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No Green Thumb? These Plants Are For You!

Wednesday, February 23, 2022
by The Hat Team


Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t despair! You can still create a lovely garden with plants that are hearty and resilient.

With the end of February fast approaching, you may already be experiencing some spring fever. It’s never too early to start preparing for spring planting in your garden. Whether you are planting for the first time, or you have been gardening for years, the desired result is a healthy, bountiful, gorgeous bed of flowers and plants.

For maximum results with minimal effort, here are some plants and flowers that will hold up to almost any conditions:

  1. MINT

This rugged herb is great for beginning gardeners. It spreads easily, so if you want to keep it from sprawling across your beds, consider planting it in a container. For culinary purposes, think about what you will be using it for before choosing the type of mint you grow. For example, peppermint would be great for hot tea, but spearmint is a better choice for a summer cocktail. Of course, there is no rule saying you can’t have both!

  1. SCAEVOLA

Native to Australia, this pretty, low maintenance plant will stand up to heat without withering. Enjoy the lovely purple flowers, also known as “fan flowers”, cascading from baskets or window boxes.

  1. HOSTAS

One of the easiest plants to grow, these are a great choice for any garden; just be sure there aren’t any deer or slugs lurking about because they enjoy eating them! There are many varieties to choose from with a large range of colors to suit your taste.

  1. GERANIUMS

There are good reasons that Geraniums are the number one selling annual; you can get them in an abundant rainbow of colors, and they can withstand a lot of heat with limited water. While they are annuals in many areas, they are perennials in Montgomery (Zone 8A) meaning they will come back each year.

  1. VERBENA

Found in a variety of colors including white, pink, and purple, these beautiful blooms are the perfect accent plant. There is a specific variety called “Imagination” that is particularly hearty and will survive in hot conditions.

  1. SWEET POTATO VINE

Truly hard to kill, this trailing vine can be found in shades of purple and lime green. It flourishes in the heat of summer and grows in both sunny and shady spots. An awesome ground cover, it will spread from 4 to 6 feet.

These are just a sampling of plants and flowers that will thrive under most conditions. So, if your lack of a green thumb has you thinking you can’t have a beautiful, healthy garden, think again! These plants will have your flower beds looking spectacular this spring!

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: istockphoto.com, growforagecookferment.com, shopmodernhomestead.com, laidbackgardener.blog, dailypress.com, mydesiredhome.com, gardendesign.com 

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Decorating Your Home for Happiness

Wednesday, February 16, 2022
by The Hat Team


Your home should be your happy place. When you walk through the door you should not only feel like you have entered your safe haven, but you should also experience joy. It is easy to get caught up in the latest decorating trends, but if your home does not bring you joy, maybe it is time to make some changes and decorate for happiness! 

Here are some decorating tips for making your home your happy place:

  • Create a welcoming entry way.  It is the first thing you see when you walk through the door, so you should make it a place that brings a smile to your face. Incorporate your favorite colors in your entry way décor. Add some personal flair while keeping it simple and organized.  The last thing you want to walk into is a mess.
  • Bring the outdoors in!  Nothing brightens up a home like fresh flowers.  Treat yourself to a bouquet every now and then or better yet, grow colorful flowers in your own garden that you can cut and display in containers around your home.
     
  • Choose flattering colors.  This may seem obvious, but how many of us have thought about what colors are flattering to us when decorating our home?  Choose colors that bring out your best features. Do certain colors wash you out when you wear them?  Then why would you paint a room that color? The ideal colors will make you feel good and give a little boost to your self-esteem!
     
  • Display sentimental items.  Your home décor should be personal. It should not only represent your taste, but it should represent WHO you are as well. If family photos make you smile, do not just leave them on your computer or hide them in albums. Display them! The same goes for ornamental items.  Place mementos that bring back fond memories in various places throughout your home. Don’t worry if they may seem kitschy to others…if they bring YOU joy, they belong where you can see them!
  • Have fun with wall art.  Decorating your walls with art does not have to be expensive.  There are so many places where you can purchase great posters, framed art and canvases.  Or you can even create your own art and display it.  If it brings a smile to your face, hang it up on a wall so you can see it whenever you want!

Just because a home décor style may have fallen out of popularity does not mean you should not indulge in it if it makes you happy!  You love country décor? Bring on the chickens and ducks! Do signs with quotes inspire you? Then display them! When you decorate for happiness, it will truly feel like HOME to you!

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: officialferncotton.com, shiplapandshells.com, pinterest.com

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Happy Valentine's Day!

Monday, February 14, 2022
by The Hat Team


 

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue 
If I Were Your Realtor...

I Would Help Make All Your Real Estate Dreams Come True! 

YOU are the HEART of our business. Thank you for your continued loyalty and support. 

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Homeowner Tax Myths

Thursday, February 10, 2022
by The Hat Team


While there are many perks to home ownership (and tax breaks are a big one!), people who are beginning the journey of purchasing a home may be easily misled by common homeowner tax myths.

