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Displaying blog entries 671-680 of 1998

How to Make the Most Out of Small Spaces

Wednesday, May 23, 2018
by The Hat Team

The tiny house craze is alive and well, and while you may not be looking for a Tiny Home you might be looking to downsize and simplify.  There are Big Benefits of Living in a Small House. First, it costs less money…which frees up funds for other things you enjoy like travel and hobbies.  And the peace of mind that comes with living within your means is priceless.  Also, with less space, there is less to clean.  And less cleaning means more time for fun and relaxation.  But sometimes it can be challenging to fit everything you need (and want) into a home with limited square footage.  Don’t despair!  Not only can you make it all fit, you can do it with style and create a comfortable, cozy home that suits all your needs.  Here are some clever ideas for making the most of small spaces:

  • Make everything seem bigger by painting walls in light colors. 
  • Use small scale furniture rather than large, overstuffed pieces that will overwhelm the room.
  • Use mirrors to create the illusion of more space.  One mirror will make an impression, but two facing each other will make a bigger impact by amplifying the semblance of added area and light.
  • If you’re thinking of doing any renovations, consider adding a bay window. Not only will it maximize square footage, but it will provide the added bonus of flooding the house with natural light.
  • Keep things simple.  Clean lines make things feel streamlined and give the impression of openness.
  • Take advantage of high ceilings by going vertical with cabinetry.  Not only will it draw the eyes up and away from the limited counter space, but it will also provide maximum storage.
  • Continue thinking up and not out by utilizing tall bookshelves.
  • Use furniture pieces that serve more than one purpose.
  • Got stairs?  Don’t let the area underneath them go to waste.  There are great options for creating extra storage that will be functional and look great too.
  • If you’re going to hang curtains, hand them as high as you can to make the ceilings seem higher and extend the rods about 4 inches on either side to make windows seem wider and to allow more light in when they are open.

Downsizing and simplifying will make you realize that less really is more, but it doesn’t mean you must sacrifice style and comfort!

If you’ve been thinking about simplifying your life by downsizing, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of professionals assist you in finding the perfect home!  Call them today at 334-834-1500.

Photo Credit: countryliving.com

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Inquiring Minds Want to Know - How Long Will Our House Last?

Wednesday, May 16, 2018
by The Hat Team

What is the life span of a house?  Some houses may survive for hundreds of years, but the individual components that make them up may not.  Parts of the house made of concrete or brick may last a long time, but other things such as appliances may only last ten years or so, regardless of how expensive they were to purchase. 

As seen in the graphic, Components of a House made with hardy materials such as wood or stone flooring can last 100 years or more.  Other durables that can last a lifetime included natural stone or tile countertops, fiberglass, wood or fire-rated steel exterior doors, copper wiring and most types of insulation.

A study by the National Association of Home Builders warns that life expectancies of homes will vary and the life span of an individual house’s component will depend greatly on the quality of installation, level of maintenance, weather and climate conditions and intensity of use.

Many homeowners will swap out house components or appliances before necessary due to changing styles and preferences or improvements in newer products.  Eligibility for tax credits or rebates and newer models that are more energy efficient and less costly to use may entice homeowners to replace items before the end of their useful life.

Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of professional Realtors know how important it is for clients to find a quality home that will last.  Call them at 334-834-1500 and let them help you find your dream home today!

Photo Credit: imjur.com

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3809 Fairfield Dr - Great Move-in Ready Home on Quiet Cul-de-Sac

Friday, May 11, 2018
by The Hat Team

3809 Fairfield Dr, Montgomery AL 36109

MLS# 433396

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,168 square feet | Hill N Dale

Kiss Your Landlord Goodbye! Own your own home on a quiet cul-de-sac with beautiful trees and supportive neighbors. Just blocks to schools, shopping & I-85. Very well maintained with gleaming hardwood floors. New 6-panel doors. Open kitchen with freshly painted cabinet, brand new stove and real honest-to-goodness knotty pine paneled den for a great retro look. Send your precious child(ren) to Flowers Elementary, one of Montgomery's few remaining neighborhood schools with a small student body and not on the dreaded failing list! Payments that will leave you money for other fun things and move-in ready so call today!

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

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Happy Mother's Day!

Friday, May 11, 2018
by The Hat Team

Courtesy of Sandra Nickel and The Hat Team

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Spruce Up Your Outdoor Spaces with Concrete Stamping

Wednesday, May 9, 2018
by The Hat Team

A plain slab of poured concrete for a patio may be common, but it is boring.  However, recently, there has been a newly gained respect for using concrete as a decorating element in floors. counters and other applications.  Landscapers are taking this age-old material and giving it a new look using a Stamping Process to create patios that look like natural slate or fieldstone at a fraction of the price these high-end materials would generally call for.

