Real Estate Information

Chances are, if you are getting ready to sell your home, you are also preparing to purchase a new home. So, the last thing you want to do is spend more money on your current property.  However, you certainly want to get the best price possible when selling it, and per the National Association of Realtors, for every $100 invested in staging, the potential return is $400. As you can see, it will pay off in the end to stage your home to entice potential buyers.

Some people will hire a certified staging professional to get the job done. While it might seem easier than doing it yourself, it is not the only way to get that SOLD sign planted in your front yard.

Here are some simple, yet effective home-staging hacks that won’t break the bank:

Roll Out a Welcome Mat

Sounds simple, right?  It is!  First impressions mean everything when selling your home.  Also, prospective buyers tend to linger by the front door before the real estate agent opens the home for viewing, so an inviting entrance is crucial. A new welcome mat can cost as little as $15.  Purchase a modern mat that compliments the style of your home.  To further enhance the entryway, add a little green with some fresh plants. An enticing entrance will make buyers want to see more!

Mount Mirrors in Strategic Spots

Every home has spaces like a dim hallway or small space that lacks natural light. To spruce up these areas, hang a few mirrors. They add extra light to rooms that look dark and create an illusion of space. They will pack an extra punch if placed next to or directly across from a window because they will pull in more sun.  For a more decorative look, create a collage of several mini mirrors in different shapes and sizes rather than just slapping one large mirror on the wall. You can find inexpensive mirrors at craft stores and discount home stores.

Set Tables and Serving Areas for Entertaining

A home filled with friends, food and laughter is a happy one! Paint a picture of what entertaining in your home will be like for potential buyers. Keep it simple, but aesthetically pleasing. Lay out cloth napkins, wine glasses and solid plates in the dining room. Use matching mugs and bowls in the kitchen to produce the feel of family meals.

Replace Personal Photos with Artwork

Over the years, you have turned your house into a home by decorating it with family portraits and personal mementos. But potential buyers are going to want to be able to envision themselves living there and that is hard to do with your family members present in the form of pictures in every room. So, get a head start on packing up your house by putting your pictures away and replacing them with artwork that compliments the style of the home.  You can find inexpensive art at discount stores, or you can print beautiful landscape photos to put in frames.

Make the Bathroom Look Elegant with White Linens

Spruce up your bathroom with crisp, fresh, all-white linens. White towels, bathmats, and shower curtains give the room an instant update. They inspire the feeling of a luxury spa without spending a lot of money. Take it a step further by including some "spa like" displays. Simple additions like an orchid, candles and special soaps will go a long way.

Arrange Decorative Scenes

Decorative displays can give a cozy, lived-in ambience to a house. Assembling classy vignettes of colorful vases, lanterns, books, plants, baskets, and other items atop dressers, counters and bookshelves will make a house feel more like a home. Group items in odd numbers and in varying heights and shapes while keeping them in the same color family. You will be amazed at what you can find to use in your house, but if you need to buy some things, you can mix in inexpensive pieces from craft and discount stores. Done properly, these displays will have people feeling like they are looking at rooms right out of home décor magazines…and that is a sure way to impress prospective 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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: thisoldhouse.com, houseandhome.ie, susiedenton.com, professionalstaging.com

Whether you are looking to purchase a home or getting ready to sell one, the process of doing so will go much more smoothly if you have an experienced Realtor to represent your interests.  You might be thinking that you can save money by trying to do it on your own, but the truth is that the time, energy and stress a Realtor will save you is priceless! 

Here are the top five reasons why you should hire a Realtor when buying or selling a house:

1. EXPERTISE

Experienced real estate professionals will know all the ins and outs of buying and selling homes. Real estate has a language of its own, and Realtors will speak it fluently. They are not only familiar with all the forms, reports and disclosures involved, they understand them and can explain them to you. They will work to get you the best deal possible and help you avoid costly mistakes.

2. ACCESS

Realtors can search listings that the public does not have access to. They will know immediately when a house goes on the market; long before you can find it on the internet. Local Realtors will also have a lot of knowledge about different neighborhoods and areas that may appeal to you.

3. NEGOTIATION

Realtors are trained negotiators. It is their job to get you a first-rate deal. With fierce competition for homes and the chance of a bidding war, you are going to want a shrewd and experienced negotiator on your side.

4. CONNECTIONS

They know who’s who in every aspect of a real estate transaction. They can hook you up with a mortgage lender, home inspector, real estate attorney, home stager, etc. And, since the best deal for you benefits them as well, they are going to make sure to recommend the top people in their professions.

5. TIME

While searching for a new house, or getting one ready to sell, chances are you’re still working full time, taking care of a family, and feeling a little stressed about everything you need to do. Slow down, take a deep breath and let your Realtor alleviate that stress a bit. Being a Realtor is a full-time job that you don’t need to add to your to do list.

The bottom line is, you probably can buy or sell a home on your own, but that doesn’t mean you should. Hiring an experienced professional like Sandra Nickel will make your home-buying/selling experience less stressful and more successful.

