Real Estate Information Archive

​Life these days is far from normal.  Many of us are staying home more than usual in order to stay as safe as possible and that means “home” can start to feel isolating. Do you daydream about getting away to a peaceful haven, far from the drudgery of day-to-day life?  Sadly, wishes and dreams will not take you there, but you CAN create a tranquil retreat at home. Here are some tips for turning your living space into a calm and soothing oasis:

• Use Relaxing Colors - Soft colors like watery blues and greens create a sense of serenity in a room.  But they are not the only relaxing colors.  If you do not care for blues, use gentle hues like rose, taupe, peach or mocha. 15 Calming Paint Colors to Help You Chill Out
   
• Store Things Out of Sight - Loud sounds are not the only “noise” that can ruin a serene atmosphere. Visual noise consists of anything you can see that results in you feeling stressed or anxious. Get rid of the visual noise, and your space will feel calmer. Utilize closed storage for the majority of your belongings and choose only special items to keep on display.  Remember that chaos on the outside = chaos on the inside.
   
• Use Solids and/or Subtle Patterns – If you are seeking to create a calm aesthetic in a room, stick with solid colors or subtle patterns in muted tones.  There is nothing wrong with a bright, colorful, busy pattern, but you may find it distracting when you are trying relax and rejuvenate.  Keeping it simple will go a long way toward designing the peaceful vibe you are going for.
   
• Use Gentle Lighting – Nothing feels less relaxing than walking into a room filled with bright, harsh lighting. Natural light is best, so keep window treatments open during the day to let the sunshine in. But as it gets dark out, instead of turning on a blazing overhead light, trying using string lights, candles, lamps and lanterns for a soft glow. How Lighting Affects Mood
   
• Create an Backyard Retreat – Nothing is more relaxing than spending quiet time in the fresh air on a beautiful day.  When the weather cooperates and presents you the gift of a gorgeous day, being able to step right outside your door to enjoy it is a wonderful thing!  When designing your outdoor space, be sure to incorporate privacy, comfy textures, pleasing aromas, and lots of plants.  Add a water feature to enjoy the soothing sounds of water. Twenty-four Outdoor Water Feature Ideas
   
• Find a Place to Hide Your Tech – You may not be able to put your tv “away”, but smaller tech items like phones, tablets and laptops simply need to go bye-bye when you are trying to relax. Find an out of the way drawer or cabinet where these items can be stored so that they will not be a tempting distraction when you are trying to unwind and de-stress.  Trust me, spending time away from screens might be the best thing you do for yourself!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: Roberto Nickson/unsplash.com

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

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

Use these easy hacks and destress by decluttering!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: wbfj.fm

Have you been thinking about painting some rooms in your home?  You may want to keep in mind that the colors in your home can have a huge effect on your moods. The shade of your walls has been show to affect emotions. For example, there are certain colors that will bring you down; ones that will help you relax; and even some that will suppress your appetite. Room Color and How it Affects Your Mood

Here are some color ideas for you that will promote a joyful environment:

Yellow for HAPPINESS

Yellow is a natural source of positive energy and sparks feelings of happiness. Shades of yellow can also activate metabolism and boost thinking. Be careful with how much you use though, because yellow can also be fatiguing to the eyes if overused or overly bright.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Sky Blue for RENEWAL

Pale blues are calming and help to restore natural rhythms.  Sleeping well contributes to productivity and overall well-being.  Calming blues have soothing and restorative qualities that help you rest better.

Photo Credit: decorpad.com

Violet Black for MINDFULNESS

While it may appear dark and moody, a hidden undertone of violet in a dark background draws you in and provides a sense of escape and relaxation.  This color also creates a space for focus and reflection.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Yellow-Green for OPTIMISM

This combination of green and yellow captures the essence of spring’s first bloom and the anticipation of renewal.  These colors bring positive energy into a space and stimulate personal growth.

