Real Estate Information Archive

As a Realtor, I love helping people purchase their first home. However, there are two major challenges that I see time and time again with first time home buyers:

1. They often carry too much debt.
2. They don’t have enough cash for a down payment.

These two issues are strongly related in that people need to reduce debts that inhibit them from saving money.

We all know that we shouldn’t spend more than we earn, but falling into the debt trap is easy to do. You see a pair of boots that you must have and you think, I will use my credit card now and pay for them with my next paycheck. It sounds reasonable at the time, but next thing you know you’ve done something like that often enough that there is a beastly credit card balance hanging over your head.

So, now you’re in debt. You have regrets, but no use doing the “should have, would have, could have” dance. Now it’s time to move forward and take the steps needed to reduce your debt. 

Here is a list of things to do to change the way you manage your money.  Follow these steps and before you know it you will be on your way to saving for a down payment on your first home!

• STOP ADDING TO YOUR DEBT

The first step to getting out of debt is to stop adding to your outstanding balances. To remove temptation, carry only one credit card with you…and make sure it is the one with the lowest limit so that it is impossible to get into serious trouble with it. Leave any other credit cards in a safe place at home to keep yourself from going on an impulsive shopping spree.

• TAKE AN INVENTORY OF YOUR SPENDING HABITS

This may not be a fun activity, but it is helpful to see how you are spending. Create a list of where your money goes each month including rent, utilities, car payments, food, credit cards etc. Once you have done this, split the list into two categories: bills you must pay every month and debts you need to pay off. The second list can then be organized in order of urgency, either based on outstanding balance or highest interest rate. Now you will have a clear picture of your debt situation.

• ELIMINATE THE LARGEST DEBTS FIRST

Make a minimum payment for each of your credit card bills, but then make an extra payment on the bill that is at the top of your list. Do this monthly until that bill is paid in full. Now take the money you were using for that bill and start applying it to the second item on your list.Continue this until all of them are paid off.

• CUT EXPENSES AND MAKE THE PAYMENT 

If you are already in debt, how are you going to find money for an extra payment?Well, some sacrifices will have to be made. Cutting back on extras like trips to Starbucks, entertainment and eating out can free up cash that can go toward that extra payment each month.

• PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Sometimes life is a struggle and unexpected challenges such as car repairs or medical expenses will pop up from time to time. As you cut expenses and start to save money, set up an emergency savings account just for these occasions. That way you will be prepared and won’t have to use a credit card and add to your debt.

• LOWER YOUR INTEREST RATES

Give your credit card company a call to see if they will lower your interest rate. If they say no, shop around for a card with a lower rate and transfer your debt (be careful of transfer fees to make sure the transfer benefits you). You can also seek out a consolidation loan from your bank. They will pay off your debt and you can pay them back at a lower interest rate.

• STICK TO IT!

As you see your debt decrease and see your cash increase, don’t fall back into old spending habits. As you have more money available, put it right into your savings and soon you will have the money you need for a down payment on your first home!

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.

With the many expenses of being a homeowner, we all want to cut back where we can to lower costs. There are several ways to save on your electric bill. 

Try these tips to lower your bill:

Get an Energy Audit

Check and see if your utility company offers a free home energy audit. If so, it’s well worth it to have them come out. They can point out areas where you can trim your energy use. Home Energy Audit

Install Dimmer Switches

Dimmer switches will allow you to only use as much light as you need. How to Install a Dimmer Switch

Keep Your Fridge & Freezer Full

The food that you store in your fridge and freezer serves as insulation, so the more you have in there, the less your appliance must run to keep itself cold.

Install Ceiling Fans

If you keep the air circulating in your home, your AC will not have to work as hard to keep the house cool. You can also use your ceiling fan to keep warmer in the winter. To do this, reverse the motor in the ceiling fan so it rotates clockwise at a low speed. This creates an updraft which forces warm air near the ceiling down into your space. It won’t change the temperature in the room, but it will help keep you warm.  But don’t forget to turn the fan off when you leave the room to save even more electricity!

