Real Estate Information Archive

Do you love the idea of growing your own food, but don’t have room for a garden? Don’t worry! You can still grow vegetables and herbs even if you don’t have a sunny patch of soil to plant them in. You just need some containers!  You might be surprised to discover how many of your favorite edibles will grow just fine in a container.

To get started, you must make sure that the container you choose is large enough to hold a full-grown plant.  Veggies like lettuce and spinach don’t require a lot of space, nor do many herbs.  But beefy tomatoes and peppers will need some growing room. 6 Great Containers for Growing Vegetables

Once you’ve got the right containers, it’s time to purchase the proper potting mix designed for container growth.  You will also need to water more often because roots in containers can’t work their way out to reach water.  Make sure that the area where you plan to have your containers can withstand their weight. For example, if you plan to put them on your second-floor balcony, you’re going to want to check the building code to make sure it can handle heavy pots.

Here are some examples of edibles that do well in containers:

• Herbs

Herbs do well in containers of all shapes and sizes.You can place them on a patio, in a windowsill or line them along your sidewalk.The trick is to make sure the pot you choose is matched to the adult size of the plant.Smaller herbs like chervil, chives, cilantro, marjoram, oregano, parsley, sage, savory, tarragon and thyme do well in containers that are 6-12 inches deep and 12 inches wide.Larger plants like basil, lavender, and lemongrass need a minimum of 16-18 inch containers, while rosemary and dill need even larger pots.

• Salad Greens

​​Salad greens like lettuces, lettuce blends, mesclun and microgreens have very shallow roots and only require pots to be about 6 inches deep.  Others like chicory, radicchio and spinach need 8 inches.

• Strawberries

Strawberries make beautiful container plants.Imagine having one close to wear you sit outdoors and simply reaching over to pluck a ripe, scrumptious berry right off the plant.They also do well in hanging baskets. The berries will be a eye level while keeping pests from getting into them.Strawberries will grow in just about any container as long as it’s at least 8 inches deep. If you do choose to use a hanging container, go a little bigger; at least 12 inches wide and deep.

• Peppers

The advantage of growing peppers in a container is that you can start them earlier than normal, meaning you will also get to harvest them earlier for your dining pleasure. The disadvantage is that they may not be as big as garden-grown versions.But they will be as tasty!And they provide a colorful addition to a balcony or patio garden.You will want a container that is at least 8 inches deep and at least 16 to 18 inches wide.

• Tomatoes

Tomatoes grown in containers are just as yummy as the ones grown in garden soil, but they have the added perk of avoiding soil-borne diseases.If you plant in containers you start with new soil every year.It’s important to match the tomato size to the container size for optimal growth.Always err on the side of more space.Even the tiniest of tomatoes, like cherry tomatoes, will need planters that are at least a foot deep and even wider.

• Eggplants

This gorgeous plant often gets overlooked when considering a container garden, but it shouldn’t! It will brighten up any container garden with its lovely violet spring flowers and shiny purple fruits.While they are not huge plants, they will need some space to thrive.Containers for eggplants should be a minimum of 12 inches deep and 16-18 inches wide.

These are just a sampling of edible plants that can be grown in containers.  If you thought you could never have an herb or vegetable garden, think again!  Get started on your own edible container garden and you will be enjoying fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies before you know it! The 35 Easiest Container and Pot Friendly Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale:

3111 Malone Dr Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 470558

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1980 Square Feet | Hillwood

VIEW THE TOUR

Fabulous move-in ready townhouse in popular Hillwood! This one story townhouse has such a wonderful floor plan that you will not believe how spacious every room is! The eat-in kitchen is huge and beautifully updated with granite counter tops, tiled back splash, tons of cabinets, nice sized pantry, and stainless appliances. It opens to the large living room and the den/formal dining room with built-ins… a great space to use for whatever suits your needs. The enormous master had 3 walk-in closets and an en suite bath with split granite vanities and tiled shower. The guest bedroom is on the opposite end and has two large closets. There is a cozy covered patio and small yard with just enough grass for a pet but not a lot of upkeep. The location in Midtown Montgomery is so convenient and walking distance to restaurants and shopping. Check it out today!

Market by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Layfield, Sandra Nickel Hat Team. Go to HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com and click on 'About'.

