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Displaying blog entries 401-410 of 1998

Home Pricing Myths That Can Hurt Your Sale

Wednesday, September 16, 2020
by The Hat Team


When you are putting your home on the market to sell, your top priority may be money. As in, how much money can you get for your house? And it should be. Owning a home is likely the largest financial investment you will ever make and it is only natural that you want to get the most profit possible when you sell.  Setting the right asking price can mean the difference between selling quickly or having your home languish on the market for months. The following myths can be harmful when trying to decide on the best price to ask for your house:

  1. YOU’LL GET A BETTER OFFER IF YOU WAIT -  Receiving an offer right away when you list your house can give you a false sense of confidence that it is a hot commodity. You may think that if this buyer was willing to make an offer so quickly, then surely many other people will be interested in your property as well.  But the truth is, you might not get another offer…at all, let alone for more money.  With no other offers guaranteed, it may be in your best interest to accept the first offer if it is a fair one. Do You Accept the First Offer on Your Home, Or Wait and See?
     
  2. YOU SHOULD LEAVE ROOM TO NEGOTIATE WHEN PRICING YOUR HOME You want top dollar for your home. Of course you do! But overpricing it, thinking that will leave room for you to accept a lower offer, may backfire on you. Buyers might see the high price and not even bother looking at the property. And if you keep dropping the price, buyers might wonder what is wrong with the place.  Price it fairly to begin with and you are more likely to achieve a successful, profitable sale.
     
  3. YOUR HOME IS WORTH MORE THAN YOUR REALTOR SAYS IT IS -  An experienced, professional Realtor will be able to tell you how much your home is worth based on the current market. You should trust your Realtor. While online estimates might tell you that your home is worth more (yay!) or less (boo!) than your Realtor states, they are likely not accurate. Trust your Realtor over the internet. It is as simple as that.
     
  4. YOU CAN GET BUYERS TO PAY FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS YOU MADE IN ORDER TO SELL -  While some home improvements have a better return on investment (ROI) than others, you are not likely to get back all that you spend getting your house ready for the market. It is wise to educate yourself about which home improvements will help you sell, which will get you a better ROI than others, and which might not be worth bothering. The Best (and Worst) Projects for Your Home's Resale Value
     
  5. REDUCING THE ASKING PRICE IS A SIGN OF WEAKNESS -  Nobody wants to drop the asking price of a home. But it is important to remember that time is money. And if time is passing and nobody is showing any interest in your home, you are still stuck paying the mortgage, taxes and insurance. This will be especially stressful if you have already purchased a new home. Lowering your price a little may be all it takes to generate interest and who knows? You might end up getting your original asking price anyway!

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: orthodonticslimited.com

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3146 Malone Dr: Tons Of Space and Tons of Storage!

Wednesday, September 16, 2020
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale:

3146 Malone Dr, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 479667 | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 2,163 Square Feet | Hillwood

3146 Malone Dr

This one level, end-unit home in Midtown Montgomery is larger than most on the street, and has tons of storage! The great room has a wet bar, stone fireplace and plenty of space for all the furniture you don't want to leave behind when you downsize. The formal dining room is big enough for your table and china cabinet, and the eat-in kitchen has room for a breakfast table & chairs. The large sun room off the kitchen overlooks a private enclosed courtyard with nice planting beds for gardening. A half bath off sun room has additional storage for holiday decorations. The attached covered garage with a rear entry from alleyway provides off street parking and easy covered entry into the home. The bedrooms have low maintenance wood floors and lots of closet space!

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

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3127 Mastin Lane: Great Investment Opportunity!

Tuesday, September 15, 2020
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale:

3127 Mastin Lane, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 479794 | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,172 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewilde

3127 Mastin Lane

Virtual Tour

Great investment and income producing property in the heart of the Cloverdale/Idlewilde neighborhood in Midtown Montgomery. Each of the two units has hardwood floors, large living/dining room combo, and updated kitchen with two bedrooms and a bath upstairs. Both units also have a covered back porch and a rear deck with a nice back yard area. Each unit currently rents for $750 per month. Perfect for young professionals, college students, or live on one side and let your tenant pay your mortgage!

