Real Estate Information Archive

Putting your house on the market can be stressful in many ways.  Not only are you preparing to move yourself, you also need to keep your home looking as perfect as possible for potential buyers.  Here are some quick fix tricks to help you get your house in order and ready to show:

1. Cleaning the Microwave - No matter how dirty your microwave is, you can have it clean and shining in less than five minutes with this trick!  Slice a lemon in two.  Put it in a cup and add some cinnamon.  Place the cup in the microwave and “cook” on low power for 10 minutes.  Wipe the inside of the microwave clean with a damp cloth.  The cinnamon makes it smell nice.
    
2. Dusting That Lasts - The secret here is to wipe your furniture down with a little bit of cooking oil on a paper towel. This will do two things.  The first is that it will make your furniture shine nicely.  The second is that it adds an anti-static layer which repels dust.  You will need to dust again eventually, but not for a much longer time.
    
3. Getting Kids’ Artwork Off the Wall for Good - Finding that your creative child has used a wall for artwork with a pen or permanent marker is the worst! The good news is that the stain can be removed.  Try squeezing toothpaste (not the gel kind) onto a damp cloth.  Rub the toothpaste over the stain and watch it disappear. Here are some other ways to get marker off walls.
    
4. Keeping Window Tracks Clean - If you’re showing your house on a nice day, you’re going to want to have your windows open.  But if you do that, you want to make sure that the window tracks are super clean.  The easiest way to make sure they are, is to sprinkle the area with baking powder and then add vinegar.  Don’t worry when it starts to bubble; it’s supposed to do that!  Leave it for 15 minutes.  Then wipe it clean with a paper towel and done!
    
5. Shiny Bathtubs -  You won’t believe how easy it is to clean your bathtubs this way!  First, warm (don’t boil) some vinegar in the microwave.  Mix it with equal parts soap solutions in a spray bottle.  Spray all over the bath.  Leave it for about 30 minutes.  Come back and wipe clean.  The shine you get will amaze you! Don't forget to keep that toilet bowl clean and shiny as well!
    
6. Keeping Animal Fur off Blankets - Do you have pets that shed?  If so, you know the struggle of keeping your house fur free.  Vacuuming regularly helps, but doesn’t keep the fur off things such as blankets and throws.  Believe it or not, there is a way to do that. Wash them once in white vinegar and you will discover that the fur never sticks to them afterward!

Hopefully these brilliant, time-saving tips will help you keep your house ready to show!

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The new year is around the corner and with it will come new home décor trends.  If you are thinking of redecorating in 2018, here are some styles that are not so trendy anymore:

• Open shelving - Open shelving appeals to minimalists because there is nowhere to hide clutter, but they aren’t the most practical of designs. Unless you have perfectly matching items, it might just end up looking like a bunch of random “stuff” piled on shelves.
• Painted brick - Natural brick painted white has been popular, but before you pull out your paintbrushes, stop and think about whether it will still be popular in a few years. Natural brick is classic and provides a warm, cozy ambiance. Once you paint it white, it’s almost impossible to make it look natural again.
• Open floor plans - Everybody is knocking down walls!  Nobody seems to want walls or doors between rooms anymore.  Living spaces that are entirely open have been all the rage for a while now.  But sometimes having separate rooms makes more sense.  Thanks to technology, more people are working from home and need a private space.  Don’t be surprised if walls make a big comeback!
• Barn doors - This farmhouse inspired home décor trend is still very popular, but like any very popular trend, its time is sure to run its course.  If you must add a barn door in your home, just don’t add one to every room.  Otherwise, you might find yourself replacing them all in a few years.
• Granite countertops - For a long time a kitchen hasn’t even been worth looking at if it didn’t come with granite countertops.  But the truth is there are a lot of other attractive options that are more durable, less expensive and not in every kitchen you see.  Make your kitchen stand out with something different, like quartz, butcher block, concrete or marble
• Shiplap - If you watch any home renovation shows, chances are you have heard of shiplap…and chances are you have added it to your home.  But like wood paneling of the 70s, shiplap is going to run its course in popularity.  And when that happens, you’re going to have to figure out how to get rid of it.  So, do yourself a favor if you haven’t added it already, and don’t.

