Real Estate Information Archive

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!

The saying “dog days of summer” refers to the hottest time of year, which in our neck of the woods means July and August, when the heat and humidity hit their peaks. The saying originated from ancient Greek and Roman times when people believed that Sirius, also known as the “Dog Star”, contributed to the harsh summer heat when it was seen close to the sun.

We are now approaching this most uncomfortable time of year in Alabama. The sweltering summer months can not only be physically unpleasant, but they can do a number on your household bills as well. Keeping your home cool is a necessity, but watching those energy bills soar is no fun. Here are some practical tips for fighting the “dog days of summer”:

KEEPING YOUR HOME COOL

Your home cooling system can be your best friend or your worst enemy in the heat of summer. It’s important that you schedule annual maintenance on your AC unit to ensure it is running efficiently. Also be sure to replace filters monthly during heavy use periods.

• OPTIMIZE YOUR A/C SYSTEM

Aim for 78°F (26°C) for an ideal temperature setting when you’re home and awake. Each degree lower can increase your energy bill by up to 3%. It would be smart to invest in a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day. For example, set it so that the temperature is higher when you’re away or sleeping, then program it to cool things off before you return or wake up.

• UTILIZE FANS EFFECTIVELY

Be sure your ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise during the hot months of the year. This will create a wind-chill effect that can make a room feel up to 4° cooler. No ceiling fans? You can also use portable fans to direct airflow where it is most needed. If you don’t already have one, consider installing a whole-house fan in your attic. This is a powerful fan that will pull hot air out of your home at night, replacing it with cooler air, perfect for summer sleeping.

• CREATE A CROSS BREEZE

You can create natural airflow during the cooler times of day by opening windows. Open low-lying windows on the cool side of the house, and elevated windows on the warmer side. This will be most effective if you use a box fan in the windows to pull in the cool air and push out the warm air.

• BLOCK THE SUN

You may enjoy the natural light that comes in your windows, but they also let in a lot of heat. During the warmest periods of the day use light colored curtains or blinds that will reflect the sunlight.

• USE HEAT-GENERATING APPLIANCES AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE

The kitchen can easily become the hottest spot in your house when using your oven. Now would be the time to avoid baking. Use the microwave, slow cooker or insta-pot for meals. Or, even better, create meals that don’t require cooking at all, like salads and sandwiches.

When doing laundry, let your clothes air dry rather than using the dryer. This will not only help keep your home cooler but will save energy as well.

If you haven’t already, switch out old incandescent lightbulbs for LED lights. They use less energy and put off less heat.

Unplug electronics when not in use. Believe it or not, even when you’re not using them, electronic devices can still generate heat when plugged in.

• COOK OUTDOORS

Instead of heating up the kitchen, cook your meals outdoors on the grill. If you get hot while cooking, just think about being able to sit inside your nice, cool house to enjoy your meal!

• USE COLD WATER FOR LAUNDRY AND DISHES

Current detergents work well in cold water. You will not only decrease the generation of heat, but you will save on water heating costs as well.

• MAKE SURE WINDOWS AND DOORS ARE PROPERLY SEALED

Even tiny gaps can let cool air escape and hot air creep into your home. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal any leaks you may find.

Follow these tips and enjoy the “dog days of summer” in the comfort of your cool home!

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

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!

Nobody likes thinking about what happens after they die. But none of us live forever. One of the best things you can do for your loved ones is to prepare for what happens to your estate in the event of your death or incapacitation.

Estate planning is the process of arranging how your assets will be managed and distributed after your death or if you become incapacitated. It ensures that your wishes are followed, reduces potential family conflicts, and can minimize taxes and legal costs. Here are the key elements:

1. Will

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after death.  A will can also name guardians for minor children.

2. Trusts

A trust is a legal arrangement to hold assets for beneficiaries. You can save your loved ones from a lot of headaches by setting up a trust because it will help avoid probate and reduce estate taxes. There are several types of trusts. Here are some common ones:

• Revocable (Living Trust)
• Irrevocable
• Special Needs
• Charitable

3. Power of Attorney (POA)

A power of attorney appoints someone to handle financial or legal matters when you are no longer able to do so.

4. Healthcare Directive/Living Will

A healthcare directive states your wishes for medical care if you are incapacitated. You can also include the healthcare power of attorney.

5. Beneficiary Designation

You can list who you want as your beneficiary on accounts like life insurance, retirement plans, and bank accounts. If you designate beneficiaries, these will override what is in a will or trust.

6. Letter of Intent

A letter of intent is not legally binding, but it provides guidance to the executor of the will and any guardians that have been appointed.

7. Estate Tax Planning

Your estate planning attorney can help you strategize ways to minimize taxes (e.g., gifting, charitable donations, trusts).This is especially important if your estate exceeds federal or state tax thresholds.

8. Digital Assets Planning

This will help your loved ones with managing access to online accounts, digital currencies, and data.

TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED:

• Take inventory of your assets: property, investments, accounts, personal valuables, etc.
• Define your goals: Who do you want to be executor of your estate? Who will be your beneficiaries.
• Choose your fiduciaries: Appoint and executor, trustee, guardian, POA agent.
• Draft legal documents: It is ideal to hire an estate planning attorney to assist you with this.
• Review and update your estate plan regularly, especially after major life events.

Estate planning will give you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be followed, your assets will be protected, and your loved ones will be provided for.

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!

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!

There was a time when there were three mortgage loan types available to home buyers. You could get a Fixed-Rate Conventional Mortgage, an FHA Loan or a VA Loan. But times, they are a changin’.  Now there is a vast array of mortgage loan types to be had!  Let’s learn about some of them, and the differences between them.

