Real Estate Information Archive

Montgomery AL Home For Sale

3163 Malone Dr, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS# 488633 | 3Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 1,734 Square Feet | Hillwood West

Lock it and Leave it!

Virtual Tour

If you want low-to-no maintenance in a move-in ready townhome, this might just be your next purchase! This elegant brick two story townhome is convenient to everything in Midtown Montgomery! It’s a classic Hillwood design, with spacious living room, dining room, and big kitchen overlooking sunny breakfast room. The rear covered porch overlooks a small courtyard with a grassy area for small pets. The second floor has a large master bedroom with two walk-in closets and a split bath. Another ample guest bedroom with full bath is on the second floor as well. The convenient rear access parking pad means no on-street parking.

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

Montgomery AL Real Estate

6729 Greenbrook Dr, Montgomery AL 36117

MLS# 490248 | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 1,864 Square Feet | Bellwood Estates

Spacious and Beautifully Updated

Virtual Tour

This recently updated townhouse is spacious and waiting for its new owner! Fresh paint and new carpet make this home move-in ready, and homeowners will love the fact that there is a living room, dining room, and den/family room with built-ins and a fireplace! Convenient half bath on main floor for your guests, and upstairs there are three bedrooms and two full baths. Don't miss the walk-in closet in the master with "California Closets" style built-ins. Rear has covered patio area plus extended uncovered patio, grassy area for pets and kids, and parking in the front as well as a pad for at least 3 cars in the rear. This lovely home would also make a great investment, and at this price should cash-flow quite nicely!

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

The thought of buying a house sight unseen may give you hives, but it is more common than you might think. A 2018 poll, conducted by Redfin, revealed 20% of home buyers made an offer on a home sight unseen.

In a 2017 survey, 45% of Millenial homebuyers said they had made an offer on a home without stepping foot in the home, followed by 30% of Gen Xers and 12% of Baby Boomers. These statistics were long before the Covid-19 pandemic turned our lives upside down. Can you image what current statistics would show?

Buying a home sight unseen can be done safely and intelligently if you are willing to do your homework and put a team of consummate professionals in place. Here are 5 hacks to help you do just that…

1. Become Friends with Real Estate Websites

You will want to spend lots of time on your computer researching not only individual homes, but neighborhoods, schools, crime statistics, transportation, and amenities nearby.

Visiting Open Houses in your current community will help you get a feel for the size home you want and zero in on features you want in a home.

2. Find a Realtor You Trust

Buying a home sight unseen is not possible without finding a Realtor you trust implicitly! Do online research on Realtors working in your new community and then interview a few of your top picks by phone. Be sure to ask for references from previous clients that you may talk to.

3. Take a Video Tour

Many homes listed for sale on the internet include a virtual tour. These tours can give you a feel for the property, but also do a walking tour with your agent. Being able to talk with your agent as he or she walks through the house allows you to ask questions about details a photo can’t discern. Is the floor wood or laminate? Are the countertops granite or quartz? This tour can also reveal problem areas the photographer may have overlooked.

4. Hire a Well Qualified Home Inspector

Having a top notch home inspection is even more important when you are buying a home sight unseen. Having all the major systems checked out and having a report itemizing any problem areas along with recommendations how to how they can be corrected in invaluable.

5. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

No home is perfect. This is true whether you are buying a home you choose in person or one you are buying sight unseen. No matter how well qualified your team of experts is, minor discrepancies will occur. Maybe a wobbly ceiling fan will be missed but this is just part of buying a home.

There will be some surprises. Doing your homework and putting an expert team in place will help you eliminate big surprises and handle the smaller ones.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

The general rule of thumb is spring is the best time to sell your home. Most Realtors experience a “spring rush”, but there are many reasons to consider selling your home during the winter months rather than wait until spring.

1. Less Competition

As you are driving around town, you probably don’t see many ‘For Sale’ signs. Typically in the winter, there are frewe homes for sale, which means less competition. Real estate is affected by supply and demand. The fewer homes there are for sale, the better chance you have of securing a buyer and the more negotiating power you have as a seller.

2. Historically Low Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates continue to be historically low, bringing more home buyers into the market. While rates may stay low throughout 2021, rates typically increase in the spring as a result of supply and demand. Most home sellers are going to turn around and buy another home. Selling now means you are in a position to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates.

