not only pay the loan off faster, but you will also pay less interest over the life of the loan, thus saving even more money!

• MAKE A LARGE DOWN PAYMENT

While it may be tempting to take advantage of a loan that offers a low or no down payment, if you’re looking to build equity quicker, it is not the best choice. A large down payment will assist you in building equity faster. The more you put down, the more equity you begin with. If you can put at least 20% down, you get the added perk of not having to pay for PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance), which can be expensive.

Building equity is a huge benefit of being a homeowner. It’s like a forced savings account and can be one of the best investments you will ever make!

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Fall flowers 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.

• 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 a 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. Given the opportunity to develop a strong root system, they will last longer.

• 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 (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: hgtv.com, marthastewart.com, etsy.com, gardenista.com, allaboutgardening.com