Real Estate Information Archive

It’s that time of year!  Young people are graduating from high school and college and with that comes the excitement of starting their adult lives. But “adulting” can be overwhelming. One way you can help prepare the graduates in your life for the real world is by teaching them the importance of building up their credit.

A good credit history is vital to securing loans, mortgages and other financial products. In fact, having “no credit” can make things almost as challenging as having “bad credit” can. So, it’s important to start establishing credit history as soon as possible. New high school and college graduates can build credit by paying their bills on time, managing debt responsibly and utilizing credit cards or other forms of credit.

PAYING BILLS ON TIME

• Making payments on time will help you increase your credit score. Bills such as rent, utilities and student loans will require monthly payments.
• Most bills can be paid online and many offer autopay options. If you don’t use autopay, there are apps available on your smart phone that will assist you in creating a budget and remind you when payments are due.
• If you decide to do autopay, remember that you must have the money available in your account to cover the bills. The last thing you want is to end up with an overdraft on your checking account.

MANAGE DEBT RESPONSIBLY

• If you have student loans or other debts, make paying them down a priority. If you are using any credit cards, try not to carry any balances on them
• If you do have a credit card, pay the balance in full every month. If that is not possible, at least try to pay more than the minimum due.

GET A CREDIT CARD

• Opening a “secured” credit card can help you build credit if you use it responsibly. A secured credit card requires you to make a deposit that acts as collateral for the credit line. Making timely payments will help you build your credit score. When you apply for a card, be sure that it reports to the credit bureaus.
• Take time to determine your credit utilization ratio, as it will be a key factor in your credit score. It is calculated by dividing your total credit balance by your total credit limits. The goal should be to keep your utilization ratio below 30% for healthy credit. In other words, you want the amount of credit you are using to be less than 30% of your total credit limit.

Here are a couple of other ways to build credit:

• Become an authorized user on a parent’s or other family member’s credit card.
• Apply for a credit-builder loan. This type of loan is specifically designed to help individuals build credit and is a good option for young adults with little to no credit history.

Make sure that you monitor your credit reports.  There are three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You will want to check them regularly for accuracy and ensure there aren’t any issues.

Remember that building credit takes time and consistency. The key to success is in making responsible financial choices.

Happy Graduation and Happy Adulting!!

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!

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!

It’s a seller’s market in Montgomery right now. That means there are more buyers than homes available. So, it seems like the perfect time to list your house, right? Slow down. The market may be prime for selling, but you need to look at your personal situation. Before you put that for sale sign in your yard, it would be wise to consider all the factors that will determine if you are ready to sell.

Here are signs that you are ready to sell your house:

1. YOU HAVE POSITIVE EQUITY

It’s vital that you are financially prepared to sell your house. If you have built up equity, that means your home is worth more than you owe on it. Ideally you want to have enough equity to pay off your current mortgage and to make a down payment on a new home. It’s even better if you have enough to cover closing costs and moving expenses. If you don’t have positive equity, it may not be the best time to sell.

2. YOU HAVE CASH IN THE BANK AND ZERO DEBT

It’s important to have all your financial ducks in a row before selling your house. Remember, you’re not just selling a house, you are likely buying one as well. Take time to analyze your finances and budget. If you have paid off your non-mortgage debt and have funds saved, you are ready to enter the home selling/buying process again.

3. A HOME THAT BETTER SUITS YOUR NEEDS IS WITHIN REACH 

Perhaps you are downsizing, but you want a nicer home, or you are looking to move up into a larger home for your growing family. Either way, there is no point in selling your current home if you can’t afford a new one that better suits your needs. Remember that, ideally, your mortgage payment should be no more than 28% of your income.

4. YOU ARE AWARE OF THE EXTRA COSTS OF MOVING 

It’s exciting to get approved for a mortgage. Chances are you will get approved for more than you thought you would. But there is a lot to think about before deciding to sell. Remember that you will need to probably do some work on your house to get it ready to put on the market. You will also have to pay the moving expenses. Make sure consideration of these costs go into your decision-making process.

5. YOU ARE EMOTIONALLY READY TO SELL

Hopefully you are selling for the right reasons. You have to be ready to put the work into your home that it will take to sell it. You must be committed to keeping it “show ready” for as long as it takes. You must be prepared for what might be a tough negotiation. And finally, you need to be ready to let go of the home where you have created memories with your family.

