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Saturday, November 6, 2021
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Selling Your Home in 2022? Start Preparing NOW!
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
If you are planning to put your house on the market in 2022, there is no time like the present to start getting organized for the process of staging, showing and moving out of your home.
Begin now by following the tips listed below and you won’t feel so overwhelmed when it’s time for that first open house!
- Eliminate piles before you sell. Some of us suffer from what I like to call “flat surface syndrome”. If there is a flat surface, it is covered with “stuff”. Now is the time to eliminate any of the “stuff” cluttering the horizontal surfaces of your home. Things like mail, magazines, and other odds and ends that are piled on your tables, desks and shelves should be removed. Keeping these spaces clear allows potential buyers to see the space without distractions.
- Clean out storage areas. If your closets, bookcases, pantry, and other storage areas are overstuffed, this is a red flag for potential buyers that screams, “not enough storage!”. Keeping a minimum number of items in your house will leave the impression that there is a generous amount of storage in your home.
- Get rid of excess. Eliminate or pack up any surplus items you won’t need before your move. For example, only keep enough dishes, towels, sheets, toys etc. that you will use during the time your house is for sale. Why have ten sets of sheets crowding your linen closet when you only need one or two?
- Remove seldom used items. Pack away things that you don’t use very often, as well as seasonal items. This will make your house appear spacious, which appeals to prospective buyers. Some examples are off-season clothing and shoes, holiday decorations, and rarely used small kitchen appliances.
- Throw things away. If something is worn out, broken, rusty, stained, torn, or incomplete, it’s time to let it go. If your belongings look shabby and old, your house will look that way too. Don’t hesitate to throw such items away.
- Donate before you sell. When you are cleaning and sorting items, if you come across things you don’t use now and won’t use in your new home, donate them. Don’t waste time packing and moving things you won’t ever use. But if it’s in good shape, someone else will get use out of it.
- Sell before you sell. If you find you have a great deal of items to eliminate from your home, think about selling what you don’t store, throw away, or donate. You can sell at a yard sale, bring items to a consignment shop, or list items online. Remember to have reasonable expectations regarding how much money to charge for used items.
- Rent a storage unit. Move large items/equipment that you don’t use often to a storage unit. It can also provide space for packed boxes to give you a head start in preparing for your move. Remember that space is a beneficial asset when selling your home.
- Spruce up outdoor living spaces. Remove any clutter (toys, lawn ornaments, garbage bins) from your yard. The outdoor spaces are usually the first and last impression for potential buyers, so it is vital that they look neat and tidy.
- Go easy on holiday décor. If you will be putting your home on the market as soon as the new year begins, why unpack and repack all of your holiday décor? Keep it simple this year with a real tree and some homemade/inexpensive ornaments that you won’t have to pack up for a move.
If your goal is to sell your house for the best possible price as quickly as possible, then you definitely want to be prepared! So, don’t wait! Think positive and get ready to stage and sell your home now.
If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!
Photo Credits: baltimoresun.com, caringtransitionsofnortheastiowa.com, thespruce.com, architectureartdesigns.com
3111 Malone Dr: Wonderful Floorplan!
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Montgomery AL Home For Sale:
3111 Malone Dr, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 505892 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,980 Square Feet | Hillwood West
Fabulous move-in ready townhouse in popular Hillwood! This one story townhouse has such a wonderful floor plan that you will not believe how spacious every room is! The eat-in kitchen is huge and beautifully updated with granite counter tops, tiled back splash, tons of cabinets, nice sized pantry, and stainless appliances. It opens to the large living room and the den/formal dining room with built-ins… a great space to use for whatever suits your needs. The enormous master had 3 walk-in closets and an en suite bath with split granite vanities and tiled shower. The guest bedroom is on the opposite end and has two large closets. There is a cozy covered patio and small yard with just enough grass for a pet but not a lot of upkeep. The location in Midtown Montgomery is so convenient and walking distance to restaurants and shopping. Check it out today!
Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Keen, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!
What You Need to Know About the Ever-Changing Housing Market
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
As you probably already know, 2020 was a banner year for the housing market. The market set record numbers and per year-end analysis by Zillow, the U.S. housing stock increased by nearly $2.5 trillion over the past year. Yes, you read that right…TRILLION. That is the largest net gain for a year-long period since 2005. The appreciation of current homes accounted for about $2.2 trillion, while $274 billion came from new construction.
It was a bit surprising to many that the Covid-19 pandemic did not deter interest from homebuyers. In fact, for a multitude of reasons, demand grew. And the resulting competition between buyers meant that properties sold quickly. But, things can change quickly, especially in the housing market. So, as the end of the year approaches, let’s look at changes that have occurred already over the past several months.
HOME PRICES ARE UP
With so many people seeking to buy new homes, the prices in the U.S. skyrocketed. The median home sale price for the country’s second quarter was just under $375,000. Last year, at the same time, the median was around $322,600. That is a 16% increase!
