Real Estate Information Archive

There are some beautiful older homes in Montgomery and if you are lucky enough to own one, you want to keep it in the best shape possible. It’s important to take steps to maintain the old-world charm of a historic home. 

Here are steps you can take to keep your aging, vintage home properly protected and preserved:

• KEEP UP WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Routine maintenance, like cleaning and painting (especially the exterior) is vital to minimizing issues that might mean costly repairs. It’s a good idea to develop a maintenance schedule and follow it as best you can.

• LIMIT CHANGES

When repairs must be made, try to keep original details intact. For example, if some trim needs to be replaced due to rot or infestation, only replace the parts that are damaged. This will save wood and money and help preserve the historic fabric of the house. If you do have to replace something completely, take photos prior to removing anything so that it can be duplicated to retain the character of the home.

• KEEP HISTORIC WINDOWS

If you have early twentieth century (or earlier) windows, you are going to want to keep them. They were made to be repaired, not replaced.It is possible to make old windows more energy efficient.

• TAKE SPECIAL CARE WITH MASONRY

While brick and masonry are long-lasting components, they will need maintenance and eventually, repairs. Educate yourself about proper ways to care for and repair them.

• EMBRACE THE QUIRKS

You don’t have to “fix” everything. You can repair and stabilize structural damage while keeping elements that show how your home has aged over the generations.

• KEEP HISTORIC INTERIOR FEATURES

While you will surely want to update some aspects of your home, try to hang on to the charming features that make it unique. Things like transoms, paneled doors, moldings and such are features that make your home special.

• KEEP PLASTER WALLS

Plaster is a remarkable material that is superior to modern day drywall. In recent years, preservation contractors have discovered the benefits of preserving plaster walls. Damaged plaster walls can be repaired, and if necessary, only replace the damaged portions.

• CHERISH THOSE OLD HARDWOOD FLOORS

Retaining the old floors in a historic house requires special care. Be careful not to over-sand them, destroying the antique character in the process. Old floors were hand-planed, and hand-sanding is the best way to maintain their character.

The most important step you can take to maintain your vintage home is to educate yourself. Lots of information can be found online and there are “Old House Specialists” that can help you!

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!

Fall gardens bring to mind vivid, jewel toned colors such as scarlet, deep purples and gold.  Planning for a fall garden needs to start early so that plants are established. Even if they bloom late in the season, they will be hardier and bloom best if they’ve been in the garden longer.  Before planting, research what kind of flowers and plants will do best in your area.  To help, here are some that thrive in hardiness zone 8:

Chrysanthemums

Commonly called “mums”, these richly hued plants are true sign of fall. When buying mums, look for ones labeled “hardy mums” or “garden mums” for the best chance of having them thrive throughout the season.  Plant them as soon as you buy them.  Given the opportunity to develop a strong root system, they will last longer.

​Helenium

Part of the daisy family, this cheery flower blooms in yellow, orange and red bringing a vibrant ambiance to your garden. These tough, easy-to-grow perennials bloom late in the season and last a long time.

Asters

Available in a variety of hues in shades of pink, purple, blue and white, these perennials bloom from mid to late fall.  Loved by bees, butterflies and other pollinators, they provide a late feeding opportunity for them.  Plant them as soon as they are available in early fall so that they can establish a strong root system.

Pansies

One of the most popular cool weather annuals, pansies are favorites for fall flowerbeds. They are very hardy and can continue to bloom through winter and into spring, thereby adding lively color to your garden almost year ‘round!

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Robust, carefree, pretty, and long-lasting, sedum is about as close to perfect as you can get for a fall flower. Sedums come in many various sizes and colors, including mat forming, creeping, and upright varieties. Easy to grow, they are great for beds, borders, or even a rock garden. 

Dahlias

Known for their large blossoms, these lovely flowers boast deep pink petals with a bit of striking white around the edges. They thrive in partial shade or full sun and grow into early winter. Be prepared to prune them to have consistent blooming.

Remember, it’s not too early to start planning for your colorful autumn flowerbeds!

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 our https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Thanks to rising housing and healthcare costs, many families have begun sharing multigenerational homes over the past few years. A multigenerational home is one where grandparents, parents, and children all live under the same roof.  According to Pew Research, 59.7 million Americans were living this way as of 2021. More people sharing a space may not seem ideal, but it does have its perks; from saving money to being present to care for family members when needed.

Multigenerational living means enough space in homes is needed to provide comfort and privacy for all family members. 

