Real Estate Information

Your house is on the market and the holiday season is here. Just because you are trying to sell your house does not mean you cannot still make it feel like home. Especially this time of year. And let’s face it, unless you are a Scrooge, twinkle lights and holiday décor make a home feel more inviting and cheerful than ever. But, when making your home festive for the season, it is important to remember that buyers need to be able to picture the home as their own. Overdoing it could keep buyers away and hurt your chances of selling.

Here are some tips for staging your house for the holidays:

• Depersonalize your decorations. It is hard for people to picture a home as their own if they see your personal life prominently featured in your décor. Avoid things like ornaments your kids made in pre-school, stockings with names on them, photo Christmas cards and pictures of your kids with Santa. Keep it simple. Think of it like makeup…you want to enhance the features of your home, not overwhelm them.
  
• Stand out by not standing out. What does your neighborhood look like during the holidays?  If everyone goes all out with exterior lights and trimmings, then you do not want to be the only house on the block that’s dark at night. But if people use more subtle decorations outside, follow their lead.  Less is more when it comes to staging your house for buyers.

Still confused about how to decorate to most appeal to buyers?  Here are some more dos and don’ts:

• Say no to the “kitsch”! Big inflatables, reindeer on the roof and tons of lights might be fun to look at, but it also might keep potential buyers from wanting to see the inside of the house.  Keep it classy to entice buyers.
  
• Classic décor is always best. An elegant wreath and simple white lights are warm and welcoming without being overwhelming.
   
• Consider skipping the tree. Unless you have high ceilings you want to show off, you may want to skip the tree this year. If a tree is too big it can make a room feel cramped and small. If a tree is too tiny, it can seem sad and depressing. Also, needles from live trees can be challenging to keep up with when you must keep your house neat and tidy for showings.
   
• Scents over scenes. There’s nothing more alluring than holiday scents. The smells of fresh baked cookies and cinnamon sticks simmering on the stove create a warm ambiance that makes people feel at home.
   
• Protect your presents. You may not want to have presents under the tree when strangers will be walking through your house, especially if your Realtor is holding an open house. The last thing you want to discover Christmas morning is that someone walked away with one or more of your gifts.

The bottom line is, don’t be afraid to decorate and enjoy the holiday season in your home even if it’s on the market and being shown. Just remember to keep it simple and enticing to potential buyers.

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: grovecitysummit.com, pinterest, journal.gomillie.com

If you are planning to put your house on the market in 2022, there is no time like the present to start getting organized for the process of staging, showing and moving out of your home.

Begin now by following the tips listed below and you won’t feel so overwhelmed when it’s time for that first open house!

• Eliminate piles before you sell. Some of us suffer from what I like to call “flat surface syndrome”. If there is a flat surface, it is covered with “stuff”. Now is the time to eliminate any of the “stuff” cluttering the horizontal surfaces of your home. Things like mail, magazines, and other odds and ends that are piled on your tables, desks and shelves should be removed. Keeping these spaces clear allows potential buyers to see the space without distractions.
   
• Clean out storage areas. If your closets, bookcases, pantry, and other storage areas are overstuffed, this is a red flag for potential buyers that screams, “not enough storage!”. Keeping a minimum number of items in your house will leave the impression that there is a generous amount of storage in your home.
  
• Get rid of excess. Eliminate or pack up any surplus items you won’t need before your move. For example, only keep enough dishes, towels, sheets, toys etc. that you will use during the time your house is for sale. Why have ten sets of sheets crowding your linen closet when you only need one or two?
   
• Remove seldom used items. Pack away things that you don’t use very often, as well as seasonal items. This will make your house appear spacious, which appeals to prospective buyers. Some examples are off-season clothing and shoes, holiday decorations, and rarely used small kitchen appliances.
   
• Throw things away. If something is worn out, broken, rusty, stained, torn, or incomplete, it’s time to let it go. If your belongings look shabby and old, your house will look that way too. Don’t hesitate to throw such items away.
  
• Donate before you sell. When you are cleaning and sorting items, if you come across things you don’t use now and won’t use in your new home, donate them. Don’t waste time packing and moving things you won’t ever use. But if it’s in good shape, someone else will get use out of it.
   