Do you love treasures from days gone by?  Whether you have a collection of family heirlooms passed down through generations, or you’re simply a fan of antiquing and have acquired pieces that you want to enjoy in your home, here are some tips for decorating with these timeless treasures:

Go Retro

 The easiest way to decorate with antiques is to give your home a retro vibe. Instead of having one or two antiques in a room, give the whole space a makeover with a retro theme.If you have a piece of furniture that you want to highlight, utilize other things from that era to accent it.They don’t all have to be antiques. You can find many vintage-like things from lamps to art to fabrics that will add to the ambiance while maintain adherence to the time period your furniture is from.

Combine Old With New

If you have just a few antiques that you want to incorporate into your home décor, it’s definitely ok to insert them into your modern or transitional design.  For example, you can hang old photos on the wall or put them in unique frames on your mantle or shelves. Using modern frames allows you to combine the old with the new.  Collectibles like Victorian teacups can be placed in a modern curio cabinet to be displayed in an updated way. How to Mix Antique Modern Decor Styles

Be Careful With Placement

One of the most important aspects of decorating with antiques is placement. You can make the antique the focal point of the room and work around it. Another option is to place items in more inconspicuous areas where they can be accent pieces. Placing small heirlooms on a bookshelf is a great way to display items that bring happy memories without them intruding on the overall aesthetic of the room.

Create New Pieces With Old Ones

If arts and crafts are your thing, there are a lot of options for creating art with antiques.For example, people are taking old, rustic window frames and making photo collages with them.Another option is refinishing a door and using it either as art or as a functional addition to your home. 33 Ways to Elevate Vintage Doors into Art

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: veranda.com

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale

1109 S Hull St Montgomery AL 36104

MLS: 469964

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 3,848 Square Feet | Burtonville

Virtual Tour

This stately late 1800's home is your opportunity to have your own business/gallery/studio on one level and comfortably live upstairs in a spacious 3 bedroom/2 bath home in Midtown Montgomery. Current owner has occupied this space for over 25 years, running his family business out of the first floor while enjoying the convenience of living upstairs. A large family sized kitchen and big living/dining room area have great built-ins and plenty of storage. Big party deck off the 2nd floor is perfect place to entertain or simply relax and enjoy being in the trees. The first floor has a reception area (formerly a large foyer) plus multiple office/conference rooms and a kitchenette and two bathrooms. Plenty of off-street parking on side and rear of house.

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

Go to HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com. Click on “About”.

You’ve just bough your first home!  Congratulations!  You got through the process with the help of your Realtor, but now you’ve signed the paperwork and received your keys and it’s time to move in. You may find yourself wondering, “what next?”.  Here are some tips to help make your transition to home owner a little less stressful:

• Educate Yourself About Your Mortgage Statement

It’s important that you learn how to read your monthly mortgage statement. When you receive the first one, you will see that there is a lot of information on it. Most importantly, it will tell you the amount due, how to pay it, and the due date.It will also include your loan servicer’s contact information, which you will need if you have any questions about your mortgage. How to Read a Mortgage Statement

• Don’t Pay Attention to Refinance Offers

You might start receiving a lot of unsolicited mail after you move in to your new home.That is because your information becomes public record and companies will start sending you refinancing offers.The thing is, it’s not usually beneficial to you to refinance early on in your mortgage repayment process.It may be a great option for you down the road, but not right away. Mortgage Refinancing: How to Know When the Time is Right

• Organize Your Documents

When you close on your house you will sign a lot of papers and you will be given copies of all of them.Be sure to keep these documents together in a safe place.You will need access to them when it comes time to pay your taxes so that you can take advantage of tax savings that come with home ownership. Tax Benefits of Home Ownership in 2020

• Do a Home Inventory

The day you sign the title to your new home, your home owner’s insurance will go into effect.But there is more work to be done to protect your home and belongings. The smart thing to do is to create a written/photographic inventory of all the valuables in your home.This will be very helpful if a worst-case scenario occurs and your personal property is damaged, stolen or destroyed.If you can present your insurance company with an organized list of what you have lost, it will help expedite your claim. 10 Shortcuts for Completing Your Home Inventory in Record Time

• Give Your New Home a Deep Cleaning

It’s always a good idea to give your new home a deep cleaning before you move in; even if it’s a newly constructed home.It’s so much easier to do this before you have moved all your belongings in and you will feel good about starting out in a freshly cleaned house!

