Real Estate Information Archive

Sometimes things happen that are out of our control.  Perhaps a change in employment is forcing a move that you weren’t expecting. Other times you might have known you were moving, but were so busy that you waited until the last minute to start preparing.  Either way, it can seem overwhelming.  Whether your move is unexpected or you are just an expert procrastinator, here are some tips to help you get through a last-minute move:

• Think Logically - A last minute move might make you feel paralyzed with anxiety over where to even start.  There is so much to be done and the “to do list” can seem insurmountable. Don’t despair. The key word here is “list”.  Take a deep breath, sit down with pen and paper and make a list of what you need to do. As you complete each task, simply cross it off the list. Before you know it, there will be more items crossed off than there are to do.  The first step should be hiring a moving company or renting a moving truck (depending on whether you are using movers or doing it yourself). It can sometimes be challenging to find movers and/or trucks available last minute, so make sure to do this as soon as you know you are moving.  There are tools you can use such as a moving company directory to help you find reputable companies in your area.  Make sure to get two or three quotes, but then decide quickly.  Once you have the logistics worked out, you can get on with the rest of the tasks on your list. Best Movers in Montgomery, AL
   
• Eliminate Items You Don’t Want or Need - Packing is quite a chore and the less you have to pack, the easier it will be. With a last-minute move, easy packing is all the more important.  As you go through each room in your house, separate items you no longer want or need into three categories: donate, recycle, and throw away.  Now is not the time for sentimentality.  Don’t make the mistake of packing everything thinking you will sort through it after you move.  Get this done before you go and you will have less to pack, which will make setting up your new home easier.  Once you have your piles sorted get rid of them immediately.  Donation Town is a great resource for finding places where you can donate items in your area.
   
• Create an Essentials Bag - Prior to packing, set aside an overnight bag and fill it with essential items that you can’t afford to misplace.  Items such as medications, electronics chargers, important papers, toiletries and a couple of changes of clothes should go in this bag.  This bag is especially important for a last-minute move where things might get a bit chaotic. You may also want to consider putting together a moving day survival kit. Moving Day Survival Kit
   
• Time to Pack - Packing in a hurry means there won’t be much time to think and organize.  The important thing is to get everything into boxes so your possessions make it from your current home to your new home.  Don’t worry about trying to pack only “like” items in each box.  Put things where they fit. You can sort through everything once you’ve moved.  Keep a marker handy to label the boxes in a general manner. For example, simply label which room a box should go to such as kitchen or bathroom.  It’s ok if there are miscellaneous items that don’t belong in the room the box is labeled for, as you can put them where they belong later.  Use towels, socks and blankets to wrap around breakable items.  Save yourself time and boxes by packing clothes as they are.  Use garbage bags to wrap around hanging clothes using the bag’s strings to tie around the hangers.  Keep clothes in dresser drawers and wrap the drawers in packing materials to be moved as is.
   
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help - This is a big task you’re taking on, particularly since it must be done quickly.  Family and friends can and will help if you ask. And with help, you will get the job done quicker, which is the goal in a last-minute move!  To show your appreciation you can order a meal for your helpers while they are there.

Moving is stressful regardless of how much time you have, but when moving quickly, focus on the end goal…which is getting all your belongings to your new home as safely as possible.

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: mercuryinsurance.com

Whether moving for a job or just relocating for personal reasons, you still must decide what to do with your current home.  Should you rent it out?  Or sell it?  There are many circumstances to consider before making that decision.  How long do you have before you move?  What is the housing market doing in your area?  And do you have someone you can trust to manage your property? Rental Income: The Pros and Cons of Leasing Your Property

Of course, the biggest motivator in your decision is which option will be most financially profitable.   If you have a lot of equity in your house and can sell it, you’ll walk away with some cash to put toward your new home.  If the house is paid off, you’ll walk away with A LOT of cash.  However, if your equity is built up and you have low mortgage payments (or no mortgage payment), you could bring in a substantial monthly income by renting the house for more than your monthly payments.  You do have to consider the costs involved with renting the house out.  If you’re relocating to another town, you will likely have to hire a Property Manager to collect rent and take care of issues that come up.  You might also have to pay to advertise the home. What is a Property Manager

There are going to be risks involved either way.  If you put the house up for sale, you run the risk of not selling it quickly and possibly ending up with two mortgage payments or a house payment and rent payment on a new place.  But there are also risks to renting out your home. There’s a chance you will rent it to people who you think will be good tenants, but wind up paying the rent late or not at all.  There is also the risk that renters will not take care of the house and lower its value.