• Sell before you sell. If you find you have a great deal of items to eliminate from your home, think about selling what you don’t store, throw away, or donate. You can sell at a yard sale, bring items to a consignment shop, or list items online. Remember to have reasonable expectations regarding how much money to charge for used items.
  
• Rent a storage unit. Move large items/equipment that you don’t use often to a storage unit. It can also provide space for packed boxes to give you a head start in preparing for your move. Remember that space is a beneficial asset when selling your home.
   
• Spruce up outdoor living spaces. Remove any clutter (toys, lawn ornaments, garbage bins) from your yard. The outdoor spaces are usually the first and last impression for potential buyers, so it is vital that they look neat and tidy.
   
• Go easy on holiday décor. If you will be putting your home on the market as soon as the new year begins, why unpack and repack all of your holiday décor? Keep it simple this year with a real tree and some homemade/inexpensive ornaments that you won’t have to pack up for a move.

If your goal is to sell your house for the best possible price as quickly as possible, then you definitely want to be prepared! So, don’t wait! Think positive and get ready to stage and sell your home now.

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: baltimoresun.com, caringtransitionsofnortheastiowa.com, thespruce.com, architectureartdesigns.com

Halloween or Hallowe'en (a contraction of "All Hallows' evening"), also known as Allhalloween, All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Eve, is a celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. It begins the observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the departed.

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

3111 Malone Dr, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 505892 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,980 Square Feet | Hillwood West

Virtual Tour

Fabulous move-in ready townhouse in popular Hillwood! This one story townhouse has such a wonderful floor plan that you will not believe how spacious every room is! The eat-in kitchen is huge and beautifully updated with granite counter tops, tiled back splash, tons of cabinets, nice sized pantry, and stainless appliances. It opens to the large living room and the den/formal dining room with built-ins… a great space to use for whatever suits your needs. The enormous master had 3 walk-in closets and an en suite bath with split granite vanities and tiled shower. The guest bedroom is on the opposite end and has two large closets. There is a cozy covered patio and small yard with just enough grass for a pet but not a lot of upkeep. The location in Midtown Montgomery is so convenient and walking distance to restaurants and shopping. Check it out today!

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

As you probably already know, 2020 was a banner year for the housing market. The market set record numbers and per year-end analysis by Zillow, the U.S. housing stock increased by nearly $2.5 trillion over the past year. Yes, you read that right…TRILLION. That is the largest net gain for a year-long period since 2005. The appreciation of current homes accounted for about $2.2 trillion, while $274 billion came from new construction.

It was a bit surprising to many that the Covid-19 pandemic did not deter interest from homebuyers. In fact, for a multitude of reasons, demand grew. And the resulting competition between buyers meant that properties sold quickly. But, things can change quickly, especially in the housing market. So, as the end of the year approaches, let’s look at changes that have occurred already over the past several months.

HOME PRICES ARE UP

With so many people seeking to buy new homes, the prices in the U.S. skyrocketed. The median home sale price for the country’s second quarter was just under $375,000. Last year, at the same time, the median was around $322,600.  That is a 16% increase!

BUYERS ARE STILL LOOKING FOR HOMES

Along with home prices rising, there has been a shortage of homes available for sale. But that has not slowed down buyers. In fact, in almost every part of the U.S. people still want to buy homes. With the market so hot, homes have been selling quickly. Some people may be moving for “normal” reasons (job transfer, downsizing) but others have been influenced by the pandemic to find homes that offer more space and the ability to work remotely. It does appear, however, that the extreme urgency to buy a home has slowed down in the past month or two.

WHAT ABOUT MORTGAGE RATES?

Mortgage rates hit all-time lows at the height of the pandemic. And since June, the rate has continued to go down. The 30-year mortgage rate was below 3%; 2.77% to be exact, during the second week of August, 2021. But it’s predicted by many economists and housing authorities that rates will go up into the low-to-mid 3% range by the end of the year, rather than in the high 2s we’ve seen this past summer.