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

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2284 Carter Hill Rd: A Beautiful Remodel

Saturday, September 12, 2020
by The Hat Team

2284 Carter Hill Rd, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 479398

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,156 Square Feet | Country Club Estates

Virtual Tour

Another beautiful remodel done by Clayton Mitchell. This is a great house at a great price, right in the heart of Midtown Montgomery. Close to Cloverdale, Huntingdon, ASU, Zelda Rd shopping and a growing Downtown! A very spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a fully renovated kitchen complete with new custom countertops, new sink, new flooring, new plumbing, new cabinets, new vent hood and SO MUCH MORE! The back den area is a separate entertainment space that is very large and features new flooring, new drywall ceiling, new blinds, new paint and more. The former Jack and Jill bathroom has been converted and renovated to make a true master bathroom off the master bedroom. Master bathroom updates include a new toilet, new shower and shower door, new trim and new shelving. The exterior has been tastefully repainted and cedar shutters have been added. The backyard backs up to a city park that is well maintained as well as a potential BBQ PIT off the back of the house. There is fresh paint throughout and all hardwood floors have been refinished. Also a new dishwasher and refrigerator. TOO MANY UPDATES TO LIST. Give me a call or txt to go see!

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

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House Hunting? Don’t Let These Features Keep You From Buying

Wednesday, September 9, 2020
by The Hat Team


So, you’ve decided to buy a house. Chances are you have a good idea of what you want, and an even better idea of what you don’t want.  With all these ideas in your mind, looking at houses can become overwhelming.  While there are a lot of things that can be deal breakers for buying a home, there are some things that are not as bad as they seem. If you have found a home that is otherwise right for you, here are some things to look past when making your decision to buy:

  • FUNKY WALLPAPER AND UGLY PAINT - A house that is move-in ready is great, but sometimes the perfect house just needs a little TLC.  Wallpaper can be removed and a new coat of paint can do wonders to improve the look of a home that has good bones.  These small cosmetic changes do not have to break the bank. So, try to ignore the weird wallpaper and unfortunate paint jobs and keep in mind that this is a DIY project you can handle! How to Remove Wallpaper
     
  • HOW A ROOM IS USED - The people currently living in the home might be using rooms in ways that you do not care for.  For example, maybe they have converted their formal dining room into a playroom for their children. Or perhaps they needed and office more than a guest bedroom.  Just because they have the home arranged that way, does not mean that you must keep it that way.  Try to overlook the way they have the rooms set up and picture the way you would use them.  It might be challenging for you to “see” it, but if this is your dream house, you don’t want to let something this minor stop you from buying it. 25 Smart, Inspiring Ways to Use a Spare Bedroom
     
  • DIRTY CARPET -  Ugh…there is nothing worse than nasty, worn out carpeting in a house. But if you love everything else about a home, do not let dirty carpet be a deal breaker for you.  Like wallpaper and paint, it is easily replaced.  Often, you can even negotiate for new carpet (or the cost of it) in your offer.  If the owner is anxious to sell, they just might be willing to replace the carpet for you.
     
  • THE OWNERS’ BELONGINGS - While many Realtors recommend that sellers remove as many personal items as possible before showing their home, not all sellers comply. A lot of “stuff” can be very distracting and make it difficult to really see the house as your own. But if the house is everything you are looking for - right location, right size, right style etc., do not let all that stuff ruin it for you. Look past all their clutter and try to picture the space with your furniture and belongings. 

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: thehouseshop.com

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Happy Labor Day!

Monday, September 7, 2020
by The Hat Team

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Turning Your Home into a Peaceful Haven

Wednesday, September 2, 2020
by The Hat Team


​Life these days is far from normal.  Many of us are staying home more than usual in order to stay as safe as possible and that means “home” can start to feel isolating. Do 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. 15 Calming Paint Colors to Help You Chill Out
     
  • 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. But as it gets dark out, instead of turning on a blazing overhead light, trying using string lights, candles, lamps and lanterns for a soft glow. How Lighting Affects Mood
     
  • 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. Twenty-four Outdoor Water Feature Ideas
     
  • 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!

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: Roberto Nickson/unsplash.com

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A Guide for Purchasing a Home Together When You Are Not Married

Wednesday, August 26, 2020
by The Hat Team


A couple does not have to be joined in matrimony to buy a home together, but it is important to understand that you are still making a huge commitment.  And being unmarried does present some challenges for home buyers.  So, before you begin your home search, here are some important things for you to consider:

SHARING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

If you’re going to buy a home together, then you need to be transparent with each other regarding your finances.  You do not want to meet with a lender only to be blindsided by something that your partner did not share with you.  So, it is vital that you review all of your financial history with your partner, including your Credit Score, income, and any debts that are tied to your name.  By doing this, you will not only be able to determine if you both have good credit, but you will also get an idea of how much house you can afford together.

