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Celebrate Independence with These Festive 4th of July Cupcakes

Wednesday, June 30, 2021
by The Hat Team

One of the best things about summer is getting to celebrate Independence Day with friends and family. July 4th parties are filled with food, fun and laughter, but they aren’t complete without a spectacular, patriotic dessert! Here are some fantastic cupcake ideas for your 4th of July celebration: (click on the links for recipes)

Twizzler Firecracker Cupcakes

These sparkling cupcakes are sure to make a “bang” at your celebration…plus they are a fun craft for kids to make!

American Flag Cupcake Cake

Nothing says “I love my country” better than an American Flag! Sure…you could make the standard “flag cake” but this version is much easier to serve.

4th of July Layered Cupcakes

Enjoy the taste of frosting with every bite of these patriotic cupcakes filled with buttercream frosting and topped with flags.

BBQ Cupcakes with Grilled Hot Dogs

These fun and creative cupcakes are sure to impress! Bring these adorable treats and you will be the MVP of any potluck BBQ.

Red, White, & Blue Confetti Cupcakes

Patriotic sprinkles make these goodies look like an explosion of fireworks…and taste like an explosion of yummy goodness!

Snow Cone Cupcakes

You won’t have to worry about these snow cones melting in the summer heat. They are not made of ice!  Nope…it’s frosting and sprinkles! 

Wishing you and yours a happy, festive and safe Independence Day!

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: tastesoflizzyt.com, sugarandcharm.com, thegunnysack.com , lifeloveliz.com, sprinklebakes.com, abeautifulmess.com 

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Have a Safe and Happy Independence Day!

Tuesday, June 29, 2021
by The Hat Team

“America is best described in one word--freedom” Dwight D. Eisenhower

As Americans, we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th to honor our nation’s birthday and the Declaration of Independence. It is day replete with parades, cookouts, picnics, waving flags, and fireworks--and a heavy dose of patriotism.

DISTINCTIVE DATES:

  • JULY 4, 1776: The Second Continental Congress completed its work on the Declaration of Independence.
  • JULY 8, 1776: Independence Day was first Celebrated in Philadelphia on, and the Liberty Bell was sounded on that day.
  • JULY 4, 1804: The first public celebration was held at the White House
  • JULY 4, 1826: Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on this day.
  • JULY 4, 1941: Independence Day was first celebrated as a federal legal holiday

​HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH!!!

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2315 Yancey Ave: Well Maintained Duplex

Friday, June 25, 2021
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home For Sale:

2315 Yancey Ave, Montgomery AL 36107

MLS# 497118 | Duplex | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Capitol Heights

Well Maintained Duplex

2315 Yancey Ave

Virtual Tour

A well maintained duplex occupied by owner for many years. Left side is larger unit, 2 bedrooms/1 bath with great hardwood floors, which are original but in pristine condition. Right side unit is well proportioned 1 bedroom/1 bath with updated kitchen. Both units have front and side entrances, and both have screened front porches. Rear detached 2 car garage is excellent for storage. There is a fenced yard for pets. Enjoy great neighbors, and convenience to downtown!

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

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How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move

Wednesday, June 23, 2021
by The Hat Team

Moving is one of the most stressful things you do in life. Even if you are just moving to a new home in the same town, there are a lot of factors that go into it. So, when you are moving far away to a new place, the logistics can be overwhelming! 

Here is a guide to help you prepare for a long-distance move:

Your first step is to find a local Realtor in the place where you are moving. Ideally, you want an experienced Realtor with a lot of knowledge about the area. Someone who knows about the best neighborhoods, the best school districts and the most convenient locations. Yes, you can browse listings and research the area online, but you will need the expertise of someone who lives in that area and understands the local market and has local contacts that can help you through the process. Plus, by having a professional Realtor on your side, you will get access to the newest listings before they even hit online sites. We know top REALTORS in nearly every market in the country, so call or text us for a referral.

