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Fun Food for a Festive 4th!

Wednesday, June 27, 2018
by The Hat Team

Independence Day is just around the corner many people will celebrate by gathering with family and friends for a cookout or picnic.  Make your July 4th meal a special treat with these creative, patriotic recipes: (click on links for recipes)

PATRIOTIC FRENCH TOAST
Do you have guests staying with you for the holiday?  If so, what better way to start Independence Day than with a patriotic breakfast?  Serve up this red, white and blue french toast to start the day of with a bang!


Photo Credit: allrecipes.com

RED, WHITE & BLUE POTATO SKEWERS
Simple to prepare and serve, these tasty potato skewers are sure to be a hit at your July 4th gathering!


Photo Credit: fitfoodiefinds.com

STAR SPANGLED SALSA
This festive salsa is a tasty sweet and savory snack; perfect for the 4th of July!


Photo Credit: twopeasandtheirpod.com

PATRIOTIC POPSICLES
You know it’s going to be hot outside on this summer holiday, so let your guests cool off with these refreshing patriotic popsicles!


Photo Credit: thelittlekitchen.net

PATRIOTIC CHICKEN DIP
Add some color to your table by creating red and blue crumbs to add stars to your favorite dip. Serve with crackers or red and blue tortilla chips for a yummy appetizer or snack!


Photo Credit: hungryhappenings.com

STARS, STRIPES & SHORTCAKE
No celebration is complete without a yummy dessert!  This easy-to-make, fun and festive dessert is sure to please!


Photo Credit: bakersroyale.com

WISHING YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home in the Montgomery area, call Sandra Nickel at 334-834-1500 and let her and her Hat Team of professionals put their skills and expertise to work for you!

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610 Ponce de Leon Ave: Charming Cottage in Historic Cloverdale Neighborhood!

Friday, June 22, 2018
by The Hat Team

610 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106 

MLS# 435532 

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,521 sqft | Cloverdale

A delightful covered front porch and swing invite you into this quaint Cloverdale cottage! Once inside you will find all the charm that makes homes in this historic neighborhood so special. Window seats, French doors, transoms, and wonderful refinished oak and heart pine floors. Cozy breakfast room has space to seat a table of four comfortably, and has a classic built in china cabinet. Updated kitchen with granite counter tops means all you have to do is start preparing meals! Third bedroom can easily be accomplished in the rear den, with addition of a wardrobe. Back yard is an outdoorsy-type's dream, with deck overlooking large fenced yard. Storage galore, with tons of space under the expanded deck and a detached metal storage unit for all your tools. Conveniently located so you may stroll to all Cloverdale has to offer including Spring concerts in the park. Hurry to see this Midtown Montgomery home today!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Re

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 Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Agent, Frank Powell, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Re

altor Agent

’

s Name,

Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Re

altor Agent

’

s Name,

Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Re

altor Agent

’

s Name,

Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Re

altor Agent

’

s Name,

Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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Outdoor Living Spaces 101

Thursday, June 21, 2018
by The Hat Team

During the summer, many people spend time outdoors to savor the warm weather.  Unfortunately, there are some not-so-pleasant aspects of spending time outside this time of year as well.  Bugs, rain and hot, humid days can make you want to stay indoors.  The following tips will help make the time you spend outside more comfortable:

  1. BUGS.  Yuck.  Whether you are hosting an alfresco dinner party or just simply trying to relax with a good book on your deck, nothing will send you running back inside faster than nasty, annoying bugs.  If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, dealing with them is imperative if you want to be able to enjoy the outdoors.  Screening in a porch is an ideal way to be able to feel like you are outside without all the awful bug bites.  Other ways to keep insects away:
  • Do not keep any standing water on your property.  Even a single forgotten flowerpot full of rainwater can become a mosquito breeding ground.
  • Make water features running rather than standing, or treat them with Mosquito Dunks
  • Install ceiling fans on porches - flies and mosquitoes do not like moving air.
     
