Real Estate Information Archive

Rock the Lot – Prattville

When: July 3, 6:30PM

Kick off Independence Weekend at Rock the Lot featuring live music from local bands, family-friendly activities, and food trucks. Festivities start at 6:30 PM and wrap with a fireworks display to light up the night. Bring blankets or chairs and enjoy a community celebration outdoors in Prattville.

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Sip-n-Cycle Independence Day Boat Party

When: Thursday, July 3 - Saturday, July 5, all day, starting at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Riverfront Park, 355 Commerce St., Montgomery

Jump aboard and enjoy an exciting day of cruising on the Sip-n-Cycle Pedal Cruise, where the fun never stops! Embrace the festive spirit by wearing red, white, and blue, and be ready to celebrate on the Alabama River. This unique riverboat party invites you to bring your own food and beverages, allowing for a personalized touch to your river cruise experience. This event is designed exclusively for adults, and you can expect a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie. So, gather your friends, pack your favorite snacks and drinks, and prepare for an unforgettable day on the water!

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Montgomery Biscuits Game and Fireworks

When: Thursday, July 3, 6:35 p.m.
Where: The Riverwalk Stadium

Join the Montgomery Biscuits for another spectacular Independence Day Celebration with a T-Shirt Giveaway, proudly presented by Hardee's! This is the perfect way to honor America’s birthday while enjoying America’s favorite pastime. Experience an unforgettable evening with the Montgomery Biscuits, packed with excitement, laughter, and vibrant fireworks lighting up the night sky.

The gates will open at 5:30 PM, so make sure to arrive early to grab a free t-shirt. The first 1,000 fans aged 15 and older will receive a special limited-edition T-shirt to commemorate this festive occasion. Bring your family and friends to enjoy delicious ballpark food and exciting baseball action. 

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Independence Day Celebration at Riverfront Park

When: Friday, July 4, 8:00 p.m.
Where: Riverfront Park

This event promises to be a fantastic, family-friendly experience filled with joy, community spirit, and fun. Make memories with friends and family as you celebrate Independence Day together at Riverfront Park, where the talented 151st Alabama Army National Guard Band will take the stage. This live outdoor concert will feature a mix of beloved patriotic classics and contemporary favorites that will resonate with all ages.  As the sun sets, prepare to be awed by the fireworks display illuminating the night sky over the serene Alabama River, creating a breathtaking backdrop for this special celebration. Be sure to take a comfortable chair to relax and enjoy the festivities. In addition to the live music, a variety of food trucks and vendors will be on-site, offering a range of tasty treats. Like warm boiled peanuts, gourmet specialty popcorn, refreshing snow cones, and cold lemonade to keep you cool. Don't forget to save room for delectable ice cream, perfect for a summer evening!

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Red, White, and Tube at Montgomery Whitewater

When: Friday, July 4
Where: Montgomery Whitewater

This Independence Day, celebrate with a rush of excitement at Montgomery Whitewater! Montgomery Whitewater is turning up the adventure with the launch of whitewater tubing during its Red, White, and Tube celebration. This high-energy ride sends you through rushing rapids and sharp turns in a whitewater-certified tube—no experience needed, just a sense of adventure. It’s not the only thrill of the day. Experience the thrill of navigating whitewater rapids, perfect for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. Take on the challenge of our ropes course, which features a variety of high-flying obstacles set amidst beautiful scenic views. Enjoy live music from talented local artists that will fill the air with festive tunes and explore a variety of activities and entertainment suitable for all ages. Bring your family and friends and make unforgettable memories this Fourth of July in a vibrant atmosphere filled with celebration and fun!

Harriott II Fireworks Cruise

When: July 4^th, 8PM

Board the Harriott II for a special Fourth of July river cruise with live entertainment, a cash bar, and prime views of the city’s fireworks show. The cruise boards at Riverfront Park and departs at 8:00 PM. This is a popular event, so booking in advance is recommended.

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Fun in the Sun Fourth of July Community BBQ

When: July 4, 12:30-2:00 PM
5801 Eastdale Dr, Montgomery, AL 36117

Join the community and get ready to sparkle and celebrate — the Fourth of July festivities are heating up with fun, food, and freedom! Fire up your appetite with juicy BBQ ribs fresh off the grill complete with all the fixings, then kick back and enjoy our DJ spinning all the great tunes that’ll have you tapping your toes or enjoy some festive games. While you are here, tour our community, meet our residents, and see what makes us the best in Senior Living. We are excited to have a star-spangled blast with YOU!
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49^th Cloverdale-Idlewild Association 4^th of July Parade

When: July 4

Join in for the Annual 4th of July Parade! This year’s theme honors the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army, so wear your best red, white, and blue and show your patriotic pride. Decorate your bikes, wagons, strollers—and don’t forget to dress up your pups too!