Another issue to consider is that housing markets can greatly fluctuate from year to year. You must question whether your neighborhood is in the kind of shape to support a quick sale.  If other homes haven’t been selling, for example, you might not get as much for your house as you might if you could wait a year or two and rent it out in the meantime.  On the other hand, if the housing market is hot in your neighborhood, it might just be the best time to take advantage of it and sell to get the best price possible.

Finally, you must think about whether you can afford a new mortgage while you still own the first house. Lenders count about 75 percent of the income you receive from renters when figuring out if they’ll give you a new loan, but that’s only if you have a signed lease and your salary is sufficient to cover the rest of the mortgage requirement.  Selling your house will make it much easier for you to qualify for a new loan.

The bottom line is, after doing your research, you can decide whether selling or renting is the best and most financially sound choice for you.

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: psychologycompass.com

They say that a cluttered environment leads to a cluttered mind. Clutter overloads your senses, just like multi-tasking overloads your brain. And overloaded anything leads to stress and anxiety. And with everything going on in our world right now, the last thing anyone needs is more stress and anxiety! With that in mind, here are some simple, inexpensive ways to hide the clutter in your home, leading to less mess and less stress! The Cost of Clutter in Your Life

• Use toilet paper rolls to store cables and cords. This is a great way to keep your cables and cords organized.  Simply wrap them around your fingers, stuff them into the toilet paper rolls, then place them in a basket, container or drawer. You can even label what each cable/cord is for on the toilet paper roll!
   
• Put shelves in the corners. Corner shelving not only looks nice, but it is a great space saver.  Put those empty corners to use and utilize shelves to hold books, plants, toiletries or anything you may want to display.
   
• Take advantage of the space under your beds.  Invest in some under-the-bed storage and you will be amazed at how much you can “hide” under there!  It’s a great place to store out of season clothing, extra sheets and towels and anything else you want out of sight.
   
• Get shoes out of the way by purchasing a shoe cabinet. If your family removes shoes when entering the house, you can end up with footwear scattered everywhere. A shoe cabinet in the foyer or entryway will provide an attractive piece of furniture that will keep the floor free of shoes.
   
• Choose furniture that will double as storage.  For example, many ottomans open and have space to store things like blankets, pillows, magazines etc.  You can also find end tables that have drawers and shelves, or a chest-style coffee table that has storage inside.
   
• Use a vanity tool holder in your bathroom.  It’s easy to let a bathroom get cluttered; especially if you have a small vanity with little space.  You can get many items off the counter by using a vanity tool holder that hangs on the door under the sink. Hair Tool Storage
   
• Create multi-level storage by using a decorative cake stand in your bathroom.  Depending on the number of levels on the cake stand you can have up to three times the space for your personal hygiene and make up items.
   
• Do you have a tiny shower?  If you have no room in your shower for your shampoo, conditioner and soap, try using a shower curtain with pockets.  This will prevent you from having to place your shower items on a surface outside the shower.

Use these easy hacks and destress by decluttering!

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: wbfj.fm

Montgomery AL Home For Sale: 3144 Le Bron Rd, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 474491 | 5 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2981 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

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You will find plenty of room to spread out in this nearly 3,000 square foot home in Midtown Montgomery! Whether it's a growing family, or multigenerational, there is space for everyone. A cozy sunroom welcomes you upon entrance and is the perfect spot for morning coffee. Spacious living and dining rooms afford entertaining spaces for friends and family, while the large den/family room off the kitchen is the perfect spot for more intimate family time. With two bedrooms and a bath downstairs and another three bedrooms and two baths up, plus plenty of storage space. A mudroom off the kitchen serves as pantry area, with space for a stand up freezer and an additional refrigerator, and access to laundry area. There is a big deck off the back of the house for outdoor living. Located in the heart of historic Cloverdale/Idlewild and convenient to parks, dining, and entertainment!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team. Lean more on our About page.

