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Displaying blog entries 461-470 of 1998

Don’t Try This at Home! Hire a Professional!

Wednesday, January 15, 2020
by The Hat Team


One of the perks of being a homeowner is that you can make changes to your home to suit your own needs and desires.  Some home improvements are simple DIY projects you can accomplish in a weekend, but others are a little more complicated and should be handled by professionals.  In fact, some home improvement projects can be downright dangerous and it is in your best interest to hire someone who knows what they are doing! While DIY projects might save you some money, hiring a professional to complete the following might save your physical and mental health:

  • Adding Skylights - This project not only requires that you stand on a slanted roof, it also means lifting a very heavy window and placing it properly.  In addition, if a skylight is not installed by a professional, chances are great that you will end up with leaks.
     
  • Tree Trimming - We’re not talking about removing small limbs from a tree.  We are talking using a chain saw to do some major cutting.  If you have never used a chain saw, you may not be prepared for how it can kick back, causing injury.  Also, you will be taking a risk in climbing to reach the parts of the tree you are attempting to remove.  And anyone on the ground could be hurt with branches falling. Professional tree companies have trained employees who can trim and/or remove trees safely. Top Tree Services in Montgomery
     
  • Replacing a Water Line - Unless you’re a plumber, you should probably not attempt to replace a water line on your own.  There is too much at stake. It is crucial to have properly sweated joints, and unless you’re handy with a blowtorch, you will need a professional plumber to be sure it’s done properly. Otherwise you might end up with leaks, which in turn can cause black mold and in worst case collapsing walls and/or floors.
     
  • Updating Your Circuit Breaker Panel - This is a complicated task that requires the knowledge that only a trained electrician will have. Only a trained electrician with years of experience will understand electrical systems and the needs of your home. Should I Update My Electrical Panel?
     
  • Removing Walls - It looks like so much fun on the home improvement shows, doesn’t it?  People with sledgehammers and goggles knocking down walls - how hard can it be?  But is the wall you’re removing a load bearing wall? If it is, you need to have a way to support the structure or you will risk the danger of collapse.  If you are not 100% sure about what you are doing, it’s best to hire a professional who does!
     
  • Installing Windows - This is another project that requires specific knowledge to get it right. Windows need to be properly seated and sealed or they will not sufficiently work and you will be no better off than you were with old windows.  It is not easy to install windows and this is a job better left to professionals.

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: 123rf.com

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2492 Le Ruth Ave: Move-in Ready in Midtown!

Wednesday, January 15, 2020
by The Hat Team

2492 Le Ruth Ave, Montgomery, Al 36106

MLS# 467485 

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 1,153 sqft | Pineview

Adorable move-in ready home located in Midtown! Meticulously maintained with fresh paint, beautiful hard wood floors and ALL NEW windows that let in natural light, this house is perfect for a first time home buyer or an investor. Covered patio and large fenced in back yard. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac and just minutes from shopping, restaurants, Cloverdale and I-85. Great buy for popular Midtown! 

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2026 Gorgas Street: Charming move-in ready cottage in the heart of Midtown!

Wednesday, January 15, 2020
by The Hat Team

 

2026 Gorgas Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36106

MLS# 467503

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,635 sq ft | Forest Park

 

Charming move-in ready cottage in the heart of Midtown! This warm and inviting home has been updated throughout while retaining all of the cozy charm, including high ceilings, beautiful hard wood floors and crown molding. Separate living and dining rooms, master bedroom with en suite bath with double vanity, updated kitchen with lots of cabinets and even a laundry room! Great brick patio with fire pit that's perfect for entertaining. Large fenced in back yard with huge storage/workshop. Check it out today! 

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2243 Winona Ave: Adorable Capitol Heights Cottage!

Wednesday, January 8, 2020
by The Hat Team

2243 Winona Ave, Montgomery AL 36107

MLS# 467481 

3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 1,492 sq ft | Capitol Heights

Come tour this adorable Capitol Heights cottage before someone beats you to it! Inviting screen porch is the perfect place to relax and unwind on the swing or in a cozy chair. Living room is plenty big, and classic glass French doors separate it from the spacious formal dining room. Big eat-in kitchen is all original, and while quite functional, offers you the opportunity to update to your personal taste. Wide central hallway takes you to three good sized bedrooms and a hall bath, plus laundry area including washer and dryer! Deck off the back of the house is another place to enjoy the outdoors, overlooking the pretty back yard and detached workshop/storage building. Priced right, and would make a great rental property to begin or add to your investment portfolio. 

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A Time to Sell

Wednesday, January 8, 2020
by The Hat Team


Selling your home is a huge decision and one that should not be made impulsively.  If you are thinking about selling, but you’re not sure if you should, here are some signs to look for that will indicate that now is a good time to sell:

  • Space is an issue.  Has your family grown since you bought your current home?  Do you have multiple people sharing bedrooms and bathrooms?  If your house is bursting at the seams, it might be time to let it go and find something a little bigger.  Alternatively, perhaps you have too much space.  If you bought the home when your family was large and now you are an empty nester, you may be ready to downsize.
     
