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No Drapes, No Problem!

Wednesday, May 27, 2020
by The Hat Team


Everyone has different tastes when it comes to home decor, and window dressing is no exception. While most of what we see in magazines and home websites are windows covered in draperies, that may not be what we have in mind for our own home. What are the alternatives? There are plenty of different ways to dress up our windows without forgoing privacy or style.

  • Using shutters instead of curtains give you privacy while allowing light to come through when you have adjustable louvers on the shutters. Most are made of wood and can be painted or stained to match your room’s decor or make a statement.
  • A pelmet or cornice covered in fabric and paired with plain sheer panels is a simple way to draw the eye up, and make the room appear larger.
  • Shades are simple and are mostly used for light control and privacy. Shades come in three main styles:  rolling, cellular, and Roman.
    • Rolling shades are much improved from the days of the plain white; they come in decorative fabrics and colors to coordinate with the room decor.
    • Cellular shades are great for insulating the windows the cover, and softly filter the light coming in.
    • Roman shades can be made of fabric or natural materials, such as bamboo for a casual look.
  • Covering a window with a piece of art is nothing new:  vintage stained-glass windows can be found in flea markets and tag sales. If you’re feeling crafty, make your own “stained glass” with paints, and hang the piece over your window.
  • For a simpler craft, use the “stained glass” paint in clear to make the window look like wavy antique glass.
  • A sunny window is a perfect place for plants, so use them as your window treatment! Purchase shelving and install, or make shelves for your green thumb display.
  • Laser-cut metal panels can be installed over windows, and are becoming increasingly popular. Pattern choices are seemingly endless and can be easily purchased at online home decor sites.

Gone are the days when everyone’s home interiors were almost cookie-cutter identical, and good riddance! Our homes should reflect our unique style, and windows are no exception.  Whatever you choose for a window treatment, you will not have a problem finding the right product for you, your family, and your home.

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: DIY Plantation Shutters

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Follow These Kitchen Sink Tips to Avoid Hiring a Plumber

Wednesday, May 20, 2020
by The Hat Team


If you’ve ever had to call a plumber to come out to your house to fix a clogged sink or jammed garbage disposal, you already know how expensive that visit can be. Now you have the added concern of having someone come into your home while maintaining social distancing. Here are some tips for things you can do to take care of your kitchen sink so that you won’t have to call a plumber to fix it for you:

  1. Do not pour grease, oil or fat into your garbage disposal or drain. Grease will slowly accumulate and impede your garbage disposal’s grinding ability as well as clog drains.
     
  2. Do not use hot water when grinding food waste. Hot water will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate, causing drains to clog.
     
  3. Don’t grind extremely fibrous materials like corn husks, celery stalks, onions, and artichokes. Fibers from these can tangle and jam the garbage disposal motor and block drains.
     
  4. Don’t turn off the motor or water until grinding is completed. When grinding is complete, turn off the garbage disposal first. Let water continue to run for at least 15 seconds, flushing out any remaining particles. Then turn off water.
     
  5. Don’t put too many potato peels down the garbage disposal. The starches in the potatoes will turn into a thick paste and may cause blades to stick.
     
  6. Don’t put large amounts of food down the garbage disposal. Feed food into the garbage disposal a little at a time with the cold water running; this will help the food scraps flow down freely through the drain pipes and plumbing.
     
  7. Don’t put expandable foods into your garbage disposal. Foods like pasta and rice expand when you add water in a pot; they do the same thing once inside your pipes or garbage disposal and are the cause of many jams and clogs.
     
  8. Don’t grind large animal bones of any kind.
     
  9. Don’t put coffee grounds down the garbage disposal. They won’t harm the disposal but they can accumulate in drains and pipes, causing clogs.
     
  10. Most importantly: Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners to unclog the drain. They damage blades and pipes.

Follow these tips to take care of your sink and garbage disposal and save yourself from that expensive plumber’s bill!!

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: thespruce.com

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1934 Ridge Ave: Fabulous Old Cloverdale Beauty!

Tuesday, May 19, 2020
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

1934 Ridge Ave, Montgomery AL 36106

3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 3,351 Square Feet | Old Cloverdale

Welcome to this fabulous Old Cloverdale beauty! This amazing property has been meticulously maintained inside and out. Tucked away behind lush landscaping, you will find your own private get away starting with the welcoming front porch all the way to the gorgeous back yard with covered deck and sparkling pool! This lovely home is made for entertaining family and friends with a large formal living room with a beautiful fireplace, formal dining room with another fireplace, updated kitchen with island and breakfast nook and a sun room overlooking the private back yard and covered porch. The large master suite has a fireplace, a wonderfully updated bath and gigantic walk-in closet. The hall bath has been recently updated as well. To top it off, there is a quaint guest house with a bath for company, or man cave. This property is stunning and in an ideal Midtown Montgomery location to walk to restaurants and shopping. Come see for yourself today and then, welcome home!