Do your homework.


Your Realtor can provide a lot of great information and assistance, but only if she knows what you are looking for. Depending on where you are moving, you might be able to find informational guide books. But, if not, technology can be your guide. Look up local news stations and newspapers online to see what’s going on in your new town. Find groups from the town on social media and ask questions. Websites like Area Vibes and U.S. News and World Reports are great resources for finding information about a place including its housing market, job market, schools, cost of living, crime rates, etc. You will find that the more knowledge you have about the place where you are moving, the easier your move will be.

Determine your needs and desires.

This sounds like common sense, right?  But sometimes people rush into finding a new home without giving much thought to exactly what they want, whether due to time constraints or excitement. It will pay off to slow your roll and take the time to determine what it is you want in your new home. This will also allow your Realtor to assist you in the most effective way. Do you want to live in a rural, suburban, or urban area?  What style and size house are you looking for? How important is the school district? How close do you want to be to your job? These are just a few questions to ask yourself before starting your home search.

Create a realistic budget.

Once you have researched your new town and looked through some of the listings, you will have an idea what price point you are looking at for your new home. Your local Realtor will be able to assist with this part of it too. You will also want to research the general cost of living in terms of things like gas, groceries, and childcare. Once you have figured out what the anticipated cost of living will be, it will be easier for you to create your buying budget.

Visit if you can.

If possible, you should plan a visit to your new town before moving there. All the online research in the world, while helpful, cannot give you a true feel for a place. Make plans to meet up with your local Realtor and have her show you various neighborhoods based on the needs you expressed. Spending time familiarizing yourself with your new home town will help you make an informed home-buying decision.

Hire a moving company.


A long-distance move is hard. So, if you can include hiring a moving company in your budget, definitely do so! Not only will they help you with the physical moving of your belongings, they will also take care of the transportation logistics. That way, you can focus on getting your new home set up. Research different moving companies and find the one that best fits your needs and budget.

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 http://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Photo credits: movingaheadservices.com, mashvisor.com, updater.com, moving.com

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Happy Father's Day!

Sunday, June 20, 2021
by The Hat Team

He never looks for praises.
He's never one to boast.
He just goes on quietly working
For those he loves the most.

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Houseplants That Won’t Harm Your Pets

Wednesday, June 16, 2021
by The Hat Team

If you love the idea of bringing nature indoors in the form of houseplants, but you also have some precious fur babies living in your home, then there are some things you need to know. Not all houseplants are safe for our furry friends.  It’s important to do your homework and find out which houseplants will add the beauty of nature to your décor while also being safe for your pets!

Luckily, there are plenty of options available that are not toxic for pets. Here’s a list of a few houseplants that are known to be safe for cats and dogs to get you started:

  • African Violets – These low maintenance plants come in a range of purple and pink hues. Keep their soil moderately wet and water them by letting them soak up the water from the pot’s drainage hole to keep from damaging leaves and petals.
  • Christmas Cactus – Unlike another holiday plant, amaryllis, Christmas cacti are not toxic to dogs and cats.  While they can still cause a tummy ache if eaten, they are safer than other festive holiday plants
  • Friendship Plant – This friendly plant, named for the ease with which it can be divided and shared, is a safe choice for your cats and dogs.  Friendship plants tolerate medium and low light and love humidity.
  • Lace Flower Vine – This pretty plant grows best in a hanging basket.  That means it should be well out of reach of your pets, but even if they got ahold of it and ate some, it would not harm them. Hang it in a spot with bright, indirect light and water when soil feels dry. It’s trailing stems will grow about three feet long.
  • Lipstick Plant – This unique plant has blooms that resemble tubes of lipstick!  It’s a tropical plant that thrives in bright light. It can grow up to 20 inches tall and needs to be watered frequently. It’s a great pet-friendly option for adding some bright color to your space!
  • Polka Dot Plant – Add some more color with a polka dot plant.  These plants have patterned leaves in colors like pink or white. While it can grow up to three feet tall, it will usually remain on the small side (12 inches or less) when planted in containers.  It needs bright, indirect light and moist soil.
  • Spider Plant – If you’re looking for a houseplant that is safe for pets and easy to grow, you can’t go wrong with a spider plant. They grow  best in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light as well.  Be sure to let the soil dry between watering them for best growth.

