Real Estate Information

The holiday season is upon us, and it is the perfect time of year to show how grateful we are by helping others in need. Not everyone will spend the holidays in a warm home surrounded by loved ones, but those of us that will can make the season a little bit brighter by donating time, food and gifts to those less fortunate. To make it a little easier for you to do so, here is a list of places where you can volunteer or make donations in the Montgomery area:

The Salvation Army of Montgomery, AL
With a statement of “we’re better together”, the Salvation Army serves the most vulnerable citizens in our community in many ways. During the holiday season, millions of children in America will not receive gifts for Christmas or even have a decent meal to celebrate Thanksgiving. You can help by “giving joy” and making a donation or by volunteering your time and energy to distribute gifts along with food for holiday meals to participating families.

Hands on River Region
Adopt a family in need through the Christmas Clearinghouse Project. Through this program you can provide for the needs of one family and make their Christmas a little brighter.  You can also build a care basket of items that food stamps and public assistance don’t provide for. If you don’t have time for either of those options, monetary donations are always welcomed and appreciated.

Friendship Mission
Friendship Mission’s goal is to assist homeless people in becoming self-sustaining in the local community. They need your help. You can volunteer your time and talents in various ways to help those in need: sponsor a movie night or a game day party meal, assist adults in learning about time management and other life skills, tutor school-aged children and/or adult learners who are working toward their GED, or do something fun with the clients like playing bingo or teaching a craft. And of course, donations and gifts are always welcome and appreciated.

The Montgomery Area Council on Aging
This organization serves seniors in the River Region area of Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore, Coosa, and Tallapoosa counties. Their flagship program is Meals on Wheels. Volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals to over 400 senior citizens who cannot prepare their own meals. They not only provide much needed nutrition, but they also give daily social interaction as they check on the welfare of their recipients.  They currently have a waiting list of over 200 seniors who need your help. Volunteer HERE.

Family Promise of Montgomery
Family Promise’s vision is “a nation in which every family has a home, a livelihood, and a chance to build a better future together”.  To accomplish that goal, even just in the Montgomery area, it takes a village. Family Promise welcomes and appreciates volunteers of all ages to support families with children facing a housing crisis. Serving over 1,000 people a year, it is truly not possible to succeed without community involvement. Click HERE to see all the ways you can volunteer for this wonderful organization.

Montgomery Area Food Bank
The food bank’s mission statement: “To source, acquire, and distribute nutritious food those experiencing hunger and food insecurity throughout out region, so that families, seniors, and children can thrive.” Every $1 donated feeds five hungry people in the River Region. Click HERE to get involved!

These are just a few ways you can give back to your community this holiday season. Happy Holidays!

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: paradoxlabs.com, salvationarmyalm.org, handsonriverregion.org, friendshipmission.org, macoa.org, familypromisemontgomery.org

4061 Ray Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109

MLS# 528016

4 Bedrooms | #4 Baths |3,305 Square Feet | Johnstown/Dalraida 

Absolutely amazing large family home in Johnstown/Dalraida! Situated on a large corner lot, this 4 bedroom, 4 bath home has been beautifully updated, meticulously maintained and is move in ready! The large living room has a vaulted ceiling with a stone fireplace at one end, and a huge window at the other. The kitchen has stainless appliances, granite counter tops, breakfast bar and opens to a sunroom/dining room/keeping room with French doors to the patio and pool. The master suite has a great bathroom with split vanities, a soaking tub with a cool electric wall heater, separate shower and two walk in closets. Down the hall are two bedrooms with good sized closets, a pretty hall bath and laundry room. There is a parking pad on the left side of the house with a separate entrance and a mother-in-law suite (2nd master) with two bathrooms, French doors to the patio and an extra living space (currently a home office). The covered patio with a fancy outdoor kitchen, the saltwater pool (new lining), the top-of-the-line hot tub and fabulous garage have been the center of entertaining family and friends for 25 years. This home has lots of special features that you have to see in person. Check it out today!

