Real Estate Information

When you are considering the purchase of a new home, one of the first things to think about is if you will be able to get a mortgage loan. At the start of the home buying process, you will hear terms like “pre-qualification”, “pre-approval”, and “conditional approval”. If you are not familiar with these terms and their meanings, it can add to the already stressful process of entering the housing market as a buyer.

While all these terms may sound similar, they are not the same. Pre-qualification, pre-approval, and the conditional approval letter share common characteristics, but they occur at different times during your journey to home ownership. Having a clear understanding of what they mean will save some of the confusion, time and energy that goes into finding the right home for your budget and your family.

Let’s take a look at each of these terms:

PRE-QUALIFICATION

Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage loan is the earliest step of the three terms we are looking at. A pre-qualification will give you an estimate of how much you may possibly be able to borrow from a lender. Basically, you will provide information such as your financial history and credit report to your lender. You can do this verbally at this stage as it is not an overly comprehensive process. Your lender will use the information provided and will give you an estimate of the amount you may qualify for. This will allow you to explore the mortgage options available to you.

After your lender has determined the amount you pre-qualify for, you will receive a pre-qualification letter. By sharing this letter with your Realtor, they can use it when making an offer to a seller to give evidence of your commitment to and preparation for buying a home.

Remember, a pre-qualification is not a guarantee for a loan. While it is a great way to determine what types of loans are available to you, it does not mean a loan for the amount of the home you hope to purchase is a sure thing.

PRE-APPROVAL

Getting a pre-approval is a more formal process that requires an in-depth investigation of your finances. This process will take place after you have submitted your mortgage application and documentation will be required.

Your lender will need the following:

• Employment verification (W-2s or 1099s)
• Bank statements
• Retirement and brokerage account statements
• Any other assets
• Current real estate debt or rental statements
• Monthly debt payments (student loans, auto loans)
• Court orders (divorce, child support, alimony, etc.)
• Tax returns

It may feel overwhelming to provide so much personal, financial information, but it is necessary to obtain a pre-approval for a mortgage loan. Like pre-qualification, you will get a pre-approval letter if your application is accepted by your lender. This letter provides the sellers with the information they need to know that you can afford the mortgage payment and you are ready to purchase a home.

When competing for a home with other buyers, a pre-approval letter can be a game changer, making you look like a serious buyer over others who may not have a pre-approval letter yet.

CONDITIONAL APPROVAL

Conditional approval is also known as “up-front underwriting”. If you choose this option, your lender will review your finances thoroughly in order to provide you with an exact loan approval amount for the specific home on which you are submitting an offer.

What makes a conditional approval letter different from a pre-approval is in the name itself; there will be a few conditions that must be met before closing. For example, purchase agreements, title verifications, home appraisal, and inspections must all be complete and in order. The closing process cannot begin until all the conditions listed in the letter have been met.

Pre-qualification, pre-approval, and the conditional approval letter all provide validation to both your lender and the seller that you are a serious buyer that can afford the home.

They each serve the same purpose, but you will encounter them in different circumstances within the home buying process. Understanding the nuances and differences now will make you a better-informed buyer and will make the home buying process less stressful for you!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Spring has arrived and with the weather warming up, now is the time to start sprucing up your yard for curb appeal. Here are some tips for how to rid your yard of that wild, unattended winter look and replace it with a space that is sure to impress!

• Send Winter Packing

Pull out your rake and remove all the debris of winter. Leaves, pinecones, sticks etc. are not appealing and ridden your yard of all that mess will have it look tidy in no time.

• Declare War on the Weeds

Weeding is no fun, but it’s a necessary part of maintaining your lawn and garden. Taking the time to clear your yard of weeds will not only make it look nicer, it will also show that you take pride in all aspects of your home.

• Time for a Trim

It is time to start cutting your grass regularly again. Healthy, even grass is attractive and gives the yard a pleasing appearance. Don’t forget to trim the edges as well to complete the look.

• Quench That Thirst

It’s important to keep your grass hydrated. It will become dry and a dull shade of green if it is not watered regularly. The same applies to your garden. Pay special attention to areas that are sheltered and do not get as much moisture when it rains.

