Real Estate Information Archive

It’s a question homeowners inevitably face: should you invest in updating your current home, or is it time to pack up and move? In a market like Montgomery, where home values remain competitive and inventory is limited in certain areas, the decision isn't always straightforward. While renovations can add comfort and value, they’re not always the most cost-effective—or stress-free—solution.

So how do you know when it’s better to relocate than remodel?

1. You’ve Outgrown the Space—and There’s No Room to Expand

Montgomery’s historic neighborhoods like Cloverdale, Garden District, and Capitol Heights offer tons of charm, but often come with smaller footprints and limitations on additions due to lot size or historic zoning. If your family has grown or your needs have changed (think: home office, guest suite, or a second living space), and expanding isn’t practical or permitted, moving may be the smarter option.

2. Your Renovation Costs Could Outpace Market Value

Before diving into a major remodel, it’s important to know how much your home could realistically be worth after renovations. In Montgomery, the average cost of a major kitchen or bath remodel can range from $20,000 to $50,000+, depending on materials and scope. If your neighborhood’s home values cap out below what you'd spend (and hope to recoup), you might not see the return you expect. In contrast, purchasing a home that already has the space, style, and updates you want could offer more value for your dollar.

3. You’re Craving a New Location or Lifestyle

Sometimes, it’s not about the house—it’s about the lifestyle. Maybe you want to be closer to downtown Montgomery, within walking distance of schools or parks, or part of a newer development. No renovation can change your commute, your school zone, or your neighborhood vibe. If your needs have shifted, relocating can align your home with your life.

4. You’re Tired of the Renovation Headaches

Let’s be honest—renovating can be exhausting. Between hiring contractors, living in a construction zone, managing delays, and navigating unexpected costs, remodeling isn’t for everyone. In Montgomery’s competitive market, you may find that selling your current home (especially if it’s in a desirable location) puts you in a strong position to buy a move-in-ready property with far less hassle.
 

5. Your Home’s Layout Just Doesn’t Work Anymore

Even with cosmetic updates, some homes have layouts that no longer fit modern living—or your personal lifestyle. Closed-off kitchens, awkward bedroom placements, or a lack of open gathering spaces can be difficult (and costly) to reconfigure. In many of Montgomery’s older homes, structural changes can quickly become complicated due to age, materials, or local building codes. If your home’s flow feels more frustrating than functional, and fixing it would require major structural work, moving into a home that already fits your vision might be a better use of your time and money.

Bottom Line:
Every situation is unique, but if you’re feeling squeezed by space, frustrated with layout limitations, or wary of renovation costs, it might be time to explore your options. Montgomery’s market still offers opportunities for both sellers and buyers, especially if you work with a local expert who understands your goals and the neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle.

Thinking about whether to renovate or relocate?

The Hat Team has been helping Montgomery homeowners make smart moves for over 40 years! Whether you’re weighing the cost of a remodel or curious what your home could sell for in today’s market, we’re here to offer expert, no-pressure guidance.

📞 Let’s talk about what makes sense for you. Contact Sandra Nickel’s Hat Team of Professionals and take the next step with confidence.

Dial 334-834-1500 or visit 👉 homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com today!

🏠 Understanding the Lifespan of a House and Its Key Components

When you buy a home, you’re not just investing in a place to live, you’re investing in the materials, systems, and components that keep that house running. While many homes are built to last for generations, not every part of the home is designed with the same longevity in mind.

From appliances to roofing and everything in between, each element of your home has its own expected lifespan. Understanding what lasts (and what doesn’t) can help you plan ahead, budget wisely, and maintain the long-term value of your property.

🧱 What’s the Average Lifespan of a House?

A well-constructed home can last 100 years or more, especially when made with durable materials and properly maintained. Historic homes built with brick, stone, or hardwood have stood the test of time across generations. However, the longevity of individual components inside and outside the house varies greatly and often depends on several factors:

• Quality of installation
• Level of maintenance
• Climate and weather exposure
• Frequency and intensity of use
   

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), even two homes built the same year could age differently based on these factors.

🧰 Major Home Components: What to Expect

Let’s take a closer look at how long the most important elements of your home are expected to last:

🏠 Roofing

• Asphalt shingles: 15–30 years
• Metal roofing: 40–70 years
• Clay/concrete tiles: 50–100 years
• Slate: 75–100+ years

Regular roof inspections and timely repairs can significantly extend its lifespan.

