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Displaying blog entries 171-180 of 528

1123 Westmoreland Ave: Mid-Century Home in the Heart of Cloverdale!

Monday, July 18, 2022
by The Hat Team

1123 Westmoreland Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 520100

3 Bedrooms | 2 Full Baths | 1,975 square feet | Cloverdale

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Welcome to this mid-century home in the heart of Cloverdale! Situated on a corner lot, this contemporary Midtown Montgomery home has an open floorplan that centers around a fabulous modern kitchen with a copper island with plenty of workspace and storage. The large living room has built-in bookcases surrounding a wood burning fireplace, wall of floor to ceiling windows and an adjacent sunroom/den/workout room with doors leading to the brick patio which overlooks the saltwater pool - incredibly low maintenance and a lovely yard. Other features include updated bathrooms, wood flooring, a separate laundry room, a wonderful, raised bed for gardening and a carport. Yes, covered parking! The Community Garden is just next door and walking distance to both Fairview and A&P restaurants, shops and entertainment. Check it out today!

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

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2172 Campbell Rd: Private Oasis in the Heart of Allendale!

Thursday, July 14, 2022
by The Hat Team

2172 Campbell Road, Montgomery, AL 36111

MLS# 519270

4 Bedrooms |  3.5 Bathrooms |  4,259 Square Feet |  Allendale 

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Welcome to your own private oasis in the heart of Allendale! This beautifully restored contemporary home has new landscaping, sits on almost an acre lot and on a cul-de-sac, which offers a gorgeous setting that feels like you are far away from the city. This Midtown Montgomery home has a wonderful open floor plan perfect for entertaining family and friends. The wide hallway lined with built-in bookshelves leads to the great room with recently updated kitchen with a new island and new countertops, a dining area and living room with a wall of windows overlooking the fabulous courtyard and back yard. At the end of the hall is a huge master suite with its own private deck. Special features are new wide planked wood flooring, spacious bedrooms, sleek bathrooms, a wood burning fireplace and large laundry room. Truly a unique property that is definitely worth seeing in person!

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

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Pre-Qualification, Pre-Approval & Conditional Approval: What’s the Difference?

Wednesday, July 13, 2022
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.

Photo credits: PYMNTS.com, Investopedia.com, debt.com, texaslending.com

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Purchasing a Home is an Excellent Investment

Wednesday, July 6, 2022
by The Hat Team

Investing in real estate is a time-tested way to successfully build wealth.  

While there are many ways to invest your savings, investing in real estate is unique in that it offers cash-flow, liquidity, profitability, and tax and diversification benefits those other investments do not.  If you’ve been thinking about how to build wealth for your retirement, you would be smart to consider investing in real estate.


There are four primary ways to make money in real estate:

  1. Appreciation. When a property increases in value, you have real estate appreciation. Sometimes is happens due to changes in the market and other times it may be due to upgrades made on the property.
     
  2. Cash flow income (rent). Cash flow income is a nice perk of real estate investment that you do not have in other types of investments.  It is generated when you purchase a home or apartment building or an office building and rent them out.
     
  3. Real Estate Income.  This is income earned by people who earn commissions through real estate transactions or buy property managers who oversee the operations of rental properties.
     
  4. Ancillary Real Estate Income. This can be a huge source of profit.  Things like application fees, vending machines and laundry facilities are money makers that go beyond the monthly rent. 


While there are certainly risks that come with investing in real estate, there are a lot of benefits that outweigh the risks:

  • Real estate is something that most people grow up being aware of. You may not have been exposed to things like stocks and bonds, but you likely know the importance of owning a home. Buying a home is an investment that is reachable.
     
  • Having an investment that you can see; something that is tangible, is psychologically important.
     
  • You have the control in a real estate investment.  You do not have to worry as much about being defrauded the way you might when entrusting your money to someone else to invest for you.
     
  • You will reap the benefits of tax advantages.
  • You can use money you make on a home sale to buy more real estate and increase your net worth.

Whether you are thinking of purchasing a home for yourself and investing in your own future by building equity or you are considering buying property to rent out, investing in real estate is great way to build wealth!