After the parade, stick around in the park for free hot dogs and cold drinks, music, and a whole lot of neighborhood fun. Bring the family, bring your friends—everyone’s invited to be part of this festive tradition!

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Celebrate Independence Day at the Montgomery Zoo

When: Friday, July 4, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum

Experience a family day out at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum this 4th of July! This year, both the Zoo and Museum will be open on Friday, July 4, as well as throughout the holiday weekend, offering a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together and celebrate. Explore a diverse range of exciting animal exhibits at the zoo, where you can see majestic lions, playful monkeys, and colorful birds in their natural habitats. Don’t miss the chance to witness the fascinating wildlife up close and learn about their conservation efforts. After your zoo adventure, head over to the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Here, you can explore a captivating world of educational exhibits that showcase the beauty of wildlife and highlight the importance of protecting our natural environment.

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First Friday: Red, White & Blues!

When: Friday, July 4, 7:00 p.m.
Where: BB King's Blues Club

BB King's Blues Club is hosting "First Friday with a Twist!" This special event will showcase the incredible talents of two amazing artists, Kiana Scott and Jahz, who will perform live. Prepare to be entertained by their captivating music and dynamic performances! Hosting the night is the charismatic JP Da Poet, who will keep the energy high and the crowd engaged. You’ll also enjoy the beats of DJ KillSwitch, who will expertly manage the music throughout the night.  Go hungry, because there will be a selection of food and refreshing drinks available for order while you soak up the atmosphere. Be sure to reserve your spot today to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic experience!

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Coolerfest 2025

When: 4^th of July Weekend
Location: Downtown Riverfront Amphitheater, 355 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL 36015
Price: $25, no cooler fee
Time: Gates open at 3PM, show at 7PM

Experience 4th of July weekend at the Downtown Riverfront Amphitheater featuring R&B and Blues music in a festival atmosphere.

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Have a happy and safe Independence Day!

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!

1348 Magnolia Curve, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 577589

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Baths | 2,592 Square Feet | Cloverdale

Step into the warm embrace of this beautifully remodeled home in Historic Cloverdale. Entertain in style in the dramatic kitchen/great room combo - designed by a licensed architect - a space made for both everyday living and memorable gatherings. The chef's kitchen dazzles with sleek granite countertops, gorgeous, tiled backsplash, double sinks, two pull out cutting boards, and high-end appliances including an Electrolux double wall oven, Wolf six-burner cooktop, Bosch dishwasher, stainless exhaust hood, dual-zone Zeph'R wine cooler and KitchenAid icemaker at the wet bar. New lighting, custom built-ins and shelving complete the look - every detail designed to elevate the experience of cooking, dining and hosting. The primary bathroom is a spa-inspired retreat featuring a zero-entry shower with all new plumbing, tile and glass enclosure with dual lighting and exhaust for both luxury and practicality. Seamless indoor/outdoor living defines the flow of the home thanks to a full height bi-fold wall that transforms the great room to an open-air haven. The generous deck already has gas and water hook ups to create your own outdoor kitchen. Beyond the deck is a cool outdoor bar with built-in lighting to enhance the ambiance of the patio area. Come see for yourself and be wowed!

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

2412 College Street, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 577517

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,776 Square Feet | Cloverdale

Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath cottage style home, located in the Cloverdale Historic District – just steps from the shops, restaurants, and charm this neighborhood is known for. With 1,776 square feet, this home offers both timeless charm and modern updates. Start your morning on the classic front porch with marble pavers and a porch swing and wind down in the evening on the new back deck, surrounded by azaleas and crepe myrtles. Inside, you’ll fall in love with the original hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, transom windows, and light-filled rooms that feel warm and welcoming. Beautiful French doors lead into the open dining and kitchen area, featuring custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and clever touches like a hidden microwave cabinet! Step outside to a meticulously maintained backyard – featuring a deck that is perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing under the stars. Don’t miss your chance to call this house, and one of Montgomery’s most cherished neighborhoods, home!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Ali Bertschy, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

