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Apartment Hunting for College Graduates

Wednesday, June 14, 2017
by The Hat Team

It’s almost that time of year, where college students will be graduating and heading home for summer!  It’s an exciting time for everyone, especially parents who can’t wait to see their kids!  Many college students who are graduating will begin their first apartment search as they begin their lives outside of college.  Below is a list of first apartment mistakes many college graduates make.  Look over them so that you know what to expect and what to avoid. 

  1.  Many times one of the biggest first apartment mistakes   new college graduates make is starting their search for their first place a bit too soon.  The best time to start searching for your first apartment is three weeks before you want to move in. 
  2. Not realizing just how much it is all going to cost is another huge mistake that many college graduates make when getting their first apartment.  If you have been living on campus typically meals are included, however when you get an apartment the meals are on you!  Also you need to think about how much utilities and things like internet and cable are going to cost as well.  Expenses can add up real quick if you are not careful and will likely be a huge surprise once you move in to your new apartment if you don’t plan for them. 
  3. You may not realize that things that have been available to you free of charge in the past or at least it seemed free of charge because it was included in housing costs on campus, are going to cost you money.  Such things as toiletries and laundry detergent may not seem like much of an expense but if you are not use to paying for it you may not include it in your estimated costs of apartment living. 
  4. If you have student loans, be sure to keep them in your budget and factor them in to all other costs associated with apartment life.  These types of debts can many times be rather large and if you haven’t started paying on them yet you may not be aware of just how much of a chunk they will take out of your monthly budget. 

These are just a few first apartment mistakes college students tend to make.  Keep these in mind when making your final decisions on where you want to live and you may be better able to avoid them.  

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.   

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Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 2110 Capitol Ave Montgomery, AL 36107

Tuesday, June 13, 2017
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

2110 Capitol Ave, Montgomery AL 36107

MLS# 418172

3 bedrooms | 1 bath | 1,391 square feet | Capitol Heights

This updated Capitol Heights charmer is neat as a pin and ready to move into! Great architectural accents added in kitchen. Cozy covered front porch, and lots of shady space out back for entertaining. Formal dining room and breakfast room space, and well-proportioned living room with fireplace. BIG detached garage is wired and has work-space for tinkering/projects, plus additional covered storage behind AND to the side.

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

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Wetumpka Home for Sale: 1864 Jasmine Hill Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36093

Wednesday, June 7, 2017
by The Hat Team

Wetumpka Home for Sale: 1864 Jasmine Hill Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36093

MLS# 418133

4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1 half bath | 3,530 square feet | Jasmine Hill Rd

This Victorian-esque dollhouse really packs a punch! Situated on an over 2.5 acre lot, the private setting will sooth your nerves and make you feel as if you are out in the country, while being minutes to shopping and dining. Grand living spaces and open feel main floor, wet bar, study, family room, and big kitchen with large breakfast room PLUS huge master suite on the first floor. Three more spacious bedrooms and two baths upstairs. Great 2nd floor gallery looks down into main living room and is the perfect place for your prized collections. Three levels of decks lead down to a large swimming pool and patio area, or enjoy the gorgeous views from the 2nd floor balcony (which feels like three floors up due to basement level.) Two car carport leads into large finished storage space, which is plumbed for additional bathroom, and ENORMOUS partially finished basement that is a wide open 2001 square feet! Great storage/rec room/kids indoor play area, or finish out for even more living space. This is truly a special property, and was solidly custom built.

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


 

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Happy Memorial Day!

Saturday, May 27, 2017
by The Hat Team

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

National Moment of Remembrance

To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.   

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Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 410 Nottingham Rd Montgomery, AL 36109

Thursday, May 25, 2017
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

410 Nottingham Rd, Montgomery, AL 36109

MLS# 416496

3 bedrooms | 1 bath | 1,040 square feet | Forest Hills

One family has owned this well-built brick home for the last 51 years and it shows!! Sitting atop a nice elevated lot, it has always given the owner a great sense of security. Hardwood oak and pine floors throughout. Kitchen has beautiful red oak counter tops. Three good size bedrooms and one original hard tiled bath with a new refinished original tub. Seller has updated the electrical with a new box that contains circuit breakers. Recent HVAC has also been added for your enjoyment and peace of mind. Nice terraced rear yard contains spacious storage building for tools and lawn equipment. Mature landscaping including crepe myrtles, azaleas and many more varieties of plants! Seller is leaving refrigerator, washer and dryer. A perfect starter home where you won’t have to buy a single appliance. Owner has purchased another and is ready to sell. Give us or your favorite agent a call to see this great property today!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Frank Powell, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

 


 

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3 Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Wednesday, May 24, 2017
by The Hat Team

There are a few mistakes that many first-time home buyers make. Here are three of the most common mistakes and how you can avoid them when purchasing your first home.

Mistake #1: Assuming your credit is good.

The information in your credit report determines whether you can get a loan — and how much interest you will have to pay – so it pays to be certain your credit reports are accurate.

