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How to Declutter in a Snap!

Wednesday, May 30, 2018
by The Hat Team

A cluttered house can be overwhelming.  You might be frozen in fear of decluttering because you just don’t even know where to start.  When you’ve worked all week and you finally have some free time, the last thing you want to do is clean up the house. But trust me, once you declutter, you will be able to enjoy your free time more in an organized and tidy home.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive, time-consuming project.  There are small projects you can do in 30 minutes or less.  Pick one or two projects a week and in no time clutter will be a thing of the past!

- Edit one bookcase - If you have collected a lot of books over the years and you have them spread throughout the house, sorting through them all at once may not be practical.  So, start with something more doable - one bookcase.  Have an empty box or shopping bag handy and fill it with books you no longer want or need.  When you’re done, immediately put the box/bag of books in your car and plan to drop them off to donate.  Here are questions to ask yourself while doing this:

  • Have you read the book?  If not, be honest with yourself - do you think you are likely to ever read it?
  • Did you enjoy the book?  If it isn’t a favorite, pass it on.
  • Will you reread it, refer to it or lend it out?  Nope?  Let it go.

- Clear the kitchen counter - The poor kitchen counter.  It’s a dumping ground for all sorts of stuff: school notices, hair ties, shopping bags, receipts, etc.  Don’t worry! You can  Get Rid of Kitchen Counter Clutter! You just have to start somewhere.  Recycle unneeded papers and put away items that belong elsewhere.  If you need a drop-spot on the counter (because face it…you’re probably going to put more stuff there tomorrow), make it a clearly defined zone to prevent clutter sprawl in the future.  A cute bowl for pocket change or a decorative tray or basket for mail will look nice and keep things neat and orderly.

- Make space under the kitchen sink - If you haven’t looked under your kitchen sink in a while, you might be surprised to discover that it has become a storehouse for random cleaning products, plastic bags and miscellaneous tools.  Pull it ALL out!  Give the cabinet a good cleaning.  Then only replace the items that you actually use, that are full and in good condition.  Recycle empty containers, and move items that belong somewhere else to their appropriate spots.

- Create a calm oasis on your bedside table - How can you rest peacefully when a cluttered nightstand is the last thing you see before closing your eyes to go to sleep?  And chances are you start your day feeling discombobulated because the disorganized mess is also the first thing you see in the morning.  Clear away the toppling pile of books, scribbled notes and old water glasses.  Wipe off the dust - it’s time for a fresh start.  Replace only your current reading, a journal and pen and perhaps a meaningful photo in a frame or small vase of flowers.

- Go through your wardrobe one drawer at a time - Trying to tackle your whole wardrobe at one time will feel like a staggering task.  Instead, set a timer for 30 minutes and start with a single drawer.  Keep working your way through your clothes one drawer at a time until the timer goes off.  Eliminate items you know you won’t wear anymore.  If they are in good condition, pack them up to donate. 

- Simplify the linen closet -  If your linen closet is a jumble of towels and sheets that you’ve been accumulating for years, it’s time to purge some of the old ones.  Take 30 minutes to sort out your household linens, pulling your least favorite (or most frayed) sets to have picked up by a local charity. Find charity organizations who pick up donations here: Donation Town

- Clear your desktop - It’s next to impossible to concentrate when you’re trying to work at a desk with a mountain of “stuff” on it.  Set a timer for 30 minutes and have a desk clutter-blasting session.  Sort and file important papers, shred and recycle unneeded documents, test the pens in you pen cup (hint: throw out the ones that don’t work), and clear out the drawers.  Work tasks will be much more pleasant with a neat and tidy desk

If you are decluttering to prepare for listing your home for sale, let experienced Realtor Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you in understanding how to stage your house to sell!  Call them at 334-834-1500 today!

Photo Credit: organizedmom.net

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5817 Tall Timber Ct - Like-New Home on Quiet Cul-de-sac.

Friday, May 25, 2018
by The Hat Team

5817 Tall Timber Ct, Montgomery AL 36117

MLS# 433954

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,188 square feet | Wynbrook

Pack your things and get ready to move! This freshly renovated home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Wynbrook welcomes you. Like-new home features new roof, new paint inside and out, new floor covering, new kitchen and new bathrooms! Extra-large fenced back yard has more than plenty of space to roam, and even comes with a detached storage building. New landscaping adds to the beauty of this move-in ready home, priced below $100,000!


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

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Memorial Day Wishes!