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 http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: thesavvycouple.com, portugalresident.com, pharmeceuticalonline.com, tmcfinancing.com

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1183 S Mcdonough St: Bungalow in the Heart of the Historic Garden District!

Thursday, June 30, 2022
by The Hat Team

1183 S Mcdonough Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 519753

2 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom / 1,408 square feet / Garden District 

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Absolutely adorable bungalow perched on a heavily landscaped knoll in the heart of the historic Garden District! This Midtown Montgomery one will steal your heart from the moment you pull up. Lush landscaping envelops the front and provides soothing privacy for the quaint front porch. Inside boasts a living room with fireplace and good-sized dining room. Breakfast room has beautiful lighted built-in china case and is open to the updated kitchen. Laundry room provides additional pantry space. Two spacious bedrooms share a hall bath, and there is a 3rd room on the back which could serve as a 3rd bedroom, den, office, study, nursery, or playroom. Antique French door and sidelights allow access to the rear deck and natural back yard. Other benefits include gorgeous hardwood floors, custom plantation shutters, like new roof, and fresh paint inside and out! Convenient to downtown and Cloverdale area.

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

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892 Running Brook Dr: Move-in Ready in Established Neighborhood!

Wednesday, June 29, 2022
by The Hat Team

892 Running Brook Drive, Prattville, AL 36066

MLS# 519816

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 1,594 Square Feet / Silver Hills 

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This open floor plan home has been freshly painted and is move-in ready! Great room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace opens to kitchen/ breakfast room. Breakfast room features window bench, kitchen has like-new refrigerator, breakfast bar, and built-in microwave. Split plan has two guest bedrooms and hall bath on one side, and spacious main bedroom on opposite side of home. Main bedroom offers trey ceiling and French doors out to a private deck with new fan/lighting. Main bath has split vanities, garden tub with separate shower, and nice sized walk-in closet. Tiered deck in back offers great views of the large open fenced back yard. 2 car attached garage has plenty of space for storage, and there is a detached storage building in the backyard. Established neighborhood and convenient to shopping and dining.

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

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How to Maintain a Great Looking Lawn During Summer

Wednesday, June 29, 2022
by The Hat Team

Summer has arrived and now is the time to really focus on your lawn. Taking the time to do certain tasks now will not only save you time and money but will have your curb appeal on point for the rest of the summer.

Here is a handy “to do list” of things you should do to care for your lawn during summer:

  1. Take advantage of July 4th sales to buy outdoor power tools. Independence Day sales typically offer great deals; anywhere from 15% to 30% off! 
  2. Begin your outdoor watering schedule. If you’re hot, so is your lawn!  Make sure you are giving it enough water to preserve its curb appeal. It will need at least a half-inch of water a week for warm season grasses found in Alabama. Lawns tend to gulp up water rather than sip it, so be sure to water deeply (up to 30 minutes) rather than frequently. An added benefit will be that you will waste less water this way. Early in the day is the best time to water. 5:00 am is perfect. If you’re not an early riser, you may want to get sprinkler that you can program. By watering early in the morning, it gives your lawn enough time to dry during the day so that fungus doesn’t grow.
     
  3. Get rid of grubs before they start munching on your lawn. Grubs love to dine on your lawn’s roots. If you don’t prevent that, they will kill your lawn. Replacing dead lawn is expensive: up to $2 per square foot to re-sod. Don’t let that happen! Use preventative care and put down a lawn grub-control product that will eliminate the problem before the eggs hatch and the little pests start munching!
  4. Establish a mowing schedule and stick to it! If you cut your grass too long or too short, or neglect to cut it regularly, your lawn will slowly lose its curb appeal. Prevent that by cutting no more than one-third of the grass blade per mow. If you cut more than that, it will leave your lawn susceptible to pests and disease. 

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: gardenerspath.com, realtylandscaping.com, trugreen.com

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850 Augusta Ave: Adorable Cottage in Cloverdale South!