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

When purchasing a home, the many different loan options available to you can be a bit overwhelming. With different names, various term lengths and many other factors on the table, it can be confusing trying to figure out which loan is best for you. While your mortgage lender and your Realtor can both answer questions you may have, it’s still smart to do your own research so that you have a basic understanding of mortgage loans.

Let’s focus on the two major options that affect your mortgage: the term of the loan and the type of interest rate attached to it. The term of the loan is the amount of time you have to pay it off.  Two of the most common loan terms are 15-year and 30-year loans. There are pros and cons to both. In addition, there are two types of interest rates to choose from: a fixed-rate or an adjustable-rate. Each type of loan combination has perks that meet your specific needs and will determine your monthly payment and the total interest you will pay.

First we will look at a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage loan.

This is a loan that you pay back over 15 years with the same interest rate throughout the life of the loan. One of the biggest benefits of a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage loan is that you will pay it off in half the time of a 30-year loan. Obvious, right? But what you may not realize is that you will also be paying less toward interest AND you will be building equity more quickly.  Paying your loan off faster means being able to use your hard-earned money for other things like retirement savings, college tuition for children, travel etc. However, while having a shorter term will often garner a lower interest rate, it still likely means higher monthly payments. And that is something you need to think about when deciding what kind of loan to pursue. For example, say your loan amount is $184,000 and you have a fixed interest rate of 7%.  You will pay about $1,650 a month with a 15-year loan verses about $1,220 a month with a 30-year term.  Since your payment will be lower with a 30-year loan, you might be able to qualify for a larger amount if you choose the loan with the longer term.

Shorter term loans usually have lower interest rates. This is because the lender is taking on less risk when money is borrowed for a shorter amount of time and they are able to get their interest back sooner. Locking into an interest rate with a  fixed-rate loan means you will pay at that interest rate for the entirety of your loan term. Since rates fluctuate daily, this is a good thing. However, there is always a chance that interest rates could drop lower than your rate, in which case an adjustable-rate mortgage might be beneficial. Adjustable-rate loans are risky though, because your rate could also go much higher meaning higher monthly payments and more interest paid throughout the life of the loan. The main reason to think about getting an adjustable-rate mortgage loan is to get a lower monthly payment. Since you are taking on the risk of rates rising, the bank will often reward you with a low rate starting out.

Now, let’s look at a 30-year mortgage loan. 

This is a home loan that will be paid off completely in 30 years as long as every payment is made as scheduled. Most 30-year mortgages are fixed-rate loans, meaning the interest rate will stay the same throughout the life of the loan. When you take out a 30-year loan, you may qualify for a higher amount than you would with a 15-year term. In addition, you will have lower monthly payments, making a more expensive home affordable for you. You also will enjoy the flexibility of being able to pay the loan off faster by adding to your monthly payment or making extra payments. But you can always go back to your regular payment when you can’t afford to do more. It’s easier to qualify for a 30-year loan and with the lower payments, you might have money left over each month for other things like savings, travel, etc. Just keep in mind that with a 30-year mortgage you will likely be paying a higher interest rate as well as more interest over the years, and you won’t be building equity as fast as you would with a 15-year mortgage.

Choosing what mortgage works best for you is a personal decision based on your needs.  Again, your mortgage lender and Realtor can help you do the math to determine what type of loan is going to give you the best outcome.

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: texasunitedmortgage.com, corbymortgage.com, totalmortgage.com, mortgagemoon.com

3200 Norman Bridge Road, Montgomery, AL 36105

MLS# 529118

3 Bedrooms | 2 Full Baths | 1 Half Bath | 2,230 Square Feet | South Hull District

This S Hull District home is perfectly livable as it stands and would also be a great opportunity for an easy fix-and-flip! Good bones! Kitchen and downstairs bath have already had updates. Great layout and large rooms, big corner lot with detached 2 car garage. Convenient location.