• Change Your Locks

This is a step that many people overlook.You’ve just received the keys to your new home, but many people have had those keys before you.From previous owners, to Realtors, to contractors and more; you really have no idea who might still have access to your home.To ensure your safety, call a locksmith and schedule an appointment to have all your exterior door locks changed the morning after your closing.You will feel safer knowing you are the only ones with keys to your house!

• Educate Yourself About Your Home

Take the time to learn your home systems. Familiarize yourself with your HVAC unit, the circuit breaker, the security system, the fireplace, and the hot water heater. Find where the fire extinguishers are and make sure smoke/carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order.

Becoming a home owner is exciting and sometimes overwhelming, but you can start out on the right foot by following this guide!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: SmartAsset.com

2422 College St, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 469823

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2100 Square Feet | Old Cloverdale

Click here for Virtual Tour!

This Old Cloverdale home has been well maintained and shows like a model! Formal living room/dining room and open flow make entertaining crowds a breeze. Enjoy more casual living/dining in the cozy sunroom/den and breakfast room. Big updated kitchen has plenty of room for meal prep and a walk-in pantry for storage. The wide central hallway is large enough for furniture and great place to display your art collection. Three spacious bedrooms and two baths, plus a big cedar-lined hall closet round out the interior offerings. The back yard is fenced and private, and has a recently refurbished party deck and lots of heirloom shrubs and mature shade trees. Detached storage with workshop area and potting shed. Walking distance to Cloverdale's entertainment district, parks, theaters and shopping! Call your favorite agent for an appointment to view this Midtown Montgomery home today, before it gets away!

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

2085 S Hull St, Montgomery AL 36104

MLS# 469757

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2133 Square Feet | Garden District

If you have dreamed about living in the beautiful historic Garden District in Midtown Montgomery, here is your chance! This spacious brick rancher has been lovingly maintained and thoughtfully updated to meet your needs. Large living room and dining room work well for entertaining and more formal living, while the cozy eat-in kitchen and den/family room is where you will find yourself most of the time. Split plan bedrooms offer adults privacy from guests/kids. Large back patio overlooks expansive back yard with lots of privacy. Located minutes from Downtown and Cloverdale's dining and entertainment districts, too.

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

Go to HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com. Click on “About”.

46 N Brittany Dr, Elmore AL 36025

MLS# 468509

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1786 Square Feet | Brittany Place

Welcome to Brittany Place, an upscale garden home community! This home's floorplan allows for plenty of living and entertaining spaces, with oversized great room and dining room, plus open kitchen and breakfast nook. Spacious master bedroom features walk-in closet and master bath with garden tub and split vanities. Rear screened porch is the perfect place to relax and unwind, and small low-maintenance lot means less time doing yardwork and more time doing fun/family activities! And, just down the street is the neighborhood gazebo and party pavilion, shared by all residents in Brittany Place.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!  Go to HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com. Click on “About”.

No green thumb? Don’t worry!  The grass CAN be greener on your side of the fence. With spring right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start working on a thick carpet of grass for your yard. Here are some tips for growing a lawn that will have your neighbors GREEN with envy:

• Start by reseeding and fertilizing. If you have bare spots in your grass, taking the time to reseed now will pay off this spring.  Make sure you fertilize for optimal growth and keep the area moist until you see new growth. If you don’t have time to do this yourself, you can hire someone to do it. Lawn Seeding Services in Montgomery Alabama
   
• Look for problems that will hinder growth.  Steep slopes and shady trees can potentially keep grass from growing.  You may want to consider hydroseeding in sloped regions.  And planting fescues in shady zones will help as well. What is Hydroseeding
   
• Patch dead areas with sod.  Re-sodding is the best bet if you have large dead areas. Sod can be installed any time of year…just make sure you water it frequently until it sets.
   
• Look into xeriscaping. No matter what climate you live in, xeriscaping is the best way to weatherproof your lawn.  This low maintenance, low cost method of landscaping will keep your lawn looking beautiful during all the seasons! Guide to Xeriscape Landscaping

Once you have your lawn looking fabulous, you can create a fun outdoor living space to enjoy with your friends and family.  And when you’re ready to sell your home, the first impression potential buyers get from your curb appeal will have them waiting in line to see your house! 

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: leekgarden.com

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. Your Mortgage Closing Checklist

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: totalmortgage.com