Real Estate Information Archive

Joining the military was a huge decision that required a lot of thought. Now that you have made the commitment to serve your country, there are other big decisions you will have to make that have to do with the transient lifestyle military life entails. A decision you will have to make each time you transfer to a new duty station is whether you should buy or rent a home.  There is a lot to consider before making this decision.

Why should I buy?

Many may wonder why they should buy when they know they will be moving on in a few years. Well, here is one BIG reason: the VA Loan Program.  A VA Loan is a mortgage loan for service members that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The main purpose of this program is to assist active duty military and veterans in the financing of a home purchase. These loans offer advantageous terms that make buying a home an attractive financial option. If you are in the military or you are a veteran, you may be eligible for a VA loan and many of the perks of VA loans are NOT available with other home loan options.

​But wouldn’t renting make more sense?

The terms of VA loans are in your favor if you want to buy a home, but there may still be times when renting might work better for you. Here are some things to consider when trying to decide whether buying or renting is the best option:

• How often will you be moving? This greatly depends upon what branch of military you are in and what career path you are on. People assume that all military families move every few years, but the truth is, the number of moves vary widely across the different branches. If you don’t think you will be transferred frequently and will be in a home for five or more years, then buying a home would better suit your needs. However, if you think you will be moving more frequently, renting might be the better option, unless renting your home out when you relocate sounds like something you would be interested in.
   
• Depending on what branch of the military you are serving and what your position is, it may require you to be deployed much of the time. It may seem silly to buy a home when you are away so much you might be surprised at the benefits of doing so. For example, say you are single and you’re renting; unless you can sublet, you will be paying rent on a “home” that you won’t be living in for parts of the year.  However, if you buy a home, you will be paying a mortgage and building equity…a great investment for your future!  This is true even if you have a family that stays in the home when you are deployed. Knowing they have a place of their own will give them peace of mind while you are away.
   
• Reselling your home can be profitable depending on how long you have been there. When it comes time to relocate, thanks to not having to make a down payment or pay PMI (perks of that VA loan we talked about above!), you will likely at the very least break even on the sale of your home, if not make a profit. Just be aware of the current real estate market conditions which will determine how long it may take to sell your house and how much you can get for it.  If you are not able to sell right away, you need to have enough money saved to pay your mortgage while also paying to live somewhere else.
   
• Do you want to be a landlord?  If you don’t want to sell the home (maybe you want to move back there someday, or maybe you want to keep it as an investment), renting it out is a great option. But there are challenges to being a landlord, especially when you live far away from your property. You may have to hire a property management company to maintain the home in your absence. Make sure you consider all the costs involved before deciding it it’s financially worthwhile to rent your home out.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), 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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

3123 Woodley Terrace, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 574537

3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2,048 Square Feet | Woodley Terrace

Welcome to 3123 Woodley Terrace, a delightful gem nestled on a peaceful street! As you approach, the beautiful azaleas will be the first thing to catch your eye! Step inside to see the beautifully refinished hardwood floors that flow throughout the first floor, complemented by unique detailing along the staircase. The updated kitchen features a stylish tile backsplash, elegant granite countertops, and custom cabinetry—perfect for both everyday meals and entertaining. This charming home offers two spacious bedrooms on the first floor, while the finished upstairs boasts a third bedroom and additional bathroom. This versatile space is ideal for children or a home office, providing plenty of room to grow. Outside, you’ll find a two-car garage and a nicely sized fenced yard, complete with a lovely stone walkway—perfect for your gardening ambitions or creating a nice space for outdoor gatherings. Recent updates include a new HVAC system and roof installed in 2022, along with fresh interior and exterior paint, refinished floors, and new carpet installed upstairs this year. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this Cloverdale charmer yours!

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

3574 Bankhead Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36111

MLS# 574169

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 3,134 Square Feet | Edgewood