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 1286 S Lawrence St, Montgomery AL 36014

MLS# 463343 | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1909 Square Feet | Garden District

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Here is a great opportunity for a nice fix-and-flip! Situated on a corner lot in the middle of the historic Garden District in Midtown Montgomery, this three bedroom 2 bath home oozes potential, and there is a guest cottage out back that could provide rental income as well. Noted structural issues and obvious condition issues. Short sale, so patience is required to move on this opportunity!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team! Visit our About Page.

House hunting can be overwhelming sometimes, especially when beginning the search for your first home. Chances are you might get caught up in the process and important details might slip by you. While the number of rooms, condition of the kitchen, and size of the yard are important, there are other things to consider before you make an offer.  This list of things to look for can help get your search off to the right start.

Location

They say that the 3 most important things to look for when buying a home are location, location, location! While a home might not be perfect, loving your neighborhood and neighbors can make all the difference in living with imperfection.  And face it…you can change almost anything about your house, but you can’t change its location or the people living nearby.  When you go house hunting, make sure to consider the home’s proximity to your work, the appeal of the neighborhood, where in the neighborhood the home is situated, ease of access, noise from neighbors, traffic, pets and access to parks, shopping, schools and public transportation. The 5 Factors of a "Good" Location

Home Placement

Beyond location, look at how the home is situated.  If the home is on a hill does it have a view, a walkout basement, or lots of stairs to climb? Do neighbors' windows look directly into the home? Is the yard suitable for kids, pets, gardening, or other uses? Is their safe access to the home? These are all important questions to ask yourself when determining if it is the right property for you.

Check Out the Neighborhood

While it’s important for your house to meet your expectations, it’s equally important that the neighborhood meets them too. Take a drive around the development you are interested in on weekdays and weekends, during the day and in the evening.  Are the homes in good repair? Are yards kept clean and tidy?  Is the neighborhood safe enough for people to walk, run or bike?  Are there children playing outdoors?

Consider a Home’s Curb Appeal

You want a home that is going to reflect your lifestyle. Do you live a    casual, laid-back life? Then you probably won’t want a formal Victorian or Tudor style home.  A simple, contemporary home might better suit you.  Pay close attention to exterior features.  Think about maintenance.  For example, a brick home is easier to maintain than one with siding.  Do you like working in the yard?  If not, you might not want a house with extensive landscaping.  Is the roof in good condition?  Attention to detail will help you choose the home with the best curb appeal for you. The Importance of Curb Appeal

Size and Floor Plan

You may be thinking about buying your dream home. But is your dream home practical?  Do you need 4 bedrooms and 4 baths when you live alone? A spacious home may provide the extra room you've always wanted for a home office or a theater room, but you'll pay higher heating bills and have higher taxes. Additionally, it will take more furniture to furnish and money to decorate. Think about how the new home space will be used and whether it will fit your lifestyle now and in the future.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need and only    look at homes that meet that criteria.  You don’t want to fall in love with what is otherwise a perfect house if it doesn’t provide the space needed for your family.  It is smart to consider counting an extra bedroom in that number so that you have extra space for a home office or guest room. If you think you might add on to the home later, make sure you consult an architect who can advise you on space planning and regulations.

The Kitchen

For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Don’t settle for a home with a kitchen that doesn’t work for you.  Yes, you can remodel later, but at great expense.  If it is an easy fix like replacing cabinets or countertops, get a price quote before committing to the house so that you will know if it is within your budget to take that on.

Closets and Storage

Older homes often have small closets and lack storage space.  As you’re looking at a home ask yourself where you will store your belongings. Tiny closets don’t have to be a deal breaker.  There are ways to maximize storage without renovations. Newer homes tend to have lots of storage and you may sacrifice living space while having more closet space than you need.

