Real Estate Information Archive

Purchasing your first home is a huge milestone…and not one that should be taken lightly.  It’s a big commitment and you want to be sure you get it right. It is important that you educate yourself before you begin the home buying process so that you can find the right property and procure the financing for it. 

Here are some things you should know as a first-time homebuyer:

• PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

Entering the home buying process for the first time might feel a little overwhelming. You will have a lot of questions, but don’t worry, there will be people who will guide you through. The first thing to do is to find an experienced, professional Realtor. Your Realtor will assist you in finding your starter home, making an offer, and negotiating with sellers. Another person you should meet with prior to starting your home search is a mortgage lender. Your mortgage banker will help you complete your loan application along with determining the amount you qualify for.

Getting preapproved for a mortgage is an important step that will set you on the right course for buying your first home.

• STARTING YOUR HOME SEARCH

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “location, location, location” in relation to real estate. It exists for a reason. Because location is one of the most important aspects in choosing a home. The first thing you must do when searching for your starter home is determine the area you want to live in. You should take many things into consideration when making this decision. Do you want city, suburban, or country living? What is the reputation of the school system? Are there shopping, dining, and entertainment activities nearby? The answers to these questions aren’t just important for you when you’re living there but may also have an impact on resale value. Remember, this is your starter home, not necessarily your forever home. So, you should take resale value into consideration when choosing the location. Once you’ve determined WHERE you want to look, you can create a list of what you’re looking for in a home. You may have to compromise on some things, but going into your search knowing what you want will make things less confusing.

• FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

When buying your first home, there may be some expenses that you didn’t anticipate. Don’t risk being blindsided by unexpected expenses. Do your research and make sure you know what you are getting into. Here are some costs you may not have thought of:

• Closing costs
• Home inspection
• Moving expenses
• Setting up your new house

Remember that your Realtor and Mortgage Banker are there to answer questions you may have, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of their expertise!

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.

While there are many perks to home ownership (and tax breaks are a big one!), people who are beginning the journey of purchasing a home may be easily misled by common homeowner tax myths.

First, it is important to note that owning your own home does come with tax benefits. For example, a conventional loan’s PMI (private mortgage insurance), the VA loan funding fee, the USDA loan guaranteed fee, and FHA loan upfront mortgage insurance premiums are each tax deductible per the IRS. But as a first-time homeowner, it’s important that you educate yourself on extended tax benefits so that you will know what you can and cannot deduct. Because, unfortunately, some things you might have heard about homeowner tax perks may not be true.

MYTH: DEDUCTIONS ALWAYS CUT YOUR TAX BILL IN HALF

TRUTH: While it is possible for your home ownership deductions to reduce your tax bill, it is not a guarantee. In order to claim deductions, they must add up to more than the combination of the standard deduction and non-home related write-offs, such as sales taxes or charitable donations. You also will have to itemize your deductions.  Timing, in this case, is everything. For example, if you close on your home in April, you will make several mortgage payments throughout the tax year and chances are that you will exceed the standard deduction and write-offs, in which case your tax bill will be reduced. But if you close in November, you might only make one mortgage payment in the taxable year and you likely won’t exceed the standard deduction, meaning this is one homeowner tax perk that you won’t be able to enjoy until the following tax year.

MYTH: EVERY PAYMENT MADE AT CLOSING IS DEDUCTIBLE

TRUTH: Some closing costs are deductible. Not every fee you pay at your home closing can be written off.  The following closing costs ARE deductible: real estate taxes, mortgage interest, and PMI (private mortgage insurance). You will not receive a tax break for your homeowner’s or flood insurance premiums. The same applies to appraisal fees, escrow accounts for property insurance and taxes, and title insurance.

MYTH: HAVING A HOME OFFICE IS A GUARANTEED DEDUCTION

TRUTH: Having a home office can indeed provide a deductible…for those who qualify.  You must keep in mind that the IRS’s definition of a “home office” is very specific. The following will qualify you for a home office deduction: you are self-employed, own a small business, work from home and have turned one of your home’s rooms into your office space. If you just work from your couch with your laptop, it doesn’t qualify as a “home office” in the eyes of the IRS.

