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Autumn Home Maintenance

Wednesday, September 27, 2017
by The Hat Team

Autumn is a season of change.  Leaves change color and fall from the trees, days get shorter and temperatures get cooler.  Yes, it’s really coming—we promise!  It’s also a good time to take care of home maintenance projects to prepare your home for colder weather.  Follow these autumn home maintenance tips and your house will be nice and cozy this winter:

  • Clean gutters and downspouts. This should be done regularly to keep them clear of debris. You won’t have to do it as often if you install gutter guards.
  • Check the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks for any holes or rotting.  Fill holes using caulk or replace wood if necessary.
  • Give your roof a thorough inspection.  Look for shingles that are curling, buckling or cracking and replace them.  If there appears to be a great amount of damage or if your roof is just worn out from age, it’s time to replace the whole thing.  Hire a licensed professional if you’re not sure.  Make sure to also check for leaks around skylights, pipes and chimneys. 
  • Hire a service to inspect and clean your wood burning fireplace and chimney and to make any necessary repairs to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Cooler temperatures and lower humidity make autumn a good time to paint the exterior of your home.
  • Filters for your furnace and heating system should be cleaned and replaced.  Have a licensed heating contractor come out to inspect and service your gas heater or furnace.  Regular maintenance will keep it running proficiently and save you money on your heating bills.
  • Check doors and windows for leaks and drafts both inside and out.  Fill in cracks with caulking or install weather stripping.
  • Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and put fresh batteries in them.  These are potentially life-saving devices and it is vital to take good care of them.

Check these tasks off your list now and you will be able to enjoy a warm and comfy winter!

Don’t know reliable people to contact?  Just give us a call because we do!

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Electrical-Safety-Hazards-Tips-to-Prevent-Them

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Decorating-Ideas-for-Your-Pho-Fireplace

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Reasons-Why-Buying-an-Older-Home-May-Be-a-Good-Idea

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Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 7304 Glencoe Ct, Montgomery AL 36117

Tuesday, September 26, 2017
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

7304 Glencoe Ct, Montgomery AL 36117

MLS# 421203

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,527 square feet | Copperfield

 

This pristine 3/2 has fresh paint and new carpet and a nice open split bedroom floor plan. Large eat in kitchen with lots of natural light. Great room with vaulted ceiling and fenced in back yard with detached storage and patio. Great location convenient to shopping, AUM and I-85. Check it out today!

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

          
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Choosing a Self-Storage Unit - What You Should Know

Wednesday, September 20, 2017
by The Hat Team

Whether you are downsizing and need a storage unit to hold belongings you don’t have room for in your home, or you are putting your house on the market and need to store extraneous items so you can stage your rooms to sell, you want to choose one that will best suit your needs while keeping your valued possessions safe and secure.  Here are some questions to ask before choosing a storage unit:

  1. What are you looking for in a storage unit?  Do you need a large or small one?  A storage unit manager can help determine what size unit you need if you provide a list of items you intend to store there.  Will you want climate control?  Units with climate control are more expensive, but if you are storing delicate items, it will be worth the extra cost to keep them safe should temperatures greatly fluctuate.
  2. Where is the storage facility located?  Will it be convenient for you to get there? Storage facilities located in highly populated areas tend to be more expensive than those in more remote areas.  If you are storing things long term and won’t be visiting the unit frequently, choosing one located in a remote area may be less expensive for you. But if you are going to need access to your things on a regular basis, you will want one that is located close to where you live or work.
  3. What are the business hours of the facility?  Not all storage facilities are open 24/7.  You will want to make sure that you can get into your storage unit during hours that suit your needs.  Find out if their business hours work with your schedule or if they offer on-demand access.
  4. What kind of security do they have?  The fact that you are willing to pay to store your belongings means that they have value to you.  You want them protected.  A well-run storage unit facility should have at least some of the following security features:
  • surveillance system that includes cameras and alarms
  • a strong fence surrounding entire facility
  • a gate that only provides access to people authorized to be there
  • security guards
  • smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinkler systems
  • well-constructed units built with safety and security in mind (good ventilation to prevent mildew, raised floors in case of flooding, solid doors with strong locks)
  1. What is the condition of the facility?  Observe the facility to see if it is kept clean and tidy.  Ask about pest control and look for any evidence of infestations. Make sure there are loading docks and equipment available to you and that there is sufficient parking near the units.  Check it out at night to see if it is well-lit.  Ask how many units are currently rented. If the number is low, that is a red flag indicating that something might be wrong.
  2. Do they offer theft and damage insurance coverage for your possessions?  For peace of mind, it is important that they do.