If you are looking for plenty of room and awesomely cool mid-century modern vibes, this might just be what you have been searching for! This Loeb and Hannon custom built masterpiece has only had two loving families in its life, and while the kitchen has had some updating, the layout and bathrooms retain the original (and pristine) fixtures and tilework. The impressive living room has a vaulted ceiling and lots of windows overlooking the expansive front yard. Cool metal-work screen divides the living room space from the formal dining area. The large kitchen has plenty of counter and cabinet space, smooth surface stove, double ovens, and a spacious breakfast room. Enormous wood-paneled den also boasts vaulted volume ceiling, wall of adjustable display shelving, and newly installed extra-wide sliding glass doors opening to covered rear patio. Built for the original family, the wood paneled "boy's" room has private bath, walk-in closet, and large windows up the vaulted front ceiling for lots of natural light. The two "girl's" room share a long walk-through bath with double vanities and original pink fixtures! The rear primary bedroom is quite large and has his/her separate dressing rooms and closets, sharing a walk-in shower and WC. Off the primary bedroom and the den/family room is a covered porch that runs almost the full width of the house, plus a patio from grilling and relaxing. Backyard has raised beds for gardening, a detached storage building, and a chicken coop for fresh eggs! The front and back yards feature heirloom fig trees, peach trees, plum trees, varietal persimmon tree, and blueberry bushes just about to burst with fresh fruit. Treat yourself to a visit to this one-of-a-kind time capsule and you too will be smitten with its architecture and unique qualities.

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

Let’s face it, selling and buying a house at the same time can be very overwhelming and usually involves some element of risk. However, it is common for people to have to buy and sell at the same time. Per the National Association of Realtors, 71% of repeat home buyers still owned their previous residences, which means it’s highly likely that most of them were both buyers and sellers.

If you are lucky enough to time it right, you may hit that perfect “sweet spot” where you sell your house, make a profit that can be used for a down payment, and then find your next dream home, in that order. But chances are, things might not go as planned and hoped for.

Let’s look at some common challenges you might face, different avenues that might work better for you, and tips for getting through the process with your mental health intact.

FINANCIAL ISSUES

Chances are you might not have the amount of cash on hand that it takes to make a down payment on a house unless you sell your current home first. If you have found your new dream home and don’t want to risk losing it while waiting to sell, you have some options. You could do a cash out refinance on your current home, take out a home equity line of credit, or maybe sell some investments. But keep in mind that these options have costs and might not work for everyone.

LOGISTICS

With all the details and decisions that have to be made when both buying and selling a home, the logistics of doing both at the same time can be complicated. You have to think about the timing of the purchase and sale and negotiating with both the sellers of your new home and the buyers of your current home; all while trying to organize and pack for your move. An experienced Realtor is vital to help you navigate this process.

RISK OF LOSING HOME TO NON-CONTINGENT BUYER

Buying and selling at the same time comes with risks, one of which is moving forward with a purchase before you have sold your current home. To minimize this risk, many homeowners choose to make their offer on a house contingent upon the sale of their current home. But this brings about another risk, because there is a possibility that your offer may get turned down in favor of a buyer who has made a non-contingent offer. At that point you may have to decide whether you can remove the contingency, which may not be financially possible.

Now let’s look at some tips to help you navigate the buying-while-selling process:

• Determine Financial Feasibility – It’s time to take a good hard look at your monthly disposable income and to ask yourself these questions:

• Can you afford paying both mortgages?
• How long will you be able to afford doing so?
• Do you have enough available cash for a down payment?
• Will you have enough available for down payment after paying both mortgages for a “worst-case scenario” period of time?

If you are living paycheck to paycheck, buying and selling at the same time is not a good option for you, but if you have a steady, dependable income and low monthly debts, you may be able to get through the process relatively unscathed. Talking to a trusted lender is a good idea at this stage because they can help you determine what you can afford to do.

• Consider a Bridge Loan – If you do not have enough for a down payment, you may want to consider a bridge loan. A bridge loan is a short-term loan that uses the equity from your current home to get the necessary down payment to complete your purchase. But you must keep in mind that this is only an option if you are ok with taking on two mortgage payments for up to six months to a year: the typical term for a bridge loan.
   
• Make Satisfying Offers to Both Seller and Buyer – If the thought of two mortgage payments is too much, as mentioned before, you can make an offer contingent upon selling your current home. With that contingency, your contract states that you won’t lose your earnest money if your house doesn’t sell. This eliminates your financial risk but weakens your offer. If another buyer makes a cash offer with no contingencies, sellers will go after the cash offer every time. Today’s market of low inventory and high demand means that a contingent offer is not as likely to be accepted. One way you can have a better shot at getting your new house is to offer significant non-refundable earnest money, in the hope that the seller will be willing to wait longer for your current house to sell.
   
• Look For a Cash Buyer – If you’ve already decided to buy your next home and sell your current home later, you definitely will want it to sell as quickly as possible. So, as a seller, a cash sale with no contingencies is the way to go if you can. You may want to seek out an instant homebuyer or a local real estate investment company to initiate a cash sale, typically a much faster process than a traditional listing process. The downside is that the offers you may receive might be significantly less than what you might get on the open market.