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: fairfield-park.com, calbizjournal.com, rd.com

Independence Day is just around the corner and many people will celebrate by gathering with family and friends for a cookout or picnic. Make your July 4^th meal a special treat with these creative, patriotic recipes: (click on links for recipes)

PATRIOTIC FRENCH TOAST

Do you have guests coming to stay with you for the holiday?  If so, there’s no better way to start Independence Day than with a patriotic breakfast! Serve up this red, white, and blue French Toast to start the day of with a bang!

GRILLED RED, WHITE & BLUE POTATO SKEWERS

One of the best red, white, and blue side dishes! These grilled red, white, and blue potato skewers with ranch dressing are the perfect patriotic side dish. Garlicky, packed with flavor, and festive yet elegant, they go so well with burgers or hot dogs on the grill! One of the best red, white, and blue side dishes, these Whole30 potato skewers with ranch dressing are just delicious.

STAR SPANGLED SALSA

This festive blueberry, strawberry & jicama salsa is a tasty sweet and savory snack, perfect for the 4^th of July. It will also provide a patriotic aesthetic for your table at your Independence Day celebration!

PATRIOTIC POPSICLES

You know it’s going to be hot outside this summer holiday, so let your guests cool off with these refreshing patriotic popsicles. This recipe is so easy, your little ones will love making them. Kids of all ages will especially enjoy this sweet, frozen treat!

PATRIOTIC CHICKEN DIP

Add some color to your table by turning your favorite, plain chicken dip into a patriotic appetizer. You will be amazed at how easy it is to add festive 4^th of July hues to your dip by simply using crumbs. Serve with crackers or red and blue tortilla chips for a yummy starter dish or snack.

STARS, STRIPES & SHORTCAKE

No celebration is complete without a yummy dessert. These patriotic shortcake parfaits are easy to make and are sure to please the palates of all your guests!

WISHING YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: allrecipes.com, 40aprons.com, twopeasandtheirpod.com, dessertsonadime.com, hungryhappenings.com, luckyleaf.com

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. 

Here are things to look for to get your house hunting 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.

• 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 there 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.

• 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 criterion. 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 provide 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 (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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: ramseysolutions.com, statefarm.com, verv.com, bobvila.com

440 Martha Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 540154

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,891 Square Feet | Cottage Hill

This circa 1900 shot gun style cottage in popular Cottage Hill has an open floor plan with a modern feel! From the large covered front porch, you can see straight through to the back deck, making entertaining a breeze. Formal living room, huge dining room, newly updated kitchen with large granite island brand new gas range with flush mounted vent hood. Brand new wood flooring in family room/den, custom tiled gas fireplace with new French doors looking out to the deck and lovely back yard. Master suite has been updated with a new tile shower, a walk-in closet, and a laundry room! Two other nice sized bedrooms and a brand-new hall bathroom with an awesome tiled tub/shower. The original heart pine floors are gorgeous lots of large windows that let in tons of natural light. Make your appointment today!

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

It’s a seller’s market in Alabama right now folks. Demand for homes is high and inventory is low, which has led to prices going up and sellers getting multiple offers. So, it seems like the perfect time to list your house, right? Slow down. The market may be prime for selling, but you need to look at your personal situation. Before you put that for sale sign in your yard, it would be wise to consider all the factors that will determine if you are ready to sell.

Here are signs that you are ready to sell your house:

• YOU HAVE POSITIVE EQUITY 

It’s vital that you are financially prepared to sell your house. If you have built up equity, that means your home is worth more than you owe on it. Ideally you want to have enough equity to pay off your current mortgage and to make a down payment on a new home. It’s even better if you have enough to cover closing costs and moving expenses. If you don’t have positive equity, it is a bad idea to sell.

• YOU HAVE CASH IN THE BANK WITH ZERO DEBT

It’s important to have all your financial ducks in a row before selling your house. Remember, you’re not just selling a house, you are likely buying one as well. Take time to analyze your finances and budget. If you have paid off your non-mortgage debt and have funds saved, you are ready to enter the home selling/buying process again.

• A HOME THAT BETTER SUITS YOUR NEEDS IS IN REACH

Perhaps you are downsizing, but you want a nicer home, or you are looking to move up into a larger home for your growing family. Either way, there is no point in selling your current home if you can’t afford a new one that better suits your needs. Remember that, ideally, your mortgage payment should be no more than 28% of your income.

• YOU ARE AWARE OF THE EXTRA COSTS INVOLVED IN MOVING

It’s exciting to get approved for a mortgage. Chances are you will get approved for more than you thought you would. But there is a lot to think about before deciding to sell. Remember that you will need to probably do some work on your house to get it ready to put on the market. You will also have to pay the moving expenses. Make sure consideration of these costs go into your decision-making process.