If you are in search of a home for this purpose, here are some things to look for:

1. ACCESSIBILITY

Even if the elders in the family are getting around easily now, it is important to think ahead to when it might not be so easy for them. Open floor plans are ideal for creating spaces that are easily accessible should someone be in a wheelchair at some point. In addition, look for a home that has at least one main floor bedroom and full bath so that going up and down stairs won’t be a problem in the future.

2. MAIN FLOOR BEDROOMS

As stated above, it is ideal to have at least one main floor bedroom. But if you can find a home with more than one main floor bedroom, all the better. Having some bedrooms upstairs and some downstairs provides separation and privacy between generations.

3. ROOMS THAT SERVE DUAL PURPOSES

Keep in mind that it is easy to convert a bedroom into another type of space, but not always possible to convert another space into a bedroom. Bedrooms need windows and a closet. So, when looking for a house, look for one with as many bedrooms as possible so that they can be used for different purposes like a den, playroom or office.

4. PRIVATE LIVING SPACE FOR EVERYONE

Look for a home large enough and with enough rooms to provide a private living space for each generation. For example, an office could become a den for grandparents, family room for the middle generation and maybe a playroom upstairs for the youngsters.

5. PRIVATE ENTRANCES

Look for homes that are already set up for multigenerational families. They may have an in-law suite, an apartment over the garage and private entrances for different parts of the home. If you cannot find one already built, consider a renovation of an existing home to add these features.

Whether you find the perfect property, renovate a home, or build one from scratch, remember to consider the needs, privacy and accessibility of all your family members and you will have a home filled with love!

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 our https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Are you a recent “Empty Nester” in a home that suddenly feels way too big?  Facing the dilemma of what to do with your empty nest can be overwhelming. You are not only dealing with the emotional turmoil of no longer having your children at home, but now you have this large, empty house as well.  You might already be considering a move to a smaller home, but the thought of giving up the place where you raised your children may have you feeling melancholy. Your current home likely holds a lot of wonderful memories for you. But remember, it’s just a house. There are a lot of perks to downsizing.

• Your house will be easier to maintain, and you will spend less time cleaning.
• You will spend less money on everything from your mortgage, taxes and insurance to your heating, cooling, and electricity. 
• Having less debt will eliminate the financial stress that comes with a huge mortgage payment.
• A home that doesn’t drain your resources and energy will give you peace of mind…and that is priceless.
• A smaller home has a positive impact on the environment because it requires less resources to build and maintain.
• You will have more free time for living the life you want.
• It will force you to declutter and cut back on your belongings and keep you from buying more.
• If decorating is not your thing, a smaller house will make it less overwhelming for you.
• When the time comes to sell, a smaller, more affordable home will appeal to a larger percentage of the population.

Scaling down doesn’t mean you should move into a “tiny house”.  It might be just going from four bedrooms/three baths to three bedrooms/two baths. A professional Realtor can assist you in finding a smaller home that will suit all your needs and provide you with a happier, more peaceful lifestyle.

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!

It’s hurricane season folks, and while Montgomery is in a very low risk hurricane zone, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared should a major weather event occur. This year the NOAA predicts an 85% chance of an above normal season. Gathering your hurricane supplies ahead of time will save you from having to fight the crowds at stores right before a storm hits. And some of these items will be useful on average stormy summer nights as well.

Your HURRICANE KIT should contain the following:

• Flashlights & extra bulbs
• Battery-operated radio
• Battery-operated lanterns
• Batteries (in different sizes)
• Matches
• First Aid kit
• Duct Tape
• Rain gear
• Clock (wind-up or battery-powered)
• Plastic garbage bags
• Fire extinguisher
• Scissors
• Can opener
• Clean clothes
• Extra blankets
• Heavy gloves

Have non-perishable food for each person for 3-7 days in two coolers (one for food and one for drinks) with the following:

• Bottled water (1 gallon/person/day)
• Canned foods
• Bottled juice
• Dry pet food (make sure to include water for your pets)

House Checklist:

• Remove outdoor items
• Trim dead branches from trees
• Board up windows
• Fill gas tanks and extra containers
• Have extra cash on hand
• Move furniture away from windows
• Store important documents in waterproof containers
• Have extra supply of medicines on hand

Medical Needs:

• Medical-alert tags
• Insect-repellent sprays
• Feminine hygiene items
• Sunscreen
• Soap
• First Aid kit
• Prescription medicine
• Over-the-counter medication
• Bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic solution
• Thermometer
• Tweezers

Prepare your pets:

• Water for pets for 3-7 days
• Non-perishable pet food
• Crate/carrier/tank
• Leash
• Collar or harness
• Favorite toy
• Blanket or pillow
• Clean litter box
• Updated shots and medical records
• Microchip and contact information
• Any medications
• Calming aids
• Tags
• Puppy training pads
• Heartworm preventatives
• Rain gear

Be prepared to evacuate, if necessary, by knowing where your local evacuation routes are and making sure your vehicle gas tanks are full.