The most important thing to remember is that you should never choose as storage facility without seeing it in person first.  Visit a few and take notes on the positives and negatives of each. Making an informed decision will be the best way to be sure that your treasured personal property is in good hands.

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Items-to-Throw-Out-Before-You-Move

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Organizing-Your-Home-Made-Simple

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Tips-for-Keeping-Your-House-Ready-To-Show-at-Any-Time

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Midtown Montgomery Home for Sale: 3549 Melton Rd, Montgomery AL 36106

Wednesday, September 20, 2017
by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home for Sale:

3549 Melton Rd, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 420835

4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1 half-bath | 2,823 square feet | Vaughn Meadows

Situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this one owner home is ready for its next family. From the wrap around covered porch, you step into a lovely foyer with formal living room (that would make a great office) and dining room on either side. The eat-in kitchen has granite counter tops, breakfast bar and built-in buffet. Large family room has brick floors, built-in bookcases, wet bar and wood paneling on the fireplace wall. Master suite is downstairs with 3 bedrooms upstairs, one with en-suite bath and two connected by a Jack and Jill bath. Tons of storage everywhere and don't miss the rec room/converted garage off the laundry room (perfect for a den/playroom) with even more storage space. Centrally located in Midtown Montgomery and close to everything!

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

          
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Making Your Home Safe for Children

Wednesday, September 13, 2017
by The Hat Team

The statistics for household childhood injuries are staggering.  Over 3.4 million children experience some kind of accidental injury in the home each year.  While there is no way to guarantee child safety at home, there are certainly many things you can do to help prevent accidents and injuries.  Here are some tips for childproofing your home:

  1. Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries.  Keep dangerous items such as medicines, household cleaners, lighters, knives etc. locked up. Even things with “child resistant” packaging should be kept in areas that children cannot access.  Child resistant does not mean child proof.
  2. Safety gates can be used to prevent falls down stairs and to keep children out of areas with possible dangers.  When installing a gate at the top of stairs, make sure that it is bolted to the wall.  Make sure you purchase gates that meet safety standards.
  3. To avoid burns, install anti-scald devices on your showers and faucet heads. 
  4. Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home.  It’s important to check them frequently to be sure they are working properly.  Change the batteries at least once a year.  Many people change the batteries twice a year when the time changes in the fall and spring.  Carbon monoxide alarms should be used in your home as well.
  5. Corner and edge bumpers on tables and fireplace hearths will help prevent injuries if a child falls against them.
  6. Children are very curious and it would be no surprise to find them trying to stick things into plug outlets.  Prevent electrical shock by placing outlet covers in outlets that you use. Make sure they fit snugly and are not easy for a child to remove. They should also be large enough that they won’t be a choking hazard should a child get one out.  If there is an outlet that you know you won’t be using, covert it with an outlet plate. 
  7. Make sure that your window coverings are safe for your children.  Cordless window coverings are best, but you can also follow these tips for safety if you have window coverings with cords.
  8. Large pieces of furniture and appliances can tip over and crush a child.  Make them secure by anchoring them to the floor and/or attaching them to the wall.
  9. If you have a pool or spa, it is vital that you have it surrounded by a fence that is at least 4 feet tall and includes a self-closing, self-latching gate. Doors that lead out to the pool or spa should have alarms on them to indicate if someone has opened them.  A pool alarm adds another layer of protection. 

Again, while childproofing your home will not guarantee safety, it will go a long way toward protecting your children from injuries or worse.  The peace of mind you will have knowing you have done everything you can to protect your children will be well worth the effort and time put into making sure your home is as safe as possible.

