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Keeping Your Gas Grill Clean

by The Hat Team

Summer is almost here and for many families, that means it is cookout time!  One of the best things about cooking out on the grill is that there are fewer pots and pans to wash than with stovetop cooking. While you don’t have to scrub down your gas grill to shiny perfection after each use, it is important to give it a deep clean every now and then to make sure it runs safely and efficiently. Here’s how!

  1. Gather your cleaning supplies - You may want to use gloves and you will need a grill brush or some other type of cleaning brush. You will also need old cleaning rags or paper towels, a bristle brush or putty knife, and soap and water.
     
  2. Turn off the gas supply – THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure the gas supply is turned off or play it extra safe and remove the gas tank from the grill while cleaning it.
     
  3. Remove the grill grates - Pull them out so you can give them a thorough cleaning. Scrub them with a grill brush or other coarse brush.
     
  4. Clean anything covering the burners - Remove any V-shaped metal heat tents, ceramic briquettes, or lava stones that cover the burners and brush them clean. You will want all the gas grill parts to be spic and span.
  5. Clean the burner tubes - Lightly brush the burner tubes and make sure all the gas ports are clean and open.
     
  6. Clean the bottom of the grill and the lid - Brush or wipe any debris out of the bottom of the grill. If there is peeling black stuff (usually carbon flakes and grease) on the grill lid or bottom, use a bristle brush or putty knife to scrape it off.
     
  7. Clean the grease collection tray - Use soap and water to clean the grease collection tray and replace any disposable pans as needed.  Make sure to dispose of grease properly - pour it into an empty can or bottle, wait for it to harden, then throw the whole thing away.
     
  8. Wipe down the outside of the grill - With a rag or paper towel, wipe down the outside of the grill and any side trays using soap and water.
     
  9. Put the grill back together - Now you’re ready for a cookout!!

Here is a delicious grill recipe for you to enjoy this summer:

Surf ‘n Turf Foil Packs

4 Servings, Prep time: 10 minutes, Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • ½ lb. sirloin steak, cut into 1” cubes
  • ½ lb. shrimp, cleaned and deveined
  • 2 ears corn, each cut crosswise into 4 pieces
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes
  • 1 small red onion, cut into thick slices
  • 1 lime, sliced into wedges
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Directions:

  1. Heat grill to high. Cut 4 sheets of foil about 12 inches long.
  2. Divide steak, shrimp, corn, tomatoes, onion, lime, and garlic between each foil pack. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with Old Bay, fresh thyme, cumin, and black pepper.
  3. Fold each foil pack crosswise over to completely cover the food mixture. Roll top and bottom edges to seal.
  4. Place foil packs on the grill and cook until shrimp is cooked through and steak is finished to your desired doneness, 6 to 8 minutes per side.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve with lime wedges.

Recipe from delish.com

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: deeatatsunset.com, kingofmaids.com, amandascookin.com, charbroil.com

1431 Midlane Court, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 516609

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 2,393 SqFt / Midlane

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This spacious and well-built garden home is in the heart of Midtown, close to shopping, dining, and MCC. Traditional layout has ample entry foyer opening to large light-filled living room with volume ceiling, fireplace, and nice built-in bookshelves. Cozy sunroom off living room is great spot for morning coffee or lounging. Spacious dining room has walk-in china closet and eat-in kitchen has center island with space on either end for stools, space for small bistro table, and lots of cabinet and counter space. The first floor has master bedroom with walk in closet, bonus closet, and split vanity bath. 2nd bedroom is also on first floor and has its own private bath. Upstairs is a BIG bonus room and additional closet storage/space. 1 car garage and sweet little courtyard out back. Very private!

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

1030 Old Breckenridge Lane, Montgomery, AL  36117

MLS# 516455

5 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms / 3,588 SqFt / Breckenridge

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Looking for extra room? This fabulous 5 bedroom, 4 bath home in Breckenridge is ready for its next family! Open the beautiful wood double front doors to find a large two-story great room with fireplace that opens to a custom kitchen with center island work space and a breakfast bar, an elegant formal dining room, master suite with double vanities, and a bedroom and bath on the opposite side that would make a perfect in law suite. Upstairs are three huge bedrooms, two baths and a bonus room/man cave complete with a custom bar. Off the kitchen is a cozy screened porch overlooking the large backyard. Tons of storage and light filled rooms. Don't miss the awesome neighborhood clubhouse and pool! Come check it out today!

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

309 Ware Hill Court, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 514857

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms / 2,849 SqFt / Dalraida

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Welcome to this beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath in desirable Dalraida! Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, from the outside you would never know this home has such an open floor plan that is suitable to a variety of lifestyles. The newly renovated kitchen boasts granite countertops and island, stainless appliances is open to the great room - perfect for entertaining. Two main bedrooms with en suite baths, each with amazing garden tubs! Pretty laminate flooring, new light fixtures, and unique tile throughout. This lovely property is low maintenance with a pretty front yard, an enclosed private patio, two-car garage AND carport, making it easy to "lock and leave". Check it out today!

