Real Estate Information

They say that a cluttered environment leads to a cluttered mind. Clutter overloads your senses, just like multi-tasking overloads your brain. And overloaded anything leads to stress and anxiety. And with everything going on in our world right now, the last thing anyone needs is more stress and anxiety! With that in mind, here are some simple, inexpensive ways to hide the clutter in your home, leading to less mess and less stress! The Cost of Clutter in Your Life

• Use toilet paper rolls to store cables and cords. This is a great way to keep your cables and cords organized.  Simply wrap them around your fingers, stuff them into the toilet paper rolls, then place them in a basket, container or drawer. You can even label what each cable/cord is for on the toilet paper roll!
   
• Put shelves in the corners. Corner shelving not only looks nice, but it is a great space saver.  Put those empty corners to use and utilize shelves to hold books, plants, toiletries or anything you may want to display.
   
• Take advantage of the space under your beds.  Invest in some under-the-bed storage and you will be amazed at how much you can “hide” under there!  It’s a great place to store out of season clothing, extra sheets and towels and anything else you want out of sight.
   
• Get shoes out of the way by purchasing a shoe cabinet. If your family removes shoes when entering the house, you can end up with footwear scattered everywhere. A shoe cabinet in the foyer or entryway will provide an attractive piece of furniture that will keep the floor free of shoes.
   
• Choose furniture that will double as storage.  For example, many ottomans open and have space to store things like blankets, pillows, magazines etc.  You can also find end tables that have drawers and shelves, or a chest-style coffee table that has storage inside.
   
• Use a vanity tool holder in your bathroom.  It’s easy to let a bathroom get cluttered; especially if you have a small vanity with little space.  You can get many items off the counter by using a vanity tool holder that hangs on the door under the sink. Hair Tool Storage
   
• Create multi-level storage by using a decorative cake stand in your bathroom.  Depending on the number of levels on the cake stand you can have up to three times the space for your personal hygiene and make up items.
   
• Do you have a tiny shower?  If you have no room in your shower for your shampoo, conditioner and soap, try using a shower curtain with pockets.  This will prevent you from having to place your shower items on a surface outside the shower.

Use these easy hacks and destress by decluttering!

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: wbfj.fm

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 3144 Le Bron Rd, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 474491 | 5 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2981 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

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You will find plenty of room to spread out in this nearly 3,000 square foot home in Midtown Montgomery! Whether it's a growing family, or multigenerational, there is space for everyone. A cozy sunroom welcomes you upon entrance and is the perfect spot for morning coffee. Spacious living and dining rooms afford entertaining spaces for friends and family, while the large den/family room off the kitchen is the perfect spot for more intimate family time. With two bedrooms and a bath downstairs and another three bedrooms and two baths up, plus plenty of storage space. A mudroom off the kitchen serves as pantry area, with space for a stand up freezer and an additional refrigerator, and access to laundry area. There is a big deck off the back of the house for outdoor living. Located in the heart of historic Cloverdale/Idlewild and convenient to parks, dining, and entertainment!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team. Lean more on our About page.

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 1286 S Lawrence St, Montgomery AL 36014

MLS# 463343 | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1909 Square Feet | Garden District

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Here is a great opportunity for a nice fix-and-flip! Situated on a corner lot in the middle of the historic Garden District in Midtown Montgomery, this three bedroom 2 bath home oozes potential, and there is a guest cottage out back that could provide rental income as well. Noted structural issues and obvious condition issues. Short sale, so patience is required to move on this opportunity!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team! Visit our About Page.

House hunting can be overwhelming sometimes, especially when beginning the search for your first home. Chances are you might get caught up in the process and important details might slip by you. While the number of rooms, condition of the kitchen, and size of the yard are important, there are other things to consider before you make an offer.  This list of things to look for can help get your search off to the right start.

Location

They say that the 3 most important things to look for when buying a home are location, location, location! While a home might not be perfect, loving your neighborhood and neighbors can make all the difference in living with imperfection.  And face it…you can change almost anything about your house, but you can’t change its location or the people living nearby.  When you go house hunting, make sure to consider the home’s proximity to your work, the appeal of the neighborhood, where in the neighborhood the home is situated, ease of access, noise from neighbors, traffic, pets and access to parks, shopping, schools and public transportation. The 5 Factors of a "Good" Location

Home Placement

Beyond location, look at how the home is situated.  If the home is on a hill does it have a view, a walkout basement, or lots of stairs to climb? Do neighbors' windows look directly into the home? Is the yard suitable for kids, pets, gardening, or other uses? Is their safe access to the home? These are all important questions to ask yourself when determining if it is the right property for you.

