Real Estate Information

If going green is important to you, you have probably considered installing a solar panel system to your home. While solar is certainly a smart long-term investment that can reduce your environmental footprint, it is important to understand the pros and cons of solar power so you can make the right decision for your home. Making your home more energy efficient is always a good thing, but there are a lot of solar power myths that are communicated via the media. Take time to do your research and educate yourself before purchasing a solar panel system!

PROS OF SOLAR ENERGY

• Lowers electric bills. This is the top benefit of using solar panels.  With solar power, you are generating your own electricity, thus becoming less reliant on your electric utility company. This, in turn, reduces your electric bill.  Because solar panel systems generally last 25-30 years, you can save money on your electric bill for decades!
   
• You can actually earn money using solar! Due to many Solar Incentives in the United States, solar panels not only generate bill savings, but also pay off in other ways.  Utilizing these incentives will allow you to be compensated for the electricity that your solar panels generate.
  
• It will give you some control over rising energy costs. The cost of electricity has risen by about 5% over the past decade and that trend of rising electric costs is expected to continue. However, the cost of solar has decreased more than 70% over the same ten years. By installing solar panels now, you will avoid rising energy costs!
   
• Improves the value of your home. Studies have shown that property values often increase after solar is installed.  So, even if you do not plan on staying in your current home long term, you can still reap the financial benefits of your solar panel investment when you sell.
   
• It reduces your carbon footprint and moves our country toward energy independence. This is what it is all about, right?  Saving money is a wonderful thing but saving our planet…that is priceless! Using solar power benefits our environment and at the same time, moves our country toward transitioning away from fossil fuels and being heavily reliant on fossil fuel producers abroad.

CONS OF SOLAR ENERGY

• Solar panels do not work on every type of roof. Because of the way solar panels are installed, not every type of roof will support them. If you have an older or historic home that has a roof made from slate or cedar tiles, it can be challenging for solar to be installed. Skylights and rooftop decks can also make solar installation difficult and costly. There are other options, such as ground mounted solar panels or buying a share in a Community Solar Garden.  So, even if you cannot have panels installed on your roof, you can still take advantage of solar energy.
  
• You may not get a return on your investment if you are about to move. While solar is a great financial investment, it does take a while to break even on it.  If you are planning to move within a few years, you may feel like they are an unworthy investment. However, as stated in the pros above, solar does increase the value of your home. So, if you buy your system with cash or a loan, you can still earn your money back when you sell your home.
   
• If you already have low electric costs, your solar savings will be low as well. Some people live in areas with low electric costs to begin with and in those cases a solar panel system will not be nearly as attractive as it is to someone who pays a high electric rate.
   
• Upfront costs can be intimidating. The total out-of-pocket price for a solar panel system depends on many things, including tax credits, rebates, and the financing you use.  But the upfront cost can seem overwhelming, especially if you don’t qualify for a Zero-Down Solar Loan.  Many people will not even consider solar panels because they feel they just cannot afford the cost.  That is why it is important to do research and find out about solar financing options. Solar Companies in Montgomery Alabama  

While rooftop solar panels are not the right choice for everyone, they clearly do provide many benefits to homeowners. Going green and decreasing your carbon footprint can be done in many ways.  With our country moving toward clean energy, solar is one of the most consumer- friendly options.

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!

Photo Credits: cnn.com, greenmatch.co.uk, paksolarservices.com

Most real estate offers have contingencies, which are provisions that must be met for the transaction to go through. If the contingencies are not met, the buyer is entitled to walk away from the deal with their earnest money. The fewer contingencies there are, the more likely a contract will go through in a timely manner. Earnest Money

Here are five of the most common contingencies:

• Home inspection contingency. This contingency allows the buyer to have the home professionally inspected. If problems are found the buyer can request repairs by a certain date; generally, within five to seven days of the purchase agreement being signed. Depending on where you live, there may be requirements for repairs on structural defects, building code violations, and/or safety issues. But keep in mind that many repairs are negotiable, so there is wiggle room for the sellers to decide what repairs they are willing to make for the sale to go through.
  