Stamped concrete has been around for a long time, but older methods used molds that were more like cookie cutters.  New methods use natural sources which create a more realistic finished product.  There have also been advances in the various coloring methods that are available. The prevailing one is a dry, powdered form, called a Dry Shake Floor Hardener, which also serves to firm up the poured concrete prior to stamping.  After applying the hardener, a release agent is applied which allows the latex molds to be pulled up without sticking to the concrete.  These agents come in an antique finish that when stamped into the joints and crevices of the concrete, create a realistic, three-dimensional appearance.  Once the concrete has hardened, a sealer is used to not only protect the porous concrete from possible staining, but also to enhance the color of the finished patio.  In wet areas, such as pool decks, an anti-slip ingredient can be added for safety.

There are so many patterns and colors available for stamped concrete that you can be creative and have fun designing your patio. Not only will it make outdoor entertaining more fun for you, but it is a home improvement that will give you a return on your investment when you sell. Here are five budget friendly stamped concrete ideas:

- Don’t be square!  Take advantage of the fact that concrete can be poured in any shape.  You can use stamped concrete in small spaces, but why not jazz it up?  Incorporate curves or go from a square to a half-circle.  You can even shape the concrete to flow with the landscaping.

- Add a border. If stamping all the square footage of your concrete is too expensive, then consider just stamping the border.  A patterned border frames the concrete, giving it a finished look.  Borders are an inexpensive way to embellish plain concrete.

- Keep color simple. Coloring your concrete with multiple colors can greatly add to the cost of the project. You can save a lot of money by using one color.  It will still be prettier and make a greater impact than a plain, gray slab.

- Saw cut and texture. A concrete contractor will be able to tell you if it’s feasible to cut a pattern and then use a texture skin for pattern.  Your contractor can create grooves in the concrete and then a texture skin can be applied to give a 3-dimensional look.

- Expand the area you’re stamping.  Extend unique, fun patterns beyond the patio onto the driveway, walkways and steps.  Get more for your money by stamping in multiple places to create a holistic look rather than just splurging on one single area.

If you are making home improvements to sell your home, contact Sandra Nickel at 334-834-1500. She and her Hat Team of Professionals can help you decide what improvements will get the best return on your investment!

Photo Credit: remodelingexpense.com

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1929 Bullard St - Great Starter Home or Investment Opportunity!

Monday, May 7, 2018
by The Hat Team

1929 Bullard St, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 433203

2 bedrooms | 1 bath | 1,382 square feet | Forest Park

Cute two-bedroom/one bath home on corner lot features a front porch and a rear deck. Back patio has built-in BBQ/fire pit and a large fenced area for pets. Original carport was enclosed to make a den/bonus room and could be third bedroom. Includes a laundry room and storage area as well.  Located in desirable Midtown Montgomery and priced to sell!

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

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First-Time Homebuyer’s Checklist: Are You Ready to Buy?

Thursday, May 3, 2018
by The Hat Team

The decision to purchase your first home is not one that should be made lightly.  It is an important, life-changing decision that should be given serious consideration.  So, before you take the plunge into searching for the prefect home, here are some questions you should ask yourself to make sure that you are ready.

- Can I afford a home?  The first step is to determine if you can afford to buy a home based on your current financial situation.   Using a Home Affordability Calculator will help you figure out how much you can afford by plugging in your income, debt and the amount of a down payment you will be able to make.   You will now have a number for the highest amount you can afford and what the monthly payment will be.

 - Is it better for me to rent or buy?  Using a Rent vs. Buy Calculator will allow you to crunch the numbers. You can enter the current amount of rent you’re paying (or how much you would be able to pay) and the zip code where you want to live. The calculator will provide a comparison of the cost of buying a home versus renting in that area.  You will also be able to see which option is more cost effective over time.

 - How long will I live here?  If you plan to stay in a home for a long time, it is generally better to buy versus rent. If you’re going to be living somewhere for a short term, renting might be the better option.  The reason is that when you buy a home you will likely have to pay closing costs which can total in the thousands of dollars.  In addition, most of your early mortgage payments go toward interest rather than paying down the principal, which is the actual amount you owe on the home.  A good rule of thumb is that home buyers should stay put for at least five years.  Otherwise, renting may be better.

 - Are you saving for retirement?  Retirement may seem a long way off to young home-buyers, but it is important to start saving early.  It’s not a good idea to neglect your retirement accounts to “save” money to put down on a house.   Consider meeting with a financial counselor who can help you find a balance in saving for retirement and saving for your first home at the same time.

