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Displaying blog entries 61-70 of 195

Why You Should Consider Selling Your Home this Autumn

Thursday, September 1, 2022
by The Hat Team

While summer is considered by many to be the hottest time for selling a house (both literally and figuratively), sometimes circumstances require you to sell during a different time of the year. If there is a season for everything, autumn just might be exactly the right season to sell this year. Homes are still in demand and there is a good chance you will find a buyer before the end of the year. 
 

Here are some perks to selling in autumn:

  1. HOMES SHOW WELL IN AUTUMN

The autumn season lends a beauty to homes that can’t be found in any other season. Colorful leaves, fall décor, and seasonal flowers provide a gorgeous, cozy aesthetic that draws a lot of positive attention to the appearance of a home. For sellers, this means prime curb appeal will draw buyers’ interest.

  1. SERIOUS BUYERS

Buyers who are looking at homes in Autumn likely want to buy before the end of the year, so they are serious buyers. They likely want to get settled into a new house before the holiday season begins. The pressure is on for them to find their new home quickly and this puts you (the seller) in the driver’s seat when it comes to negotiations.

  1. LESS COMPETITION

There is less competition in autumn. Many sellers need to close and move before school starts, so fewer houses are for sale. With less to choose from, buyers can’t afford to be quite as picky.

  1. DIFFERENT TYPES OF BUYERS

You will be dealing with different types of buyers in Autumn. Families often move in the summer to accommodate school schedules. Empty nesters and Millennial home buyers are more likely to be looking in the fall. In addition, employers who need to relocate their workers often wait for fall to avoid the hot market during spring and summer. A speedy closing is the goal of most of these buyers, which means you are more likely to get the best price possible for your house.

  1. LOWER MOVING COSTS

Since autumn is not peak moving season, movers will be less in demand than they were during the summer. This means prices for moving may drop as demand drops. So, for those moving in autumn, you may possibly be able to save quite a bit on moving costs. You can maximize your savings choosing to move mid-month and/or mid-week when rates are often even lower.

  1. BETTER (SWEATER) WEATHER

It can still be pretty warm during autumn in the south, so while it might not actually be “sweater weather”, it definitely will be “better weather” for moving than it is in the heat of summer.


Autumn is pretty. The weather is cooler; the leaves are changing colors and fall décor can make homes look and feel warm and cozy. This is a great time of year to dress up your house to entice buyers!

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.

Photo credits: realtor.com, titlefirst.com, mymove.com

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Putting Your Home on the Market? Prepare Now!

Wednesday, August 24, 2022
by The Hat Team

If you are planning to put your house on the market, there is no time like the present to start getting organized for the process of staging, showing and moving out of your home.

Begin now by following the tips listed below and you won’t feel so overwhelmed when it’s time for that first open house!

Eliminate Piles before you sell. 

Some of us suffer from “flat-surface syndrome”.  If there is a flat surface, it is covered with “stuff”.  Now is the time to eliminate any of the “stuff” cluttering the horizontal surfaces in your home. Things such as mail, magazines and other odds and ends that are piled on the tops of tables, desks and shelves should be removed. 


​Clear out storage areas. 

If your closets, bookcases, pantry, and other storage areas are overstuffed, this is a red flag for potential buyers that screams, “not enough storage!”.  Keeping a minimum number of items in your house will leave the impression that there is a generous amount of storage in your home.

Get rid of excess.

Eliminate or pack up items that you will not need before you move. For example, only keep enough dishes, towels, sheets, toys etc. that you will use during the time your house is for sale. Why have ten sets of sheets in your linen closet when you will only need one or two?

Remove seasonal items.

Pack away things that are only used during other seasons. If you are selling in the fall/winter, pack away your spring/summer clothes. You can also pack away off-season holiday items. 

Throw things away.

If it is worn out, broken, rusty, stained, torn or incomplete, it is time to let it go. If your belongings look shabby and old, your house will look that way too. Don’t hesitate to throw such items away.

Donate items you no longer want or need. 

When you are cleaning and sorting items, if you come across things that you do not use now and will not use in a new home, donate them. There is no point in packing and moving something you will never use.  But if it is in good shape, someone else will get use out of it.

Sell before you sell.

If you find that you have many items to eliminate from your home, think about selling what you do not store, throw away or donate. You can sell at a yard sale, bring items to a consignment shop, or list items online. But have reasonable expectations regarding how much money you can make; do not overprice.  Remember the goal is to dispose of as many things as possible.

Rent a storage unit. 


Move large items/equipment that you do not often use to a storage unit. It can also provide space for packed boxes to give you a head start in preparing for your move.

Improve Curb Appeal.

