Real Estate Information

Independence Day is just around the corner and many people will celebrate by gathering with family and friends for a cookout or picnic. Make your July 4^th meal a special treat with these creative, patriotic recipes: (click on links for recipes)

PATRIOTIC FRENCH TOAST

Do you have guests coming to stay with you for the holiday?  If so, there’s no better way to start Independence Day than with a patriotic breakfast! Serve up this red, white, and blue French Toast to start the day of with a bang!

GRILLED RED, WHITE & BLUE POTATO SKEWERS

One of the best red, white, and blue side dishes! These grilled red, white, and blue potato skewers with ranch dressing are the perfect patriotic side dish. Garlicky, packed with flavor, and festive yet elegant, they go so well with burgers or hot dogs on the grill! One of the best red, white, and blue side dishes, these Whole30 potato skewers with ranch dressing are just delicious.

STAR SPANGLED SALSA

This festive blueberry, strawberry & jicama salsa is a tasty sweet and savory snack, perfect for the 4^th of July. It will also provide a patriotic aesthetic for your table at your Independence Day celebration!

PATRIOTIC POPSICLES

You know it’s going to be hot outside this summer holiday, so let your guests cool off with these refreshing patriotic popsicles. This recipe is so easy, your little ones will love making them. Kids of all ages will especially enjoy this sweet, frozen treat!

PATRIOTIC CHICKEN DIP

Add some color to your table by turning your favorite, plain chicken dip into a patriotic appetizer. You will be amazed at how easy it is to add festive 4^th of July hues to your dip by simply using crumbs. Serve with crackers or red and blue tortilla chips for a yummy starter dish or snack.

STARS, STRIPES & SHORTCAKE

No celebration is complete without a yummy dessert. These patriotic shortcake parfaits are easy to make and are sure to please the palates of all your guests!

WISHING YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: allrecipes.com, 40aprons.com, twopeasandtheirpod.com, dessertsonadime.com, hungryhappenings.com, luckyleaf.com

House hunting can be overwhelming sometimes, especially when beginning the search for your first home. Chances are you might get caught up in the process and important details might slip by you. While the number of rooms, condition of the kitchen, and size of the yard are important, there are other things to consider before you make an offer. 

Here are things to look for to get your house hunting off to the right start:

• Location

They say that the 3 most important things to look for when buying a home are location, location, location! While a home might not be perfect, loving your neighborhood and neighbors can make all the difference in living with imperfection. And face it…you can change almost anything about your house, but you can’t change its location or the people living nearby. When you go house hunting, make sure to consider the home’s proximity to your work, the appeal of the neighborhood, where in the neighborhood the home is situated, ease of access, noise from neighbors, traffic, pets and access to parks, shopping, schools and public transportation.

• Home Placement

Beyond location, look at how the home is situated. If the home is on a hill does it have a view, a walkout basement, or lots of stairs to climb? Do neighbors' windows look directly into the home? Is the yard suitable for kids, pets, gardening, or other uses? Is there safe access to the home? These are all important questions to ask yourself when determining if it is the right property for you.

• Check Out the Neighborhood

While it’s important for your house to meet your expectations, it’s equally important that the neighborhood meets them too. Take a drive around the development you are interested in on weekdays and weekends, during the day and in the evening. Are the homes in good repair? Are yards kept clean and tidy?  Is the neighborhood safe enough for people to walk, run or bike?  Are there children playing outdoors?

• Consider a Home’s Curb Appeal

You want a home that is going to reflect your lifestyle. Do you live a casual, laid-back life? Then you probably won’t want a formal Victorian or Tudor style home.  A simple, contemporary home might better suit you. Pay close attention to exterior features. Think about maintenance. For example, a brick home is easier to maintain than one with siding. Do you like working in the yard? If not, you might not want a house with extensive landscaping. Is the roof in good condition?  Attention to detail will help you choose the home with the best curb appeal for you.

• Size and Floor Plan

You may be thinking about buying your dream home. But is your dream home practical?  Do you need 4 bedrooms and 4 baths when you live alone? A spacious home may provide the extra room you've always wanted for a home office or a theater room, but you'll pay higher heating bills and have higher taxes. Additionally, it will take more furniture to furnish and money to decorate. Think about how the new home space will be used and whether it will fit your lifestyle now and in the future.

• Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need and only look at homes that meet that criterion. You don’t want to fall in love with what is otherwise a perfect house if it doesn’t provide the space needed for your family. It is smart to consider counting an extra bedroom in that number so that you have extra space for a home office or guest room. If you think you might add on to the home later, make sure you consult an architect who can advise you on space planning and regulations.