WHAT ARE BUYERS INTERESTED IN?

It’s not just about numbers. There has been as shift in what is most important to the majority of homebuyers. Per a Zillow survey in North Carolina, 40% of homebuyers are ONLY interested in purchasing a newly constructed home. And only 35% of the respondents said they would consider buying an existing home. It was also learned from the survey that buyers are  interested in homes that might provide revenue through renting it out or at least renting a portion of the property to another person, couple, or family. An astounding 32% of respondents said that the opportunity to rent out their home was a major factor in their decision to purchase a home.

While it’s hard to predict where the housing market is heading as we approach 2022, you can be sure that it will continue to change as the world is constantly changing. That being said, now is a great time to buy or sell a home and Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of specialists can help you do that!

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: realtor.com, anchorloans.com, apartmenttherapy.com, amycoburn.com

806 E Edgemont Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama

MLS #505230

4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2,394 sq ft | Cloverdale/Idlewild

NEW, NEW, NEW! Another gorgeous remodel in the historic Cloverdale area. This 4 bedroom and 2 bath is completely new! There is much more here than meets the eye to this corner lot home including new electrical, plumbing, A/C and roof just to name a few. The interior has been completely redone. A spacious master bedroom and bathroom have been added and the kitchen has been expanded to provide an open atmosphere with views to the formal living & great room. The kitchen boasts all new stainless steel appliances including a gas stove, custom range hood, refrigerator, granite countertops, cedar beams and hard tile floor. New LED ceiling fans and can lights throughout. Refinished original wood flooring throughout and new carpet in one of the two entertainment areas. New insulated vinyl windows throughout the entirety of the home that easily open & provide better insulation (a rarity in Cloverdale)! New LED electric fireplace in the living room is sure to dazzle your guests and provide warmth this winter with none of the hassle. Fresh paint throughout the home including the casework and crown molding! Within walking, biking or a short drive to all the Cloverdale attractions. Call me or your favorite realtor today to see!

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

Halloween is around the corner, so if you are thinking of turning your home into a spooky haunted house, now is the time to start planning!  Here are some tips for creating a frighteningly fun experience for trick or treaters who come to your house this year:

1. Set the Mood - Your front yard is the ideal place to start with decorations that let your guests know they are in for some scary surprises! Create a creepy cemetery using faux tombstones. Hang scream-inducing masks from trees and shrubs. Use fake spider webs around your porch and front entrance. And to really get people in the right frame of mind, set up some outdoor speakers and play some haunting music! 55 Halloween Songs to Soundtrack Your Spooky Soiree
    
2. Play the Perfect Host - A proper haunted house needs a proper host. Have a family member dress as a witch or a mummy or another scary character of their choice and put them in charge of guiding guests to different parts of the haunted house.
    
3. Decorate Like Crazy! - First, to give your home a haunted feel, you will want it to be cold. If it’s nice and cool outside, open your windows and let the cold air indoors. If it is still warm outside, crank your AC up to provide a chilly ambiance. Put sheets over furniture and windows and keep overhead lights off. Create dim lighting with battery operated candles. Now it’s time to pull out all the stops with décor…spiders, mice, skeletons and ghosts…oh my!
   
4. Trick Your Guests with Illusions - There is nothing more likely to give a good scare than seeing the unexpected. Create illusions that will give your guests a little shock! ILLUSIONS!
   
5. Serve Scary Snacks - Forget caramel apples…try Black Toffee Apples instead and label them “Poison Apples”. Concoct a fizzy, green monster drink with frozen lemonade, Sprite and green food coloring. There are tons of fun recipes for “gory” ways to serve food to your Haunted House guests. Check some out here: Disgusting or Delicious?
   
6. Play Some Ghoulish Games! - Make the night even more fun with some games. You can go old school with bobbing for apples, or you can get more creative - for example, hide gummy worms in a plate of whipped cream and have the kids find them or create a spider web on the wall and play “Pin the Spider on the Web”. 
    
