Real Estate Information Archive

3591 Bankhead Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36111

MLS# 508078

4 Bedrooms | 3 Full Baths | 3,162 square feet | Edgewood

This stunning split-level masterpiece was designed by noted architect Betty Robinson specifically for the Marks family. This Midtown Montgomery home’s exterior is planed cypress and the grounds flourish with mature trees and heirloom shrubs. Entertain in grand style on the main level consisting of an expansive living room bathed in light by two story windows and featuring a real wood-burning masonry fireplace. Dinner parties will be extra special in the dining room overlooking the rear patio and spacious rear lawn. Upper level contains master bedroom and bath, plus two more guest bedrooms and a recently updated guest/hall bath. Balcony off master and front guest bedroom offers sweeping views of the property and is the perfect spot for morning coffee or a nightcap. Lower level has den/family room with decorative fireplace, built in bookshelves, and another large guest bedroom/bath. This two-owner home has been lovingly maintained and thoughtfully updated over the years and awaits a new family to continue memory-making and living at its best!

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

If you are thinking about selling your house this year, now is the time to start preparing to put it on the market. While cleaning it up, doing small renovations and making it look as enticing as possible are all very important steps, there is a lot more you need to know to successfully sell your home for the best possible price.

Don’t sabotage your home sale by neglecting to do the following:

• Finding an experienced professional Realtor.  Selling a home can be a stressful, complicated process. It will pay off to have a professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel on your side. Take advantage of her extensive expertise and market knowledge and get the best possible price for you home!
  
• Pricing your home right. If you overprice your home, it might sit on the market for months and become a stale listing. Most buyers will have Realtors who will keep them from bidding on a home that has an inflated price that is more than what it will likely appraise for.  And even if a buyer is willing to pay the high price, the mortgage company will send an appraiser and put an end to the deal. So, unless your buyer is paying with cash, they will not be able to obtain a mortgage for the inflated price. Let your Realtor assist you in pricing your home right!
   
• Making necessary repairs prior to sale. Potential buyers are going to be turned off if your home looks like it has not been taken care of. In addition, they will probably wonder what else is wrong that they can’t see. By making necessary repairs and presenting your home at its best, you will more likely sell faster and for a better price.
   
• Sprucing up your landscaping. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see and it is vital that it makes a good impression. If your flower beds are full of weeds, the grass hasn’t been well maintained, and there is debris in the yard, buyers might not want to even go inside to see the house. It is not necessary to do anything fancy…simply clean up the yard, plant some pretty flowers and make it appealing so buyers will want to see more.
  
• Taking your personal feelings out of the negotiation process. Allow your Realtor to guide you through the negotiation process.  Remember that it is not a competition. You want to sell; the buyer wants to buy. Leave your emotions at home and don’t let the closing fall apart over some small issue.

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: blog.rismedia.com, activerain.com, gocleanr.com

Lush Royal Crest Drive Home Site, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 436476

0.86 Acres / Hillman Heights

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It's said that people want things that are hard to find. Things to make their lives the way they wish they were. Here's just the thing to make your life the way you wish it was: an existence surrounded by tall trees and good neighbors...but not too close. A home with enough space for everyone and everything, but not some house that thumps its chest and shows off. A home that's not only a home, but the home of your dreams. And it can be yours here and now! So make it happen! Beautiful lot in Midtown Montgomery! 

3933 Hickory Drive, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 507365

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2,262 square feet | Dalriada

Lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath move in ready home in desirable Dalriada. Nestled in the heart of this great neighborhood amongst the beautiful oak trees. Original crown molding throughout the house as well as hardwood floors. Carpet covers the left wing of the house and tile dominates the kitchen and breakfast nook areas. Living room has a burning gas fireplace and den area has a wood burning fireplace, perfect for those cold winter nights coming in January. Master bedroom has walk in closest with a bathroom that boasts double vanities, garden tub and separate shower. On the right side of the home is the laundry room which is very spacious. The breakfast nook is as cute as can be with good natural lighting and open views to the backyard for that morning coffee. The kitchen was updated less than 10 years ago and has granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances with ample room for cooking. The backyard is large and spacious and has two storage sheds and a playset. Breathtakingly beautiful almost half acre lot! HVAC system is 5-ton Trane and less than 4 years old, security system with cameras, and multiple parking spots on driveway. Within walking distance to the shops and restaurants which include SOL, Shane's Ribshack, The Wharf, Publix and more! Call me or your favorite realtor today to view!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Brennan Parker, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

2005 N Country Club Drive, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 506595

Here is your Midtown Montgomery opportunity of starting your own school on a quiet cul-de-sac! This campus is literally the perfect blend of old and new with the Admin Building being a Postbellum house converted into a lovely reception area, conference room, 3 offices downstairs, full kitchen, and 3 large offices upstairs. The newer Staff Development Building transformed into a training room, a huge meeting room, a large office with cubicles, a smaller office, and a full kitchen. The Classroom building has over 22 large classrooms, several more offices and a cafeteria with a commercial kitchen. Classroom furniture included.

View the Floor Plans here! 