  • Neighbors are selling homes successfully.  If houses are selling like hotcakes in your neighborhood and your neighbors are making tidy profits on their sales, then that’s a cue that you should contact a Realtor to find out what your home is worth on the current market.
     
  • Interest rates are low. When interest rates are low it is an advantage to sellers because a larger pool of eligible buyers can be expected.  Add to that the fact that the current inventory of homes for sale is low, and you have a seller’s market that will make your home even more desirable to prospective buyers.
     
  • Remodeling won’t be worth it.  Maybe you want to stay in your current home and you think that remodeling is the answer.  But will the expense of remodeling to fulfill your wants and needs be worth it in the long run?  Will it add value to your home?  While you might have to do some updates to prepare your home for sale, if the market favors sellers, you might be better of selling and finding a new home to suit your needs.
     
  • You’re confident the market is strong.  It’s important to educate yourself about what’s going on in the current real estate market before you decide to put your house on the market.  An experienced Realtor can help you understand the market and determine if now is the time to sell your house. 2020 Real Estate Trends: What You Need to Know

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: goldencircleadvisors.com

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Don’t Let Winter Make You Blue

Thursday, January 2, 2020
by The Hat Team


It’s the time of year when everything just seems “blah”.  The holidays are over and winter looms before us…long and cold.  Many of us leave for work during the dark morning and don’t arrive home until the dark of night.  It can be depressing.  Really.  Scientifically.  Depressing.  Per Psychology Today, Seasonal Affective Disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that follows the seasons.  The most common type of SAD is winter depression.  Scientists believe that SAD may be related to changes in the amount of daylight we experience.  It is estimated that this disorder affects 10 million Americans, with another 10 to 20 percent suffering from a milder form of SAD.  It’s more common in women than men and symptoms usually begin around age 20.  Some people suffer symptoms so severely that they affect quality of life and 6% of people with SAD require hospitalization.  But don’t despair!  While SAD is a legitimate illness that should be taken seriously and treated, many of us experience a mild form of “winter blues” that we can beat on our own.  Here is a list of scientifically backed ways to “beat the winter blues”:

  1. Make your environment brighter. Thirty minutes of light exposure can be as helpful as an antidepressant. Open your blinds, sit near a window and on sunny days, get outside! And if these options aren’t available, try light therapy. The 8 Best Light Therapy Lamps of 2020
     
  2. Make healthy eating choices. Certain foods like chocolate, asparagus, spinach, blueberries and oranges are known to enhance your mood and relieve anxiety.
     
  3. Simulate dawn. If you’re suffering with SAD, you may be finding it difficult to get up in the morning, especially if it’s still dark outside. A study showed that a dawn simulator, a device that makes the lights in your bedroom gradually get brighter over a set period of time, can serve as an antidepressant and make it easier to get out of bed in the morning. 6 Best Dawn Simulators
     
  4. Exercise. A Harvard University study showed that walking fast for 35 minutes a day, five days a week or 60 minutes a day, three days a week can significantly reduce symptoms of depression. And for SAD, exercising in brightly lit environments is even better!
     
  5. Listen to music.  Research has shown that listening to upbeat, cheerful music can improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
     
  6. Plan a vacation.  Research shows that although it might be months before you actually go, simply planning a vacation causes a significant increase in overall happiness.
     
  7. Lend a helping hand. Volunteering to help others is great way to improve your mental health and increase satisfaction in life.
     
  8. Spend time outside.  Even when it’s cold, the benefits of spending time outdoors are numerous. Time spent outdoors can improve focus, improve symptoms of SAD and reduce anxiety.

So, don’t let the winter blues get you down.  Take steps to lift your spirits and spring will be here before you know 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: parklandmedicalcenter.com

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Celebrating New Year’s Eve With Little Ones

Thursday, December 26, 2019
by The Hat Team


The holiday rush is winding down and there is one more big celebration on the horizon…New Year’s Eve.  If you plan to stay home with your kids (where it will be safe and warm) this year, here are some fun activities you can do with them to make the night special:

  1. Take a hike before dark.  If it’s nice outside (and not too cold) it will be good to get outside and burn off some energy.  If your little ones want to stay up to ring in the new year (and you’re ok with that) taking a long walk early in the day may tire them out enough to take a short nap so that they can stay up for the festivities.
     
  2. Create a sparkling Mocktail for you and your kids to enjoy.  Don’t trust them with your crystal champagne glasses?  Buy some plastic ones for the occasion.  Have everyone give their own toast to the new year by telling one thing they will remember about 2019 and one thing they are looking forward to in 2020.
     