  1. USE OUTDOOR FABRICS IN EXPOSED AREAS.  If your porch is covered, you may be able to get away with using more delicate furniture and cushions not specifically made for outdoor use.  But if your seating area is exposed to the elements, you will want to invest in fabrics and furniture made for outside use.  They will likely be more expensive, but they won’t fade in the sun, will resist stains and are water resistant.  The cushions are stuffed with material that sheds water easily so that they won’t stay waterlogged if they get wet.
     
  2. UTILIZE A STORAGE BENCH.  While outdoor cushions are designed to stand up to repeated soakings, they will still be wet for a while directly after a rainstorm.  You can avoid having to sit on damp cushions by keeping them in a covered storage bench when you know there is a chance of rain.  If they won’t fit in a storage bench, lean your larger cushions against the wall of the house.  Do the same with any lightweight folding chairs.
     
  3. MASK SOUNDS WITH RUNNING WATER.  If noise is an issue that prevents you from indulging in a peaceful outdoor experience, try using a water feature to drown out the distraction.  Water is a great way to gently camouflage sounds from close neighbors.  Try installing a fountain near your seating area for a more tranquil atmosphere.
     
  4. MUSIC. If the water feature doesn’t appeal to you, soft music playing in the background can be just as effective at masking sounds.  With wireless speakers, you don’t even need an outlet to play your music.
     
  5. SHADE.  Even when you are craving the warmth of the sun, sitting outside without any shade on a hot, sunny day will send you running for the AC before too long.  There are a lot of options for adding shade to your yard. Try freestanding umbrellas, a cloth overhang, lattices, a shade tree or a pergola.
     
  6. PUT TOGETHER AN OUTDOOR DINING KIT.  Dining alfresco will be easier if you have a kit ready and waiting.  Put your frequently used outdoor items in a basket or on a big tray with handles so you can just grab it and go.  Here are some things to include:
  • Unbreakable wineglasses and plates
  • A carafe for water, wine or tea
  • Big napkins
  • Candles and matches or a lighter
  • A wicker or mesh dome-shaped cover to keep flies off the food
  • Unbreakable outdoor serving pieces
  • A bottle opener
  1. HAVE BLANKETS FOR CHILLY EVENINGS. Keep some blankets nearby.  Old wool camp-style blankets, lightweight kantha quilts, or fringed throws work well.  Your guests will thank you on chilly evenings in the garden!
     
  2. HAVE ADEQUATE NIGHTTIME LIGHTING.  Your outdoor space will really come alive at night with Outdoor Lighting. Try placing lighting under a bench seat for subtle illumination, make a ring of lanterns on the grass around your dining table or hang strings of lights overhead.  Landscape lighting will add to the ambiance as well.

If you’re looking for a home with a beautiful space for outdoor enjoyment, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of professional Realtors help you find the right home for you and your family!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: durhamhill.com

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6518 Taylor Ridge Rd - Wonderful Starter Home in Taylor Ridge

Friday, June 15, 2018
by The Hat Team

6418 Taylor Ridge Rd, Montgomery AL 36116

MLS# 435726

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,232 square feet | Taylor Ridge

Great 3/2 in Taylor Ridge with wonderful upgrades! Perfect for a first-time home buyer or someone looking to downsize. Split bedroom floor plan, laminate flooring in living areas and all bedrooms! Updated counter tops, back splash, new light fixtures, covered patio and fenced in yard. Convenient location just minutes from Hampsted, Eastchase, AUM and I-85. Check it out today!

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

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Happy Father's Day!

Friday, June 15, 2018
by The Hat Team

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2316 Carter Hill Road: Investor Opportunity!

Thursday, June 14, 2018
by The Hat Team

2316 CARTER HILL Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36106 

MLS# 435731 

Duplex | 2 Bedrooms per unit | 1 Bathroom per unit | Vaughn Meadows 


Bring your hammer and nails or be prepared to get a renovation loan! This duplex is in a prime location and provides endless opportunity to be a great investment! Partially gutted so won't go FHA, VA or standard conventional. Ask your agent for someone with a good renovation loan program. When completed with lots of upgrades, rent potential for each 2 bedroom 1 bath unit should be $700-750 per unit. Very desirable place to live for students from ASU and Huntingdon. Perfect Midtown Montgomery location. Check it out today! 