1934 Ridge Ave Montgomery AL

Click here for the Virtual Tour.

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

Go to HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com and click on "About".

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Tips for Selling a Home to Millennials

Wednesday, May 13, 2020
by The Hat Team


Millennials (or Generation Y) have emerged as a preeminent force in the housing market.  Per the National Association of Realtors’, “older millennials, buyers aged 30 to 39 years, made up the largest share of home buyers by generation at 25 percent of all home buyers in 2019.” In fact, this group, born between 1980 and 1989 comprised the largest share of buyers for the seventh consecutive year. Older Millennials: Forming Families, Establishing Homes

That being said, when selling your home, it would be wise to think about the wants and needs of millennials as potential buyers.  Here are 10 must-haves for selling a home to millennials:

  1. Updated kitchens and baths – Millennial homebuyers seek out updated kitchens and baths because they are on a budget.  Most of their money will go toward down payments and furnishings, and kitchens and baths are the most expensive spaces to update, so millennials will want a home that requires little to no work in these rooms.  As a seller, you want to find ways to update your bathrooms and kitchen as inexpensively as possible. While these updated rooms will attract younger buyers, you want to avoid losing the money that you put into them.
     
  2. Big kitchen, open floor plan – There was a time when a formal dining room was on every buyer’s wish list. But this generation of buyers would rather eat and hang out in the kitchen, along with the family room. And because of how this generation of homeowners entertain, they prefer an open floor plan for easier flow throughout the house.
     
  3. Home office – per recent US Census data, over 13 million Americans are working from home and it is a trend that is expected to continue.  Even if a room is currently staged as a bedroom, a real estate agent can point it out as a potential office space.  And it’s not just for those who work full-time from home. With ever growing technology making us increasingly mobile, a home office is a dedicated space for making phone calls, skyping or face-timing clients or even just paying bills.
     
  4. Good location -  Millennial buyers seek out locations with easy access to public transportation and a good walk score. Montgomery Alabama Walk Score
     
  5. Low maintenance – young buyers want low maintenance homes.  Things like wood floors and granite countertops appeal to them because they are both attractive and easy to take care of.  They also like smaller yards. They want to spend their weekends doing activities that don’t include mowing the lawn or doing housework.
     
  6. Technology – internet and cell phone service matter a lot to this generation.  Many millennials don’t even use a landline.  You may not be able to control the strength of cell service at your home, but you can be sure that young buyers will be asking about it.
  7. Energy efficiency – With a growing interest in protecting the environment, younger buyers look to buy homes that are green.  While energy efficiency is not the top reason to purchase a house, it can certainly be an advantage when dealing with millennial buyers. 8 Simple Ways to Turn Your Home From Toxic to Green
     
  8. The reality TV effect – Real estate reality shows on channels such as TLC and HGTV have had an impact on how buyers view homes.   Staging has become a crucial part of the selling process. It is not unusual to hear a younger buyer speak about a room being staged or not staged.
     
  9. Low HOA costs – when considering a property, younger buyers sometimes find that while the price is within their budget, homeowners association fees or condo fees make it unaffordable.  They seek homes in neighborhoods with low, or preferably, NO monthly assessments.
     
  10. Online photos – Technology strikes again!  If you are serious about attracting young buyers, you need to consider how your home shows online. Millennials start their home searches online and if the photos don’t look good, they will likely scroll on by without ever stepping foot in the house. How to Take the Best Photos to Sell Your Home

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: wsj.com

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1855 Gillespie Dr: 50’s Style Midtown Montgomery Home

Tuesday, May 12, 2020
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate: 1855 Gillespie Dr, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 471170

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths| 1680 Square Feet | Hill Hedge

1855 Gillespie Dr

Click here for Virtual Tour.