• Appraisal contingency. A home must pass appraisal for a buyer to obtain a home loan. The appraisal is a process during which the property’s value is assessed by a neutral third party. The purpose of the appraisal is to be sure that the home’s worth is enough to cover the price of the mortgage. Usually, the home buyer pays for the appraisal, which typically takes place within 14 days of the sales contract being signed.
   
• Financing contingency. A financing contingency is also referred to as a loan contingency or mortgage contingency. It protects the buyer in the event their lender does not approve their mortgage. Although the timeframe for financing contingencies can vary, mortgage lenders report that buyers generally have about 21 days to obtain mortgage approval.
   
• Sale of current home contingency. Sometimes home buyers will make the purchase of the new home contingent upon the sale of their current home. Usually, buyers have a window of 30 to 90 days to sell their house before the sales agreement is voided. This contingency puts the seller at a disadvantage because the buyer’s house might not sell in time.
  
• Title contingency.  A buyer must “clear title” prior to having a mortgage approved. This is a process in which the buyer’s title company reviews any potential easements or agreements that are on public record. This ensures the buyer is becoming the rightful owner of the property and the lender is protected from ownership claims over liens, fraudulent claims from previous owners, clerical problems in courthouse documents, or forged signatures. Property Title Search: What it is and How it Works

These contingencies are common in most real estate sales contracts. However, the sale of current home contingency is used more often in a strong buyer’s market. Just remember that contingencies are negotiable!

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!

Photo Credits: canva, lonestarfinancing.com, rismedia.com

Perhaps you have been thinking about purchasing a home, but you are not sure how much you need for a down payment. Many people will tell you that you need to have 20% to secure a mortgage. Thanks to various programs available to buyers, the truth is that you can put down as little as 3%. In fact, if you are a military veteran you could qualify for a Veterans Affairs Home Loan and not need a down payment at all! While these programs may mean that you do not have to save as much and you can get into a home sooner, there are some major benefits to making a 20% down payment if you can:

• YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR A LOWER INTEREST RATE

Putting 20% down vs a 3-5% down payment gives your lender/bank the confidence that you are financially stable and a good credit risk. With this confidence, they will be willing to give you a lower interest rate on your mortgage loan.

• YOU WILL PAY LESS OVER THE LONG RUN

With a bigger down payment, you will have a lower loan amount for your mortgage. That means you will be paying less interest. For example, if you make a 20% down payment, you will only pay interest on the remaining 80% of the loan. If you put only 5% down, the extra 15% on your loan will accrue interest and you will pay more over the long run.

• YOU WILL BE MORE APPEALING TO SELLERS

Chances are, you will be competing with other buyers for the same home. Like the mortgage lender/bank, sellers feel more confident in buyers who are making 20% or larger down payment. They will see you as a buyer who’s financing is more likely to be approved, thus ensuring the sale will go through.

• YOU WILL SAVE MONEY BY NOT HAVING TO PURCHASE PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is an insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It comes to you in the form of a monthly fee included in your mortgage payment. It is required for all conforming, conventional loans that have down payments of less than 20%. If you make a down payment of 20% or more, this insurance is not required. 6 Reasons to Avoid Private Mortgage Insurance

• YOU WILL HAVE LOWER MONTHLY PAYMENTS

When you make a 20% down payment it will result in smaller mortgage payments. You are starting off with a smaller overall mortgage and saving the expense of PMI, therefore your monthly payments won’t be as high.

• YOU MAY BE ABLE TO AFFORD A MORE EXPENSIVE HOME

Let’s say you are budgeting for a $1,000 monthly mortgage payment. If you are able to get an interest rate of 3% on a 30-year mortgage, with a 5% down payment you can afford to buy a $171,000 home. But if you made a 20% down payment, you would be able to buy a $213,000 home and still maintain your budget of a $1,000 a month mortgage payment.

While putting 20% down on a home is not a requirement, and you can certainly purchase a house with less down, saving for a 20% down payment may be worth it thanks to advantages listed above!

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!

Photo Credits: moneyunder30.com, usatoday.com, gobankingrates.com

“Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that love of work is success.”