Cover and Repair Windows

If your windows are not insulated for cold weather, they can be a major source of lost heat from inside your home. Make sure they are properly sealed and weatherized to help prevent heat from escaping and cold air from coming in. You can use caulking on small gaps or apply weatherstripping to cover them.

Line Dry Your Laundry

Let “Mother Nature” dry your clothes for you on warm, sunny days. When that is not possible, try using a drying rack indoors.

Eliminate “Phantom Loads”

You may be shocked to know that about 75% of the energy used by home electronics is consumed when they are turned off. Some examples of these “phantom” users are: televisions, CD players, computers, and various kitchen appliances. The simple solution is to plug these items into a power strip and then turn the power strip off when not using them.

Install an Attic Fan

An attic fan will pull cool air into your home and help to remove hot air.

Shield Your Home from the Sun

You can cut down on air conditioning use by closing your curtains and blinds on the sunny side of the house. You may also want to consider planting trees that will provide shade during the sunny times of the day.

Schedule Yearly HVAC Maintenance

Having your HVAC inspected and cleaned each year will save you money in the long run…and it will help provide cleaner air to your home.

Change Your Filters Regularly

Filters should be changed every 30 days to keep your HVAC running at peak efficiency.

Switch to LEDs

LED light bulbs use 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.  Switch out the bulbs you use the most in your home and then change the rest as they burn out.

Lower the Temperature of Your Hot Water Heater

13% of your home’s energy goes to heating water. You can lower this percentage by setting your hot water heater to 120 degrees.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to monitor and set your heat usage so that you are not heating an empty house while you’re away. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, adjust it manually before leaving the house.

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.

Life these days can be hectic and stressful for many of us. As you get through your work week, perhaps you daydream about getting away to a peaceful haven, far from the drudgery of day-to-day life. Sadly, wishes and dreams will not take you there, but you CAN create a tranquil retreat at home.

Here are some tips for turning your living space into a calm and soothing oasis:

Use Relaxing Colors

Soft colors like watery blues and greens create a sense of serenity in a room.  But they are not the only relaxing colors. If you do not care for blues, use gentle hues like rose, taupe, peach or mocha.

Store Things Out of Sight

Loud sounds are not the only “noise” that can ruin a serene atmosphere. Visual noise consists of anything you can see that results in you feeling stressed or anxious. Get rid of the visual noise, and your space will feel calmer. Utilize closed storage for the majority of your belongings and choose only special items to keep on display.  Remember that chaos on the outside = chaos on the inside.

Use Solids and/or Subtle Patterns

If you are seeking to create a calm aesthetic in a room, stick with solid colors or subtle patterns in muted tones. There is nothing wrong with a bright, colorful, busy pattern, but you may find it distracting when you are trying relax and rejuvenate. Keeping it simple will go a long way toward designing the peaceful vibe you are going for.

Use Gentle Lighting

Nothing feels less relaxing than walking into a room filled with bright, harsh lighting. Natural light is best, so keep window treatments open during the day to let the sunshine in. When it gets dark out, instead of turning on a blazing overhead light, trying using string lights, candles, lamps and lanterns for a soft glow.

Find a Place to Hide Your Tech

You may not be able to put your tv “away”, but smaller tech items like phones, tablets and laptops simply need to go bye-bye when you are trying to relax. Find an out of the way drawer or cabinet where these items can be stored so that they will not be a tempting distraction when you are trying to unwind and de-stress.  Trust me, spending time away from screens might be the best thing you do for yourself!

Create an Backyard Retreat

Nothing is more relaxing than spending quiet time in the fresh air on a beautiful day. When the weather cooperates and presents you the gift of a gorgeous day, being able to step right outside your door to enjoy it is a wonderful thing! When designing your outdoor space, be sure to incorporate privacy, comfy textures, pleasing aromas, and lots of plants. Add a water feature to enjoy the soothing sounds of water.

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!

Your home equity is how much of your home that you “own”. For example, if you put down 20% on your home when you purchased it, that means you already have 20% of the home’s value of equity in the home. As you pay the loan down over the years, your principal loan value decreases while your equity increases. To calculate your equity, take the current appraised value of your home and then subtract what you still owe on your home.

