Real Estate Information Archive

Montgomery is a spectacular city! Its warm, Southern hospitality, high quality of life, and low cost of living make it an ideal place to work and live. While it is a mid-sized city, it has a small-town feel, giving you the best of both worlds!

You will find everything you want from a big city in Midtown Montgomery; from world-class arts and theater, to excellent health care facilities, to a bustling restaurant and retail area, and while every city has its own unique history, Montgomery is home to some of the most memorable events in American history. There are many family-friendly museums, monuments, and historical sites that celebrate African American history. One particular street is said by locals to be one of the most historic in America!  At one end of Dexter Ave., you will find a large fountain, at another the Alabama State Capitol, and in between, is the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. served as pastor in the late 1950s.  This street is also where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus. Montgomery is the city where the modern civil rights movement took off, and its rich history makes it an interesting and inspiring place to live.

Midtown Montgomery is home to approximately 193,000 residents. It includes established neighborhoods with charming, historic homes, the city’s two largest business parks, Baptist Hospital, two of the largest private schools in Montgomery: Montgomery Academy (enrollment 858) and Trinity Presbyterian School (enrollment 980), Huntingdon College (enrollment 1,000) and Alabama State University (enrollment 5,600). Midtown Montgomery is convenient to Interstate 85 and Vaughn Road, two highly traveled Montgomery thoroughfares between east Montgomery and downtown. 

If you are a foodie, Montgomery will not disappoint! The people here love their food so much, the Minor League Baseball team is named, wait for it…the Montgomery Biscuits! And living in Midtown provides convenient access to some of the best restaurants in town. There are no shortage of delectable dining experiences in and around Midtown. Cahawba House, a cozy breakfast/lunch spot known for its biscuits, Derk's Filet and Vine, a restaurant and market all in one, and Bibb Street Pizza Company are just a few of the many casual dining options. For fine dining, head to the downtown entertainment district to try Central, a locally owned, and regionally sourced fine dining establishment.

One of the best things about Midtown Montgomery are the neighborhoods. Beautiful, historic homes from Bungalow and Cottage style architecture, to Craftsman style, Tudor and Neoclassical Revivals, sit among mature trees and exquisite gardens; some of them walk-in ready and others a fixer-uppers dream.

Find more information about Midtown Montgomery neighborhoods HERE.

Learn more about life in Midtown HERE.

If you are interested in purchasing a historic home in Montgomery, Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team are the Real Estate Professionals for you!  Sandra and her team are experts when it comes to finding the perfect quaint cottage, bungalow, or mansion in historic Montgomery neighborhoods for their clients. Give them a call today at 334-834-1500 or send them an email HERE and before you know it, you will be living the dream in Midtown Montgomery!

Photo credits: ulc.org, newsweek.com, wtvy.com, watchtheyard.com, central129coosa.com, homesforsalemontgomeryalabama.com

The global pandemic set the world into a tailspin, and one result was that the US economy suffered its largest blow since the Great Depression in the second quarter.  It has been about a year since the housing market was on hold for a few months due to the pandemic last spring, and back then it appeared that the real estate market would go into a steep decline because of widespread stay-home orders. But that has not been the case. Instead, the US housing market has been kept afloat by homebuyers. It turns out that residential real estate has been very resilient. In fact, 2020 was a record-breaking year for the US housing market. And as we enter 2021, housing prices are not falling.

“The typical U.S. home was worth $266,104 in December, up 8.4% (or $20,587) from a year ago. A total of 5.64 million homes were sold in 2020, up 5.6% from 2019 and the most since before the Great Recession, according to Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. Sales also rose 0.7% from November and 22.2% year over year. Existing home sales reached the highest level in 13 years.”

Just over a month into 2021, the housing market is still super-competitive for homebuyers. The number of active homebuyers is far greater than the number of homes available for sale, and as a result it seems unlikely that the current pace of home price growth will not change anytime soon. Per Realtor.com market data for the week ending February 6, 2021, the median listing prices grew at 12.9% over last year, making it the 26^th consecutive week of double-digit price appreciation.

HOUSING PRICE FORECAST 2021: STEADY APPRECIATION

Right now, across the nation, homes are selling quickly and the number of homes available for sale continue to fall lower and lower. With homebuyers competing for homes, prices will continue to rise. In fact, per economists and market watchers, home values are growing faster than they have in a generation; and there is no sign of them slowing down.

WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE BUYING HOMES DURING A PANDEMIC?