Photo Credit: houzz.com

Silver-Sage for BALANCE

The blend of sage green and silvery gray provides balance and harmony.  These are the perfect colors for a peaceful, refreshing and tranquil living space.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

For more color ideas, check out: Eight Paint Colors That Promote Wellness at Home

Whether you plan to paint for your own health and happiness, or you’re sprucing your house up to put it on the market, choosing the right colors can make all the difference in the world!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

When you purchase a home, you are not only choosing where to live, you are making a financial investment as well. Home equity is the percentage of your home value that you own and with each mortgage payment you make you are contributing to your own financial savings.  The goal is to build up as much equity as you can so that when you sell your home, you will make a nice profit!  Here are some tips for building home equity:

• Take Out a 15-Year Mortgage Loan - It’s common for people to choose a 30-year mortgage because many believe a 15-year mortgage is out of their budget.  However, it can’t hurt to ask your mortgage lender to run the numbers to see if a 15-year mortgage is doable for you.  You might be surprised to discover that the shorter term is within reach.  Sticking to a budget that allows you to pay off your house in half the time will build equity faster and will certainly pay off in the long run! 32 Hacks for Sticking to Your Budget
   
• Pay Down the Principal - Build equity faster by paying down your home loan quicker.  Even if you don’t have the ability to take out a 15-year mortgage, you can still make extra mortgage payments when you have the means to do so and the difference extra mortgage payments can make toward building equity are huge. If you make just one extra payment toward principal each year, you can potentially pay off your home loan seven or eight years ahead of schedule.  There are ways to do this without breaking your budget.  For example, you can use a tax refund or a work bonus.  Another way to do it is to simply add a small amount to your principal payment each month.
   
• Make a Larger Down Payment - Depending on your credit standing, you can qualify for a conventional mortgage loan with a down payment as low as 3%, and an FHA loan with a down payment as low as 3.5%.  While it’s tempting to buy a house with a low down payment so that you have more cash on hand, the pros of making a larger down payment may outweigh the cons. The larger the down payment, the faster you build equity.  The faster you build equity, the more profit you will make should you have to sell your home before paying it off.
   
• Make Improvements on Your Home - Making home improvements is a good way to add value to your property.  It’s important to educate yourself about what home improvements give you the best ROI (return on investment).  For example, per Chris Terrill, CEO of HomeAdvisor, “a minor kitchen remodel is one of the best investments homeowners can make.”  “Projects including refinishing cabinets, updating the countertops and installing new appliances all provide high return without breaking the bank.”  Other home improvements that add value to your property include replacing garage doors, adding a bedroom, updating a bathroom and installing new windows. And don’t underestimate the value of curb appeal!  A professionally landscaped yard will not only help with a quick sale; it can also add up to 20% to your home’s value! Which Home Improvements Pay Off?

Owning a home is likely the largest financial investment you will make, and the more equity you acquire, the more wealth you will generate.  You can utilize your equity as a nest egg for the future or it can be used as a cash down payment on your next home.  Use these tips to build up your savings an enjoy this wonderful perk of home ownership!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: achievalife.com

Whether you are a DIY expert or you plan to hire experts to “fix” your home, buying a fixer-upper is a risk.  But often it is a risk very well worth taking!  It just depends upon finding the RIGHT home to fix up.  Here are steps to take before you make the decision to invest your money, time and energy into fixing up a house:

1. Consider the Price Carefully

A fixer-upper should have a fixer-upper price.That may seem obvious, but you might be surprised by how much sellers think a home is worth.Try not to have a “this is the one!” moment with a house when the listing claims it just needs a little TLC. Do your research first. An experienced Realtor like Sandra Nickel can help you find out what similar homes in the neighborhood have sold for.  You are also going to want to be aware of what types of homes they are so that you don’t over invest in luxury improvements that price your house right out of the neighborhood for future resale. When determining your budget, base it on the market value of the homes in the neighborhood.

2. Determine What Improvements Are Needed

How much work do you want to do? How much do you want to spend?Ideally a fixer-upper will offer many opportunities for “instant equity”, meaning that you would make money on the home if you immediately sold it after fixing it up. Some fixer-uppers will just need cosmetic fixes like painting and landscaping.Other may require large renovations.You will need to carefully consider the potential cost of improvements along with the sale price of the home so that you don’t get in over your head.