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

4340 Hillside Oaks, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 529052

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,067 Square Feet | Hillside Oaks

This adorable and pristine patio home is just right for the first time homebuyer and would be a great addition to any investment portfolio! Easy to care for vinyl flooring, good sized great room with fireplace, and updated kitchen with granite countertops make up the living spaces. Two nicely proportioned bedrooms each with private bath. Great side deck, rear patio, and covered porch all overlook privacy fenced backyard. Move-in ready and convenient to shopping and dining! Would make a great AIR B&B as well!!

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

Pumpkin season seems to arrive earlier and earlier every year with pumpkin spice everything making appearances in coffee shops, bakeries, and grocery stores as early as September. But if you’re like most people, you have never ventured beyond the most common way to serve and enjoy pumpkin - in a pie. Let’s be clear, pumpkin pies are a delectable delight! But if you love pumpkin, you might be surprised to discover there are a lot of other ways you can enjoy it! 

Check out these 6 ways to eat pumpkin (not in a pie):

1. Pumpkin Soup

If you’re looking for a simple way to enjoy pumpkin, then pumpkin soup is the way to go. Nothing says fall like a warm bowl of soup. Picture a cool fall evening with leaves falling outside and savory/sweet pumpkin soup simmering on the stove. Make it from scratch with this recipe! Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup

2. Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Not only are they tasty, but pumpkin seeds are a healthy snack! After getting the seeds out of the pumpkin, rinse them in a colander. Boil them in a pot of salted water for about ten minutes. Drain the pot and toss the seeds in a tablespoon of olive oil. Add any seasoning to taste. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until the seeds start to turn a toasty brown. Enjoy them as a snack on their own or add them to salads and soups.

3. Pumpkin Pancakes

Create a sweet and tasty breakfast with pumpkin pancakes! This easy recipe is made with ingredients you probably already have at home like milk, butter, eggs, and sugar. And along with pumpkin, fall flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg will have your mouth watering for this delectable dish! Buttery Pumpkin Pancakes

4. Pumpkin Dip

If you are hosting a holiday gathering or you will be attending one, this light and scrumptious pumpkin dip is perfect for serving to guests. Serve with apple slices, graham crackers and/or ginger cookies for a tasty treat! Pumpkin Dip

5. Roasted Pumpkin Risotto

Looking for a savory pumpkin dish? Try this Roast Pumpkin and Feta Risotto. You and your family will love this combination of sweet and salty! This recipe is sure to please most any palate!

6. Savory Pumpkin Hummus

Another savory option, pumpkin hummus is easy to make and healthy to eat. Just blend a can of garbanzo chickpeas with a can of pumpkin, season to taste, and voila! - you have a healthy hummus, perfect for snacking!

So, don’t limit yourself to pie! These are just a few of MANY recipes that include palate pleasing pumpkin. Try them and enjoy all things pumpkin this fall 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.

Photo Credits: cookieandkate.com, bonappetit.com, pouroliveoil.com, mybakingaddiction.com, allrecipes.com, playswellwithbutter.com

October has arrived and there are plenty of festive and fun events going on in Montgomery…some family friendly and some spooky and scary!

Here is a list of some SPOOKTACULAR Halloween Events for all to enjoy!

• Capri Theatre – Terror Thursdays and a Monday
  
  Thursdays starting October 13^th thru 27^th, plus Monday October 31^st

1045 East Fairview Ave
Montgomery, AL
334-262-4858

Get your fill of scary movies with Capri Classics throughout October!

• Bowl-oween in the Kove!!
  

Friday, October 14, 2022 – 8:00 pm to 1:00 am

3020 Atlanta Highway
Montgomery, AL

Have not fear! BOWL-OWEEN is here!! Stop by for a spell at The Kove at Bama Lanes Montgomery and let’s eat, drink and be sCaRy!

Come decked out in your best costume and let’s party!

NO COVER – MUST BE 21+ to enter with valid ID

Halloween Costume contest (winner receives $50 bar tab)

Spooky snack specials!

Halloween themed drinks!

DJ Ken LIVE!

• Halloween Costume Party!!
  