• The Kitchen

For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Don’t settle for a home with a kitchen that doesn’t work for you. Yes, you can remodel later, but at great expense. If it is an easy fix like replacing cabinets or countertops, get a price quote before committing to the house so that you will know if it is within your budget to take that on.

• Closets and Storage

Older homes often have small closets and lack storage space. As you’re looking at a home ask yourself where you will store your belongings. Tiny closets don’t have to be a deal breaker. There are ways to maximize storage without renovations. Newer homes tend to have lots of storage, and you may sacrifice living space while having more closet space than you need.

• Windows and Lighting

While looking at a home keep in mind your preferences regarding light and privacy. Do you want a lot of windows to provide bright, sunny rooms?  Pay attention to the locations of electrical outlets and fixtures to make sure they will meet your lighting needs.      

• Finishing Touches

Even a simple home can look spectacular with the right moldings, hardware, and a fireplace. If elements like these are important to you, look for them while house hunting. 

You may not find everything you want in one house but keep this list handy and you are more likely to find the home that best suits your needs and desires.  Happy House Hunting!

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: ramseysolutions.com, statefarm.com, verv.com, bobvila.com

440 Martha Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 540154

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,891 Square Feet | Cottage Hill

This circa 1900 shot gun style cottage in popular Cottage Hill has an open floor plan with a modern feel! From the large covered front porch, you can see straight through to the back deck, making entertaining a breeze. Formal living room, huge dining room, newly updated kitchen with large granite island brand new gas range with flush mounted vent hood. Brand new wood flooring in family room/den, custom tiled gas fireplace with new French doors looking out to the deck and lovely back yard. Master suite has been updated with a new tile shower, a walk-in closet, and a laundry room! Two other nice sized bedrooms and a brand-new hall bathroom with an awesome tiled tub/shower. The original heart pine floors are gorgeous lots of large windows that let in tons of natural light. Make your appointment today!

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

It’s a seller’s market in Alabama right now folks. Demand for homes is high and inventory is low, which has led to prices going up and sellers getting multiple offers. So, it seems like the perfect time to list your house, right? Slow down. The market may be prime for selling, but you need to look at your personal situation. Before you put that for sale sign in your yard, it would be wise to consider all the factors that will determine if you are ready to sell.

Here are signs that you are ready to sell your house:

• YOU HAVE POSITIVE EQUITY 

It’s vital that you are financially prepared to sell your house. If you have built up equity, that means your home is worth more than you owe on it. Ideally you want to have enough equity to pay off your current mortgage and to make a down payment on a new home. It’s even better if you have enough to cover closing costs and moving expenses. If you don’t have positive equity, it is a bad idea to sell.

• YOU HAVE CASH IN THE BANK WITH ZERO DEBT

It’s important to have all your financial ducks in a row before selling your house. Remember, you’re not just selling a house, you are likely buying one as well. Take time to analyze your finances and budget. If you have paid off your non-mortgage debt and have funds saved, you are ready to enter the home selling/buying process again.

• A HOME THAT BETTER SUITS YOUR NEEDS IS IN REACH

Perhaps you are downsizing, but you want a nicer home, or you are looking to move up into a larger home for your growing family. Either way, there is no point in selling your current home if you can’t afford a new one that better suits your needs. Remember that, ideally, your mortgage payment should be no more than 28% of your income.

• YOU ARE AWARE OF THE EXTRA COSTS INVOLVED IN MOVING

It’s exciting to get approved for a mortgage. Chances are you will get approved for more than you thought you would. But there is a lot to think about before deciding to sell. Remember that you will need to probably do some work on your house to get it ready to put on the market. You will also have to pay the moving expenses. Make sure consideration of these costs go into your decision-making process.

• YOU ARE EMOTIONALLY READY TO SELL

Hopefully you are selling for the right reasons. You have to be ready to put the work into your home that it will take to sell it. You must be committed to keeping it “show ready” for as long as it takes. You must be prepared for what might be a tough negotiation. And finally, you need to be ready to let go of the home where you have created memories with your family.

• YOU HAVE AN EXPERIENCED REALTOR

Real estate transactions should be handled by experts. The professionals at Hat Team Realtors understand the market and can provide you with a clear picture of what goes into selling a house. Their advice will assist you in making this very important decision.

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: entrepreneur.com, princeton.edu, mastermovers.com

1731 Winona Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36107

MLS# 539931

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1,320 Square Feet | Capitol Heights

This little gem would make a great starter home and would be a perfect income-producing rental for your investment portfolio! The big covered front porch has a swing and is a great place to relax and unwind. The large living room opens to the dining room and updated kitchen with cool poured concrete countertops! There are two original bedrooms and an updated hall bath, PLUS a rear den/family room that opens to the back deck that could be used as a third bedroom. A big deck off the back of the house overlooks a nice-sized fenced backyard, with lots of potential for gardening. Located minutes from Downtown, shopping, dining, and entertainment!