3. Research Which Projects Will Give You Instant Equity

Will you have to hire a professional to complete the projects?If so, will the cost of that outweigh the money you might get back in instant equity?While many home improvements add some equity, some add a lot more value than others. But they are usually the types of projects that require the help of a professional.Here are some examples of projects that will give you excellent return on investment even if you pay a professional to complete them: new roof, hardwood floors, and insulation. Why a New Roof May Cost You Zero Dollars (In the Long Run)

4. Be Sure You and Your Family Can Cope With the Disruption

A fixer-upper takes time and patience. If you have to move into the home to complete the renovations,you may be living in chaos for a while. Also remember that not all projects go smoothly and there may be set backs and unexpected issues.Can you handle that emotionally?It’s important to consider how the disruptions will affect you and your family before deciding to take on a fixer-upper.

Buying a fixer-upper should never be a spontaneous decision. It needs to be well thought out.  So, do your homework first to determine your budget along with how much you are willing and able to take on before jumping into a fixer-upper.  With the proper preparation, you will end up with a beautiful home that is worth much more than you paid for it!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500! 

Photo Credit: realtor.com

Everyone has different tastes when it comes to home decor, and window dressing is no exception. While most of what we see in magazines and home websites are windows covered in draperies, that may not be what we have in mind for our own home. What are the alternatives? There are plenty of different ways to dress up our windows without forgoing privacy or style.

• Using shutters instead of curtains give you privacy while allowing light to come through when you have adjustable louvers on the shutters. Most are made of wood and can be painted or stained to match your room’s decor or make a statement.
• A pelmet or cornice covered in fabric and paired with plain sheer panels is a simple way to draw the eye up, and make the room appear larger.
• Shades are simple and are mostly used for light control and privacy. Shades come in three main styles:  rolling, cellular, and Roman.
  • Rolling shades are much improved from the days of the plain white; they come in decorative fabrics and colors to coordinate with the room decor.
  • Cellular shades are great for insulating the windows the cover, and softly filter the light coming in.
  • Roman shades can be made of fabric or natural materials, such as bamboo for a casual look.
• Covering a window with a piece of art is nothing new:  vintage stained-glass windows can be found in flea markets and tag sales. If you’re feeling crafty, make your own “stained glass” with paints, and hang the piece over your window.
• For a simpler craft, use the “stained glass” paint in clear to make the window look like wavy antique glass.
• A sunny window is a perfect place for plants, so use them as your window treatment! Purchase shelving and install, or make shelves for your green thumb display.
• Laser-cut metal panels can be installed over windows, and are becoming increasingly popular. Pattern choices are seemingly endless and can be easily purchased at online home decor sites.

Gone are the days when everyone’s home interiors were almost cookie-cutter identical, and good riddance! Our homes should reflect our unique style, and windows are no exception.  Whatever you choose for a window treatment, you will not have a problem finding the right product for you, your family, and your home.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500! 

Photo credit: DIY Plantation Shutters

If you’ve ever had to call a plumber to come out to your house to fix a clogged sink or jammed garbage disposal, you already know how expensive that visit can be. Now you have the added concern of having someone come into your home while maintaining social distancing. Here are some tips for things you can do to take care of your kitchen sink so that you won’t have to call a plumber to fix it for you:

1. Do not pour grease, oil or fat into your garbage disposal or drain. Grease will slowly accumulate and impede your garbage disposal’s grinding ability as well as clog drains.
    
2. Do not use hot water when grinding food waste. Hot water will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate, causing drains to clog.
    
3. Don’t grind extremely fibrous materials like corn husks, celery stalks, onions, and artichokes. Fibers from these can tangle and jam the garbage disposal motor and block drains.
    
4. Don’t turn off the motor or water until grinding is completed. When grinding is complete, turn off the garbage disposal first. Let water continue to run for at least 15 seconds, flushing out any remaining particles. Then turn off water.
    
5. Don’t put too many potato peels down the garbage disposal. The starches in the potatoes will turn into a thick paste and may cause blades to stick.
    