3. Motivated Buyers

The spring selling season tends to bring out a lot of ‘looky loos’… people that aren’t really serious buyers and are merely interested in seeing what the market is like. Home buyers looking in the winter months are generally more serious and motivated to buy now. Serious home buyers look no matter what season of the year it is.

4. Quicker Transaction

There are fewer real estate transactions happening now than there will be in the spring selling rush. This means mortgage companies have fewer loans to process, attorneys and title companies have fewer closings, and home inspectors home fewer inspections to perform. The result of fewer transactions is better communication, better service, and less hassle. A closing with less stress will make your home selling and buying experience much more pleasurable.

After considering these factors, if you are in the market to sell your home now, let the Sandra Nickel Hat Team assist you with your sale. Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Experts predict we will be in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic for at least another 6 to 9 months if not longer. You may think the real estate market has tanked due to the pandemic but this is not the case. Interest rates remain low and are enticing buyers to take advantage of lower mortgage payments. The pandemic is changing the way real estate is being sold and making showing your home a bit more challenging. But with creativity and preparation, showing your home can be done safely. The following guidelines will help keeping you, your family, your Realtor, and your prospective buyers safe and healthy.

Preparation

The first thing you want to do is prepare your home for sale. Deep, clean and declutter. You want your home to sparkle inside and out the fresh paint and clean windows. Clear off your counter-tops and remove all personal items. Put toys away and remove excess furniture. Clean out closets so they appear larger and don’t forget to clean out the garage. Add some color with decorative pillows, bowls of fruit or fresh flowers.

Virtual Tour

Your Realtor will want to create an online virtual tour for buyers to take a look at before physically entering your home. There are many options for creating tours with photos, as well as video walking tours moving from room to room. While online tours aren’t quite the same as seeing a home in person, they tell a buyer a lot about the property.

Virtual Open House

Today’s technology is ideal for virtual open houses. Who ever heard of Zoom pre-pandemic? But Zoom and similar programs are perfect for conducting a virtual open house.

In-Person Showings

While buying a home sight unseen is on the rise, most buyers will want to see a home in person before deciding to buy. With extra precautions, this can be done with safety in mind…

1. Limit the number of persons entering you home to Realtors and the prospective buyers. This is not the time for children and extra family members.

2. Have everyone entering your home sign a Covid-19 form certifying they do not have the virus or have not been exposed to someone who does. Also, require everyone wear masks, gloves and use hand sanitizer before entering.

3. Leave doors open and lights on to minimize touching surfaces.

4. Clean and disinfect before and after the showing.

Bottom line is buyers are buying and sellers are selling during this pandemic. They are just doing in more creatively and cautiously.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

With new trends endlessly popping up, it can be challenging to decide what home improvement projects are worth your time and money.  It will serve you well to research what trends are timeless and what trends have gone by the wayside before investing in updating your home, especially if you are getting ready to put it on the market.  To simplify that process for you, here is a list of the hottest home improvement projects for 2021!

1. Swimming Pools.  In the past, swimming pools have not been the most desirable features for potential buyers. However, 2020 changed things. They have become a hot ticket item now that more people are staying home and are looking for ways to stay busy without having to go anywhere. Pool companies can hardly keep up with the demand, and even inflatable kiddie pools have sold out everywhere. Investing in something that can provide a “staycation” in your own back yard is a good idea in 2021!
    
2. Smart homes. With the ever-increasing intelligence of technology, there has been a recent surge in smart home popularity. People enjoy the efficiency of controlling lights, air conditioning systems and home security with the touch of a button on their mobile device.  Best Smart Home Devices for 2021
    
3. Quartz.  It looks like quartz is a trend that is here to stay, and for good reasons. Quartz countertops stand the test of time, look fabulous and are easy to maintain. Quartz countertops show well and can impress potential buyers. 
    
4. Outdoor Entertaining Spaces. The past year has brought with it a huge demand for upgrading outdoor spaces for homeowners. Consider adding a patio, deck, pergola or enclosed porch to create an inviting space to spend time outdoors while at home. Ten Outdoor Living Trends for 2021
    
5. Dedicated Home Office. With more people working and taking classes from home, it’s no longer convenient to just set up office at the kitchen table.  A designated work space is not only needed, but is a desirable feature for potential homebuyers.
    
6. Closed Floor Plans. Open floor plans have been all the rage for many years, but again, 2020 changed things. With so many people both working and doing school at home, private spaces are needed. So, if you are planning a renovation this year, you may want to consider adding doors and walls to create separate spaces.

