Real Estate Information

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.

2. 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.

3. 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

Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t despair! You can still create a lovely garden with plants that are hearty and resilient.

With the end of February fast approaching, you may already be experiencing some spring fever. It’s never too early to start preparing for spring planting in your garden. Whether you are planting for the first time, or you have been gardening for years, the desired result is a healthy, bountiful, gorgeous bed of flowers and plants.

For maximum results with minimal effort, here are some plants and flowers that will hold up to almost any conditions:

1. MINT
   

This rugged herb is great for beginning gardeners. It spreads easily, so if you want to keep it from sprawling across your beds, consider planting it in a container. For culinary purposes, think about what you will be using it for before choosing the type of mint you grow. For example, peppermint would be great for hot tea, but spearmint is a better choice for a summer cocktail. Of course, there is no rule saying you can’t have both!

2. SCAEVOLA
   

Native to Australia, this pretty, low maintenance plant will stand up to heat without withering. Enjoy the lovely purple flowers, also known as “fan flowers”, cascading from baskets or window boxes.

3. HOSTAS
   

One of the easiest plants to grow, these are a great choice for any garden; just be sure there aren’t any deer or slugs lurking about because they enjoy eating them! There are many varieties to choose from with a large range of colors to suit your taste.

4. GERANIUMS
   

There are good reasons that Geraniums are the number one selling annual; you can get them in an abundant rainbow of colors, and they can withstand a lot of heat with limited water. While they are annuals in many areas, they are perennials in Montgomery (Zone 8A) meaning they will come back each year.

5. VERBENA
   

Found in a variety of colors including white, pink, and purple, these beautiful blooms are the perfect accent plant. There is a specific variety called “Imagination” that is particularly hearty and will survive in hot conditions.

6. SWEET POTATO VINE
   

Truly hard to kill, this trailing vine can be found in shades of purple and lime green. It flourishes in the heat of summer and grows in both sunny and shady spots. An awesome ground cover, it will spread from 4 to 6 feet.

These are just a sampling of plants and flowers that will thrive under most conditions. So, if your lack of a green thumb has you thinking you can’t have a beautiful, healthy garden, think again! These plants will have your flower beds looking spectacular this spring!

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: istockphoto.com, growforagecookferment.com, shopmodernhomestead.com, laidbackgardener.blog, dailypress.com, mydesiredhome.com, gardendesign.com 

Your home should be your happy place. When you walk through the door you should not only feel like you have entered your safe haven, but you should also experience joy. It is easy to get caught up in the latest decorating trends, but if your home does not bring you joy, maybe it is time to make some changes and decorate for happiness! 

Here are some decorating tips for making your home your happy place:

• Create a welcoming entry way.  It is the first thing you see when you walk through the door, so you should make it a place that brings a smile to your face. Incorporate your favorite colors in your entry way décor. Add some personal flair while keeping it simple and organized.  The last thing you want to walk into is a mess.
  
• Bring the outdoors in!  Nothing brightens up a home like fresh flowers.  Treat yourself to a bouquet every now and then or better yet, grow colorful flowers in your own garden that you can cut and display in containers around your home.
   
• Choose flattering colors.  This may seem obvious, but how many of us have thought about what colors are flattering to us when decorating our home?  Choose colors that bring out your best features. Do certain colors wash you out when you wear them?  Then why would you paint a room that color? The ideal colors will make you feel good and give a little boost to your self-esteem!
   
• Display sentimental items.  Your home décor should be personal. It should not only represent your taste, but it should represent WHO you are as well. If family photos make you smile, do not just leave them on your computer or hide them in albums. Display them! The same goes for ornamental items.  Place mementos that bring back fond memories in various places throughout your home. Don’t worry if they may seem kitschy to others…if they bring YOU joy, they belong where you can see them!
  
• Have fun with wall art.  Decorating your walls with art does not have to be expensive.  There are so many places where you can purchase great posters, framed art and canvases.  Or you can even create your own art and display it.  If it brings a smile to your face, hang it up on a wall so you can see it whenever you want!

Just because a home décor style may have fallen out of popularity does not mean you should not indulge in it if it makes you happy!  You love country décor? Bring on the chickens and ducks! Do signs with quotes inspire you? Then display them! When you decorate for happiness, it will truly feel like HOME to 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: officialferncotton.com, shiplapandshells.com, pinterest.com

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue 
If I Were Your Realtor...

I Would Help Make All Your Real Estate Dreams Come True! 

YOU are the HEART of our business. Thank you for your continued loyalty and support. 

While there are many perks to home ownership (and tax breaks are a big one!), people who are beginning the journey of purchasing a home may be easily misled by common homeowner tax myths.