🌬️ HVAC Systems

• Furnace: 15–25 years
• Central air conditioner: 10–15 years
• Heat pump: 10–20 years

Keeping filters clean and scheduling annual maintenance can help your HVAC system perform efficiently for longer.

🚿 Plumbing & Water Systems

• Water heaters (tank): 8–12 years
• Tankless water heaters: 20+ years
• Copper pipes: 50+ years
• PVC pipes: 25–40 years

Leaks and water pressure issues can reduce the lifespan of plumbing materials, so proactive maintenance is key.

⚡ Electrical Systems

• Copper wiring: 100+ years
• Circuit breakers: 30–40 years
• Outlets and switches: 10–20 years

Older homes may need electrical updates to stay code-compliant and safe.

🧽 Insulation & Windows

• Insulation (fiberglass, cellulose): 80–100 years
• Windows: 15–30 years, depending on material and climate exposure

Energy-efficient window upgrades are often made long before the end of a window’s technical life due to rising energy costs. Wood windows original to a historic home can last indefinitely with proper maintenance.

🔌 Appliances

• Refrigerator: 10–15 years
• Dishwasher: 8–12 years
• Washing machine: 10–12 years
• Dryer: 10–13 years
• Oven/Range: 13–15 years
• Microwave: 7–10 years

Homeowners often replace appliances early due to new features, energy efficiency, or changing kitchen styles—not just wear and tear.

🎨 Style vs. Function: Why We Replace Things Early

Many homeowners swap out appliances, countertops, or fixtures long before they break down. Sometimes it's about style—think stainless steel replacing white appliances—or the appeal of newer, energy-efficient models. Government rebates or tax incentives also motivate upgrades that lower utility bills, even if the existing components are still functional.

🛠️ Make It Last: Tips to Extend the Life of Your Home

Want your home to go the distance? Here are a few ways to ensure your investment stands the test of time:

• Schedule regular maintenance for HVAC, roof, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Inspect annually for signs of wear or damage.
• Clean gutters, filters, and ducts to improve efficiency and avoid bigger issues.
• Invest in quality materials during repairs or remodels.
• Stay on top of warranties and register major appliance purchases.

🏡 Final Thoughts

While your home may be around for a century or more, the things that keep it running smoothly won’t last nearly as long. Knowing what to expect—and when to expect it—can help you avoid surprise expenses and keep your home in top shape for years to come.

Being proactive with maintenance and making smart upgrades can extend the life of nearly every part of your home, helping protect your investment and improve your quality of life.

📞 Let’s Find a Home That’s Built to Last

We understand how important it is to find a well-built home that will stand the test of time. I'm Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of experienced Realtors are here to help you every step of the way. Give us a call at 334-834-1500—we’d love to help you find the home of your dreams!

June is National Homeownership Month!  This is a time to celebrate all the wonderful benefits of owning a home as well as the role of Realtors in the American dream of homeownership. National Homeownership Week began in 1995 as a strategy of President Clinton’s administration to increase homeownership across the nation. President George W. Bush then expanded the observance to the entire month of June in 2002.

Homeownership exemplifies the American Dream!

The history of homeownership in America goes back to 1860s when the U.S. Banking System came into being and mortgages started to become available. When the Great Depression hit, banks didn’t have money to lend and people didn’t have cash, therefore very few could afford to buy homes. People that already owned homes often lost them as they failed to pay their debt. The U.S. Government created the Home Owner’s Loan Corporation in 1933, the Federal Housing Administration in 1934, and the Federal National Mortgage Association (now knowns as Fannie Mae) in 1938 to stabilize the housing market. Along with the American economy, the G.I. Bill of 1944 changed the face of the housing industry.  This bill provided subsidized mortgages to the veterans of World War II. Then Congress passed the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which banned discrimination in housing based on religion, race, gender and national origin. During its existence, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has helped over 44 million citizens to become homeowners!

During National Homeownership Month, we strive to get the news out that there are a plethora of perks that come with owning your own home. As a homeowner, you will enjoy pride of ownership, community connection, security, comfort and financial benefits. Owning a home brings value to families, communities and neighborhoods all across the country.

How can you celebrate National Homeownership Month?  Here are a few ideas:

• Spruce up your home a bit! Paint your front door, power wash your porch, plant some pretty flowers and take care of any home maintenance projects you’ve been putting off.
• Organize a block party with your neighbors.
• Get involved in your local community.

