168 Cobb Ridge Road, Millbrook, AL 36054

MLS# 525914

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,719 Square Feet | Cobb Ridge

This Cobb Ridge charmer is so conveniently located and ready to move into! Foyer, dining room, kitchen and breakfast room have good-looking and easy-maintenance vinyl plank flooring. Kitchen features 5 burner gas range and built-in microwave. Large living/great room has gas fireplace and overlooks covered rear patio and shady back yard. Split plan buts main bedroom towards the rear of the house, with two other bedrooms and hall/guest bath on the front side for owner privacy. Large main bedroom features classic trey ceiling. Large main bath has double vanity, WC, garden tub AND separate shower, plus a HUGE walk-in closet! Attached two car garage to protect your cars and keep you out of the elements! Large back yard is shady, fully fenced, and has a great custom workshop. Relax on the covered back porch and enjoy the serenity of the large lot.

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

Inheriting a house may provide financial gain, but it also comes with legal and financial responsibilities. In addition, it will likely include an emotional element, especially if you share the inheritance with siblings or other heirs. Navigating the process of either taking ownership of the house or selling it can be challenging and it’s important you that you do your homework and educate yourself about how the process works.

The first thing that has to be done when a house is inherited is to make a short-term plan for home maintenance for the duration of the time it takes to settle the estate. This is the time when discussions need to happen with other heirs to determine what the long-term goal is for the property.

Here are some issues that may come up when you inherit a house:

• Expenses
  

Right away you will have to plan for the ongoing expenses involved in the upkeep of the house. These expenses include the mortgage, utilities, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, repairs, and maintenance.

• Insurance

When the homeowner passes away, the insurance policy for the home should be rewritten. Most insurance companies will allow the current policy to remain intact for a certain number of days to give you time to find your own coverage, as long as you continue to make the payments. However, it’s important to know that if the property goes into probate, you won’t be able to assume ownership during that time, and therefore won’t be able to get insurance in your name until that period is over. If you want to make sure the house is covered, have the executor of the estate contact the current insurance company to ask what the coverage options are. It is possible that you can get some short-term coverage while the house is in probate, but it might be very expensive. But it is vital that you maintain coverage until you can get a policy in your own name.

• Mortgage

When you inherit a home, you are responsible for paying the mortgage. Payments must be kept up on the existing mortgage or you run the risk of foreclosure. If you aren’t sure if there is an outstanding mortgage on the property, you will want to check the home’s title, which should list the lender.

• Other Expenses

It’s a good idea to run a title check on the property to find out if there are any liens or other outstanding debts on the home. Examples might be unpaid contractor bills or second mortgages. As the new owner of the home, you also inherit these debts.

What Can You Do with a House You Inherit?
 

• Move In
  

One option is to make your inherited property your primary residence. This is a great choice if you can afford it. You may be thinking “Yay! Free house!”, but you really must think through all the expenses you will be incurring. In addition to the mortgage, you must think about property taxes, needed repairs, insurance, maintenance and more. If you inherited with other people, you also might have the expense of buying them out of their shares of the home.

• Rent It Out

If you can’t (or don’t want to) live in the home full time, but you still want to keep it, renting it out is an option. Depending on the property you may want to find long-term tenants, or you may want to turn it into a vacation rental. Investing some money into creating a marketable rental could result in a nice source of income for you. Just keep in mind that being a landlord is a lot of work and responsibility.And it may become complicated if you own the home with siblings or other heirs. You will also want to consult a tax advisor to determine the tax ramifications of owning a rental property.

• Sell It
  

Whether you inherit a house on your own or share the inheritance with others, it may be in everyone’s best interest to sell it. Selling may be necessary for numerous reasons. Maybe you can’t afford the mortgage and maintenance, or maybe you simply don’t want the headaches that come with renting it out or owning it with others. Selling it puts it behind you, so you don’t have to worry about it anymore. If you’re going to sell, it’s important to plan out how you are going to cover the expenses for preparing it and while it is on the market.

As stated above, inheriting a home can be great, but comes with a lot of responsibilities. Be sure to research and understand your options financially while also keeping in mind the emotional toll it will take. Reach out to experts who can help you navigate the process so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

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: totalmortgage.com, legalzoom.com, travelers.com

5709 Blevins Circle, Montgomery, AL 36116

MLS# 525769

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2 Half Baths | 2,568 Square Feet | Taylor Lakes

Great design for easy living! This well-maintained brick home features graceful arches outside and in giving an air of elegance. Formal dining room has soaring ceiling and is bathed in natural light, and the great room also has 2-story ceiling height and gas log fireplace. Large kitchen has work island/breakfast bar and overlooks breakfast nook and has a pass through into the great room. Spacious main bedroom is also on the first floor and the main bath features double vanity, garden tub, tiled walk-in shower, and large walk-in closet (main bath recently renovated!) Upstairs there are three more bedrooms, on with ensuite bath and walk in closet that could be a second main bedroom. Den/family room on second floor overlooks the great room and foyer. Cozy covered front porch is great for relaxing and visiting with neighbors, and the private screened in porch out back is great for morning coffee or evening cocktails. Large, fenced backyard great for pets and outdoor entertaining.

