Real Estate Information Archive

1019 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL  36104

MLS# 563411

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,228 Square Feet | Garden District 

This adorable Craftsman bungalow sits on a high knoll overlooking Bellinger Hill Park. Known lovingly as the "tree house," this home in the heart of the historic Garden District has been lovingly restored and maintained by an old house purist! All the important things like roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and water heater have all been updated/replaced within the last 5 years. The inviting porch has great views of the neighborhood and the park to the south. Natural hardwood floors are gleaming, all windows have been painstakingly restored, and the kitchen was updated within the last few years. Located just minutes from bustling downtown, Maxwell AFB, and the Cloverdale dining and entertainment district. A quote from a former resident; "The Garden District is more than just a beautiful place to live; it's a true community...neighbors are friendly and welcoming, creating a close-knit and supportive environment." WOW, what a testament to historic neighborhood living!

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

1596 Cobblestone Court, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS# 559891

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Baths | 1,364 Square Feet | Woodmere Townhouse 

This end-unit Woodmere townhouse is perfect for first time homebuyer and would make a GREAT addition to any investor's rental portfolio. Spacious living and dining room, galley kitchen, and powder room are on the 1st floor. Upstairs are two ample sized bedrooms, each with its own full bath. Rear of property has a covered patio, small yard, and rear parking for 2-3 cars. Convenient to shopping, dining, interstate, and a lovely walking park just across the street!

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

Best case scenario – you sell your old home and buy your new one at the same time. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out that way. Chances are you might find yourself in your new dream home while still having a house several states away that needs to be sold. Selling a house from out of state has its challenges, especially when you are unpacking a new home, settling into a new job and establishing your routine in a new place. But making a successful sale is not impossible. 

Here are 5 tips to help you sell your home from out of state:

1. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL REALTOR WHO IS EXPERIENCED WITH OUT OF STATE SALES

When hiring a Realtor to handle the sale of your home in your former city, you will want to find someone who has experience with out of state sales. The right listing agent will be experienced in communicating with clients remotely and will be able sell your home quickly. You are going to want to find someone that will keep you up to date with what is going on with your property; someone you can rely on to respond to your phone calls and emails in a timely manner.

2. FIND A PROFESSIONAL TO STAGE YOUR HOME TO SELL IT FASTER

Since you have already emptied out your former home for your move, staging your home will need to be left in the hands of someone in your previous city. Hiring a professional stager (your Realtor can recommend one) will go a long way toward getting your house sold for the best possible price. Per a study conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes that are staged sell faster and at higher prices than those that are not staged.

3. BE SURE THAT CLOSING FROM OUT OF STATE IS AN OPTION

Before you move, take the time to think about how you are going to close on your current house from out of state. Many attorneys require you to be at the closing table in person, so it’s important that you seek one who is willing be more flexible. The cost and inconvenience of having to go back to your previous city for a closing can be avoided if you find someone who will allow you to sign the closing documents in your new city with a local notary present.

4. BE THE LIASON FOR YOUR TEAM MEMBERS

Unnecessary back and forth between the people involved in the sale of your house can be avoided by making sure your team has all the documents/paperwork they need throughout the process. You will also want to provide contacts for all your team members so that they can communicate without you as the go-between.

5. LET YOUR TEAM DO THE WORK

Now it is time to hand over control to your Realtor and the rest of the team so they can handle the sale for you. Some people may find it difficult to relinquish control, but when you are in your new home in another state, you need to place trust in your team to get the job done!

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 our https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

346 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 560045

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,944 Square Feet | Garden District

This vintage Garden District bungalow has all the character you love in classic homes, with great modern updates! Brick construction is hard to find in a 1915 home, when most were just wood frame. Perched on a knoll, the oversized covered front porch allows great views up and down this quiet tree-lined street. Traditional layout has large living room with fireplace and original built-ins, and dining room is spacious and great for entertaining. Original breakfast room/butler's pantry has been opened up into the updated kitchen with reclaimed wood and vintage brick accents. Primary bedroom has lots of light from triple windows across the back, and the flashy primary bath features double-vanity sinks, private WC, and walk-in shower with two shower heads! All upgraded within the last few years. Out back there is a deck, mature shade trees, and fenced back yard for pets. Located on the NE edge of the Historic Garden District, a block away shopping, dining, and entertainment!

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

3513 McGehee Place Court, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 559861

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Baths | 2,532 Square Feet | McGehee Place Estates

Discover this charming home in the tranquil McGehee Place Estates. With over 2,500 square feet, this spacious 2-bedroom patio home offers plenty of room to relax. You’ll be greeted by soaring 10-foot ceilings and elegant hardwood floors that create an inviting atmosphere. The den features a cozy fireplace and built-ins, while plantation shutters add a touch of elegance throughout. The kitchen will make it so easy to cook and entertain with a generous island, double ovens and breakfast bar. Love outdoor living? You’ll adore the low-maintenance courtyard, complete with two sitting areas perfect for entertaining or relaxing in nature. Don’t miss your chance to see this beautiful and well-maintained property!