If you fill out a W-2, your home office is NOT deductible.

Purchasing your first home can be an overwhelming and sometimes intimidating process. Educating yourself about homeowner tax breaks is one step you can take toward becoming a knowledgeable, prepared home owner.

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.

3174 Lexington Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 552107

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,533 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

Love the charm of Cloverdale but looking for stylish updates too? Then this is the one for you! Entering this house, it's impossible to not fall in love with the unique arched front door! Then you're immediately greeted with beautiful hardwood floors and ample amounts of natural light! The living room, dining area and kitchen are all open creating plenty of space for the family or entertaining friends! The kitchen has updated counter tops, subway tile and cabinetry making cooking a pleasure. Wait until you see the master suite! The recessed ceiling and lighting add a touch of elegance to this room! Along with that, the updated bathroom includes a double vanity, gorgeous counter tops and a tiled walk-in shower surrounded by glass. The guest bedrooms are spacious, and the guest bathroom has a claw foot tub! The large backyard is spacious enough for cookouts, garden beds or anything else your heart desires! Don't miss your chance to see this beautiful house that's only minutes away from everything Cloverdale has to offer!

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

3264 Le Bron Road, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 551684

3 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1 Half Bath | 1,815 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

This Cloverdale charmer offers the best of both worlds! Classic historic features you would expect in a vintage home, with improved amenities like a new roof, updated electrical, tankless water heater and more. Half bath added for guests, hall/main bath updated with glass/tile walk-in shower and separate tub, and beautiful spacious kitchen with new appliances, new cabinets, and gorgeous countertops. Bonus room has closet and could be 4th bedroom, den, home office, or playroom. Cozy covered deck overlooks lush, fenced backyard with small shed and covered RV parking! Located just a couple of blocks from Cloverdale Bottom Park which hosts spring concerts, festivals, a playground for the kiddos, and neighborhood holiday celebrations. Walk to restaurants, bars, theatres, and shopping.

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

When people think about where they might retire, the first place that comes to mind is Florida. But Florida is far from the only place that is great for retirement. According to U.S News Real Estate, Montgomery, Alabama, with its affordable home prices, inexpensive taxes, and low cost of living is a great place to stretch your retirement funds. Family homes here cost lower than the national average and Alabama has some of the lowest property taxes in the country. Add to that its rich culture and warm weather and Alabama is one of the best kept secrets of retirement opportunities!

Finances are a vital aspect of retirement, and you want to live in a state where you can get the most bang for your buck without having to sacrifice comfort and enjoyment. And Alabama has a lot to offer in that respect. You will find a lot of the same tax advantages in Alabama that you would find in Florida. Combined with the fact that Alabama is overall a less expensive place to live, it should be a top contender when deciding where to retire. Consider these financial perks:

• While Alabama does have an income tax, it is one of the lowest in the country, and social security benefits are completely exempt.
   
• The cost of living in Montgomery, specifically, is 11% lower than the national average.
   
• The cost of housing in Montgomery is 30% lower than the national average.
   
• Healthcare costs are lower in Alabama as well, with retired couples paying an average of 4.4% less than the average retired American couple.
   
• Retirees who own a home in Alabama benefit from one of the lowest property tax rates in the country.

Other than it being a financially smart decision to retire to Alabama, here are several reasons that Montgomery is a wonderful place to live out your golden years:

• The weather is ideal all year ‘round! With a subtropical climate, you will enjoy hot summers and mild winters.
   
• Alabama’s capital city is filled with art and culture. The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, Hank Williams Museum and Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts offer opportunities to experience the charming history of this southern town along with fine art from around the world. You will also be able to enjoy professional performances at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center, the Montgomery Ballet, and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
   
• The city of Montgomery is so rich with civil rights history it is known as the birthplace of the civil rights movement. Check out the Civil Rights memorial Center (CRMC), one of Alabama’s premiere civil rights sites. Experience an unforgettable journey through American history at the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. More great sites to visit include Rosa Parks museum; the Freedom Riders museum; the Southern Poverty Law Center Civil Rights Memorial; the Alabama State Capitol building; Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church and its Parsonage Museum, where King once lived.
   