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

This time of year, many of us enjoy spending time outside in our yards. Whether we are playing, dining al fresco, doing yardwork, or simply relaxing, our time outdoors can be ruined by nasty insects. There are many remedies for getting rid of these annoying pests, but if you are looking for natural ways to do the job, here are several plants you can put in your yard that will repel unwanted insects. While they will not guarantee an insect free environment, they will help!

1. BASIL

Basil repels house flies and mosquitoes. Use containers for planting basil by your house doors or in any outdoor areas where you like to relax and entertain. It will serve more than one purpose because you can also use the fresh basil in your cooking!

2. LAVENDER

This pretty plant repels moths, fleas, mosquitoes and flies. Its pleasing, sweet fragrance appeals to humans, but the bugs hate it! You can place bouquets inside your home to keep flies away. Outdoors, plant it in sunny areas or near the entryways of your house to keep those areas pest free. Check out the Everything Lavender website to find out how you can use lavender oil to make your own mosquito repellent.

3. LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass contains the natural oil citronella, which is commonly found in candles that are used to keep mosquitoes away. Ornamental lemongrass can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide in one season. It is an annual that does well in a pot or in the ground in sunny, well-drained locations. Its aromatic, narrow leaves can be used in chicken and pork dishes and to flavor soups and salad dressings. Many Asian recipes call for lemongrass.

4. MINT

Another plant that mosquitoes don’t like. It’s best grown in pots rather than in the ground because it spreads aggressively. Once established in a garden, it can be difficult to remove. The leaves can be used to flavor minty iced tea. Containers of mint strategically placed in the garden or on the patio will assist in keeping nearby plants insect free.

5. ALLIUMS

If you have a vegetable garden, beautiful, tall alliums will help keep insects out of it. Considered a broad-spectrum natural insecticide, plants in the Allium family repel several insects that plague vegetable gardens, including slugs, aphids, carrot flies and cabbage worms.

6. CHRYSANTHEMUMS

The ingredient in chrysanthemums that makes them so effective as an insect repellent is pyrethrum. Roaches, ants, Japanese beetles, ticks, silverfish, lice, fleas, bedbugs, spider mites, harlequin bugs, and root-knot nematodes all will avoid chrysanthemums. Pyrethrum is used in America’s most commonly available home and garden insecticide sprays. You can make your own bug spray using chrysanthemum oil, but make sure you know the risks of using it first.

7. PETUNIAS

These whimsical beauties repel aphids, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and squash bugs. Some people think of them as “nature’s pesticide”. Popular because of their availability in a variety of bright colors, they require minimal maintenance and can be grown in numerous locations including beds, containers and hanging baskets.

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: bonnieplants.com, countryliving.com, ruralsprout.com, thefancygarden.com, whiteflowerfarm.com, almanac.com, gardnerspath.com

3431 Country Church Road, Montgomery, AL 36116

MLS# 539528

5 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Baths | 2,580 Square Feet | Carriage Hills

Need more space for your growing family? Welcome to this 5-bedroom home in Carriage Hills! With the formal living room, dining room, family room/den and breakfast nook you will have plenty of living space. The bright white kitchen has plenty of cabinets for storage and the sink in the island has a great view of the private backyard with mature tree line. Three of the bedrooms have walk-in closets. New laminate flooring and fresh paint throughout. Check it out today!

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

6716 Cherrywood Trail, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS# 539465

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,202 Square Feet | Bell Meadows 

This move-in ready home is like new and ready for its next owner! Spacious layout has separate living and dining rooms, plus a large den/family room with cozy fireplace. Galley style kitchen has smooth surface stovetop and double ovens. New carpet throughout, and three guest bedrooms plus oversized primary bedroom with double closets and private bath. A large, fenced backyard allows plenty of room for children and pets to roam. Quiet neighborhood that is convenient to shopping, dining, and entertainment!

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

Whether you are a DIY expert or plan to hire experts to “fix” your home, buying a fixer-upper is a risk. But often it is a risk very well worth taking! It just depends upon finding the RIGHT home to fix up.

Here are things you should consider before you make the decision to invest your money, time and energy into fixing up a house:

• Consider the Price Carefully

A fixer-upper should have a fixer-upper price. That may seem obvious, but you might be surprised by how much sellers think a home is worth. Try not to have a “this is the one!” moment with a house when the listing claims it just needs a little TLC. Do your research first. An experienced Realtor like Sandra Nickel can help you find out what similar homes in the neighborhood have sold for. You are also going to want to be aware of what types of homes they are so that you don’t over invest in luxury improvements that price your house right out of the neighborhood for future resale. When determining your budget, base it on the market value of the homes in the neighborhood.