Friday, October 21, 2022 – 7:00 pm

EDC Event Center
3758 Norman Bridge Road
Montgomery AL

Come join in for a fun-packed night of costumes and magical mischief!! Come dressed as your favorite Anime, Cartoon, Video Game, Celebrity, or even favorite character! Prizes go out to the best costumes and runners up. Food and drinks will be provided.

Come dance and have a great time!

$10 entry fee at the door – 21 and older only.

• Halloween Carnival at the YMCA
  

Saturday, October 22, 2022 – 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Come out and join the folks at the YMCA for a night of carnival games, the little pumpkins playhouse, a cake walk, raffle, trick-or-treating, silent auction, Haunted House, a costume contest and more! DON’T MISS OUT!!

All proceeds from this even go to the Camper Scholarship Fund.

Admission: $5.00 per child, $3.00 per adult, children under age 3 enter for free!

Click HERE for directions and a schedule of events.

• 5^th Annual Jr Dragster Halloween Spooktacular
  

Thursday, October 27, 2022 – 9:00 am

Capital City Motorsports Park
2600 N Belt Drive
Montgomery, AL

The Halloween Spooktacular is a race like no other! It is fully dedicated to Jr Dragster racing, family fun, and all things Halloween! From the 10K Main Event to the Skull Bandits Golf Cart Race to Big Daddy Ben Parents Race all the way to the family fun activities like the Costume Contest, Pit and Trailer Decorating Contest, Trick or Treating, and several new surprise additions coming this year… YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS! The Halloween Spooktacular has made a name for itself as the BEST Jr Event of the year! Join us for the 5th Annual HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR at CCMP!

• Rocky Horror Picture Show 2022
  

Saturday, October 29, 2022

The Sanctuary
432 S Goldthwaite St.
Montgomery, AL

Tickets: $10-$15

The Sanctuary will host its eighth annual screening of the 1975 “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” as a fundraiser for the Jubilee Community Center.

Enjoy Halloween fun with host Henry Elodie Fontenot to lead the audience participation and prop cues. Feel free to get up and dance or sit back and enjoy the film.

Come early to register for the costume contest and have a drink. Concessions will include candy, hot dogs, beverages, popcorn, and prop bags.

Doors open at 7:00 pm, Film starts at 8:00 pm

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: Facebook, allevents, eventbrite

356 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 527661

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,589 Square Feet | Garden District

This updated Garden District home beckons a gentile era of porch sitting and visiting with neighbors. The inviting front porch is perched well above street level offering nice views of the streetscape. Inside, enjoy classic architectural features like coffered ceilings, French doors, and spacious rooms with nice flow. The dining room has a cool wet bar with shiplap accents. Updated kitchen has cozy nook for casual dining. Both bathrooms have had nice updates and are modern-looking, while still retaining some old-house charm. Bonus room off main bedroom could be den/study, nursery, dressing room, or could be easily converted to a large walk-in closet. Private side deck offers a quiet place for relaxation or entertaining, and the manageable back yard has new privacy fence. Vintage detached garage can't be used for car storage any longer, but makes great storage area for garden tools, bicycles, and lawn equipment. Located in Midtown Montgomery close to interstate and downtown, and literally a block from Cloverdale's shopping, dining, and entertainment district!

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

If you are a “foodie” looking for some adventures in dining, the charming capital city of Alabama has no shortage of offerings. From fine dining to farm-to-table to casual fare, you can find everything and anything to please your palate in Montgomery. Here are some of the city’s most popular dining destinations:

• Vintage Year
  Location: 405 Cloverdale Road
  Phone#: 334-819-7215
  

First opened as a chophouse in 1984, Vintage Year came back in its current embodiment in 2016 by new owner Jud Blount. The full-service dining establishment has been lauded in international publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and USA Today as one of the American South’s top restaurants and has been awarded top honors from culinary institutions including Wine Spectator and Open Table for its amazing menus. Enjoy fresh hand-cut meats, prime Gulf seafood, and excellent wines and spirits while luxuriating in the romantic atmosphere.