Monday, June 27, 2022
by The Hat Team

850 Augusta Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36111

MLS# 519627

2 bedrooms | 1 bath | 1,001 square feet | Cloverdale South

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Snap this up before it's gone! Adorable, updated cottage in Cloverdale South is precious inside and out. Living room opens to dining area and large open kitchen. Two spacious bedrooms share a beautifully updated bath. Home sits on a large lot with a big, fenced back yard perfect for pets. Detached building out back provides additional storage and would make a great workshop. New HVAC installed in 2020. Updated plumbing and electrical. Property has rented for $850/month and would make a great investment property or a perfect starter home for first-time homebuyer. Move-in ready in Midtown Montgomery!

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

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448 Clanton Ave: Pristine Craftsman Bungalow in Historic Garden District!

Wednesday, June 22, 2022
by The Hat Team

448 Clanton Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36104

MLS# 515099

2 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom / 2,108 SqFt / Garden District 

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Remarkable and pristine Craftsman bungalow located in historic Garden District! Calling all Craftsman-style lovers...here is your opportunity to own one of the few un-mucked and original homes in any of Montgomery's historic districts. Starting with the extra deep covered front porch that extends the entire width of the house giving comfortable and spacious outdoor living opportunities. Large front rooms including living, dining and den/study all have the original stained moldings and woodwork, as well as beautiful, coffered ceilings. Beautifully grained oak floors have been freshly refinished. Grand fireplaces/mantles, built-in lead glass China cabinets, massive pocket doors, and unique 3/4 wall with grand French doors separating the living room and den/study are among the other architectural features you will find in this well-loved home. Long central hallway gives access to two large bedrooms and updated bath (which retains original OVAL pedestal sink and craftsman built-in toiletry cabinet!) Current owner removed a wall between original kitchen and service porch to create a large open kitchen/keeping room with center island and loads of natural light. Walk in pantry allows for endless storage, and the original butler's pantry has more built-in China/glassware display cabinets. Manageable private back yard boasts large patio for outdoor enjoyment. Make this Midtown Montgomery beauty your new home sweet home!

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

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Just Moved In? Make Yourself at Home!

Wednesday, June 22, 2022
by The Hat Team


Congratulations! You’ve just moved into your new house! It’s exciting, but it’s also a huge transition. It takes time to make a new house feel like home. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • BE ACTIVE

If you have moved to a new area where you do not know anyone, you may be tempted to isolate yourself. After all, you have unpacking to do and maybe a new job to start. But try to resist that temptation. Staying socially, physically, and communally active, triggers significant feelings that create the sense of home. Join a gym or exercise class, join a community such as a church, the school PTA or a book club, and shop locally to get to know your surroundings.

  • SURROUND YOURSELF WITH LIVING THINGS

A move can be difficult, especially if you are grieving the place you left. It’s not uncommon for people to become depressed after moving to a new home. Combat those feelings by cultivating relationships with living things. Start a garden, spend time with your children and pets or volunteer in the community. Step out of your comfort zone…you will be glad you did!

  • COMFORT YOURSELF WITH COLORS

Decorate with a palette of colors that lift your mood. Choose colors that promote calm, happy feelings. For example, earth tones create a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere that evokes feelings stability, reassurance, and ease, while light pastel colors stimulate feelings of peacefulness, calm and cleanliness.

  • SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE FAMILIAR

Even before you are completely settled into your home, placing familiar items such as family pictures and heirlooms in your new space can make it feel more like you. Even if you don’t hang your art right away, take it out of boxes and lean it against walls so that you can still enjoy it until you find time to place it where you want it. Some other ways to make you feel at home: cook favorite meals, burn candles with favorite scents and/or play your favorite music.

  • UNPACK

This may seem obvious, but it’s not unusual for people to still have boxes cluttering the house months after moving in. Take your belongings out of the boxes right away and begin decorating and arranging furniture. Start with your closets and dressers so that you will be able to find the things you need easily in order to set up the rest of your house. The sooner you do this, the sooner this once strange place will feel like home!

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: antiquefarmhouse.com, verywellfamily.com, globalsportsmatters.com, angi.com, pinterest.com, dailyrepublic.com

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