• Determine What Improvements Are Needed

How much work do you want to do? How much do you want to spend? Ideally a fixer-upper will offer many opportunities for “instant equity”, meaning that you would make money on the home if you immediately sold it after fixing it up. Some fixer-uppers will just need cosmetic fixes like painting and landscaping. Others may require large renovations. You will need to carefully consider the potential cost of improvements along with the sale price of the home so that you don’t get in over your head.

• Research Which Projects Will Give You Instant Equity

Will you have to hire a professional to complete the projects? If so, will the cost of that outweigh the money you might get back in instant equity? While many home improvements add some equity, some add a lot more value than others. But they are usually the types of projects that require the help of a professional. Here are some examples of projects that will give you excellent return on investment even if you pay a professional to complete them: new roof, hardwood floors, and insulation.

• Be Sure You and Your Family Can Cope with the Disruption

A fixer-upper takes time and patience. If you must move into the home to complete the renovations, you may be living in chaos for a while. Also remember that not all projects go smoothly and there may be setbacks and unexpected issues. Can you handle that emotionally? It’s important to consider how the disruptions will affect you and your family before deciding to take on a fixer upper.

Buying a fixer-upper should never be a spontaneous decision. It needs to be well thought out. So, do your homework first to determine your budget along with how much you are willing and able to take on before jumping into a fixer upper. With the proper preparation, you will end up with a beautiful home that is worth much more than you paid for 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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: moving.com, nextavenue.org, blog.topknobs.com

Memorial Day is around the corner and with it comes the unofficial start of the summer vacation season. If you’ve been thinking about where you can go to “get away from it all” this summer, you won’t have to venture far. From relaxing coastal beaches to historic inns and B&Bs, Alabama is home to many wonderful places to visit for a weekend getaway.

Here are 5 of best weekend getaways in Alabama:

1. Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
   
   Located in the charming little beach hamlet of Point Clear, AL, this resort offers a relaxing, entertaining oasis to guests of all ages and interests.  It boasts two exceptional golf courses, a 20,000 square-foot Grand Spa, a fabulous pool complex for kids of all ages, ten tennis courts, and miles of white sand beaches stretching along Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast.  You’ll enjoy dining at the Saltwater Grill seafood restaurant, and the Grand Steakhouse.  Elegant rooms and suites are beautifully decorated and include all the amenities you could ever want - free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, a coffeemaker, fridge, and a work area with an ergonomic chair.
    
2. Magnolia Springs B&B
   
   This romantic Inn is set on a tree-lined street in the heart of Magnolia Springs, Alabama.  Charm oozes from this historical landmark which offers beautiful accommodations, scrumptious homemade breakfasts and a tranquil ambiance that makes it impossible not to relax.  Ideally located for exploring the area, you can venture out for a scenic drive to nearby Mobile Bay on the Gulf of Mexico or play golf at one of the several courses in the area.
    
3. Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa
   
   If you’re looking for elegance and romance, this is the place for you.  This resort offers 259 guest rooms with private balconies and lake views.  Upgrade to a high-level room and enjoy scenic views and a private Jacuzzi.  Lots of activities are available from jogging/walking trails to a saltwater swimming pool, to a well-equipped fitness center. Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, or just kick back and admire the breathtaking Alabama views.
    
4. The Hotel at Auburn University
   
   Located on the Auburn University Campus, this is the premiere hotel facility for all things Auburn.  Filled with charm, it offers sleek guest rooms and suites with top-of-the-line amenities for their guests, like premium linens, flat screen televisions, and walk-in rainfall showers.  You can upgrade to a room with a private living room and wet bar. Enjoy upscale dining onsite at the Mediterranean restaurant Ariccia Trattoria, and kick back and relax while listening to jazz at the Piccolo cocktail lounge.  Other amenities include an outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and the 22,000-square foot Dixon Conference Center.  There is a lot to do and see in and around Auburn, so check out this list of the 15 Best Things to Do in Auburn Alabama.
    
5. The Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast
   
   How could anyone resist a place called The Mistletoe Bough?  This quaint, romantic bed and breakfast offers a choice of five different rooms and suites with private bathrooms and Victorian-style décor.  Relaxation is the name of the game whether you are strolling through lovely gardens or sipping sweet tea while sitting on the wraparound veranda.  Historic downtown Alexander City and several restaurants are walking distance from the B&B. But don’t worry about breakfast, because a buffet is served every morning in the Victorian dining room. Complimentary coffee, tea, and cool drinks are available throughout the day.

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: booked.net, magnoliasprings.com, travel.usnews.com, ocm.auburn.edu, romancetheusa.com