6. YOU HAVE AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL REALTOR

Real estate transactions should be handled by experts. The professionals at Hat Team Realtors understand the market and can provide you with a clear picture of what goes into selling a house. Their advice will assist you in making this very important decision.

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!

One thing I think most people can agree on is that the life of a single parent is filled with challenges. One of the biggest challenges is having to manage finances on a single income. Many single parents may feel that being a homeowner is out of reach for them. But with rents going sky high, filling the pockets of a landlord when they could be investing in their own future just doesn’t make sense.

If you are a single parent and you think you can’t purchase a home, think again!  There are specialized loan options and assistance programs available to help single Moms and Dads become homeowners.  For example, you will find flexible mortgage qualification criteria, reduced down payment requirements and assistance with up front costs.

Here are some loan types, grants, and strategies that can make your dream of home ownership a reality:

HomeReady

The HomeReady loan, backed by Fannie Mae, is designed for low to middle income buyers, so it is a great option for single parents. You be able to make a down payment as low as 3% and it offers reduced private mortgage insurance costs, thus lowering you monthly mortgage payments. Another positive feature is that additional household income will be considered with this loan, such as contribution from roommates or renters, which will make it easier for single parents to qualify.

Home Possible

Freddie Mac has something called the Home Possible program. This is another wonderful option for single parents trying to save on the upfront costs of purchasing a home. With a down payment requirement of only 3%, the Home Possible program allows people with limited savings the ability to buy a home. In addition, this program allows non-occupant co-borrowers, such as a parent or other relative, to contribute on the mortgage application. This additional support may be exactly what a single parent needs to achieve home ownership!

FHA Loans

A popular choice for single parents with lower credit scores and/or minimal savings, FHA loans are government backed loans that require a down payment as low as 3.5% and are available to buyers with credit scores as low as 580. With lenient debt-to-income ratio requirements, it is an ideal option for single-income families. FHA loans also offer the security of predictable terms, something that single parents on a budget can really appreciate.

VA Loans

If you are an eligible veteran, active-duty service member or surviving spouse, VA loans can be very advantageous. No down payment is required with a VA loan, and therefore private mortgage insurance isn’t necessary. This will give you significant monthly savings on your mortgage. In addition, it provides other benefits like limits on closing costs and competitive interest rates. A VA loan is an awesome choice for single parents who have served in the military.

USDA Loans

USDA loans cater to buyers that want to live in rural or suburban areas. They offer 100% financing with no down payment required. It’s ideal for single parents seeking affordable housing outside of urban areas. They often feature lower mortgage interest rates and reduced mortgage insurance premiums. All-in-all it is a budget-friendly option for families!

Conventional Loans

Another viable option for single parents who have high credit scores is a conventional loan. This loan requires as little as 3% down and offers competitive interest rates. They are different from government-backed loans in that they offer more flexibility in terms of property type and loan limits. A conventional loan can be a great choice for single moms and dads.

There are also grants available for first-time home buyers who are single parents. They provide funds that do not need to be repaid which help to pay for costs like down payments and closing costs. There are state and local programs that offer grants specifically for first-time buyers based on income, location and family size. This can be a life-changing resource for single moms and dads, allowing them to purchase their first home.

The idea of purchasing a home as a single parent can seem overwhelming.  But with careful planning and preparation, it can be done. Don’t rush things. Take the time to assess your financial situation, including your income, debt, and credit score.  Research loan options and assistance programs and find the one that best suits your needs.  The first step is to get pre-approved with a trusted lender, which will not only allow you to figure out your budget for a home but will also demonstrate to sellers that you are a serious buyer.

Most importantly, work with an experienced, Professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel who understands the unique challenges of buying a home as a single parent. With the right Realtor and resources, you will find the perfect home to meet your budget and your family’s needs.

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!

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!

Does the sight of a single bee send you running for cover? Then imagine what finding an entire swarm of bees on your property would be like. But before you freak out, take a deep breath and remember that they are not there to hurt you. Bees matter. They are crucial for many reasons, including supporting biodiversity, pollinating plants, providing food sources, and contributing to overall ecosystem health. They play an important role in the reproduction of many plant species, which in turn supports a wide range of wildlife and contributes to food production for humans and other animals. So, please don’t jump the gun and attempt to kill them.

