Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 441-450 of 614

Moving in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic

by The Hat Team


Life seems to be on hold right now due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but that doesn’t mean that everything just stops.  While social distancing is vital to our health and well-being, moving to a new home is something that might not be able to wait.  Whether you are relocating for a job, or it was a planned move prior to the start of social distancing, you need to know how to go about moving during a pandemic. Here is a list of tips to help you with your move. Remember that moving can already be stressful under normal circumstances, so take a deep, cleansing breath and arm yourself with information that will keep you safe and make your move as easy as possible.

  1. Contact moving companies to determine if they are open.  If you had already scheduled movers you should contact them to make sure they are still available.  Most moving companies appear to be open right now, but that could change in the weeks and months to come.  When you schedule movers, ask questions about precautions they are taking to keep themselves, and you safe. The 10 Most Popular Movers in Montgomery, Alabama
     
  2. Research storage options.  You may need to put things in storage prior to moving.  Major storage companies continue to stay open, but they may have limited hours of accessibility or rules about how many people can access their units at one time.  Make sure the storage company you use is following proper safety practices such as sanitizing access pads between customers and maintain six feet or more of space between customers/customers and employees. Montgomery, AL Storage Units
     
  3. If anyone in your family is experiencing coronavirus symptoms, let your mover know.  Transparency is vital in order to keep everyone safe.  Your movers may still be willing to work with you, but will be prepared to put protocols in place to protect their workers. Even if nobody in your family is symptomatic, if someone has been exposed to the virus, you should still let your mover know that you are isolating due to exposure.
     
  4.  Have hygiene products on hand for your movers.  Provide soap and paper towels by the sink, and hand sanitizer by the door that they are using.  If you don’t have those supplies available, let the mover know so they can be sure to bring them along for the move.
     
  5. Avoid using free or recycled moving boxes.  Because the coronavirus can live on cardboard for as long as 24 hours, picking up free/recycled boxes could possibly put you at risk.  Either use boxes you already have at home or go to the store to buy new ones (and use self-checkout if it’s available!).
     
  6. If you are part of a high-risk group for coronavirus, you may want to consider cancelling your move if possible.  If you are over 60 or you have a pre-existing respiratory or cardio-vascular condition, you should reconsider moving right now.  It’s not worth risking your life!  So, if there is any flexibility, put your move on hold until you can relocate more safely.
     
  7. If you have to travel for your move, only work with hotels and airlines that offer free cancellation.  Everything is so uncertain right now and the last thing you need is to lose money on a reservation should your move get postponed. 
     
  8. Keep your distance.  Be smart and practice all the standard rules that apply for this pandemic.  Don’t get close to the movers, use sanitizers, and WASH,WASH,WASH your hands!!  Mark your boxes to let movers know what rooms they go in so that you don’t even need to be nearby to direct them.

As stated above, moving is already stressful enough. Don’t let our current situation overwhelm you.  The best way to do this is to arm yourself with information and use common sense precautions to keep everyone involved as safe as possible!

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!

Photo Credit: moving.com

Virtual Activities for All Ages

by The Hat Team

Living virtual… we compiled a list of things to do at home! From educational activities to museum tours to amusement park rides to exercise and so much more! Take a look and let us know if you have something to add! 

NEW LINKS ADDED WEEKLY 

One World: Together at Home
The global special celebrating healthcare workers will be on CBS and CBS All Access on Saturday, April 18.

Virtual Tours
Carlsbad Caverns
Anne Frank House Virtual Tour
British Museum London
Guggenheim Museum, NYC
Ellis Island Interactive Tour
Field Museum: Chicago
Musee d’Orsay, Paris
National Air & Space Museum – Smithsonian
National Gallery of Art
National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea
The Louvre
VanGogh Museum: Amsterdam
Buckingham Palace
Great Wall of China 360
Great Wall of China Virtual
NASA Mission Operations Room
National Park Service Virtual Tours
National Aquarium Virtual Tour: Baltimore
The Great Pyramids
National Aquarium: Washington
Disney World & Disneyland Virtual Rides
Seattle Aquarium

Mount Vernon 
Monticello
Colonial Williamsburg
National Women’s History Museum

Explore Different Countries with National Geographic
Explore Everest, Himalayas, Nepal and More!