Wishing you a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

3452 Bankhead Ave, Montgomery AL 36111

MLS# 503019 | 6 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 3,251 Square Feet | Edgewood

Virtual Tour

This marvelous mid-century modern is one of only a handful in Montgomery that is completely original and pristinely intact! Custom built in 1953 by a local family, no expense was spared in design and materials. Highly functional multiple living areas are flooded with light from vaulted skylights. Rich wood cabinetry with drawers and built-in glass front display cabinets abound in every hallway and pass through, affording endless storage. The original design includes an ample master suite with built in headboard and dresser PLUS 5 other bedrooms and two back-to-back baths for their growing family. Each of the "children's" bedrooms have built-in desks/shelving and storage. Outdoor living includes covered entry, covered side porch, and a third rear patio area, and the back yard is totally fenced for pets. Heirloom landscaping dots the property, along with mature trees and lots of privacy. Truly a museum quality one-of-a-kind find in prestigious Edgewood!

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

Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 

4624 Wares Ferry Rd, Montgomery AL 36109

MLS# 36109 | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,624 Square Feet | College Grove

Virtual Tour

Even on the approach to this home, you know it is something special...unlike any of its neighbors. Custom additions and renovations abound like the fencing in the front yard, landscaping, and tilework on the covered front porch. Once inside, the foyer with a shiplap accent wall welcomes you into a cozy living/dining room combo. If you are an HGTV fan, you will flip over the custom kitchen with hickory soft close cabinets, roll-out shelving, and a lazy susan to optimize storage. The two-drawer Fisher-Paykel dishwasher is a Godsend for singles or families, and the 5 burner stove allows you to cook lots all at once. Relax in the light filled den/family room with a real fireplace and stunning views out the picture window of the covered deck and big salt water swimming pool. Both bathrooms have been tastefully updated. Wake up to a perfect view of the gleaming pool every morning from the oversized master bedroom that boasts two closets. The backyard is a dream for entertaining large groups or just winding down after work. A detached workshop is wired and perfect for storing pool toys, lawn equipment, or even a man cave/she-shed (with a little creative work...). The metal roof is a huge plus, and the pool pump and liner are in good working order, as is the HVAC system. Zoned for desirable Dalraida elementary school, this home is truly one of the best homes in the area, and one you don't want to miss out on!

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

Raise your hand if you are a homeowner living on a budget who also wants all the latest and greatest home décor trends. If you raised your hand, these tips are for you! 

Check out these 8 ways you can make your home décor look expensive without breaking the bank:

1. FRESHEN UP YOUR FIREPLACE

Just having a fireplace to begin with gives your home a more upscale aesthetic, but if it is in poor condition, you do not have to spend a lot of money to give it a makeover. You can give it a new, modern look with things like laminate, paint, peel and stick tiles, and molding. How to Update Your Fireplace - 5 Easy and Affordable Ideas

2. PUT IN SOME WOOD FLOORS

Real hardwood can be cost prohibitive, but there are so many alternatives these days, many of which are just as durable and beautiful as the real deal. For example, laminated tile that looks like wood grain. The 7 Best Low-Cost Alternatives to Hardwood Flooring

3. ADD SOME BASEBOARDS FOR AN ELEGANT FEEL

If your house is lacking in those special touches such as trims and moldings, you can add them easily and inexpensively to elevate the quality of a room. Cheap and Easy Dramatic Baseboards

4. CREATE A RUSTIC LOOK WITH AN ACCENT WALL

Sure, you can paint or put up wallpaper to make a wall stand out, but for that updated rustic charm that adds color and texture, wood is what you are looking for! Choose your wood, stain it, and add it to the wall for a look that will change the whole feel of the room. 50 Wood Accent Wall Ideas

5. MAKE A BOARD & BATTEN WALL

Not only will this make your bedroom look more chic, it will also provide a beautiful “headboard” for your bed. It will add depth and texture to your wall for a much more upscale look. Cheap and Easy Board and Batten Tutorial

