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Displaying blog entries 951-960 of 1998

Three M's of Homeownership

by The Hat Team

Among the many reasons people have to own home, they include having a place of their own, to raise a family and to share with friends. Additional benefits include security, investment, peace, pride and enjoyment.

home maintenance 250.jpg

Together with the benefits come the responsibility to take care of the home for its livability and viability as a sound decision. A homeowner’s concerns can be broken down into three areas.

The maintenance on the property is something that every homeowner deals with. Changing filters are easy to handle yourself. Other things might require a skilled professional but identifying the “right” one can be challenging.

Minimizing expenses can reduce the cost of living in the home. It’s good to recognize when a repair is appropriate compared to a replacement. Reputable and reasonable service providers are key to keeping expense low.

Managing debt and risk becomes the financial side of the effort. Taking advantage of low interest rates or shorter terms for refinancing, making additional principal contributions are just a few ways to manage debt. Home warranty programs and homeowner insurance tips can reduce risk.

We sincerely want to be a resource for you not only when you buy or sell but all of the years in between. It is actually the reason we send this newsletter to you.

Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Is It Time To Downsize Your Home?

by The Hat Team

If you’ve officially joined the ranks of the empty-nesters. one of the first questions that usually comes to mind is should we downsize our home. The kids are gone and we probably don’t need this big house. But is buying a smaller home right for you? Obviously, there are pros and cons to consider about both your finances and lifestyle before making a decision.

downsizeReasons not to downsize:

  • The family is spread all across the country and you want to have a place for everyone to gather for the holidays and vacations.
  • You’ve been in your current home for many years and have filled it with mementos you don’t want to part with.
  • You’re not emotionally ready to pack up and leave a lifestyle you worked hard to create. Leaving family, friends and familiar surroundings is more than you can bear.
  • You enjoy the feelings that go along with your larger home. A smaller home will not feel right for your current lifestyle.

Reasons to downsize:

  • The lower (or zero) mortgage payment that comes with a smaller home would give you more discretionary funds to travel and enjoy other recreational activities.
  • A smaller home means less to maintain and more time to play.
  • You and/or your spouse are not able to navigate the stairs like you use. A single level home is more desirable.
  • A smaller, newer home is more efficient and cost effective.
  • You need to be closer to a family member who needs assistance and your attention.

If you decide to downsize, make sure the new home fits both your lifestyle and pocketbook. Talk with a real estate professional about how much money you will net from the sale of your current home, as well as the costs of buying another one. Look into how much it would cost to move and to maintain the smaller home. Make sure it really is cheaper to live there. Downsize only once you’re satisfied that the finances make sense.

Buy into your new lifestyle


A smaller house in your current neighborhood could be the right decision if your priority is maintaining close ties to neighbors. Just make sure there are amenities like public transportation and stores nearby if your health begins to deteriorate.

A retirement community could be perfect if you never want to move again and you want to focus on travel, hobbies and perfecting your golf stroke instead of mowing the lawn. Talk to current residents to see whether they’re happy with the rules and the way things are run. Another option you may prefer is a condominium to eliminate the maintenance but not be locked in for life like many life care communities.

It is a big decision to downsize. So, make it carefully, do not rush, and get professional advice about the real estate and financial aspects of moving.

Information provided by Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 1612 Croom Drive

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

1612 Croom Dr Montgomery, AL 36106
MLS# 319284

Remodel to your taste!

This old girl needs crutches right now, but still has a lot of life in her! A beautiful lot situated on a cul-de-sac in the well sought after original part of Hillwood in Midtown Montgomery.  This home is priced so that you can bring your contractor and breathe new life into it. Spacious layout has formal and casual living spaces, and bedrooms are nicely scaled. Some underpinning has been done, and more is necessary to correct settlement, BUT there is much potential in this wonderful home and SPECIAL location! Call your agent today for more information.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 2652 Fairmont Road

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

2652 Fairmont Road Montgomery, AL 36111
MLS# 319164

Elegant in Gay Meadows!


This wonderful home will steal your heart, without breaking your bank account! Boasting large rooms, you will find custom details throughout this elegant home. The updated kitchen overlooks the cozy yet spacious den/family room complete with a wall of built-in bookshelves and a real masonry fireplace. One of the three big bedrooms has a wonderful built-in desk and shelves, perfect for a teen OR a home office area. Main bedroom has lots of closets space, too! Covered loggia out back overlooks private and shady back yard. Located conveniently to shopping, dining, and schools.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 3904 Cedar Avenue

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

3904 Cedar Avenue Montgomery, AL 36109
MLS# 319126

Updated & Flawless in Dalraida!


