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Tips for Selling Your Home in the Spring

Wednesday, April 19, 2023
by The Hat Team

Spring is a great time to sell a house. In fact, per a Zillow study, homes listed between May 1 through May 15 sold, on average, around 18.5 days faster than homes not listed during this period. Add this to the fact that the largest number of buyers are actively searching for homes in the months of April, May and June and you will see that getting your property on the market this time of year is a must. This is especially true now because there is still a shortage of homes for sale, so buyers are on the hunt!

Here are some tips that will help your house stand out among the other homes that get put on the market in spring:

  1. Wash windows inside and out and polish all mirrors. A little bit of sparkle goes a long way in impressing potential buyers.
     
  2. Rake the yard and trim back bushes. Your yard is the first thing people will see. Dead leaves and debris do not paint a pretty picture. In addition, you want as much natural light as possible flooding through your windows, so make sure bushes aren’t blocking the rays.
  3. Mow the yard diagonally and edge along the driveway and sidewalks. Mowing diagonally makes yards look larger. And edging shows that you give attention to small details. 
     
  4. Plant yellow flowers. Yellow tulips and daffodils promote feelings of happiness and contentment.
     
  5. Clean window treatments and open windows. It will be worth your while to take down your drapes, curtains, and blinds to clean them and give them a crisp, fresh look. Weather permitting, opening windows lets the fresh air in and gives the whole house the feeling of spring.
  6. Have fresh, fragrant flowers in the house. Artful home-staging brings color and pleasant aromas indoors.
     
  7. Polish floors to a high gloss. Make those floors shine! Refinish them if necessary.
     
  8. Use light colors. Even if you must spend a little to replace items things like towels, linens, throws, and sofa pillows are inexpensive accents that will pay off.  Use soft, spring colors such as yellows, pinks, pale blues, and lavenders to light up a room.
  9. Spruce up your entryway. This is the part of your home where buyers will get their first impression. Make it a good one!

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: thepropertytribune.com.au, lawnsite.com, briebrieblooms.com, littlehouseoffour.com

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Should You Buy or Should You Rent?

Wednesday, April 12, 2023
by The Hat Team

There was some good news for buyers this week as mortgage rates continued a recent downslide. So, if you are questioning whether you should buy or rent a home, now may be a great time to lock into a rate.


Buying is often considered to be financially better than renting over the long run because your mortgage payments build equity in your home, which you will eventually own, while rent only goes toward the upkeep of your home and the pocket of your landlord. That is just one reason buying is better than renting. 

Here are some others:

  • YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT WITH YOUR PROPERTY

Making home improvements will be your choice…from colors to paint the walls to light fixtures to types of floors, you won’t need permission from a landlord to make changes.

  • TAX BENEFITS

Tax deductions are a great perk of home ownership.

  • STABLE MONTHLY PAYMENTS

Rents can go up, but with a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments won’t change.

  • FORCED SAVINGS

Renting might seem less expensive, but would you actually save the money you don’t spend on rent?  Since your mortgage payments are building equity in your own home, which you can later sell for profit, it’s like a forced savings.


Using a Rent vs. Buy Calculator you can see how buying is a better financial option than renting. For example, after 4 years, the cost of homeownership (down payment, mortgage, taxes, etc.) for a $300,000 home would be $143,564. The total cost to rent the same house for that period would be $102,022. Renting would leave you with $41,543 in your pocket (including the money you didn’t spend on a down payment). So, it looks like renting would be better financially, right? 

But wait…not so fast.

Let’s look at what you gain over the same 4-year period if you buy. After 4 years, your home will have $79,736 in equity. However, if you instead rent and invest your down payment and the other money you save at a 6% return rate, it will earn around $8,351 in 4 years. So, if you look at your gross costs, equity, and investment potential, it’s better for you to buy than rent if you plan to live in your home for more than 3 years and 9 months.

The bottom line is, if you’ve been thinking about buying a home in the Montgomery area, don’t wait! Start investing your money in your own home vs that of a landlord today!

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: ramseysolutions.com, theguardian.com, getarate.com, familyhandyman.com

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8529 Westhampton Ct: Luxury Awaits at this Executive Wynlakes Home!

Monday, April 10, 2023
by The Hat Team

8529 Westhampton Court, Montgomery, AL  36117

MLS# 535461

5 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 1 Half Bath | 4,228 SqFt | Wynlakes

Picture yourself living in pampered luxury in this executive Wynlakes home, one of Montgomery’s premier residential communities. This custom-built, Mediterranean-inspired home features an Italian stucco exterior and the finest of interior finishes. Stunning architectural details, ornate columns, two fireplaces (both can utilize wood or gas logs) and a breezy layout make this home perfect for both entertaining and everyday living. This 5-bedroom, 4.5 bath home features formal and casual living spaces, a home office with a separate entry and theater room complete with surround sound and remote-controlled lighting. Prepare a chef-grade meal in the gourmet kitchen complete with an island, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances (new dishwasher), dual-fuel Gaggenau cooktop (gas and electric) and new, built-in oven and microwave. The luxury wine bar and butler’s pantry are conveniently located for guests to flow to the formal dining room, kitchen or great room. Above the double-car garage, sits the private-entry guest apartment - perfect for a college student or guest - complete with a morning kitchen and full bath. A new roof was added in February 2022. Make your appointment today.

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Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Joy Randolph, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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1067 Magnolia Curve: Tastefully Updated Home with Cloverdale Charm!