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

1131 Felder Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 525746

3 bedrooms |2 baths | 2,242 square feet | Cloverdale

The best of both worlds is what you will find in the recently updated Old Cloverdale home in Midtown Montgomery! Gracious living spaces and refinished hardwood floors mix with updated kitchen and bathrooms. Oversized foyer leads to spacious living room, which has an adjacent sunroom with a wall of built-in bookshelves, perfect for home office/study. Butler's pantry has old-world charm, and modern kitchen is sleek and sassy! All three bedrooms are large, and light filled, and both the main bath and hall/guest bath have new fixtures. Walk upstairs to attic provides tons of additional storage. HVAC system is new. Big, fenced back yard features mature shade trees and heirloom shrubs, plus a cute little pond/water feature. Plenty of space for kids/pets, and outdoor entertaining, all in the heart of historic Cloverdale, and walking distance to parks, dining, and entertainment.

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

Last week we told you all about four of the top eight reasons to move to Montgomery, but they were just a drop in the bucket!  Today you will discover even more about why Montgomery is such a magnificent place to live.

First, let’s recap reasons 1-4. We talked about the affordability factor, the interesting history, the vibrant music and arts scene, and the friendly people and neighborhoods filled with southern hospitality.

Now let’s move on with reasons 5-8:

5. COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

There are several higher education choices available to those living and thriving in Montgomery. We have Alabama State University, Auburn University at Montgomery, Huntington College, Faulkner University, Amridge University, and more! If you want access to higher education without having to “go away” to college, Montgomery is a great place to live!

6. THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Are you an outdoor person? If so, you will have no problem finding things to do in Montgomery. Scenic beauty is everywhere and provides an inviting natural setting for hiking, biking, climbing, fishing and more. Places such as Blount Cultural Park, the Hannah Daye Ridling Bark Park and the planetarium at Oak Park are just a few that offer fun outdoor activities. There are also public golf courses and playgrounds for kids of all ages!

7. THE FOOD

What can we say? People LOVE food! While food choices might not be the main reason you should move somewhere, having tasty options can certainly make a place seem more appealing! If you are a “foodie”, one of the best parts about Montgomery is the delectable cuisine you will find here. From down home southern cooking to exquisite fine dining, you will love the food available to you in Montgomery!

8. THE WEATHER

If you like mild temperatures, Montgomery is the right place for you. The weather is ideal all year ‘round! Because it is a subtropical climate, you will enjoy hot summers and mild winters, meaning you can enjoy time outdoors no matter what the season!

Relocating to a lovely, historical, family friendly city with so much to offer will be a great move for you and your family!

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: mgmcityevents.com, studyalabama.us, exploringmontgomery.com, silversunseeker.com, montgomeryfootcare.com

3590 Bankhead Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36111

MLS# 525348

4 Bedrooms | 3 Full Bath | 1 Half Bath | 3,075 square feet | Edgewood

If you are looking for room to spread out...here's the perfect Midtown Montgomery home for you. This spacious updated ranch has elegant formal spaces as well as casual living areas, and a huge kitchen with tons of cabinets! Nice mix of brick and hardwood floors are kid and pet friendly! Rear addition has an ensuite bath and private entrance, making it a perfect in-law suite, teen hangout, or 2nd main bedroom. Den/family room boasts cozy gas log fireplace, and the large sunroom off the den would be a great game room, playroom, or a spacious morning room. Plenty of outdoor living space as well, with multiple brick patios and intimate areas under the canopy of a majestic live oak. Kids will love the deluxe playset out back with large fort/playhouse attached. Rear is totally fenced and pet friendly.

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

Have you been thinking about relocating? Maybe you are looking to live somewhere where you can get more bang for your buck, or somewhere that has a lot to offer when it comes to arts, culture, and outdoor activities. Or…better yet, somewhere that gives you both! If so, we have the perfect place for you: Magnificent Montgomery, Alabama!

Here are some reasons why you should be moving to Montgomery:

1. AFFORDABILITY

Montgomery enjoys one of the lowest costs of living anywhere in the country (well below the national average). Even with higher housing prices everywhere, there are still a lot of affordable options in Montgomery, and you might be surprised to discover how much house you can afford. In addition to affordable home prices, you will enjoy inexpensive taxes and a low cost of living, meaning your salary or retirement will stretch further. Per usnews.com, the median price for a family home in Montgomery is $149,700 while the national average is $315,743. And property taxes are some of lowest in the nation.

Let’s take a peek at what you can get for just $265,000 in a desirable neighborhood in Montgomery: 3466 Southview Avenue

Entertain family and friends in classic style in this traditional yet updated and completely remodeled home in Edgewood! The large formal living room features a beautiful marble fireplace, the modern kitchen is open to the den/family room with tons of natural light, attractive bathrooms, and hard wood floors throughout. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the elevated deck overlooking the private back yard. The garage has a nice storage room that could be turned into an office or man cave. New roof and neutral colors. This is a great house in one of Montgomery’s most desirable neighborhoods.