First you must determine what kind of bee you are dealing with. Getting as close as you safely can, take a photo and/or film the entrance to the nest or bees. You can send it to a professional to help you identify what insect it is. There are many stinging insects out there, but we are going to focus on honeybees. These fuzzy, amber and brown striped insects are social and live in colonies with a single queen, a few hundred drones, and thousands of worker bees. They are NOT out to get you, but they will sting if their nest is threatened. There are other, similar looking stinging insects that are more unpredictable like paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. If you encounter a swarm or ball of honeybees, stay calm and follow these procedures:

1. DON’T PROVOKE THEM

If you see bees, the best policy is to avoid them. Honeybees will leave people alone unless they are provoked. Do not prod their nests with sticks and stones or spray them with water. Think of their colony as having a huge Do Not Disturb sign on it. Don’t approach them in any way.

2. FIGURE OUT WHERE THEY ARE COMING FROM   

Are the bees coming from outside or inside the house? If you have a colony of bees on your property, they can be detrimental to the structure of your home. Buzzing sounds inside your walls are a sign that a swarm has taken up residence inside. If this is the case, you will need to call in a professional insect control expert as soon as possible.

3. DO NOT USE SPRAYS OR INSECTICIDES    

Remember this important fact: Bees are responsible for nearly 80% of all pollination worldwide. Per Greenpeace, seventy of the top 100 human food crops, which supply approximately 90% of the world’s nutrition, are pollinated by bees. In addition, over-the-counter pesticides are not super effective, and you might only end up poisoning yourself and/or your pets. So, please do not use insecticides on them!

4. DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE THEM YOURSELF

Even if the swarm that you found seems small and harmless, unless you are a beekeeper, do not attempt to remove it. This is not a time to try your DIY skills. If you disturb the bees, you will likely get stung…so step away!

5. CALL A BEE REMOVAL PROFESSIONAL

Yes…this is a thing. There are professional beekeepers that are experts in removing a colony and relocating them safely. Calling a local beekeeper is the best way to determine what needs to be done to remove the colony and keep it from coming back the next year. Southern Sweet Bee LLC

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!

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!

Spring seems to fly by so fast. Especially in years when the temperatures stay cool longer.  Before you know it the end of April is here, and you haven’t even started your spring planting.  But even if you miss the early spring planting period, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a yard full of fragrant, colorful flowers in late spring and through the summer. There are several types of plants that grow in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8-10 that thrive in the summer months when planted in April.  And luckily, Montgomery falls right within those zones!

Here is a handy list of plants that are ideal for planting in late spring:

Bare Root Perennials

These plants are perfect for April planting because they are fast growers and will fill your landscape with radiant color during the summer. Bare root perennials are sold by nurseries and online catalogs after they have grown for a year and had their growth trimmed to about an inch above the crown. When purchased they are ready to be transplanted outdoors after removing soil from the roots. 

Some examples of bare root perennials are Daylily Plants, Astilbe, and Clematis.

Annuals

There are several, easy to grow, summer-blooming annuals that can be planted in April. Sunflowers are quite sturdy and don’t require a lot of attention once planted. They will thrive in a variety of soil conditions, and they include short ones that grow a few feet tall, to tall plants that can grow to be 8 feet and taller. “Cosmos” are easy to grow flowering plants as well and provide brightly colored blooms for your garden.

Flowering Shrubs and Citrus

Choose drought-tolerant shrubs to plant in April and they will do well through the summer. Ceanothus, otherwise known as the California Lilac, produces blossoms of delicate, tiny blue and purple flowers. Because there are so many, the entire bush looks blue or purple. Another good bush to plant in April is the Common Flannel Bush. Also a California native, this bush produces vibrant yellow flowers that bloom all at once. Rosemary Bushes have fragrant leaves that can be used for cooking and little blue or purple flowers for color. Citrus Trees come in many varieties that have sweetly scented blooms.

So, if you didn’t get a chance to plant flowers in early spring, it’s not too late to add a garden full of vivid colors to your landscape!

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.

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!