Friday, May 25, 2018
by The Hat Team

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How to Make the Most Out of Small Spaces

Wednesday, May 23, 2018
by The Hat Team

The tiny house craze is alive and well, and while you may not be looking for a Tiny Home you might be looking to downsize and simplify.  There are Big Benefits of Living in a Small House. First, it costs less money…which frees up funds for other things you enjoy like travel and hobbies.  And the peace of mind that comes with living within your means is priceless.  Also, with less space, there is less to clean.  And less cleaning means more time for fun and relaxation.  But sometimes it can be challenging to fit everything you need (and want) into a home with limited square footage.  Don’t despair!  Not only can you make it all fit, you can do it with style and create a comfortable, cozy home that suits all your needs.  Here are some clever ideas for making the most of small spaces:

  • Make everything seem bigger by painting walls in light colors. 
  • Use small scale furniture rather than large, overstuffed pieces that will overwhelm the room.
  • Use mirrors to create the illusion of more space.  One mirror will make an impression, but two facing each other will make a bigger impact by amplifying the semblance of added area and light.
  • If you’re thinking of doing any renovations, consider adding a bay window. Not only will it maximize square footage, but it will provide the added bonus of flooding the house with natural light.
  • Keep things simple.  Clean lines make things feel streamlined and give the impression of openness.
  • Take advantage of high ceilings by going vertical with cabinetry.  Not only will it draw the eyes up and away from the limited counter space, but it will also provide maximum storage.
  • Continue thinking up and not out by utilizing tall bookshelves.
  • Use furniture pieces that serve more than one purpose.
  • Got stairs?  Don’t let the area underneath them go to waste.  There are great options for creating extra storage that will be functional and look great too.
  • If you’re going to hang curtains, hand them as high as you can to make the ceilings seem higher and extend the rods about 4 inches on either side to make windows seem wider and to allow more light in when they are open.

Downsizing and simplifying will make you realize that less really is more, but it doesn’t mean you must sacrifice style and comfort!

If you’ve been thinking about simplifying your life by downsizing, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of professionals assist you in finding the perfect home!  Call them today at 334-834-1500.

Photo Credit: countryliving.com

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Inquiring Minds Want to Know - How Long Will Our House Last?

Wednesday, May 16, 2018
by The Hat Team

What is the life span of a house?  Some houses may survive for hundreds of years, but the individual components that make them up may not.  Parts of the house made of concrete or brick may last a long time, but other things such as appliances may only last ten years or so, regardless of how expensive they were to purchase. 

As seen in the graphic, Components of a House made with hardy materials such as wood or stone flooring can last 100 years or more.  Other durables that can last a lifetime included natural stone or tile countertops, fiberglass, wood or fire-rated steel exterior doors, copper wiring and most types of insulation.

A study by the National Association of Home Builders warns that life expectancies of homes will vary and the life span of an individual house’s component will depend greatly on the quality of installation, level of maintenance, weather and climate conditions and intensity of use.

Many homeowners will swap out house components or appliances before necessary due to changing styles and preferences or improvements in newer products.  Eligibility for tax credits or rebates and newer models that are more energy efficient and less costly to use may entice homeowners to replace items before the end of their useful life.

Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of professional Realtors know how important it is for clients to find a quality home that will last.  Call them at 334-834-1500 and let them help you find your dream home today!

Photo Credit: imjur.com

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3809 Fairfield Dr - Great Move-in Ready Home on Quiet Cul-de-Sac

Friday, May 11, 2018
by The Hat Team

3809 Fairfield Dr, Montgomery AL 36109

MLS# 433396

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,168 square feet | Hill N Dale

Kiss Your Landlord Goodbye! Own your own home on a quiet cul-de-sac with beautiful trees and supportive neighbors. Just blocks to schools, shopping & I-85. Very well maintained with gleaming hardwood floors. New 6-panel doors. Open kitchen with freshly painted cabinet, brand new stove and real honest-to-goodness knotty pine paneled den for a great retro look. Send your precious child(ren) to Flowers Elementary, one of Montgomery's few remaining neighborhood schools with a small student body and not on the dreaded failing list! Payments that will leave you money for other fun things and move-in ready so call today!

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

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Happy Mother's Day!

Friday, May 11, 2018
by The Hat Team

Courtesy of Sandra Nickel and The Hat Team

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Spruce Up Your Outdoor Spaces with Concrete Stamping

Wednesday, May 9, 2018
by The Hat Team

A plain slab of poured concrete for a patio may be common, but it is boring.  However, recently, there has been a newly gained respect for using concrete as a decorating element in floors. counters and other applications.  Landscapers are taking this age-old material and giving it a new look using a Stamping Process to create patios that look like natural slate or fieldstone at a fraction of the price these high-end materials would generally call for.