 - Am I ready for the responsibility?  Owning a home is a huge responsibility.  With rentals, you can call your landlord to fix things that aren’t working in the home, but as an owner, it’s all up to you.  You need to be sure that you have the time, willingness and resources to keep up with home and yard maintenance.

Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of professional Realtors at Homes for Sale in Montgomery AL can assist you in the process of determining if you are ready to purchase your first home.  Give them a call at 334-834-1500 and get started today!

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4507 Middlefork Rd-Main Level Living on Quiet Cul-De-Sac!

Wednesday, May 2, 2018
by The Hat Team

4507 Middlefork Rd, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 431824

4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2,051 square feet | Heatherton Heights

It says Heatherton but it feels like Young Farm...this house is located on a quiet cul-de-sac and has a BIG open feeling. Large home with formal dining room. Kitchen/breakfast room open to large great room with fireplace. Main bedroom suite features double vanity area, garden tub, separate shower and large walk in closet. Three more bedrooms and a separate office are split on the other side of home for easy living. Convenient half bath near Great room. Double attached garage with storage area. fully fenced backyard with covered area for cook outs. Great layout with lots of closet space. Please give us or your favorite agent a call to see today.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Frank Powell, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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2941 Willow Lane Dr - Move-in Ready Forest Hills Gem!

Monday, April 30, 2018
by The Hat Team

2941 Willow Lane Dr, Montgomery AL 36109

MLS# 432958

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,237 square feet | Forest Hills

If you are looking for quiet neighbors, this just might be the house for you! You won't hear a peep out of your back yard neighbors because this home backs up to beautiful and historic Greenwood Cemetery! And, this home has just been refreshed and updated to include new roof, new paint inside and out, new floor covering throughout, updated kitchen with new appliances, and two refreshed and updated bathrooms. Floorplan that so many buyers are looking for today provides large living room that is open to kitchen and dining areas. Large fenced back yard has ample patio and nice shade trees for staying cool in the summer. This Forest Hills gem is ready to move into and priced RIGHT, so call your favorite real estate agent today for a first look!

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

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Creating a Moving Day Survival Kit

Wednesday, April 25, 2018
by The Hat Team

You’ve closed on your new home and it’s time to move in!  This is an exciting time, but can also be a bit stressful.  Where do you even begin?  A good place to start is to create a moving day survival kit for yourself. It should include anything and everything that is important or of great value to you and should stay with you and not go with movers. Here is a list of “must have” items to make your move as organized and stress-free as possible:

 - Toilet Paper.  At least a few rolls. Trust me on this one.

- Pain reliever and all your medications.  You don’t want to be searching for these necessities, so make sure they are easily accessible.

 -Toilet Plunger.  Yes, really. Especially if your new place only has one bathroom. Better safe than sorry!

 - Cash for tipping your movers.

 - A Multi-Tool.  While having a whole tool box handy would be great, there is only so much you can (and should) fit into your survival kit.  Something like a Leatherman will provide you with a way to open boxes and other small tasks…and it will fit in your pocket!

 - Trash Bags.  And clear recycling bags.  Look up where you can recycle locally and have the address in your phone so you can take packing boxes/materials there after you unpack. Montgomery Recycling

 - Power Strip and Mobile Phone Charger.  There is nothing worse than discovering your phone is dying and you have no idea where your charger is!  The power strip will come in handy because you will probably clear one small area and can plug in your electronics, a lamp, a coffee pot, etc.…

 - Personal Hygiene Items.  Pack an overnight bag with your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo etc.  That way, when you are ready to call it a day you can jump right in the shower without having to search through boxes for them.

 - All Purpose Cleaner and a Roll of Paper Towels (or two). Hopefully move-in day won’t be cleaning day, but you never know.  Be prepared.  Even if the house looks clean, you are going to want to wipe down the toilets, sinks and counters.

 - Bottled Water and Granola Bars.   You are going to be hungry. And tired.  Have water and snacks on hand to get you through the day.  Look up some Take Out Restaurants and have their numbers in your phone so you can have food delivered.

 - First Aid Kit.  Well, at least a box of Band-Aids in case you cut yourself opening boxes.

 - Note Pad and Pen.  Because you WILL come up with a list of things you need and need to do as you are unpacking and you will want to write them down so you don’t forget.

 - Scented Candles or Air Fresheners.  Even the cleanest house will smell a little musty if it has been closed-up for a while.

 - Flashlight.  Some rooms won’t have overhead lights and if you haven’t unpacked the lamps yet, a flashlight will come in handy.

Enjoy your new home!  And if you haven’t found your dream home yet visit Homes for Sale in Montgomery AL  or call Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professional Realtors at 334-834-1500 and start your search today!

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

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Displaying blog entries 671-680 of 1998

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