Friday, April 7, 2023
by The Hat Team

1067 Magnolia Curve, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 535613

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,821 Square Feet | Cloverdale

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Beautifully situated on the corner of Magnolia Curve and Boultier, you will find this adorable home ready for its new owners! Excellent Midtown Montgomery location in Cloverdale for walking to nearby parks and restaurants, this beautiful house has been tastefully updated while also maintaining the Cloverdale charm. In the updated kitchen you will find granite counter tops, a smooth top electric range, stainless steel refrigerator and a large pantry for extra storage. The main level has two bedrooms and a bathroom which has been very nicely updated. Upstairs you will find the third bedroom and a brand-new bathroom! There is also ample space for storage or even a 4th bedroom upstairs. The formal living room boasts beautiful built-in bookcases, crown molding and wood burning fireplace with large eye-catching mantle. There is a bonus room off the living room that would be an excellent sitting area before stepping out onto your patio. The backyard is fully fenced and easily maintainable while also having a storage shed for all outdoor equipment. Hop on over this Easter weekend to check it out!!

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

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610 Ponce De Leon Ave: Beautiful Cloverdale Cottage!

Friday, March 31, 2023
by The Hat Team

610 Ponce De Leon Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 535236

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,521 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild 

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Have you always dreamed of living in a Cloverdale cottage? Well, here is your opportunity!! Spend your evenings walking to nearby parks and restaurants or relax on your front porch swing. Conveniently located near Cloverdale Bottom Park where you can enjoy the Spring Concert series and the Cloverdale entertainment district. As you enter this lovely, freshly painted home you are greeted with a bright living room, fireplace, window seating and built-in bookshelves. The French doors separate the living room and dining room while looking great both open and closed. The breakfast room has a built-in china cabinet with glass doors for additional storage space. The updated kitchen boasts granite counter tops, a stainless-steel refrigerator, smooth top range, dishwasher and microwave; all of which will remain with the home. The spacious deck holds built-in seating while the fully fenced yard supplies all the space needed for entertaining. The beautiful hardwood floors are in pristine condition while the crystal doorknobs and transom windows add so much Cloverdale charm. Don't miss the opportunity to call 610 Ponce De Leon, in Midtown Montgomery, home!!

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

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1906 Mabry St: Two Bedroom Income-Producing Property!

Monday, March 27, 2023
by The Hat Team

1906 Mabry Street, Selma, AL 36701

MLS# 534871

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 896 Square Feet | South of Jeff Davis to Alabama River

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CALLING ALL INVESTORS! Here is your chance to add an income-producing property to your portfolio located in the "Queen City" of Alabama's Black Belt - Selma! Tenant in place until Feb. 2024 at $600/month and to remain. Property has great rental history. Package this with 1904 Mabry and 1906 Mabry and you've got triple the possibilities! 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, hardwood floors throughout, fresh paint with newly tiled kitchen and bathrooms. The carport off the side of the home allows for entrance into the kitchen. Showings granted with accepted offer. Please do NOT attempt to approach the property or tenants beforehand!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Joy Randolph, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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1904 Mabry St: Investment Opportunity in Selma AL!

Monday, March 27, 2023
by The Hat Team

1904 Mabry Street, Selma, AL 36701

MLS# 534870

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 927 Square Feet | South of Jeff Davis to Alabama River

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CALLING ALL INVESTORS! Here is your chance to add an income-producing property to your portfolio located in the "Queen City" of Alabama's Black Belt - Selma! Tenant in place until Feb. 2024 at $600/month and to remain. Property has great rental history. Package this with 1902 Mabry and 1906 Mabry and you've got triple the possibilities! 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, hardwood floors throughout, fresh paint with newly tiled kitchen and bathrooms. Showings granted with accepted offer. Please do NOT attempt to approach the property or tenants beforehand!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Joy Randolph, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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1902 Mabry St: Income-Producing Property in Queen City of Alabama's Black Belt - Selma!

Monday, March 27, 2023
by The Hat Team

1902 Mabry Street, Selma, AL  36701

MLS# 534869

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,528 Square Feet | South of Jeff Davis to Alabama River

Play VisualTour

CALLING ALL INVESTORS! Here is your chance to add an income-producing property to your portfolio located in the "Queen City" of Alabama's Black Belt - Selma! Tenant in place until Feb. 2024 at $702/month and to remain. Property has a great rental history. Package this with 1904 Mabry and 1906 Mabry and you've got triple the possibilities! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, over 1,500 SF, hardwood floors throughout, fresh paint with newly-tiled bathrooms. Detached storage. Please do NOT attempt to approach the property or tenants beforehand!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Joy Randolph, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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2318 Yancey Ave: Storybook Cottage in Lovely Capitol Heights!

Wednesday, March 22, 2023
by The Hat Team

2318 Yancey Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36107

MLS# 534937

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,472 Square Feet | Capitol Heights

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Storybook cottage is adorable and ready to move into! This Capitol Heights beauty has updated lighting in the living room and dining rooms. Nice hardwood floors means NO carpet to deal with! The cute kitchen has room for a small breakfast table or moveable island and cooks delight gas range. Three bedrooms and two baths make it a great home for one or more. The side patio overlooks the large shady back yard with an additional patio perfect for grilling and chilling. Convenient to downtown, shopping, and dining! Also, would make a great addition to any rental portfolio.

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

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Important Information for First-Time Home Buyers

Wednesday, March 22, 2023
by The Hat Team

Purchasing your first home is a huge milestone…and not one that should be taken lightly. It is a big commitment, and you want to make sure you get it right. Educating yourself before you begin the home buying process will help you find the right property and procure the financing for it. 


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

PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

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

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


STARTING YOUR HOME SEARCH

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

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

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

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: pwcva.gov, findmywayhome.com, financebuzz.com

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Displaying blog entries 131-140 of 1248

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