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Displaying blog entries 391-400 of 1998

The “DO NOTs” of Keeping a Tidy Home

Wednesday, May 26, 2021
by The Hat Team


Not everyone is naturally tidy. For some, it takes conscious effort to keep a home neat and clean. Wishing that you were more organized and orderly isn’t going to make it happen. You must take action!  Sometimes it’s more about what you DO NOT do.  Here are 5 things people with tidy homes DO NOT do:

  1. Tidy people do not allow the mess to accumulate until it becomes overwhelming. They are smart and know that cleaning a whole house all at one time is no fun. So, they have  daily tasks and strategies for keeping their homes in order. By maintaining a routine, they prevent their homes from ever getting too messy.
  2. Tidy people never run out of cleaning supplies. Have you ever gone to clean the bathroom and realized you have no toilet bowl cleaner?  Do you remember the frustration of having to stop what you were doing to go to the store and purchase more cleaning supplies?  Tidy people do not let that happen. When you have an established routine for keeping house, it’s easy to track when you are running low on cleaning supplies. Keep a list so that next time you go to the store you will remember to pick up knew supplies before you run out.
     
  3. Tidy people do not play first, clean later. You won’t find a tidy person sitting on the couch watching TV while there is a sink full of dirty dishes in the kitchen. Their motto is “better now than later”.  Because really, how can you enjoy anything if you are anticipating having to do chores afterward?  Take a few minutes to get things done as needed and then you can truly enjoy your free time.
  4. Tidy people do not store things on the floor. There is no “drop and go” in a tidy person’s house. Everything has its place and there is a place for everything. Letting things stack up on the floor (think books, magazines, laundry baskets, back packs, the box of items waiting to go to the thrift store) can make your house seem a lot messier than it really is.
     
  5. Tidy people do not over decorate. "Flat Surface Syndrome" does not exist among tidy people. Meaning, just because there is a flat surface, that doesn’t mean it must have something on it. A highly decorated surface can often look cluttered and messy. Also, tchotchkes are dust collectors, creating more for you to clean. That doesn’t mean you can’t have any special, decorative items around your house. Just limit them so that every surface isn’t covered with them.

If you are not neat and orderly by nature, it might take a while to break bad habits and become a tidy person. Start with these five “DO NOT” tips and before you know it, you too will have a tidy 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!

Photo Credits: aliciainasmalltown.com, lifesavvy.com, amyleehayes.com

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1512 Hallwood Ln: Split Floor Plan Offers Lots of Privacy

Tuesday, May 25, 2021
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

1512 Hallwood Ln, Montgomery AL 36117

MLS# 4916233 | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,454 Square Feet | Thorington Trace

Split Floor Plan Offers Lots of Privacy

1512 Hallwood Ln

Virtual Tour

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

 

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Should Military Families Rent or Buy?

Wednesday, May 19, 2021
by The Hat Team


Joining the military was a huge decision that required a lot of thought. Now that you have made the commitment to serve your country, there are other big decisions you will have to make that have to do with the transient lifestyle military life entails. A decision you will have to make each time you transfer to a new duty station is whether you should buy or rent a home.  There is a lot to consider before making this decision.

Why should I buy?

Many may wonder why they should buy when they know they will be moving on in a few years. Well, here is one BIG reason: the VA Loan Program.  A VA Loan is a mortgage loan for service members that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The main purpose of this program is to assist active duty military and veterans in the financing of a home purchase. These loans offer advantageous terms that make buying a home an attractive financial option. If you are in the military or you are a veteran, you may be eligible for a VA loan and many of the perks of VA loans are NOT available with other home loan options.

But wouldn’t renting make more sense?

The loan terms of VA loans are definitely in your favor if you want to buy a home, but there may still be times when renting might work better for you. Here are some things to consider when trying to decide whether buying or renting is the best option:

  • How often will you be moving? This greatly depends upon what branch of military you are in and what career path you are on. People assume that all military families move every few years, but the truth is, the amount of moves vary widely across the different branches. If you don’t think you will be transferred frequently and will be in a home for five or more years, then buying a home would definitely better suit your needs. However, if you think you will be moving more frequently, renting might be the better option, unless renting your home out when you relocate sounds like something you would be interested in.
  • Depending on what branch of the military you are serving and what your position is, it may require you to be deployed much of the time.  It may seem silly to buy a home when you will be away so much you might be surprised at the benefits of doing so. For example, say you are single and you’re renting; unless you can sublet, you will be paying rent on a “home” that you won’t be living in for parts of the year.  However, if you buy a home, you will be paying a mortgage and building equity…a great investment for your future!  This is true even if you have a family that stays in the home when you are deployed. Knowing they have a place of their own will give them peace of mind while you are away.
     