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

When preparing to put your home on the market, there are a lot of things you need to think about:

• deciding if you should make home repairs and improvements
• staging your home to impress potential buyers
• keeping your lawn and house in prime condition for viewings
• prepping to move

But one of the most important decisions you must make is how much you should ask for your house. Determining the asking price for your home cannot be taken lightly. There needs to be some psychology and strategy used to decide the price that will sell your home in a timely manner and for the most profit. You and your Realtor should identify and agree upon the approximate value of your property. You can use comparable sales of similar properties sold in your neighborhood to help you make this decision.

Next, you need to understand the price range for your list price. Depending on market conditions, competing properties, time of year or inventory, the price range can fluctuate.  For example, a house with the asking price of $500 K can have a price range of $480 K to $520 K. Once you have determined your home’s value and have a price range in mind, it’s time to conclude what your asking price will be. This is where the following pricing strategies come into play:

1. Appeal to multiple buyers - It may be tempting to ask for the highest price you think you can possibly get for your home. But if you price your property on the lower end of the value range, you will likely appeal to more than one buyer, and you might even have a bidding war amongst buyers who want your home. Chances are you will get more than your asking price if this happens.
    
2. Utilize psychology when choosing your asking price - Be careful of too many zeros.  For example, it is easier for a buyer to process $250 thousand than it is $250,000 - and $250,000.00 is even worse on the eyes. Buyers feel like they are being asked to pay more when there are more zeroes included in the price. It doesn’t change the actual price, but the perception of the price changes.
    
3. Make sure it’s visible in real estate searches - If buyers are looking for three-bedroom homes under $400 K and you have your property priced at $405 K, an automated buyer search for properties under $400 K will exclude your home, meaning you will miss out on a lot of potential buyers. Experienced Realtors  will set up search parameters for buyers that include properties listed a little bit more above their price ceiling. Keeping in mind that home prices are flexible, buyers could find the perfect match on a home above their limit, but with the possibility that it is in within a reasonable range of price or that it will be reduced.
    
4. Have a price contingency plan before listing your home - You may have very high expectations regarding the worth and appeal of your home. If you insist on asking top dollar for it, you may get lucky (depending on the current market) and get it, or you may not get any full price offers at all. In that case, it’s important to have a contingency plan lined up before you list your home. That way, if you must lower your asking price, you will already be prepared for it and it won’t catch you off guard.
    
5. Be flexible - Setting an initial asking price is just the beginning of your home selling process.  A lot of different factors may come into play when selling your house, and you won’t be able to anticipate all of them. Being flexible will allow you to react quickly to changing market conditions or new information and you will be more likely to get the best price for your 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!

Chances are, if you are getting ready to sell your home, you are also preparing to purchase a new home. So, the last thing you want to do is spend more money on your current property. However, you certainly want to get the best price possible when selling it, and per the National Association of Realtors, for every $100 invested in staging, the potential return is $400. As you can see, it will pay off in the end to stage your home to entice potential buyers.

Some people will hire a certified staging professional to get the job done.  While it might seem easier than doing it yourself, it is not the only way to get that SOLD sign planted in your front yard. There are some simple, yet effective home-staging hacks that won’t break the bank:

• Roll Out a Welcome Mat

Sounds simple, right? It is! First impressions mean everything when selling your home. Also, prospective buyers tend to linger by the front door before the real estate agent opens the home for viewing, so an inviting entrance is crucial. A new welcome mat can cost as little as $15.Purchase a modern mat that compliments the style of your home. To further enhance the entryway, add a little green with some fresh plants and b An enticing entrance will make buyers want to see more!

• Mount Mirrors in Strategic Spots

Every home has spaces like a dim hallway or small space that lacks natural light. To spruce up these areas, hang a few mirrors. They add extra light to rooms that look dark and create an illusion of space. They will pack an extra punch if placed next to or directly across from a window because they will pull in more sun. For a more decorative look, create a collage of several mini mirrors in different shapes and sizes rather than just slapping one large mirror on the wall. You can find inexpensive mirrors at craft stores and discount home stores.

• Set Tables and Serving Areas for Entertaining

A home filled with friends, food and laughter is a happy one! Paint a picture of what entertaining in your home will be like for potential buyers. Keep it simple, but aesthetically pleasing. Lay out cloth napkins, wine glasses and solid plates in the dining room. Use matching mugs and bowls in the kitchen to produce the feel of family meals.

• Replace Personal Photos with Artwork

Over the years, you have turned your house into a home by decorating with family portraits and personal mementos. But potential buyers are going to want to be able to envision themselves living there and that is hard to do with your family members present in the form of pictures in every room. So, get a head start on packing up your house by putting your pictures away and replacing them with artwork that compliments the style of the home. You can find inexpensive art at discount stores, or you can print beautiful landscape photos to put in frames.

• Make the Bathroom Look Elegant with White Linens - Spruce up your bathroom with crisp, fresh, all-white linens.  White towels, bathmats, and shower curtains give the room an instant update.  They inspire the feeling of a luxury spa without spending a lot of money.  Take it a step further by including some "spa like" displays. Simple additions like an orchid, candles and special soaps will go a long way.
  
