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Displaying blog entries 381-390 of 1998

507 Mercer Dr: Beautiful Home for Every Stage of Life!

by The Hat Team

Prattville AL Real Estate For Sale:

507 Mercer Dr, Prattville AL 36066

Beautiful Home for Every Stage of Life!

MLS#483654 | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 3,489 Square Feet | Glennbrooke

507 Mercer Dr

Virtual Tour

BRAND NEW Morningside II J Plan on an awesome lot! Just completed, never lived in. This plan pairs expert space planning with a long list of desirables and numerous upgrades throughout, and the result is a beautiful home for nearly every phase of life. The welcoming feel starts on the covered front porch when you open the double front doors and enter into a long foyer entryway with upgraded wainscoting and leads you to a breathtaking view of the vast great room. The corner fireplace will immediately catch your eye, but the sprawling hardwoods and wall of windows will secure your admiration for this space. The kitchen's center island is a showstopper with a show-stopping built-in wine rack, bookshelves and includes many upgrades like a farmhouse sink, granite countertops, gas stovetop, pot filler and a large pantry. Off the kitchen is a flexible space showered with natural light that would make a great breakfast room, office/study or den. From the great room you can step out onto the covered patio with built-in gas fireplace perfect for watching football on chilly nights in the fall. The massive master suite occupies one side of the main level and offers a modern take on coffered ceilings and an adjoining sitting room, perfect for privacy. The flawless master bath centers around a free-standing soaking tub and offers a huge walk -in closet. The three additional bedrooms and two full bathrooms are found off of the main entryway, each with their own walk-in closet. The stairway in the foyer leads to a large bonus room and full bathroom, perfect for a 5th bedroom, media room/man cave. The mud room has built in cubbies, perfect for backpacks and jackets, and is conveniently next to the laundry room and right off of the garage. You don't have to wait, this new home is ready right now!

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

2095 S Hull Street: Charming Garden District Home!

by The Hat Team

MIdtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

2095 S Hull Street, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS 483879 | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,750 Square Feet | Garden District

Charming Garden District Home!

Virtual Tour

Welcome to a charming English Tudor in the Historic Garden District! The pride of ownership definitely shows in this meticulously maintained, move-in ready home. With two living areas and two beautiful sunrooms, let your imagination create the perfect spaces to fit your family's needs. The heart of the house is a huge central hallway that provides privacy in the split floorplan and leads to each spacious light filled room, all with gorgeous hard wood floors! The kitchen layout makes it super easy when cooking, prepping and cleaning with the 14 ft long stainless countertop. The bathrooms have plenty of storage and are a perfect blend of old house charm with a modern feel. The master bath has an extra long vanity and a huge laundry closet. There's also double outdoor living space with the covered deck and patio below. You won't believe what you will find behind the brick privacy wall - a double garage! Situated on a lovely corner lot and walking distance to restaurants, shopping and churches. Come see for yourself today!

 

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

7 Kitchen Essentials Every Home Needs

by The Hat Team


Whether you enjoy cooking or not, it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the various tools, appliances and contraptions that collect on your kitchen counters and in your cabinets. The truth is, you probably do not need much of what you have collected over time.  Here is a list of seven kitchen essentials that every kitchen needs:

  • Chef’s Knife - One knife that features a straight blade capable of cutting everything from meat to vegetables to cheese is a must have for every cook. Look for a knife that is light-weight and durable with a slip resistant handle. With the right knife, slicing and dicing will be comfortable and safe. Top 5 Chef's Knives of 2020
     
  • Cutting Board - Look for a quality carving board that can be used for cutting meats and poultry. Professional chefs most often recommend plastic cutting boards because they are durable and will last a long time. In addition, they can be washed easily by hand and are dishwasher safe. However, they can be harder on knives than wood or bamboo. 13 Best Cutting Boards 2020
     
  • Peeler - If you cook with a lot of fresh veggies, a good peeler is a must! This prep tool should be sharp and easy to maneuver. Look for one that has a comfortable handle. The Top 5 Vegetable Peelers to Make Your Life Easier
     
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons - When you are following a recipe, you will want precise measurements. That means you will want a nice set of measuring cups and spoons. Look for them in stainless steel with riveted handles for a better grip. The Best Measuring Cups for 2020
     
  • Stand Mixer - While pricy, a quality stand mixer just might be your best friend in the kitchen! You can prepare just about anything with this powerful appliance that can tackle any job from kneading dough to whipping cream. 10 Best Stand Mixers for 2020
     