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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3640 Narrow Lane Road: Estate like lot in Edgewood!

Wednesday, June 13, 2018
by The Hat Team

3640 Narrow Lane Road, Montgomery, AL 36111

MLS# 435537  

3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2,228 sqft | Edgewood


Estate like lot in Edgewood. Unique property with lots of space features an adorable efficiency bathroom and kitchen above the two car garage. Separate living and formal dining rooms are perfect for entertaining. Updated kitchen with granite counters and sunny breakfast room. Cozy den with bookshelves and door to brick patio plus a bonus room upstairs offers a great space for a playroom or office. Relax and recharge in a private master suite with tiled walk in shower. Lovely large yard with raised bed for your garden. Perfect Midtown Montgomery location. Check it out today! 

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Agent’s Name, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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Selling Your House vs. Becoming a Landlord - Should You Sell or Should You Rent?

Wednesday, June 13, 2018
by The Hat Team

Whether moving for a job or just relocating for personal reasons, you still must decide what to do with your current home.  Should you rent it out?  Or sell it?  There are many circumstances to consider before making that decision.  How long do you have before you move?  What is the housing market doing in your area?  And do you have someone you can trust to manage your property?

Of course, the biggest motivator in your decision is which option will be most financially profitable.   If you have a lot of equity in your house and can sell it, you’ll walk away with some cash to put toward your new home.  If the house is paid off, you’ll walk away with A LOT of cash.  However, if your equity is built up and you have low mortgage payments (or no mortgage payment), you could bring in a substantial monthly income by renting the house for more than your monthly payments.  You do have to consider the costs involved with renting the house out.  If you’re relocating to another town, you will likely have to hire a Property Manager to collect rent and take care of issues that come up.  You might also have to pay to advertise the home.

There are going to be risks involved either way.  If you put the house up for sale, you run the risk of not selling it quickly and possibly ending up with two mortgage payments or a house payment and rent payment on a new place. But, renting out your house could be a bigger risk. There’s a chance you will rent it to people who you think will be good tenants, but wind up paying the rent late or not at all.  There is also the risk that renters will not take care of the house and lower its value.

Another issue to consider is that housing markets can greatly fluctuate from year to year. You must question whether your neighborhood is in the kind of shape to support a quick sale.  If other homes haven’t been selling, for example, you might not get as much for your house as you might if you could wait a year or two and rent it out in the meantime.  On the other hand, if the housing market is hot in your neighborhood, it might just be the best time to take advantage of it and sell to get the best price possible.

Finally, you have to think about whether you can afford a new mortgage while you still own the first house.  Per Kiplinger, lenders count about 75 percent of the income you receive from renters when figuring out if they’ll give you a new loan, but that’s only if you have a signed lease and your salary is sufficient to cover the rest of the mortgage requirement.  Selling your house will make it much easier for you to qualify for a new loan.

The bottom line is that, after doing your research, you can decide whether selling or renting is the best and most financially sound choice for you.

If you’re thinking about selling your home let experienced Realtor Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of professionals assist you in getting your home listed and sold for the best possible price!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: hawaiilife.com

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Open Floor Plans - Are They Right for You?

Wednesday, June 6, 2018
by The Hat Team

Watch any of the home renovation or buying/selling shows on HGTV and you will hear people asking for Open Floor Plans.  Even in small houses, people want the feel of spaciousness that an open floor plan provides.  A “great room” with no wall between the kitchen and living space seems to be the most popular choice when it comes to floor plan considerations.  But is it the best choice for everyone?  Let’s look at the pros and cons of the open floor plan and see if it’s the right decision for you and your family.

Pros:

  • You won’t feel isolated.  If you are cooking or doing dishes in a kitchen that flows into a family room, you will be able to chat with family and friends or continue watching television instead of being stuck in a closed off room by yourself.
  • You will be able to keep an eye on the kids.  A great room with no walls allows you to watch your kids at play while you are cooking or cleaning.
  • More natural light.  Without interior walls, sunlight will flow through the house from the exterior wall windows.  You will also have an unobstructed view of the great outdoors.
  • Ideal for entertaining.  When you have guests over, they can congregate throughout the great room, so you won’t miss anything if you are in the kitchen cooking and serving food.