If you are interested in becoming a homeowner, there is no better time! Reach out to an experienced Realtor like Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals to learn everything you need to know about becoming a homeowner. And check out her resources for prospective buyers!

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

One thing I think most people can agree on is that the life of a single parent is filled with challenges. One of the biggest challenges is having to manage finances on a single income. Many single parents may feel that being a homeowner is out of reach for them. But with rents going sky high, filling the pockets of a landlord when they could be investing in their own future just doesn’t make sense.

If you are a single parent and you think you can’t purchase a home, think again!  There are specialized loan options and assistance programs available to help single Moms and Dads become homeowners.  For example, you will find flexible mortgage qualification criteria, reduced down payment requirements and assistance with up front costs.

Here are some loan types, grants, and strategies that can make your dream of home ownership a reality:

HomeReady

The HomeReady loan, backed by Fannie Mae, is designed for low to middle income buyers, so it is a great option for single parents. You be able to make a down payment as low as 3% and it offers reduced private mortgage insurance costs, thus lowering you monthly mortgage payments. Another positive feature is that additional household income will be considered with this loan, such as contribution from roommates or renters, which will make it easier for single parents to qualify.

Home Possible

Freddie Mac has something called the Home Possible program. This is another wonderful option for single parents trying to save on the upfront costs of purchasing a home. With a down payment requirement of only 3%, the Home Possible program allows people with limited savings the ability to buy a home. In addition, this program allows non-occupant co-borrowers, such as a parent or other relative, to contribute on the mortgage application. This additional support may be exactly what a single parent needs to achieve home ownership!

FHA Loans

A popular choice for single parents with lower credit scores and/or minimal savings, FHA loans are government backed loans that require a down payment as low as 3.5% and are available to buyers with credit scores as low as 580. With lenient debt-to-income ratio requirements, it is an ideal option for single-income families. FHA loans also offer the security of predictable terms, something that single parents on a budget can really appreciate.

VA Loans

If you are an eligible veteran, active-duty service member or surviving spouse, VA loans can be very advantageous. No down payment is required with a VA loan, and therefore private mortgage insurance isn’t necessary. This will give you significant monthly savings on your mortgage. In addition, it provides other benefits like limits on closing costs and competitive interest rates. A VA loan is an awesome choice for single parents who have served in the military.

USDA Loans

USDA loans cater to buyers that want to live in rural or suburban areas. They offer 100% financing with no down payment required. It’s ideal for single parents seeking affordable housing outside of urban areas. They often feature lower mortgage interest rates and reduced mortgage insurance premiums. All-in-all it is a budget-friendly option for families!

Conventional Loans

Another viable option for single parents who have high credit scores is a conventional loan. This loan requires as little as 3% down and offers competitive interest rates. They are different from government-backed loans in that they offer more flexibility in terms of property type and loan limits. A conventional loan can be a great choice for single moms and dads.

There are also grants available for first-time home buyers who are single parents. They provide funds that do not need to be repaid which help to pay for costs like down payments and closing costs. There are state and local programs that offer grants specifically for first-time buyers based on income, location and family size. This can be a life-changing resource for single moms and dads, allowing them to purchase their first home.

The idea of purchasing a home as a single parent can seem overwhelming.  But with careful planning and preparation, it can be done. Don’t rush things. Take the time to assess your financial situation, including your income, debt, and credit score.  Research loan options and assistance programs and find the one that best suits your needs.  The first step is to get pre-approved with a trusted lender, which will not only allow you to figure out your budget for a home but will also demonstrate to sellers that you are a serious buyer.

Most importantly, work with an experienced, Professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel who understands the unique challenges of buying a home as a single parent. With the right Realtor and resources, you will find the perfect home to meet your budget and your family’s needs.

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

Spring seems to fly by so fast. Especially in years when the temperatures stay cool longer.  Before you know it the end of April is here, and you haven’t even started your spring planting.  But even if you miss the early spring planting period, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a yard full of fragrant, colorful flowers in late spring and through the summer. There are several types of plants that grow in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8-10 that thrive in the summer months when planted in April.  And luckily, Montgomery falls right within those zones!

Here is a handy list of plants that are ideal for planting in late spring:

Bare Root Perennials

These plants are perfect for April planting because they are fast growers and will fill your landscape with radiant color during the summer. Bare root perennials are sold by nurseries and online catalogs after they have grown for a year and had their growth trimmed to about an inch above the crown. When purchased they are ready to be transplanted outdoors after removing soil from the roots. 