  • Baking Sheet - The right baking sheet can make all the difference in how your baked goods turn out. Find a sheet that can cook everything from cookies to fries to vegetables. Remember that there is a difference between cookie sheets and baking sheets.  A quality baking sheet will cook evenly and give you great results! The Best Baking Sheet for 2020
     
  • Skillets - Skillets are very versatile and can be used to prepare a plethora of recipes. Since you will likely be using a skillet frequently, it will pay off to invest in a top-of-the-line option. You will want one that provides even heat distribution and excellent heat retention. The 9 Best Skillets of 2020

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: wisecredit.com

Happy Veteran's Day!

by The Hat Team

It happened on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. An armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

To all veterans of all branches: Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for us all. In short, thank you for your service! To all those who have served, and those who continue to serve… Happy Veterans Day!

Post-Hurricane Inspection Guide

by The Hat Team


Zeta, the 27th storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, wreaked havoc in our neck of the woods, and hopefully your home survived with no apparent damage. But it is still important that you take the time to carefully look at your house and examine it for damage such as missing shingles or vents plugged by wind-blown debris.  Here is a list of things you should do to complete a post-hurricane home inspection:

  1. Check your roof for visible damage. Look carefully at valleys where the roof planes intersect and check anything that comes up through the roof, such as vent stacks. Roof Inspection Tips
  2. View your dryer vent outlet.  Use a flashlight to see if it is clogged with debris from the storm. Remove any debris that you find.
  3. Inspect furnace vents that run directly through the wall.  Look for damage and clogs, especially bits of shattered leaves hurled into it by hurricane force winds.
  4. Check gutters and downspouts. They can come loose if a strong wind catches them.  This can result in them eventually swinging loose and doing some real damage. Clean them out if they are clogged.
  5. Examine your air conditioning unit for damage.  Before you turn your unit on you want to be sure that nothing is damaged. 
  6. Look at your home’s electrical service entrance.  If it is sagging or leaning, contact an electrician immediately.
  7. Make sure your fence is still standing.  Take a walk around the perimeter of your fence and push it to check for storm-weakened sections. 
  8. Observe any large trees you have on your property. You may want to consider having them removed if they are a possible threat to your home in future storms.

When examining your home after a hurricane or storm, document and take photos of any damage that you find. This will make the insurance claims process much easier. How to File an Insurance Claim After a Natural Disaster

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: insurancejournal.com

Its Time to "Fall Back"!

by The Hat Team

Have a Spooktacular Halloween!

by The Hat Team

Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing a Home

by The Hat Team


Buying a house is a HUGE decision, but once you have made it, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing your new home. Do not let that excitement overshadow common sense. Do your homework and be sure you know what you are doing so that you can avoid costly mistakes. Also, take advantage of the expertise of an experienced Realtor like Sandra Nickel and allow her to guide you through the process.  Here are some common home buying mistakes that you will want to avoid:

  • Falling in love with a photo. Don’t do it. Pictures are worth a thousand words, but they do not tell you everything! Keep in mind that online real estate tools are great and keep improving. And home sellers work hard to show their home in the best possible way to impress potential buyers. So, if you see what you think is your dream house online, don’t get attached until you see it in person!
     
  • Starting your home search before getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan. You will be so disappointed if you find the perfect home but lose out on it because another buyer with a pre-approval was more enticing to the seller. Sellers want a sure thing and know that someone who is pre-approved, and knows how much they can afford, will likely have no problems obtaining a mortgage loan. Five Things You Need to Be Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
     
  • Neglecting to budget for home maintenance. If you are going to be a first-time homeowner, you might not realize how expensive a house can be. With furnishing, decorating, landscaping and maintenance you can spend a big chunk of change. That doesn’t even take into account repairs you may need to make. So, keep that in mind when creating a budget to determine how much house you can afford.
     
  • Going over budget. Being house poor is no fun. You will feel trapped in your home if you have to use too much of your income to pay for it. Be sure to set a budget for yourself that will allow you to maintain an enjoyable lifestyle…then stick to it!
     
  • Failing to negotiate. This is one area where having a Professional Realtor on your side will pay off. They are expert negotiators and understand the nuances of real estate transactions. 
     
  • Assuming a listing agent is your agent too. A listing agent will certainly assist you in purchasing a home they have listed, but remember, they represent the seller’s interest, not yours. Listing Agents and Selling Agents - What's the Difference?
     
  • Skipping the inspection. Big mistake! It is imperative that you hire an insured, professional inspector. They might discover a flaw in the home that could cost you a bundle down the road.
     
