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Displaying blog entries 271-280 of 1998

Maintaining a Peaceful, Clutter-Free Bedroom

Wednesday, December 15, 2021
by The Hat Team

During the holiday season, when life can be hectic and exhausting, everyone needs a respite…a tranquil place to relax and unwind. Your bedroom should be that haven for you. But if it is cluttered, it won’t feel relaxing. It will just add to overwhelming feelings of stress and anxiety. With Christmas and New Year’s Eve around the corner, now is a good time to turn your bedroom into the relaxing oasis you deserve, and the first step is to declutter!

Here are some tips for doing just that:

  • Utilize under-the-bed storage. If you have random items cluttering up your bedroom because you just don’t know where else to put them, under-the-bed storage is your answer. It is great because it is not visible, but it is still easy to get to. Things like gift wrap, extra linens, books and off-season clothing will fit nicely in storage containers that fit under your bed. Rolling storage containers are especially efficient and help free up space in your bedroom.
  • Use racks to store your blankets. All your cozy blankets, quilts and throws can take up a lot of space, but if you love them like I do, you always want to have them handy. A pretty blanket rack is the perfect place to store them where you can easily get to them when you want. Not only does it provide a neat, tidy place to store them, it also adds a pretty touch to your bedroom décor.
     
  • Hang photos and artwork on the walls. Putting artwork and photos on the walls instead of on your dresser, nightstand or vanity will help keep your surfaces clear and will give your room a less cluttered, more streamlined aesthetic. Small bedrooms in particular will benefit from having less clutter on surfaces.
  • Store pillows in baskets. When you decide you want to relax in your bed, throwing decorative and/or extra pillows on the floor will make the room feel messy. A pretty basket is a great place to store pillows when you are not displaying them on your bed.
  • Organize your room in sections. Don’t let the idea of decluttering your bedroom overwhelm you. Take it one step, one spot at a time!  Do you have a messy closet?  Organizing your closet first may just give you the storage you need to declutter the rest of the room. Next you can clear the surfaces of your dressers, nightstands and vanity.

We all need a place to escape to now and then. By decluttering and organizing your bedroom, you will create a peaceful retreat where you can rest and rejuvenate every day!

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: goodhousekeeping.com, hgtv.com, kelleynan.com, nytimes.com

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2005 N Country Club Dr: Start Your Own School!

Thursday, December 9, 2021
by The Hat Team

2005 N Country Club Drive, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 506595

Play VisualTour

Here is your Midtown Montgomery opportunity of starting your own school on a quiet cul-de-sac! This campus is literally the perfect blend of old and new with the Admin Building being a Postbellum house converted into a lovely reception area, conference room, 3 offices downstairs, full kitchen, and 3 large offices upstairs. The newer Staff Development Building transformed into a training room, a huge meeting room, a large office with cubicles, a smaller office, and a full kitchen. The Classroom building has over 22 large classrooms, several more offices and a cafeteria with a commercial kitchen. Classroom furniture included.

View the Floor Plans here! 

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

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5 Surprising Things That Will Raise Your Home’s Value

Wednesday, December 8, 2021
by The Hat Team

Owning a home is likely the largest financial investment many will make, so whether you are buying or selling a home, it is important to think about resale value. With a little research, you will find that there are some things that will get you a great return on investment and there are others that will not.

When selling your home, you may want to make some improvements that will make it more appealing to buyers, ensuring a more profitable sale. But it is when you are searching for a home to buy that you can consider options that will give you desirable resale value in the future. Here are 5 surprising things that will raise your home’s value:

  1. LOTS OF TREES – While a brand-new house in a recently established community has it’s perks, what it often lacks is a proximity to mature trees. Large, well-rooted trees found in older neighborhoods, not only make for a lovely landscape, they also provide shade. They add beauty and they save energy, while also increasing your home value.
     