  3. If your littles are too young to stay up until midnight, let them have their own special countdown earlier in the night.  They can ring in the new year whenever you would like with family friendly countdowns on Netflix! New Year's Eve Countdown Collection
     
  4. Set up a photo booth.  Just because you aren’t going out to a fancy party doesn’t mean you can’t get dressed up, right?  Put on your favorite party outfits and set up an area with some fun New Year's Eve Photo Booth Props and take some great photos to commemorate the night!
     
  5. Have a dance party!  Make a play list of your family’s favorite songs and boogie the night away!
     
  6. Enjoy a family game night.  Lots of families are so busy throughout the year that they rarely get the opportunity to just spend time together enjoying games.  Take advantage of New Year’s Eve and spend some quality time playing games with your kids.
     
  7. Have a pajama party.  There’s nothing more cozy than a night spent in your favorite comfy pajamas!  Build a fort in the family room and let the kids sleep in sleeping bags on the floor.

Whatever you end up doing with your kids on New Year’s Eve this year, I hope you have a safe and happy one!

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: thestir.cafemom.com

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A Guide to Saving Money on Your Electric Bill

Wednesday, December 18, 2019
by The Hat Team


With the many expenses of being a homeowner, we all want to cut back where we can to lower costs. There are several ways to save on your electric bill.  Try these tips and you’ll find a lower bill in your mailbox next month!

  1. Get an Energy Audit - Check and see if your utility company offers a free home energy audit. If so, it’s well worth it to have them come out. They can point out areas where you can trim your energy use. Home Energy Audit
     
  2. Install Dimmer Switches - Dimmer switches will allow you to only use as much light as you need. How to Install a Dimmer Switch
     
  3. Keep Your Fridge & Freezer Full - The food that you store in your fridge and freezer serves as insulation, so the more you have in there, the less your appliance must run to keep itself cold.
     
  4. Install Ceiling Fans - If you keep the air circulating in your home, your AC will not have to work as hard to keep the house cool.
     
  5. Line Dry Your Laundry - Let Mother Nature dry your clothes for you on warm, sunny days.  When that is not possible, try using a drying rack indoors.
     
  6. Eliminate Phantom Loads - You may be shocked to know that about 75% of the energy used by home electronics is consumed when they are turned off. Some examples of these “phantom” users are: televisions, CD players, computers, and various kitchen appliances. The simple solution is to plug these items into a power strip and then turn the power strip off when not using them.
     
  7. Install an Attic Fan - An attic fan will pull cool air into your home, and help to remove hot air.
     
  8. Shield Your Home from the Sun - You can cut down on air conditioning use by closing your curtains and blinds on the sunny side of the house.  You may also want to consider planting trees that will provide shade during the sunny times of the day.
     
  9. Schedule Yearly HVAC Maintenance - Having your HVAC inspected and cleaned each year will save you money in the long run…and it will help provide cleaner air to your home.
     
  10. Change Your Filters Regularly - Filters should be changed every 30 days to keep your HVAC running at peak efficiency.
     
  11. Switch to LEDs - LED light bulbs use 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.  Switch out the bulbs you use the most in your home and then change the rest as they burn out.
     
  12. Lower the Temperature of Your Hot Water Heater - 13% of your home’s energy goes to heating water. You can lower this percentage by setting your hot water heater to 120 degrees. What's the Best Temperature for Your Hot Water Heater?

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: upmatters.com

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8213 Lochwood Dr: Pack Your Bags and Move Right In!

Monday, December 16, 2019
by The Hat Team

8213 Lochwood Drive, Montgomery, Alabama 36117 

MLS# 466911

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,820 Square Feet | Halcyon Meadows 

Move in ready in Halcyon Meadows! Brand new counter tops, stainless appliances, laminate flooring and carpet. Freshly painted interior and exterior. Conveniently located near East Chase, AUM and I-85. Check it out today! 

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240 Dalraida Road: Large Contemporary Home

Sunday, December 15, 2019
by The Hat Team

240 Dalraida Road, Montgomery AL 36109

MLS# 465146

3 | 2 | 0 | 2,297 | Dalraida

Distinctive in Dalraida! This 50's contemporary home on a large corner lot in Dalriada has spacious rooms and lots of character. Kitchen and bathrooms have had updates, and you will love the hardwood floors throughout most of the home. Beautiful front courtyard welcomes you, and there is a side covered deck AND a big screened porch off the back. With plenty of parking, you have a 1 car garage and 1 car carport attached, plus a large detached two car carport, perfect for boats or motor homes. Springtime is lovely with lots of lush landscaping and heirloom shrubs. Conveniently located to Interstate, downtown, shopping and dining, and zoned for and literally within walking distance to the desirable Dalraida Elementary school! Home also has very nice ramp from driveway to side deck for handicap access.  Marketed by Montgomery AL Bily Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!  Go to homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com. Click on “About”.

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Displaying blog entries 461-470 of 1998

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