Some examples of bare root perennials are Daylily Plants, Astilbe, and Clematis.

Annuals

There are several, easy to grow, summer-blooming annuals that can be planted in April. Sunflowers are quite sturdy and don’t require a lot of attention once planted. They will thrive in a variety of soil conditions, and they include short ones that grow a few feet tall, to tall plants that can grow to be 8 feet and taller. “Cosmos” are easy to grow flowering plants as well and provide brightly colored blooms for your garden.

Flowering Shrubs and Citrus

Choose drought-tolerant shrubs to plant in April and they will do well through the summer. Ceanothus, otherwise known as the California Lilac, produces blossoms of delicate, tiny blue and purple flowers. Because there are so many, the entire bush looks blue or purple. Another good bush to plant in April is the Common Flannel Bush. Also a California native, this bush produces vibrant yellow flowers that bloom all at once. Rosemary Bushes have fragrant leaves that can be used for cooking and little blue or purple flowers for color. Citrus Trees come in many varieties that have sweetly scented blooms.

So, if you didn’t get a chance to plant flowers in early spring, it’s not too late to add a garden full of vivid colors to your landscape!

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.

Do you love the idea of growing your own food, but don’t have room for a garden? Don’t worry! You can still grow vegetables and herbs even if you don’t have a sunny patch of soil to plant them in. You just need some containers!  You might be surprised to discover how many of your favorite edibles will grow just fine in a container.

To get started, you must make sure that the container you choose is large enough to hold a full-grown plant.  Veggies like lettuce and spinach don’t require a lot of space, nor do many herbs. But beefy tomatoes and peppers will need some growing room.

Once you’ve got the right containers, it’s time to purchase the proper potting mix designed for container growth. You will also need to water more often because roots in containers can’t work their way out to reach water. Make sure that the area where you plan to have your containers can withstand their weight. For example, if you plan to put them on your second-floor balcony, you’re going to want to check the building code to make sure it can handle heavy pots.

Here are some examples of edibles that do well in containers:

• Herbs

Herbs do well in containers of all shapes and sizes. You can place them on a patio, in a windowsill or line them along your sidewalk. The trick is to make sure the pot you choose matches the adult size of the plant. Smaller herbs like chervil, chives, cilantro, marjoram, oregano, parsley, sage, savory, tarragon and thyme do well in containers that are 6-12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Larger plants like basil, lavender, and lemongrass need a minimum of 16–18-inch containers, while rosemary and dill need even larger pots.

• Salad Greens

​Salad greens like lettuce, lettuce blends, mesclun and microgreens have very shallow roots and only require pots to be about 6 inches deep. Others like chicory, radicchio and spinach need 8 inches.

• Strawberries

Strawberries make beautiful container plants. Imagine having one close to where you sit outdoors and simply reaching over to pluck a ripe, scrumptious berry right off the plant. They also do well in hanging baskets. The berries will be at eye level while keeping pests from getting into them. Strawberries will grow in just about any container as long as they’re at least 8 inches deep. If you do choose to use a hanging container, go a little bigger; at least 12 inches wide and deep.

• Peppers

The advantage of growing peppers in a container is that you can start them earlier than normal, meaning you will also get to harvest them earlier for your dining pleasure. The disadvantage is that they may not be as big as garden-grown versions. But they will be as tasty! And they provide a colorful addition to a balcony or patio garden. You will want a container that is at least 8 inches deep and at least 16 to 18 inches wide.

• Tomatoes

Tomatoes grown in containers are just as yummy as the ones grown in garden soil, but they have the added perk of avoiding soil-borne diseases. If you plant in containers you start with new soil every year. It’s important to match the tomato size to the container size for optimal growth. Always err on the side of more space. Even the tiniest tomatoes, like cherry tomatoes, will need planters that are at least a foot deep and even wider.

• Eggplants

This gorgeous plant often gets overlooked when considering a container garden, but it shouldn’t! It will brighten up any container garden with its lovely violet spring flowers and shiny purple fruits. While they are not huge plants, they will need some space to thrive. Containers for eggplants should be a minimum of 12 inches deep and 16-18 inches wide.

These are just a sampling of edible plants that can be grown in containers. If you thought you could never have an herb or vegetable garden, think again!  Get started on your own edible container garden and you will be enjoying fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies before you know it! The 35 Easiest Container and Pot Friendly Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs

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.