2207 Winona Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36107

MLS# 577420

3 Bedrooms | 2 Full Baths | 2,671 Square Feet | Capitol Heights

You know those houses that you drive by for years and say "I have always loved that house" or "I would love to live there?" Well, this is one of those special homes! One of only two Lockwood designed homes in Capitol Heights, and one of only a small handful in all of Montgomery, this stunning example is the juxtaposition between Classical design-meets high-end Craftsman style. A wonderful deep front porch studded with columns curves to the side of the house and offers extensive outdoor living spaces. Once inside, you will revel in spacious rooms with 12+ ft ceilings, original stained moldings, ornate mantles, and massive pocket doors. Both the living room and dining room are quite large, and flow seamlessly together. The spacious kitchen is sparse in design and has a large walk-in pantry closet for additional storage. The wide central hallway gives access to three bedrooms and two recently updated full baths. This is truly a one-of-a-kind property, located on a large corner lot, just minutes from downtown!

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

1765 S Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 576527

3 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 1 Half Bath | 4,250 Square Feet | Garden District

Sitting on over an acre in the Historic Garden District, this faded Grand Dame awaits a makeover! With over 4200 square feet, it's elegant entry and classic staircase invites you into large entertaining-sized rooms and banquet-sized kitchen. Living and dining rooms share a "wall" of windows overlooking covered rear loggia and expansive lawn. Main floor also has an attached guest apartment with kitchen, bathroom, and three additional rooms that hold endless possibilities for make-over ideas. Second floor boasts a sunny library/study, primary suite with large bath, double closets, and balcony overlooking the grounds. Two more bedroom suites, each with private bathrooms, finish out the upstairs (don't miss the third-floor walk-up attic providing endless storage and tons of potential for re-purposing.) At the rear of the house is another covered "entertaining" area with remnants of a full outdoor kitchen, the former pool house (pool was filled in years ago) and long-forgotten gardens. Bring your contractor and designer and make this old girl GRAND once more!

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

Mother’s Day is around the corner and Montgomery is a magical place to celebrate Mom(s) in your life!  Here are some Mother’s Day Events happening in and around Montgomery this weekend:

MOTHER’S DAY AT THE ZOO

9:30 AM TO 3:30 PM

2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL  

Treat the wonderful mothers in your life to a day of adventure and exploration. Celebrate Mother's Day at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum; a fun outing for the whole family and Moms will have free admission on Mother’s Day! Stroll through lush exhibits filled with wildlife from all over the world and engage with educational displays at the museum that inspire curiosity and appreciation for nature.

FREE MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT

4:00 PM

3124 Cloverdale Rd, Montgomery, AL 

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a relaxing afternoon at Cloverdale Park as Blues Old Stand takes the stage for a free acoustic show. What a perfect way to slow down and enjoy the day with mom! Bring a comfy blanket, find a shady spot under a tree, and listen to the soulful sounds of Montgomery’s own Blues Old Stand. Make memories to last a lifetime in this relaxing atmosphere filled with music, sunshine and love.

MOM’S & MIMOSAS - PRESENTED BY SIP-N-CYCLE PEDAL CRUISE

11:00 AM TO 8:45 PM

355 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL 

Celebrate Mom out on the water with the special Mom’s and Mimosa event on the Sip-n-Cycle Pedal Cruise! Treat your Mom to a delightful experience cruising along the picturesque Alabama River. Book a spot on one of the cruises at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm or 7pm. Enjoy tasty mimosas (or your Mom’s preferred beverage) while pedaling along the tranquil waters enjoying breathtaking views. Call 334-399-2387 to book your reservation!

MOTHER’S DAY ON SAFARI

9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM

ALABAMA SAFARI PARK
1664 Venable Way, Hope Hull, AL

Take Mom out on a fun safari for Mother’s Day!  You won’t be able to stop smiling and laughing while feeding the animals, and Moms receive a FREE bucket of animal food!

Animals you will see include lemurs, llamas, giraffes and zebras. You can do a drive-thru or a walk-thru. Call 334-288-2105 and plan your visit!

Wishing all the mothers a fun-filled and very HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Joining the military was a huge decision that required a lot of thought. Now that you have made the commitment to serve your country, there are other big decisions you will have to make that have to do with the transient lifestyle military life entails. A decision you will have to make each time you transfer to a new duty station is whether you should buy or rent a home.  There is a lot to consider before making this decision.

Why should I buy?