Remove any clutter (toys, lawn ornaments, garbage bins) from your yard. The outdoor spaces provide the first and last impression for potential buyers and as such, it is important that they look neat and tidy.

Moving is stressful, so don’t wait to start preparing.  Get a head start before putting your house on the market!

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.

Photo credits: wakeweb.co.uk, lifesavvy.com, thepsurce.com, uhaul

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4849 Sunshine Dr: Move-in Ready in Sunshine Acres!

Wednesday, August 10, 2022
by The Hat Team

4849 Sunshine Drive, Montgomery, AL  36116

MLS# 523271

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,350 square feet | Sunshine Acres

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Move-in ready in Sunshine Acres! Excellent condition with fresh interior and exterior paint, beautifully refinished hardwood floors, new laminate flooring and a NEW roof! Perfect starter home or to start your investment portfolio. Come check it out today!

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

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24 N Lewis St: Move-in Ready Gem in Capitol Heights!

Tuesday, August 9, 2022
by The Hat Team

24 N Lewis Street, Montgomery, AL  36107

MLS# 523354

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 956 square feet | Capitol Heights

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This precious gem in Capitol Heights is pristine and ready to move into! With its close proximity to downtown, this is the perfect spot for anyone that works in or loves the dining and entertainment in downtown Montgomery. Living room boasts decorative fireplace and glass front cabinets for books or displaying collectibles. Like-new roof, fresh paint, and beautiful hardwood floors, plus a cozy covered front porch and rear deck for your outdoor pleasure. Small easy to manage front and back yards means you won’t be spending all afternoon doing yardwork. Pull-down stairs lead to loads of extra storage in the attic, and there is a detached storage building out back that would make a great workshop. All electric, so no gas bill!

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

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Is it Time to Move to a Smaller Home?

Wednesday, August 3, 2022
by The Hat Team

Do you have more house than you need? Perhaps you’ve recently become an empty-nester and don’t need a home spacious enough for a large family anymore. Or maybe you are just tired of trying to keep up with the cleaning and maintenance that a large property requires. Whatever the reason, maybe it’s time to consider downsizing.

Here are 5 perks of downsizing to a smaller home:

  1. YOU WILL SPEND LESS MONEY

You will not only save on your monthly mortgage payment in a smaller home, you will also save money on frivolous living. One of the advantages of downsizing your home is that you can stop wasting money on furniture and home décor that are used to fill space rather than to fulfill a function. Filling a smaller space will allow you to prioritize what items are important and necessary for you.

  1. THERE WILL BE LESS STRESS


After working hard all week to pay the bills, it’s no fun to have to spend your weekend doing chores. A smaller home equals fewer chores and less upkeep. This will free up time to enjoy leisure activities, hobbies, and relaxation. Imagine weekends spent doing fun outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends or just simply chilling out and reading a good book. Those things sure sound a lot less stressful than doing endless yardwork and household chores.

  1. YOU WILL REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

If you live in a large home, you know that energy costs can be expensive. Smaller homes will not only save you money on heating, cooling, and water costs, it will also allow you to reduce your carbon footprint.

  1. IT WILL FREE UP TIME FOR TRAVEL


With additional disposable income and less upkeep needed, a smaller home will afford you the time and cash for travel and adventure. Weekend getaways or even long trips are less of a hassle now that you don’t have to worry about doing lots of home maintenance and being house-poor.

  1. IT PROVIDES A FRESH START

Downsizing can be the beginning of a new chapter in your life. If being an empty-nester has you feeling down, a lifestyle change might be just what you need to start focusing on how you want to spend your time, money and energy. 

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.

Photo Credits: moving.com, nbcnews.com, sixtyandme.com

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2428 Cherry St: Well-Maintained Duplex with Great Rental History

Wednesday, August 3, 2022
by The Hat Team

2428 Cherry Street, Montgomery, AL 36107

MLS# 523001

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Duplex | Highland Park

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This well-maintained duplex has great rental history and would make a fine addition to any investment portfolio! Right side unit is handicap/wheelchair accessible. All electric units so tenants don't have to deal with gas. Windows replaced about 4 years ago, bathrooms and kitchens updated as well. Great cash flow!

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

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2172 Campbell Rd: Private Oasis in the Heart of Allendale!