While the plants listed (and many others) are technically safe for pets, it is important to remember that they might still get tummy aches if they ingest them. The best practice is to keep houseplants out of reach of your pets. If they should manage to snack on a plant, watch them closely for any reactions.

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: hartz.com, pinterest.com, almanac.com, plantingman.com, homeaddict.io, nobelpotsandpavers.com, pinterest, logees.com

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460 Caldwell Pl: Great For Entertaining!

Tuesday, June 15, 2021
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

460 Caldwell Place, Montgomery AL 36109

MLS# 496768 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,501 Square Feet | Dalraida

Great For Entertaining!

460 Caldwell Pl

Virtual Tour

This adorable patio home in desirable Dalraida is just what you have been looking for. Great for entertaining, it has a formal dining room, large kitchen with sunny breakfast nook AND a breakfast bar! The spacious living room has high ceilings and gas log fireplace, and plenty of wall space for furniture and art. The split plan has a private guest bedroom and bath at the front of the house, and a large master bedroom at the rear. The master bedroom has plenty of closet space, and newly installed French doors leading to a private courtyard. A master bath has a garden tub, separate walk-in shower, and double vanities! Out back, you will enjoy a covered patio, and storage galore with an attached storage room and a detached storage building! A private drive allows rear access to off-street parking. The roof was replaced about four years ago, so that is something you will not have to budget for, for many years to come! New laminate flooring throughout most of the house is great for allergy sufferers who can’t deal with carpet, and perfect for indoor pets! Call us or your favorite agent and don't miss out on this one.

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

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Seeking a Mortgage Loan? Be Prepared With These Questions

Wednesday, June 9, 2021
by The Hat Team

There are many steps to take when purchasing a home, but one of the first and most important is finding the right mortgage loan. Knowing the right questions to ask a mortgage banker is key to your success in acquiring a loan that works for you. It’s vital that you are educated about everything related to your home purchase.

Here are the questions you should ask your mortgage banker to be sure that you are prepared for the lending process:

  1. What is my credit score?

When you apply for a mortgage loan, your lender will take a look at your credit history including your credit score, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and your liquid cash and assets. Having a high credit score will definitely help you in the securing a loan. It is calculated by taking your payment history, outstanding balances, length of credit history, number of credit inquiries, and types of credit history all into account. Your lender will use your credit score to help determine the risk of granting you a loan.

  1. What is the best type of loan for me?


Once your mortgage banker has all the personal financial information you provide, he or she will let you know the loan programs you qualify for. Every loan program has a minimum qualifying credit score and DTI ratio. A good mortgage banker will patiently walk you through each type of loan so you can determine which one you are most comfortable with.
 

  1. How much should my down payment be?

    Many people believe that you must put 20% down when purchasing a home. That is not always true! You have options. A conventional loan generally requires at least 3% down. But if you want to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), 20% is required. There are also some government-backed loans that range from 0-3.5% down. Your lender will go over these options with you thoroughly.
     
  2. What are closing costs?
    When you close on your home, your closing costs may include property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, title search fees, and appraisal fees. There might be other costs as well. Basically all fees for services completed involved in the loan process need to paid and are taken care of with closing costs. These items will be itemized and your mortgage banker can answer any questions you have about them.
     
  3. When will I close on my home?
    The time it takes to close on a house after getting your mortgage loan application approved usually runs anywhere from 30-50 days. As long as there are no last minute problems, the closing itself (signing the papers) may take about an hour.