• Dress it Up

Planting seasonal plants and flowers will dress up your yard and enhance curb appeal. You can choose perennials that will come back every year or, for longer blooming plants, annuals that last for one season. Better yet, use a combination of both!

• Prune Away

Trim back any large shrubs, trees, or plants to frame your house in a way that is inviting. Pruning allows for new growth and deters pests and animal infestation. It also promotes healthy growth into a natural shape for the plant.

• Mulch it Up

Once you have planted and pruned, mowed, and edged, it’s time to spread mulch around your garden beds. Mulch helps to keep moisture in your plants and makes the garden easier to maintain. Make sure you choose a mulch that compliments your garden type and style.

Spend some time working in your yard now and not only will you save yourself from having to do it in the sweltering heat of summer, but you will be able to enjoy your outdoor spaces throughout the spring and summer season.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner and many people enjoy spending time outdoors to savor the warmer weather. Unfortunately, there are some not-so-pleasant aspects of spending time outside such as bugs, rain, and hot, humid days. Whether you have a deck, patio or simply a great yard, the following tips will help make the time you spend outside more comfortable in any situation:

BUGS

Yuck. Whether you are hosting an alfresco dinner party or simply trying to relax with a good book on your deck, nothing will send you running back inside faster than nasty, annoying bugs.  If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, dealing with them is imperative if you want to be able to enjoy the outdoors. Screening in a porch is an ideal way to be able to feel like you are outside without all the awful bug bites. Other ways to keep insects away:

• Do not keep any standing water on your property.  Even a single forgotten flowerpot full of rainwater can become a mosquito breeding ground.
• Make water features running rather than standing or treat them with mosquito prevention.
• Install ceiling fans on porches - flies and mosquitoes do not like moving air.
• Hire a pro! If you are unable to spray your yard yourself or would rather the process be handled by an expert, consider calling a professional. I use Mosquito Authority to spray periodically.

USE OUTDOOR FABRICS IN EXPOSED AREAS

If your porch is covered, you may be able to get away with using more delicate furniture and cushions not specifically made for outdoor use.  But if your seating area is exposed to the elements, you will want to invest in fabrics and furniture made for outside use.  They will likely be more expensive, but they won’t fade in the sun, will resist stains and are water resistant.  The cushions are stuffed with material that sheds water easily so that they won’t stay waterlogged if they get wet.

UTILIZE A STORAGE BENCH

While outdoor cushions are designed to stand up to repeated soakings, they will still be wet for a while directly after a rainstorm.  You can avoid having to sit on damp cushions by keeping them in a covered storage bench when you know there is a chance of rain.  If they won’t fit in a storage bench, lean your larger cushions against the wall of the house.  Do the same with any lightweight folding chairs.

MASK SOUNDS WITH RUNNING WATER

If noise is an issue that prevents you from indulging in a peaceful outdoor experience, try using a water feature to drown out the distraction.  Water is a great way to gently camouflage sounds from close neighbors. Try installing a small fountain near your seating area for a more tranquil atmosphere.

MUSIC

If the water feature doesn’t appeal to you, soft music playing in the background can be just as effective at masking sounds.  With wireless speakers, you don’t even need an outlet to play your music.

SHADE

Even when you are craving the warmth of the sun, sitting outside without any shade on a hot, sunny day will send you running for the AC before too long.  There are a lot of options for adding shade to your yard.  Try freestanding umbrellas, a cloth overhang, lattices, a shade tree, or a pergola.

PUT TOGETHER AN OUTDOOR DINING KIT

Dining alfresco will be easier if you have a kit ready and waiting.  Put your frequently used outdoor items in a basket or on a big tray with handles so you can just grab it and go.  Here are some things to include:

• Unbreakable wineglasses and plates
• A carafe for water, wine or tea
• Big napkins
• Candles and matches or a lighter
• A wicker or mesh dome-shaped cover to keep flies off the food
• Unbreakable outdoor serving pieces
• A bottle opener

HAVE BLANKETS FOR CHILLY EVENINGS

Keep some blankets nearby.  Old wool camp-style blankets, light weight Kantha Quilts , or fringed throws work well. Your guests will thank you on chilly evenings in the garden!