Thursday, July 14, 2022
by The Hat Team

2172 Campbell Road, Montgomery, AL 36111

MLS# 519270

4 Bedrooms |  3.5 Bathrooms |  4,259 Square Feet |  Allendale 

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Welcome to your own private oasis in the heart of Allendale! This beautifully restored contemporary home has new landscaping, sits on almost an acre lot and on a cul-de-sac, which offers a gorgeous setting that feels like you are far away from the city. This Midtown Montgomery home has a wonderful open floor plan perfect for entertaining family and friends. The wide hallway lined with built-in bookshelves leads to the great room with recently updated kitchen with a new island and new countertops, a dining area and living room with a wall of windows overlooking the fabulous courtyard and back yard. At the end of the hall is a huge master suite with its own private deck. Special features are new wide planked wood flooring, spacious bedrooms, sleek bathrooms, a wood burning fireplace and large laundry room. Truly a unique property that is definitely worth seeing in person!

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

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850 Augusta Ave: Adorable Cottage in Cloverdale South!

Monday, June 27, 2022
by The Hat Team

850 Augusta Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36111

MLS# 519627

2 bedrooms | 1 bath | 1,001 square feet | Cloverdale South

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Snap this up before it's gone! Adorable, updated cottage in Cloverdale South is precious inside and out. Living room opens to dining area and large open kitchen. Two spacious bedrooms share a beautifully updated bath. Home sits on a large lot with a big, fenced back yard perfect for pets. Detached building out back provides additional storage and would make a great workshop. New HVAC installed in 2020. Updated plumbing and electrical. Property has rented for $850/month and would make a great investment property or a perfect starter home for first-time homebuyer. Move-in ready in Midtown Montgomery!

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

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4261 Shamrock Ln: Four Bedroom Ranch Oozing with Potential!

Monday, June 20, 2022
by The Hat Team

4261 Shamrock Lane, Montgomery, AL  36106 

MLS# 519269

4 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 1,928 SqFt / Green Acres 

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Green Acres is the place to be! This spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick Midtown Montgomery house is oozing with potential! Split floor plan, 2 car attached garage and nice sized shed for extra storage. Close to Vaughn Road Park. Perfect for investor looking to add to their portfolio, or a lucrative fix-and-flip! With a little TLC this could be a wonderful home!

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

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Prepare for a Quick Move if Your House Sells Fast

Wednesday, June 1, 2022
by The Hat Team


With the way houses are selling so quickly these days, chances are you might need to move out sooner than you thought. And let’s face it, no matter how prepared you think you are, moving is stressful. One of the worst parts of moving is packing up your current house. You are probably busy enough already, and now you are adding this huge task to your “to do” list. It can be overwhelming. One way to make it a little easier is to spread it out over several weeks instead of trying to do it all right before you move. It is a good idea to prepare for your move even before you put your house on the market.

Here is a guideline for packing for a move:

  • PRE-PACKING - If you are planning to put your home on the market soon, it’s a good time to pre-pack items that you won’t need or use before you move. Out of season clothing, tools and small appliances, and collectibles/knick-knacks are items that you won’t miss, and you can get them out of the way.
  • BOX UP NON-ESSENTIALS - Among the items that you didn’t pre-pack, choose those that you know you likely won’t need before moving. Books, extra linens, and kitchen items can be packed up because you likely won’t be doing much reading, and you only need enough linens, plates, and utensils for the number of people living in the home. 
     
  • TIME TO GET SERIOUS - Once your house is on the market, it is time to really start paring down the amount of “stuff” still in your home. If you have children, allow them to choose a few toys/games to keep out, and pack up the rest. If you have a home office, clean it out and box up what you plan to take with you. Jewelry and shoes that you don’t wear daily can go as well. Simply label everything well so you can find items you might want or need if your house doesn’t sell as quickly as you thought it would.
     
  • IF OFFERS ARE COMING IN - Now it is time to pack up all but the few things you will need to get through the last few weeks at your current home. The rest of your clothes and kitchen items can go (leaving yourself what you will need until the move, of course).  Go through your medicine cabinet and toss any expired medications. Pack the rest except for the ones you take daily. If you accept an offer and the financing goes through quickly, you may be closing and moving soon!
     
  • MOVING IS IMMINENT - At this point the stress might reach maximum levels, but if you have been packing a bit each week, you should be almost finished! Box up your electronics (in their original packaging when possible), bathroom items, and any miscellaneous items that are left. Keep a box for essential items that you will keep with you as you are moving.
  • MOVING DAY: IT’S HERE! - All that should be left is furniture and appliances.  Whether you have hired movers to load the large items or you are doing it yourself, it will be so much more manageable with everything else already boxed up and ready to go.

IMPORTANT TIP: Label every box.  You can either write what is in the box or what room the box should go to. Or both. You will be glad you did when you are unpacking!


Remember that this is simply a general guideline.  You should do what is right for you and your family when it comes to packing and moving. But hopefully this will make what can be a trying and overwhelming time a little more pleasant.

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.

Photo credits: azbigmedia.com, moving.com, foxnews.com, movematcher.com

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