So, if you’re going to be redecorating in the new year, you may want to avoid these trends…unless of course you still like them. Because at the end of the day, your home should be decorated in a way that makes YOU happy!

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1. Don’t Strive for Perfection – Put down the Martha Stewart magazine and focus on what is important.  What is the point of having perfect decorations, meals and gifts if you are not enjoying yourself? Martha has a full staff to help her decorate, bake and shop.  Stop killing yourself trying to create an image of a perfect holiday and let yourself EXPERIENCE the season. Pick and choose what you want to do. Baking with your kids, decorating the tree…whatever makes you happy.  You don’t enjoy entertaining guests? Then don’t do it. Keep it simple and enjoy!
    
2. Shop Online – Avoid traffic, parking garages and crowded malls by doing your shopping online.  If a trip to the mall during the holiday season is something you look forward to, then by all means, go for it! But if fighting the crowds is not your thing, then put on some comfy pjs, fix yourself a cup of hot cocoa and shop until you drop…only you won’t actually drop because you won’t be so tired!  Shopping online will also save you a lot of time which you can use for RELAXING. Check out this site for unique gifts: Uncommon Goods
    
3. Delegate Responsibilities – Who said you must do it all yourself?  If you have older children, have them decorate the tree. If you have guests coming over, make it a pot luck…you provide the main course and have them bring side dishes and desserts. Have your spouse pick up what you need from the grocery store on the way home from work. With everyone chipping in, chores and events won’t feel so overwhelming.
    
4. Find Ways to Save Time – Here are some ideas for saving time during the holiday season:

• Don’t be afraid to say NO. Stop wasting time on activities you don’t want to do. Learn to Say No
• Purchase pre-printed holiday cards and envelopes.
• Keep your decorations simple.
• Make a list of what you need at the store so that you can complete your shopping in one trip.

5. Be Compassionate – The joy that comes from doing something kind for others may be all you need to relieve the stress that accompanies the holiday season. 

Take care of yourself and stress LESS!

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If this is your first holiday season in your new home, it is a perfect time to start some new traditions!  When you move, you don’t leave everything behind.  You bring your belongings and your memories and yes, your family rituals.  But a fresh start in an unfamiliar house is just the inspiration you need to begin unique traditions that will make this house truly feel like home.

Check out these fun ideas for creating new traditions:

• Take and annual family photo. Choose a theme or a pose that you can recreate every year.  Label the photos with the date and create a photo book or framed collage with them.  It will be so much fun for your family to see how everyone changes through the years. Creative Family Photo Ideas
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• Incorporate a cultural tradition.  No matter what holiday you celebrate, you will find a cultural tradition to go with it.  Make it a family activity to research your heritage and make new discoveries about how your ancestors celebrated. Multicultural Holiday Celebrations
   
• Gratitude. Sometimes we take all that we have for granted. A wonderful way to experience the holiday spirit is to express gratitude.  This can be a fun and meaningful activity for the whole family.  Go outdoors and find a branch to use to hold your “leaves of gratitude”. Cut leaves out of colorful paper and each day have family members write something they are grateful for on a leaf. Then hang the leaves on the “tree” to create a beautiful reminder of all that is right with your world!  Gratitude Tree

If you are still in search of the perfect house to make your new home, contact Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team for all your real estate needs!

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With energy costs on the rise, it is essential for a homeowner to stay on top of all they can in order reduce their heating and utility bills during the cold Winter months. Here are some things consumers can do on their own at little or no cost to keep money in their pockets every month.