HAVE ADEQUATE NIGHTTIME LIGHTING

Your outdoor space will really come alive at night with the right lighting.  Try placing lighting under a bench seat for subtle illumination, make a ring of lanterns on the grass around your dining table or hang strings of lights overhead.  Landscape lighting will add to the ambiance as well.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

728 E Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 553557

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,880 Square Feet | Cloverdale

This pristine Cloverdale Idlewild beauty has only had 2 owners! The large front porch welcomes you and your guests inside where you are greeted with hardwood floors, high ceilings and arched doorways, and original sconces. Living area with ventless fireplace and a gorgeous limestone mantle, large formal dining room, sunroom with wall-to-wall windows and brick floors and open eat-in kitchen with vintage built-ins. Master bedroom with private bath. Great attic storage, and if that's not enough, you MUST see the garage/workshop out back that would be PERFECT for restoring cars, storing RV's or boats! Unbelievable space! Let your imagination run wild with all the possibilities!

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

Deciding whether to buy a home is a big deal, especially for military families who may only live someplace for a short period of time. If you are in the military and are thinking about buying a home, here are some important things to take into consideration:

RESEARCH

It’s important to start researching the area where you will be moving long before your moving date. Check out real estate listings online. Have a list of wants and needs prepared to help narrow down the types of homes you’re interested in viewing. Pay particular attention to houses in the neighborhoods you’re interested in to see how long they are staying on the market and if there are changes in their asking prices.

COMMUNITY

Moving a lot can make it challenging for military families to find a sense of community. Buying a home in an area that offers a lot of amenities makes it easier for residents to meet people and form connections. Look for neighborhoods that offer things like pools, fitness centers, dog parks, playgrounds, and community gardens. Families with children moving in the summer before school starts can utilize these amenities to meet people and establish relationships that will help you integrate more easily into the school year.

MILITARY INCENTIVES

You will find that many developers and builders will offer special incentives for military buyers. Some communities even offer free landscaping services for members of the military who are deployed. Military buyers also can qualify for interior design extras and help with closing costs. It is prudent to always ask about any available extras for active military and veterans. In addition, military buyers can benefit from special financing options. Using a VA Home Loan is a great advantage for military buyers. And if the military buyer has greater than 30% disability, there are tax benefits which will lower his or her tax rate. With low interest rates and your housing allowance, you will be able to pay your mortgage and build equity even if you only live there a short time.

Military buyers want the same things in a new home that all buyers want…a good floorplan, great schools, lots of storage, nice appliances, and a safe neighborhood. But you do bring a unique perspective to the home-shopping experience. Connecting with a military-friendly professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel is vital to navigating the homebuying process. Sandra is a Certified Residential Specialist who will provide information about schools, safety, traffic, and neighborhood activities to help military families make the best choice for their new 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 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/ for more info! 

9171 Vaughn Road, Pike Road, AL  36064

MLS# 553924

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2 Half Baths | 4,740 Square Feet | Pike Road

EXQUISITE PIKE ROAD ESTATE SITUATED ON 4.7 +/- ACRE CORNER LOT! As you pull down the circular drive you are greeted by a cast iron fountain and beautiful landscaping. The grand foyer has soaring ceilings, handmade wood brick floors and a chandelier that is sure to catch your eye. The living room has lots of windows and a masonry fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases. The dining room has antique wood pocket doors. The kitchen has granite countertops, a smooth surface cooktop, double ovens, and a work island. There is plenty of drawer and cabinet space and a large pantry located in the laundry room. The Butler's Pantry has additional drawer and cabinet storage for your entertainment pieces and boasts granite countertops and a sink. The den has hand-picked 10-12 in. heart pine floors that have recently been redone. There is a masonry fireplace and wood storage area below the original heart pine mantle. There is a half bath off the den for your convenience. The family room has windows everywhere giving you views of the grounds and pool! This room has a great bar area with granite countertops, mirrored shelving and a half bath that is ideal when swimming or entertaining on the patio. The master bedroom has a sitting area and walk in closet. The master bath has a huge walk-in shower with double shower heads. The room off the master suite is perfect for an office. Three additional bedrooms upstairs with walk in closets and two full baths. Tons of storage closets including floored attic space. The pool area is remarkable with a huge, covered patio including an outdoor kitchen with sink, refrigerator, built in gas grill and bar. This property is gorgeous! Come see for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