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

704 Felder Ave: Classic Old Cloverdale At Its Finest!

by The Hat Team

704 Felder Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 514841

4 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bathrooms / 3,250 SqFt / Cloverdale 

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Classic Old Cloverdale at its finest! Situated on the corner of two of the most iconic streets in the neighborhood, this stunning home awaits its new owner. The open floor plan is adaptable to a variety of lifestyles and is ideal for entertaining. The kitchen and master bath boast beautiful marble and there is gorgeous molding, stained glass accents and large windows throughout that make the home full of natural light. French doors lead from both the living room and dining rooms onto a huge brick patio overlooking the lovely back yard. Midtown Montgomery walking distance to restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

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

714 Karen Rd: Cute Brick Starter or Investment Property!

by The Hat Team

714 Karen Rd, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 514379

3 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom / 1,035 SqFt / Forest Hills

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Cute brick starter home or cash-flowing investment property with good tenant already in place! Open floorplan includes living/dining and kitchen, with hardwood and tile floors! updated kitchen features as well as bath. covered parking doubles as great covered sitting area for outdoor enjoyment out of the elements. Big back yard fenced for pets. Convenient location on nice hilly street.

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

3305 Audubon Road, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 514199

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 1,524 SqFt / Cloverdale

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Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac street, this charming Cloverdale cottage is convenient to the park, dining, and entertainment! Traditional living room and dining room are perfect for entertaining, and your family will love the big den/family room off the kitchen with plenty of space to spread out. Kitchen and bathrooms have been nicely updated with granite, and kitchen features a large pantry for additional storage. Large master bedroom has walk-in closet and door to back deck. Outdoor living is easy on either the private side deck off the family room, or on the floating deck in the back yard, surrounded by nice landscaping and mature shade trees. Big back yard is fenced and provides privacy and plenty of room for pets. Detached shed is wired and provides additional workspace and storage. Exceptional Midtown Montgomery living!

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

3 Brantwood Dr: Great Investment Property in Montgomery Heights!

by The Hat Team

3 Brantwood Drive, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 510965

2 Units with 2 Bedrooms and 1 Full Bath Each

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Great investment property! Recently renovated kitchens (granite) and baths, refinished hardwood floors, fresh paint and NEW HVAC! This duplex will allow you to live in one side and rent out the other side. Call for an appointment today!

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

3462 Bankhead Ave: Wonderful Family Home in Desirable Edgewood!

by The Hat Team

3462 Bankhead Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36111

MLS# 510921

3 Beds / 3 Baths / 2,378 SqFt / Edgewood

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Welcome to this wonderful family home in desirable Edgewood! From the beautiful slate floor in the foyer, you are immediately drawn to the grand Empire marble mantel in the living room across from a large picture window. The formal dining room leads to a huge open kitchen, updated with granite countertops and bar height island on one side and a tiled breakfast area/keeping room on the other, making it the perfect space to entertain family and friends. Master suite has split vanities, walk-in shower, and jetted tub. The laundry room is located right off the kitchen in the middle room of the house which could be used as a den or a 4th bedroom with its own bath. Situated on a 250' lot in Midtown Montgomery, there is plenty of room for play and pets. The covered slate patio offers a nice spot to relax in the lovely back yard. Military tenant in place until the end of June.

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

The Pros and Cons of a Homeowners Association

by The Hat Team


You’ve found your dream home! The neighborhood is lovely, with well-kept lawns and freshly painted exteriors. There is a resort-like pool and a playground for the kids. Awesome! Oh, and there is a Homeowners Association (HOA) that will cost you $500 a month. Didn’t see that coming, did you?  It is important to be informed about the pros and cons of living in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association.

PROS

  • The neighborhood will be aesthetically pleasing. Most HOAs establish rules for residents that ensure keeping up the appearance of the neighborhood. The guidelines might include keeping lawns manicured, whether you can have a fence (and the type and color of the fence), and what exterior paint colors you can use. You may even have to get permission to remove or add trees and shrubs.
  • Awesome amenities. You will enjoy the amenities that come with your HOA fees. Most HOAs offer luxuries such as a pool, a fitness center, play areas, parks and security gates.  That is in addition to covering the expenses of landscaping and maintenance of the common areas.
     
  • Maintenance costs are shared.  You will not have to worry about the upkeep of the pool, fitness center or common areas.
     
  • An HOA will handle disputes between neighbors. If someone has a dog barking at all hours or loud parties, you can contact the HOA and they will contact the neighbor; especially if HOA rules are being broken.

CONS

  • HOA dues.  They can be expensive, sometimes as much as $1,000 per month depending on what amenities are offered. These fees need to be taken into consideration when deciding if you can afford a house in the neighborhood. They will be included in your mortgage lender’s assessment of your monthly mortgage payment, so you will have to qualify for a loan amount that includes them.
  • Needing permission to make changes to your property. If you want to add a room to your home or modify it in some way, you will have to make a request that will go before the HOA board for approval. If they don’t approve it, you will not be able to make the changes you want.
     
  • HOA financial problems could become your problem. If your HOA is struggling financially, it could damage your ability to obtain a loan for a home and it could be detrimental to home sale prices in the community.
     
  • Keeping up with the dues. If you fall behind on your HOA dues, it can do great harm to you financially. You may even end up facing foreclosure. That is why it is crucial that you include the fees when determining if you can afford a house. You may also be subject to late fees if you do not pay on time. In addition, HOAs can fine you for not following guidelines and rules, so it is imperative that you can afford the upkeep required for living in the neighborhood.

It is vital that you consider all these pros and cons before deciding to purchase a home in a neighborhood with an HOA.

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: homelight.com, blog.realmanage.com, excelam.com

Displaying blog entries 141-150 of 332

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