  2. GOOD SCHOOL SYSTEM – It may not seem so unexpected that a home in a good school district would have increased value. But sometimes people who do not have children do not think about this. Even you if you never intend to have children, you should keep in mind that many buyers will be highly motivated to purchase a home based on the quality of the area’s school system. For the purpose of resale value, it would be smart to invest in a home in an area with desirable schools.
  3. SHOPPING NEARBY – People like convenience, so if a house is in close proximity to a shopping area with a supermarket, it will likely increase its value. This is especially true if it is close to higher-end stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. Per Zillow, homes near these grocery stores may appreciate in value up to 40% more quickly than other homes.
  4. OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS – Living close to a park, walking trails, or other recreation areas can increase your home’s value. Things like dog parks, tennis courts, golf courses, and playgrounds are appealing to people who enjoy staying active. They will be willing to spend a little more to live close to areas where they can enjoy outdoor activities.
  5. SEPARATE LIVING SPACE – Whether you have a mother-in-law suite, an apartment, or a carriage house, having a separate living space will add to the value of your home. Unlike the other items listed here, this is something you can add to a home after moving in. But while looking for a home, you may want to keep an eye out for one that already has one.  Not only will it boost resale value, but it will give you the opportunity to earn rental income (depending upon the laws in your area) while living in the house.

When buying a home it is important to find a place that feels right for you, but unless you plan to stay there forever, it will benefit you to think about resale value as well!

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: homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com, visitingmontgomery.com, riverregiontrails.org, homelight.com

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1100 Woodward Ave: Great Home or Investment Opportunity with Loads of Potential!

Tuesday, December 7, 2021
by The Hat Team

1100 Woodward Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 505861

2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,670 square feet | Cloverdale

Great home to make your own or for an investment opportunity! LOADS OF POTENTIAL! Located in the heart of Cloverdale within walking distance to everything this great community has to offer. Texas style bathroom in master is extremely spacious. Kitchen has been updated from original bones. Open floor plan. Great front porch to sit outside on throughout the year. NEW HVAC in 2017 and NEW ROOF IN 2021. TLC will go a long way with this home. Call me or your favorite realtor today to see!

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

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

Wednesday, December 1, 2021
by The Hat Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Happy Thanksgiving 2021!

Thursday, November 25, 2021
by The Hat Team

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Child Safety at Home: Holiday Edition

Wednesday, November 24, 2021
by The Hat Team

The statistics for household childhood injuries are staggering. Over 3.4 million children experience some kind of accidental injury in the home each year. While there is no way to guarantee child safety at home, there are certainly many things you can do to help prevent accidents and injuries…especially during the holidays! 

Here are some tips for keeping kids safe at home during the holiday season:

  • Be aware of poisoning risks.  You might not realize this, but many plants commonly used as decorations during the holidays are considered poisonous and should be kept out of reach of children.  These include: mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, and Jerusalem cherry plants.  Symptoms of plant poisoning can include rashes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you ever think your child has ingested part of a plant, immediately call your pediatrician or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
     
  • Choking and swallowing of small items is something you must be extra careful to prevent during the holidays. Young children are attracted to all things bright and shiny…and this time of year there is a lot of bright and shiny! Things like tree ornaments, ornament hooks, light bulbs, tinsel and small toys are all potential choking hazards for small children because they may block the airway. If something is small enough to fit in a young child’s mouth, chances are it will find its way in! So keep small items out of reach and watch little ones carefully!
  • Make sure your Christmas tree is very secure in its stand and can’t be pulled over easily. The last thing you want to find is your little one trapped under a fallen tree. And trust me, they will pull at it if given the opportunity.
  • Kitchen accidents increase during the holiday season. Many people spend a lot of extra time in the kitchen preparing special meals and baking sweets to share.  Young children want to help…and they should. It can be a fun experience for the whole family!  But be aware of potential hazards that can happen when you’re busy in the kitchen.

Again, while childproofing your home will not guarantee safety, it will go a long way toward protecting your children from injuries or worse. The peace of mind you will have knowing you have done everything you can to protect your children will be well worth the effort and time put into making sure your home is as safe as possible, especially during the holidays!