Hopefully you will never have to use your Hurricane Kit, but being prepared for severe weather will give you peace of mind knowing that you are ready should such an event occur.

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.

Summer is almost here and for many families, that means it is cookout time!  One of the best things about cooking out on the grill is that there are fewer pots and pans to wash than with stovetop cooking. While you don’t have to scrub down your gas grill to shiny perfection after each use, it is important to give it a deep clean every now and then to make sure it runs safely and efficiently. Here’s how!

1. Gather your cleaning supplies - You may want to use gloves and you will need a nylon grill brush, aramid fiber-wrapped brush or stainless-steel coil brush – all of which are good alternatives to wire grill brushes. You will also need old cleaning rags or paper towels, a bristle brush or putty knife, and soap and water.
    
2. Turn off the gas supply – THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure the gas supply is turned off or play it extra safe and remove the gas tank from the grill while cleaning it.
    
3. Remove the grill grates - Pull them out so you can give them a thorough cleaning. Scrub them with a grill brush or other coarse brush.
    
4. Clean anything covering the burners - Remove any V-shaped metal heat tents, ceramic briquettes, or lava stones that cover the burners and brush them clean. You will want all the gas grill parts to be spic and span.
    
5. Clean the burner tubes - Lightly brush the burner tubes and make sure all the gas ports are clean and open.
    
6. Clean the bottom of the grill and the lid - Brush or wipe any debris out of the bottom of the grill. If there is peeling black stuff (usually carbon flakes and grease) on the grill lid or bottom, use a bristle brush or putty knife to scrape it off.
    
7. Clean the grease collection tray - Use soap and water to clean the grease collection tray and replace any disposable pans as needed.  Make sure to dispose of grease properly - pour it into an empty can or bottle, wait for it to harden, then throw the whole thing away.
    
8. Wipe down the outside of the grill - With a rag or paper towel, wipe down the outside of the grill and any side trays using soap and water.
    
9. Put the grill back together - Now you’re ready for a cookout!!

Here is a delicious grill recipe for you to enjoy this summer:

Surf ‘n Turf Foil Packs

4 Servings, Prep time: 10 minutes, Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ lb. sirloin steak, cut into 1” cubes
• ½ lb. shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 2 ears corn, each cut crosswise into 4 pieces
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 1 small red onion, cut into thick slices
• 1 lime, sliced into wedges
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning
• 1tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
• Lime wedges for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat grill to high. Cut 4 sheets of foil about 12 inches long.
2. Divide steak, shrimp, corn, tomatoes, onion, lime, and garlic between each foil pack. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with Old Bay, fresh thyme, cumin, and black pepper.
3. Fold each foil pack crosswise over to completely cover the food mixture. Roll top and bottom edges to seal.
4. Place foil packs on the grill and cook until shrimp is cooked through and steak is finished to your desired doneness, 6 to 8 minutes per side.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve with lime wedges.

Recipe from delish.com

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.

Even during the spring, people spend a lot of time indoors. And while it is important to spend time outside to get fresh air, you may want to do something to improve the quality of the air IN your home. If you enjoy gardening, you don’t have to limit it to outdoors.  There are lots of houseplants that will aid in the removal of pollutants floating around your home.

• English Ivy

Used as a houseplant, this elegant beauty is excellent for removing harmful chemicals that can be found in the home. It will grow in full shade to full sun, so you will have lots of flexibility in placement. With proper care, it can survive for many years.

• Bamboo Palm

This plant prefers part sun or shade. It removes harmful elements such as benzene and formaldehyde.

• Chinese Evergreen

This pretty, easy-to-care-for plant thrives in low to medium light. It can grow to one or two feet. While it helps maintain healthy air quality, it also can be toxic to pets, so if you have fur-babies at home, keep this plant out of their reach!