7. Create Mystery Boxes - All you need are some containers and a blindfold and everyone will have fun trying to guess what kind of food is in each “mystery box”. Cooked spaghetti is perfect for brains, corn kernels make great monster teeth, and peeled grapes feel like nice, squishy eyeballs!

These are just a few ideas to help you start to plan a fantastic Halloween Haunted House! 

Happy Haunting!

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: womansday.com, cnet.com, today.com, pinterest

1114 E. Main Street Prattville AL 36066

MLS# 505499 | 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 999 Square Feet | Prattville

If you are looking for a cheerfully cute, clean place to call HOME OR OFFICE, this newly renovated property is your solution! Move-in ready house that features beautiful hardwood floors, fresh paint, a fully equipped all-electric kitchen, granite countertop island, dishwasher and disposal. The new energy efficient heat pump and added insulation will save on utilities, and the roof is only three years old. Washer and dryer connections are in the roomy carport storage room. Huge shaded back yard is partially fenced. Conveniently located near downtown and close to both bases. Check it out today!

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

You may think that the only good debt is NO debt, and that is understandable. But the truth is that if you want to purchase big-ticket items like, for example, a house, you will most likely have to borrow money to do so.  A loan to purchase a home is justifiable; essential even, and provides value while taking on debt. However, there are other forms of debt that can bog you down and make it challenging to manage your money. Let’s take a look at what the differences are between good debt and bad debt.

What is good debt?

You’ve probably heard it said that “it takes money to make money”.  This is the rationale we take in determining what good debt is. If the debt assists you in generating income or building wealth, it can be considered good debt. This debt adds value to your future and benefits you in some way. Here are some examples of things that can be considered good debt:

• Education: Higher education and trade schools may offer greater earning potential. Investing in a college degree or a technical trade may pay for itself within a few years of graduation. However, keep in mind that not all degrees offer the same value, so you should do your research to have an idea of how much you can potentially earn and how long it may take you to pay off your student loans.
   
• Owning Real Estate or a Home: Owning a home can generate income either by renting it out or via resale value. There are also tax breaks that benefit home owners that are not available to renters.
   
• Owning a Business: While starting a business may require a substantial investment, that investment is still considered good debt. There are risks involved, but with hard work, being your own boss can be financially beneficial.
  
• Transportation: Depending upon where you live and work, transportation may be essential. This means possibly investing in a reliable vehicle to get you to and from work. Having a vehicle can open up opportunities for jobs that might not be available to you if you cannot provide your own transportation. But it is vital that you purchase a vehicle within your budget so that your monthly car payment is within your means.

What is Bad Debt?

If you borrow money to purchase things that depreciate in value, this is considered bad debt. In other words, items that either will not increase in value or bring meaningful value to your life are not worth going into debt for.

Here are some examples of bad debt:

• Clothing and Consumables: Clothes may be a necessity, but are often not worth what you pay for them. Food and furniture are also essential, but going out to eat every day or purchasing new furniture frequently are not good ways to live within your means. If you have to use credit to eat out or if you can’t pay off a credit purchase within a short period of time, you may build up a lot of debt which can hurt you financially.
  
• Credit Cards: Credit cards can help you build credit, but they can be dangerous if they are not used properly. If you can’t pay your credit card bill in full monthly, interest and fees will add up quickly, putting you further into debt. In fact, you may end up paying more in interest and fees than you did for the original purchase. It is in your best interest to save credit card use for necessary large purchases or for emergencies.
   
• Transportation: As seen above in the good debt category, having a reliable vehicle may not only be necessary, but can also provide value. However, having a second vehicle or vehicular “toy” of some kind (think boats, four-wheelers) may do a number on your budget. You need to be sure that you can afford another payment before adding something else to your monthly bills. And remember that “needs” should always come before “wants” when determining your budget.

Focus on Good Debt

If you manage your good debt, and have a clear understanding of what construes bad debt you are less likely to get in long term financial trouble.  But remember…even if you don’t have bad debt it is still beneficial to pay off good debt as quickly as possible!  Doing so will help you if /when you are applying for a mortgage or other loans in the future.

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!

Photo Credits: revenuesandprofits.com, money.com, autoversed.com, usatoday.com, debt.com