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Displaying blog entries 141-150 of 1236

3514 Cloverdale Rd: Move-in Ready Adorable Cloverdale Cottage!

by The Hat Team

3514 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL 36111

MLS# 532113

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,150 Square Feet | South Cloverdale

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Gain the perfect spot for your front porch rocker and lose your heart to this quaint Cloverdale cottage that’s priced to make your dream of homeownership come true. Vinyl siding for easy care and just the right size—like Goldilocks but not a fairy tale!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Ali Bertschy, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

Color Me Happy: Use These Hues to Create a Positive Vibe in Your Home

by The Hat Team


Have you been thinking about painting some rooms in your home? You may want to keep in mind that the colors in your home can have a huge effect on your moods. The shade of your walls has been shown to affect emotions. For example, there are certain colors that will bring you down; ones that will help you relax; and even some that will suppress your appetite. So, when choosing what colors to use in your home, take these into consideration:

Yellow for HAPPINESS


Yellow is a natural source of positive energy and sparks feelings of happiness. Shades of yellow can also activate metabolism and boost thinking.

Sky Blue for RENEWAL


Pale blues are calming and help to restore natural rhythms. Sleeping well contributes to productivity and overall well-being. Calming blues have soothing and restorative qualities that help you rest better.

Violet Black for MINDFULNESS


While it may appear dark and moody, a hidden undertone of violet in a dark background draws you in and provides a sense of escape and relaxation. This color also creates a space for focus and reflection.

Yellow-Green for OPTIMISM


This combination of green and yellow captures the essence of spring’s first bloom and the anticipation of renewal. These colors bring positive energy into a space and stimulate personal growth.

Silver-Sage for BALANCE


The blend of sage green and silvery gray provides balance and harmony. These are the perfect colors for a peaceful, refreshing, and tranquil living space.

Red for ENERGY


A vibrant color like red is an excellent choice if you are someone who often feels sluggish and lazy. Red brings on alertness. It is best used sparsely to bring a pop of color into a room. For example, you could paint your cabinets red or create a statement wall in an otherwise neutral room.

Whether you plan to paint for your own health and happiness, or you are sprucing your house up to put it on the market, choosing the right colors can make all the difference in the world!

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: istockphoto.com, veranda.com, decorpad.com, houzz.com, pinterest.com, decorpad.com, houzz.com

842 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 531784

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,508 Square Feet | Cloverdale

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This ol' girl turns 100 this year, but you wouldn't know it from looking at her! Meticulously maintained for over 50 years by the same family, and thoughtfully updated over the years, this Midtown Montgomery home is ready for the next owners to love it. Situated at the foot of historic Cloverdale Park, the views are breathtaking and peaceful. Spacious rooms and craftsman-inspired detailing add old world charm. Breakfast room has two built-in china/glassware cabinets, and kitchen features two pantry areas for great storage and clutter free work areas. The rear deck affords a great view of the deep, private backyard with formal garden area and additional yard space beyond. The original one-car garage provides excellent storage and attached "keepers quarters" has endless possibilities for additional live-work/play area. Easily walk to nearby restaurants, bars, theatres, and shopping venues, and access to two of the area's main parks featuring seasonal events, concerts, and exercise/play opportunities.

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

Be Ready for These Expenses When Buying a House

by The Hat Team


Buying your first home is exciting. After getting approved for a mortgage loan, working with a professional Realtor and finding your dream home, it’s time to settle in and start enjoying your new digs. Then BAM!  The shock of an unexpected expense slaps you in the face. Don’t let that happen to you. Being informed about the possible expenses of being a homeowner will not make spending the money any more fun, but at least you will be prepared. 

Here are some ancillary costs of homeownership that you should be aware of:

  1. CLOSING COSTS

When closing on your mortgage you will be presented with a long list of costs: mortgage taxes, lender application fees, attorney’s fees, title insurance, recording fees and any potential real estate tax reimbursements if the seller has paid them up front. Altogether, closing costs are an average of 2 to 5 percent of the total cost of the home. They will vary from state to state.

  1. HOME MAINTENANCE

Now that you are a homeowner, you are solely responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your property. Everything from yardwork to cleaning; pressure washing to clearing the gutters…it’s all in your hands and on your dime. Oh…and fixing things. Yeah. When the AC isn’t working or there is a leaky faucet, you will be footing the bill for repairs. This all sounds a bit overwhelming, but the key is to be prepared. Go into your home purchase knowing that you will likely be spending about 1% of the purchase price of your home on maintenance annually.

  1. PROPERTY TAXES

Property taxes vary by state and can also vary based on city, ordinance, and even specific house. You can utilize a Property Tax Calculator to get an idea of what your taxes will be when planning for your expenses.