With stay-at-home orders, there was a huge rise in remote work which, in turn, created a suburban boom, with an outbound migration from cities. A lack of developed land means that home builders may not be able to meet rising demand, leading home prices to continue to rise in 2021. While some urban cities still lack the supply of homes demanded by buyers in those areas, the pandemic has generated a desire for houses with more space; both indoors and out. Combined with historically low interest rates, you see prices rising greatly from urban-to-suburban markets.

Right now, it does not look like price growth is going to slow.  Per Economic Research, predictions are that annual home value growth will rise as high as 13.5% by mid-2021, and the year will finish with approximately 6.9 million sales, the most since 2005.

Another reason there are so many homebuyers in the market now is due to the March to July period from 2020, when a huge portion of the country was on total lockdown. That is normally busy time for residential real estate, and many people who had planned to buy last year are now looking to buy this year. So, it is supply and demand. Low supply + huge demand = rising prices!

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

If you have been thinking about selling your home, now is a great time to do it! 

Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals will help you get your house on the market and sold for the best possible price!  Call them at 334-834-1500 or contact them via email HERE. There has never been a better time to sell your home!

Whether you are getting your home ready to sell or just want a fresh new look, the following do-it-yourself projects will make a big difference without breaking the bank.

1. Spruce up the kitchen

Replacing appliances, cabinetry and countertops is expensive but you can update your kitchen without these costly changes. Update your kitchen by changing out hardware, painting or staining cabinet doors and drawer fronts, replacing outdated light fixtures, or installing a new backsplash.

2. Update the bathrooms

The same is true for your bathrooms. Inexpensive changes can have a big impact. Instead of replacing cabinets, paint the door fronts. Instead of replacing the toilet, replace the toilet seat. Deep clean your flooring and bleach or re-grout the tile if needed. Add a fresh coat of paint and replace old worn out towels with pretty new ones.

3. Paint the walls

A $50 gallon of paint goes a long way when updating your home. Well-loved homes take a beating from kids and pets. Covering up scrapes and scratch marks on walls and woodwork will make your room feel brand new. Add an accent wall for a totally new look.

4. De-clutter

A well-organized home does wonders not only for the esthetics of your home but also your mental attitude. Consider having a yard sale for unwanted items or donating them to the charity of your choice. If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s probably time to get rid of it.

5. Let the light shine

Let the light shine in by cleaning light fixtures and windows. Glass globes and windows should sparkle inside and out letting the sun shine in.

6. Freshen the floors

Renting a carpet cleaner from your local grocery store is a cost effective way to freshen up carpeting. And applying scratch remover to wood floors will make them look new again.

Most of the above improvements can be done in a weekend and don’t require a professional to get the job done. Simply put on your DIY hat to give your home a fresh new look.

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!

With new trends endlessly popping up, it can be challenging to decide what home improvement projects are worth your time and money.  It will serve you well to research what trends are timeless and what trends have gone by the wayside before investing in updating your home, especially if you are getting ready to put it on the market.  To simplify that process for you, here is a list of the hottest home improvement projects for 2021!

1. Swimming Pools.  In the past, swimming pools have not been the most desirable features for potential buyers. However, 2020 changed things. They have become a hot ticket item now that more people are staying home and are looking for ways to stay busy without having to go anywhere. Pool companies can hardly keep up with the demand, and even inflatable kiddie pools have sold out everywhere. Investing in something that can provide a “staycation” in your own back yard is a good idea in 2021!
    
2. Smart homes. With the ever-increasing intelligence of technology, there has been a recent surge in smart home popularity. People enjoy the efficiency of controlling lights, air conditioning systems and home security with the touch of a button on their mobile device.  Best Smart Home Devices for 2021
    
3. Quartz.  It looks like quartz is a trend that is here to stay, and for good reasons. Quartz countertops stand the test of time, look fabulous and are easy to maintain. Quartz countertops show well and can impress potential buyers. 
    
4. Outdoor Entertaining Spaces. The past year has brought with it a huge demand for upgrading outdoor spaces for homeowners. Consider adding a patio, deck, pergola or enclosed porch to create an inviting space to spend time outdoors while at home. Ten Outdoor Living Trends for 2021
    
5. Dedicated Home Office. With more people working and taking classes from home, it’s no longer convenient to just set up office at the kitchen table.  A designated work space is not only needed, but is a desirable feature for potential homebuyers.
    
6. Closed Floor Plans. Open floor plans have been all the rage for many years, but again, 2020 changed things. With so many people both working and doing school at home, private spaces are needed. So, if you are planning a renovation this year, you may want to consider adding doors and walls to create separate spaces.