6. Don’t put large amounts of food down the garbage disposal. Feed food into the garbage disposal a little at a time with the cold water running; this will help the food scraps flow down freely through the drain pipes and plumbing.
    
7. Don’t put expandable foods into your garbage disposal. Foods like pasta and rice expand when you add water in a pot; they do the same thing once inside your pipes or garbage disposal and are the cause of many jams and clogs.
    
8. Don’t grind large animal bones of any kind.
    
9. Don’t put coffee grounds down the garbage disposal. They won’t harm the disposal but they can accumulate in drains and pipes, causing clogs.
    
10. Most importantly: Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners to unclog the drain. They damage blades and pipes.

Follow these tips to take care of your sink and garbage disposal and save yourself from that expensive plumber’s bill!!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: thespruce.com

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner and many people enjoy spending time outdoors to savor the warmer weather.  Unfortunately, there are some not-so-pleasant aspects of spending time outside such as bugs, rain and hot, humid days. Whether you have a deck, patio or a fancy She Shed, the following tips will help make the time you spend outside more comfortable in any situation:

1. BUGS. 

Yuck.Whether you are hosting an alfresco dinner party or simply trying to relax with a good book on your deck, nothing will send you running back inside faster than nasty, annoying bugs.If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, dealing with them is imperative if you want to be able to enjoy the outdoors.Screening in a porch is an ideal way to be able to feel like you are outside without all the awful bug bites. Check out these screened porch ideas on Pinterest. Other ways to keep insects away:

• Do not keep any standing water on your property.  Even a single forgotten flowerpot full of rainwater can become a mosquito breeding ground.
• Make water features running rather than standing, or treat them with Mosquito Dunks.
• Install ceiling fans on porches - flies and mosquitoes do not like moving air.
• Hire a service to spray your yard every six weeks.  We use Mosquito Authority, and it has transformed our ability to be outside during bug season!

2. USE OUTDOOR FABRICS IN EXPOSED AREAS.

If your porch is covered, you may be able to get away with using more delicate furniture and cushions not specifically made for outdoor use.But if your seating area is exposed to the elements, you will want to invest in fabrics and furniture made for outside use.They will likely be more expensive, but they won’t fade in the sun, will resist stains and are water resistant.The cushions are stuffed with material that sheds water easily so that they won’t stay waterlogged if they get wet. Weather Proof Patio Furniture

3. UTILIZE A STORAGE BENCH. 

While outdoor cushions are designed to stand up to repeated soakings, they will still be wet for a while directly after a rainstorm.You can avoid having to sit on damp cushions by keeping them in a covered storage bench when you know there is a chance of rain.If they won’t fit in a storage bench, lean your larger cushions against the wall of the house.Do the same with any lightweight folding chairs.

4. MASK SOUNDS WITH RUNNING WATER. 

If noise is an issue that prevents you from indulging in a peaceful outdoor experience, try using a water feature to drown out the distraction.Water is a great way to gently camouflage sounds from close neighbors.Try installing a small fountain near your seating area for a more tranquil atmosphere.

5. MUSIC.

If the water feature doesn’t appeal to you, soft music playing in the background can be just as effective at masking sounds.With wireless speakers, you don’t even need an outlet to play your music.

6. SHADE. 

Even when you are craving the warmth of the sun, sitting outside without any shade on a hot, sunny day will send you running for the AC before too long.There are a lot of options for adding shade to your yard.Try freestanding umbrellas, a cloth overhang, lattices, a shade tree, or a pergola. The Top Ten Reasons for Owning a Pergola

7. PUT TOGETHER AN OUTDOOR DINING KIT. 

Dining alfresco will be easier if you have a kit ready and waiting.Put your frequently used outdoor items in a basket or on a big tray with handles so you can just grab it and go.Here are some things to include:

• Unbreakable wineglasses and plates
• A carafe for water, wine or tea
• Big napkins
• Candles and matches or a lighter
• A wicker or mesh dome-shaped cover to keep flies off the food
• Unbreakable outdoor serving pieces
• A bottle opener

8. HAVE BLANKETS FOR CHILLY EVENINGS.

Keep some blankets nearby.Old wool camp-style blankets, light weight Kantha Quilts , or fringed throws work well.Your guests will thank you on chilly evenings in the garden!

