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5 Tips for Selling Your Home This Spring

Friday, May 1, 2015
by The Hat Team

Selling your home can be as easy as one, two, three!  Here we are going to give you a few tips and ideas to make selling your home a bit easier this spring.  If you are willing to take these tips and tricks to heart and do your part to do them to the best of your ability, you will likely reap the rewards of doing so.  Get ready to sell your home this year and move on to your dream home!

  1. sold signMake sure that you have done your part to make the outside of your home look nice.   A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference in the curb appeal of your home.   You can do this yourself or you can hire a professional painter to speed the painting process along. Choose a color that will make your home stand out but also be sure that you choose a color that is neutral and that most people are going to like. 
     
  2. Take the plunge and purchase new carpet for your house. If selling your home is important to you, you are going to do what it takes to get it sold for the price you want sold for.  If you are blessed enough to live in an older home that has beautiful hardwoods under the old carpet, you might be able to just pull the old carpet up and expose the nice hardwoods.  It may take a bit of work to get the hardwoods up to par, but this kind of flooring can be a huge plus towards selling your home if you happen to already have it under your carpet.
     
  3. Wallpaper is outdated so keep that in mind when you are getting ready to sell your home.  Go ahead and take down all the wallpaper so that you can paint with a nice neutral color that will be pleasing to anyone’s eye. 
     
  4. If you have pets in your home, do your best to remove all of their belongings before a showing.  People do not want to see the home as yours, they want to see and envision themselves living in the house and having your pet’s belongings all over the house will not help them to achieve that goal.   If your buyer can see themselves living in your house they are more likely to purchase it.
     
  5. Replace all of your lights with high wattage bulbs.  The brighter the better when you are trying to sell your home!  You want your home to pop and grab folk’s attention and this little trick will do just that for you! 

As I said, if you are willing to put forth a bit of extra effort with the above tips and ideas when it comes to selling your house, you will soon find that your house may sell before all the others in your neighborhood! 

Information courtesy of Montgomery Realtor Sandra Nickel.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 2710 Fairmont Rd

Thursday, April 30, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

2710 Fairmont Rd, Montgomery, AL 36111
MLS #317353

Country Style Gay Meadows Home!

This spacious Gay Meadows home in popular Midtown is priced right and ready to move into! Beautiful newly-refinished hardwood floors throughout most of home and low maintenance tile floor in huge den/family room. Large country style kitchen and well-proportioned bedrooms will make your family happy. 2 car attached carport with big storage/workshop room and large back yard.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team

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Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Trends for March 2015

Wednesday, April 22, 2015
by The Hat Team

This is a great time to think about buying home. Home prices and interest rates are still at all-time lows and springtime historically offers the most inventory to choose from. The biggest hurdle for many home buyers is saving money for a down payment. Here are 10 things to do on a regular basis to save money:

  1. piggy bankMake it automatic. Before you see your paycheck, have a percentage of it automatically deposited into your 401(k) and savings.
  2. Keep minimum funds in checking account. Transfer extra funds into your savings account where it will earn more interest than in our checking account.
  3. Don’t pay banking fees! Use your bank’s free bill pay, automatic deposits, free checks, and free reimbursements for all ATM fees.
  4. Use rewards credit cards. Use a credit card offering cash back on every purchase and pay the card off each month to eliminate interest fees.
  5. Actively search out deals. It never hurts to try and find a better deal, or request a better deal from your service providers.
  6. Drive smoothly. Accelerate smoothly and at a reasonable rate, and coast to a stop as often as possible. Also use cruise control on the highway. My car is rated to get 26 mpg around town and I regularly get 29. You can also use these tips to save money on gas, and use gas rewards credit cards to save money on fuel costs.
  7. Buy quality products. Quality items may cost more up front, but they last longer and generally provide better results than cheaper, inferior products. Examples of items you should buy higher quality - furniture, clothes and shoes, vehicles, and other items that will see a lot of use.
  8. Buy generic where applicable. You can save a lot of money on generic items for which the brand name product is essentially the same as the store brand. Food and medicines come to mind as items where generic products are good deals.
  9. Use coupons and rebates. Use coupons for oil changes, groceries, books, on-line purchases, and just about anything else we can find.
  10. Use store rewards cards. Many grocery stores have their own ‘reward cards’ saving you money each time your shop. If you are a senior, shop on designated senior citizen discount days.