If your Realtor can help you find a cash buyer on the open market, all the better!

While the idea of buying and selling at the same time is definitely a little scary, the experienced, professional Realtors on Sandra Nickel's team can help you through the process.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), 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 information!

Looking for fun Easter Events to enjoy with your family? Check out this list of things to do in and around Montgomery!

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Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 20, 2025 - 10:15 AM

St. John’s Episcopal Church
113 Madison Ave, Montgomery, AL

Come out to St. John’s Episcopal for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt. This is a family-friendly event that is free and open to all. Bring your kids and join in the fun!

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2025 Pike Road Community Egg Hunt at The Well

Saturday, April 5, 2025 – 3:00 pm

1001 Marler Road, Pike Road, AL

It’s almost time for the ANNUAL PIKE ROAD COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT and we are so excited for another fun year of egg hunting and activities! Join us at The Well on Saturday, April 5th from 3:00-5:00pm. Bring your Easter basket and invite your friends and neighbors to join us for an afternoon of egg-hunting excitement as well as inflatables, games, crafts, face painting, hayrides to the petting zoo, and pictures with the Easter Bunny! We will also have food, treats, and other goods available for purchase at the Spring Market at The Arc.

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6^th Annual Bunny Shop Hop

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Spinners Park
390 W. Sixth Street, Prattville, AL

Hop into spring with a fun-filled day of shopping, food, and door prizes at the 6th Annual Bunny Shop Hop in Prattville! Enjoy a variety of vendors, delicious treats, and festive Easter fun at Spinners Park on Saturday, April 5th, from 9 AM – 5 PM. Plus, free admission and parking make it the perfect family-friendly event! https://www.facebook.com/PrattvilleSpinners/

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A Very Hoppy Easter

Saturday, April 12, 2025 - 10:00 am

1032 US-231, Wetumpka, AL

Join us for a hoppin' good time! Enjoy a fun filled day of open play, and plan a family photo with the Easter Bunny! Vibe and Vow Wedding DJ will be playing all the family friendly hits and Stewart and Barnes Photo Co will be our photographer once again! You do not want to miss this dynamic duo! Then stick around for a visit from Bluey and enjoy face painting from 10-11! Open play admission required ($7.50/hr) to participate.

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Bunny Bash

Saturday, April 12, 2025 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

15670 Vaughn Road, Cecil, AL

Celebrate Easter with us at Pike Road Nutrition on Saturday, April 12th! Take photos with the Easter Bunny and collect treats for the little ones all while recharging on a delicious tea full of clean energy! We can't wait to see you there!!

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Easter 2025 Sneaker Ball

Sunday, April 20, 2025 - 6:00 pm
5050 Narrow Lane Rd, Montgomery, AL

Welcome to Easter 2025 Sneaker Ball!

Come join us for a night of fun and dancing at the 5050 Narrow Lane Rd. Get ready to show off your coolest kicks and dance the night away with friends and family. This in-person event is the perfect way to celebrate Easter in style.

Don't miss out on the chance to strut your stuff and enjoy a night of music, laughter, and good vibes. Get your tickets now and get ready to have a ball!

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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.

1230 Westmoreland Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 573792

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2,724 Square Feet | Cloverdale

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Situated in the heart of Old Cloverdale, this spacious home awaits its new owner! Made for entertaining, the first floor seamlessly flows from the living room, through breakfast/keeping room into a wonderful, updated galley-style kitchen with breakfast bar and granite countertops. The formal dining room is large enough for big family meals and has a quaint built-in china cabinet. Center rear is a big den/family room that overlooks the back deck and pool area. First floor also has a primary bedroom/bath with wall of custom built-ins and another guest bedroom and full bath. Second floor (which can be conveniently closed off if not in use) has landing gathering area, two good sized bedrooms, and another full bath. Just in time for spring and summer, relax and unwind on the big back deck overlooking saltwater pool and party gazebo! Saltwater pool has a rock-formed waterfall at one end. Don't miss the cozy screened porch off the living room with custom built hanging daybed for lounging and relaxing. This one is move-in ready and close to all the dining and entertainment venues in Cloverdale, plus minutes away from downtown and Maxwell!

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

227 Landmark Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS# 572672

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,662 Square Feet | Landmark Estates

Welcome to 227 Landmark! This end-unit townhouse features a first-floor main bedroom, and spacious living/dining room combo. Upstairs are two more bedrooms, sharing a split bath with 2 vanity/dressing areas. Additional storage in walk-in attic space off front upstairs bedroom. Rear has private enclosed patio and attached storage room for your garden tools. Great location, close to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Relatively new HVAC, new water heater, fresh paint, new carpet upstairs!