Flawless is the best way to describe this updated Dalraida Patio home! Volume ceiling in great room features bay window and stacked stone vent-less fireplace. Nice size formal dining room for family gatherings. Kitchen has hard surface tile counter tops, hard tile floor, smooth top electric down draft cook-top, and large pantry! Informal dining area in kitchen with a beautiful bay window. Sizable main bedroom with wood floors on suite bath, soaking tub and separate shower. Bonus room could be office, den or a third bedroom! Outside you have a deck area, covered patio, double carport for your cars, privacy fence and very well landscaped yard. You also have one attached storage closet and one detached storage building. Rinnai tank less water heater, new architectural roof in 2010, new HVAC in 2009. Current owner also added extra insulation in the attic to make this one efficient home. Call us or your favorite agent to see today!

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 723 Pinkston St

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

723 Pinkston Street, Montgomery AL 36109
MLS# 319155

Great Space and Layout!

723 pinkston st
Great space and layout! this recently updated home has new carpet, fresh paint, and is ready to move into. formal living room, dining room, PLUS large den/family room. 4th bedroom could also be a home office or study (has door to exterior.) Big master bedroom has walk-in closet. Shady back yard features a screened porch for casual outdoor living and entertaining. Huge fig tree out back produces much fruit!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale: 3250 Gatsby Lane

by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

3250 Gatsby Lane, Montgomery AL 36111
MLS# 319153

Surprise Beyond the Iron Gate!

3250 gatsby lane

Lovely brick patio home in desirable Hillwood West in Midtown Montgomery. Beyond the iron gate is a great open floor plan with tiled floors, plantation shutters, built-ins and tons of storage. Check out the large walk-in pantry, laundry closet and one that was used as a small home office. The master bedroom has a huge walk-in as well. Out back there is a covered patio and a nice small yard with pretty landscaping. Roof and HVAC are less than 2 years old.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

4 Tips to Prepare Your Home For Summer Vacation

by The Hat Team

Summer has arrived!  Many families plan for their summer vacation months in advance but did you know that you need to prepare your home for your vacation as well?  Below are a few tips on what you should do to prepare your home for your summer vacation.   

  • summer vacationMow your grass before you leave for your vacation.  I would suggest that you set the mower on the shortest cut you can get so that you don’t have to worry about it growing up while you are gone.  If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time you may want to arrange to have a family member mow your yard at least once while you are gone.  Mowing your yard before vacation makes it look like you are still at home and therefore may keep away potential intruders. 

     
  • Another thing you should do before you leave on vacation this coming summer is to contact the post office and have your mail canceled while you are gone.  You can pick your mail up at the post office once you arrive back home and start your service back up.  This may sound like a huge ordeal but it really is an easy way to keep things neat and tidy while you are away from home.  This simple act will also deter intruders.
     
  • If you don’t want your house to stand out as if no one is home, you may need to install a flood light that is activated by motion outside of your home.  This way if someone walks up to your house that is not suppose to be there the neighbors will be able to see them and can report anything out of the ordinary.  Another thing you can do with lights is to set a few inside lights on a timer so that it looks like you are home.
     
  • Some water heaters have a VAC mode otherwise known as a vacation mode. If you have this setting on your water heater it’s a good idea to use it while you are away.  Doing this is not only a good way to save on your bill but it is also a good way to avoid any type of flooding that may occur while you are gone.  The last thing you want to come home to is a flooded house due to a broken or burst pipe.

Hopefully these tips will get you started in the right direction before you set off on your summer vacation and you’ll be able to relax and have fun without worrying about your house! 

Information provided by Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 307 Ware Hill Ct

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

307 Ware Hill Ct, Montgomery AL 36109

MLS# 319065

Desirable Dalraida Patio Home!

307 ware hill ct

Desirable Dalraida patio home!! Two large bedrooms each with their own bath and big walk in closets. Spacious living area with fireplace and access to private courtyard. Dining area adjacent to living space with view to fireplace. Kitchen has breakfast bar and open to informal seating area. Separate laundry area to keep clothes out of sight. New light fixtures thru-out add to the updated modern feel. Owner enclosed the two car carport with automatic doors so you basically have a secure garage space! This homeowner has also added 13" of attic insulation to keep your utilities to a minimum. Located on a well kept beautiful cul-de-sac away from traffic and noise. One year American Home Shield warranty provided. Please give us or your favorite agent a call to see this upgraded, spotless and efficient patio home today!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

 

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale: 3255 Wilmington Rd

by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

3255 Wilmington Rd, Montgomery AL 36105
MLS# 319070

Room To Spread Out!

3255 wilmintgon rd

Lots of room to spread out in this lovely brick South Hull home in Midtown Montgomery. Formal dining and living room have beautiful hardwood floors and charming architectural features. Cozy enclosed sun porch off living room could have many uses. Open kitchen looks into the den/family room AND there is a HUGE Florida room across the back for additional living/entertaining space. Three nicely sized bedrooms and an updated hall bath round out the living quarters. There is a wide staircase providing access to a BIG attic area great for storage and with potential for even more living space. Mature trees provide shade canopy front and back, which helps on utilities.

Marketed by Montgomery Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

Displaying blog entries 951-960 of 1998

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