• Gerbera Daisy

These delightful flowering plants will remove benzene from your home while adding a cheerful vibe! But they like to be warm, doing their best in temperatures of 75 degrees or higher.

• Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (also known as “Snake Plant”)

Despite the interesting moniker, this hardy succulent is a great houseplant for beginners (or those who don’t have green thumbs) because it can survive in even the toughest of conditions. Just be careful not to over water it.

• Peace Lily

Honestly, we can never have too much PEACE! This lovely plant not only brings to mind the beauty and hope of spring, it fights against toxic gases like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. They are easy to care for and will droop when they need watering. They can be a bit toxic to pets and humans, so you should wash your hands after touching it.

• Spider Plant

Bring on the green with this houseplant that thrives in bright, indirect light and will remove harmful pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Keep its soil damp, but not soggy and it will last a long time!

It is important to be very conscious of taking care of ourselves and the environment we live in. Use these houseplants for health and improve your air quality at home today!

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.

Spring has arrived and with the weather warming up, now is the time to start sprucing up your yard for curb appeal. Here are some tips for how to rid your yard of that wild, unattended winter look and replace it with a space that is sure to impress!

• Send Winter Packing

Pull out your rake and remove all the debris of winter. Leaves, pinecones, sticks etc. are not appealing and ridden your yard of all that mess will have it look tidy in no time.

• Declare War on the Weeds

Weeding is no fun, but it’s a necessary part of maintaining your lawn and garden. Taking the time to clear your yard of weeds will not only make it look nicer, it will also show that you take pride in all aspects of your home.

• Time for a Trim

It is time to start cutting your grass regularly again. Healthy, even grass is attractive and gives the yard a pleasing appearance. Don’t forget to trim the edges as well to complete the look.

• Quench That Thirst

It’s important to keep your grass hydrated. It will become dry and a dull shade of green if it is not watered regularly. The same applies to your garden. Pay special attention to areas that are sheltered and do not get as much moisture when it rains.

• Dress it Up

Planting seasonal plants and flowers will dress up your yard and enhance curb appeal. You can choose perennials that will come back every year or, for longer blooming plants, annuals that last for one season. Better yet, use a combination of both!

• Prune Away

Trim back any large shrubs, trees, or plants to frame your house in a way that is inviting. Pruning allows for new growth and deters pests and animal infestation. It also promotes healthy growth into a natural shape for the plant.

• Mulch it Up

Once you have planted and pruned, mowed, and edged, it’s time to spread mulch around your garden beds. Mulch helps to keep moisture in your plants and makes the garden easier to maintain. Make sure you choose a mulch that compliments your garden type and style.

Spend some time working in your yard now and not only will you save yourself from having to do it in the sweltering heat of summer, but you will be able to enjoy your outdoor spaces throughout the spring and summer season.

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.

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner and many people enjoy spending time outdoors to savor the warmer weather. Unfortunately, there are some not-so-pleasant aspects of spending time outside such as bugs, rain, and hot, humid days. Whether you have a deck, patio or simply a great yard, the following tips will help make the time you spend outside more comfortable in any situation:

BUGS

Yuck. Whether you are hosting an alfresco dinner party or simply trying to relax with a good book on your deck, nothing will send you running back inside faster than nasty, annoying bugs.  If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, dealing with them is imperative if you want to be able to enjoy the outdoors. Screening in a porch is an ideal way to be able to feel like you are outside without all the awful bug bites. Other ways to keep insects away:

• Do not keep any standing water on your property.  Even a single forgotten flowerpot full of rainwater can become a mosquito breeding ground.
• Make water features running rather than standing or treat them with mosquito prevention.
• Install ceiling fans on porches - flies and mosquitoes do not like moving air.
• Hire a pro! If you are unable to spray your yard yourself or would rather the process be handled by an expert, consider calling a professional. I use Mosquito Authority to spray periodically.

USE OUTDOOR FABRICS IN EXPOSED AREAS

If your porch is covered, you may be able to get away with using more delicate furniture and cushions not specifically made for outdoor use.  But if your seating area is exposed to the elements, you will want to invest in fabrics and furniture made for outside use.  They will likely be more expensive, but they won’t fade in the sun, will resist stains and are water resistant.  The cushions are stuffed with material that sheds water easily so that they won’t stay waterlogged if they get wet.