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

Owning a home is likely the largest financial investment many will make, so whether you are buying or selling a home, it is important to think about resale value. With a little research, you will find that there are some things that will get you a great return on investment and there are others that will not.

When selling your home, you may want to make some improvements that will make it more appealing to buyers, ensuring a more profitable sale. But it is when you are searching for a home to buy that you can consider options that will give you desirable resale value in the future. Here are 5 surprising things that will raise your home’s value:

1. LOTS OF TREES – While a brand-new house in a recently established community has it’s perks, what it often lacks is a proximity to mature trees. Large, well-rooted trees found in older neighborhoods, not only make for a lovely landscape, they also provide shade. They add beauty and they save energy, while also increasing your home value.
    
2. GOOD SCHOOL SYSTEM – It may not seem so unexpected that a home in a good school district would have increased value. But sometimes people who do not have children do not think about this. Even you if you never intend to have children, you should keep in mind that many buyers will be highly motivated to purchase a home based on the quality of the area’s school system. For the purpose of resale value, it would be smart to invest in a home in an area with desirable schools.
   
3. SHOPPING NEARBY – People like convenience, so if a house is in close proximity to a shopping area with a supermarket, it will likely increase its value. This is especially true if it is close to higher-end stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. Per Zillow, homes near these grocery stores may appreciate in value up to 40% more quickly than other homes.
   
4. OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS – Living close to a park, walking trails, or other recreation areas can increase your home’s value. Things like dog parks, tennis courts, golf courses, and playgrounds are appealing to people who enjoy staying active. They will be willing to spend a little more to live close to areas where they can enjoy outdoor activities.
   
5. SEPARATE LIVING SPACE – Whether you have a mother-in-law suite, an apartment, or a carriage house, having a separate living space will add to the value of your home. Unlike the other items listed here, this is something you can add to a home after moving in. But while looking for a home, you may want to keep an eye out for one that already has one.  Not only will it boost resale value, but it will give you the opportunity to earn rental income (depending upon the laws in your area) while living in the house.

When buying a home it is important to find a place that feels right for you, but unless you plan to stay there forever, it will benefit you to think about resale value as well!

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: homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com, visitingmontgomery.com, riverregiontrails.org, homelight.com

1100 Woodward Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 505861

2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,670 square feet | Cloverdale

Great home to make your own or for an investment opportunity! LOADS OF POTENTIAL! Located in the heart of Cloverdale within walking distance to everything this great community has to offer. Texas style bathroom in master is extremely spacious. Kitchen has been updated from original bones. Open floor plan. Great front porch to sit outside on throughout the year. NEW HVAC in 2017 and NEW ROOF IN 2021. TLC will go a long way with this home. Call me or your favorite realtor today to see!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Brennan Park, Sandra Nickel Hat Team! 

Trust me when I say that lenders WANT to help you get a loan for your mortgage, but sometimes clients make impulsive decisions that can derail their chances of getting a mortgage loan approval.

Here are ten things you SHOULD NOT DO if your goal is to get approved for a mortgage loan:

1. DO NOT buy a car (or boat, RV, four-wheeler etc.) If you are trying to buy a home, now is NOT the time to buy a new vehicle of any kind.
    
2. DO NOT be late on credit card payments. In fact, now is a good time to limit your credit card use as much as possible. You definitely don’t want to hurt your credit report by being late on payments.
    
3. DO NOT quit or change jobs or become self-employed. Lenders want to see steady employment and income consistency. Once you get into your new address, then you can change jobs.
   
4. DO NOT apply for credit. If you’re shopping in a store and they offer a credit card application for a discount on your purchase, JUST SAY NO. Any credit application means a credit inquiry, and that will impact your credit score. Lenders will be looking at your credit report just before closing, and any new activity may result in delays.
    
5. DO NOT purchase big-ticket items. Just like with vehicles, it is prudent for you to wait until after you are in your new home to buy expensive items like furniture or appliances.
    
6. DO NOT spend your savings. The last thing you want to do is to get your loan approved, but then not have the money you set aside for your down payment!  Leave your savings intact!
    
7. DO NOT make unusually large deposits into your accounts. If you suddenly come into a large amount of money, that will raise flags to your lender and will require an explanation. In some cases, you can use gifted funds to purchase a home, but you need to talk to your mortgage banker about how that money needs to be documented.
    
8. DO NOT hide things on your loan application. Things like owed back taxes, liens or other liabilities WILL be discovered. Be honest from the start so there are no surprises (and disappointments) down the road.
   
9. DO NOT co-sign a loan for someone else. Co-signing on a loan for someone else can lower your credit score while also raising your debt-to-income ratio. This, in turn, may affect your chances of qualifying for a mortgage loan.
    
10. DO NOT open, close, or change bank accounts. Even if you are moving to a new state, don’t close your bank accounts or change them until your home loan has closed. If you have new bank account activity, it will require a paper trail and may delay your loan process.

Mortgage bankers are on your side. They want you to get a home loan as much as you want to get one. Be sure to avoid these “DO NOTS” to help the process go as smoothly as possible!