These are just a few home improvement trends that can make your home more desirable to homebuyers this year!

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: hgtv.com

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and a new season has begun…tax season. It is never too early to start preparing to complete your 2020 tax return. Here is a list of things you can do this month to make tax time a little less stressful:

1. Contribute to retirement accounts.  If you haven’t funded your retirement account for 2020 yet, now is the time to do it. For a traditional or ROTH IRA the deadline to do so is April 15, 2021.  For a Keogh or SEP you can get an extension to October 15, 2021.  But if you want to start compounding tax free interest as quickly as possible, make those contributions now!
    
2. Make a last-minute estimated tax payment.  If you didn’t pay the IRS enough money throughout the year, you may have a hefty tax bill coming your way. You might owe some interest and penalties as well.  If you make an estimated payment by January 15, you can avoid a penalty for the fourth quarter and save money. Try not to pay too much though. It’s better to owe a little money than to get a refund. The IRS doesn’t pay you any interest on money they are borrowing from you.
    
3. Organize your records.  Yes!  Do it now!  Good organization may not change the amount of money you have to pay, but it will certainly make the process of filing your taxes easier. Prepare a tax checklist to get all your ducks in a row. Have a tax folder or binder in which you keep all documents and receipts. Taking the time to get organized now will save you time and energy when it is time to file your taxes.
    
4. Find the right tax forms.  You can view and download tax forms on the Internal Revenue Service web site or you can have them mailed to you. The IRS can also provide you with a private web site that lists state government sites where you can pick up state forms and publications. 
    
5. Itemize your tax deductions. While it may be easier to take the standard deduction, you may save money if you itemize. Especially if you are self-employed, own a home, or live in a high tax area. It is worth the time and effort when you see how much money you can save. Itemized Deductions: A Beginner's Guide
    
6. Decide if you need help.  Avoid the panic of last minute calls to accountants by preparing in January. You will have plenty of time to determine if you are going to need help completing your taxes and won’t be scrambling for assistance as the deadline looms.

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: cogneesol.com

Whether you enjoy cooking or not, it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the various tools, appliances and contraptions that collect on your kitchen counters and in your cabinets. The truth is, you probably do not need much of what you have collected over time.  Here is a list of seven kitchen essentials that every kitchen needs:

• Chef’s Knife - One knife that features a straight blade capable of cutting everything from meat to vegetables to cheese is a must have for every cook. Look for a knife that is light-weight and durable with a slip resistant handle. With the right knife, slicing and dicing will be comfortable and safe. Top 5 Chef's Knives of 2020
   
• Cutting Board - Look for a quality carving board that can be used for cutting meats and poultry. Professional chefs most often recommend plastic cutting boards because they are durable and will last a long time. In addition, they can be washed easily by hand and are dishwasher safe. However, they can be harder on knives than wood or bamboo. 13 Best Cutting Boards 2020
   
• Peeler - If you cook with a lot of fresh veggies, a good peeler is a must! This prep tool should be sharp and easy to maneuver. Look for one that has a comfortable handle. The Top 5 Vegetable Peelers to Make Your Life Easier
   
• Measuring Cups & Spoons - When you are following a recipe, you will want precise measurements. That means you will want a nice set of measuring cups and spoons. Look for them in stainless steel with riveted handles for a better grip. The Best Measuring Cups for 2020
   
• Stand Mixer - While pricy, a quality stand mixer just might be your best friend in the kitchen! You can prepare just about anything with this powerful appliance that can tackle any job from kneading dough to whipping cream. 10 Best Stand Mixers for 2020
   
• Baking Sheet - The right baking sheet can make all the difference in how your baked goods turn out. Find a sheet that can cook everything from cookies to fries to vegetables. Remember that there is a difference between cookie sheets and baking sheets.  A quality baking sheet will cook evenly and give you great results! The Best Baking Sheet for 2020
   
• Skillets - Skillets are very versatile and can be used to prepare a plethora of recipes. Since you will likely be using a skillet frequently, it will pay off to invest in a top-of-the-line option. You will want one that provides even heat distribution and excellent heat retention. The 9 Best Skillets of 2020

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: wisecredit.com

Zeta, the 27^th storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, wreaked havoc in our neck of the woods, and hopefully your home survived with no apparent damage. But it is still important that you take the time to carefully look at your house and examine it for damage such as missing shingles or vents plugged by wind-blown debris.  Here is a list of things you should do to complete a post-hurricane home inspection:

1. Check your roof for visible damage. Look carefully at valleys where the roof planes intersect and check anything that comes up through the roof, such as vent stacks. Roof Inspection Tips
2. View your dryer vent outlet.  Use a flashlight to see if it is clogged with debris from the storm. Remove any debris that you find.
3. Inspect furnace vents that run directly through the wall.  Look for damage and clogs, especially bits of shattered leaves hurled into it by hurricane force winds.
4. Check gutters and downspouts. They can come loose if a strong wind catches them.  This can result in them eventually swinging loose and doing some real damage. Clean them out if they are clogged.
5. Examine your air conditioning unit for damage.  Before you turn your unit on you want to be sure that nothing is damaged. 
6. Look at your home’s electrical service entrance.  If it is sagging or leaning, contact an electrician immediately.
7. Make sure your fence is still standing.  Take a walk around the perimeter of your fence and push it to check for storm-weakened sections. 
8. Observe any large trees you have on your property. You may want to consider having them removed if they are a possible threat to your home in future storms.

When examining your home after a hurricane or storm, document and take photos of any damage that you find. This will make the insurance claims process much easier. How to File an Insurance Claim After a Natural Disaster

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: insurancejournal.com

Montgomery AL Home For Sale

3228 Lexington Rd, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 479877 | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,072 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

Enjoy Striking Architectural Detailing

Virtual Tour

This unassuming Tudor-style cottage in Midtown Montgomery has striking architectural detailing. Living room features classical barrel-vault ceiling and tons of natural light gives a feeling of openness. The "Moorish" fireplace between the living and dining rooms seems to float and has a unique niche built in for displaying treasured objects. A wide central hallway is great for displaying artwork or even large pieces of furniture. If you love art deco, you will appreciate the main bath with original black and yellow "Chrysler building" tile work. Two rear bedrooms share a bath. Off the living room is a private decked courtyard that leads to an open back yard with a detached garage. Unfinished basement area has potential for storm shelter, workroom, or additional storage.

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

Spending time outdoors in the fall and winter months is not much fun if you are cold, but if you have a nice, warm fire to gather around, you can enjoy outdoor time despite cooler temperatures. It is fairly easy to build your own fire pit and it can be done in a short amount of time without breaking the bank. So, follow these steps and before you know it you will be toasting marshmallows around your own DIY fire pit!

Step 1: Go to a home improvement store and purchase your materials. Choose your large pavers first. They are not expensive and work perfectly as the ring for your fire pit. I recommend getting enough to make your fire pit deep and wide.  Depending on the size of the pavers, you will need twelve or thirteen for each level of the pit. So, if you are doing three levels, you will need 36 to 39 pavers.  You will also need smaller pavers for the floor of the fire pit, and paver sand for filling in the gaps and spaces. Paver Fire Pits 

Step 2: When you get your materials home, choose the site for your fire pit and arrange the large pavers in a circle creating the diameter of your pit. Then arrange two additional levels on top of the base you have created. Be sure the gaps between pavers are as small as possible. You may have to adjust them several times before you get them just right.

Step 3: With the smaller pavers, build the floor of your fire pit.  Make sure that they fill in the entire space.  You may have to get some that are shaped differently to make them fit.

Step 4: Use paver sand to fill in the cracks and spaces in the floor.  Fill in the spaces and then use a broom or your hands to spread it evenly across the floor.

Before you begin your project, check out these  Do's and Don'ts of Building a Fire Pit.

Now you can build a roaring fire and enjoy your new fire pit!

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 credits; hgtv.com and dektile.com 

Autumn gardens bring to mind vivid, jewel toned hues such as scarlet, deep purples and gold.  It is not too late to add a burst of autumn colors to your landscaping.  But, before planting, research what kind of flowers and plants will do best in your area.  To help, here is a list of some that will thrive in Montgomery. Hardiness Zones 8A & 8B

Goldenrod: This low maintenance beauty has been erroneously blamed for causing hay-fever.  The real culprit is rag weed.  The pollen in goldenrod is too heavy to fly in the air.  Instead, it sticks to the legs of the butterflies and insects that feed on its nectar.  It blooms late in the season and is deer and drought resistant.

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.  Late August is not too early.  Given the opportunity to develop a strong root system, they will last longer. When to Plant Mums

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! The ideal time to plant pansies in hardiness zone 8 is late October.

With temperatures cooling a bit, now is a great time to get outside and bring a bold, beautiful autumn aesthetic to your flower beds!

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!