• Itta Bena
  Location: 1801 Eddie L Tullis Rd
  Phone#: 334-514-5129
  

If you are looking for a hip spot that celebrates the jazz and blues movement, Itta Bena is just the place. Situated atop Montgomery’s B.B. King’s Blues Club and named in honor of the town where the legendary blues singer was born, Itta Bena opened in 2015. It is known for its delicious Southern-style cuisine with served up in a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere. Diners will feast on jambalaya pasta with Andouille sausage, herb roasted chicken served with a goat cheese grit cake, or the ever-popular shrimp and grits. A fine wine list, specialized desserts and live entertainment make this an all-around fabulous place to dine!

• The City Grill
  Location: 5251 Hampstead High Street
  Phone#: 334-244-0960

Located in Montgomery’s Hampstead District since 1998, The City Grill is the oldest and most esteemed white-linen restaurant in Alabama’s River Region. This locally owned dining delight provides an upscale experience in an elegant dining room, while also offering casual seating at a full-service bar. There is even a lovely outdoor seasonal patio. Select from gourmet entrees like grilled filet of beef with a garlic and sundried tomato butter or sauteed shrimp over angel hair with a tomato and feta herb sauce. Enjoy an ever-evolving wine list along with cocktail and top shelf liquor options from the bar. This is a great spot for couples to enjoy a romantic night out!

• Central
  Location: 129 Coosa Street
  Phone#: 334-517-1155
  

Locally owned and regionally sourced, Central is the top-rated dining destination in Montgomery! An upscale casual restaurant and event venue, located in the heart of Montgomery’s Downtown entertainment district. Its farm-to-table fare includes dishes crafted with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. There are a variety of entrée selections to choose from such as wood fired roasted half chicken, citrus brined and served with herb dumplings, olive oil poached Chilean salmon served with smoked fingerling potatoes, and for the red meat lovers, New York strip served with oyster mushrooms. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available as well. Finish off with a delectable dessert and a beverage from the reclaimed wood full-service bar. You will be glad you dined at Central!

• Ravello Ristorante
  Location: 36 Commerce Street
  Phone# 334-356-2852
  
  Ravello offers an unparalleled approach to authentic dishes of Coastal Italy with local Southern ingredients, highlighted by a boutique wine menu. The team at Ravello Ristorante is proud to be serving its guests a truly memorable and authentic dining experience. Make sure you leave room for dessert! Enjoy exquisite interior designs or comfortable outdoor seating!
   
• Yokohama Japanese Restaurant
  Location: 2767 Bell Rd
  Phone# 334-517-1891
  

If you love Asian cuisine, you must check out Yokohama Japanese Restaurant. Opened in 2015 by restaurateur Seong Cheon, Yokohama specializes in unique and varied types of Japanese cuisine. Visit the spacious sushi and cocktail bar flanked by beautiful aquariums and big-screen TVs. Savor high-quality entrees at lunch or dinner including combination platter that allow you to try a little bit of everything from donburi and udon to teriyaki specials, to sushi platter to Japanese barbecue. With indoor and outdoor seating available, it is a great dining destination for large groups or intimate couples alike.

These are just a few of the many amazing restaurants you will find in magnificent Montgomery!

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: usarestaurants.info, opentable.com, tripadvisor.com, central129coosa.com, usarestaurants.info

90 Timberland Lane, Millbrook, AL 36054

MLS# 527556

4 Bedrooms | 3 Full and 1 Half Baths | 2,750 Square Feet | Live Oaks Estates

This beautifully maintained and custom-built home boasts many stunning features from the time you walk through the door! This home has soaring ceilings and a wonderful open floor plan with a formal dining area, large great room with fireplace, kitchen with an eat-in area and beautiful oak cabinets, screened-in back patio and much more! The master suite has its own wing with a separate shower, jetted tub, double vanities and more! The upstairs bonus room has a full bath and is equipped with surround sound. 2-car insulated and heated garage. There is also an 18x40 covered RV shed and a utility shed in the back. You will love it!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Joy Randolph, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!