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

3241 Gatsby Lane, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 552544

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,518 Square Feet | Hillwood West

Neat as a pin in Hillwood West! This adorable patio home is the perfect spot to land if you are looking for low maintenance. The open floor plan has a living room, dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar and a family room/den perfect for an office. Two bedrooms are on opposite ends with two full bathrooms in between. Ideal location close to the interstate, restaurants, and shopping.

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

 

Monster Truck Nitro Tour

Saturday, March 23RD, 2024......1:30 pm (Pit Party 12:00 pm–1:00 pm) 
Saturday, March 23RD, 2024…..7:30 pm (Pit Party 6:00 pm–7:00 pm) 

GARRETT COLISEUM
1555 Federal Dr 
Montgomery, AL 36107

MONTGOMERY, AL will be motorsport entertainment’s epicenter with the nation’s most competitive MONSTER TRUCKS as the Monster Truck Nitro Tour invades the Garrett Coliseum on March 23RD for TWO MONSTER shows! See these incredible 10,000-pound, car crushing giants compete in racing, wheelie contests, and then rock the house with amazing freestyle action during the Monster Truck Nitro Tour! Plus, you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pre-event Autograph Pit Party!

Purchase Tickets Here

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World Ballet Series: Swan Lake

Tuesday, March 26 – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre,
201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery Performing Arts Centre,
Montgomery, United States

Event Information:
Experience the legendary! Swan Lake, the ballet of all ballets, will be performed one night only as a part of the World Ballet Series. See the iconic Dance of the Little Swans, count the 32 fouettés performed by Odile, and immerse yourself in magical Tchaikovsky's music. The production will feature richly detailed, hand-painted sets as well as over 150 radiant costumes that bring fresh representation to this timeless classic. World Ballet Series is a unique project that attracts many international artists and is composed of renowned professional dancers representing over ten countries who are united by a passion for entertaining audiences and enriching classical ballet traditions through brilliant, critically-acclaimed new productions of timeless ballet classics. Audience: For ages 5 & over Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission)

Please Note: 
Audience: For ages 5 & over Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission) Click HERE to purchase tickets.

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Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza
 

April 1, 2023 – 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Blount Cultural Park
3 Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117

Join us Saturday, April 1st, at Blount Cultural Park from 11AM to 1PM for the City's Annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza! This free event will feature children's activities, photos with the Easter Bunny, food vendors and more!

**Join us at MMFA on Friday, March 31st at 7pm for a special showing of the movie HOP!**

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Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival

April 6th, 202410:00 am-6:00 pm

The annual Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival will held at Cooters Pond Park on April 6!  Artists will fill the park and there will be fun for the whole family from 10 am until 6 pm.  You don’t want to miss this event! For more fun and information, visit

Wilson Pickett Festival

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Beyond the Horizon Air & Space Show at Maxwell AFB

April 6th, 2024 - April 7th, 2024Gates open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels aerial demonstration team highlights the Beyond the Horizon Air and Space Show at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala., April 6-7, 2024. The show will also include America’s air power on display, flying demonstrations, a STEM Expo and activities for the whole family. The event is free and open to the public—tickets or special passes are not needed. Gates open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Visit HERE for more information.

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Seafood & Arts Festival

April 12, 2024 – 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Blount Cultural Park
3 Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117

The City of Montgomery will kick-off live music season this week with the annual Seafood & Arts Festival.

River Region-based blues, funk, jazz and rock band, Sabadas, will headline the Seafood & Arts Festival. Featured food vendors include the Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck, The Wharf, Potz & Panz, D’Road Café, Gumbo to Geaux Food Truck and more!