BUYERS ARE STILL LOOKING FOR HOMES
Along with home prices rising, there has been a shortage of homes available for sale. But that has not slowed down buyers. In fact, in almost every part of the U.S. people still want to buy homes. With the market so hot, homes have been selling quickly. Some people may be moving for “normal” reasons (job transfer, downsizing) but others have been influenced by the pandemic to find homes that offer more space and the ability to work remotely. It does appear, however, that the extreme urgency to buy a home has slowed down in the past month or two.
WHAT ABOUT MORTGAGE RATES?
Mortgage rates hit all-time lows at the height of the pandemic. And since June, the rate has continued to go down. The 30-year mortgage rate was below 3%; 2.77% to be exact, during the second week of August, 2021. But it’s predicted by many economists and housing authorities that rates will go up into the low-to-mid 3% range by the end of the year, rather than in the high 2s we’ve seen this past summer.
WHAT ARE BUYERS INTERESTED IN?
It’s not just about numbers. There has been as shift in what is most important to the majority of homebuyers. Per a Zillow survey in North Carolina, 40% of homebuyers are ONLY interested in purchasing a newly constructed home. And only 35% of the respondents said they would consider buying an existing home. It was also learned from the survey that buyers are interested in homes that might provide revenue through renting it out or at least renting a portion of the property to another person, couple, or family. An astounding 32% of respondents said that the opportunity to rent out their home was a major factor in their decision to purchase a home.
While it’s hard to predict where the housing market is heading as we approach 2022, you can be sure that it will continue to change as the world is constantly changing. That being said, now is a great time to buy or sell a home and Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of specialists can help you do that!
If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!
Photo Credits: realtor.com, anchorloans.com, apartmenttherapy.com, amycoburn.com
806 E Edgemont Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36111 Beautiful Remodel in Midtown Montgomery!
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
806 E Edgemont Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama
MLS #505230
4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2,394 sq ft | Cloverdale/Idlewild
NEW, NEW, NEW! Another gorgeous remodel in the historic Cloverdale area. This 4 bedroom and 2 bath is completely new! There is much more here than meets the eye to this corner lot home including new electrical, plumbing, A/C and roof just to name a few. The interior has been completely redone. A spacious master bedroom and bathroom have been added and the kitchen has been expanded to provide an open atmosphere with views to the formal living & great room. The kitchen boasts all new stainless steel appliances including a gas stove, custom range hood, refrigerator, granite countertops, cedar beams and hard tile floor. New LED ceiling fans and can lights throughout. Refinished original wood flooring throughout and new carpet in one of the two entertainment areas. New insulated vinyl windows throughout the entirety of the home that easily open & provide better insulation (a rarity in Cloverdale)! New LED electric fireplace in the living room is sure to dazzle your guests and provide warmth this winter with none of the hassle. Fresh paint throughout the home including the casework and crown molding! Within walking, biking or a short drive to all the Cloverdale attractions. Call me or your favorite realtor today to see!
Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Brennan Parker, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!
1114 E. Main Street Prattville: Recently Renovated
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
1114 E. Main Street Prattville AL 36066
MLS# 505499 | 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 999 Square Feet | Prattville
If you are looking for a cheerfully cute, clean place to call HOME OR OFFICE, this newly renovated property is your solution! Move-in ready house that features beautiful hardwood floors, fresh paint, a fully equipped all-electric kitchen, granite countertop island, dishwasher and disposal. The new energy efficient heat pump and added insulation will save on utilities, and the roof is only three years old. Washer and dryer connections are in the roomy carport storage room. Huge shaded back yard is partially fenced. Conveniently located near downtown and close to both bases. Check it out today!
Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Keen, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!
The Difference Between Good Debt and Bad Debt
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
You may think that the only good debt is NO debt, and that is understandable. But the truth is that if you want to purchase big-ticket items like, for example, a house, you will most likely have to borrow money to do so. A loan to purchase a home is justifiable; essential even, and provides value while taking on debt. However, there are other forms of debt that can bog you down and make it challenging to manage your money. Let’s take a look at what the differences are between good debt and bad debt.
What is good debt?
You’ve probably heard it said that “it takes money to make money”. This is the rationale we take in determining what good debt is. If the debt assists you in generating income or building wealth, it can be considered good debt. This debt adds value to your future and benefits you in some way. Here are some examples of things that can be considered good debt:
- Education: Higher education and trade schools may offer greater earning potential. Investing in a college degree or a technical trade may pay for itself within a few years of graduation. However, keep in mind that not all degrees offer the same value, so you should do your research to have an idea of how much you can potentially earn and how long it may take you to pay off your student loans.
- Owning Real Estate or a Home: Owning a home can generate income either by renting it out or via resale value. There are also tax breaks that benefit home owners that are not available to renters.
- Owning a Business: While starting a business may require a substantial investment, that investment is still considered good debt. There are risks involved, but with hard work, being your own boss can be financially beneficial.
- Transportation: Depending upon where you live and work, transportation may be essential. This means possibly investing in a reliable vehicle to get you to and from work. Having a vehicle can open up opportunities for jobs that might not be available to you if you cannot provide your own transportation. But it is vital that you purchase a vehicle within your budget so that your monthly car payment is within your means.
