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4 Reasons To Sell Your Home Now and Not Wait Until Spring

Wednesday, January 27, 2021
by The Hat Team


The general rule of thumb is spring is the best time to sell your home. Most Realtors experience a “spring rush”, but there are many reasons to consider selling your home during the winter months rather than wait until spring.

1. Less Competition

As you are driving around town, you probably don’t see many ‘For Sale’ signs. Typically in the winter, there are frewe homes for sale, which means less competition. Real estate is affected by supply and demand. The fewer homes there are for sale, the better chance you have of securing a buyer and the more negotiating power you have as a seller.

2. Historically Low Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates continue to be historically low, bringing more home buyers into the market. While rates may stay low throughout 2021, rates typically increase in the spring as a result of supply and demand. Most home sellers are going to turn around and buy another home. Selling now means you are in a position to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates.

3. Motivated Buyers

The spring selling season tends to bring out a lot of ‘looky loos’… people that aren’t really serious buyers and are merely interested in seeing what the market is like. Home buyers looking in the winter months are generally more serious and motivated to buy now. Serious home buyers look no matter what season of the year it is.

4. Quicker Transaction

There are fewer real estate transactions happening now than there will be in the spring selling rush. This means mortgage companies have fewer loans to process, attorneys and title companies have fewer closings, and home inspectors home fewer inspections to perform. The result of fewer transactions is better communication, better service, and less hassle. A closing with less stress will make your home selling and buying experience much more pleasurable.

After considering these factors, if you are in the market to sell your home now, let the Sandra Nickel Hat Team assist you with your sale. Call them today at 334-834-1500!

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3014 Hill Hedge Dr: All the Style You Could Ask For!

Wednesday, January 20, 2021
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate:

3014 Hill Hedge Dr, Montgomery AL 36111

All the Style You Could Ask For!

MLS# 486575 | 3 Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths | 2,539 Square Feet | McGehee Estates

3014 Hill Hedge Dr

Fabulously updated McGehee Estates home with all of the style and living spaces you could ask for! From the brand new welcoming front doors all the way to the covered back patio, this house is move-in ready and shows like a dream! The original formal living room/dining room has been converted to a large dining room and office space. The bright eat-in kitchen opens to the family room/den and a hallway leads back to the study/home schooling area/playroom for 3 separate living areas to suit your family's needs. Recent updates and special features include granite counter tops, stainless appliances, beautifully refinished hard wood floors, wonderful cabinetry and bookcases throughout. Lovely covered patio and fully fenced back yard. Check it out today!

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

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Showing Your Home During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Wednesday, January 20, 2021
by The Hat Team


Experts predict we will be in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic for at least another 6 to 9 months if not longer. You may think the real estate market has tanked due to the pandemic but this is not the case. Interest rates remain low and are enticing buyers to take advantage of lower mortgage payments. The pandemic is changing the way real estate is being sold and making showing your home a bit more challenging. But with creativity and preparation, showing your home can be done safely. The following guidelines will help keeping you, your family, your Realtor, and your prospective buyers safe and healthy.

Preparation

The first thing you want to do is prepare your home for sale. Deep, clean and declutter. You want your home to sparkle inside and out the fresh paint and clean windows. Clear off your counter-tops and remove all personal items. Put toys away and remove excess furniture. Clean out closets so they appear larger and don’t forget to clean out the garage. Add some color with decorative pillows, bowls of fruit or fresh flowers.

Virtual Tour

Your Realtor will want to create an online virtual tour for buyers to take a look at before physically entering your home. There are many options for creating tours with photos, as well as video walking tours moving from room to room. While online tours aren’t quite the same as seeing a home in person, they tell a buyer a lot about the property.

Virtual Open House

Today’s technology is ideal for virtual open houses. Who ever heard of Zoom pre-pandemic? But Zoom and similar programs are perfect for conducting a virtual open house.

In-Person Showings

While buying a home sight unseen is on the rise, most buyers will want to see a home in person before deciding to buy. With extra precautions, this can be done with safety in mind…

1. Limit the number of persons entering you home to Realtors and the prospective buyers. This is not the time for children and extra family members.

2. Have everyone entering your home sign a Covid-19 form certifying they do not have the virus or have not been exposed to someone who does. Also, require everyone wear masks, gloves and use hand sanitizer before entering.

3. Leave doors open and lights on to minimize touching surfaces.

4. Clean and disinfect before and after the showing.

Bottom line is buyers are buying and sellers are selling during this pandemic. They are just doing in more creatively and cautiously.

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!

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246 N Court St: 246 N Court St #B, Montgomery AL 36104

Saturday, January 16, 2021
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale:

246 N Court St #B, Montgomery AL 36104

MLS# 484187 | 1 Bedroom | 1.5 Baths | 1,010 Square Feet | Downtown Montgomery

246 N Court St

Convenient urban downtown living with a flair! 246 Lofts are an impressive renovation & re-purpose of a historic building located in downtown Montgomery. This unique 1 bedroom condo has antique heart pine floors, old exposed brick walls and original beams, and soaring ceiling heights. Updated kitchen and bath and open concept great for casual living or entertaining.