HOW YOU ARE GOING TO SPLIT EXPENSES

You might already be living together, in which case you may have a system in place for who pays what living expenses.  But things can be more complicated with a mortgage in the picture.  You need to discuss this before you start the home buying process. The first thing you need to figure out is how you are going to split the down payment and closing costs when you buy a home together.  And if you will be living together for the first time, it would be smart to discuss how you will split the monthly bills including your mortgage, utilities, and home maintenance. What if there is need for a costly, emergency repair? You may want to consider opening a joint bank account that exists only to cover home expenses.  It is also a good idea to meet with a real estate attorney so you can get everything in writing and have a legally binding contract just in case things do not work out down the road. Unmarried Couples and Property: Basics

EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT OWNERSHIP OPTIONS

You are buying a home together and splitting the expenses, but whose name is going to be on the title?  This is something that requires serious thought because it can have a significant impact on your future. There are three options to choose from:

  • Joint Tendency - Property is owned equally and if something happens to one owner, the second owner automatically inherits the other’s stake and becomes sole owner of the property.
  • Tendency in Common - Each partner owns a pre-determined percentage of the property. Should something happen to one or the other, the ownership interest would go to whomever is specified in a living will, will, or trust. If none of those are in place, the interest in the property would go to the next of kin and not to the significant other. Living Will vs Living Trust
  • Sole Owner - For some couples it might make more sense for one person to have full ownership of the home even though you are splitting expenses. For example, if one person has poor credit and will not qualify for a mortgage loan, then the person getting the loan would be the sole owner of the home.

Determining ownership should not be taken lightly.  It is probably the most important decision you will make when buying a home with someone you are not married to.  Keep in mind that if you are splitting the costs of the home, but you are not on the title, you probably won’t be able to enjoy the tax perks of being a home owner.

LOOK FORWARD

Whether you are married or not, everyone should think about where you see yourself in 3 to 5 years.  There is a lot to consider.  Do you have job stability?  Is it possible you will need to move soon?  Do you want to start a family?  These are just a few questions to ask yourself before taking on the commitment of home ownership.  It is crucial that you have a heart-to-heart talk with your partner about your future before you start your home search!

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: thebalance.com

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School-Day Lunch Preparation 101

Wednesday, August 19, 2020
by The Hat Team


It’s that time of year again. Back to school. Whether your children are headed back to their school, or you have set up a classroom at home, it is important to maintain a routine. And that includes preparing healthy, nutritious lunches. Curb chaotic mornings by organizing your kitchen in a way that makes lunch prep a breeze!  The following tips will help:

  1.  MAKE A LIST

Do not just wing it.By creating a menu of items that you will use for your kids’ lunches, you will not only save time in the mornings (because you will not spend time trying to decide what to pack in their lunch bag), you will also have a handy, dandy shopping list for when you go grocery shopping.Here are some school lunch ideas to get you started. School Lunch Ideas

  1. MAKE YOUR FRIDGE LUNCH BOX FRIENDLY

Organize the space in your refrigerator to make lunch prep quick and easy.Clear plastic bins with labels can be used to divide things up by type of food/drink or by day of the week.Experiment with these ideas and find the one that works best for you. Organizing Your Fridge

  1. CREATE A STAGING CENTER

Have a designated spot in the kitchen for lunch prep.A basket or bin for lunch bags/boxes will mean that you will never be frantically searching for them in the morning.Have your kids empty them of containers/trash when they get home from school and place them in the designated area. Keep containers handy and make sure you have enough counter space to accommodate everything you will need.

  1. HAVE A SUPPLY STATION

Clean out a drawer or cabinet near your staging center and keep all your lunch prep supplies in one spot.Stock up on baggies, containers, napkins, straws, plastic utensils, foil, saran wrap etc.

  1. STOCK PANTRY WITH “SCHOOL LUNCH ONLY” ITEMS

Avoid the frustration of going to grab something for your child’s lunch only to discover there is none left.Create an area in your pantry that is only for school lunches.An over-the-door hanging shoe rack is a great space-saver and can be used to store school snacks.

Whether you prepare your children’s lunches, or you have them do it themselves, being organized will make the process easier and quicker.

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: pinterest.com

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440 Martha Street: Open Floor Plan Cottage

Monday, August 17, 2020
by The Hat Team

440 Martha Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104

MLS# 476997

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,891 sqft | Cottage Hill

Play VisualTour

 

Hurry, new listing in Cottage Hill! This circa 1900 shot gun style cottage has a open floor plan with a modern feel. From the large covered front porch, you can see straight through to the back deck, making entertaining a breeze. Formal living room, huge dining room, updated kitchen with large granite island, and family room/den with new french doors looking out to the deck and lovely back yard. Master suite has been updated with a new tile shower, a walk in closet and a laundry room! Two other nice sized bedrooms and a large utility room/pantry off the hall. The original heart pine floors are gorgeous! Make your appointment today! 

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