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

If you are preparing to list your house for sale, you may be wondering if the financial reward will be worth the time, effort and money to fix up things that are in disrepair or that are dated. The answer to that question depends on a myriad of circumstances such as the current real estate market, the condition of competing inventory and whether the renovations that need to be made generally provide a return on investment.

Some home buyers are looking to purchase a “fixer upper”.  They are looking for properties priced to sell, perhaps because they don’t qualify for more expensive homes or maybe because they want to make a profit by fixing the home themselves. Most fixer buyers want to do simple repairs such as painting walls, replacing light fixtures and putting in new carpet.

Only a few want to take a house down to the studs and completely redo it.  These potential buyers will want a price for the home that will allow for all the repairs, the inconvenience of doing the work, and often a bit more.

For example, if a home is worth $200,000 fixed up but needs a new roof, and the roof costs approximately $10,000, a buyer most likely will not offer $190,000 for this home. The reason is that they can probably find a similar house that already has a new roof for $200,000 and save themselves the headache of replacing it themselves.  A buyer in this situation might offer $175,000 or less, in which case it would make more sense for the seller to replace the roof and sell it for $200,000.

It’s important to note that many buyers are looking for “turnkey” homes. They fear having to make major repairs because they might be costlier than anticipated or other problems might be revealed. Even if the price is right, homes listed for sale in “as is” condition might not attract as many buyers.

However, before doing major renovations, there are many things to consider. Smart sellers will research what their home’s market value will be once improvements are made and compare it to the cost of the renovations. If an upgrade won’t provide a return on the investment, it probably doesn’t make sense to do it.  Knowing the condition of your competition is helpful. For example, if other homes for sale in your neighborhood all have modern kitchens, it might make sense to update yours. This doesn’t mean you should tear it down and start from scratch. Often a minor kitchen remodel will suffice.

Also, keep in mind that kitchen and bathroom remodels are known to bring the best return on investment.

Start by making a list of the things in your home that are dated or in disrepair and then prioritize.  Here is a list of 10 minimum improvements to make before putting your house on the market:
 

• Patch all holes and cracks in walls and ceilings.
• Fix all appliances and HVAC systems.
• Repair leaky faucets.
• Replace worn carpeting.
• Repaint dark or marred walls in neutral colors (not white).
• Replace broken windows.
• Repair the roof.
• Change dated light fixtures/ceiling fans.
• Replace old linens/window coverings.
• Fix any code violations.

If your real estate market is a sellers’ market and homes are moving quickly, you can get by with fewer fixups, however a home that needs repairs will still deliver a lower price. If it’s a buyers’ market, people might not even be willing to look at homes that need repairs.  An experienced professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel can assist you in determining if renovating your house will benefit you 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.

Montgomery is a spectacular city!  Its warmth, 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!

Midtown Montgomery is home to the city’s most diverse area. The people living there encompass all socioeconomic levels and include residents of varying ages, races, and orientations. In fact, people living in Midtown not only tolerate diversity; they welcome it and celebrate it!

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 195,287 residents. It includes established neighborhoods with charming, historic homes, the city’s two largest business parks, Jackson Hospital, two of the largest private schools in Montgomery: Montgomery Academy and Trinity Presbyterian School, Huntingdon College and Alabama State University. 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 is no shortage of delectable dining experiences in and around Midtown. Vintage Cafe, a great breakfast/lunch spot in a bank where you can even eat in the vault, Filet & Vine, a restaurant and market all in one, and Bibb Street Pizza Company are just a few of the many casual dining options. For more upscale 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, to Tudor and Neoclassical Revivals, sit among mature trees and exquisite gardens; some of them walk-in ready and others a fixer-upper’s dream.

Find more information about Midtown Montgomery neighborhoods HERE.

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.

1948 Graham Street, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 572092

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,410 Square Feet | Cloverdale

This adorable Old Cloverdale cottage is just a few blocks from Cloverdale's happening dining and entertainment district! Step inside and discover a unique and wonderful open plan perfect for entertaining! Kitchen and bathrooms have been nicely updated over the years, making this practically move-in ready. Large primary bath features double vanities, walk-in shower, and walk in closet. Out back is a large concrete patio perfect for a fire-pit and grill, plus a wired workshop/storage building that would be ideal for he/she-shed, studio, and great storage. Come check this one out before it's gone!

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