Animal Web Cams
Atlanta Zoo Panda Cam
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Duke Farms Eagle Cam: New Jersey
Liberty Science Center: New Jersey
Georgia Aquarium
Houston Zoo
Monterey Bay Aquarium
National Aquarium Live Cams: Baltimore
Reid Park Zoo: Tucson, AZ
San Diego Zoo
Smithsonian National Zoo: Washington
Wolf Conservation Center

Shark Videos
Explore the Wildlife of Yellowstone National Park

Educational
Peanuts Homeschool Ideas
Amazing Education Resources (extensive list of programs)
Lunch Doodles with Mo Williams
Discovery K12 (online homeschool K-12)
Ivy League college courses available online
Imagineering in a Box on Khan Academy
Khan Academy
Virtual Field Trip Lesson Plan
Math Websites
NASA

US Space and Rocket Center – Huntsville, AL 
Scholastic Learn at Home
PBS Kids
Educational Netflix Shows

Virtual Dissections and Labs
Schoolhouse Rock
Making Bread with Kids
Social Studies Websites
Reading and Writing
Time for Kids
Virtual Marine Biology Camp
Online Kids Cooking Classes with Flour Power
Weather Science with National Weather Service
Historic Children’s Books Online
Crash Course
The White House

Behold the Holy Lands
Walk the Battlefields of Gettysburg
Take a Trip to the North Pole
Mars

Workout
HIIT Workouts
Couch to CrossFit
14 Free Workouts
Kids Workout

Kids Movement and Action Songs 
Peloton

Virtual Story Times
Children’s Authors Read-Alouds
Storyline Online
Harper Kids
Brightly Storytime
Story Time From Space

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Arts
Paper Dolls
Berlin Philharmonic: Digital Concert Hall
Metropolitan Opera

Fender Guitar Lessons
Center for Puppetry Arts @ Home
Crayola
San Francisco Symphony
New York Philharmonic
Classical Music for Kids
The Metropolitan Museum of Art for Kids
Virtual Drumming
BBC Music Planet
National Gallery of Art

 

A Guide to Growing Edibles in Containers

by The Hat Team


Do you love the idea of growing your own food, but don’t have room for a garden? Don’t worry! You can still grow vegetables and herbs even if you don’t have a sunny patch of soil to plant them in. You just need some containers!  You might be surprised to discover how many of your favorite edibles will grow just fine in a container.

To get started, you must make sure that the container you choose is large enough to hold a full-grown plant.  Veggies like lettuce and spinach don’t require a lot of space, nor do many herbs.  But beefy tomatoes and peppers will need some growing room. 6 Great Containers for Growing Vegetables

Once you’ve got the right containers, it’s time to purchase the proper potting mix designed for container growth.  You will also need to water more often because roots in containers can’t work their way out to reach water.  Make sure that the area where you plan to have your containers can withstand their weight. For example, if you plan to put them on your second-floor balcony, you’re going to want to check the building code to make sure it can handle heavy pots.

Here are some examples of edibles that do well in containers:

  • Herbs

Herbs do well in containers of all shapes and sizes.You can place them on a patio, in a windowsill or line them along your sidewalk.The trick is to make sure the pot you choose is matched to the adult size of the plant.Smaller herbs like chervil, chives, cilantro, marjoram, oregano, parsley, sage, savory, tarragon and thyme do well in containers that are 6-12 inches deep and 12 inches wide.Larger plants like basil, lavender, and lemongrass need a minimum of 16-18 inch containers, while rosemary and dill need even larger pots.

  • Salad Greens

​​Salad greens like lettuces, lettuce blends, mesclun and microgreens have very shallow roots and only require pots to be about 6 inches deep.  Others like chicory, radicchio and spinach need 8 inches.

  • Strawberries

Strawberries make beautiful container plants.Imagine having one close to wear you sit outdoors and simply reaching over to pluck a ripe, scrumptious berry right off the plant.They also do well in hanging baskets. The berries will be a eye level while keeping pests from getting into them.Strawberries will grow in just about any container as long as it’s at least 8 inches deep. If you do choose to use a hanging container, go a little bigger; at least 12 inches wide and deep.

  • Peppers

The advantage of growing peppers in a container is that you can start them earlier than normal, meaning you will also get to harvest them earlier for your dining pleasure. The disadvantage is that they may not be as big as garden-grown versions.But they will be as tasty!And they provide a colorful addition to a balcony or patio garden.You will want a container that is at least 8 inches deep and at least 16 to 18 inches wide.

  • Tomatoes

Tomatoes grown in containers are just as yummy as the ones grown in garden soil, but they have the added perk of avoiding soil-borne diseases.If you plant in containers you start with new soil every year.It’s important to match the tomato size to the container size for optimal growth.Always err on the side of more space.Even the tiniest of tomatoes, like cherry tomatoes, will need planters that are at least a foot deep and even wider.