This 50's style ranch is a great purchase for those wanting to live in the Midtown Montgomery area. A landscaped front and back yard with plenty of green space allows for all types of outdoor activities, from kids playing in the sprinkler to the lawn enthusiast. The back porch is a captivating space that allows the outdoors to be enjoyed in any weather with the roof covering. This 3 bedroom and 2 bath home is the perfect size for a variety of buyers with coveted wooden floors in all the bedrooms and new 1 year old double oven installed in the kitchen. The outdoor shed off the back porch can be used as a shed, man cave or even storage and is great additional space! Conveniently located off Carter Hill Rd, less than a 5 minute drive to either Zelda Rd, Cloverdale area or the interstate.

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

Go to HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com. Click on “About”.

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Your Guide to Enjoying Outdoor Living During Spring and Summer

Wednesday, May 6, 2020
by The Hat Team


Spring is here and summer is just around the corner and many people enjoy spending time outdoors to savor the warmer weather.  Unfortunately, there are some not-so-pleasant aspects of spending time outside such as bugs, rain and hot, humid days. Whether you have a deck, patio or a fancy She Shed, the following tips will help make the time you spend outside more comfortable in any situation:

  1. BUGS. 

Yuck.Whether you are hosting an alfresco dinner party or simply trying to relax with a good book on your deck, nothing will send you running back inside faster than nasty, annoying bugs.If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, dealing with them is imperative if you want to be able to enjoy the outdoors.Screening in a porch is an ideal way to be able to feel like you are outside without all the awful bug bites. Check out these screened porch ideas on Pinterest. Other ways to keep insects away:

  • Do not keep any standing water on your property.  Even a single forgotten flowerpot full of rainwater can become a mosquito breeding ground.
  • Make water features running rather than standing, or treat them with Mosquito Dunks.
  • Install ceiling fans on porches - flies and mosquitoes do not like moving air.
  • Hire a service to spray your yard every six weeks.  We use Mosquito Authority, and it has transformed our ability to be outside during bug season!
  1. USE OUTDOOR FABRICS IN EXPOSED AREAS.

If your porch is covered, you may be able to get away with using more delicate furniture and cushions not specifically made for outdoor use.But if your seating area is exposed to the elements, you will want to invest in fabrics and furniture made for outside use.They will likely be more expensive, but they won’t fade in the sun, will resist stains and are water resistant.The cushions are stuffed with material that sheds water easily so that they won’t stay waterlogged if they get wet. Weather Proof Patio Furniture

  1. UTILIZE A STORAGE BENCH. 

While outdoor cushions are designed to stand up to repeated soakings, they will still be wet for a while directly after a rainstorm.You can avoid having to sit on damp cushions by keeping them in a covered storage bench when you know there is a chance of rain.If they won’t fit in a storage bench, lean your larger cushions against the wall of the house.Do the same with any lightweight folding chairs.

  1. MASK SOUNDS WITH RUNNING WATER. 

If noise is an issue that prevents you from indulging in a peaceful outdoor experience, try using a water feature to drown out the distraction.Water is a great way to gently camouflage sounds from close neighbors.Try installing a small fountain near your seating area for a more tranquil atmosphere.

  1. MUSIC.

If the water feature doesn’t appeal to you, soft music playing in the background can be just as effective at masking sounds.With wireless speakers, you don’t even need an outlet to play your music.

  1. SHADE. 

Even when you are craving the warmth of the sun, sitting outside without any shade on a hot, sunny day will send you running for the AC before too long.There are a lot of options for adding shade to your yard.Try freestanding umbrellas, a cloth overhang, lattices, a shade tree, or a pergola. The Top Ten Reasons for Owning a Pergola

  1. PUT TOGETHER AN OUTDOOR DINING KIT. 

Dining alfresco will be easier if you have a kit ready and waiting.Put your frequently used outdoor items in a basket or on a big tray with handles so you can just grab it and go.Here are some things to include:

  • Unbreakable wineglasses and plates
  • A carafe for water, wine or tea
  • Big napkins
  • Candles and matches or a lighter
  • A wicker or mesh dome-shaped cover to keep flies off the food
  • Unbreakable outdoor serving pieces
  • A bottle opener
  1. HAVE BLANKETS FOR CHILLY EVENINGS.

Keep some blankets nearby.Old wool camp-style blankets, light weight Kantha Quilts , or fringed throws work well.Your guests will thank you on chilly evenings in the garden!

  1. HAVE ADEQUATE NIGHTTIME LIGHTING. 

Your outdoor space will really come alive at night with the right lighting.Try placing lighting under a bench seat for subtle illumination, make a ring of lanterns on the grass around your dining table or hang strings of lights overhead.Landscape lighting will add to the ambiance as well.

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: theneighborsmagazine.com

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