6. ILLUMINATE WITH LIGHTING

Bringing light into a room is a simple and budget-friendly trick to make your home look more elegant and luxurious. You can do this by adding lighting pieces that are unique and expressive. 5 Cheap Ways to Update a Room With Lighting

7. EXPAND YOUR SPACE WITH MIRRORS

Along with lighting, a few strategically placed mirrors can create an illusion of space making a room look much larger than it actually is. In order to achieve this illusion be sure to hang your mirrors across from a lighting source, whether it be a window or a lamp light. Creating the Illusion of Space Using Mirrors

8. CHANGE HARDWARE

If you want a more elegant look for your kitchen, you do not have to renovate the whole room. It is amazing how much you can upgrade the look of your kitchen by just changing out the hardware finishes such as drawer pulls and knobs. Kitchen Hardware: 27 Budget Friendly Options

These are just a few things you can do to give your home a more expensive look while living on a budget.

Creating modern, upscale home décor is not out of reach!

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!

Photo Credits: idealhome.co.uk, decoist.com, sebringdesignbuild.com

I am sure you have heard the phrase before, but “location, location, location” has never meant more than when you are purchasing a home. It is important to remember that you can buy the right home in the wrong location. You can fix it up, renovate it, change its structure…but in most circumstances, you can’t move it. It is attached to the land. Identical homes can increase or decrease in value depending on their location. Choosing the best area for living and resale value is equally as important as choosing the ideal home. Here are a few things to be aware of when searching for the right location for your investment:

• Top Rated School Districts

Homebuyers with children often seek homes in highly desirable school districts. They are willing to spend more for a home in order to enable their children to go the “best schools.” So, even if you don’t have children in school, it will serve you well to purchase a home in a great school district. Best Schools in Montgomery AL

• Recreation & Nature

Homes on the water or near parks hold their value because people enjoy living where they can enjoy the outdoors. Being able to walk out your door and quickly be in a beautiful natural setting makes homes much more desirable. Parks, Trails & Natural Areas in Montgomery, AL

• Entertainment & Shopping

While some buyers seek out areas surrounded by nature, others may be looking for a home that enables them to walk to restaurants, movie theaters and boutiques. Some of the best “walkable” neighborhoods in Montgomery are Old Cloverdale, Garden District and Capitol Heights.

• Economically Stable Neighborhoods

Older neighborhoods that have survived economic recessions while maintaining evident pride of ownership appeal to buyers looking for long term stability. Montgomery's Historic Neighborhoods

• Public Transportation, Healthcare & Jobs

Some buyers will be looking for convenience. They do not want a long commute to work and want to have easy access to transportation and healthcare facilities. Montgomery Transit

So, when purchasing a home, remember…location, location, location! While the “best” neighborhoods may require larger investments, they are also the neighborhoods that will hold the highest resale value. When buying a home, the last thing you want to think about is selling it, but it is vital that you keep resale value in mind because, after all, a home will likely be the largest financial investment you will make in life and you want it to pay off in the end!

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!

Photo Credits: planhillsborough.org, funinmontgomery.com, pinterest

Let’s face it - moving is overwhelming no matter how well you prepare. There are what seem like a million little pieces that all must fall into place to make a move go smoothly. And even then, it is stressful. You are upending your life; putting everything you own into boxes and bags and making big changes. So, it is easy to understand how some tasks fall through the cracks and are forgotten. Here are some important things that many people forget to do (or don’t even realize need to be done) when moving:

• Cancel recurring charges for local memberships. During the chaos of moving, the last thing you are likely to think about are membership fees for things that may not transfer to your new place of residence, like a gym membership. And if those fees are automatically charged to your credit or debit card you need to cancel those memberships at least a month before you move so that you do not continue to get charged even when you are not there to use them any longer.
   
• Call your car insurance company. Per the Department of Motor Vehicles, it is vital to check on your car insurance when moving, as states have varying levels of required coverage. In fact, insurance rates can even vary from neighborhood to neighborhood in the same city. So, make sure you call your insurer before you move to see if you need to update or change your coverage at your new address.
   