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: flo.health, istockphoto.com, sweetnektar.wordpress.com, kiddoscook.com

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2425 Midfield Dr: You’ll Feel Right at Home

Monday, November 22, 2021
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

2425 Midfield Dr, Montgomery AL 36111

MLS# 506789 | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 3302 Square Feet | Midfield

2425 Midfield Dr

Virtual Tour

Once you enter this gated secluded neighborhood, you will feel right at home. Situated behind a privacy hedge row, this traditional brick home has plenty of space to spread out. Two magnificent massive live oak trees anchor the front and rear corner, reminding you of downtown Mobile. This home features a spacious formal living room with fireplace and built-in bookshelves and a formal dining room. The updated kitchen opens via breakfast bar into cozy a den/family room with another fireplace and built-ins and has a wall of windows across the back. The main floor features a master bedroom with a fabulous bath featuring a jetted soaking tub, walk-in shower, and double walk-in closets. Two more bedrooms with a shared updated bath finish out the first floor. The upstairs includes another large bedroom suite with private bath and an office/study. Relax on the rear covered patio and enjoy the courtyard-feel of the private back yard. Wonderful neighbors, and great area to walk, jog, bike, and let kids play since there is no through traffic, make this home perfect for families of all kinds!

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

 

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New Homeowner To-Do List

Wednesday, November 17, 2021
by The Hat Team


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

  1. Educate Yourself About Your Mortgage Statement

It is important that you learn how to read your monthly mortgage statement. When you receive the first one, you will see that there is a lot of information on it. Most importantly, it will tell you the amount due, how to pay it, and the due date. It will also include your loan servicer’s contact information, which you will need if you have any questions about your mortgage. Buyers Guide to Home Ownership

  1. Don’t Pay Attention to Refinance Offers

You might start receiving a lot of unsolicited mail after you move into your new home. That is because your information becomes public record and companies will start sending you refinancing offers. The thing is it is not usually beneficial to you to refinance early on in your mortgage repayment process. It may be a great option for you down the road, but not right away. Knowing Your Options Guide

  1. Organize Your Documents

When you close on your house you will sign a lot of papers and you will be given copies of all of them. Be sure to keep these documents together in a safe place. You will need access to them when it comes time to pay your taxes so that you can take advantage of tax savings that come with home ownership.

  1. Do a Home Inventory

The day you sign the title to your new home, your homeowner’s insurance will go into effect. But there is more work to be done to protect your home and belongings. The smart thing to do is to create a written/photographic inventory of all the valuables in your home. This will be very helpful if a worst-case scenario occurs and your personal property is damaged, stolen or destroyed. If you can present your insurance company with an organized list of what you have lost, it will help expedite your claim. And there’s no better, more convenient time to do this than when you are unpacking in your new home. You Really Need a Home Inventory

  1. Give Your New Home a Deep Cleaning

It is always a good idea to give your new home a deep cleaning before you move in, even if it is a newly constructed home. It is so much easier to do this before you have moved all your belongings in, and you will feel good about starting out in a freshly cleaned house!

  1. Change Your Locks

This is a step that many people overlook. You’ve just received the keys to your new home, but many people have had those keys before you. From previous owners, to Realtors, to contractors and more; you really have no idea who might still have access to your home. To ensure your safety, call a locksmith and schedule an appointment to have all your exterior door locks changed the morning after your closing. You will feel safer knowing you are the only ones with keys to your house!

  1. Educate Yourself About Your Home

Take the time to learn your home systems. Familiarize yourself with your HVAC unit, the circuit breaker, the security system, the fireplace, and the hot water heater. Find where the fire extinguishers are and make sure smoke/carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order. Keep all warranties, instruction manuals and such together in one place where you can easily find them when needed.

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

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

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

 

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Honoring Our Heroes

Thursday, November 11, 2021
by The Hat Team

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Displaying blog entries 271-280 of 1998

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