• Arrange Decorative Scenes - Decorative displays can give a cozy, lived-in ambience to a house.  Assembling classy vignettes of colorful vases, lanterns, books, plants, baskets, and other items atop dressers, counters and bookshelves will make a house feel more like a home. Group items in odd numbers and in varying heights and shapes while keeping them in the same color family. You will be amazed at what you can find to use in your house, but if you need to buy some things, you can mix in inexpensive pieces from craft and discount stores.  Done properly, these displays will have people feeling like they are looking at rooms right out of home décor magazines…and that is a sure way to impress prospective buyers.

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.

3191 Thomas Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 556412

4 Bedrooms | 2 Full Baths | 2 Half Baths | 3,589 Square Feet | Edgewood

Stunning Edgewood home has only been owned by two families! Traditional elegance with grand curved staircase and large living spaces are now combined with updated fixtures and contemporary style living. Current owners love entertaining neighbors and friends in the oversized dining room, bright cheery sunroom, and extensive yard and gardens. Main floor has two powder rooms for convenience, and a cozy den/study with fireplace. Retro kitchen boasts a new commercial stove/oven, and breakfast room/butler's pantry has tons of built-in cabinets. Upstairs is an oversized primary bedroom with dressing room/closet and newly renovated bath with double vanities and huge walk-in shower. Three other large bedrooms share a hall bath, and the south end bedroom has additional finished attic space that could be converted to another bath/dressing room/upstairs laundry. Gracious amounts of storage between closets, built-ins, and cubbies. In addition to front staircase, there is also a rear staircase for convenience. Front, side, and rear yards feature multiple garden "rooms" and seating areas scattered amongst mature landscaping. All on one of Midtown's most desirable and beautiful streets, nestled among beautiful vintage estate homes!

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

Whether you are selling a home or buying one, you are going to want to know the value of the home so that you can determine selling price or if the sale price is appropriate. But what you may not be aware of is that there are 3 different types of home values. It may be confusing to you when trying to determine what the true value of the home is.

Let us break it down for you so that you will understand the 3 types of home values and what they mean.

1. ASSESSED VALUE

The assessed value is the assigned dollar value of your home used by local tax assessors to determine property taxes. Tax assessors calculate assessed value based on various factors, which may include the appraised value and the fair market value, as well as any home improvements, whether you generate income from the property, and any tax exemptions. The assessor will give you a figure that is commonly a percentage of what they perceive the value to be. Because property taxes are based upon assessed value, ideally, this figure will be lower. It should be close to your actual market value, but frequently it is not.

2. APPRAISED VALUE

When you are refinancing or purchasing a house, an appraiser will be hired to determine the value of the house in question. They will use the same process that real estate professionals use to determine the fair market value. A licensed appraiser will consider the location, size and condition of the home along with any renovations that have been completed. They will walk through the home and compare it to others with similar amenities and improvements in the area that have sold. Most appraisals will include a construction or replacement cost that is used for insurance purposes.

3. FAIR MARKET VALUE

Fair market value is what a home is worth based on the current market climate. It encompasses how a home looks to prospective buyers compared to other homes in the area. It takes into consideration the sale prices of homes that are similar (same number of bedrooms, square footage etc.) A real estate agent will start by looking at “comps” to figure out what buyers have been willing to pay for properties comparable to yours. Other things that help determine fair market value are whether it is a seller’s or buyer’s market and how much inventory is available.

Because these different types of values can be subjective, it is vital to make sure you are looking at a comprehensive overview when trying to determine the value of the home you are selling or buying. An experienced Realtor like Sandra Nickel can assist you with this process by providing a comparative market analysis.

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.

9171 Vaughn Road, Pike Road, AL  36064

MLS# 553924

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2 Half Baths | 4,740 Square Feet | Pike Road

EXQUISITE PIKE ROAD ESTATE SITUATED ON 4.7 +/- ACRE CORNER LOT! As you pull down the circular drive you are greeted by a cast iron fountain and beautiful landscaping. The grand foyer has soaring ceilings, handmade wood brick floors and a chandelier that is sure to catch your eye. The living room has lots of windows and a masonry fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases. The dining room has antique wood pocket doors. The kitchen has granite countertops, a smooth surface cooktop, double ovens, and a work island. There is plenty of drawer and cabinet space and a large pantry located in the laundry room. The Butler's Pantry has additional drawer and cabinet storage for your entertainment pieces and boasts granite countertops and a sink. The den has hand-picked 10-12 in. heart pine floors that have recently been redone. There is a masonry fireplace and wood storage area below the original heart pine mantle. There is a half bath off the den for your convenience. The family room has windows everywhere giving you views of the grounds and pool! This room has a great bar area with granite countertops, mirrored shelving and a half bath that is ideal when swimming or entertaining on the patio. The master bedroom has a sitting area and walk in closet. The master bath has a huge walk-in shower with double shower heads. The room off the master suite is perfect for an office. Three additional bedrooms upstairs with walk in closets and two full baths. Tons of storage closets including floored attic space. The pool area is remarkable with a huge, covered patio including an outdoor kitchen with sink, refrigerator, built in gas grill and bar. This property is gorgeous! Come see for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

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