• YOU ARE EMOTIONALLY READY TO SELL

Hopefully you are selling for the right reasons. You have to be ready to put the work into your home that it will take to sell it. You must be committed to keeping it “show ready” for as long as it takes. You must be prepared for what might be a tough negotiation. And finally, you need to be ready to let go of the home where you have created memories with your family.

• YOU HAVE AN EXPERIENCED REALTOR

Real estate transactions should be handled by experts. The professionals at Hat Team Realtors understand the market and can provide you with a clear picture of what goes into selling a house. Their advice will assist you in making this very important decision.

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: entrepreneur.com, princeton.edu, mastermovers.com

1731 Winona Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36107

MLS# 539931

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1,320 Square Feet | Capitol Heights

This little gem would make a great starter home and would be a perfect income-producing rental for your investment portfolio! The big covered front porch has a swing and is a great place to relax and unwind. The large living room opens to the dining room and updated kitchen with cool poured concrete countertops! There are two original bedrooms and an updated hall bath, PLUS a rear den/family room that opens to the back deck that could be used as a third bedroom. A big deck off the back of the house overlooks a nice-sized fenced backyard, with lots of potential for gardening. Located minutes from Downtown, shopping, dining, and entertainment!

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

This time of year, many of us enjoy spending time outside in our yards. Whether we are playing, dining al fresco, doing yardwork, or simply relaxing, our time outdoors can be ruined by nasty insects. There are many remedies for getting rid of these annoying pests, but if you are looking for natural ways to do the job, here are several plants you can put in your yard that will repel unwanted insects. While they will not guarantee an insect free environment, they will help!

1. BASIL

Basil repels house flies and mosquitoes. Use containers for planting basil by your house doors or in any outdoor areas where you like to relax and entertain. It will serve more than one purpose because you can also use the fresh basil in your cooking!

2. LAVENDER

This pretty plant repels moths, fleas, mosquitoes and flies. Its pleasing, sweet fragrance appeals to humans, but the bugs hate it! You can place bouquets inside your home to keep flies away. Outdoors, plant it in sunny areas or near the entryways of your house to keep those areas pest free. Check out the Everything Lavender website to find out how you can use lavender oil to make your own mosquito repellent.

3. LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass contains the natural oil citronella, which is commonly found in candles that are used to keep mosquitoes away. Ornamental lemongrass can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide in one season. It is an annual that does well in a pot or in the ground in sunny, well-drained locations. Its aromatic, narrow leaves can be used in chicken and pork dishes and to flavor soups and salad dressings. Many Asian recipes call for lemongrass.

4. MINT

Another plant that mosquitoes don’t like. It’s best grown in pots rather than in the ground because it spreads aggressively. Once established in a garden, it can be difficult to remove. The leaves can be used to flavor minty iced tea. Containers of mint strategically placed in the garden or on the patio will assist in keeping nearby plants insect free.

5. ALLIUMS

If you have a vegetable garden, beautiful, tall alliums will help keep insects out of it. Considered a broad-spectrum natural insecticide, plants in the Allium family repel several insects that plague vegetable gardens, including slugs, aphids, carrot flies and cabbage worms.

6. CHRYSANTHEMUMS

The ingredient in chrysanthemums that makes them so effective as an insect repellent is pyrethrum. Roaches, ants, Japanese beetles, ticks, silverfish, lice, fleas, bedbugs, spider mites, harlequin bugs, and root-knot nematodes all will avoid chrysanthemums. Pyrethrum is used in America’s most commonly available home and garden insecticide sprays. You can make your own bug spray using chrysanthemum oil, but make sure you know the risks of using it first.

7. PETUNIAS

These whimsical beauties repel aphids, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and squash bugs. Some people think of them as “nature’s pesticide”. Popular because of their availability in a variety of bright colors, they require minimal maintenance and can be grown in numerous locations including beds, containers and hanging baskets.

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: bonnieplants.com, countryliving.com, ruralsprout.com, thefancygarden.com, whiteflowerfarm.com, almanac.com, gardnerspath.com

3431 Country Church Road, Montgomery, AL 36116

MLS# 539528

5 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Baths | 2,580 Square Feet | Carriage Hills

Need more space for your growing family? Welcome to this 5-bedroom home in Carriage Hills! With the formal living room, dining room, family room/den and breakfast nook you will have plenty of living space. The bright white kitchen has plenty of cabinets for storage and the sink in the island has a great view of the private backyard with mature tree line. Three of the bedrooms have walk-in closets. New laminate flooring and fresh paint throughout. Check it out today!

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

6716 Cherrywood Trail, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS# 539465

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,202 Square Feet | Bell Meadows 

This move-in ready home is like new and ready for its next owner! Spacious layout has separate living and dining rooms, plus a large den/family room with cozy fireplace. Galley style kitchen has smooth surface stovetop and double ovens. New carpet throughout, and three guest bedrooms plus oversized primary bedroom with double closets and private bath. A large, fenced backyard allows plenty of room for children and pets to roam. Quiet neighborhood that is convenient to shopping, dining, and entertainment!

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