Check Out the Neighborhood

While it’s important for your house to meet your expectations, it’s equally important that the neighborhood meets them too. Take a drive around the development you are interested in on weekdays and weekends, during the day and in the evening.  Are the homes in good repair? Are yards kept clean and tidy?  Is the neighborhood safe enough for people to walk, run or bike?  Are there children playing outdoors?

Consider a Home’s Curb Appeal

You want a home that is going to reflect your lifestyle. Do you live a    casual, laid-back life? Then you probably won’t want a formal Victorian or Tudor style home.  A simple, contemporary home might better suit you.  Pay close attention to exterior features.  Think about maintenance.  For example, a brick home is easier to maintain than one with siding.  Do you like working in the yard?  If not, you might not want a house with extensive landscaping.  Is the roof in good condition?  Attention to detail will help you choose the home with the best curb appeal for you. The Importance of Curb Appeal

Size and Floor Plan

You may be thinking about buying your dream home. But is your dream home practical?  Do you need 4 bedrooms and 4 baths when you live alone? A spacious home may provide the extra room you've always wanted for a home office or a theater room, but you'll pay higher heating bills and have higher taxes. Additionally, it will take more furniture to furnish and money to decorate. Think about how the new home space will be used and whether it will fit your lifestyle now and in the future.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need and only    look at homes that meet that criteria.  You don’t want to fall in love with what is otherwise a perfect house if it doesn’t provide the space needed for your family.  It is smart to consider counting an extra bedroom in that number so that you have extra space for a home office or guest room. If you think you might add on to the home later, make sure you consult an architect who can advise you on space planning and regulations.

The Kitchen

For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Don’t settle for a home with a kitchen that doesn’t work for you.  Yes, you can remodel later, but at great expense.  If it is an easy fix like replacing cabinets or countertops, get a price quote before committing to the house so that you will know if it is within your budget to take that on.

Closets and Storage

Older homes often have small closets and lack storage space.  As you’re looking at a home ask yourself where you will store your belongings. Tiny closets don’t have to be a deal breaker.  There are ways to maximize storage without renovations. Newer homes tend to have lots of storage and you may sacrifice living space while having more closet space than you need.

Windows and Lighting

While looking at a home keep in mind your preferences regarding light and privacy.  Do you want a lot of windows to provider bright, sunny rooms?  Pay attention to the locations of electrical outlets and fixtures to make sure they will meet your lighting needs.

Finishing Touches

Even a simple home can look spectacular with the right moldings, hardware, and a fireplace.  If elements like these are important to you, look for them while house hunting. 

You may not find everything you want in one house, but keep this list handy and you are more likely to find the home that best suits your needs and desires.  Happy House Hunting!

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: consumerreports.org

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 3104 Hull St, Montgomery AL 36105

MLS# 474910 | 2  Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths | 2,20 SF | South Hull District 

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Absolutely stunning cottage in pristine condition! Situated on a corner lot, this lovely home was renovated in 2016 with a totally new kitchen, a laundry room addition and a half bath addition. It truly has a modern feel with the open floor plan and high ceilings. It flows beautifully from the living room to a step-up area perfect for an office or a reading room, to the dining room that's open to the gorgeous kitchen. The bedrooms are huge and can be closed off at the hallway. The stone patio is adorable and overlooks a great back yard. Other fabulous features are the new appliances, a tank-less water heater, redone hard wood floors and the usable one car garage! Check out this wonderful Midtown Montgomery house today before it's gone!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Layfield, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

With Independence Day approaching, you probably have red, white and blue on your mind! If you want to serve a July 4^th meal with the appropriate celebratory colors, use these colorful, healthy fruits and vegetables!

STRAWBERRIES

These ruby red treasures are filled with vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, potassium and manganese.  They are also low in calories and are sodium, fat and cholesterol free!  And they taste like a guilt-free sweet treat! Make them extra special on Independence Day with this fun recipe: Red, White & Blue Strawberries

Photo Credit: thespruceeats.com

RADISHES

Packed with vitamins E, A, C, B6 and K as well as potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, calcium, iron and manganese, red radishes are a wonderful option for your festive 4^th of July meal! This Crunch Garden Salsa made with crisp radishes and cucumbers will be the hit of the party…serve with blue tortilla chips for a special touch!

