Real Estate Information

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

If you are planning to put your house on the market, there is no time like the present to start getting organized for the process of staging, showing and moving out of your home.

Begin now by following the tips listed below and you won’t feel so overwhelmed when it’s time for that first open house!

Eliminate Piles before you sell. 

Some of us suffer from “flat-surface syndrome”.  If there is a flat surface, it is covered with “stuff”.  Now is the time to eliminate any of the “stuff” cluttering the horizontal surfaces in your home. Things such as mail, magazines and other odds and ends that are piled on the tops of tables, desks and shelves should be removed. 

​Clear out storage areas. 

If your closets, bookcases, pantry, and other storage areas are overstuffed, this is a red flag for potential buyers that screams, “not enough storage!”.  Keeping a minimum number of items in your house will leave the impression that there is a generous amount of storage in your home.

Get rid of excess.

Eliminate or pack up items that you will not need before you move. For example, only keep enough dishes, towels, sheets, toys etc. that you will use during the time your house is for sale. Why have ten sets of sheets in your linen closet when you will only need one or two?

Remove seasonal items.

Pack away things that are only used during other seasons. If you are selling in the fall/winter, pack away your spring/summer clothes. You can also pack away off-season holiday items. 

Throw things away.

If it is worn out, broken, rusty, stained, torn or incomplete, it is time to let it go. If your belongings look shabby and old, your house will look that way too. Don’t hesitate to throw such items away.

Donate items you no longer want or need. 

When you are cleaning and sorting items, if you come across things that you do not use now and will not use in a new home, donate them. There is no point in packing and moving something you will never use.  But if it is in good shape, someone else will get use out of it.

Sell before you sell.

If you find that you have many items to eliminate from your home, think about selling what you do not store, throw away or donate. You can sell at a yard sale, bring items to a consignment shop, or list items online. But have reasonable expectations regarding how much money you can make; do not overprice.  Remember the goal is to dispose of as many things as possible.

Rent a storage unit. 

Move large items/equipment that you do not often use to a storage unit. It can also provide space for packed boxes to give you a head start in preparing for your move.

Improve Curb Appeal.

Remove any clutter (toys, lawn ornaments, garbage bins) from your yard. The outdoor spaces provide the first and last impression for potential buyers and as such, it is important that they look neat and tidy.

Moving is stressful, so don’t wait to start preparing.  Get a head start before putting your house on the market!

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: wakeweb.co.uk, lifesavvy.com, thepsurce.com, uhaul

With kids heading back to school, it can be challenging to transition from a summer schedule to a more demanding school year schedule. Establishing a morning routine will help keep everyone organized.  

Here are some tips for creating an effective routine for your family:

• SET A TIME FOR WAKING UP ON SCHOOL MORNINGS – AND STICK TO IT:
  Consistency is key.  By waking up at the same time every day you will develop a pattern of wakefulness and sleepiness each day.  It’s equally important to go to bed the same time every night, especially for young children who need 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Once you have determined what time your kids need to get up to get ready for school, you can then easily determine what time they need to go to bed.
   
• PREPARE FOR EACH DAY THE NIGHT BEFORE:

Make sure that school bags are packed up and placed in a designated spot to be picked up the next morning. Have your children choose their outfits the evening before as well. Plan for lunches if your children will be bringing them from home. Have them ready to grab and go. Get the day off to a good start by having everything organized and ready to go.

• CREATE A “TO DO” LIST FOR YOUR CHILDREN THAT INCLUDES EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO DO BEFORE LEAVING:
  

Brushing teeth, getting dressed, putting on shoes, eating breakfast etc.You can find free printable charts, or you can have your children make their own. Place it where you know they will see it first thing every day.

• SCHEDULE ENOUGH TIME FOR A HEALTHY BREAKFAST:

Any breakfast is better than none but try to avoid having sugary sweets for breakfast every day. Your kids need fuel for their bodies and minds to be successful at school.

• BE SURE YOU HAVE AMPLE TIME TO GET TO THE BUS STOP OR SCHOOL:

Time your departure so you are not rushing to get your kids where they need to be. Per the national initiative Attendance Works, missing just 10 percent of the school year in early grades causes many students to struggle in elementary school, and lateness in later grades is associated with increased failure and dropout rates. In addition, the stress of rushing and/or consistently being late creates anxiety. Arriving to school calmly and with time to spare sets a positive tone for the day.