We will start with the most popular:

• FIXED-RATE MORTGAGES​
  
  These loans come in 5-year, 10-year, 15-year, 20-year, 30-year, 40-year, and even 50-year timeframes. The interest rate remains the same for the duration of the loan, meaning monthly payments are predictable.

• FHA LOANS​

FHA Mortgage Loan types are insured by the government through mortgage insurance that is funded into the loan. This is an ideal loan type for first-time buyers because it has minimal down payment requirements and does not rely on a 700+ plus credit scores for approval.

• VA LOANS​

VA loans are government loans available to veterans who have served in the Armed Forces for the United States. They are also available to spouses of deceased veterans in some cases. The requirements depend upon the years of service and whether or not the veteran was honorably discharged or not. The primary benefit of a VA Loan is that the borrower does not have to come up with a down payment. The loan is guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs but funded by a conventional lender.

• USDA LOANS

USDA Loans are offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for eligible home buyers who want to buy a rural property. They often come with no down payment required and can sometimes be more affordable than an FHA loan.

• INTEREST-ONLY MORTGAGE TYPES

This name is a bit misleading, as these loans are not truly interest-only in terms of the borrower only paying interest on the loan. The reality of the interest-only mortgage is that it offers an option to make an interest-only payment. This option is only available for a set period of time. However, there are some junior mortgages that are interest-only and necessitate a balloon payment in the amount of the original loan balance at maturity.

Now, let’s take a look at HYBRID LOANS:

• ADJUSTABLE-RATE MORTGAGE TYPES
  
  There are various types of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMS). They can fluctuate monthly, semi-annually, annually, or remain fixed for a set amount of time before they adjust.

• OPTION ARM MORTGAGE TYPES
  
  These types of loans are complicated. Like your standard ARM, the interest rate on them will fluctuate periodically, but in these loans, the borrowers can choose from various payment options and index rates.  WARNING: The minimum payment option can be dangerous as it can result in negative amortization.

• COMBO/PIGGYBACK MORTGAGE LOAN TYPES
  
  This is a type of financing that consists of TWO loans: a first mortgage and a second mortgage. They can be adjustable-rate, fixed-rate or a combination of both.  This option is used by borrowers when the down payment is less than 20% to avoid paying private mortgage insurance.

• MORTGAGE BUYDOWNS
  
  A mortgage buy down is a choice for borrowers who want to pay a lower interest rate in the beginning of their loan.  Basically, fees are paid to lower the rate, thus the name buydown. Buyers, sellers, or lenders can buy down the interest rate for the borrower.

Finally, Specialty Mortgage Loan Types:

• BRIDGE LOANS
  
  Bridge loans are used when a seller’s home has not yet sold and the seller wants to borrow equity to buy another home.  The seller’s existing home is used as collateral for the bridge loan.

• STREAMLINED-K MORTGAGE LOANS
  
  FHA has a program that provides money to a borrower to make home Improvements by rolling the funds into one loan. This is similar to the 203(K) Loan Program, but involves less paper work and is easier to get than a 203(K).

• EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN TYPES
  
  Equity loans are second, or junior to the existing first mortgage. Borrowers take out equity loans to get access to cash. The loans can be adjustable, fixed, or a line of credit that allows the borrower to obtain funds on an as needed basis.

• SHARED APPRECIATION MORTGAGES
  
  These are rare in the United States, but shared appreciation mortgages allow home buyers to share part of their property’s value gains with an investor or lender. The guaranteed return to the lender means that the borrower will get a lower interest rate and lower monthly payment on the loan.

• REVERSE MORTGAGE
  
  This type of mortgage is for people over the age of 62 who have enough equity in their homes.  Instead of making monthly payments to the lender, the lender makes monthly payments to the borrower for the duration of their residence in the home. Reverse mortgages can be done with either fixed or adjustable interest rates. Please get advice from a trusted advisor before considering a reverse mortgage!

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

June is National Homeownership Month!  This is a time to celebrate all the wonderful benefits of owning a home as well as the role of Realtors in the American dream of homeownership. National Homeownership Week began in 1995 as a strategy of President Clinton’s administration to increase homeownership across the nation. President George W. Bush then expanded the observance to the entire month of June in 2002.

Homeownership exemplifies the American Dream!

The history of homeownership in America goes back to 1860s when the U.S. Banking System came into being and mortgages started to become available. When the Great Depression hit, banks didn’t have money to lend and people didn’t have cash, therefore very few could afford to buy homes. People that already owned homes often lost them as they failed to pay their debt. The U.S. Government created the Home Owner’s Loan Corporation in 1933, the Federal Housing Administration in 1934, and the Federal National Mortgage Association (now knowns as Fannie Mae) in 1938 to stabilize the housing market. Along with the American economy, the G.I. Bill of 1944 changed the face of the housing industry.  This bill provided subsidized mortgages to the veterans of World War II. Then Congress passed the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which banned discrimination in housing based on religion, race, gender and national origin. During its existence, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has helped over 44 million citizens to become homeowners!

During National Homeownership Month, we strive to get the news out that there are a plethora of perks that come with owning your own home. As a homeowner, you will enjoy pride of ownership, community connection, security, comfort and financial benefits. Owning a home brings value to families, communities and neighborhoods all across the country.

How can you celebrate National Homeownership Month?  Here are a few ideas:

• Spruce up your home a bit! Paint your front door, power wash your porch, plant some pretty flowers and take care of any home maintenance projects you’ve been putting off.
• Organize a block party with your neighbors.
• Get involved in your local community.

If you are interested in becoming a homeowner, there is no better time! Reach out to an experienced Realtor like Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals to learn everything you need to know about becoming a homeowner. And check out her resources for prospective buyers!

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!

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!