Photo Credit: delish.com

PEARS

Did you know that pears can actually help manage prediabetes?  Antioxidants found in pears help prevent rapid carb digestion that can cause blood-sugar spikes.  Raw pears are great for sweetening bitter salads, and poached pears are a yummy dessert.  Try this pear recipe for your Independence Day gathering: Pear Salad With Dried Cherries and Candied Walnuts

Photo Credit: minimalistbaker.com

CAULIFLOWER

Don’t let the mild taste of cauliflower fool you. It is full of vitamins and minerals! One cup of raw cauliflower contains 77% RDA vitamin C, dietary fiber, protein, vitamin K and potassium. And it’s only 25 calories!! Riced cauliflower is fantastic as a substitute for carb heavy white rice. And cauliflower crust on a pizza saves you lots of calories!  Here is a fun cauliflower appetizer recipe for July 4^th: Buffalo Cauliflower

Photo Credit: wholesomeyum.com

BLUEBERRIES

These scrumptious treats are packed with nutrients! Low in calories and high in fiber, they also have antioxidants which play a role in preventing cell damage and reducing the risk of chronic disease.  Try this delectable blueberry recipe for your July 4^th gathering: Cape Cod Blueberry Pie

Photo Credit: tasteofhome.com

BLACKBERRIES

They may be called blackberries but these sweet treats are actually dark blue and offer several health benefits.  One cup of blackberries has nearly 8 grams of fiber, 40% RDA for manganese, and 34% RDA for vitamin C.  This same serving also provides 24% RDA for Vitamin K which is necessary for blood clotting and plays an important part in bone health. For a unique Independence Day entrée try this recipe for Blackberry Glazed Chicken

Photo Credit: countryliving.com

Whatever you decide to serve on July 4^th this year, we hope you are able to spend the day celebrating with family and friends.  Happy Independence Day!

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!

Have you been thinking about painting some rooms in your home?  You may want to keep in mind that the colors in your home can have a huge effect on your moods. The shade of your walls has been show to affect emotions. For example, there are certain colors that will bring you down; ones that will help you relax; and even some that will suppress your appetite. Room Color and How it Affects Your Mood

Here are some color ideas for you that will promote a joyful environment:

Yellow for HAPPINESS

Yellow is a natural source of positive energy and sparks feelings of happiness. Shades of yellow can also activate metabolism and boost thinking. Be careful with how much you use though, because yellow can also be fatiguing to the eyes if overused or overly bright.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Sky Blue for RENEWAL

Pale blues are calming and help to restore natural rhythms.  Sleeping well contributes to productivity and overall well-being.  Calming blues have soothing and restorative qualities that help you rest better.

Photo Credit: decorpad.com

Violet Black for MINDFULNESS

While it may appear dark and moody, a hidden undertone of violet in a dark background draws you in and provides a sense of escape and relaxation.  This color also creates a space for focus and reflection.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Yellow-Green for OPTIMISM

This combination of green and yellow captures the essence of spring’s first bloom and the anticipation of renewal.  These colors bring positive energy into a space and stimulate personal growth.

Photo Credit: houzz.com

Silver-Sage for BALANCE

The blend of sage green and silvery gray provides balance and harmony.  These are the perfect colors for a peaceful, refreshing and tranquil living space.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

For more color ideas, check out: Eight Paint Colors That Promote Wellness at Home

Whether you plan to paint for your own health and happiness, or you’re sprucing your house up to put it on the market, choosing the right colors can make all the difference in the world!

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!

Montgomery AL Real Estate: 1217 S Lawrence St, Montgomery AL 36014

MLS# 474213

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,472 Square Feet | Garden District

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This adorable Garden District cottage pines for a new owner that will love it as much as the current owners have for over 25 years. Many memories have been made with friends and neighbors on the covered front porch and on the rear screened-in porch overlooking the sparkling salt-water swimming pool. Great den/family room addition off the kitchen could also be used as a large third bedroom. Great neighbors and convenience to downtown and shopping/dining/entertainment in adjacent Cloverdale neighborhoods make this an ideal location in Midtown Montgomery. It’s perfectly priced and move-in ready, so call your favorite agent for a showing...you will not be disappointed!

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

When you purchase a home, you are not only choosing where to live, you are making a financial investment as well. Home equity is the percentage of your home value that you own and with each mortgage payment you make you are contributing to your own financial savings.  The goal is to build up as much equity as you can so that when you sell your home, you will make a nice profit!  Here are some tips for building home equity:

• Take Out a 15-Year Mortgage Loan - It’s common for people to choose a 30-year mortgage because many believe a 15-year mortgage is out of their budget.  However, it can’t hurt to ask your mortgage lender to run the numbers to see if a 15-year mortgage is doable for you.  You might be surprised to discover that the shorter term is within reach.  Sticking to a budget that allows you to pay off your house in half the time will build equity faster and will certainly pay off in the long run! 32 Hacks for Sticking to Your Budget
   
• Pay Down the Principal - Build equity faster by paying down your home loan quicker.  Even if you don’t have the ability to take out a 15-year mortgage, you can still make extra mortgage payments when you have the means to do so and the difference extra mortgage payments can make toward building equity are huge. If you make just one extra payment toward principal each year, you can potentially pay off your home loan seven or eight years ahead of schedule.  There are ways to do this without breaking your budget.  For example, you can use a tax refund or a work bonus.  Another way to do it is to simply add a small amount to your principal payment each month.
   