• You can stay active and social at Montgomery Riverfront Park. Catch a ballgame featuring the Montgomery Biscuits at Riverwalk Stadium or take a riverboat cruise on the Harriott II. Bring chairs or a blanket and grab a spot on the grass where you can watch a show or listen to music at the Riverwalk Amphitheater.
   
• If you love outdoor living, one of the best parts of retiring in Montgomery will be the vast amount of green space and trails that are easy to access. Blount Cultural Park offers a dog park, open green space, a pond and more! Check out Eat South, Montgomery’s own urban teaching farm, or play nine holes at the golf course. Gateway Park offers hiking trails, or you can have a picnic, play horseshoes, and check out the planetarium at Oak Park.
   
• If you are a “foodie”, one of the best parts of living in Montgomery is all the incredible cuisine it offers!  From the finest southern cooking to the most exquisite fine dining, you will love the dining options in Montgomery!

So, if a lower cost of living, tax perks, mild weather, arts & culture, and green spaces all appeal to you, consider Montgomery, Alabama when making your list of possible places to retire.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), 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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

With all the fees and expenses involved in purchasing a home, it may be tempting to skip the  home inspection to avoid spending the money.  But in the long run, it may cost you more to skip it. Home inspections sometimes reveal things that ultimately could have cost you way more than the fee involved.

While you might believe that sellers are being honest about the condition of the home, it’s important not to take their word for it. Truthfully, they probably are being honest. But they don’t necessarily see what could be “wrong” with the house any more than you do. That’s why you need an expert to come in and do the inspection. They can find things that never would be noticed otherwise because they know what to look for. Home inspectors can also give you advice and things to look out for in the future. With that information, you can have an idea of how to prepare for potential costs down the road.

A home inspection can be a deal breaker as well.

For example, if sellers offer a discounted price or cash back for skipping the inspection, walk away from the deal. This is a huge red flag!  A home inspection only takes a few hours and is paid for by buyers, so there is no reason sellers should protest unless there are critical issues in the home they know about and are trying to hide.

When hiring a home inspector, you want someone with many years of experience and proper certifications and licenses. You also want someone who will be thorough…willing to go through the basement, attic and up on the roof to check out every nook and cranny of the home.  It’s important to gather as much information about the house as possible so that you know what you are getting into.

It is not mandatory for you to be present for the inspection, but it’s a good idea to be there.  Some inspectors are happy to have you walk along with them and ask questions as you go.  Others will want to do the inspection on their own and then have you do a walk through with them after they are done. Either way, be sure to look carefully through the report they give you and ask as many questions as you want. Remember that you are paying for their time, so don’t hesitate to have them go over the report with you so that you have a clear understanding of it.

Even if your inspection comes up clean, the fee you pay is worth the price to have peace of mind. Include it in your home-buying budget and don’t think of it as an “extra” expense. It is a crucial element of your decision in purchasing the home and paying a $450 fee and finding nothing wrong is better than skipping it and ending up having to spend thousands to repair something! 

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), 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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

I remember watching The Jetsons when I was a kid and being fascinated by the idea of being able to actually see somebody when talking to them on the phone. And a robot maid? Who wouldn’t want one of those?!  I had no idea that in my lifetime, the things I saw on that cartoon fantasy would become a reality. Technologies like FaceTime and Skype allow us to see our loved ones no matter how far away they are. And while we may not have live-in robot maids (yet), things like robot vacuum Roomba have made house cleaning a breeze. Technology moves fast and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with all the options available to make life easier and safer.

If you’ve been thinking about turning your house into a “smart home”, but you don’t know where to begin, here are the basics to get you started:

• Create your command center with a voice-controlled smart speaker. Smart speakers come equipped with smart assistants and they usually come with an app that will be a hub for all your smart-home devices. The speaker allows you to control them all with voice commands without having to log in to different apps.  You want to be sure that you use the right type of speaker based on the other technological services you use. For example, if you use an Apple HomePod, it will only work with Siri and iTunes and is only compatible with other iOS smart products.
  