Check your credit reports for free from all three credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to make sure everything is correct. If you find errors, contact both the credit reporting company and the information provider (the person, company or organization that provided information about you to a credit reporting company) involved in the errors and ask them to fix the credit report errors.

Mistake #2: Getting pre-qualified, not pre-approved, for a loan.

It’s far better to be pre-approved for a loan than to be pre-qualified. Here’s why…

With pre-qualification, your lender does a preliminary evaluation of your ability to pay for a home and gives an estimate of the mortgage amount they’ll give you. The lender does not verify the information you provide.

Mistake #3: Allowing emotions to influence your decisions.

Buying a home is an investment. It needs to be treated as any other investment. You don’t buy stocks because they are pretty and you shouldn’t pick your home that way either. Make sure the home you buy fits your needs and allows you room to grow over the next few years. As with any sound investment, time is the key to a good return.

If you are a first-time home buyer, I would be happy to help you find (and get the best price for) your first home.

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.   

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Mother's Day Wishes!

Friday, May 12, 2017
by The Hat Team

The Person who has done more for you than anyone in the world!

A halo that reflects a life of wisdom, kindness, and caring. Eyes that sparkle with pride and show how much she believes in you. Shoulders that have been slept on and wept on and carried a world or two. Arms that never run out of hugs. Hands that know just when to hold on and when to let go. A mind filled with amazing things, from fairy tales to family tails and long-ago stories of you. A smile that can jump right into your heart and warm you faster than hot chocolate. A heart of gold that holds more love than you can possibly imagine.

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.   

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Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 440 Clayton St Montgomery, AL 36104

Thursday, May 11, 2017
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

440 Clayton St, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 416323

2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1 half bath | 2,077 square feet | Hanrick

This early 20th century home will take you back to a bygone era of front porch/balcony sitting, garden entertaining, and elegant Victorian living, without the worry of outdated systems! Wiring, plumbing, insulation, kitchen and baths have all been updated.  Soaring 14 ft ceilings, pocket doors, and original vintage gas lamps that have now been electrified are just a few of the age-old architectural details found within. Long covered back porch overlooks extra deep lot. Basement partially finished and with relatively new full bath could make stunning master suite or efficiency apartment. This quiet, historic neighborhood is within walking distance to Downtown dining and activities.

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

 

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Montgomery Alabama Home for Sale: 1731 Winona Ave Montgomery, AL 36107

Thursday, May 4, 2017
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

1731 Winona Ave. Montgomery, AL 36107

MLS# 415656

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,320 square feet | Capitol Heights

Nice updates abound in this adorable Capitol Heights cottage just minutes from everything happening Downtown. The open plan blends living room, dining room and into an updated kitchen.  Hardwood floors are throughout, so no carpet to worry about. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the spacious covered front porch as well as the more private rear deck overlooking a lovely yard and water feature. Great price, so stop paying your landlord’s mortgage and start building equity in your future! Ask us or your favorite Realtor about NO MONEY DOWN financing and lender credits towards closing costs. This is a deal you don’t want to miss!!

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

 

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Home Buying Made Easy

Wednesday, May 3, 2017
by The Hat Team

If you are currently in the market for buying a house, then you are likely already aware of just how difficult it can sometimes be.  There are many stressors throughout the process that can make the home buying process seem anything but easy.  Below are a few ways that home buying can be made a bit easier if you do your part to put them into action.  
 

  1.  The first and most important thing you need to do before looking for a home to buy is to find an agent.  The reason this part is the most important is because buying a home is a huge financial obligation and you want to choose the right person to help you with such a big decision in your life.  A good way to find an excellent Realtor is to talk with your friends and family members that you trust to see whom they have used in the past.  Once they give you a few suggestions, you can meet each one and see which one best matches your personality wishes.  You will be spending quite a bit of time with this person so you want to make sure that you get along beautifully with them.   
     

  1. The next step in home buying made easy  is to find a lender.  Many times you can find out from your Realtor about what lenders they tend to use or who they think can be the best match for you and your particular situation.  If your Realtor doesn’t lead you to the best match, again you can talk to your friends and family for suggestions.   
     

  1. You then need to make sure your credit is as clean as it can possibly be.  Lenders can many times give you a bit of guidance in this area so that you can get approved for a loan.   
     

  1. It is important that you get pre approved for a loan before you go out searching for the home of your dreams.  The lender that you choose will help you to know exactly how much of a house you can comfortably afford before you get your heart set on one.  
     

  1. Lastly, figure out exactly what you are looking for in a house.  Make a list of your wants and desires in order of their importance.  This will help to guide you in your home buying  adventure and will help avoid wasting precious time.   
     

These are just a few ideas on how to make the home buying process a bit easier.  Once you do your part to put all of these in motion you will be well on your way to finding the home of your dreams.   

 

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.   

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Displaying blog entries 661-670 of 697

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