• Make a Larger Down Payment - Depending on your credit standing, you can qualify for a conventional mortgage loan with a down payment as low as 3%, and an FHA loan with a down payment as low as 3.5%.  While it’s tempting to buy a house with a low down payment so that you have more cash on hand, the pros of making a larger down payment may outweigh the cons. The larger the down payment, the faster you build equity.  The faster you build equity, the more profit you will make should you have to sell your home before paying it off.
   
• Make Improvements on Your Home - Making home improvements is a good way to add value to your property.  It’s important to educate yourself about what home improvements give you the best ROI (return on investment).  For example, per Chris Terrill, CEO of HomeAdvisor, “a minor kitchen remodel is one of the best investments homeowners can make.”  “Projects including refinishing cabinets, updating the countertops and installing new appliances all provide high return without breaking the bank.”  Other home improvements that add value to your property include replacing garage doors, adding a bedroom, updating a bathroom and installing new windows. And don’t underestimate the value of curb appeal!  A professionally landscaped yard will not only help with a quick sale; it can also add up to 20% to your home’s value! Which Home Improvements Pay Off?

Owning a home is likely the largest financial investment you will make, and the more equity you acquire, the more wealth you will generate.  You can utilize your equity as a nest egg for the future or it can be used as a cash down payment on your next home.  Use these tips to build up your savings an enjoy this wonderful perk of home ownership!

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: achievalife.com

Perhaps you are ready to buy a home, but you think you can’t because of a low score on your credit report.  Bad credit can present challenges when purchasing a home, but it doesn’t have to keep you from moving forward with your dream of becoming a home owner.  With interest rates still low, now is a great time to buy, so don’t let bad credit hold you back! Here are some tips for how to buy a home even when you have bad credit:

• Get your credit score.  Take a deep breath and do that search.  There are several places you can get your credit score for free. Just keep in mind that you will have three credit scores - one each from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These are the three major credit reporting agencies, so it’s a good idea to get scores form all of them. Get Your Credit Scores
   
• Make sure your credit report is accurate and up to date. Your credit report is like a history of how you have handled borrowed money.  There may be errors in it and if so, that could damage your credit score.  You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting companies annually. When you get the reports, look over them carefully to make sure all the information is correct. If you find any errors, you can dispute them with the reporting companies. How to Dispute Credit Report Information
   
• Prepare yourself to pay a higher interest rate.  Qualifying for a mortgage with a lower credit score is possible if you are willing to pay a higher interest rate.  That’s why it’s a good time to buy when rates are relatively low to begin with.  Lenders charge more to protect themselves should the buyer make late payments or fail to make payments altogether. Unfortunately, bad credit means that you likely have a history of doing just that.  While a higher interest rate does mean a higher mortgage payment, it may be worth it to become a homeowner investing in your own home rather than paying rent to a landlord.
   
• Apply for an FHA loan. Loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA loans) have lower credit requirements.  With a credit score of at least 580, you can qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage with a down payment of just 3.5 percent of your home’s final purchase price.  However, there are some catches.  First, FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, but they are originated by traditional mortgage lenders.  Even though they can originate FHA-insured loans for borrowers with scores as low as 500, it doesn’t mean they are obligated to do so.  They can choose to require higher credit scores.  Secondly, FHA loans come with a financial penalty.  With traditional mortgage loans, you can cancel your private mortgage insurance (PMI) after building up enough equity.  With an FHA loan, you must maintain private mortgage insurance for the life of your loan. Let FHA Loans Help You
   
• Make a larger down payment. If you can come up with a larger down payment, lenders may be willing to take a chance on you. While it’s possible today to get a mortgage with as little as 3 percent down, people with bad credit may find that making a larger down payment is what will get them the mortgage loan they seek. When you put down more money up front it shows the lender that you are willing to take on the risk of a home loan. The lender also will feel you are less likely to walk away from a large financial investment.  If you can come up with a down payment of 20 percent or more, you will increase your chance of getting approval on a mortgage loan. Top 10 Ways to Save For a Down Payment
   
• Rebuild your credit. If your credit is so bad that a mortgage is not feasible right now, don’t despair. It just means that it is time for you to start rebuilding your credit so that you can become a home owner in the future.  To do this, you simply need to start paying all your bills on time every month so that you can build a better credit history.  Also, pay down as much credit card debt as possible to raise your score.

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: virginiamortgagelender.com