  1. UTILITIES

If you’re coming from a rental where your utilities were included with the rent, you may not have considered how much you will need to set aside to pay for electricity, gas, water, and sewage costs. Added to internet, cable and phone bills, it can be quite a chunk of change. Planning for utility costs is crucial to making sure you can afford to live in a home of your own.

  1. HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE

    When you get a mortgage, you must get homeowner’s insurance as well. Be sure to do your homework and shop around for the best possible price. You can get discounts for things like security systems, working from home or bundling coverage for your home with your auto insurance policy. Educate yourself on what your insurance policy covers so that you’re not left disappointed when you must pay for something you thought would be taken care of.

Don’t let these expenses scare you off from purchasing a home. Again, the key is to be aware of them going in so that you won’t be caught unawares when they come up.

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: genisyscu.org, hometowninspect.com, energyathaas.wordpress.com, smt.greenwaymortgage.com

4260 Chesire Dr: Two Bedroom Split Plan Townhouse!

by The Hat Team

4260 Chesire Drive, Montgomery, AL  36116

MLS# 531686

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,144 Square Feet | Somerhill

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This townhouse features a Craftsman exterior and is a 2-bedroom split plan. The master suite has an oversized tub and a walk-in closet, the 2nd bedroom has a bay window and a walk-in closet. The kitchen opens to the living area. Small private back yard. Somerhill is conveniently located off Vaughn Rd or Bell Rd and has lots of green space and a gazebo overlooking a lake. Check it out today!

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

5 Essential Things You Need to Know When Purchasing Your First Home

by The Hat Team

Purchasing your first house is a monumental milestone in life.  It’s likely the largest financial commitment you will have made up to this point. You want to get it right. Here is a basic overview of five essential things you need to know when taking this step.

  1. HIRE A REALTOR

Having an agent will save you time. They can send you listings directly from the MLS that fit your wants/needs and you won’t waste time looking at properties that might already be under contract. Realtors are also often aware of new listings that are not yet on the market. And while house hunting, there is no point in wasting your gas when an agent will pick you up and provide transportation. The advice you will receive from a qualified Realtor will be invaluable in the buying process.

  1. DECIDE WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
     

Searching for the right home can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not even sure what you want. Come up with a list of must-haves and desires that you can present to your Realtor so that they can provide listings that fit those parameters.

  1. GET A LOAN

It is smart to get loan preapproval prior to making an offer on a house…especially if it is a seller’s market where you may be competing with other buyers. Sellers want assurance that you will be able to complete the purchase of the home.

  1. NEGOTIATE THE OFFER

Don’t make the mistake of comparing the sale price to other homes you have seen because the truth is, sellers can ask any amount they want for a house. Your Realtor can provide you with comparable sales of similar houses in the same condition and location over the past few months.

  1. GET A HOME INSPECTION

Some states will allow you to have a home inspection prior to making an offer on a home. In other states, the inspection becomes a contract contingency, meaning the buyer has the right to cancel the contract. Either way, you don’t want to get locked into purchasing a home that has a faulty foundation, for example.

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: propertyupdate.com.au, landmarkhw.com, homeownershipmatters.realtor

Your Dream of Homeownership Can Come True in 2023

by The Hat Team

With Christmas right around the corner, you might already be thinking about your new year’s resolutions. And if those resolutions include buying a home, it’s never too early to start considering how you can defeat debt in order to achieve your dream of homeownership!

Realtors see two major challenges time and time again with first time home buyers that effect their ability to purchase a home:

  1. They often carry too much debt.
  2. They don’t have enough cash for a down payment.

These two issues are strongly related in that people need to reduce debts that inhibit them from saving money.

We all know that we shouldn’t spend more than we earn, but falling into the debt trap is easy to do. You see a pair of boots that you must have and you think, I will use my credit card now and pay for them with my next paycheck. It sounds reasonable at the time, but next thing you know you’ve done something like that often enough that there is a beastly credit card balance hanging over your head.

So, now you’re in debt. You have regrets, but no use doing the “should have, would have, could have” dance. Now it’s time to move forward and take the steps needed to reduce your debt.

Here is a list of things to do to change the way you manage your money. Follow these steps and before you know it you will be on your way to saving for a down payment on your first home!

  • STOP ADDING TO YOUR DEBT

The first step to getting out of debt is to stop adding to your outstanding balances. To remove temptation, carry only one credit card with you…and make sure it is the one with the lowest limit so that it is impossible to get into serious trouble with it. Leave any other credit cards in a safe place at home to keep yourself from going on an impulsive shopping spree.