• Check windows and doors for drafts. Seal spaces with caulk or weather stripping.
• Look at all of the utility-entry places around the outside of your home, and fill around pipes with insulation or cement, if practical.
• Close the foundation/crawlspace vents as soon as temps get colder than 40°. This helps protect water pipes from freezing as well.
• Go into the attic and inspect your insulation, or consider adding insulation if you haven’t taken that step. This can cut your energy costs and pay for itself in a few years.
• Check ductwork for places where it may have come apart and repair—this job may be better for a service person to undertake.
• The sun can be used to help keep the house warm by simply keeping curtains on the south side of your home open during the day.
• Hanging thicker panels or thermal curtains can help insulate around windows as well.  If you don’t want to change curtains, easy-to-install cellular shades allow light to shine through while insulating your windows. 
• Plastic sheeting is inexpensive and easy to install on drafty windows or unused patio doors, and just as easy to remove when Spring arrives. Kits are available at hardware and home improvement stores.
• Have your furnace serviced before it’s time to use it, and replace your filters once a month.
• Close the damper in the fireplace when you're not using it.
• Install a programmable thermostat--if heating with a heat pump, make sure the thermostat is the type specifically for heat pumps.  Program the thermostat for the lowest temperature setting that your family is comfortable while at home, preferably in the 60° range. Turning it down 10°-15° at night and using an extra blanket will calculate to big savings on your energy use and costs.
• Using a humidifier is not only healthier, it can cut down on heating costs. The more moisture there is in the air, the warmer you feel.
• If you use ceiling fans, make sure they’re turning clockwise on low speed to pull up cool air, and circulate the warm air that collects near the ceiling.
• Thinking about changing your home’s heat source? Do it before the cold weather sets in.  Check out the many different products available to help you make this decision.

The Department of Energy states that simply turning down the thermostat is the number one money-saver. For every degree it’s lowered, consumers save approximately 3% on heating costs.  Lowering the temperature may mean wearing a sweater and socks inside, but the money you can save outweighs the bulky clothes. 

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Photo credit:Pure Green Lawn and Tree Professionals 

Autumn is a season of change.  Leaves change color and fall from the trees, days get shorter and temperatures get cooler.  Yes, it’s really coming—we promise!  It’s also a good time to take care of home maintenance projects to prepare your home for colder weather.  Follow these autumn home maintenance tips and your house will be nice and cozy this winter:

• Clean gutters and downspouts. This should be done regularly to keep them clear of debris. You won’t have to do it as often if you install gutter guards.
• Check the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks for any holes or rotting.  Fill holes using caulk or replace wood if necessary.
• Give your roof a thorough inspection.  Look for shingles that are curling, buckling or cracking and replace them.  If there appears to be a great amount of damage or if your roof is just worn out from age, it’s time to replace the whole thing.  Hire a licensed professional if you’re not sure.  Make sure to also check for leaks around skylights, pipes and chimneys. 
• Hire a service to inspect and clean your wood burning fireplace and chimney and to make any necessary repairs to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Cooler temperatures and lower humidity make autumn a good time to paint the exterior of your home.
• Filters for your furnace and heating system should be cleaned and replaced.  Have a licensed heating contractor come out to inspect and service your gas heater or furnace.  Regular maintenance will keep it running proficiently and save you money on your heating bills.
• Check doors and windows for leaks and drafts both inside and out.  Fill in cracks with caulking or install weather stripping.
• Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and put fresh batteries in them.  These are potentially life-saving devices and it is vital to take good care of them.

Check these tasks off your list now and you will be able to enjoy a warm and comfy winter!

Don’t know reliable people to contact?  Just give us a call because we do!

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Whether you are downsizing and need a storage unit to hold belongings you don’t have room for in your home, or you are putting your house on the market and need to store extraneous items so you can stage your rooms to sell, you want to choose one that will best suit your needs while keeping your valued possessions safe and secure.  Here are some questions to ask before choosing a storage unit:

1. What are you looking for in a storage unit?  Do you need a large or small one?  A storage unit manager can help determine what size unit you need if you provide a list of items you intend to store there.  Will you want climate control?  Units with climate control are more expensive, but if you are storing delicate items, it will be worth the extra cost to keep them safe should temperatures greatly fluctuate.
2. Where is the storage facility located?  Will it be convenient for you to get there? Storage facilities located in highly populated areas tend to be more expensive than those in more remote areas.  If you are storing things long term and won’t be visiting the unit frequently, choosing one located in a remote area may be less expensive for you. But if you are going to need access to your things on a regular basis, you will want one that is located close to where you live or work.
3. What are the business hours of the facility?  Not all storage facilities are open 24/7.  You will want to make sure that you can get into your storage unit during hours that suit your needs.  Find out if their business hours work with your schedule or if they offer on-demand access.
4. What kind of security do they have?  The fact that you are willing to pay to store your belongings means that they have value to you.  You want them protected.  A well-run storage unit facility should have at least some of the following security features:

• surveillance system that includes cameras and alarms
• a strong fence surrounding entire facility
• a gate that only provides access to people authorized to be there
• security guards
• smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinkler systems
• well-constructed units built with safety and security in mind (good ventilation to prevent mildew, raised floors in case of flooding, solid doors with strong locks)

5. What is the condition of the facility?  Observe the facility to see if it is kept clean and tidy.  Ask about pest control and look for any evidence of infestations. Make sure there are loading docks and equipment available to you and that there is sufficient parking near the units.  Check it out at night to see if it is well-lit.  Ask how many units are currently rented. If the number is low, that is a red flag indicating that something might be wrong.
6. Do they offer theft and damage insurance coverage for your possessions?  For peace of mind, it is important that they do.

The most important thing to remember is that you should never choose as storage facility without seeing it in person first.  Visit a few and take notes on the positives and negatives of each. Making an informed decision will be the best way to be sure that your treasured personal property is in good hands.

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The statistics for household childhood injuries are staggering.  Over 3.4 million children experience some kind of accidental injury in the home each year.  While there is no way to guarantee child safety at home, there are certainly many things you can do to help prevent accidents and injuries.  Here are some tips for childproofing your home:

1. Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries.  Keep dangerous items such as medicines, household cleaners, lighters, knives etc. locked up. Even things with “child resistant” packaging should be kept in areas that children cannot access.  Child resistant does not mean child proof.
2. Safety gates can be used to prevent falls down stairs and to keep children out of areas with possible dangers.  When installing a gate at the top of stairs, make sure that it is bolted to the wall.  Make sure you purchase gates that meet safety standards.
3. To avoid burns, install anti-scald devices on your showers and faucet heads. 
4. Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home.  It’s important to check them frequently to be sure they are working properly.  Change the batteries at least once a year.  Many people change the batteries twice a year when the time changes in the fall and spring.  Carbon monoxide alarms should be used in your home as well.
5. Corner and edge bumpers on tables and fireplace hearths will help prevent injuries if a child falls against them.
6. Children are very curious and it would be no surprise to find them trying to stick things into plug outlets.  Prevent electrical shock by placing outlet covers in outlets that you use. Make sure they fit snugly and are not easy for a child to remove. They should also be large enough that they won’t be a choking hazard should a child get one out.  If there is an outlet that you know you won’t be using, covert it with an outlet plate. 
7. Make sure that your window coverings are safe for your children.  Cordless window coverings are best, but you can also follow these tips for safety if you have window coverings with cords.
8. Large pieces of furniture and appliances can tip over and crush a child.  Make them secure by anchoring them to the floor and/or attaching them to the wall.
9. If you have a pool or spa, it is vital that you have it surrounded by a fence that is at least 4 feet tall and includes a self-closing, self-latching gate. Doors that lead out to the pool or spa should have alarms on them to indicate if someone has opened them.  A pool alarm adds another layer of protection. 

Again, while childproofing your home will not guarantee safety, it will go a long way toward protecting your children from injuries or worse.  The peace of mind you will have knowing you have done everything you can to protect your children will be well worth the effort and time put into making sure your home is as safe as possible.

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The idea of purchasing your first home is exciting, but can also feel overwhelming.  Before starting your home search, you need to figure out how much you can afford.  If you’ve been hesitant to move forward because you’re afraid you won’t have enough cash for a down payment or that you won’t qualify for a loan, you shouldn’t despair.  There are programs available that can help you!  So, stop padding your landlord’s pockets and take advantage of programs that will assist you in making a sound financial investment in a home of your own.

The Alabama Housing Finance Authority has two programs designed to assist people with purchasing homes:

1.Step Up - Step Up is a homeownership program designed specifically for moderate-income home buyers who can afford a mortgage, but need help with the down payment.  With this program, the money for the down payment is secured by a 10-year second mortgage and is combined with a 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage.  Since the loans are serviced by ServiSolutions, a division of AHFA, homeowners have only one check to write each month.  Program participants must complete a homebuyer education course to qualify…a small price to pay to become a homeowner!  People who earn less than $97,300 are eligible for the Step Up program, regardless of household size or location.