Take a look at March 2015's real estate sales statistics.

March 2015 Midtown Montgomery Real Estate Market Update

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for March 2015, show the number of homes dropped 25% by 6 homes. The average sales price increased by .02% to $130,852 for the month. The median sales price decreased by 2.84% to $128,500, and market times decreased by 133 days.  The highest selling price increased by 16.84%, and the lowest selling home price increased by 43.3% compared to $8,025 from March 2014.

Midtown Montgomery  March 2015   March 2014
Homes Sold 18 24
Average Selling Price $130,852 $130,828
Median Selling Price $128,500 $132,250
Days On The Market 122 255
Highest Selling Price $277,500 $237,500
Lowest Selling Price $11,500 $8,025


For the latest Midtown Montgomery real estate market conditions in your area, please call me at 800-HAT-LADY or visit HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com.

Information is provided by the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 6206 Oliver Rd

Tuesday, April 21, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

6206 Oliver Rd Montgomery, AL 36117
MLS # 317071

One Owner Custom Built Home!

Never before on the market is this incredible one-owner custom built home centrally located and close to shopping, restaurants and AUM. Step inside from the wide front porch and you will find 10' ceilings with beautiful dental molding, custom built doors, cabinets and woodwork - all hand made by the original owner. Entertaining is a breeze in the huge kitchen with new granite counter tops and island, through the cozy family room to the screened porch looking onto the sparkling pool and professionally landscaped yard. There is storage everywhere: huge laundry room with deep sink and freezer, small office or walk-in pantry, double walk-in closets in the master and two small office/hobby rooms upstairs. Plus the huge brick two car garage with an extra-large third bay for a boat or RV. Truly a unique property, come see for yourself.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 3466 Southview Ave

Thursday, April 16, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

3466 Southview Ave, Montgomery, AL 36111
MLS # 316934

Traditional & Updated Edgewood home!

This lovely Edgewood home is move in ready! Entertain family and friends in classic style in this traditional, yet updated home. The formal living room features a beautiful marble fireplace, spacious dining room, modern kitchen that opens into the den/family room, renovated bathrooms and hardwood floors throughout. The outdoor lovers will enjoy the elevated deck overlooking the private backyard. The garage has a nice storage room that could make a great office or man cave. This is a great house in one of Montgomery's most desirable neighborhoods.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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Are You Ready?

Thursday, April 16, 2015
by The Hat Team

For whatever reason you’ve delayed buying a home, it may be time to reconsider that decision based on today’s conditions and what is expected to happen in the future.

are you readyRents are continuing to increase to the point that in most markets, it is significantly less expensive to own than to rent.  Even after you factor repairs into the equation, the low interest rates, principal accumulation due to amortization, appreciation and tax savings lower the monthly cost of housing.

Low inventories coupled with strong demand cause a rising effect on prices.  Another reason for higher values is that builders, especially in certain price ranges, have not ramped up new home starts to keep up with the demand.

Recently, the Federal Reserve announced that they intend to start raising rates. Most experts agree that higher interest rates are a foregone conclusion; it is just a matter of when it will happen.

A $300,000 home today could cost considerably more one year from now.  With a 20% down payment, if prices go up by 3% and the interest rates increase by .5%, the principal and interest payment at 3.625% would be $1,094.52 for 30 years compared to $1,198.05 at 4.125%.

The question is not necessarily “can you afford the additional $103.53 more per month that you’d have to pay for the home during the 30 year term?”  More importantly, “How would you feel about having to pay more because you weren’t ready to make a decision and what would you have spent it on if you didn’t have to pay a higher payment?”

Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Realtors Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 2330 McCarter Ave

Tuesday, April 14, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

2330 McCarter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36107
MLS #316802

Capitol Heights Bungalow!

