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Indoor Plants that Can Improve Your Health

Wednesday, April 24, 2024
by The Hat Team

Even during the spring, people spend a lot of time indoors. And while it is important to spend time outside to get fresh air, you may want to do something to improve the quality of the air IN your home. If you enjoy gardening, you don’t have to limit it to outdoors.  There are lots of houseplants that will aid in the removal of pollutants floating around your home.

  • English Ivy


Used as a houseplant, this elegant beauty is excellent for removing harmful chemicals that can be found in the home. It will grow in full shade to full sun, so you will have lots of flexibility in placement. With proper care, it can survive for many years.

  • Bamboo Palm


This plant prefers part sun or shade. It removes harmful elements such as benzene and formaldehyde.

  • Chinese Evergreen


This pretty, easy-to-care-for plant thrives in low to medium light. It can grow to one or two feet. While it helps maintain healthy air quality, it also can be toxic to pets, so if you have fur-babies at home, keep this plant out of their reach!

  • Gerbera Daisy


These delightful flowering plants will remove benzene from your home while adding a cheerful vibe! But they like to be warm, doing their best in temperatures of 75 degrees or higher.

  • Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (also known as “Snake Plant”)


Despite the interesting moniker, this hardy succulent is a great houseplant for beginners (or those who don’t have green thumbs) because it can survive in even the toughest of conditions. Just be careful not to over water it.

  • Peace Lily


Honestly, we can never have too much PEACE! This lovely plant not only brings to mind the beauty and hope of spring, it fights against toxic gases like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. They are easy to care for and will droop when they need watering. They can be a bit toxic to pets and humans, so you should wash your hands after touching it.

  • Spider Plant


Bring on the green with this houseplant that thrives in bright, indirect light and will remove harmful pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Keep its soil damp, but not soggy and it will last a long time!

It is important to be very conscious of taking care of ourselves and the environment we live in. Use these houseplants for health and improve your air quality at home today!

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.

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A Guide to Mortgage Loan Terminology

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
by The Hat Team


When you are considering the purchase of a new home, one of the first things to think about is if you will be able to get a mortgage loan. At the start of the home buying process, you will hear terms like “pre-qualification”, “pre-approval”, and “conditional approval”. If you are not familiar with these terms and their meanings, it can add to the already stressful process of entering the housing market as a buyer.

While all these terms may sound similar, they are not the same. Pre-qualification, pre-approval, and the conditional approval letter share common characteristics, but they occur at different times during your journey to home ownership. Having a clear understanding of what they mean will save some of the confusion, time and energy that goes into finding the right home for your budget and your family.


Let’s take a look at each of these terms:

PRE-QUALIFICATION

Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage loan is the earliest step of the three terms we are looking at. A pre-qualification will give you an estimate of how much you may possibly be able to borrow from a lender. Basically, you will provide information such as your financial history and credit report to your lender. You can do this verbally at this stage as it is not an overly comprehensive process. Your lender will use the information provided and will give you an estimate of the amount you may qualify for. This will allow you to explore the mortgage options available to you.

After your lender has determined the amount you pre-qualify for, you will receive a pre-qualification letter. By sharing this letter with your Realtor, they can use it when making an offer to a seller to give evidence of your commitment to and preparation for buying a home.

Remember, a pre-qualification is not a guarantee for a loan. While it is a great way to determine what types of loans are available to you, it does not mean a loan for the amount of the home you hope to purchase is a sure thing.

PRE-APPROVAL

Getting a pre-approval is a more formal process that requires an in-depth investigation of your finances. This process will take place after you have submitted your mortgage application and documentation will be required.

Your lender will need the following:

  • Employment verification (W-2s or 1099s)
  • Bank statements
  • Retirement and brokerage account statements
  • Any other assets
  • Current real estate debt or rental statements
  • Monthly debt payments (student loans, auto loans)
  • Court orders (divorce, child support, alimony, etc.)
  • Tax returns

It may feel overwhelming to provide so much personal, financial information, but it is necessary to obtain a pre-approval for a mortgage loan. Like pre-qualification, you will get a pre-approval letter if your application is accepted by your lender. This letter provides the sellers with the information they need to know that you can afford the mortgage payment and you are ready to purchase a home.

When competing for a home with other buyers, a pre-approval letter can be a game changer, making you look like a serious buyer over others who may not have a pre-approval letter yet.


CONDITIONAL APPROVAL

Conditional approval is also known as “up-front underwriting”. If you choose this option, your lender will review your finances thoroughly in order to provide you with an exact loan approval amount for the specific home on which you are submitting an offer.

What makes a conditional approval letter different from a pre-approval is in the name itself; there will be a few conditions that must be met before closing. For example, purchase agreements, title verifications, home appraisal, and inspections must all be complete and in order. The closing process cannot begin until all the conditions listed in the letter have been met.

Pre-qualification, pre-approval, and the conditional approval letter all provide validation to both your lender and the seller that you are a serious buyer that can afford the home.

They each serve the same purpose, but you will encounter them in different circumstances within the home buying process. Understanding the nuances and differences now will make you a better-informed buyer and will make the home buying process less stressful for you!

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.