Every month when you make your mortgage payment, you gain equity in your home. If you make full payments on time, your equity will grow as your principal loan decreases and at the end of the term of your loan, you will own your home outright. So, if you have a 30-year mortgage, you will own your house in 30 years. Building equity is one of the major perks of being a homeowner. It makes your home a valuable asset that you can use in the future to either buy a new home or make other large purchases. Some people even use their home equity to fund their retirement. But thirty years is a long time! If you want or need access to your money sooner, you can build your equity faster and here is how:

• PAY MORE AGAINST YOUR PRINCIPAL MORTGAGE

By making extra mortgage payments, or paying more than you owe each month, you can decrease the amount of your principal balance and build equity faster. For example, if you make one extra mortgage payment a year, you could possibly pay off your loan ahead of schedule. Or, if you pay a little more than your required payment each month, you can also shorten the life of your loan. Say your required monthly payment is $2100. $2100 divided by 12 is $175. If you add $175 to each monthly mortgage payment, after 12 months you will have made one extra payment for the year, thus paying off your mortgage a little quicker! But be careful, because some loans have prepayment penalties for paying off your loan too much ahead of schedule. So, check into that before you decide to pay more on your loan.

• WHEN YOU GET EXTRA MONEY PUT IT TOWARD YOUR LOAN

Extra money? Who has that? Well, you might if you get a bonus or a gift of money. Perhaps you can’t afford to put extra money toward your loan every month, but things like holiday bonuses or even a tax refund or an inheritance may give you the extra cash you need to make and extra loan payment. Just be sure that your money is going toward your principal and not your interest.

• COMPLETE A HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

There are some home improvement projects that can add significant value to your home, thus increasing the equity you have in your home. Even a small project can give you a huge return on your investment (ROI)

• CHOOSE A 15-YEAR LOAN VERSUS A 30-YEAR LOAN

Just because a 15-year mortgage is half the time of a 30-year mortgage, that does not mean that your monthly payment will double. Have the mortgage lender run the numbers to see if you can swing the payments on a 15-year loan. If so, you will not only pay the loan off faster, but you will also pay less interest over the life of the loan, thus saving even more money!

• MAKE A LARGE DOWN PAYMENT

While it may be tempting to take advantage of a loan that offers a low or no down payment, if you’re looking to build equity quicker, it is not the best choice. A large down payment will assist you in building equity faster. The more you put down, the more equity you begin with. If you can put at least 20% down, you get the added perk of not having to pay for PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance), which can be expensive.

Building equity is a huge benefit of being a homeowner. It’s like a forced savings account and can be one of the best investments you will ever make!

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!

Fall flowers bring to mind vivid, jewel toned hues such as scarlet, deep purples and gold. It is not too late to add a burst of autumn colors to your landscaping. But, before planting, research what kind of flowers and plants will do best in your area. To help, here is a list of some that will thrive in Montgomery.

• Goldenrod:

This low maintenance beauty has been erroneously blamed for causing hay-fever. The real culprit is rag weed. The pollen in goldenrod is too heavy to fly in the air. Instead, it sticks to the legs of the butterflies and insects that feed on its nectar. It blooms late in the season and is deer and drought resistant.

• Chrysanthemums: 

Commonly called “mums”, these richly hued plants are a true sign of fall. When buying mums, look for ones labeled “hardy mums” or “garden mums” for the best chance of having them thrive throughout the season. Plant them as soon as you buy them. Given the opportunity to develop a strong root system, they will last longer.

• Helenium:

Part of the daisy family, this cheery flower blooms in yellow, orange, and red bringing a vibrant ambiance to your garden. These tough, easy-to-grow perennials bloom late in the season and last a long time.

• Asters:

Available in a variety of hues in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white, these perennials bloom from mid to late fall. Loved by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, they provide a late feeding opportunity for them. Plant them as soon as they are available in early fall so that they can establish a strong root system.

• Pansies:

One of the most popular cool weather annuals, pansies are favorites for fall flowerbeds. They are very hardy and can continue to bloom through winter and into spring, thereby adding lively color to your garden almost year ‘round! The ideal time to plant pansies in hardiness zone 8 is late October.

