Real Estate Information

School is almost out for summer and now it is time to figure out how to keep your kids engaged, entertained and happy while they are on their break. Whether you are looking for child-care or simply want some fun activities for your little ones, there is something for everyone in Montgomery. 

Here is sampling of in-person summer programs available: (click links for camp web sites)

• Cloverdale Playhouse ​

• Challenger Soccer Camp – Half Day

Located at ALNG Armed Forces Readiness Center, this half-day camp is a popular player development program for kids ages 5-16. It will run outdoors for 3 hours each day and focus on coached skill development, games, challenges, and competitions. Campers will also learn about RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, INTEGRITY, SPORTSMANSHIP & LEADERSHIP. All camp/clinic participants will receive access to our free skill-building videos that will motivate players to practice more at home! Each camper will receive a soccer ball, t-shirt, and access to virtual training.

Click HERE for more information on sessions and to register your child!

• Camp Kids Groove at M.E.O.W. ACADEMY (Musical Education on Wheels)

MEOW Academy offers this summer enrichment camp which is a 2-week adventure in music lessons! Classes include guitar, drums, voice, and piano. Camp Kids Groove will take place the 2^nd and 3^rd weeks of July. Register Here

• Snapology Workshops & Summer Camps

Snapology provides educational, fun, and affordable STEM camps! With the best S.T.E.A.M. camps in the area Snapology holds workshops year-round along with several camps, including summer camps. Kids love the fun camp topics and themes. Snapology serves the Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, Millbrook, and surrounding areas.

Click HERE for a list of available camps with dates and times and to register!

• Alabama Shakespeare Festival Summer Camps

ASF’s 2022 Camps are open for registration. You don’t want your child to miss these opportunities for young theatre lovers!Not only will campers have lots of fun in a theatre environment, but they will also come home and return to school with the beneficial FIVE Cs: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, and CONFIDENCE!

Camps offered include:

Camp Shakespeare (grades 4-6) June 6-10 or 13-17

Camp Shakespeare Extreme (grades 7-12) June 20-24

Behind the Curtain: Tech Camp (grades 8-12) June 20-24

Broadway South: Musical Theatre Camp (grades 9-12) June 27-July1

Click HERE for more information and to register.

• Expedition Lanark Summer Day Camp (Alabama Wildlife Federation)

Expedition Lanark is a full day summer camp that provides hands-on, outdoor educational activities that teach natural resource stewardship, develop leadership skills, and build character.

Camps include:

• Tadpole Camp (age 5)
• Nature Navigators (ages 6 & 7)
• Trail Blazers (ages 8 & 9)
• Heritage Explorers (ages 10 & 11)
• High Adventure (ages 12-15)
• ARTventure (ages 8-12)
• Gross Out Camp Sponsored by Fresh Air Family (ages 6-9)
• Busy Bee Camp (ages 10-15)
• Boys in Action (BIA) (Boys ages 10-15)
• Fishing Fundamentals (ages 10-15)

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

These are just a few of the camps being offered in-person in the Montgomery area this summer. Check out River Region Parents for even more camp options.

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: challengersports.com, meowacademy.com, snapology.com, montgomeryadvertiser.com, alabamawildlife.org, parenting.firstcry.com

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 grill brush or some other type of cleaning brush. 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.

Photo credits: deeatatsunset.com, kingofmaids.com, amandascookin.com, charbroil.com

1431 Midlane Court, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 516609

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 2,393 SqFt / Midlane

This spacious and well-built garden home is in the heart of Midtown, close to shopping, dining, and MCC. Traditional layout has ample entry foyer opening to large light-filled living room with volume ceiling, fireplace, and nice built-in bookshelves. Cozy sunroom off living room is great spot for morning coffee or lounging. Spacious dining room has walk-in china closet and eat-in kitchen has center island with space on either end for stools, space for small bistro table, and lots of cabinet and counter space. The first floor has master bedroom with walk in closet, bonus closet, and split vanity bath. 2nd bedroom is also on first floor and has its own private bath. Upstairs is a BIG bonus room and additional closet storage/space. 1 car garage and sweet little courtyard out back. Very private!

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

1030 Old Breckenridge Lane, Montgomery, AL  36117

MLS# 516455

5 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms / 3,588 SqFt / Breckenridge

Looking for extra room? This fabulous 5 bedroom, 4 bath home in Breckenridge is ready for its next family! Open the beautiful wood double front doors to find a large two-story great room with fireplace that opens to a custom kitchen with center island work space and a breakfast bar, an elegant formal dining room, master suite with double vanities, and a bedroom and bath on the opposite side that would make a perfect in law suite. Upstairs are three huge bedrooms, two baths and a bonus room/man cave complete with a custom bar. Off the kitchen is a cozy screened porch overlooking the large backyard. Tons of storage and light filled rooms. Don't miss the awesome neighborhood clubhouse and pool! Come check it out today!