• If you feel like setting up your smart home is going to be too expensive to do all at once, then smart lighting is a good place to start. It’s relatively inexpensive and is one of the best applications for voice control. By using Smart Bulbs, you will not only save energy, but you can create a more secure home because you will be able to control your lighting remotely. You can also turn a basic light switch into a dimmer…think romantic ambiance! Once you make the one-time purchase of a small hub that is plugged in and connected to your router via Ethernet, all you have to do is replace your current bulbs with smart bulbs. The whole process just takes a few minutes, and since the hub can accommodate up to 50 bulbs, you will only need one. When purchasing the smart bulbs, make sure they are compatible with the smart assistant you are using in addition to making sure you are buying them in the correct size to replace the ones you have. Some brands, like Philips Hue offers starter kits that are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri.
   
• Invest in smart plugs. They will make almost everything easier! Smart plugs are adapters that turn simple appliances into smart appliances. With a smart plug you can control many of your devices from anywhere by simply using an app.
  
• Smart home-security devices are a little more challenging to install but are worth it for the security they provide. A smart doorbell is a good place to start. It lets you monitor who is coming to your door whether you are home or somewhere else.  It uses a camera and an in-app calling feature that utilizes two-way audio and one-way video.
   
• A larger expense comes into play when you desire large smart appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators. Smart plugs cannot be used to control them. So, that means replacing current large appliances with new smart ones. And as you can imagine, that can be very costly.
   
• Set up an IFTTT app. IFTTT stands for “If This, Then That”, and it adds an extra layer to your smart home.  Available on the App Store, Google Play and in a desk top version at IFTTT.com, this app will help you connect your smart home features in creative ways based on your personal needs. 

Keep in mind that this is a simple guide to begin the process of turning your house into a smart home. There are a lot of products available, so do your research and find the one that is the best fit for you and your family!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), 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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

1809 Winona Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 550038

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,665 Square Feet | Capitol Heights

Welcome to Capitol Heights! This move in ready home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths has just been updated for its new owner. Walk in to find beautifully refinished hard wood floors, fresh paint, new door hardware and tons of natural light. The huge kitchen has a new tile floor, new granite countertops and new stove and dishwasher. Both bathrooms have been spruced up with a new shower and new vanities. Check it out today!

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

As a Realtor, I love helping people purchase their first home. However, there are two major challenges that I see time and time again with first time home buyers:

1. They often carry too much debt.
2. They don’t have enough cash for a down payment.

These two issues are strongly related in that people need to reduce debts that inhibit them from saving money.

We all know that we shouldn’t spend more than we earn, but falling into the debt trap is easy to do. You see a pair of boots that you must have and you think, I will use my credit card now and pay for them with my next paycheck. It sounds reasonable at the time, but next thing you know you’ve done something like that often enough that there is a beastly credit card balance hanging over your head.

So, now you’re in debt. You have regrets, but no use doing the “should have, would have, could have” dance. Now it’s time to move forward and take the steps needed to reduce your debt. 

Here is a list of things to do to change the way you manage your money.  Follow these steps and before you know it you will be on your way to saving for a down payment on your first home!

• STOP ADDING TO YOUR DEBT

The first step to getting out of debt is to stop adding to your outstanding balances. To remove temptation, carry only one credit card with you…and make sure it is the one with the lowest limit so that it is impossible to get into serious trouble with it. Leave any other credit cards in a safe place at home to keep yourself from going on an impulsive shopping spree.

• TAKE AN INVENTORY OF YOUR SPENDING HABITS

This may not be a fun activity, but it is helpful to see how you are spending. Create a list of where your money goes each month including rent, utilities, car payments, food, credit cards etc. Once you have done this, split the list into two categories: bills you must pay every month and debts you need to pay off. The second list can then be organized in order of urgency, either based on outstanding balance or highest interest rate. Now you will have a clear picture of your debt situation.