With temperatures cooling a bit, now is a great time to get outside and bring a bold, beautiful autumn aesthetic to your flower beds!

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: hgtv.com, marthastewart.com, etsy.com, gardenista.com, allaboutgardening.com

Making your home more energy efficient is a cost-effective way to not only save money but to also improve the performance of your home. The most effective strategy for improving your home’s energy efficiency is to focus on the “shell” of the house…the walls, attic, windows and doors. Next, improve the energy efficiency of systems such as heating, cooling, lighting and appliances. Last, but not least, consider clean energy generation such as solar or geothermal.

The first step toward energy efficiency is to make sure that your walls and attic are well insulated. 

High quality insulation slows the rate that heat flows out of the house in the winter or into the house in the summer. That means it takes less energy to heat or cool your house. If your walls have no insulation, it will certainly pay off to get blown-in insulation which will also improve the comfort of your home. If you have an unfinished attic, it is worthwhile upgrading its insulation. It is a good idea to use an Energy Auditor to make sure that the insulation is installed properly.

The next step is to upgrade or replace windows.

If your windows are old or leaky, it is time to replace them with energy efficient models. If you live in an architecturally controlled historic district and have ‘antique’ windows, increase their efficiency by using weather stripping and storm windows. While it’s not usually cost-effective to replace windows just to save energy, if you are going to replace them anyway, the additional cost of Energy Star-rated replacement windows is very modest and is a comfort improving upgrade that is worth the cost. 

Another way to save some energy in your home is to plant shade trees and shrubs around your house.  

If you have an older home with poor insulation and windows, good landscaping can help, especially if planted on the house’s west side. Deciduous trees are the best way to go for this purpose. During the summer, the foliage will block the infrared radiation that would warm the house, while in the winter the bare branches will let the radiation through.

Replacing an older furnace with a new high-efficiency system may seem like a huge expense, but in the long run it will save energy and money.

If your furnace was built before 1992 and has a standing pilot, it likely wastes 35% of the fuel it uses, and it’s probably near the end of its service life  ACEEE (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy) recommends you replace it with a condensing furnace with annual efficiency of at least 90%.

You can improve the efficiency of your hot water system by turning down the temperature of your water heater to the “warm” setting (120 degrees F).  Additionally, you can insulate your hot water lines so that they don’t cool off as quickly between uses. And using low-flow fixtures in your showers and baths will help as well.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use ¾ of the energy used with incandescent light bulbs, so it is well worth changing them. You may not realize that the cost of electricity used to run a light bulb is more than the cost of the bulb itself. A CFL may be a little more expensive than the traditional light bulb, but it lasts for 10,000 hours and uses only 27 watts to generate as much light as 100-watt incandescent bulb. Over the long haul, you will save money by investing in CFLs.

You can save money with an energy efficient home in many ways, including the tax benefits that are available to you. Federal tax incentives are out there for energy efficiency upgrades to existing homes.

Creating an energy efficient home may require a financial investment, but it will be a money-saver in the long run!

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: medium.com, feri.org, bpihomeowner.org, kids.niehs.nih.gov

This time of year, many of us enjoy spending time outside in our yards. Whether we are playing, dining al fresco, doing yardwork, or simply relaxing, our time outdoors can be ruined by nasty insects. There are many remedies for getting rid of these annoying pests, but if you are looking for natural ways to do the job, here are several plants you can put in your yard that will repel unwanted insects. While they will not guarantee an insect free environment, they will help!

1. BASIL

Basil repels house flies and mosquitoes. Use containers for planting basil by your house doors or in any outdoor areas where you like to relax and entertain. It will serve more than one purpose because you can also use the fresh basil in your cooking!

2. LAVENDER

This pretty plant repels moths, fleas, mosquitoes and flies. Its pleasing, sweet fragrance appeals to humans, but the bugs hate it! You can place bouquets inside your home to keep flies away. Outdoors, plant it in sunny areas or near the entryways of your house to keep those areas pest free. Check out the Everything Lavender website to find out how you can use lavender oil to make your own mosquito repellent.

3. LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass contains the natural oil citronella, which is commonly found in candles that are used to keep mosquitoes away. Ornamental lemongrass can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide in one season. It is an annual that does well in a pot or in the ground in sunny, well-drained locations. Its aromatic, narrow leaves can be used in chicken and pork dishes and to flavor soups and salad dressings. Many Asian recipes call for lemongrass.

4. MINT

Another plant that mosquitoes don’t like. It’s best grown in pots rather than in the ground because it spreads aggressively. Once established in a garden, it can be difficult to remove. The leaves can be used to flavor minty iced tea. Containers of mint strategically placed in the garden or on the patio will assist in keeping nearby plants insect free.

5. ALLIUMS

If you have a vegetable garden, beautiful, tall alliums will help keep insects out of it. Considered a broad-spectrum natural insecticide, plants in the Allium family repel several insects that plague vegetable gardens, including slugs, aphids, carrot flies and cabbage worms.

6. CHRYSANTHEMUMS

The ingredient in chrysanthemums that makes them so effective as an insect repellent is pyrethrum. Roaches, ants, Japanese beetles, ticks, silverfish, lice, fleas, bedbugs, spider mites, harlequin bugs, and root-knot nematodes all will avoid chrysanthemums. Pyrethrum is used in America’s most commonly available home and garden insecticide sprays. You can make your own bug spray using chrysanthemum oil, but make sure you know the risks of using it first.

7. PETUNIAS

These whimsical beauties repel aphids, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and squash bugs. Some people think of them as “nature’s pesticide”. Popular because of their availability in a variety of bright colors, they require minimal maintenance and can be grown in numerous locations including beds, containers and hanging baskets.

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: bonnieplants.com, countryliving.com, ruralsprout.com, thefancygarden.com, whiteflowerfarm.com, almanac.com, gardnerspath.com

Older homes appeal to many due to their charm and endurance. But living in an older home can become cumbersome as its parts age and break. You can update your little piece of history without changing the overall ambiance that attracted you to begin with. 

Here are some simple and budget-friendly ways to update your older home:

• Paint the Front Door
  

Buying a new front door can be pricey. In addition, you may be hard-pressed to find a “new” door that complements the style of your older house. But PAINTING the front door that you already have is a fabulous alternative. It will only cost you the price of the primer, paint, and supplies. Not only can you add some color to your exterior, but you will also add protection from the elements, meaning that your door will last longer.

• Replace Outdoor Light Fixtures

Faded, rusted light fixtures can be easily replaced with new ones for very little cost. You can even find Vintage Light Fixtures to fit in with the age and style of your home.

• Wash Your House
  

If you don’t own a power washer, it will be well worth it to rent one for a day so that you can give your house a good washing. You will be amazed by the difference it will make when you remove years’ worth of dirt and dust!

• Install Porcelain Tile Floors in Your Bathroom

Replacing floors in your home can seem overwhelming due to the expense. But you can start with your smaller rooms, like your bathroom, without spending too much. Look for sales on porcelain tiles and install them yourself to save even more money.

• Replace Light Switch Plates
  

Do your light switch plates look dingy? You can brighten up a room by simply replacing them with new ones! For example, brushed nickel plates are only about $5 each and when used throughout the home they provide style and consistency.

• Replace Old Indoor Light Fixtures

Just like with the outdoor light fixtures, old, shabby ones can make your home feel old and shabby. Keep the vintage appeal of your home while updating it with new light fixtures. Check out the Vintage Light Fixtures link above to find ones that will fit in with your home.

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: oldhouseguy.com, lowes.com, sg.news.yahoo.com

Big houses mean “big work”. The care and maintenance of a larger home can be overwhelming. You might be looking to downsize and simplify. There are a plethora of benefits of living in a smaller 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, but you can also 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 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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: moving.com, sonomamag.com, thespruce.com, designmorsels.com

With spring’s arrival and summer just around the corner, 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 balcony (any outdoor space will do!), the following tips will help make the time you spend outside more comfortable in any situation:

• 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.

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.
   
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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
  
   
• 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!

• 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 (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: mountainliving.com, homedepot.com, housedigest.com, yardenvy.com