  • Eggplants

This gorgeous plant often gets overlooked when considering a container garden, but it shouldn’t! It will brighten up any container garden with its lovely violet spring flowers and shiny purple fruits.While they are not huge plants, they will need some space to thrive.Containers for eggplants should be a minimum of 12 inches deep and 16-18 inches wide.

These are just a sampling of edible plants that can be grown in containers.  If you thought you could never have an herb or vegetable garden, think again!  Get started on your own edible container garden and you will be enjoying fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies before you know it! The 35 Easiest Container and Pot Friendly Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs

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!

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

3111 Malone Dr - Wonderful Floorplan!

by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale:

3111 Malone Dr Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 470558

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1980 Square Feet | Hillwood

3111 malone dr

 

VIEW THE TOUR

Fabulous move-in ready townhouse in popular Hillwood! This one story townhouse has such a wonderful floor plan that you will not believe how spacious every room is! The eat-in kitchen is huge and beautifully updated with granite counter tops, tiled back splash, tons of cabinets, nice sized pantry, and stainless appliances. It opens to the large living room and the den/formal dining room with built-ins… a great space to use for whatever suits your needs. The enormous master had 3 walk-in closets and an en suite bath with split granite vanities and tiled shower. The guest bedroom is on the opposite end and has two large closets. There is a cozy covered patio and small yard with just enough grass for a pet but not a lot of upkeep. The location in Midtown Montgomery is so convenient and walking distance to restaurants and shopping. Check it out today!

Market by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Layfield, Sandra Nickel Hat Team. Go to HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com and click on 'About'.

Montgomery AL Real Estate For Sale

1109 S Hull St Montgomery AL 36104

MLS: 469964

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 3,848 Square Feet | Burtonville

1109 S Hull St MOntgomery AL

Virtual Tour

This stately late 1800's home is your opportunity to have your own business/gallery/studio on one level and comfortably live upstairs in a spacious 3 bedroom/2 bath home in Midtown Montgomery. Current owner has occupied this space for over 25 years, running his family business out of the first floor while enjoying the convenience of living upstairs. A large family sized kitchen and big living/dining room area have great built-ins and plenty of storage. Big party deck off the 2nd floor is perfect place to entertain or simply relax and enjoy being in the trees. The first floor has a reception area (formerly a large foyer) plus multiple office/conference rooms and a kitchenette and two bathrooms. Plenty of off-street parking on side and rear of house.

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

Go to HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com. Click on “About”.

2422 College St: Old Cloverdale Beauty!

by The Hat Team

2422 College St, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 469823

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2100 Square Feet | Old Cloverdale

2422 College St
Click here for Virtual Tour!

This Old Cloverdale home has been well maintained and shows like a model! Formal living room/dining room and open flow make entertaining crowds a breeze. Enjoy more casual living/dining in the cozy sunroom/den and breakfast room. Big updated kitchen has plenty of room for meal prep and a walk-in pantry for storage. The wide central hallway is large enough for furniture and great place to display your art collection. Three spacious bedrooms and two baths, plus a big cedar-lined hall closet round out the interior offerings. The back yard is fenced and private, and has a recently refurbished party deck and lots of heirloom shrubs and mature shade trees. Detached storage with workshop area and potting shed. Walking distance to Cloverdale's entertainment district, parks, theaters and shopping! Call your favorite agent for an appointment to view this Midtown Montgomery home today, before it gets away!

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

2085 S Hull St: Thoughtfully Updated!

by The Hat Team

2085 S Hull St, Montgomery AL 36104

MLS# 469757

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2133 Square Feet | Garden District

2085 s hull st

If you have dreamed about living in the beautiful historic Garden District in Midtown Montgomery, here is your chance! This spacious brick rancher has been lovingly maintained and thoughtfully updated to meet your needs. Large living room and dining room work well for entertaining and more formal living, while the cozy eat-in kitchen and den/family room is where you will find yourself most of the time. Split plan bedrooms offer adults privacy from guests/kids. Large back patio overlooks expansive back yard with lots of privacy. Located minutes from Downtown and Cloverdale's dining and entertainment districts, too.

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

Go to HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com. Click on “About”.

46 N Brittany Dr: Plenty of Living & Entertaining Spaces!

by The Hat Team

46 N Brittany Dr, Elmore AL 36025

MLS# 468509

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1786 Square Feet | Brittany Place

45 n brittany dr

Welcome to Brittany Place, an upscale garden home community! This home's floorplan allows for plenty of living and entertaining spaces, with oversized great room and dining room, plus open kitchen and breakfast nook. Spacious master bedroom features walk-in closet and master bath with garden tub and split vanities. Rear screened porch is the perfect place to relax and unwind, and small low-maintenance lot means less time doing yardwork and more time doing fun/family activities! And, just down the street is the neighborhood gazebo and party pavilion, shared by all residents in Brittany Place.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!  Go to HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com. Click on “About”.