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

You are ready to buy a house, and chances are you do not have a suitcase full of cash at your disposal. So, that means you will need to get a home loan. Before you start shopping for your home, you will need to shop for a mortgage. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

Step 1: Research Mortgage Lenders

Many first-time buyers make the mistake of finding the perfect house before they have shopped for a mortgage. All lenders are a little bit different in terms of interest rates, closing costs etc., so it is smart to comparison shop before choosing your lender. This process will also help you discover if there are any concerns lenders might have with your application so that you can take care of them before you find your dream home!

We work with many local lenders and know their special programs, so check with us first for a lender referral.  And keep your business local as that (1) gives the seller a comfort level and (2) helps if there is a hiccup along the way.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Loan

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an important step that should not be skipped. It not only lets you know how much you can afford for a house, but it also lets sellers know that you are serious about buying and may give you an advantage over other buyers. 

Step 3: Get a Home Appraisal

Once you’ve chosen a lender, made an offer on a home, and signed a sales contract, your lender will want to schedule a home appraisal. A professional home appraiser will check out the home and assess its market value using comparable homes for comparison. It is also time to schedule the home inspection as soon as possible. Doing so will give you adequate time before your closing date to negotiate with the seller if the inspection reveals any unforeseen issues. Click here to learn the potential cost of skipping a home inspection.  

Step 4: Title Search

Once you have purchased your home, you will “take title” of the property. Congratulations!  You are now the rightful owner!  But your lender will want proof. So, they will ask for a title search.  A paid title company will search public records for any possible heirs that think the property belongs to them, for liens that might still be on the home, or other issues. Once the title is cleared, you can move forward to closing.

Securing a mortgage may seem like a long, time-consuming process, but when you sign the dotted line and become a homeowner, it will all have been worth it!

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: regentology.com, realtor.com, allianzebposervices.com

309 Ware Hill Court, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 514857

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms / 2,849 SqFt / Dalraida

Welcome to this beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath in desirable Dalraida! Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, from the outside you would never know this home has such an open floor plan that is suitable to a variety of lifestyles. The newly renovated kitchen boasts granite countertops and island, stainless appliances is open to the great room - perfect for entertaining. Two main bedrooms with en suite baths, each with amazing garden tubs! Pretty laminate flooring, new light fixtures, and unique tile throughout. This lovely property is low maintenance with a pretty front yard, an enclosed private patio, two-car garage AND carport, making it easy to "lock and leave". Check it out today!

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

Selling your home can be a stressful endeavor. Even in this seller’s market where you may get offers above asking price, most buyers will still require a home inspection contingency. And finding termites and the damage they have done can make a deal fall through fast.

Finding out that your house is infested with termites is no fun at any time, but especially when the discovery is made during a home inspection for your home sale. Sadly, many homeowners have no idea there is a problem with termites until a lot of damage has already been done.

Termites are sneaky, destructive little pests. Unfortunately, some homeowners attract them to their homes without realizing it. For example, even a little bit of moisture from poor drainage, leaks, or poor ventilation combined with wood can be very alluring for termites. The cellulose in wood is consumed by them for nutrition, and they require moisture, so they don’t dry out. Even soggy soil close to your foundation can be very inviting to termites.

Termites are also attracted to the protection from foam board insulation and exterior wall solutions like Dryvit, a synthetic version of cement siding. They will chew right through them to get to wood. They can also enter the home via cracks in the foundation as well. Once in, they will find wood and begin to feed on it, thus causing damage to the home.

How do you know if you have a termite infestation?

When investigating possible termite infestation, here are some things to look out for:

• Hollow wood: Try knocking or tapping on your wood. If it sounds hollow, it’s likely you have termites. You can take a screwdriver and press it into the wood to test it. If the wood gives way easily, that is a bad sign.
   
• Mud tubes: Subterranean termites create their own “highways” out of tubes of mud to connect the wood they eat to soil. These mud tubes, made up of wood and soil, are about as wide as a pencil. Spotting them means you have termites, but if you don’t find them it doesn’t mean you don’t have termites. The subterranean termites may not have made them yet, and drywood termites don’t make mud tubes, so beware of those as well.
  