What is Bad Debt?
If you borrow money to purchase things that depreciate in value, this is considered bad debt. In other words, items that either will not increase in value or bring meaningful value to your life are not worth going into debt for.
Here are some examples of bad debt:
- Clothing and Consumables: Clothes may be a necessity, but are often not worth what you pay for them. Food and furniture are also essential, but going out to eat every day or purchasing new furniture frequently are not good ways to live within your means. If you have to use credit to eat out or if you can’t pay off a credit purchase within a short period of time, you may build up a lot of debt which can hurt you financially.
- Credit Cards: Credit cards can help you build credit, but they can be dangerous if they are not used properly. If you can’t pay your credit card bill in full monthly, interest and fees will add up quickly, putting you further into debt. In fact, you may end up paying more in interest and fees than you did for the original purchase. It is in your best interest to save credit card use for necessary large purchases or for emergencies.
- Transportation: As seen above in the good debt category, having a reliable vehicle may not only be necessary, but can also provide value. However, having a second vehicle or vehicular “toy” of some kind (think boats, four-wheelers) may do a number on your budget. You need to be sure that you can afford another payment before adding something else to your monthly bills. And remember that “needs” should always come before “wants” when determining your budget.
Focus on Good Debt
If you manage your good debt, and have a clear understanding of what construes bad debt you are less likely to get in long term financial trouble. But remember…even if you don’t have bad debt it is still beneficial to pay off good debt as quickly as possible! Doing so will help you if /when you are applying for a mortgage or other loans in the future.
If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!
Photo Credits: revenuesandprofits.com, money.com, autoversed.com, usatoday.com, debt.com
Create “New” Old Cabinets to Update Your Kitchen
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Are your kitchen cabinets looking a little shabby (not shabby chic, worn out shabby)? Whether you are getting ready to sell your home or you simply want to improve it for your own enjoyment, refacing old, ugly kitchen cabinets is a good place to start.
Refacing cabinets is the process of covering the exposed frames with a thin veneer of plastic laminate or real wood. Then you can add new doors/drawer fronts to match or complement the new veneer. Complete the process by adding new hinges, handles, and molding.
There are some pros and cons to refacing:
Pros:
- Costs significantly less than replacing cabinets
- Requires less time than replacing
- You do not have the added hassle of having to tear out old cabinets
- Kitchen is still useable while refacing
- It is a “green” option because you will not be adding old cabinets to a landfill
Cons:
- You cannot fix a bad kitchen design with refacing
- There are a lot of expensive options for veneers and hardware to tempt you and you may end up spending almost as much as you would replacing cabinets
As you can see, the pros outweigh the cons!
So, what are your options for refacing? The choices are nearly limitless! You can find veneers in a wide variety of colors, patterns, grains, textures, etc. You can mix and match them to come up with a unique look to match your vision. Thermofoil doors are durable and an affordable alternative to wood or laminate doors. Plastic laminates are also very durable and offer tons of options for colors and patterns. They are reasonably priced as well. Real wood is going to be more expensive and will need to be carefully sealed to protect against moisture but offer quality and beauty with woods such as oak, cherry, and maple and a wonderful array of stain colors.
It is important to know that refacing is feasible only if your existing cabinet boxes are in good shape structurally. If your cabinets have water damage, warping, or broken frames, they are not a good candidate for refacing. Understanding Cabinet Refacing
Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire someone to reface your cabinets, it is a relatively affordable way to give your kitchen a whole new look!
If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!
Photo Credits: painterati.com, hometips.com, my.lwv.org, kitchenmagic.com
1938 McKinley Ave: Adorable Capitol Heights Cottage
Friday, October 1, 2021
Montgomery AL Home For Sale:
1938 McKinley Ave, Montgomery AL 36107
MLS# 503985 | 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1,045 Square Feet | Capitol Heights
Calling all first time homebuyers or Investors! This adorable Historic Capitol Heights cottage has been well maintained and is move-in ready! Features include beautiful hard wood floors, a separate dining room, an enclosed porch which makes a great office or cozy den, and a large laundry/utility room! It is situated on a large corner lot with a nice fully fenced flat yard, cute patio and storage building.
Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Keen, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!
3603 Thomas Ave: Pristine Mid-Century Modern
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale
3603 Thomas Ave, Montgomery AL 36111
MLA# 503961 | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Baths | 2,992 Square Feet | Edgewood
Here is your opportunity to own a pristine Mid-Century modern home in desirable Edgewood! This unique property has been very well cared for by the same owner since the early 80's! Situated on a large corner lot, this home has a great flow and features vaulted ceilings, a large open living area with an entire wall of built-in bookcases, a huge corner fireplace, and lots of windows with natural light. The three bedrooms are on the main floor, each with their own bath and an upstairs bedroom/studio with a full bath, perfect for a teenager to have their own space. The room off the living room is ideal for an office/playroom or a 5th bedroom. Off the kitchen is a breezeway to the double carport, storage and greenhouse. The back yard has plenty of room for play and pets even with the enormous pool where you can't help but picture your family and friends enjoying!
Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Keen, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.
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