 

A Guide to Owning a Rental Property

by The Hat Team


Owning a rental property can be a great way to make money.  But to be successful at it, you need to do your homework first and make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.  Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Choose an experienced Realtor Finding the right agent is critical to successfully capitalize on real estate investments.  You want to find someone who has the knowledge to make the process easier for you.  They should have awareness of location, value, and return on investment. Your agent really should be an investor, too. That first-hand knowledge and experience will be invaluable to you going forward.
  2. Location, location, location!  Research what areas are declining and which ones are on the rise before deciding where to purchase an investment property. If large retailers such as Lowe’s or Home Depot are setting up shop there, it’s probably a good place to invest because big chains do a lot of research before moving in. How to Pick the Ideal Location for Investment Properties
  3. If you plan to invest with a partner, make sure you have a partnership agreement drawn up to protect all parties in case something happens.  Relationships can sour and expensive mistakes can happen. Making early decisions about how to handle bad situations will help prevent catastrophic results.
  4. Be prepared to invest for the long term.  When you hold onto a property for a long time, you can manage expenses and income easier and use the money to pay the mortgage.
  5. Be picky about renters. If you are going to rent to students or rent rooms to different people verses to a family, you may need special permits, depending on where you live. Educate yourself about rules and regulations for renting out your property. Landlord and Tenant Rights in Alabama
  6. If you have more than three properties you’re renting out, you would benefit from hiring an experienced property manager. It can be overwhelming when you are trying to take care of multiple homes (including your own!). A property manager will handle repairs and minor problems for tenants. They will help find new tenants as well.  Just keep in mind that property managers usually get around 10% of the monthly rent.

Being a landlord isn’t always easy.  But with the right investment, it can be very rewarding!

If you are in the market to invest in real estate in the Montgomery area, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: thebalance.com

Don’t Let Winter Make You Blue

by The Hat Team


It’s the time of year when everything just seems “blah”.  The holidays are over and winter looms before us…long and cold.  Many of us leave for work during the dark morning and don’t arrive home until the dark of night.  It can be depressing.  Really.  Scientifically.  Depressing.  Per Psychology Today, Seasonal Affective Disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that follows the seasons.  The most common type of SAD is winter depression.  Scientists believe that SAD may be related to changes in the amount of daylight we experience.  It is estimated that this disorder affects 10 million Americans, with another 10 to 20 percent suffering from a milder form of SAD.  It’s more common in women than men and symptoms usually begin around age 20.  Some people suffer symptoms so severely that they affect quality of life and 6% of people with SAD require hospitalization.  But don’t despair!  While SAD is a legitimate illness that should be taken seriously and treated, many of us experience a mild form of “winter blues” that we can beat on our own.  Here is a list of scientifically backed ways to “beat the winter blues”:

  1. Make your environment brighter. Thirty minutes of light exposure can be as helpful as an antidepressant. Open your blinds, sit near a window and on sunny days, get outside! And if these options aren’t available, try light therapy. The 8 Best Light Therapy Lamps of 2020
     
  2. Make healthy eating choices. Certain foods like chocolate, asparagus, spinach, blueberries and oranges are known to enhance your mood and relieve anxiety.
     
  3. Simulate dawn. If you’re suffering with SAD, you may be finding it difficult to get up in the morning, especially if it’s still dark outside. A study showed that a dawn simulator, a device that makes the lights in your bedroom gradually get brighter over a set period of time, can serve as an antidepressant and make it easier to get out of bed in the morning. 6 Best Dawn Simulators
     
  4. Exercise. A Harvard University study showed that walking fast for 35 minutes a day, five days a week or 60 minutes a day, three days a week can significantly reduce symptoms of depression. And for SAD, exercising in brightly lit environments is even better!
     
  5. Listen to music.  Research has shown that listening to upbeat, cheerful music can improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
     
  6. Plan a vacation.  Research shows that although it might be months before you actually go, simply planning a vacation causes a significant increase in overall happiness.
     
  7. Lend a helping hand. Volunteering to help others is great way to improve your mental health and increase satisfaction in life.
     
  8. Spend time outside.  Even when it’s cold, the benefits of spending time outdoors are numerous. Time spent outdoors can improve focus, improve symptoms of SAD and reduce anxiety.

So, don’t let the winter blues get you down.  Take steps to lift your spirits and spring will be here before you know it!

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!

Photo Credit: parklandmedicalcenter.com

Displaying blog entries 441-450 of 614

Syndication

Categories

Archives

   cdpe    crsHat Lady on Zillow