Many may wonder why they should buy when they know they will be moving on in a few years. Well, here is one BIG reason: the VA Loan Program.  A VA Loan is a mortgage loan for service members that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The main purpose of this program is to assist active duty military and veterans in the financing of a home purchase. These loans offer advantageous terms that make buying a home an attractive financial option. If you are in the military or you are a veteran, you may be eligible for a VA loan and many of the perks of VA loans are NOT available with other home loan options.

​But wouldn’t renting make more sense?

The terms of VA loans are in your favor if you want to buy a home, but there may still be times when renting might work better for you. Here are some things to consider when trying to decide whether buying or renting is the best option:

• How often will you be moving? This greatly depends upon what branch of military you are in and what career path you are on. People assume that all military families move every few years, but the truth is, the number of moves vary widely across the different branches. If you don’t think you will be transferred frequently and will be in a home for five or more years, then buying a home would better suit your needs. However, if you think you will be moving more frequently, renting might be the better option, unless renting your home out when you relocate sounds like something you would be interested in.
   
• Depending on what branch of the military you are serving and what your position is, it may require you to be deployed much of the time. It may seem silly to buy a home when you are away so much you might be surprised at the benefits of doing so. For example, say you are single and you’re renting; unless you can sublet, you will be paying rent on a “home” that you won’t be living in for parts of the year.  However, if you buy a home, you will be paying a mortgage and building equity…a great investment for your future!  This is true even if you have a family that stays in the home when you are deployed. Knowing they have a place of their own will give them peace of mind while you are away.
   
• Reselling your home can be profitable depending on how long you have been there. When it comes time to relocate, thanks to not having to make a down payment or pay PMI (perks of that VA loan we talked about above!), you will likely at the very least break even on the sale of your home, if not make a profit. Just be aware of the current real estate market conditions which will determine how long it may take to sell your house and how much you can get for it.  If you are not able to sell right away, you need to have enough money saved to pay your mortgage while also paying to live somewhere else.
   
• Do you want to be a landlord?  If you don’t want to sell the home (maybe you want to move back there someday, or maybe you want to keep it as an investment), renting it out is a great option. But there are challenges to being a landlord, especially when you live far away from your property. You may have to hire a property management company to maintain the home in your absence. Make sure you consider all the costs involved before deciding it it’s financially worthwhile to rent your home out.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

3123 Woodley Terrace, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 574537

3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2,048 Square Feet | Woodley Terrace

Welcome to 3123 Woodley Terrace, a delightful gem nestled on a peaceful street! As you approach, the beautiful azaleas will be the first thing to catch your eye! Step inside to see the beautifully refinished hardwood floors that flow throughout the first floor, complemented by unique detailing along the staircase. The updated kitchen features a stylish tile backsplash, elegant granite countertops, and custom cabinetry—perfect for both everyday meals and entertaining. This charming home offers two spacious bedrooms on the first floor, while the finished upstairs boasts a third bedroom and additional bathroom. This versatile space is ideal for children or a home office, providing plenty of room to grow. Outside, you’ll find a two-car garage and a nicely sized fenced yard, complete with a lovely stone walkway—perfect for your gardening ambitions or creating a nice space for outdoor gatherings. Recent updates include a new HVAC system and roof installed in 2022, along with fresh interior and exterior paint, refinished floors, and new carpet installed upstairs this year. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this Cloverdale charmer yours!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Ali Bertschy, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

3574 Bankhead Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36111

MLS# 574169

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 3,134 Square Feet | Edgewood

If you are looking for plenty of room and awesomely cool mid-century modern vibes, this might just be what you have been searching for! This Loeb and Hannon custom built masterpiece has only had two loving families in its life, and while the kitchen has had some updating, the layout and bathrooms retain the original (and pristine) fixtures and tilework. The impressive living room has a vaulted ceiling and lots of windows overlooking the expansive front yard. Cool metal-work screen divides the living room space from the formal dining area. The large kitchen has plenty of counter and cabinet space, smooth surface stove, double ovens, and a spacious breakfast room. Enormous wood-paneled den also boasts vaulted volume ceiling, wall of adjustable display shelving, and newly installed extra-wide sliding glass doors opening to covered rear patio. Built for the original family, the wood paneled "boy's" room has private bath, walk-in closet, and large windows up the vaulted front ceiling for lots of natural light. The two "girl's" room share a long walk-through bath with double vanities and original pink fixtures! The rear primary bedroom is quite large and has his/her separate dressing rooms and closets, sharing a walk-in shower and WC. Off the primary bedroom and the den/family room is a covered porch that runs almost the full width of the house, plus a patio from grilling and relaxing. Backyard has raised beds for gardening, a detached storage building, and a chicken coop for fresh eggs! The front and back yards feature heirloom fig trees, peach trees, plum trees, varietal persimmon tree, and blueberry bushes just about to burst with fresh fruit. Treat yourself to a visit to this one-of-a-kind time capsule and you too will be smitten with its architecture and unique qualities.