Step Up+ is a new, temporary program that was just announced by the AHFA in June, 2017.  This mortgage enhancement will pay the upfront split private mortgage insurance premium (up to $1,500) for homebuyers who earn less than 80% of the area median income.  This way, homebuyers will pay a lower monthly premium as part of their mortgage payment. Information and qualifications:

• HFA Preferred conventional loans only
• 3% down payment assistance available through Step Up
• For new or existing homes in Alabama
• Homebuyers must have a credit score of 620 or higher
• Must complete homeownership education course
• Must apply for loan through a participating lender
• Private mortgage insurance will be underwritten by Genworth or ARCH (no delegated options)

All Step Up+ loans must close by September 30, 2017.

The Step Up program’s standard $97,300 household income limits will NOT apply for Step Up+.

For more information, contact a participating lender.

2.Mortgage Credit Certificates - The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program gives homebuyers another savings option.  MCCs are available with conventional fixed-rate, FHA, VA, Rural Development and privately insured mortgages.  Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis by a statewide network of participating lenders.  Participants must meet federally established income and sales price limits.

MCCs provide a tax credit to reduce the amount of federal taxes owed by a percentage               of the annual mortgage interest paid each year.  The remaining annual interest may be claimed as a mortgage interest deduction on the homebuyer’s federal tax return.

Qualified homebuyers pay lower federal income taxes or benefit from immediate savings by updating the withholdings on their W-4 form.  MCCs may be paired with AHFA’s Step Up program or any other 30-year, fixed rate, amortizing mortgage offered by a participating lender.

Mortgage credit rates are based on the loan amount:

• 20% MCC for loans of $150,001 or greater; no cap
• 30% MCC for loans of $100,001 to $150,000; $2,000 per year cap
• 50% MCC for loans of $100,000 or less; $2,000 per year cap

The real estate professionals at Homes for Sale in Montgomery Alabama can explain these programs to you and answer any questions that you have.  Contact them and start your home search today!

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Buying your first home is exciting.  After getting approved for a mortgage loan, working with a professional REALTOR and finding your dream home, it’s time to settle in and start enjoying your new digs.  Then BAM!  The shock of an unexpected expense slaps you in the face.  Don’t let that happen to you.  Being informed about the possible expenses of being a homeowner will not make spending the money any more fun, but at least you will be prepared.  Here are some ancillary costs of homeownership that you should be aware of:

• CLOSING COSTS - When closing on your mortgage you will be presented with a long list of costs: mortgage taxes, lender application fees, attorney’s fees, title insurance, recording fees and any potential real estate tax reimbursements if the seller has paid them up front.  Altogether, closing costs are an average of 2 to 5 percent of the total cost of the home.  They will vary state to state.  Closing cost information for Alabama can be found here.
• HOME MAINTENANCE - Now that you are a homeowner, you are solely responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your property.  Everything from yard work to cleaning; pressure washing to clearing the gutters…it’s all in your hands and on your dime.  Oh…and fixing things.  Yeah.  When the AC isn’t working or there is a leaky faucet, you will be footing the bill for repairs.  This all sounds a bit scary, but the key is to be prepared.  Go into your home purchase knowing that you will likely be spending about 1% of the purchase price of your home on maintenance annually.
• PROPERTY TAXES - Property taxes vary by state and can also vary based on city, ordinance, and even specific house.  You can utilize a Property Tax Calculator to get an idea of what your taxes will be when planning for your expenses.
• UTILITIES - If you’re coming from a rental where your utilities were included with the rent, you may not have considered how much you will need to set aside to pay for electricity, gas, water and sewage costs.  Added to internet, cable and phone bills, it can be quite a chunk of change.  Planning for utility costs is crucial to making sure you can afford to live in a home of your own.
• HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE - When you get a mortgage, you must get homeowner's insurance as well.  Be sure to do your homework and shop around for the best possible price.  You can get discounts for things like security systems, working from home or bundling coverage for your home with your auto insurance policy.  Educate yourself on what your insurance policy covers so that you’re not left disappointed when you have to pay for something you thought would be taken care of.

Don’t let these expenses scare you off from purchasing a home.  Again, the key is to be aware of them going in so that you won’t be caught unawares when they come up.

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