Stamped concrete has been around for a long time, but older methods used molds that were more like cookie cutters.  New methods use natural sources which create a more realistic finished product.  There have also been advances in the various coloring methods that are available. The prevailing one is a dry, powdered form, called a Dry Shake Floor Hardener, which also serves to firm up the poured concrete prior to stamping.  After applying the hardener, a release agent is applied which allows the latex molds to be pulled up without sticking to the concrete.  These agents come in an antique finish that when stamped into the joints and crevices of the concrete, create a realistic, three-dimensional appearance.  Once the concrete has hardened, a sealer is used to not only protect the porous concrete from possible staining, but also to enhance the color of the finished patio.  In wet areas, such as pool decks, an anti-slip ingredient can be added for safety.

There are so many patterns and colors available for stamped concrete that you can be creative and have fun designing your patio. Not only will it make outdoor entertaining more fun for you, but it is a home improvement that will give you a return on your investment when you sell. Here are five budget friendly stamped concrete ideas:

- Don’t be square!  Take advantage of the fact that concrete can be poured in any shape.  You can use stamped concrete in small spaces, but why not jazz it up?  Incorporate curves or go from a square to a half-circle.  You can even shape the concrete to flow with the landscaping.

- Add a border. If stamping all the square footage of your concrete is too expensive, then consider just stamping the border.  A patterned border frames the concrete, giving it a finished look.  Borders are an inexpensive way to embellish plain concrete.

- Keep color simple. Coloring your concrete with multiple colors can greatly add to the cost of the project. You can save a lot of money by using one color.  It will still be prettier and make a greater impact than a plain, gray slab.

- Saw cut and texture. A concrete contractor will be able to tell you if it’s feasible to cut a pattern and then use a texture skin for pattern.  Your contractor can create grooves in the concrete and then a texture skin can be applied to give a 3-dimensional look.

- Expand the area you’re stamping.  Extend unique, fun patterns beyond the patio onto the driveway, walkways and steps.  Get more for your money by stamping in multiple places to create a holistic look rather than just splurging on one single area.

If you are making home improvements to sell your home, contact Sandra Nickel at 334-834-1500. She and her Hat Team of Professionals can help you decide what improvements will get the best return on your investment!

Photo Credit: remodelingexpense.com

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1929 Bullard St - Great Starter Home or Investment Opportunity!

Monday, May 7, 2018
by The Hat Team

1929 Bullard St, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 433203

2 bedrooms | 1 bath | 1,382 square feet | Forest Park

Cute two-bedroom/one bath home on corner lot features a front porch and a rear deck. Back patio has built-in BBQ/fire pit and a large fenced area for pets. Original carport was enclosed to make a den/bonus room and could be third bedroom. Includes a laundry room and storage area as well.  Located in desirable Midtown Montgomery and priced to sell!

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

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First-Time Homebuyer’s Checklist: Are You Ready to Buy?

Thursday, May 3, 2018
by The Hat Team

The decision to purchase your first home is not one that should be made lightly.  It is an important, life-changing decision that should be given serious consideration.  So, before you take the plunge into searching for the prefect home, here are some questions you should ask yourself to make sure that you are ready.

- Can I afford a home?  The first step is to determine if you can afford to buy a home based on your current financial situation.   Using a Home Affordability Calculator will help you figure out how much you can afford by plugging in your income, debt and the amount of a down payment you will be able to make.   You will now have a number for the highest amount you can afford and what the monthly payment will be.

 - Is it better for me to rent or buy?  Using a Rent vs. Buy Calculator will allow you to crunch the numbers. You can enter the current amount of rent you’re paying (or how much you would be able to pay) and the zip code where you want to live. The calculator will provide a comparison of the cost of buying a home versus renting in that area.  You will also be able to see which option is more cost effective over time.

 - How long will I live here?  If you plan to stay in a home for a long time, it is generally better to buy versus rent. If you’re going to be living somewhere for a short term, renting might be the better option.  The reason is that when you buy a home you will likely have to pay closing costs which can total in the thousands of dollars.  In addition, most of your early mortgage payments go toward interest rather than paying down the principal, which is the actual amount you owe on the home.  A good rule of thumb is that home buyers should stay put for at least five years.  Otherwise, renting may be better.

 - Are you saving for retirement?  Retirement may seem a long way off to young home-buyers, but it is important to start saving early.  It’s not a good idea to neglect your retirement accounts to “save” money to put down on a house.   Consider meeting with a financial counselor who can help you find a balance in saving for retirement and saving for your first home at the same time.

 - Am I ready for the responsibility?  Owning a home is a huge responsibility.  With rentals, you can call your landlord to fix things that aren’t working in the home, but as an owner, it’s all up to you.  You need to be sure that you have the time, willingness and resources to keep up with home and yard maintenance.

Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of professional Realtors at Homes for Sale in Montgomery AL can assist you in the process of determining if you are ready to purchase your first home.  Give them a call at 334-834-1500 and get started today!

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