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Electrical-Safety-Hazards-Tips-to-Prevent-Them

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Do-Schools-Matter-when-Buying-a-Home

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Organizing-Your-Home-Made-Simple

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Midtown Montgomery Home for Sale: 842 Felder Ave, Montgomery AL 36106

Monday, September 11, 2017
by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home for Sale:

842 Felder Ave, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 420833

4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1 half bath | 4,059 square feet | Cloverdale

English Tudor was built in 1910 by the Elmore family and boasts large grand rooms, high ceilings and all the architectural details (including coffered ceilings) that you would expect from an elegant Cloverdale home. And, with an updated eat in kitchen and an abundance of living space in over 4,000 sf, this home easily meets the needs of a modern family. Special features are the fabulous sun room, a beautiful library and even an elevator. All upgrades have been made to ensure architectural integrity. Situated on a large corner lot, the very private back yard has a large covered porch and a huge wired workshop/studio space. This Midtown Montgomery  home has a fascinating history and in 1981 was the focus of the preservation of Old Cloverdale as an historic district. Come check out this beauty for your family!

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

 

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Don’t Be Afraid to Pursue the Dream of Home Ownership!

Wednesday, September 6, 2017
by The Hat Team

The idea of purchasing your first home is exciting, but can also feel overwhelming.  Before starting your home search, you need to figure out how much you can afford.  If you’ve been hesitant to move forward because you’re afraid you won’t have enough cash for a down payment or that you won’t qualify for a loan, you shouldn’t despair.  There are programs available that can help you!  So, stop padding your landlord’s pockets and take advantage of programs that will assist you in making a sound financial investment in a home of your own.

The Alabama Housing Finance Authority has two programs designed to assist people with purchasing homes:

1.Step Up - Step Up is a homeownership program designed specifically for moderate-income home buyers who can afford a mortgage, but need help with the down payment.  With this program, the money for the down payment is secured by a 10-year second mortgage and is combined with a 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage.  Since the loans are serviced by ServiSolutions, a division of AHFA, homeowners have only one check to write each month.  Program participants must complete a homebuyer education course to qualify…a small price to pay to become a homeowner!  People who earn less than $97,300 are eligible for the Step Up program, regardless of household size or location.

Step Up+ is a new, temporary program that was just announced by the AHFA in June, 2017.  This mortgage enhancement will pay the upfront split private mortgage insurance premium (up to $1,500) for homebuyers who earn less than 80% of the area median income.  This way, homebuyers will pay a lower monthly premium as part of their mortgage payment. Information and qualifications:

  • HFA Preferred conventional loans only
  • 3% down payment assistance available through Step Up
  • For new or existing homes in Alabama
  • Homebuyers must have a credit score of 620 or higher
  • Must complete homeownership education course
  • Must apply for loan through a participating lender
  • Private mortgage insurance will be underwritten by Genworth or ARCH (no delegated options)

All Step Up+ loans must close by September 30, 2017.

The Step Up program’s standard $97,300 household income limits will NOT apply for Step Up+.

For more information, contact a participating lender.

2.Mortgage Credit Certificates - The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program gives homebuyers another savings option.  MCCs are available with conventional fixed-rate, FHA, VA, Rural Development and privately insured mortgages.  Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis by a statewide network of participating lenders.  Participants must meet federally established income and sales price limits.

MCCs provide a tax credit to reduce the amount of federal taxes owed by a percentage               of the annual mortgage interest paid each year.  The remaining annual interest may be claimed as a mortgage interest deduction on the homebuyer’s federal tax return.

Qualified homebuyers pay lower federal income taxes or benefit from immediate savings by updating the withholdings on their W-4 form.  MCCs may be paired with AHFA’s Step Up program or any other 30-year, fixed rate, amortizing mortgage offered by a participating lender.

Mortgage credit rates are based on the loan amount:

  • 20% MCC for loans of $150,001 or greater; no cap
  • 30% MCC for loans of $100,001 to $150,000; $2,000 per year cap
  • 50% MCC for loans of $100,000 or less; $2,000 per year cap

The real estate professionals at Homes for Sale in Montgomery Alabama can explain these programs to you and answer any questions that you have.  Contact them and start your home search today!

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/First-Time-Home-Buyers-and-Unexpected-Expenses

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Apartment-Hunting-for-College-Graduates

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Home-Buying-Made-Easy

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