• Swarm evidence: Subterranean termites shed their wings in piles when they set off to create a new colony, so if you see piles of wings, you likely have a termite infestation.
   
• Frass: If you see small, granular, oval pellets on your door frames, baseboards, and windowsills, they may be frass, or termite droppings.
   
• Peeling paint: When termites damage drywall, moisture enters the space between the surface and the paint, causing paint to bubble or peel. There are other reasons your paint may buckle, but if you note this in tandem with other signs, you may have a termite infestation. 
   
• Head banging: Strange clicking sounds coming from inside of your walls may not be your imagination. When soldier termites detect a threat, they signal danger to other termites by banging their heads against the wood and shaking their bodies.  
   
• Seeing live termites: It is possible that you may come across some live termites. It’s important to distinguish them from flying ants so that you know what you’re dealing with. Termites’ rear wings are even in size, their abdomens are thick, and their antennae are straight. On the flip side, flying ants have wings of different size, are thinner through the middle, and have bent antennae.

 There are several ways to help prevent a termite infestation in your home:

• Remove cellulose-based debris from around your house. Any sort of organic wood material around your house will attract termites.
   
• Get rid of any wood that is in direct contact with the ground, like wood lattice or siding, or door/window frames that go to the ground.
   
• Have your home pre-treated for termites. If you’re going to build a home, set a termite barrier on the land before starting construction.
   
• Remove cracks and crevices in your home to prevent termite access.
   
• Hire a professional to do termite inspections annually.

Whether you are selling your home soon or don’t plan to sell for a long time, be sure that termites aren’t causing damage that will mean costly repairs, and the probability of losing buyers when selling.

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: homeinspector.org, trustterminix.com, thisoldhouse.com

704 Felder Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 514841

4 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bathrooms / 3,250 SqFt / Cloverdale 

Classic Old Cloverdale at its finest! Situated on the corner of two of the most iconic streets in the neighborhood, this stunning home awaits its new owner. The open floor plan is adaptable to a variety of lifestyles and is ideal for entertaining. The kitchen and master bath boast beautiful marble and there is gorgeous molding, stained glass accents and large windows throughout that make the home full of natural light. French doors lead from both the living room and dining rooms onto a huge brick patio overlooking the lovely back yard. Midtown Montgomery walking distance to restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

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

It’s a challenging time to purchase a home because you not only have to find a property you want; you must also beat out all the other homebuyers who want to make an offer on it as well. It is a seller’s market and that means supply is low and demand is high. The latest figures from the National Association of Realtors show that that there was only a 1.7 -month supply of homes for sale in February, which is significantly lower than the six-month supply that indicates a balanced market that equally benefits buyers and sellers.

So, home sales are moving quickly and often have multiple offers. That means you need to be strategic to get into the home of your dreams.  Going to open houses and perusing listings is not enough to acquire the house you want in this market.

Seeking out an Experienced Realtor to assist you in your search is vital to your success in buying a home right now. Realtors can help you with everything from finding properties, to placing appropriate offers and negotiating terms.

Knowing what is most important to sellers is key to winning a bidding war.  A good agent will know what motivates sellers.

Take the following steps to prepare and you will have a better chance at success:

• Get your finances in order and shop for a mortgage pre-approval prior to making an offer on a house.
• Move quickly once you find the house you want.
• Do not make snap judgements based on listing photos. You must see a home in person to know if you truly love it or hate it. Pictures do not tell the whole story!
• Be realistic about the inspection and repairs. In a competitive market, owners don’t need to make repairs to sell. Inspections should be utilized to find major flaws that may be deal breakers for prospective buyers.
• Start with your best offer. A competitive market is not the right market for negotiating a bargain.
• Make a big earnest money deposit. A large deposit will let sellers know that you are serious about the purchase.
• Make a backup offer. Even if a house is already under contract, the deal might still possibly fall apart for various reasons such as inspection issues or financing.  If you love a house, put a backup offer on it so that you will be first in line if the initial buyer walks away.
• Consider waiving or shortening contingencies. Most offers are made contingent on the buyer being approved for a mortgage, the appraisal being equal to the purchase price and the buyer approving the inspection. Waiving any one of those contingencies can be risky but may be worth taking a chance on in some circumstances.

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: rates.ca, affinityfcu.com, foxbusiness.com

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!

1. Send Winter Packing!

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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!

6. 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 pest and animal infestation. It also promotes healthy growth into a natural shape for the plant.

7. 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 on 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.

Photo Credits: costimates.com, realtylandscaping.com, hobbyfarms.com, landscapemulch.com