  • TAKE AN INVENTORY OF YOUR SPENDING HABITS

This may not be a fun activity, but it is helpful to see how you are spending. Create a list of where your money goes each month including rent, utilities, car payments, food, credit cards etc. Once you have done this, split the list into two categories: bills you must pay every month and debts you need to pay off. The second list then can be organized in order of urgency, either based on outstanding balance or highest interest rate. Now you will have a clear picture of your debt situation.

  • ELIMINATE THE LARGEST DEBTS FIRST

Make a minimum payment for each of your credit card bills, but then make an extra payment on the bill that is at the top of your list. Do this monthly until that bill is paid in full. Now take the money you were using for that bill and start applying it to the second item on your list. Continue this until all of them are paid off.

  • CUT EXPENSES AND MAKE THE PAYMENT


If you are already in debt, how are you going to find money for an extra payment?
  Well, some sacrifices will have to be made.  Cutting back on extras like trips to Starbucks, entertainment and eating out can free up cash that can go toward that extra payment each month. 

  • PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Sometimes life is a struggle and unexpected challenges such as car repairs or medical expenses will pop up from time to time. As you cut expenses and start to save money, set up an emergency savings account just for these occasions. That way you will be prepared and won’t have to use a credit card and add to your debt.

  • SEEK LOWER INTEREST RATES

Give your credit card company a call to see if they will lower your interest rate. If they say no, shop around for a card with a lower rate and transfer your debt (be careful of transfer fees to make sure the transfer benefits you). You can also seek out a consolidation loan from your bank. They will pay off your debt and you can pay them back at a lower interest rate.

  • STICK TO IT!

As you see your debt decrease and see your cash increase, don’t fall back into old spending habits. As you have more money available, put it right into your savings and soon you will have the money you need for a down payment on your first home!


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: uhloans.com, urmc.rochester.edu, familyhandyman.com

520 Moorfield Ln: 3 Bedroom Home in Desirable Taylor Downs!

by The Hat Team

520 Moorfield Lane, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS# 530005

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,350 Square Feet | Taylor Downs

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This well-maintained 3BR, 2BA home in the desirable Taylor Downs subdivision is in close proximity to everything you need - schools, shopping and dining! Upon entering, you will love the open floor plan that consists of a cozy living room with wood-burning fireplace and dining room. Beautiful laminate wood throughout the entire home. The kitchen exudes warmth with beautiful tile backsplash and stainless-steel appliances. This home has a split floor plan - the spacious master bedroom includes a full bathroom with double vanities. On the other side are two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom. Enjoy two outdoor patio spaces - one covered and one uncovered - and do it all in the privacy of your fully-fenced backyard. Make plans to see this one today!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Joy Randolph, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

436 Duckworth Dr: Move-in Ready Home in Landmark Estates!

by The Hat Team

436 Duckworth Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS# 528022

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,433 Square Feet | Landmark Estates

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Tucked away in the quietest of neighborhoods is this move in ready home in Landmark Estates! Situated on top of a hill you will find an immaculate spacious house ready for its new family. The large family room has a vaulted ceiling and brick fireplace, the formal dining room has built in cabinets and the huge galley kitchen has a breakfast area. The master suite has a sitting area with a door to the patio and a huge walk-in closet and the other two bedrooms are on the opposite side of the house. Entertain family and friends outside under the covered patio overlooking the pool. The interior has been freshly painted and floors polished, new water heater, storage building and two car garage. Convenient location, check it out today!

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

4061 Ray Dr: Absolutely Amazing Family Home in Johnstown!

by The Hat Team

4061 Ray Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109

MLS# 528016

4 Bedrooms | #4 Baths |3,305 Square Feet | Johnstown/Dalraida 

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Absolutely amazing large family home in Johnstown/Dalraida! Situated on a large corner lot, this 4 bedroom, 4 bath home has been beautifully updated, meticulously maintained and is move in ready! The large living room has a vaulted ceiling with a stone fireplace at one end, and a huge window at the other. The kitchen has stainless appliances, granite counter tops, breakfast bar and opens to a sunroom/dining room/keeping room with French doors to the patio and pool. The master suite has a great bathroom with split vanities, a soaking tub with a cool electric wall heater, separate shower and two walk in closets. Down the hall are two bedrooms with good sized closets, a pretty hall bath and laundry room. There is a parking pad on the left side of the house with a separate entrance and a mother-in-law suite (2nd master) with two bathrooms, French doors to the patio and an extra living space (currently a home office). The covered patio with a fancy outdoor kitchen, the saltwater pool (new lining), the top-of-the-line hot tub and fabulous garage have been the center of entertaining family and friends for 25 years. This home has lots of special features that you have to see in person. Check it out today!

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

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