  • Reselling your home can be profitable depending on how long you have been there. When it comes time to relocate, thanks to not having to make a down payment or pay PMI (perks of that VA loan we talked about above!), you will likely at the very least break even on the sale of your home, if not make a profit. Just be aware of the current real estate market conditions which will determine how long it may take to sell your house and how much you can get for it.  If you are not able to sell right away, you need to have enough money saved to pay your mortgage while also paying to live somewhere else.
     
  • Do you want to be a landlord?  If you don’t want to sell the home (maybe you want to move back there someday, or maybe you want to keep it as an investment), renting it out is a great option. But there are challenges to being a landlord, especially when you live far away from your property. You may have to hire a property management company to maintain the home in your absence. Make sure you consider all the costs involved before deciding it it’s financially worthwhile to rent your home out.

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: kiplinger.com, forbes.com

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2936 Jamestown Dr: You MUST See This!

Wednesday, May 19, 2021
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

2936 Jamestown Dr, Montgomery AL 36111

MLS# 494235 | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 2,100 Square Feet | MeGehee Estates

You MUST See This!

2936 Jamestown Dr

Virtual Tour

You must see this beautiful Townhome on one of the most desirable streets in McGehee Estates! Entering the foyer, you can feel the openness of the great room with a view through the wall of windows overlooking the private courtyard. A handsome office/study/den with built-in bookshelves is at the front of the home. Then you step down into the great room that has a huge brick fireplace surrounded by built-in bookshelves including a wet bar. The dining area flows into the breakfast nook at the back of the galley kitchen (Corian countertops, stainless appliances, pantry and lots of cabinets), with a door leading into the courtyard brick patio that will be your most favorite spot to relax or entertain. Upstairs is the large master suite with a walk-in closet and double vanities, along with two guest rooms with good closet space. This is a wonderful street in a convenient location. Come see for yourself today!

Marketed By Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Keen, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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What You Need to Know About a Bidding War

Wednesday, May 12, 2021
by The Hat Team


There is a low inventory of homes to buy right now and the competition for homes can be fierce.  If you are looking to purchase a home, chances are you may find yourself in a BIDDING WAR. Be prepared!  Here are six ways to come out on top in a bidding war:

  1. Get your finances in order and get as much cash as you can.  It is never too soon to get pre-approved for a loan. In fact, the sooner the better. Sellers will have lots of options and will be leery of those who do not have loans set in stone. If possible, bring cash to the table. Sellers will fear appraisals coming in low and loans falling through, so be prepared to cover the difference with cash.
     
  2. Don’t hesitate! Be the first to make an offer, and make it a good one. An insulting offer will put you at the bottom of the seller’s list, so it is not a good time to low ball. Come in at or slightly below asking price so that they know you are serious about purchasing their home.

     
  3. Escalation Clause.  This is the amount of money the buyer agrees to increase the offer if there are other bids. If you offer the asking price of $400,000 on a house, but it might sell for $450,000, put in an escalation clause stating that you are willing to go as high as $460,000. But know your limit. Don’t offer more than you can handle. Also, make sure the clause states that the seller can only take the winning bid up to a level just above the competing offers. For example, if an offer comes in for $430,000, your bid would be upped to $431,000.
     
  4. Get a pre-inspection. It will cost you a few hundred dollars, but it can help you in a super-tight market. If you can make a bid that is not contingent upon inspection, sellers will look favorably on your offer versus the same offer from someone who has a contingency in their contract.
     
  5. Think with your head, not your heart. BE SMART! Purchasing a home is an emotional decision, but emotions can get in the way of making wise decisions.  Make sure you have done thorough research of the market: look at the most recent comparable sales, compare prices from a year ago, visit local schools, have coffee at the closest café and speak to potential neighbors. Look at listings nearby. Whatever you do, don’t overpay because you get caught up in the heat of the competition. While the house may seem perfect for you, it is not the only house that will be perfect for you. So, keep a level head and MAKE INTELLIGENT DECISIONS.
     
  6. Finally, and most importantly, HIRE AN EXPERIENCED, PROFESSIONAL REALTOR to guide you through the process. The benefits of having a Realtor are priceless because they are experts in negotiating multiple offers, and now more than ever, you need that expertise on your side!


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: dsnews.com, forbes.com

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1211 S Perry St: Character and Charm Personified

Friday, May 7, 2021
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

1211 S Perry St, Montgomery AL 36104

MLS#494901 | 3 Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths | 2,327 Square Feet | Garden District

Character and Charm Personified

1211 S Perry St

Virtual Tour

This home has all you would expect from a historic Garden District home in Midtown Montgomery. Well-proportioned rooms boast high ceilings, great moldings, and lots of natural light from large windows. Enjoy entertaining in the oversized living and dining rooms, and more casual living in either of the two cheery sunrooms. The large kitchen will accommodate several "chefs" at one time, and the ample bedrooms are large enough for lots of heirloom furniture. A fixed staircase leads to a floored attic with tons and tons of storage, and there is even an unfinished basement with endless possibilities! The private backyard has a brick pathway and mature landscaping, and is accessed via an automatic car gate for off-street parking. There is a detached storage building as well. You just don't find this kind of charm and character in newer construction, and at this price, there is room to customize the kitchen and baths to your personal taste!