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128 High St: Investment Opportunity in Montgomery’s Historic Downtown!

Wednesday, April 10, 2024
by The Hat Team

128 High Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 554749

5 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 3,980 Square Feet | Downtown Montgomery

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Amazing investment opportunity in Montgomery's Downtown District! This stately home built in 1900 is zoned for multi-use and is located within Walking Distance to the Equal Justice Initiative and Montgomery's Downtown Entertainment District. Recently renovated for an Airbnb. Professionally Designed Floor Plan (including furnishing ideas/suggestions) and a List of Improvements can be found in Supplements. Special features include soaring ceilings, original architectural details, new kitchen, two new bathrooms, new light fixtures, upstairs kitchenette addition and large bedrooms. This is your chance to add to the growth of Montgomery's Historic Downtown.

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

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Spring Curb Appeal

Wednesday, April 10, 2024
by The Hat Team

Spring has arrived and with the weather warming up, now is the time to start sprucing up your yard for curb appeal. Here are some tips for how to rid your yard of that wild, unattended winter look and replace it with a space that is sure to impress!

  • Send Winter Packing

Pull out your rake and remove all the debris of winter. Leaves, pinecones, sticks etc. are not appealing and ridden your yard of all that mess will have it look tidy in no time.

  • Declare War on the Weeds

Weeding is no fun, but it’s a necessary part of maintaining your lawn and garden. Taking the time to clear your yard of weeds will not only make it look nicer, it will also show that you take pride in all aspects of your home.

  • Time for a Trim

It is time to start cutting your grass regularly again. Healthy, even grass is attractive and gives the yard a pleasing appearance. Don’t forget to trim the edges as well to complete the look.

  • Quench That Thirst

It’s important to keep your grass hydrated. It will become dry and a dull shade of green if it is not watered regularly. The same applies to your garden. Pay special attention to areas that are sheltered and do not get as much moisture when it rains.

  • Dress it Up

Planting seasonal plants and flowers will dress up your yard and enhance curb appeal. You can choose perennials that will come back every year or, for longer blooming plants, annuals that last for one season. Better yet, use a combination of both!

  • Prune Away

Trim back any large shrubs, trees, or plants to frame your house in a way that is inviting. Pruning allows for new growth and deters pests and animal infestation. It also promotes healthy growth into a natural shape for the plant.

  • Mulch it Up

Once you have planted and pruned, mowed, and edged, it’s time to spread mulch around your garden beds. Mulch helps to keep moisture in your plants and makes the garden easier to maintain. Make sure you choose a mulch that compliments your garden type and style.

Spend some time working in your yard now and not only will you save yourself from having to do it in the sweltering heat of summer, but you will be able to enjoy your outdoor spaces throughout the spring and summer season.

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.

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728 E Fairview Ave: Pristine Cloverdale/Idlewild Beauty!

Friday, March 29, 2024
by The Hat Team

728 E Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 553557

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,880 Square Feet | Cloverdale

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This pristine Cloverdale Idlewild beauty has only had 2 owners! The large front porch welcomes you and your guests inside where you are greeted with hardwood floors, high ceilings and arched doorways, and original sconces. Living area with ventless fireplace and a gorgeous limestone mantle, large formal dining room, sunroom with wall-to-wall windows and brick floors and open eat-in kitchen with vintage built-ins. Master bedroom with private bath. Great attic storage, and if that's not enough, you MUST see the garage/workshop out back that would be PERFECT for restoring cars, storing RV's or boats! Unbelievable space! Let your imagination run wild with all the possibilities!

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

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9171 Vaughn Rd: Exquisite Pike Road Estate on 4.7 Acres!

Thursday, March 21, 2024
by The Hat Team

9171 Vaughn Road, Pike Road, AL  36064

MLS# 553924

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2 Half Baths | 4,740 Square Feet | Pike Road

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EXQUISITE PIKE ROAD ESTATE SITUATED ON 4.7 +/- ACRE CORNER LOT! As you pull down the circular drive you are greeted by a cast iron fountain and beautiful landscaping. The grand foyer has soaring ceilings, handmade wood brick floors and a chandelier that is sure to catch your eye. The living room has lots of windows and a masonry fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases. The dining room has antique wood pocket doors. The kitchen has granite countertops, a smooth surface cooktop, double ovens, and a work island. There is plenty of drawer and cabinet space and a large pantry located in the laundry room. The Butler's Pantry has additional drawer and cabinet storage for your entertainment pieces and boasts granite countertops and a sink. The den has hand-picked 10-12 in. heart pine floors that have recently been redone. There is a masonry fireplace and wood storage area below the original heart pine mantle. There is a half bath off the den for your convenience. The family room has windows everywhere giving you views of the grounds and pool! This room has a great bar area with granite countertops, mirrored shelving and a half bath that is ideal when swimming or entertaining on the patio. The master bedroom has a sitting area and walk in closet. The master bath has a huge walk-in shower with double shower heads. The room off the master suite is perfect for an office. Three additional bedrooms upstairs with walk in closets and two full baths. Tons of storage closets including floored attic space. The pool area is remarkable with a huge, covered patio including an outdoor kitchen with sink, refrigerator, built in gas grill and bar. This property is gorgeous! Come see for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

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

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3241 Gatsby Ln: Adorable Patio Home in Hillwood West!