UTILIZE A STORAGE BENCH

While outdoor cushions are designed to stand up to repeated soakings, they will still be wet for a while directly after a rainstorm.  You can avoid having to sit on damp cushions by keeping them in a covered storage bench when you know there is a chance of rain.  If they won’t fit in a storage bench, lean your larger cushions against the wall of the house.  Do the same with any lightweight folding chairs.

MASK SOUNDS WITH RUNNING WATER

If noise is an issue that prevents you from indulging in a peaceful outdoor experience, try using a water feature to drown out the distraction.  Water is a great way to gently camouflage sounds from close neighbors. Try installing a small fountain near your seating area for a more tranquil atmosphere.

MUSIC

If the water feature doesn’t appeal to you, soft music playing in the background can be just as effective at masking sounds.  With wireless speakers, you don’t even need an outlet to play your music.

SHADE

Even when you are craving the warmth of the sun, sitting outside without any shade on a hot, sunny day will send you running for the AC before too long.  There are a lot of options for adding shade to your yard.  Try freestanding umbrellas, a cloth overhang, lattices, a shade tree, or a pergola.

PUT TOGETHER AN OUTDOOR DINING KIT

Dining alfresco will be easier if you have a kit ready and waiting.  Put your frequently used outdoor items in a basket or on a big tray with handles so you can just grab it and go.  Here are some things to include:

• Unbreakable wineglasses and plates
• A carafe for water, wine or tea
• Big napkins
• Candles and matches or a lighter
• A wicker or mesh dome-shaped cover to keep flies off the food
• Unbreakable outdoor serving pieces
• A bottle opener

HAVE BLANKETS FOR CHILLY EVENINGS

Keep some blankets nearby.  Old wool camp-style blankets, light weight Kantha Quilts , or fringed throws work well. Your guests will thank you on chilly evenings in the garden!

HAVE ADEQUATE NIGHTTIME LIGHTING

Your outdoor space will really come alive at night with the right lighting.  Try placing lighting under a bench seat for subtle illumination, make a ring of lanterns on the grass around your dining table or hang strings of lights overhead.  Landscape lighting will add to the ambiance 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.

While there are many perks to home ownership (and tax breaks are a big one!), people who are beginning the journey of purchasing a home may be easily misled by common homeowner tax myths.

First, it is important to note that owning your own home does come with tax benefits. For example, a conventional loan’s PMI (private mortgage insurance), the VA loan funding fee, the USDA loan guaranteed fee, and FHA loan upfront mortgage insurance premiums are each tax deductible per the IRS. But as a first-time homeowner, it’s important that you educate yourself on extended tax benefits so that you will know what you can and cannot deduct. Because, unfortunately, some things you might have heard about homeowner tax perks may not be true.

MYTH: DEDUCTIONS ALWAYS CUT YOUR TAX BILL IN HALF

TRUTH: While it is possible for your home ownership deductions to reduce your tax bill, it is not a guarantee. In order to claim deductions, they must add up to more than the combination of the standard deduction and non-home related write-offs, such as sales taxes or charitable donations. You also will have to itemize your deductions.  Timing, in this case, is everything. For example, if you close on your home in April, you will make several mortgage payments throughout the tax year and chances are that you will exceed the standard deduction and write-offs, in which case your tax bill will be reduced. But if you close in November, you might only make one mortgage payment in the taxable year and you likely won’t exceed the standard deduction, meaning this is one homeowner tax perk that you won’t be able to enjoy until the following tax year.

MYTH: EVERY PAYMENT MADE AT CLOSING IS DEDUCTIBLE

TRUTH: Some closing costs are deductible. Not every fee you pay at your home closing can be written off.  The following closing costs ARE deductible: real estate taxes, mortgage interest, and PMI (private mortgage insurance). You will not receive a tax break for your homeowner’s or flood insurance premiums. The same applies to appraisal fees, escrow accounts for property insurance and taxes, and title insurance.

MYTH: HAVING A HOME OFFICE IS A GUARANTEED DEDUCTION

TRUTH: Having a home office can indeed provide a deductible…for those who qualify.  You must keep in mind that the IRS’s definition of a “home office” is very specific. The following will qualify you for a home office deduction: you are self-employed, own a small business, work from home and have turned one of your home’s rooms into your office space. If you just work from your couch with your laptop, it doesn’t qualify as a “home office” in the eyes of the IRS.

If you fill out a W-2, your home office is NOT deductible.

Purchasing your first home can be an overwhelming and sometimes intimidating process. Educating yourself about homeowner tax breaks is one step you can take toward becoming a knowledgeable, prepared home owner.

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.