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Enjoy a Safe and Happy New Year’s Eve at Home

Thursday, December 26, 2024
by The Hat Team

Sometimes we try so hard to achieve holiday perfection that by the time New Year’s Eve rolls around we are exhausted. Then comes the added pressure of finding something fun to do for New Year’s Eve. It’s the last night of the year and we feel we must celebrate in some big, memorable way.  Because of that we might make plans to go out with friends to restaurants, bars, or hotels that host expensive, fancy parties. Or we might not be able to say no to an invitation to attend a fun house party given by friends. But guess what?  Going out on New Year’s Eve is highly overrated. And we CAN say NO to those invitations. 

Does a stress free, relaxing night at home sound good to you?

Here are some good reasons for staying home for New Year’s Eve:

  • You avoid the anxiety that comes with trying to plan the “perfect” night. We tend to attach grand expectations to New Year’s Eve.  And we have a vision of what it’s supposed to be like - perfect sparkly outfit, a cool venue, lots of drinks...you know the drill. But honestly, reality rarely matches up with the picture we have created in our head.  And often we end up slightly disappointed that we went to all the trouble and expense.
  • You will stay safe and cozy.  Chances are that it’s going to be cold on New Year’s Eve. You can be out and about shivering in your fancy clothes, driving at a time when there might be other people driving under the influence, OR you can be home in your most comfy pajamas. No worrying about drunk drivers when you are not on the roads. Also, you can enjoy an adult beverage or two without having to drive anywhere yourself.
     
  • You will save money.  So much money.  The outfit. The dinner out. The pricey party package.  The babysitter.  Sure, you will be home with your kids, and maybe that’s not how you envisioned spending New Year’s Eve, but if they are little you can put them to bed early and if they are older, you can plan fun things to do together as a family. 
     
  • You can eat and drink whatever you want, for a lot less money than you would spend going out. Don’t feel like cooking and doing dishes?  You don’t have to! New Year’s Eve is a perfect night to indulge in easy party foods. Even if you indulge in having food delivered, it won’t be as expensive as a night out.
  • You can choose whatever activities you want…or none at all. Whatever suits you and your mood. Have you ever made big plans and then the day comes, and you just don’t feel it anymore?  You don’t have to worry about that happening if you spend New Year’s Eve at home. It can be a family game night, or you can cuddle up with your partner (or your kids, or your dog) and watch a movie. Heck…you can take a long, luxurious bath if you want.  It’s totally up to you!

Some people really enjoy going out on New Year’s Eve and that’s great.  But if you want a relaxing, stress-free night, try celebrating at home this year. Either way, have a safe and happy new year!

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! 

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Five Reasons You Should Hire a Realtor When Buying or Selling a House

Wednesday, December 18, 2024
by The Hat Team

Whether you are looking to purchase a home or getting ready to sell one, the process of doing so will go much more smoothly if you have an experienced Realtor to represent your interests. You might be thinking that you can save money by trying to do it on your own, but the truth is that the time, energy and stress a Realtor will save you is priceless!

Here are the top five reasons why you should hire a Realtor when buying or selling a house:

  1. EXPERTISE

Experienced real estate professionals will know all the ins and outs of buying and selling homes. Real estate has a language of its own, and Realtors will speak it fluently. They are not only familiar with all the forms, reports and disclosures involved, they understand them and can explain them to you. They will work to get you the best deal possible and help you avoid costly mistakes.

  1. ACCESS

Realtors can search listings that the public does not have access to. They will know immediately when a house goes on the market; long before you can find it on the internet. Local Realtors will also have expansive knowledge about different neighborhoods and areas that may appeal to you.

  1. NEGOTIATION

Realtors are trained negotiators. It is their job to get you a first-rate deal. With fierce competition for homes and the chance of a bidding war, you are going to want a shrewd and experienced negotiator on your side.

  1. CONNECTIONS

They know who’s who in every aspect of a real estate transaction. They can hook you up with a mortgage lender, home inspector, real estate attorney, home stager, etc. And since the best deal for you benefits them as well, they are going to make sure to recommend the top people in their professions.

  1. TIME

While searching for a new house, or getting one ready to sell, chances are you’re still working full time, taking care of a family and feeling a little stressed about everything you need to do. Slow down, take a deep breath and let your Realtor alleviate that stress a bit. Being a Realtor is a full-time job that you don’t need to add to your to-do list. 


The bottom line is, you probably can buy or sell a home on your own, but that doesn’t mean you should. Hiring an experienced professional like Sandra Nickel will make your home-buying/selling experience less stressful and more successful. 

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! 

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Decorate for Christmas Without Breaking the Bank

Wednesday, December 11, 2024
by The Hat Team

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And if you have your house on the market, you might be packing up everything you own very soon. The last thing you want to do is unpack all your Christmas decorations only to have to pack them back up again. In addition, if you are showing your home to potential buyers, you are going to want to keep your holiday décor as simple as possible.

You don’t have to be a “Scrooge” though!

You can decorate beautifully without spending a lot of money and without having to unpack all your personal treasures.