You will not believe the condition of this sweet Capitol Heights bungalow. Immaculate hardwood floors, plantation shutters in LR and DR, and nicely updated kitchen. Behind a closet door in the hall discover a tiny staircase to a HUGE finished (heated and cooled) bonus room in the attic space, perfect for kids, rec room, or man-cave/media room. And if that little surprise were not enough to get you excited, check out the lushly landscaped backyard with separate guest/in-law apartment! This spacious like new cottage has ample living and dining space, full sized kitchen, bedroom, walk-in closet, full bath, and its own central heating and cooling system. Fenced yard perfect for pets, and don't miss the heirloom azaleas, tulips, and gorgeous iris plants. All this just minutes from exciting Downtown!

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 386 Rose Ln

Monday, April 13, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

386 Rose Ln Montgomery, AL 36104 
MLS #316729

Garden District Delight!

Step inside and you'll know you're home. Family-perfect, this Garden District home in Midtown Montgomery puts you all within walking distance from so much entertainment in Midtown: children's matinees at the Capri Theatre, handmade gelato, pastries and pizza at Tomatino's and Cafe Louisa, Biscuits baseball games and seasonal activities in area parks. The hardwood floors, exquisite antique Italian marble mantle and original bathroom tile will make you think of bygone times and the updated kitchen - complete with stainless steel appliances - makes you ready for any meal request, no matter how big or small! Call us today at (334) 834-1500 to tour your new home!

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale: 428 Thorn Pl

Friday, April 10, 2015
by The Hat Team

Montgomery Homes For Sale:

428 Thorn Pl - Montgomery, AL 36106
MLS # 316669

Incredible renovation on Cloverdale cottage!

Gleaming hardwood floors throughout. High quality finishes and fixtures complement all the original old house amenities. Front porch and adjourning terrace for visiting neighbors. Updated kitchen with almost new high end appliances and caeserstone counter tops. Professional grade gas stove, oven and disposal. Separate laundry room with old bead board walls. Screened rear porch and private fenced back yard for entertaining. Detached garage for storage or even your car. Call us or your favorite agent to see this great house today! Almost forgot owner just installed a brand new roof!! It has a 5 year transferable warranty! Caution security system.

Marketed by Montgomery Alabama Realtor Sandra Nickel, Sandra Nickel Hat Team.

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How To Determine the Real Value Of Your Home Improvement

Friday, April 10, 2015
by The Hat Team

The value of home improvements has two primary considerations:

  • the tangible dollar value that is added to your home compared to costs
  • the intangible value of your enjoyment of the improvement

home improvementMost  homeowners focus primarily on the costs, and whether they are adding dollar for dollar value to their home for resale. Those are legitimate concerns. Let’s break them down…

The tangible costs of a project have many components to consider:

  • The first advice to seek is from a Realtor you know and trust. Ask them for some free advice. You want to know what is the likely increase in value you can expect from a project based on what “comparables” are available. You also want their professional opinion about how the buyers in your market are likely to value the improvement. Lastly, you want recommendations about builders you should talk with.
     
  • The next step is to talk with at least two builders/remodelers. Ask them to meet at your home. Describe what you are thinking about doing. Ask for suggests they have and for an estimate of what it is likely to cost. Also ask if they do design work, or do you need an architect?
     
  • Here are some general considerations to think about:
    • usefulness of the improvements to a future buyer will effect the value
    • if the house is older consider replacing electric wiring and plumbing
    • make sure everything is done professionally, even if done by the homeowner
    • badly done home improvements can actually detract from the home’s value
       
  • Lastly, be very careful about re-purposing a bedroom. It should be able to be re-converted back to a bedroom later. The number of bedrooms has a large impact on the value of a home.

The intangible value of your enjoyment is very important. Try to put a dollar amount on your enjoyment value. What benefits will you and your family gain? How long do you anticipate living in your home? What is your enjoyment worth to you in dollars?

Now you’re in a position to add to the tangible cost estimates you have. Add to the tangible costs the dollar value you place on your enjoyment of the benefits. Then compare that total improvement value to what your Realtor has estimated you can get back at resale. You’re now ready to make a decision whether or not to make the improvements.

Information courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel, Hat Team.

Thinking of selling your Montgomery home? Start by getting your home's current value!

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