First, it is important to note that owning your own home does come with tax benefits. For example, a conventional loan’s PMI (private mortgage insurance), the VA loan funding fee, the USDA loan guaranteed fee, and FHA loan upfront mortgage insurance premiums are each tax deductible per the IRS. But as a first-time homeowner, it’s important that you educate yourself on extended tax benefits so that you will know what you can and cannot deduct. Because, unfortunately, some things you might have heard about homeowner tax perks may not be true.

MYTH: DEDUCTIONS ALWAYS CUT YOUR TAX BILL IN HALF

TRUTH: While it is possible for your home ownership deductions to reduce your tax bill, it is not a guarantee. In order to claim deductions, they must add up to more than the combination of the standard deduction and non-home related write-offs, such as sales taxes or charitable donations.  You also will have to itemize your deductions.  Timing, in this case, is everything. For example, if you close on your home in April, you will make several mortgage payments throughout the tax year and chances are that you will exceed the standard deduction and write-offs, in which case your tax bill will be reduced. But if you close in November, you might only make one mortgage payment in the taxable year and you likely won’t exceed the standard deduction, meaning this is one homeowner tax perk that you won’t be able to enjoy until the following tax year.

MYTH: EVERY PAYMENT MADE AT CLOSING IS DEDUCTIBLE

TRUTH: Some closing costs are deductible. Not every fee you pay at your home closing can be written off.  The following closing costs ARE deductible: real estate taxes, mortgage interest, and PMI (private mortgage insurance).  You will not receive a tax break for your homeowner’s or flood insurance premiums. The same applies to appraisal fees, escrow accounts for property insurance and taxes, and title insurance.

MYTH: HAVING A HOME OFFICE IS A GUARANTEED DEDUCTION

TRUTH: Having a home office can indeed provide a deductible…for those who qualify.  You must keep in mind that the IRS’s definition of a “home office” is very specific. The following will qualify you for a home office deduction: you are self-employed, own a small business, work from home and have turned one of your home’s rooms into your office space. If you just work from your couch with your laptop, it doesn’t qualify as a “home office” in the eyes of the IRS.

If you fill out a W-2, your home office is NOT deductible.

Purchasing your first home can be an overwhelming and sometimes intimidating process. Education yourself about homeowner tax breaks is one step you can take toward becoming a knowledgeable, prepared homeowner.

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: Canva, fool.com, pod.com

3817 Lockwood Lane, Montgomery, AL  36111

MLS# 510110

4 Bedrooms / 4 Full and 1 Half Bathrooms / 4,050 SqFt / Lockwood

Reminiscent of a stately English Manor house, this Frank Lockwood inspired executive home exudes style and character. Grand foyer invites you inside and immediately takes your focus to the gracefully curved main staircase. Built for entertaining, the main floor living spaces flow effortlessly from formal living room, through butler’s pantry/bar area, elegant formal dining room, and open kitchen and den/keeping room. And the cook’s dream kitchen is not lacking in space or amenities like Viking appliances and imported Italian marble. First floor master suite is spacious and stunning and has access through walk-in closet to large laundry room. Master bath has built-in towel warmer and heated floors for cozy comfort year 'round. Second floor features three more bedroom suites, all with private baths, and a second laundry room for convenience. Don’t miss the study/office tucked away off the living room and dining room, and the cozy courtyard off the formal living room. Outdoor living is easy on the large walled courtyard with fountain off the kitchen/keeping room area. Over the two-car garage is a roughly 1500 square foot heated and cooled unfinished area that is studded for an additional bathroom, perfect for another private master suite, home theatre, gym, or simply climate-controlled storage. Situated at the back of a private gated neighborhood with 24-hour manned security and access to community pool, exercise facility, and tennis courts. Quality custom construction, solid wood doors, top-end gas log fireplaces, and antique Italian marble pedestal sink in powder room are just a few of the benefits this wonderful home offers.

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

2308 Palmetto Street, Montgomery, AL  36107

MLS# 509873

2 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom / 1,176 square feet / Highland Park

Grab this darling renovation with all the nifty old house features intact! Lots of trim, high ceilings and plenty of space for large furniture. One functional and two decorative fireplaces. Built-in China cabinets in dining room and kitchen. Detached garage holds one car plus huge storage area. Covered front and back porches invite relaxed outdoor living. Kiss your landlord Goodbye!!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

Do you need some more living space in your home, but don’t want to spend the money on a room addition?  Well, maybe the answer is right in front of you…when you pull into your driveway. Converting your garage into a living space is a great alternative to adding on a room to your home. In fact, if you have a two-car garage, you can add about 600 square feet of living space. And since a garage already has a foundation, walls, and a roof, it will cost approximately half of what you might pay for an addition.

