Real Estate Information

Montgomery Real Estate Blog

The Hat Team

Blog

Displaying blog entries 531-540 of 1998

Listing Your House for Sale? Fix it Up First!

by The Hat Team


If you want the best price for your house, you may have to do some repairs before selling it. Potential buyers will be willing to spend more for a home that doesn’t need a lot of work.  Here are 5 important things to fix before selling:

  1. Exterior - When was the last time the exterior of your house was painted?  Is the paint faded and chipping?  Is wood rotting around the windows?  Is your front door dingy?  First impressions matter when it comes to selling your home and buyers will get their first impression when they see the outside of your house, whether in pictures or in person.  Don’t forget the landscaping.  A well-kept lawn and simple, but clean flower beds will go a long way toward creating an enticing aesthetic for your property. The Importance of the First Impression of a Home
     
  2. Interior Paint - If the walls are looking a bit shabby and the trim a bit grimy, painting is a quick and easy fix.  The same applies if you went through a crazy color phase a few years back and decorated with hues that might not appeal to everyone.  Choose neutral colors that will allow buyers to focus on the spaces without being distracted. Paint Colors that Sell Houses Faster in 2019
     
  3. Kitchen - The kitchen is one of the most important rooms people focus on when looking at a house.  So, if yours is looking run-down you will want to update it.  It will be worth the investment to replace appliances that are on their last legs or putting in a new granite counter.  Or it might be as simple as repainting cabinets and adding shiny, new handles.
     
  4. Bathroom - Nothing turns buyers off faster than an unsightly bathroom.  Sparkling, clean fixtures and a fresh coat of paint will go a long way toward impressing someone searching for their dream home.  Inexpensive touches like a decorative mirror or a lovely picture on the wall will add to the ambiance without breaking the bank.
     
  5. Flooring - If your carpets are stained or thread bare, it is worth your while to replace them. The same applies if your vinyl floors are in bad shape.  Hardwoods are always popular, but you may want to consider getting them refinished if they are looking old and scruffy.

It may seem counter intuitive to spend money on repairing or fixing up a house you are getting ready to sell, but at the end of the day, it will not only help you sell your house faster, but you will get a better price for it too!

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: realsimple.com

Saving Money 101

by The Hat Team


The best way to save money is to live on a set budget.  Whether you are living paycheck to paycheck or you have some “fun” money left over each month, knowing where your money is going will allow you to see how much you can save each month. If you are new to budgeting, managing your money may seem complicated and overwhelming.  You not only have to be organized, but you must make challenging decisions about how to spend your money.  But there is good news for you.  You don’t need fancy financial apps on your phone or extensive spreadsheets with dozens of categories of spending to see where your money is going.  You simply need to follow the 50-20-30 rule!

The 50-20-30 rule assists you in building a budget by using three spending categories. 

  1.  50% of your income should go to living expenses and essentials including rent, utilities, groceries and transportation.
     
  2.  20% should go to savings, investments and debt-reduction payments.
     
  3.  30% of your income should be used for flexible spending. This includes everything you buy that you want, but don’t necessarily need such as travel, going out to movies etc.

Top Ten Debt Relief Programs 2019

Remember that the percentages for essentials and flexible spending are the maximum amounts you should spend.  If you use less income in these categories, you will have more to put into your other financial goals.

Here is how to start the 50-20-30 budget.  First, determine exactly how much money you bring home each month. This will be the amount on which you will base your 50-20-30 split.  Then track your spending. Every penny of it, from your rent payment down to the coffee you stop for on the way to work in the morning.  As you are analyzing your spending, split it into the 50-20-30 categories.  Once you see what you are spending where, you can make the needed adjustments to ensure you are falling into the 50-20-30 parameters.  If you find you are spending too much on things that you want, but don’t need, that’s when it is time to cut back. The 8 Best Expense Tracker Apps of 2019

The 50-20-30- rule works because it provides a simple way to track your spending so that you can pay your bills, add to your savings and have money left over for fun stuff.  It keeps you on the straight and narrow so that you can begin to meet your financial goals.  If you stay the course, you will eventually achieve financial stability.

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: Kiplinger.com

3143 Gilmer Ave: Renovated South Hull Cottage!

by The Hat Team

3143 Gilmer Ave, Montgomery, AL 36105

MLS# 455364

5 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 1,852 sqft | South Hull District

A feast for the eyes! This just-renovated South Hull cottage welcomes you from the street and treats you to beauty and quality throughout. Brand new kitchen boasts new countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a nifty gas range with steam cleaning feature. Gleaming hardwood floors and a new neutral paint job make it move-in ready. Brand new central heat and air. Surprising closet space for an older home. Even a workshop downstairs behind the attached garage. Screened porch and covered parking at the rear. Seller soliciting offers so call your agent to see this one today!

3171 Cloverdale Road: Charming Cloverdale Cottage

by The Hat Team

3171 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 455024

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,366 sqft | Cloverdale


Location, location, location! This charming Cloverdale Idlewild cottage is right across from the park, and within walking distance to restaurants, shops and plenty of entertainment. Cute brick covered porch, beautiful hardwood floors, updated kitchen, huge master bathroom with walk-in closet that includes the laundry room! Check this one out today! 

1442 Blairwood Ct: Cloverdale Gem!

by The Hat Team

1442 Blairwood Ct, Montgomery, AL 36106 

MLS# 454905

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2,072 sqft | Cloverdale

Location Location Location! This little gem in Cloverdale is convenient to everything in Midtown and is tucked away in a private setting just across from Montgomery Country Club's golf course. Spacious rooms and nice updates to kitchen make it move-in ready. Quaint back yard is privacy fenced and has a nice patio for outdoor living. Carport plus nice parking pad allows for multiple cars. This is a short sale, so it is an AS-IS sale. Allow additional time for lender approval. 