Buying a home can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first-time homebuyers, but finding the right mortgage lender and asking the right questions will make the process less stressful for you!

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: mattersmortgage.com, lansingstatejournal.com, crosscountrymortgage.com

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The Heat is On! How to Keep Your House Cool During Summer

Wednesday, June 2, 2021
by The Hat Team

Summer. It’s hot. Really hot! With temperatures in Montgomery hovering near 90 degrees, you may have already seen the numbers going up on your power bill from your air conditioning running non-stop. But there are ways to help keep your house cool during heatwaves that will not only allow you to be more comfortable but will also assist in lowering your power bill.

Here are some tips for keeping cool when it’s HOT, HOT, HOT outside:

  • INSULATE YOUR ATTIC

You can make your home more energy efficient by installing quality attic insulation. Good insulation will prevent heat from going from the attic to your living space. With the right insulation, you can reduce cooling costs up to 50% because fewer “on” cycles for your air conditioner will be necessary to maintain the temperature you want. You will also get a great return on your investment with an insulated attic space if and when you sell your house.

  • MAKE SURE ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS ARE PROPERLY SEALED


It is easier to keep your house cool when all the doors and windows are properly sealed. It is a good idea to have an energy audit done by your local utility company to find where cooling losses are occurring. Energy Consultants in Montgomery

  • IF YOU LIVE IN A HISTORIC HOME OR IN A LOCALLY DESIGNATED HISTORIC DISTRICT 
    Window replacement is generally not desirable or an available option.  In these instances, invest in storm windows approved by your architectural review body.
     
  • REPLACE DOOR WEATHER GUARDS

Replacing weather guards around your exterior doors is an inexpensive way to keep your home cooler. You would be surprised by how much cool air can be lost in the little cracks if the weather guards aren’t in good shape.

  • CHANGE YOUR CEILING FAN TO A COUNTERCLOCKWISE ROTATION        

Just having a ceiling fan can reduce cooling costs by up to 40%. When it is hot, be sure to have your fan on a counterclockwise rotation so that it is pushing cool air down instead of up toward the ceiling.

  • KEEP HEAT OUT WITH WINDOW TREATMENTS


It is hard to keep rooms cool when heat is pouring in through the windows; especially south and west facing rooms. It’s a good idea to keep shades drawn in these rooms. Also use thick, dark curtains that have a white reflective backing. They are best at keeping the heat out.

  • REPLACE OLDER WINDOWS WITH NEW ENERGYSTAR QUALIFIED WINDOWS

If you have older, single-pane windows, it is likely they are drafty and allowing air conditioning to leak out. Most older windows also have poor or no insulation around the window frames. While it may seem like an expensive investment to replace all your windows, it will be worthwhile in the end with all the money you will save on your energy bill.

  • SCHEDULE REGULAR MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR AC UNIT

Don’t wait until your AC isn’t working to have someone inspect it. Have a professional technician inspect and review your complete system to be sure that it is working efficiently. That way you can manage any problems before the system breaks down and you are left to deal with the heat while it is being fixed.

  • INVEST IN A SMART THERMOSTAT


A smart thermostat will allow you to set the temperature to be slightly warmer during the hours you are not home, and then to adjust to a cooler temperature one or two hours before you get home. No more wasting air on an empty house or coming home to a “sauna”.

  • REPLACE AC FILTERS REGULARLY

When it is hot outside, your AC filters are working harder than usual.It is recommended that you replace your AC filters every month; especially during the hottest months when it is running more frequently. When air flows easily, your AC system runs more efficiently.

  • USE A DEHUMIDFIER


When there is a lot of humidity, the whole house can feel warmer, damper, and very uncomfortable. If you want to feel cooler in high humidity, consider purchasing a dehumidifier to help remove moisture from the air. Your house will feel cooler even when the temperatures soar.

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: aarp.org, pinterest, johnsonandsons.com, healthline.com

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