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

 

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410 Thorn Pl: Living and Entertaining is a Breeze

Saturday, January 16, 2021
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale

410 Thorn Pl, Montgomery AL 36106

Living and Entertaining is a Breeze

MLS# 478811 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,183 Square Feet | Old Cloverdale

Living and entertaining is a breeze in this lovely updated Old Cloverdale home in Midtown Montgomery. The main level has great circulating flow from the large living room to the big family room off the kitchen! A family style kitchen, complete with breakfast bar, is adjacent to the formal dining room. The great screened side porch off living room is the perfect place for morning coffee or evening cocktails. The second floor has two spacious bedrooms with lots of closet space. Located within walking distance to restaurants, shops, bars, and entertainment, and convenient to Downtown!

410 thorn pl

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

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2206 Boultier St: Brick Duplex in Old Cloverdale!

Friday, January 15, 2021
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate

2206 Boultier St, Montgomery AL 36106

Brick Duplex in Old Cloverdale!

MLS# 486367 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Old Cloverdale

2206 Boultier St

Virtual Tour

This brick duplex is located in Historic Old Cloverdale in Midtown Montgomery, just blocks from ASU and Huntingdon College. Each unit is 2 BR/1BA, bedrooms and bath upstairs. Ample parking for 4+ vehicles. Great investment, and nice location!

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

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Making Your Home More Desirable in 2021

Wednesday, January 13, 2021
by The Hat Team


With new trends endlessly popping up, it can be challenging to decide what home improvement projects are worth your time and money.  It will serve you well to research what trends are timeless and what trends have gone by the wayside before investing in updating your home, especially if you are getting ready to put it on the market.  To simplify that process for you, here is a list of the hottest home improvement projects for 2021!

  1. Swimming Pools.  In the past, swimming pools have not been the most desirable features for potential buyers. However, 2020 changed things. They have become a hot ticket item now that more people are staying home and are looking for ways to stay busy without having to go anywhere. Pool companies can hardly keep up with the demand, and even inflatable kiddie pools have sold out everywhere. Investing in something that can provide a “staycation” in your own back yard is a good idea in 2021!
     
  2. Smart homes. With the ever-increasing intelligence of technology, there has been a recent surge in smart home popularity. People enjoy the efficiency of controlling lights, air conditioning systems and home security with the touch of a button on their mobile device.  Best Smart Home Devices for 2021
     
  3. Quartz.  It looks like quartz is a trend that is here to stay, and for good reasons. Quartz countertops stand the test of time, look fabulous and are easy to maintain. Quartz countertops show well and can impress potential buyers. 
     
  4. Outdoor Entertaining Spaces. The past year has brought with it a huge demand for upgrading outdoor spaces for homeowners. Consider adding a patio, deck, pergola or enclosed porch to create an inviting space to spend time outdoors while at home. Ten Outdoor Living Trends for 2021
     
  5. Dedicated Home Office. With more people working and taking classes from home, it’s no longer convenient to just set up office at the kitchen table.  A designated work space is not only needed, but is a desirable feature for potential homebuyers.
     
  6. Closed Floor Plans. Open floor plans have been all the rage for many years, but again, 2020 changed things. With so many people both working and doing school at home, private spaces are needed. So, if you are planning a renovation this year, you may want to consider adding doors and walls to create separate spaces.

These are just a few home improvement trends that can make your home more desirable to homebuyers this year!

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: hgtv.com

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Tax Season Prep 101

Wednesday, January 6, 2021
by The Hat Team


The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and a new season has begun…tax season. It is never too early to start preparing to complete your 2020 tax return. Here is a list of things you can do this month to make tax time a little less stressful:

  1. Contribute to retirement accounts.  If you haven’t funded your retirement account for 2020 yet, now is the time to do it. For a traditional or ROTH IRA the deadline to do so is April 15, 2021.  For a Keogh or SEP you can get an extension to October 15, 2021.  But if you want to start compounding tax free interest as quickly as possible, make those contributions now!
     
  2. Make a last-minute estimated tax payment.  If you didn’t pay the IRS enough money throughout the year, you may have a hefty tax bill coming your way. You might owe some interest and penalties as well.  If you make an estimated payment by January 15, you can avoid a penalty for the fourth quarter and save money. Try not to pay too much though. It’s better to owe a little money than to get a refund. The IRS doesn’t pay you any interest on money they are borrowing from you.
     
  3. Organize your records.  Yes!  Do it now!  Good organization may not change the amount of money you have to pay, but it will certainly make the process of filing your taxes easier. Prepare a tax checklist to get all your ducks in a row. Have a tax folder or binder in which you keep all documents and receipts. Taking the time to get organized now will save you time and energy when it is time to file your taxes.
     
  4. Find the right tax forms.  You can view and download tax forms on the Internal Revenue Service web site or you can have them mailed to you. The IRS can also provide you with a private web site that lists state government sites where you can pick up state forms and publications. 
     
  5. Itemize your tax deductions. While it may be easier to take the standard deduction, you may save money if you itemize. Especially if you are self-employed, own a home, or live in a high tax area. It is worth the time and effort when you see how much money you can save. Itemized Deductions: A Beginner's Guide
     
  6. Decide if you need help.  Avoid the panic of last minute calls to accountants by preparing in January. You will have plenty of time to determine if you are going to need help completing your taxes and won’t be scrambling for assistance as the deadline looms.

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: cogneesol.com

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Happy New Year 2021!

Friday, January 1, 2021
by The Hat Team

New is the Year, New are the Hopes, New is the Resolution, New are the Spirits, and New are my Warm Wishes just for YOU! 

Have a promising and fulfilling New Year! 2021

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