• Change your address early.  Changing your address is easy using the Online Form provided by the U.S. Postal Service, but don’t wait until the last minute to do it! If you want to be sure that your mail arrives at your new home in a timely manner, complete the form about two weeks before you move.
  
• Take care of your finances.  During the whirlwind of moving, it is easy to forget the everyday tasks that are a normal part of your routine…like paying bills. It is also easy to lose track of paper bills among all the boxes you have packed. Take the time to set up auto pay for things at your new home like mortgage/rent, phone, utilities etc. This can help assure an on-time payment during a hectic time. Designate a spot for mail both in the home you’re packing up and in your new home so that paper bills are not lost in the shuffle. 
   
• Change your billing address on credit cards.  Do not get caught by surprise when your billing address does not match the address on your credit card because you forgot to change it when you moved. Some transactions now require that you put in your billing zip code when using your card, so if that has changed, then you need to change it on your credit cards as well. The last thing you want is to deal with a transaction being denied and then finding out it was simply because you hadn’t changed the address on your card.

Whether you keep it on your phone or computer, or you do it the old-fashioned way and make a checklist on paper, be sure to keep track of all the small, but important tasks that need to be taken care of when moving, and your move will go much more smoothly!

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!

Photo Credits: claritychi.com, blog.hireahelper.com, moving.com

You are a homeowner. You have gone through the process of procuring a mortgage, closing on a house, moving in, and creating a home for yourself and your family. Chances are you have developed a loving attachment to your first home, but for one reason or another, it is time to move on. Maybe you have outgrown it, or maybe you are being transferred for a job. Whatever the reason, now it is time for you to begin the process of selling your home. This is no small task. A lot of time and energy go into preparing your home to get the best possible price when you sell. So, if you are ready to list your house for sale, take a deep cleansing breath and take one step at a time:

1. Think before you act.  Before putting that “for sale” sign in your yard, make sure you know exactly what you want. Communicate with your partner (unless you live alone) so that you are both on the same page. Ask yourself and your partner these important questions:

• Why are you moving?
• What is your timeline?
• What do you expect from the home selling process?
• What role will you play in preparing your home for sale?

2. Do some homework so that you will have an idea what kind of real estate market you are entering. There are a lot of factors that influence the market, including fluctuating mortgage rates and inventory shifts. Educate yourself so you will know what to expect.  Montgomery, AL Real Estate Market July 2021
   
3. Interview and choose a professional Realtor. There is no more important relationship in your selling process than that which you have with your Realtor. The right agent will guide you, advise you, answer questions, and market your home so that you get you the best possible price for it. Homes for Sale in Montgomery Alabama
    
4. Determine your selling price. Your Realtor can help you decide the best asking price based on current market values.
    
5. Prepare your home to impress potential buyers. These days, home buyers have free access to look at property listings online, so it is vital that your home makes a good first impression. That means getting your home in “show-worthy” condition. The time and effort you put into decluttering, making necessary home repairs, and cleaning until it sparkles will go a long way toward getting your house sold for the best possible price. Even better? Stage your home to sell. Staged homes sell faster and for better prices than those that aren’t staged. 
   
6. Market your home. You not only need your home to be visible online, you need it to stand out! Consider having professional photos taken that showcase the best attributes of your home. The best listings also have compelling property descriptions that generate interest. Videos and virtual tours can also be used to draw interest from buyers. Be sure that your property is being promoted in the best possible way.
    
7. Be flexible with showings. You want every interested party to be able to come see your home. So, even though it’s inconvenient sometimes, make sure that you can make your home available for potential buyers to visit.
    
8. Consider offers and negotiate with sellers. Again, your Realtor will play an important role here. Professional Realtor Sandra Nickel is an expert negotiator who will assist you in deciding on a strategic counteroffer to the buyer’s offer. They will consider not only the money being offered, but the contingencies as well.
    
9. The last step is closing the sale. Before you arrive to sign the final paperwork and collect your check, make sure your home is ready for the buyer’s final walk-through and take care of any last-minute issues.

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!

Photo Credits: moving.com, millionacres.com, rocketmortgage.com, thebalance.com