The event is free to attend, but the City will encourage donations to Child Protect Children’s Advocacy Center.

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CoosaPalooza Brewfest

SAT, APR 20, 2024
3:00PM - 6:00PM

231 Hill Street
Wetumpka, AL 36902

CoosaPalooza Brewfest is BACK in 2024! 

Join us for the fourth annual Coosapalooza Brewfest in Downtown Wetumpka for good beer, great friends, & awesome entertainment! This is a fundraising event for Main Street Wetumpka. All proceeds from this event go to Main Street Wetumpka's mission of downtown revitalization.

This event, which takes place along the beautiful Coosa Riverwalk at Merchants Alley, is a primary fundraiser for Main Street Wetumpka, a 501c3 organization dedicated to downtown revitalization.

General admission ticket holders will enjoy nearly 40 craft brews while taking in the beautiful backdrop of the Coosa River in downtown Wetumpka. General admission price also includes entertainment, souvenir tasting glass, and beer tastings.

The 2024 Coosapalooza Brewfest is an event for people 21 years of age or older. Chairs, blankets, and small bags are allowed. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Rain or shine event; no refunds. Free bottled water is available.  

General Admission event times are 3pm to 6pm.  Beer tastings will be cut off at 6 p.m.

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Earth Day Safari at the Montgomery Zoo

April 26, 2024 – 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum
2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36110

Help us learn how to save the planet and protect our environment on Earth Day, April 26, 9am - 2pm at Earth Day Safari Educational Event at the Montgomery Zoo. Spend a fun-filled day at the Montgomery Zoo learning about how simple changes in our daily habits can affect the environment and the planet on which we live. It is fun, educational, always a wild adventure, and an awesome learning experience for all ages; especially school groups.   

Admission includes
     -- Entry to the Zoo and Mann Museum 
     -- Entry Worlds of the World
     -- Entry to Parakeet Cove
     -- Entry to our Reptile Facility 
     -- Special zookeeper talks @ 11:30am and 1:30pm

Additional fun, attractions, and rides
     -- Train ride: $3 per person 
     -- Giraffe Encounter: $3 per person
     -- Sky lift ride: $5 per person
     -- Parakeet sticks: $2 per stick
     -- Concessions: Prices vary

For more information call (334) 625-4909

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CIA SPRING CONCERT SERIES, 2024

WHEN: SUNDAY AFTERNOONS AT 4:00 PM

WHERE: Cloverdale “Bottom” Park (Cloverdale Rd and Ponce de Leon)

WHO: April 7 Big Vic and the Convicts. Our first “college band”. Been playing fraternity parties and clubs in Alabama

And Mississippi and now they’re here in Cloverdale.

April 14 Long Sleeve Pants. You’ve seen them all over town, with their mix of popular and cover tunes.

April 21 Blackbird Pickers. Some of these guys have been with us since our first concert. Still delivering great rock with a folk flavor.

April 28 John Bull Trio. John and his guys are back with their own special treatment of the blues. Harmonicas and harmonies, doesn’t get any better than that.

May 5 Montgomery Dixie Trio: The trio will bring a little bit of New Orleans to the Cloverdale Bottom Park.

May 12 Curt McKinney and Chuck Loston: They’re bringing their own combination of rock and blues to our concert series.

May 19 The Marvtones. They are returning again this year.

Great music and a light-hearted patter to go with it.

May 26 Bekky and Doyle: They are bringing their popular acoustic sounds for our enjoyment and entertainment.

WHY: Mostly for the fun of it.

HOW: ADMISSION IS FREE. Bring your chairs, coolers, and snacks. Sit under the beautiful oak trees in the park and enjoy the music.

With special thanks to the Pine Bar for sponsoring the Porta-Potties.

Photo Credits: prattvilleal.gov, allevents.in, monstertrucktour.com, alabama.travel, bigtickets.com, montgomeryal.gov, experiencemontgomeryal.org

Whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing a home and a mortgage is involved, a home appraisal is going to be an important aspect of the process. Therefore, it’s crucial that you understand how the appraisal process works and how an appraiser determines a home’s value.