Setting a consistent routine will make mornings more pleasant and the school day more successful!

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: dixiecanyon.com, thesoccermomblog.com, everydaybest.com, raisingchildren.net.au

4849 Sunshine Drive, Montgomery, AL  36116

MLS# 523271

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,350 square feet | Sunshine Acres

Move-in ready in Sunshine Acres! Excellent condition with fresh interior and exterior paint, beautifully refinished hardwood floors, new laminate flooring and a NEW roof! Perfect starter home or to start your investment portfolio. Come check it out today!

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

You may make a lot of financial investments in your lifetime, but owning a home is likely the largest investment you will ever make. Because it is such a large investment, it takes a long time to pay it off. In fact, it can feel like it takes a lifetime to finally own your home outright. But the truth is, there are ways to shorten the process so that you can pay off your mortgage sooner rather than later.

Here are some options for paying off your mortgage’s entire principal (plus interest) quicker:

• Biweekly Payments

Most people make mortgage payments monthly. But if it’s within your budget AND your lender allows it, you can make two payments every month. When you make biweekly payments, they still must equal the amount of your required monthly payment. However, remember that every time you make a payment it goes toward the interest you’ve accrued first. By making payments every two weeks, that leaves less time for interest to increase. That means more of your money will go towards your principal balance, thus allowing you to pay off your mortgage faster. Keep in mind that not all lenders will accept biweekly payments, so be sure to check with them first.

• Unexpected Income

Any substantial and unforeseen monetary gain is a “windfall”. Windfall income is exciting and can be used in a plethora of ways. If the idea of paying on your mortgage for 30 years, you may want to consider using windfall income to pay of your loan faster.

Examples of windfall income are:

• Credit card cash-back rewards
• Tax refunds
• Inheritance
• Lawsuit settlements
• Property sales
• Raises
• Work bonuses
• Lottery winnings

Not everyone will have windfall income during their life, but for those who do, it can be a great way to put a dent in your mortgage’s outstanding balance.

• Refinance to a Shorter Loan Term

If paying off your mortgage faster is a goal for you, refinancing to a shorter loan term is a great way to do it. Refinancing involves paying off your existing mortgage so you can replace it with another in order to save money or pay off your loan sooner. You might be surprised to discover that changing from a 30-year to a 20- or 15-year loan will only raise your monthly payment by a few hundred dollars. So, if your financial status has improved since you first purchased your home, and your budget can withstand a larger payment, you can knock thousands of dollars in interest off the life of your loan. It’s a good idea to shop around for the best rate if you want to refinance, as you don’t have to stay with your current lender.

• Make Extra Payments Towards Principal

The “principal” of your mortgage is the amount you borrowed and have to pay back. Your monthly payments usually include your principal, interest, insurance and taxes. You can pay off your mortgage more quickly by simply paying extra towards your principal occasionally or even making an extra, large payment towards your principal once a year. You can do this with money you have budgeted for that purpose or if your income has changed in a way that allows for it.

If you are considering options to pay your mortgage off faster, the first step to take is to speak with a mortgage banker. They have the expertise to give you the best advice for practical solutions that will work 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.

Photo credits: cnn.com, clearpoint.org, mtgprofessor.com

24 N Lewis Street, Montgomery, AL  36107

MLS# 523354

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 956 square feet | Capitol Heights

This precious gem in Capitol Heights is pristine and ready to move into! With its close proximity to downtown, this is the perfect spot for anyone that works in or loves the dining and entertainment in downtown Montgomery. Living room boasts decorative fireplace and glass front cabinets for books or displaying collectibles. Like-new roof, fresh paint, and beautiful hardwood floors, plus a cozy covered front porch and rear deck for your outdoor pleasure. Small easy to manage front and back yards means you won’t be spending all afternoon doing yardwork. Pull-down stairs lead to loads of extra storage in the attic, and there is a detached storage building out back that would make a great workshop. All electric, so no gas bill!

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