• ELIMINATE THE LARGEST DEBTS FIRST

Make a minimum payment for each of your credit card bills, but then make an extra payment on the bill that is at the top of your list. Do this monthly until that bill is paid in full. Now take the money you were using for that bill and start applying it to the second item on your list.Continue this until all of them are paid off.

• CUT EXPENSES AND MAKE THE PAYMENT 

If you are already in debt, how are you going to find money for an extra payment?Well, some sacrifices will have to be made. Cutting back on extras like trips to Starbucks, entertainment and eating out can free up cash that can go toward that extra payment each month.

• PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Sometimes life is a struggle and unexpected challenges such as car repairs or medical expenses will pop up from time to time. As you cut expenses and start to save money, set up an emergency savings account just for these occasions. That way you will be prepared and won’t have to use a credit card and add to your debt.

• LOWER YOUR INTEREST RATES

Give your credit card company a call to see if they will lower your interest rate. If they say no, shop around for a card with a lower rate and transfer your debt (be careful of transfer fees to make sure the transfer benefits you). You can also seek out a consolidation loan from your bank. They will pay off your debt and you can pay them back at a lower interest rate.

• STICK TO IT!

As you see your debt decrease and see your cash increase, don’t fall back into old spending habits. As you have more money available, put it right into your savings and soon you will have the money you need for a down payment on your first home!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), 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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

With the many expenses of being a homeowner, we all want to cut back where we can to lower costs. There are several ways to save on your electric bill. 

Try these tips to lower your bill:

Get an Energy Audit

Check and see if your utility company offers a free home energy audit. If so, it’s well worth it to have them come out. They can point out areas where you can trim your energy use. Home Energy Audit

Install Dimmer Switches

Dimmer switches will allow you to only use as much light as you need. How to Install a Dimmer Switch

Keep Your Fridge & Freezer Full

The food that you store in your fridge and freezer serves as insulation, so the more you have in there, the less your appliance must run to keep itself cold.

Install Ceiling Fans

If you keep the air circulating in your home, your AC will not have to work as hard to keep the house cool. You can also use your ceiling fan to keep warmer in the winter. To do this, reverse the motor in the ceiling fan so it rotates clockwise at a low speed. This creates an updraft which forces warm air near the ceiling down into your space. It won’t change the temperature in the room, but it will help keep you warm.  But don’t forget to turn the fan off when you leave the room to save even more electricity!

Cover and Repair Windows

If your windows are not insulated for cold weather, they can be a major source of lost heat from inside your home. Make sure they are properly sealed and weatherized to help prevent heat from escaping and cold air from coming in. You can use caulking on small gaps or apply weatherstripping to cover them.

Line Dry Your Laundry

Let “Mother Nature” dry your clothes for you on warm, sunny days. When that is not possible, try using a drying rack indoors.

Eliminate “Phantom Loads”

You may be shocked to know that about 75% of the energy used by home electronics is consumed when they are turned off. Some examples of these “phantom” users are: televisions, CD players, computers, and various kitchen appliances. The simple solution is to plug these items into a power strip and then turn the power strip off when not using them.

Install an Attic Fan

An attic fan will pull cool air into your home and help to remove hot air.

Shield Your Home from the Sun

You can cut down on air conditioning use by closing your curtains and blinds on the sunny side of the house. You may also want to consider planting trees that will provide shade during the sunny times of the day.

Schedule Yearly HVAC Maintenance

Having your HVAC inspected and cleaned each year will save you money in the long run…and it will help provide cleaner air to your home.

Change Your Filters Regularly

Filters should be changed every 30 days to keep your HVAC running at peak efficiency.

Switch to LEDs

LED light bulbs use 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.  Switch out the bulbs you use the most in your home and then change the rest as they burn out.

Lower the Temperature of Your Hot Water Heater

13% of your home’s energy goes to heating water. You can lower this percentage by setting your hot water heater to 120 degrees.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to monitor and set your heat usage so that you are not heating an empty house while you’re away. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, adjust it manually before leaving the house.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), 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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.