A home appraisal is an unbiased, professional opinion of a home’s value. Conducted by a licensed home appraiser with the knowledge and experience to determine the fair current value of the home, it takes place in almost every home purchase/sale transaction and is commonly used in refinance situations as well. Within a purchase/sale transaction, it is used to establish if the home’s contract price is appropriate, based on the home’s location, condition, and features. For a refinance, the appraisal makes sure that the lender isn’t giving the borrower more money than the home is worth. Because the home serves as collateral for the loan, lenders want to make sure that the homeowner is not over-borrowing. With a purchase/sale transaction, the home appraisal is typically paid for by the buyer and the fee is included in the closing costs.

The reason the home appraisal is so important is because it lets the lender know that they are lending the appropriate amount of money for the value of the home. Sometimes the appraisal will come in for a lower amount than the agreed upon price and when that happens, the lender might deny a loan for that amount. If the appraisal comes in at or above the contract price, the transaction can proceed. However, chances are the seller doesn’t want the deal to fall through, so if the appraisal comes in low, the buyer may be able to use it to negotiate a lower selling price. Knowing that the bank won’t lend any buyer more than what the home is worth, the seller may be willing to lower their selling price so that they can proceed with the sale.  A low appraisal can also derail a homeowner’s attempt at refinancing their home. The home needs to appraise at or above the amount the homeowner wants to refinance. One exception is if you have an FHA mortgage.  With an FHA mortgage, you can refinance without an appraisal through the Streamline Your FHA Mortgage.

The appraiser will look at many things to determine the home’s fair current value. The property’s value will be influenced by recent sale prices of similar properties and by current market trends. The home’s amenities, floor plan, functionality, square footage, and number of bedrooms/bathrooms will also play a part in coming up with a fair price for the lender.  A thorough visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the property will allow the appraiser to note any issues that might have an adverse effect on the property’s value.  You may confuse a home appraisal with a home inspection, but they are not the same thing, A home inspection is a much more detailed evaluation of the home and does not involve the lender.

Usually, the home appraisal will just be a box checked off on your home closing checklist. But if the appraisal comes in lower than expected, the purchase/sale transaction can be delayed or canceled.  Understanding the process and being aware of potential problems will help you be better prepared to handle whatever circumstances come your way.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Spring is just around the corner, and it is a great time to sell a house! In fact, per a Zillow study, homes listed between May 1 through May 15 sold, on average, around 18.5 days faster than homes not listed during this period. Add this to the fact that the largest number of buyers are actively searching for homes in the months of April, May and June and you will see that getting your property on the market during spring is a must!

Here are some tips that will help your house stand out among the plethora of homes that get put on the market in spring:

• Wash windows inside and out and polish all mirrors. A little bit of sparkle goes a long way in impressing potential buyers.
  
• Rake the yard and trim back bushes. Your yard is the first thing people will see. Dead leaves and debris do not paint a pretty picture. In addition, you want as much natural light as possible flooding through your windows, so make sure bushes aren’t blocking the rays.
   
• Mow the yard diagonally and edge along the driveway and sidewalks.  Mowing diagonally makes yards look larger. And edging shows that you give attention to small details and lets buyers know you have cared for your property.
   
• Plant yellow flowers. Yellow tulips and daffodils promote feelings of happiness and contentment.
  
• Clean window treatments and open windows. It will be worth your while to take down your drapes, curtains, and blinds to clean them and give them a crisp, fresh look. Weather permitting, opening windows lets the fresh air in and gives the whole house the feeling of spring.
   
• Have fresh, fragrant flowers in the house.  Artful home-staging brings color and pleasant aromas indoors.
   
• Polish floors to a high gloss. Make those floors shine! Refinish them if necessary.
   
• Use light colors. Even if you must spend a little to replace items; towels, linens, throws, and sofa pillows are inexpensive accents that will pay off. Use soft, spring colors such as yellows, pinks, pale blues, and lavenders to light up a room.
   
• Spruce up your entryway. This is the part of your home where buyers will get their first impression. Make it a good one!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my  Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.