Marketed By Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Keen, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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2414 Belcher Dr: Lots of Room Inside and Out

Friday, May 7, 2021
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale

2414 Belcher Dr, Montgomery AL 36111

MLS# 493993 | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2,459 Square Feet | MeGehee Estates

Lots of Room Inside and Out

2414 Belcher Dr

Virtual Tour

This spacious family home is situated on a large lot in McGehee Estates! The kitchen has been updated with granite counter tops and tiled floor throughout living room, dining room, family room and hallway. There are 4 large bedrooms with ample closet space and a huge deck overlooking the private back yard. In addition, there is a double carport and laundry room with additional storage room.

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

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Happy Mother's Day

Friday, May 7, 2021
by The Hat Team

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3025 Hill Hedge Dr: Lovely Home with Mid-Century Flair

Friday, May 7, 2021
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale

3025 Hill Hedge Dr, Montgomery AL 36111

MLS# 493974 | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 2,092 Square Feet | McGehee Estates

Lovely Home with Mid-Century Flair

3025 HIll Hedge Dr

Virtual Tour

This McGehee Estates ranch has a mid-century modern flair! The rear facing family room of this well-maintained home has a wall of windows and a vaulted ceiling with real wood burning fireplace (firewood included!) An updated kitchen has stainless appliances, black granite countertops, and plantation shutters. The master bedroom and 2nd bedroom are over-sized and have great closet space, and the bathrooms feature vintage tilework. A central hallway has lighted, mirrored built-in bookshelves for properly displaying your collectibles and a third bedroom, off the powder room, features a built-in Murphy bed for guests and doubles as a home office with separate entry from rear carport. The rear patio overlooks a big back yard with a shade tree, a wired and cooled workshop, and a fun tree house! Situated in a quiet block of Hill Hedge, this home is just minutes from shopping and dining.

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

 

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A Homeowner’s Guide to Saving Money

Wednesday, May 5, 2021
by The Hat Team


There are a lot of perks to home ownership, but let’s face it; it can be expensive.  You are not only making a mortgage payment every month, but you are also responsible for maintaining your home. But there are lots of easy ways to save money without ever leaving the house. Follow these tips and start saving today!

  1. Save money on your electric bill by utilizing natural ways to cool your house.  During the spring and summer, open your windows and use fans to get the air circulating through your home. Ceiling fans will help too. Moving the air through the house will help cool it down quite a bit.
  2. Another way to save on your electric bill is to line dry your clothes. Dryers use a lot of electricity, and there are many good reasons to choose line drying.  Not only is it an energy saver, but it may extend the life of your clothing!
     
  3. Get rid of cable television. With all the options for streaming shows on apps like Hulu and Netflix, you could save a lot of money by ending your relationship with cable and using apps to stream your favorite programs.  You might be surprised to discover that even after upgrading your internet, you will still pay less per month than you did for cable television.
     
  4. Always unplug.  Even when you are not using an appliance, if you keep it plugged in, it is still pulling electricity. It may not seem like much, but over years you can save quite a bit by unplugging when not using things. Chances are you are not going to want to be bothered with walking around your house to unplug everything, but to make it a little easier, consider using power strips so you can just unplug that at the end of the day.
     
  5. Use a shopping list. This may sound silly, but when you go shopping without a list you often come home with way more than you need. Make a list and stick to it. It will not only make shopping more efficient, but it will save you money in the long run.
  6. Learn how to do basic home maintenance. You can save a ton of money over time by being able to take care of home maintenance yourself.  By doing small tasks like replacing filters and cleaning out dust, you can lengthen the lifespan of many appliances, thus saving money as well. 
     
  7. Bundle up and save on heating costs. Invest in quality, warm blankets so you can turn the heat down and still be warm and cozy when you sleep at night.  Decreasing your heat by just a few degrees can save you a lot of money over time.
     
  8. Create a budget and try to stick to it. By creating a budget, you will be more conscientious about your spending. It will not only help you to see where you are spending too much, it will also assist you in prioritizing your spending.

Saving money is important.  Whether you’re saving for retirement or for a special family vacation, it’s the little things you do that make a big difference in the long run!

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: thebalance.com, southernliving.com, housebeautiful.com

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Displaying blog entries 391-400 of 1998

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