Spring is almost here! Yay! That means it is the time of year to throw open the windows and start washing, sweeping and scrubbing all the rooms in your home. This is the ideal time of year to do your deep cleaning in order to keep your house looking its very best. Also, if you start now, you will be done and ready to enjoy the weather when spring arrives.

If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning your whole house, here is a handy guide to help you get started:

Kitchen

• Empty your cabinets and wipe them down. Take some time to check your spices for expiration dates and toss any that have expired. Keep a note pad nearby so you can write down what needs to be replaced.
• Clean your oven. If it is self-cleaning, make sure you have your windows open (pick a cool day for this), so that the house doesn’t get too hot. If it is not self-cleaning, create a paste with baking soda and water, cover the interior of the oven with the paste and leave it overnight. The next day, use a plastic scraper to remove the paste and grime along with it. Then wipe with a damp cloth.
• If you are able, carefully move your kitchen appliances and sweep or vacuum and mop to get rid of built-up dirt and grime.

Bathroom

• Clean the bathroom exhaust fan. It can collect dust like a ceiling fan, so give it a good cleaning to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
• Clean hairbrushes and combs by soaking them in the sink. Do the same with makeup brushes, wash them with mild soap and allow them to air dry.
• Go through your vanity drawers and get rid of any old makeup or skin care products that you no longer use or that have passed their prime.

Bedrooms

• Take mattresses off the bed to vacuum both sides of them. Then, if possible, prop them in the sunlight for a few hours. The sunlight can help kill germs. When you replace the mattresses on the bed, be sure to flip and rotate them from their previous position.
• If you don’t wash your pillows regularly, now is a great time to do it. If they are looking pretty bad, then you should replace them.
• Switch to lighter weight bedding for spring and summer. If you have been using flannel sheets and heavy comforter, change to light cotton sheets and quilt for warmer months.

Overall

• Don’t neglect your walls! They get dirty too. Use an extended duster to remove dust and cobwebs and then use a flathead mop to wipe away dirt.
• Take down curtains and wash them (following manufacturer’s instructions). Clean blinds as well. Either take them down and clean them outdoors or thoroughly clean them using appropriate cleaning materials.
• Clean your baseboards. The best way to do it is to get down on the floor and scrub them with microfiber cloth and hot, soapy water. But if getting on the floor is a deal breaker for you, they have many tools available specifically for wiping down baseboards.

Spring cleaning does not have to be an overwhelming task!  Don’t try to do it all in one day. Spread it out over a few days or a weekend. And don’t do it all yourself!  Get the whole family involved and you will be done before you know it!

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.

Do you need some more living space in your home, but don’t want to spend the money on a room addition?  Well, maybe the answer is right in front of you…when you pull into your driveway. Converting your garage into a living space is a great alternative to adding a room to your home. In fact, if you have a two-car garage, you can add about 600 square feet of living space. And since a garage already has a foundation, walls, and a roof, it will cost approximately half of what you might pay for an addition.

While not as expensive as a new addition, a garage conversion still should not be done cheaply. A quality conversion might take from 4-6 weeks and will include the following:

• insulating walls and ceiling
• raising the floor so that insulation can be placed over the concrete slab
• establishing a heating and cooling source for the space via the house’s main system or by adding an independent one
• upgrading your electrical service
• possibly creating a partition in the wall between your house and garage if you are trying to design and open floorplan
• replacing garage doors with fully insulated stud walls
• adding windows and doors

Before deciding to convert your garage into a living space, consider what you will be losing. You will no longer have a place to park your vehicles indoors to be protected from the elements. You will also be sacrificing storage space for things like landscaping tools, lawn mowers, bicycles, and outdoor gear.

If you feel that having more living space in your home outweighs your need for indoor parking and storage, then converting your garage is a good option for you!

Another thing to consider is that there will be zoning and legal issues to contend with.  A garage goes through a major legal transformation when it becomes a living space. That means there will be requirements for the room that did not exist when it was simply a space to house vehicles. There will be permits involved for the changes you want to make. 

If you ultimately decide that converting your garage is the best way to add more space to your home, be sure to get estimates from several reputable contractors and find one that shares your vision for your new room. 

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.

Making your home more energy efficient is a cost-effective way to not only save money but to also improve the performance of your home. The most effective strategy for improving your home’s energy efficiency is to focus on the “shell” of the house…the walls, attic, windows and doors. Next, improve the energy efficiency of systems such as heating, cooling, lighting and appliances. Last, but not least, consider clean energy generation such as solar or geothermal.