You may be thinking that the affordability is great but wondering if Montgomery is a nice place to live. Let’s find out as we continue our list of reasons to move here:

2. HISTORY

If you are a history buff, Montgomery will not disappoint! From the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, Montgomery has played a vital role in American history. There are historic landmarks and preserved buildings galore for you to explore. The Civil Rights Museum, Rosa Parks Museum and the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum and the Notional Memoria for Peace and Justice are popular sites to enjoy.

3. MUSIC & ARTS

There is no shortage of music and arts in Montgomery. As the birthplace of bluesman “TeeTot” Payne and crooner Nat King Cole, this city boasts a rich musical legacy. And fine arts can be found in The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. At any given time you can revel in the sounds of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, delight in a performance by the Montgomery Ballet or the River Region Ballet or get your Shakespeare on at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. So, if music and arts are your thing, Montgomery is a great place to live!

4. THE PEOPLE & NEIGHBORHOODS

I am sure you have heard of “southern hospitality”. Well, Montgomery is brimming with it! Beautiful, historic neighborhoods nestled among mature trees and gorgeous gardens lend themselves to wanting to get out and meet your neighbors. Montgomery feels like the “biggest small town” in America where you will feel a welcoming sense of community.

These are just four of the top eight reasons why you should consider moving to Montgomery. Come back next week to hear more about all that this great city has to offer!

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: southerntrippers.com, montgomeryadvertiser.com, waff.com, oldcloverdale.org

While summer is considered by many to be the hottest time for selling a house (both literally and figuratively), sometimes circumstances require you to sell during a different time of the year. If there is a season for everything, autumn just might be exactly the right season to sell this year. Homes are still in demand and there is a good chance you will find a buyer before the end of the year. 
 

Here are some perks to selling in autumn:

1. HOMES SHOW WELL IN AUTUMN

The autumn season lends a beauty to homes that can’t be found in any other season. Colorful leaves, fall décor, and seasonal flowers provide a gorgeous, cozy aesthetic that draws a lot of positive attention to the appearance of a home. For sellers, this means prime curb appeal will draw buyers’ interest.

2. SERIOUS BUYERS

Buyers who are looking at homes in Autumn likely want to buy before the end of the year, so they are serious buyers. They likely want to get settled into a new house before the holiday season begins. The pressure is on for them to find their new home quickly and this puts you (the seller) in the driver’s seat when it comes to negotiations.

3. LESS COMPETITION

There is less competition in autumn. Many sellers need to close and move before school starts, so fewer houses are for sale. With less to choose from, buyers can’t afford to be quite as picky.

4. DIFFERENT TYPES OF BUYERS

You will be dealing with different types of buyers in Autumn. Families often move in the summer to accommodate school schedules. Empty nesters and Millennial home buyers are more likely to be looking in the fall. In addition, employers who need to relocate their workers often wait for fall to avoid the hot market during spring and summer. A speedy closing is the goal of most of these buyers, which means you are more likely to get the best price possible for your house.

5. LOWER MOVING COSTS

Since autumn is not peak moving season, movers will be less in demand than they were during the summer. This means prices for moving may drop as demand drops. So, for those moving in autumn, you may possibly be able to save quite a bit on moving costs. You can maximize your savings choosing to move mid-month and/or mid-week when rates are often even lower.

6. BETTER (SWEATER) WEATHER

It can still be pretty warm during autumn in the south, so while it might not actually be “sweater weather”, it definitely will be “better weather” for moving than it is in the heat of summer.

Autumn is pretty. The weather is cooler; the leaves are changing colors and fall décor can make homes look and feel warm and cozy. This is a great time of year to dress up your house to entice buyers!

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: realtor.com, titlefirst.com, mymove.com

3466 Southview Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36111

MLS# 523763

3 Bedrooms | 2 Full Baths | 1 Half Bath | 2,033 square feet | Edgewood

Entertain family and friends in classic style in this traditional yet updated and completely remodeled home in Edgewood! The large formal living room features a beautiful marble fireplace, the modern kitchen is open to the den/family room with tons of natural light, attractive bathrooms, and hard wood floors throughout. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the elevated deck overlooking the private back yard. The garage has a nice storage room that could be turned into an office or man cave. New roof and neutral colors. This is a great house in one of Midtown Montgomery's most desirable neighborhoods.

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

6037 Vineyard Lane, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS# 525077

2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,394 square feet | Woodmere

Precious garden home on large corner lot in Woodmere! This home features two spacious bedrooms and a large great room with fireplace and built-in cabinets. Open kitchen and breakfast room have hard tile floors. Bonus room off great room can be a small dining room, home office, nursery, or whatever you can imagine. Rear access to 2 car parking pad and large fenced back yard with patio. Would also make a great investment property and has been rented in the past.

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