Windows and Lighting

While looking at a home keep in mind your preferences regarding light and privacy.  Do you want a lot of windows to provider bright, sunny rooms?  Pay attention to the locations of electrical outlets and fixtures to make sure they will meet your lighting needs.

Finishing Touches

Even a simple home can look spectacular with the right moldings, hardware, and a fireplace.  If elements like these are important to you, look for them while house hunting. 

You may not find everything you want in one house, but keep this list handy and you are more likely to find the home that best suits your needs and desires.  Happy House Hunting!

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: consumerreports.org

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 3104 Hull St, Montgomery AL 36105

MLS# 474910 | 2  Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths | 2,20 SF | South Hull District 

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Absolutely stunning cottage in pristine condition! Situated on a corner lot, this lovely home was renovated in 2016 with a totally new kitchen, a laundry room addition and a half bath addition. It truly has a modern feel with the open floor plan and high ceilings. It flows beautifully from the living room to a step-up area perfect for an office or a reading room, to the dining room that's open to the gorgeous kitchen. The bedrooms are huge and can be closed off at the hallway. The stone patio is adorable and overlooks a great back yard. Other fabulous features are the new appliances, a tank-less water heater, redone hard wood floors and the usable one car garage! Check out this wonderful Midtown Montgomery house today before it's gone!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Layfield, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

With Independence Day approaching, you probably have red, white and blue on your mind! If you want to serve a July 4^th meal with the appropriate celebratory colors, use these colorful, healthy fruits and vegetables!

STRAWBERRIES

These ruby red treasures are filled with vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, potassium and manganese.  They are also low in calories and are sodium, fat and cholesterol free!  And they taste like a guilt-free sweet treat! Make them extra special on Independence Day with this fun recipe: Red, White & Blue Strawberries

Photo Credit: thespruceeats.com

RADISHES

Packed with vitamins E, A, C, B6 and K as well as potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, calcium, iron and manganese, red radishes are a wonderful option for your festive 4^th of July meal! This Crunch Garden Salsa made with crisp radishes and cucumbers will be the hit of the party…serve with blue tortilla chips for a special touch!

Photo Credit: delish.com

PEARS

Did you know that pears can actually help manage prediabetes?  Antioxidants found in pears help prevent rapid carb digestion that can cause blood-sugar spikes.  Raw pears are great for sweetening bitter salads, and poached pears are a yummy dessert.  Try this pear recipe for your Independence Day gathering: Pear Salad With Dried Cherries and Candied Walnuts

Photo Credit: minimalistbaker.com

CAULIFLOWER

Don’t let the mild taste of cauliflower fool you. It is full of vitamins and minerals! One cup of raw cauliflower contains 77% RDA vitamin C, dietary fiber, protein, vitamin K and potassium. And it’s only 25 calories!! Riced cauliflower is fantastic as a substitute for carb heavy white rice. And cauliflower crust on a pizza saves you lots of calories!  Here is a fun cauliflower appetizer recipe for July 4^th: Buffalo Cauliflower

Photo Credit: wholesomeyum.com

BLUEBERRIES

These scrumptious treats are packed with nutrients! Low in calories and high in fiber, they also have antioxidants which play a role in preventing cell damage and reducing the risk of chronic disease.  Try this delectable blueberry recipe for your July 4^th gathering: Cape Cod Blueberry Pie

Photo Credit: tasteofhome.com

BLACKBERRIES

They may be called blackberries but these sweet treats are actually dark blue and offer several health benefits.  One cup of blackberries has nearly 8 grams of fiber, 40% RDA for manganese, and 34% RDA for vitamin C.  This same serving also provides 24% RDA for Vitamin K which is necessary for blood clotting and plays an important part in bone health. For a unique Independence Day entrée try this recipe for Blackberry Glazed Chicken

Photo Credit: countryliving.com

Whatever you decide to serve on July 4^th this year, we hope you are able to spend the day celebrating with family and friends.  Happy Independence Day!

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!