9. HAVE ADEQUATE NIGHTTIME LIGHTING. 

Your outdoor space will really come alive at night with the right lighting.Try placing lighting under a bench seat for subtle illumination, make a ring of lanterns on the grass around your dining table or hang strings of lights overhead.Landscape lighting will add to the ambiance as well.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: theneighborsmagazine.com

Older homes appeal to many due to their charm and endurance.  But living in an older home can become cumbersome as its parts age and break.  You can update your little piece of history without changing the overall ambiance that attracted you to begin with.  Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to update your older home:

1. Paint the Front Door

Buying a new front door can be pricey. In addition, you may be hard-pressed to find a “new” door that complements the style of your older house.  But PAINTING the front door that you already have is a fabulous alternative.  It will only cost you the price of the primer, paint and supplies.  Not only can you add some color to your exterior, you will also add protection from the element meaning that your door will last longer.

2. Replace Outdoor Light Fixtures

Faded, rusted light fixtures can be easily replaced with new one for very little cost.You can even find Vintage Light Fixtures to fit in with the age and style of your home.Just be certain to check with the City Architectural Review Board coordinator, Christy Anderson 625-2041, to be sure your new selection meets their guidelines.

3. Wash Your House

If you don’t own a power washer, it will be well worth it to rent one for a day so that you can give your house a good washing.You will be amazed by the difference it will make when you remove years’ worth of dirt and dust!But don’t use too much velocity or you may find you’re blasting the paint off instead of just cleaning it.

4. Install Porcelain Tile Floors in Your Bathroom

Replacing floors in your home can seem overwhelming due to the expense. But you can start with your smaller rooms, like your bathroom, without spending too much.Look for sales on porcelain tiles and install them yourself to save even more money. How to Lay a Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Floor

5. Replace Light Switch Plates

Do your light switch plates look dingy?You can brighten up a room by simply replacing them with new ones!For example, brushed nickel plates are only about $5 each and when used throughout the home they provide style and consistency.

6. Replace Old Indoor Light Fixtures

Just like with the outdoor light fixtures, old, shabby ones can make your home feel old and shabby.Keep the vintage appeal of your home while updating it with new light fixtures.Check out the Vintage Light Fixtures link above to find ones that with fit in with your home.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: OldHouses.com

Do you love treasures from days gone by?  Whether you have a collection of family heirlooms passed down through generations, or you’re simply a fan of antiquing and have acquired pieces that you want to enjoy in your home, here are some tips for decorating with these timeless treasures:

Go Retro

 The easiest way to decorate with antiques is to give your home a retro vibe. Instead of having one or two antiques in a room, give the whole space a makeover with a retro theme.If you have a piece of furniture that you want to highlight, utilize other things from that era to accent it.They don’t all have to be antiques. You can find many vintage-like things from lamps to art to fabrics that will add to the ambiance while maintain adherence to the time period your furniture is from.

Combine Old With New

If you have just a few antiques that you want to incorporate into your home décor, it’s definitely ok to insert them into your modern or transitional design.  For example, you can hang old photos on the wall or put them in unique frames on your mantle or shelves. Using modern frames allows you to combine the old with the new.  Collectibles like Victorian teacups can be placed in a modern curio cabinet to be displayed in an updated way. How to Mix Antique Modern Decor Styles

Be Careful With Placement

One of the most important aspects of decorating with antiques is placement. You can make the antique the focal point of the room and work around it. Another option is to place items in more inconspicuous areas where they can be accent pieces. Placing small heirlooms on a bookshelf is a great way to display items that bring happy memories without them intruding on the overall aesthetic of the room.

Create New Pieces With Old Ones

If arts and crafts are your thing, there are a lot of options for creating art with antiques.For example, people are taking old, rustic window frames and making photo collages with them.Another option is refinishing a door and using it either as art or as a functional addition to your home. 33 Ways to Elevate Vintage Doors into Art

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: veranda.com