These are just a few home improvement trends that can make your home more desirable to homebuyers this year!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: hgtv.com

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and a new season has begun…tax season. It is never too early to start preparing to complete your 2020 tax return. Here is a list of things you can do this month to make tax time a little less stressful:

1. Contribute to retirement accounts.  If you haven’t funded your retirement account for 2020 yet, now is the time to do it. For a traditional or ROTH IRA the deadline to do so is April 15, 2021.  For a Keogh or SEP you can get an extension to October 15, 2021.  But if you want to start compounding tax free interest as quickly as possible, make those contributions now!
    
2. Make a last-minute estimated tax payment.  If you didn’t pay the IRS enough money throughout the year, you may have a hefty tax bill coming your way. You might owe some interest and penalties as well.  If you make an estimated payment by January 15, you can avoid a penalty for the fourth quarter and save money. Try not to pay too much though. It’s better to owe a little money than to get a refund. The IRS doesn’t pay you any interest on money they are borrowing from you.
    
3. Organize your records.  Yes!  Do it now!  Good organization may not change the amount of money you have to pay, but it will certainly make the process of filing your taxes easier. Prepare a tax checklist to get all your ducks in a row. Have a tax folder or binder in which you keep all documents and receipts. Taking the time to get organized now will save you time and energy when it is time to file your taxes.
    
4. Find the right tax forms.  You can view and download tax forms on the Internal Revenue Service web site or you can have them mailed to you. The IRS can also provide you with a private web site that lists state government sites where you can pick up state forms and publications. 
    
5. Itemize your tax deductions. While it may be easier to take the standard deduction, you may save money if you itemize. Especially if you are self-employed, own a home, or live in a high tax area. It is worth the time and effort when you see how much money you can save. Itemized Deductions: A Beginner's Guide
    
6. Decide if you need help.  Avoid the panic of last minute calls to accountants by preparing in January. You will have plenty of time to determine if you are going to need help completing your taxes and won’t be scrambling for assistance as the deadline looms.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: cogneesol.com

New is the Year, New are the Hopes, New is the Resolution, New are the Spirits, and New are my Warm Wishes just for YOU! 

Have a promising and fulfilling New Year! 2021

As you gather with family and friends to celebrate this year, take time to think about the origins of some of the traditions of Christmas.

• Santa Claus – his story begins in the 4^th century with St. Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra (an area in modern day Turkey). St. Nicholas was known to be a generous man especially devoted to children. Because he was so kind and benevolent, rumors began that he could perform miracles.  He became the patron saint of Russia and was known for his red cape and flowing, white beard. He has his own feast day that is celebrated on December 6…a day of gift giving and charity. The story of St. Nicholas was passed down through generations and his name transformed over time. The Dutch called him Sinterklaas. Dutch children would leave their wooden shoes by the fireplace and Sinterklaas would reward good children by placing treats in their shoes. This tradition traveled to America with Dutch colonists and here the Anglican name of Santa Claus emerged.
• Christmas Trees – the decorating of fir trees originated in 16^th century Germany where trees would be adorned with apples, roses, candies and colored paper.  The Christmas tree was brought to England by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, from his native Germany.  The first Christmas trees in America were introduced by Pennsylvania Germans and became popular by the middle of the 19^th century.
• Mistletoe – mistletoe was used by Druid priests 200 years before the birth of Christ in their winter celebrations. They held the plant in high esteem because it had no roots, yet remained green throughout the winter season.  The ancient Celts thought that the plant had magical healing powers. It was also seen as a symbol of peace and it was said that when enemies met under mistletoe, they would lay down their weapons and embrace. Scandinavians associated the plant with Frigga, the goddess of love. This is perhaps where the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began.  It is thought that those who kiss under the mistletoe have the promise of happiness and good luck in the year to come.
• The Christmas Wreath – The Christmas wreath is another tradition that has been around for a long time.  The first wreaths were created from fresh evergreens. Because they are green year round they were the obvious choice for winter months.  The word “wreath” is derived from an English word meaning “to twist”, such as in a circle.  Some believe that initially wreathes were hung on doors in Ancient Rome to represent victory.  The circle shape with no beginning or end represents eternity or life never ending.

While celebrating with these ancient traditions and with your own family traditions this year, may you be surrounded by peace and joy. Merry Christmas! 