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

Let’s face it, selling and buying a house at the same time can be very overwhelming and usually involves some element of risk. However, it is common for people to have to buy and sell at the same time. Per the National Association of Realtors, 71% of repeat home buyers still owned their previous residences, which means it’s highly likely that most of them were both buyers and sellers.

If you are lucky enough to time it right, you may hit that perfect “sweet spot” where you sell your house, make a profit that can be used for a down payment, and then find your next dream home, in that order. But chances are, things might not go as planned and hoped for.

Let’s look at some common challenges you might face, different avenues that might work better for you, and tips for getting through the process with your mental health intact.

FINANCIAL ISSUES

Chances are you might not have the amount of cash on hand that it takes to make a down payment on a house unless you sell your current home first. If you have found your new dream home and don’t want to risk losing it while waiting to sell, you have some options. You could do a cash out refinance on your current home, take out a home equity line of credit, or maybe sell some investments. But keep in mind that these options have costs and might not work for everyone.

LOGISTICS

With all the details and decisions that have to be made when both buying and selling a home, the logistics of doing both at the same time can be complicated. You have to think about the timing of the purchase and sale and negotiating with both the sellers of your new home and the buyers of your current home; all while trying to organize and pack for your move. An experienced Realtor is vital to help you navigate this process.

RISK OF LOSING HOME TO NON-CONTINGENT BUYER

Buying and selling at the same time comes with risks, one of which is moving forward with a purchase before you have sold your current home. To minimize this risk, many homeowners choose to make their offer on a house contingent upon the sale of their current home. But this brings about another risk, because there is a possibility that your offer may get turned down in favor of a buyer who has made a non-contingent offer. At that point you may have to decide whether you can remove the contingency, which may not be financially possible.

Now let’s look at some tips to help you navigate the buying-while-selling process:

• Determine Financial Feasibility – It’s time to take a good hard look at your monthly disposable income and to ask yourself these questions:

• Can you afford paying both mortgages?
• How long will you be able to afford doing so?
• Do you have enough available cash for a down payment?
• Will you have enough available for down payment after paying both mortgages for a “worst-case scenario” period of time?

If you are living paycheck to paycheck, buying and selling at the same time is not a good option for you, but if you have a steady, dependable income and low monthly debts, you may be able to get through the process relatively unscathed. Talking to a trusted lender is a good idea at this stage because they can help you determine what you can afford to do.

• Consider a Bridge Loan – If you do not have enough for a down payment, you may want to consider a bridge loan. A bridge loan is a short-term loan that uses the equity from your current home to get the necessary down payment to complete your purchase. But you must keep in mind that this is only an option if you are ok with taking on two mortgage payments for up to six months to a year: the typical term for a bridge loan.
   
• Make Satisfying Offers to Both Seller and Buyer – If the thought of two mortgage payments is too much, as mentioned before, you can make an offer contingent upon selling your current home. With that contingency, your contract states that you won’t lose your earnest money if your house doesn’t sell. This eliminates your financial risk but weakens your offer. If another buyer makes a cash offer with no contingencies, sellers will go after the cash offer every time. Today’s market of low inventory and high demand means that a contingent offer is not as likely to be accepted. One way you can have a better shot at getting your new house is to offer significant non-refundable earnest money, in the hope that the seller will be willing to wait longer for your current house to sell.
   
• Look For a Cash Buyer – If you’ve already decided to buy your next home and sell your current home later, you definitely will want it to sell as quickly as possible. So, as a seller, a cash sale with no contingencies is the way to go if you can. You may want to seek out an instant homebuyer or a local real estate investment company to initiate a cash sale, typically a much faster process than a traditional listing process. The downside is that the offers you may receive might be significantly less than what you might get on the open market.

If your Realtor can help you find a cash buyer on the open market, all the better!

While the idea of buying and selling at the same time is definitely a little scary, the experienced, professional Realtors on Sandra Nickel's team can help you through the process.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!