First, it is important to note that owning your own home does come with tax benefits. For example, a conventional loan’s PMI (private mortgage insurance), the VA loan funding fee, the USDA loan guaranteed fee, and FHA loan upfront mortgage insurance premiums are each tax deductible per the IRS. But as a first-time homeowner, it’s important that you educate yourself on extended tax benefits so that you will know what you can and cannot deduct. Because, unfortunately, some things you might have heard about homeowner tax perks may not be true.

MYTH: DEDUCTIONS ALWAYS CUT YOUR TAX BILL IN HALF

TRUTH: While it is possible for your home ownership deductions to reduce your tax bill, it is not a guarantee. In order to claim deductions, they must add up to more than the combination of the standard deduction and non-home related write-offs, such as sales taxes or charitable donations.  You also will have to itemize your deductions.  Timing, in this case, is everything. For example, if you close on your home in April, you will make several mortgage payments throughout the tax year and chances are that you will exceed the standard deduction and write-offs, in which case your tax bill will be reduced. But if you close in November, you might only make one mortgage payment in the taxable year and you likely won’t exceed the standard deduction, meaning this is one homeowner tax perk that you won’t be able to enjoy until the following tax year.

MYTH: EVERY PAYMENT MADE AT CLOSING IS DEDUCTIBLE

TRUTH: Some closing costs are deductible. Not every fee you pay at your home closing can be written off.  The following closing costs ARE deductible: real estate taxes, mortgage interest, and PMI (private mortgage insurance).  You will not receive a tax break for your homeowner’s or flood insurance premiums. The same applies to appraisal fees, escrow accounts for property insurance and taxes, and title insurance.

MYTH: HAVING A HOME OFFICE IS A GUARANTEED DEDUCTION

TRUTH: Having a home office can indeed provide a deductible…for those who qualify.  You must keep in mind that the IRS’s definition of a “home office” is very specific. The following will qualify you for a home office deduction: you are self-employed, own a small business, work from home and have turned one of your home’s rooms into your office space. If you just work from your couch with your laptop, it doesn’t qualify as a “home office” in the eyes of the IRS.

If you fill out a W-2, your home office is NOT deductible.

Purchasing your first home can be an overwhelming and sometimes intimidating process. Education yourself about homeowner tax breaks is one step you can take toward becoming a knowledgeable, prepared homeowner.

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: Canva, fool.com, pod.com

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3817 Lockwood Ln: Executive Home Exuding Style and Character!

Tuesday, February 8, 2022
by The Hat Team

3817 Lockwood Lane, Montgomery, AL  36111

MLS# 510110

4 Bedrooms / 4 Full and 1 Half Bathrooms / 4,050 SqFt / Lockwood

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Reminiscent of a stately English Manor house, this Frank Lockwood inspired executive home exudes style and character. Grand foyer invites you inside and immediately takes your focus to the gracefully curved main staircase. Built for entertaining, the main floor living spaces flow effortlessly from formal living room, through butler’s pantry/bar area, elegant formal dining room, and open kitchen and den/keeping room. And the cook’s dream kitchen is not lacking in space or amenities like Viking appliances and imported Italian marble. First floor master suite is spacious and stunning and has access through walk-in closet to large laundry room. Master bath has built-in towel warmer and heated floors for cozy comfort year 'round. Second floor features three more bedroom suites, all with private baths, and a second laundry room for convenience. Don’t miss the study/office tucked away off the living room and dining room, and the cozy courtyard off the formal living room. Outdoor living is easy on the large walled courtyard with fountain off the kitchen/keeping room area. Over the two-car garage is a roughly 1500 square foot heated and cooled unfinished area that is studded for an additional bathroom, perfect for another private master suite, home theatre, gym, or simply climate-controlled storage. Situated at the back of a private gated neighborhood with 24-hour manned security and access to community pool, exercise facility, and tennis courts. Quality custom construction, solid wood doors, top-end gas log fireplaces, and antique Italian marble pedestal sink in powder room are just a few of the benefits this wonderful home offers.

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

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2308 Palmetto St: First Home with Tons of Personality!

Tuesday, February 8, 2022
by The Hat Team

2308 Palmetto Street, Montgomery, AL  36107

MLS# 509873

2 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom / 1,176 square feet / Highland Park

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Grab this darling renovation with all the nifty old house features intact! Lots of trim, high ceilings and plenty of space for large furniture. One functional and two decorative fireplaces. Built-in China cabinets in dining room and kitchen. Detached garage holds one car plus huge storage area. Covered front and back porches invite relaxed outdoor living. Kiss your landlord Goodbye!!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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Running Out of Room? Convert Your Garage into a Living Space!

Wednesday, February 2, 2022
by The Hat Team

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 on 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.

Photo Credits: thehoneycombhome.com, designingidea.com, easterngaragedoors.co.uk

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334 3rd St: Investment Property or Home Loaded with Updates!

Wednesday, February 2, 2022
by The Hat Team

334 3rd Street, Montgomery, AL  36110

MLS# 509768

3 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom / 1,135 square feet / Boylston 

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Great opportunity for an investment property or as a home! Several delightful updates in the home have been made in 2021 including a new HVAC, NEW ROOF, NEW INTERIOR FLOORING AND PAINT. Location is close to Maxwell, Gunter, Wetumpka, and I-65.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Brennan Parker, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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