  • Buying the “biggest and best” house in the neighborhood. If you fall in love with a neighborhood, consider purchasing a smaller or more modest home because it will be more challenging to sell and get a good return on investment on the biggest, fanciest home.

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: nerdwallet.com

Halloween Safety for 2020

by The Hat Team


Halloween is going to feel a little different this year. But that does not mean it can’t still be fun! The CDC has released guidelines for keeping everyone safe while trick or treating:

  • Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
  • Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
  • Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
  • Wash hands before handling treats.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Try to say 6 feet away from people who do not live with you.
  • Bring hand sanitizer along while trick-or-treating and wash hands thoroughly when you get home and before eating treats.

If you don’t feel safe with trick-or treating, don’t despair! There are lots of other ways to have spooky fun on Halloween:

However you choose to celebrate Halloween this year, please follow the guidelines from Alabama Public Health to keep you and your family as safe 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: outschool.com

Negotiating for the Best Deal When Buying or Selling a House

by The Hat Team


Negotiation is important in the world of real estate because the truth of the matter is, if you do not ask…you do not get. While sellers want the highest price and buyers want a bargain, they must meet somewhere in the middle for the deal to close. Negotiating is a vital part of selling or buying a home because it is the largest asset people own and there is a lot of money at stake. Here are some guidelines for what sellers and buyers might ask for in real estate negotiations:

  • Price

Negotiating the best price means different things for sellers and buyers.  The seller wants the highest price and the buyer wants to pay as little as possible.  For a successful transaction, they must compromise and come up with a price that is acceptable to both.

  • Closing Costs

Prepaid closing costs are paid by buyers for their mortgage. These are funds that the mortgage lender holds in escrow for expenses like taxes and insurance.  A buyer may ask a seller to cover some or all their closing costs either with a flat dollar amount or up to a percentage of what is an allowable contribution for a lender. If a buyer asks the seller to do this, they are likely going to pay a higher asking price. Escrow:  What is it and How Does it Work?

  • Closing Date

Sometimes sellers want to get out of a home quickly because they need the capital from that house they are selling to put toward a new real estate purchase. The closing date will also affect the buyer’s monthly cash-flow because when a buyer closes on a house, they skip the next month’s mortgage payment. Therefore they may want to negotiate to close at the beginning of a month.

  • Financing Contingencies

When there is a financing contingency in place for a real estate transaction, it can tie up a seller’s property for a required 30 to 60 days.  For this reason, many sellers prefer buyers coming to the table with cash offers. If you are competing with cash buyers, you may want to figure out if you can drop the financial contingency, which will shorten the closing time line. You can do this by getting pre-approved for a home loan prior to making an offer.  Mortgage preapproval shows that your finances are in order and you can afford the home. 5 Things You Need to be Pre-approved for a Mortgage

  • Home Warranty

As a buyer, you can request a home warranty. As a seller, you can offer one. This home protection plan covers things like appliances and systems such as the hot water heater or air conditioning, in the event they need repair or replacement.

  • Leaseback

The moving process is stressful and labor intensive.  Sometimes a seller will need extra time to get into their new home. When this happens, buyers can offer a zero-cost rent-back for 30 to 90 days to persuade the seller to accept their offer over others. 

  • Home Repairs

With a home that needs a lot of updating there comes ample opportunity for negotiation. Buyers need to consider the cost of bringing the home up to current standards and use the estimate of that cost to request a lower asking price. The seller, on the other hand, can specify that the house is being sold “as is” and not offer any repairs.

  • Appraisal Contingency

A seller can push for a buyer to waive the appraisal contingency,  however, if for some reason the appraisal falls short of the expected amount, they need to be prepared for the amount of cash they might have to pay should the bank only be willing to lend them money based on the appraised value. Understanding the Appraisal Contingency

  • Furniture

Personal property such as patio furniture, window treatments and chandeliers is all up for grabs. The buyer can ask for these things to be included in the contract. Sellers need to determine what they are willing to leave behind. And any exclusions need to be specifically listed in the contract as well.

  • Appliances

Depending on the market, sellers don’t always leave every appliance for the buyer.  They may include the dishwasher, stove and built in microwave in the contract but not the refrigerator, washer and dryer. Sometimes they don’t want to give everything away up front so that they can use these as items for negotiation.

  • Condo/Co-op Assessments

These are fees that are used to maintain common areas in a community. If there is an open assessment, it can become a negotiation between the buyer and seller as to who will pay 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: grenadabroadcast.com

Displaying blog entries 381-390 of 1998

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