When you have overnight guests, you want them to feel welcomed and comfortable.  Providing a place for them to sleep is the bare minimum. If you’re lucky enough to have a designated, full time guest room, there are a lot of little things you can do to create a space that your guests will enjoy.  Here is a list of essentials to have in your guest room so that it is ready for visitors any time:

  1. Comfortable Bedding - Since this bed is not likely to be used all the time, you don’t need to outfit it with top of the line bedding (unless you choose to), but you want it to be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.  Some quality cotton percale sheets and a coordinating comforter or quilt will provide a comfy bed for your guests.  Use neutral colors that give a simple, clean look.
     
  2. Extra Blankets & Pillows - You want your guests to be cozy and comfortable, so, provide extra blankets for chilly nights.  Extra pillows cam be used to provide cushioning should your guests want to prop themselves up to read in bed.
     
  3. Lighting - Be sure to provide bedside lighting. Place a lamp on the bedside table that will allow your guests to have subtle lighting without having the overhead light on.  Try to find a lamp that has multiple settings so that they can choose how bright or soft they want the light to be. 
     
  4. Extra Toiletries - Sample sized toiletries are perfect for guests.  Arranged in a pretty basket with a new toothbrush, they will have them feeling pampered.  Speaking of toiletries, here are 10 Thoughtful, Welcoming Touches for Your Guest Bathroom.
     
  5. Bath Towels - A stack of fluffy, white bath towels on the bed will be a welcome sight for your guests.  Make sure you have a wash cloth, hand towel, and bath towel for each person that is staying with you.
     
  6. Wastebasket - A simple item that is often overlooked in a guest room is a wastebasket.  When your guests need to throw something away, they shouldn’t have to make frequent trips outside their room to find a trash can. Choose a small, attractive wastebasket that coordinates with your guest room style.
     
  7. Full-Length Mirror - Whether you have it hanging on the back of the door, or propped up against a wall, your guests will appreciate having a full-length mirror in their room.  They may be sharing a bathroom with others, so having a mirror in the guest room will allow them to get ready in there if the bathroom is occupied.

These are just a few essentials that will make your guests happy to stay with you.  You can take it step further and decorate the guest room as well. But keep it simple and remember that comfort is the top priority!  30+ Cozy Ways to Decorate Your Guest Bedroom

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

1805 Longmeadow Drive: Move-In Ready in Midtown

by The Hat Team

1805 Longmeadow Drive, Montgomery, AL 36106 

MLS# 454907

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,470 sqft | Midtown

Nice patio home centrally located in Midtown among more mature homes. Floorplan features living room/dining room combo with volume ceiling that is open to the kitchen. Split plan has two bedrooms on the front and the master at the rear of the house for privacy. Parking in rear accessed from alley off of Samar. Small covered rear patio and easy to maintain side yard. Freshly painted interior and brand new roof. Great first home or investment! Makes a great rental! 

2636 Pine Acres Road, Pike, AL 36064 

MLS# 454592

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2,602 sqft | In-ground Pool | Pine Woods

Play VisualTour

 

In the center of the town of Pike Road lies a little slice of paradise! Six level acres, fenced, with a 40'x48' shop, a small barn, a pasture (perfect for horses!) and a brand new salt water pool! What more could you ask for?!? Fresh paint throughout the ample living space including a great room, dining area, huge sun room and eat-in kitchen. But the patio and pool area is where family and friends will want to hang out. Put this special property on your list to see!

845 Felder Ave: Grand Home in Historic Cloverdale

by The Hat Team

845 Felder Ave, Montgomery, Al 36106 

MLS# 454904

4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 4,725 sqft | Cloverdale

Play VisualTour

 

This grand historic home is priced to sell and awaits a new owner to finish some minor restoration and upgrades that health issues will not allow current owner to complete. Elegant formal spaces blend perfectly with more casual living spaces on the main floor, centered by a stunning staircase. Chef's delight kitchen was custom designed with high end appliances and lots of added features. Large family room on main floor could be used as a first floor master suite, just need to finish out dressing room, closets and master bath to your liking (over 50% done, just needs fixtures and finishes.) Or just use one of the other 4 bedrooms upstairs! Covered front and rear porches for outdoor enjoyment. Partially finished basement has great workshop and additional storage. Rear courtyard has brick wall and built-in cooking station.

1511 College Ct: Craftsman-Style Cloverdale Bungalow!

by The Hat Team

1511 College Ct, Montgomery, Al 36106 

MLS# 454670

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,581 sqft | Cloverdale

Play VisualTour

 

Who wouldn't fall in love with this wonderfully updated and yet architecturally correct craftsman-style Cloverdale bungalow? Greet neighbors and friends from the spacious covered front porch (which previous owner practically lived on!) The living room features period fireplace, moldings, and coffered ceiling. Wide French doors separate the living and dining rooms, allowing for open flow or separated options. Front bedroom makes a great den/study while boasting two nice sized closets. Plenty of storage in the partially floored attic with pull-down stairs. Great kitchen has plenty of counter space and lots of storage, especially in the big walk-in pantry! Rear deck is perfect for entertaining and overlooks lush private back yard with plenty of room for pets. Conveniently located in Old Cloverdale within walking distance to restaurants, bars, theatres, and parks!

Displaying blog entries 531-540 of 1998

Syndication

Categories

Archives

   cdpe    crsHat Lady on Zillow