The holidays wouldn’t seem complete without poinsettia plants; one of the most popular holiday flowers. While you may be familiar with the gorgeous red blooms of poinsettias, these days you can find them in an array of beautiful colors. And you may not know this, but they aren’t actually flowers. They are modified leaves called "bracts".  The inviting bracts attract insects to the tiny yellow flowers in their centers. Poinsettias need a little TLC to keep them in bloom throughout the holidays and beyond. While you might just buy new ones every year, it IS possible to get them to rebloom the next season. 13 Christmas Plants Perfect for a Magical, Indoor Holiday Garden

How to Care for a Poinsettia:

1. Be sure to provide enough light for your poinsettia.  Place it near a window that gets a lot of sunlight.  South, east, or west-facing windows are all better than a north-facing window.  They are tropical plants and will soak in all the direct sunlight they can get.
2. Use a loose, well-draining, peat-based potting soil.
3. When the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water your poinsettia. Water until it drains out the bottom of the pot, but do not OVER water. The plant should not sit in water. So, make sure the pot has a hole in the bottom for drainage. And if your poinsettia is in the typical foil wrapping, remove the foil so that water can drain. If your plant sits in water, the roots will rot.
4. Poinsettias, being tropical plants, like mild temperatures.  For them to stay in bloom as long as possible, maintain a temperature of 65-75 F during the day.  Dropping the temp to about 60 F at night won’t harm them, but cold drafts, allowing the leaves to touch a cold window, and lack of decent light can result in premature leaf drop. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to water your poinsettia more often, but you should never water it every day.
5. You will not need to fertilize your poinsettias during the blooming period. But if you plan to keep the plant all year, begin fertilizing it in spring at half-strength when there is no growth.  Feed every three to four weeks.

With the right care, your poinsettia will stay healthy and robust throughout the holiday season. They will need enough sun, warmth, and water to achieve the ideal seasonal color. 

If you wish to keep your poinsettia through more than one season and force reblooming, follow these steps. Getting a poinsettia to rebloom is not an easy process, so don't be disheartened if you don't have success your first try.

• January – March: Continue watering poinsettia when the surface of the soil is dry.
• April: Beginning on April 1, slowly decrease the amount you water, allowing the soil to get dry between waterings. Watch that the stem does not begin to shrivel. This is a sign of stress and indicates the plant is dying. After a couple of weeks, when the plant has acclimated to the drying process, move it to a cool spot, such as a basement or garage. You will want to keep it at a temp of about 60 F. Now is also the time to prune stems back four to six inches to promote new growth.
• May: Around mid-May cut stems back to about four inches and repot in a slightly larger pot with new potting soil.  Water it regularly. Place the poinsettia by a window that gets lots of natural sunlight and go back to keeping it in temps between 65 F and 75 F. Water whenever the surface feels dry and watch for new growth. As soon as you see new growth, begin to fertilize every two weeks with a Complete Fertilizer. Be sure to follow the fertilizer label instructions.
• June: Move the poinsettia outside. Make sure it is in a partially shaded location and maintain your schedule of watering and fertilizing.
• July: Early in July, Pinch back each stem by approximately 1 inch. This will encourage a burly, well-branched plant. A poinsettia that is left unpinched will grow tall and spindly.
• August: The stems should have branched and leafed out by mid-August.  Once again, pinch or cut the new stems, leaving three to four leaves on each one.  Bring you poinsettia back indoors and place by your brightest window again. Keep watering and fertilizing!
• September: Continue watering and fertilizing. Be sure to keep the temperature above 65 F.
• October: Poinsettias are Short-Day Plants, which means their bud set is affected by the length of daylight. To rebloom, they need about 10 weeks with 12 hours or less of sunlight per day. It will be necessary to artificially create these conditions and you must be diligent in doing so. Starting on October 1^st, keep your plant in complete darkness between 5:00 PM and 8:00 AM.  Any exposure to light during those hours will delay blooming.  You can use a box or fabric to cover the plant and keep sunlight out.  Move your poinsettia back to its sunny window during the daytime and continue watering and fertilizing.
• November: You can discontinue the darkness treatment around the last week of November and allow your poinsettia to remain in its sunny window.  You should start to see flower buds at this point.
• December: Discontinue fertilizing around December 15^th. Keep watering and treat your poinsettia the way you did when you first brought it home in bloom. Hopefully, if all has gone well, you will have a pretty poinsettia back in bloom for another holiday season!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: diynetwork.com