While not as expensive as a new addition, a garage conversion still should not be done cheaply. A quality conversion might take from 4-6 weeks and will include the following:

• insulating walls and ceiling
• raising the floor so that insulation can be placed over the concrete slab
• establishing a heating and cooling source for the space via the house’s main system or by adding an independent one
• upgrading your electrical service
• possibly creating a partition in the wall between your house and garage if you are trying to design and open floorplan
• replacing garage doors with fully insulated stud walls
• adding windows and doors

Before deciding to convert your garage into a living space, consider what you will be losing. You will no longer have a place to park your vehicles indoors to be protected from the elements. You will also be sacrificing storage space for things like landscaping tools, lawn mowers, bicycles, and outdoor gear.

If you feel that having more living space in your home outweighs your need for indoor parking and storage, then converting your garage is a good option for you!

Another thing to consider is that there will be zoning and legal issues to contend with.  A garage goes through a major legal transformation when it becomes a living space. That means there will be requirements for the room that did not exist when it was simply a space to house vehicles. There will be permits involved for the changes you want to make. 

If you ultimately decide that converting your garage is the best way to add more space to your home, be sure to get estimates from several reputable contractors and find one that shares your vision for your new room. 

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: thehoneycombhome.com, designingidea.com, easterngaragedoors.co.uk

334 3^rd Street, Montgomery, AL  36110

MLS# 509768

3 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom / 1,135 square feet / Boylston 

Great opportunity for an investment property or as a home! Several delightful updates in the home have been made in 2021 including a new HVAC, NEW ROOF, NEW INTERIOR FLOORING AND PAINT. Location is close to Maxwell, Gunter, Wetumpka, and I-65.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Brennan Parker, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

According to FBI Crime Statistics, property crime rates are down. That is great news!  But that does not mean you should let down your guard when it comes to protecting your home. If an expensive, top-of-the-line security system is not in your budget, there are still plenty of ways for you to keep your home secure. Most burglars follow a pattern and look for easy targets, so it is important that you are aware of what they are looking for.

Here are tips from professional burglars for you to use to prevent break-ins and keep your home secure:

1. Most Burglaries Occur During the Day

Burglars prefer breaking into homes during daytime hours when homeowners are more likely to be out. The last thing they want is to find someone at home when they are breaking in. They also prefer weekdays to weekends because weekday schedules are more predictable. Weekdays between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM is prime time for burglars because of the likelihood that homeowners are at work and/or school. So, it is just as important to lock up when you are going to be away during the day as it is at night.

2. Social Media Gives You Away

People love to post vacation photos on social media. But if you do that WHILE you’re on vacation, you are basically telling everyone that you are not home. Criminals keep tabs on accounts like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to find potential victims. Even if you keep your account private, something as simple as a profile photo can have GPS data embedded in it, allowing a burglar to find your home. Also, if you allow a lot of “friends” (old high school friends, neighbors, acquaintances, friends of friends) to follow you, you never know who a potential criminal might be. It is in your best interest to never post what times you are not at home or how long you will be out.

3. Home Security Systems Will Keep Burglars Away

The last thing burglars want to deal with are alarm systems. It doesn’t matter what security company it is, if they see a home security system set up, they will avoid your home. Homes without a security system are MUCH more likely to be targeted for a break-in. If you choose to have an alarm system installed, be sure to choose a complex code, not your birthday or anniversary. Also, take time to clean off buttons so that a burglar cannot determine the code by finding dirt or grease on the numbers you use most often. In addition to an alarm system, use all the security measures that are at your disposal. Lock windows and deadbolts and make sure house is well-lit. An inexpensive option is to add motion sensors and timers to your lights so that you can make it look like people are home, even when that is not the case.

Even leaving a TV on or having a car parked in the driveway can be a deterrent t for burglars.

4. Burglars Target Homes Where Weapons are Present

You may be a proud gun owner, but you do not want to advertise that to burglars. You might think it will keep them away, but it has the opposite effect. Burglars are enticed by the possibility of scoring some guns. In fact, a gun is stolen approximately every two minutes in the U.S., so gun owners should always keep their guns locked up out of sight. Having an NRA bumper sticker on your car or a Smith & Wesson sign on your house tells criminals they are likely to find guns in your home and makes your house a bigger target for them.

5. Tall Bushes are Great Hiding Places

Burglars love when front porches are surrounded by lots of shrubs and tall bushes. They provide places for them to hide so that they can’t be seen from the street or by neighbors. You should keep any large landscaping features trimmed. If you want large plants by your windows, choose something thorny that will deter a burglar from hiding there, like roses or cacti.

6. Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Make sure that your expensive items are out of sight. For example, do not leave your laptop computer or tablet sitting out so they can be seen from your windows. Put your jewelry away when you are not wearing it; do not leave it sitting out on your dresser where it is easy to find. If you have a key hook with labels for your keys, put it somewhere that it cannot be seen from any windows. In fact, keep it in a place that would be hard to find even if someone broke in.

Make it as hard as possible for criminals to be successful in burglarizing your home!

Your home should be your safe place. Keep it that way by using these measures to keep it secure.

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.homesforsaleinmontogomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: vivint.com, bigdotofhappiness.com, bobvila.com