Thursday, March 21, 2024
by The Hat Team

3241 Gatsby Lane, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 552544

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,518 Square Feet | Hillwood West

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Neat as a pin in Hillwood West! This adorable patio home is the perfect spot to land if you are looking for low maintenance. The open floor plan has a living room, dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar and a family room/den perfect for an office. Two bedrooms are on opposite ends with two full bathrooms in between. Ideal location close to the interstate, restaurants, and shopping.

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

 

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Your Guide to Real Estate Appraisals

Wednesday, March 13, 2024
by The Hat Team


Whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing a home and a mortgage is involved, a home appraisal is going to be an important aspect of the process. Therefore, it’s crucial that you understand how the appraisal process works and how an appraiser determines a home’s value.

A home appraisal is an unbiased, professional opinion of a home’s value. Conducted by a licensed home appraiser with the knowledge and experience to determine the fair current value of the home, it takes place in almost every home purchase/sale transaction and is commonly used in refinance situations as well. Within a purchase/sale transaction, it is used to establish if the home’s contract price is appropriate, based on the home’s location, condition, and features. For a refinance, the appraisal makes sure that the lender isn’t giving the borrower more money than the home is worth. Because the home serves as collateral for the loan, lenders want to make sure that the homeowner is not over-borrowing. With a purchase/sale transaction, the home appraisal is typically paid for by the buyer and the fee is included in the closing costs.


The reason the home appraisal is so important is because it lets the lender know that they are lending the appropriate amount of money for the value of the home. Sometimes the appraisal will come in for a lower amount than the agreed upon price and when that happens, the lender might deny a loan for that amount. If the appraisal comes in at or above the contract price, the transaction can proceed. However, chances are the seller doesn’t want the deal to fall through, so if the appraisal comes in low, the buyer may be able to use it to negotiate a lower selling price. Knowing that the bank won’t lend any buyer more than what the home is worth, the seller may be willing to lower their selling price so that they can proceed with the sale.  A low appraisal can also derail a homeowner’s attempt at refinancing their home. The home needs to appraise at or above the amount the homeowner wants to refinance. One exception is if you have an FHA mortgage.  With an FHA mortgage, you can refinance without an appraisal through the Streamline Your FHA Mortgage.


The appraiser will look at many things to determine the home’s fair current value. The property’s value will be influenced by recent sale prices of similar properties and by current market trends. The home’s amenities, floor plan, functionality, square footage, and number of bedrooms/bathrooms will also play a part in coming up with a fair price for the lender.  A thorough visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the property will allow the appraiser to note any issues that might have an adverse effect on the property’s value.  You may confuse a home appraisal with a home inspection, but they are not the same thing, A home inspection is a much more detailed evaluation of the home and does not involve the lender.

Usually, the home appraisal will just be a box checked off on your home closing checklist. But if the appraisal comes in lower than expected, the purchase/sale transaction can be delayed or canceled.  Understanding the process and being aware of potential problems will help you be better prepared to handle whatever circumstances come your way.

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.

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3012 Norman Bridge Rd: Great Investment Opportunity in Prime Midtown Location!

Tuesday, March 5, 2024
by The Hat Team

3012 Norman Bridge Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36105

MLS# 553669

8 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 4-Plex | Southmont

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Great investment opportunity and prime location in Midtown/Cloverdale area! This brick 4-plex has spacious 2 bedroom /1 bath apartments with hardwood floors and large rooms. 3 of the units have screened porches, and 1 upstairs unit has an enclosed porch/sunroom! Some of the units come with a washer/dryer and dishwasher. Incoming electrical system and meters/breaker boxes updated within the last few years. Exterior has just had fresh paint, rotten wood replacement, and porches refreshed. Ample parking in the rear off Norman Bridge. Across from historic Brewbaker mansion and other fine homes, as well as LeGrand Park! Minutes to downtown, Huntingdon, ASU, I-65 and I-85, Jackson, and Baptist South hospitals.

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

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3174 Lexington Rd: Charming Cloverdale Home with Stylish Updates!

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
by The Hat Team

3174 Lexington Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 552107

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,533 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

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Love the charm of Cloverdale but looking for stylish updates too? Then this is the one for you! Entering this house, it's impossible to not fall in love with the unique arched front door! Then you're immediately greeted with beautiful hardwood floors and ample amounts of natural light! The living room, dining area and kitchen are all open creating plenty of space for the family or entertaining friends! The kitchen has updated counter tops, subway tile and cabinetry making cooking a pleasure. Wait until you see the master suite! The recessed ceiling and lighting add a touch of elegance to this room! Along with that, the updated bathroom includes a double vanity, gorgeous counter tops and a tiled walk-in shower surrounded by glass. The guest bedrooms are spacious, and the guest bathroom has a claw foot tub! The large backyard is spacious enough for cookouts, garden beds or anything else your heart desires! Don't miss your chance to see this beautiful house that's only minutes away from everything Cloverdale has to offer!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Alison Bertschy, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

 

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