The first step toward energy efficiency is to make sure that your walls and attic are well insulated. High quality insulation slows the rate that heat flows out of the house in the winter or into the house during summer. That means it takes less energy to heat or cool your house. If your walls have no insulation, it will certainly pay off to add blown-in insulation and it will also improve the comfort of your home. If you have an unfinished attic, it is worthwhile upgrading its insulation. It is a good idea to use an Energy Auditor to make sure that the insulation is installed properly.

The next step is to upgrade the windows. If your windows are old or leaky, particularly if you live in an historic area, it is time to increase their efficiency by using weather stripping and storm windows. While it’s not usually cost-effective to replace windows just to save energy, if you are going to replace them anyway, the additional cost of Energy Star-rated replacement windows is very modest and is a comfort improving upgrade that is worth the cost

Another way to save some energy in your home is to plant shade trees and shrubs around your house. If you have an older home with poor insulation and windows, good landscaping can help, especially if planted on the house’s west side. Deciduous trees are the best way to go for this purpose. During the summer, the foliage will block the infrared radiation that would warm the house, while in the winter the bare branches will let the radiation through.

Replacing an older furnace with a new high-efficiency system may seem like a huge expense, but in the long run it will save energy and money. If your furnace was built before 1992 and has a standing pilot, it likely wastes 35% of the fuel it uses, and it’s probably near the end of its service life. ACEEE (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy) recommends you replace it with a condensing furnace with annual efficiency of at least 90%.

You can improve the efficiency of your hot water system by turning down the temperature of your water heater to the “warm” setting (120 degrees F). You can also insulate your hot water lines so that they don’t cool off quickly between uses. And using low-flow fixtures in your showers and baths will help as well.

You can use ¾ of the energy used with incandescent light bulbs by replacing them with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). You may not realize that the cost of the electricity used to run a light bulb is higher than the cost of the bulb itself. A CFL may be a little more expensive than the traditional light bulb, but it lasts for 10,000 hours and uses only 27 watts to generate as much light as 100-watt incandescent bulb. Over the long haul, you will save money by investing in CFLs.

You can save money with an energy-efficient home in many ways, including the tax benefits that are available to you. Federal tax incentives are out there for energy efficiency upgrades to existing homes. 

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

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

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And if you have your house on the market, you might be packing up everything you own very soon. The last thing you want to do is unpack all your Christmas decorations only to have to pack them back up again. In addition, if you are showing your home to potential buyers, you are going to want to keep your holiday décor as simple as possible.

You don’t have to be a “Scrooge” though!

You can decorate beautifully without spending a lot of money and without having to unpack all your personal treasures.

Here are five inexpensive ways to decorate for Christmas:

Make Homemade Garland

A lot of craft stores have great sales and coupons this time of year. Grab some greenery and then head over to a dollar store and pick up some pretty ornaments. You can find DIY instructions for making a festive garland on YouTube. 

Use a Real Tree

If you have been using an artificial tree and don’t want to unpack it, this is a good time to buy a real tree. Some can be very expensive, but you can find a pretty tree for as little as $49 in some places. Consider using a smaller tree and placing it on a tabletop instead of on the floor. Decorate with old-fashioned strings of popcorn and cranberries. And you might be surprised at the sparkly ornaments you can find at very little cost.

Display Wrapped Gifts

Beautifully wrapped gifts can be used to create any aesthetic you desire. For a more formal look, wrap gifts in shiny silvers and golds. Want to go whimsical? Try wrapping paper in fun shades of red, green, pink and white. And if you’re going for a winter wonderland look, use blues and silvers. The point is that you can use the gifts themselves to create gorgeous holiday décor.

Create “DIY” Christmas Wreaths

All you need is a hot glue gun, some inexpensive ornaments, ribbon, and a coat hanger and you can make pretty wreaths. There are lots of other ways to make them too. Check some out here: 36 Christmas Wreaths You Can DIY

Showcase Poinsettias

You can find pretty poinsettias just about anywhere this time of year. Care for them properly, and they will last the whole holiday season. Display them in reds, pinks and whites to create a classy ambiance in your holiday home.

So, don’t let your house being on the market keep you from enjoying this festive season! Enjoy some new Christmas décor that won’t break the bank and might just get a “SOLD” sign in your front yard before the new year!

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