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: loans.usnews.com, thebalance.com, bakersfieldcreditrepair.com, vergecampus.com

You have just purchased your first home! Congratulations! You got through the process with the help of your Realtor, but now you have signed the paperwork and received your keys, and it is time to move in. You may find yourself wondering, “what next?”.  Here are some tips to help make your transition to homeowner a little less stressful:

1. Educate Yourself About Your Mortgage Statement

It is important that you learn how to read your monthly mortgage statement. When you receive the first one, you will see that there is a lot of information on it. Most importantly, it will tell you the amount due, how to pay it, and the due date. It will also include your loan servicer’s contact information, which you will need if you have any questions about your mortgage. Buyers Guide to Home Ownership

2. Don’t Pay Attention to Refinance Offers

You might start receiving a lot of unsolicited mail after you move into your new home. That is because your information becomes public record and companies will start sending you refinancing offers. The thing is it is not usually beneficial to you to refinance early on in your mortgage repayment process. It may be a great option for you down the road, but not right away. Knowing Your Options Guide

3. Organize Your Documents
   

When you close on your house you will sign a lot of papers and you will be given copies of all of them. Be sure to keep these documents together in a safe place. You will need access to them when it comes time to pay your taxes so that you can take advantage of tax savings that come with home ownership.

4. Do a Home Inventory

The day you sign the title to your new home, your homeowner’s insurance will go into effect. But there is more work to be done to protect your home and belongings. The smart thing to do is to create a written/photographic inventory of all the valuables in your home. This will be very helpful if a worst-case scenario occurs and your personal property is damaged, stolen or destroyed. If you can present your insurance company with an organized list of what you have lost, it will help expedite your claim. And there’s no better, more convenient time to do this than when you are unpacking in your new home. You Really Need a Home Inventory

5. Give Your New Home a Deep Cleaning

It is always a good idea to give your new home a deep cleaning before you move in, even if it is a newly constructed home. It is so much easier to do this before you have moved all your belongings in, and you will feel good about starting out in a freshly cleaned house!

6. Change Your Locks
   

This is a step that many people overlook. You’ve just received the keys to your new home, but many people have had those keys before you. From previous owners, to Realtors, to contractors and more; you really have no idea who might still have access to your home. To ensure your safety, call a locksmith and schedule an appointment to have all your exterior door locks changed the morning after your closing. You will feel safer knowing you are the only ones with keys to your house!

7. Educate Yourself About Your Home

Take the time to learn your home systems. Familiarize yourself with your HVAC unit, the circuit breaker, the security system, the fireplace, and the hot water heater. Find where the fire extinguishers are and make sure smoke/carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order. Keep all warranties, instruction manuals and such together in one place where you can easily find them when needed.

Becoming a homeowner is exciting and sometimes overwhelming, but you can start out on the right foot by following these tips! 

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! 

Photo Credits: bobvila.com, thespruce.com, thisoldhouse.com

Your house is on the market and the holiday season is here. Just because you are trying to sell your house does not mean you cannot still make it feel like home. Especially this time of year. And let’s face it, unless you are a Scrooge, twinkle lights and holiday décor make a home feel more inviting and cheerful than ever. But, when making your home festive for the season, it is important to remember that buyers need to be able to picture the home as their own. Overdoing it could keep buyers away and hurt your chances of selling.

Here are some tips for staging your house for the holidays:

• Depersonalize your decorations. It is hard for people to picture a home as their own if they see your personal life prominently featured in your décor. Avoid things like ornaments your kids made in pre-school, stockings with names on them, photo Christmas cards and pictures of your kids with Santa. Keep it simple. Think of it like makeup…you want to enhance the features of your home, not overwhelm them.
  
• Stand out by not standing out. What does your neighborhood look like during the holidays?  If everyone goes all out with exterior lights and trimmings, then you do not want to be the only house on the block that’s dark at night. But if people use more subtle decorations outside, follow their lead.  Less is more when it comes to staging your house for buyers.

Still confused about how to decorate to most appeal to buyers?  Here are some more dos and don’ts:

• Say no to the “kitsch”! Big inflatables, reindeer on the roof and tons of lights might be fun to look at, but it also might keep potential buyers from wanting to see the inside of the house.  Keep it classy to entice buyers.
  
• Classic décor is always best. An elegant wreath and simple white lights are warm and welcoming without being overwhelming.
   
• Consider skipping the tree. Unless you have high ceilings you want to show off, you may want to skip the tree this year. If a tree is too big it can make a room feel cramped and small. If a tree is too tiny, it can seem sad and depressing. Also, needles from live trees can be challenging to keep up with when you must keep your house neat and tidy for showings.
   
• Scents over scenes. There’s nothing more alluring than holiday scents. The smells of fresh baked cookies and cinnamon sticks simmering on the stove create a warm ambiance that makes people feel at home.
   
• Protect your presents. You may not want to have presents under the tree when strangers will be walking through your house, especially if your Realtor is holding an open house. The last thing you want to discover Christmas morning is that someone walked away with one or more of your gifts.

The bottom line is, don’t be afraid to decorate and enjoy the holiday season in your home even if it’s on the market and being shown. Just remember to keep it simple and enticing to potential 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://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Photo Credits: grovecitysummit.com, pinterest, journal.gomillie.com