Here are five inexpensive ways to decorate for Christmas:


Make Homemade Garland

A lot of craft stores have great sales and coupons this time of year. Grab some greenery and then head over to a dollar store and pick up some pretty ornaments. You can find DIY instructions for making a festive garland on YouTube. 


Use a Real Tree

If you have been using an artificial tree and don’t want to unpack it, this is a good time to buy a real tree. Some can be very expensive, but you can find a pretty tree for as little as $49 in some places. Consider using a smaller tree and placing it on a tabletop instead of on the floor. Decorate with old-fashioned strings of popcorn and cranberries. And you might be surprised at the sparkly ornaments you can find at very little cost.


Display Wrapped Gifts

Beautifully wrapped gifts can be used to create any aesthetic you desire. For a more formal look, wrap gifts in shiny silvers and golds. Want to go whimsical? Try wrapping paper in fun shades of red, green, pink and white. And if you’re going for a winter wonderland look, use blues and silvers. The point is that you can use the gifts themselves to create gorgeous holiday décor.


Create “DIY” Christmas Wreaths

All you need is a hot glue gun, some inexpensive ornaments, ribbon, and a coat hanger and you can make pretty wreaths. There are lots of other ways to make them too. Check some out here: 36 Christmas Wreaths You Can DIY


Showcase Poinsettias

You can find pretty poinsettias just about anywhere this time of year. Care for them properly, and they will last the whole holiday season. Display them in reds, pinks and whites to create a classy ambiance in your holiday home.

So, don’t let your house being on the market keep you from enjoying this festive season! Enjoy some new Christmas décor that won’t break the bank and might just get a “SOLD” sign in your front yard before the new year!

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! 

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3386 Lexington Rd: Investment Opportunity in Historic Cloverdale/Idlewild!

Monday, December 9, 2024
by The Hat Team

3386 Lexington Road, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 566736

5 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 3,134 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

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Great investment opportunity in historic Cloverdale/Idlewild! This charming duplex was originally a lovely 3-bedroom 1 bath home with all the character you expect in the Cloverdale area, and over the years, the attic space was expanded and converted, making the property a spacious, functioning duplex. First floor boasts living room, dining room, and huge eat-in kitchen with tons of counter and cabinet space. This unit also has a laundry room, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a huge screened-in rear porch that runs the width of the property. Upstairs unit boasts a HUGE living room, kitchen with breakfast nook, two spacious bedrooms, 1 bath, and a laundry/utility room plus walk-in floored attic storage space. With $1,800 income per month, this is a no-brainer! Both units are currently rented.

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

 

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4105 Ford Circle: Cozy Southlake Meadows home with Great Potential!

Thursday, December 5, 2024
by The Hat Team

4105 Ford Circle, Tuskegee, AL 36083

MLS# 566675

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,325 Square Feet | Tuskegee/Southlake Meadows

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Welcome to 4105 Ford Circle, located in the peaceful Southlake Meadows Subdivision! This property offers great potential for those looking for a home with some TLC. Whether you're seeking a cozy residence or an income-generating rental, this home presents an excellent opportunity. Situated just a few miles from Tuskegee University, it’s a prime spot for student housing. With some updates and care, this home could easily become a comfortable living space. Don't miss the chance to unlock the full potential of this property!

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

 

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Keep Your Little Ones Safe at Home During the Holidays

Wednesday, December 4, 2024
by The Hat Team


The statistics for household childhood injuries are staggering. Over 3.4 million children experience some kind of accidental injury in the home each year. While there is no way to guarantee child safety at home, there are certainly many things you can do to help prevent accidents and injuries…especially during the holidays! 

Here are some tips for keeping kids safe at home during the holiday season:

  • BE AWARE OF POISONING RISKS

You might not realize this, but many plants commonly used as decorations during the holidays are considered poisonous and should be kept out of reach of children. These include mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, and Jerusalem cherry plants. Symptoms of plant poisoning can include rashes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you ever think your child has ingested part of a plant, immediately call your pediatrician or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

  • CHOKING AND SWALLOWING OF SMALL ITEMS

This is something you must be extra careful to prevent during the holidays. Young children are attracted to all things bright and shiny…and this time of year there is a lot of bright and shiny! Things like tree ornaments, ornament hooks, light bulbs, tinsel and small toys are all potential choking hazards for small children because they may block the airway. If something is small enough to fit in a young child’s mouth, chances are it will find its way in! So, keep small items out of reach and watch little ones carefully!

  • FALLING CHRISTMAS TREES

Make sure your Christmas tree is very secure in its stand and can’t be pulled over easily. The last thing you want to find is your little one trapped under a fallen tree. And trust me, they will pull at it if given the opportunity.

  • KITCHEN ACCIDENTS

Sadly, kitchen accidents increase during the holiday season. Many people spend a lot of extra time in the kitchen preparing special meals and baking sweets to share. Young children want to help…and they should. It can be a fun experience for the whole family! But be aware of potential hazards that can happen when you’re busy in the kitchen.

Again, while childproofing your home will not guarantee safety, it will go a long way toward protecting your children from injuries or worse. The peace of mind you will have knowing you have done everything you can to protect your children will be well worth the effort and time put into making sure your home is as safe as possible, especially during the holidays!

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! 

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