Cons:

  • Lack of privacy.  If your household includes people of various ages on a multitude of different schedules, an open floor plan can make things challenging.  For example, if your teenager wants to have friends over for a study group at the kitchen table, but you want to watch a movie.  Or perhaps you want to read quietly on the couch, but your daughter’s having a sleepover and they want to have pizza and bake cookies.  A separate, enclosed kitchen may be better for some families.
  • Limited wall space.  Placing Furniture in an Open Space is tricky sometimes, especially if you have a lot of windows.  And if you are an art lover, you are going to want blank walls for displaying your treasures.
  • Overwhelming mess.  Smaller, enclosed rooms are easier to keep neat and tidy.  With open floor plans, stuff tends to spread out.  And you may not want kids’ toys in your main living space, so a smaller, enclosed room might be your preference for a play area.
  • Too noisy.  With an open plan, there are more acoustics, therefore noise travels further. A quiet conversation in the kitchen may not be possible with the television on across the way.

Remember, just because something is popular, doesn’t mean it’s right for you.  Think about what is going to suit your family’s needs before starting your home search.

Whether you are looking for a home with an open floor plan, or you prefer a different style, Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professional Realtors can help you find the home of your dreams. Give them a call at 334-834-1500 and start your home search today!

Photo Credit: southernliving.com

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How to Declutter in a Snap!

Wednesday, May 30, 2018
by The Hat Team

A cluttered house can be overwhelming.  You might be frozen in fear of decluttering because you just don’t even know where to start.  When you’ve worked all week and you finally have some free time, the last thing you want to do is clean up the house. But trust me, once you declutter, you will be able to enjoy your free time more in an organized and tidy home.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive, time-consuming project.  There are small projects you can do in 30 minutes or less.  Pick one or two projects a week and in no time clutter will be a thing of the past!

- Edit one bookcase - If you have collected a lot of books over the years and you have them spread throughout the house, sorting through them all at once may not be practical.  So, start with something more doable - one bookcase.  Have an empty box or shopping bag handy and fill it with books you no longer want or need.  When you’re done, immediately put the box/bag of books in your car and plan to drop them off to donate.  Here are questions to ask yourself while doing this:

  • Have you read the book?  If not, be honest with yourself - do you think you are likely to ever read it?
  • Did you enjoy the book?  If it isn’t a favorite, pass it on.
  • Will you reread it, refer to it or lend it out?  Nope?  Let it go.

- Clear the kitchen counter - The poor kitchen counter.  It’s a dumping ground for all sorts of stuff: school notices, hair ties, shopping bags, receipts, etc.  Don’t worry! You can  Get Rid of Kitchen Counter Clutter! You just have to start somewhere.  Recycle unneeded papers and put away items that belong elsewhere.  If you need a drop-spot on the counter (because face it…you’re probably going to put more stuff there tomorrow), make it a clearly defined zone to prevent clutter sprawl in the future.  A cute bowl for pocket change or a decorative tray or basket for mail will look nice and keep things neat and orderly.

- Make space under the kitchen sink - If you haven’t looked under your kitchen sink in a while, you might be surprised to discover that it has become a storehouse for random cleaning products, plastic bags and miscellaneous tools.  Pull it ALL out!  Give the cabinet a good cleaning.  Then only replace the items that you actually use, that are full and in good condition.  Recycle empty containers, and move items that belong somewhere else to their appropriate spots.

- Create a calm oasis on your bedside table - How can you rest peacefully when a cluttered nightstand is the last thing you see before closing your eyes to go to sleep?  And chances are you start your day feeling discombobulated because the disorganized mess is also the first thing you see in the morning.  Clear away the toppling pile of books, scribbled notes and old water glasses.  Wipe off the dust - it’s time for a fresh start.  Replace only your current reading, a journal and pen and perhaps a meaningful photo in a frame or small vase of flowers.

- Go through your wardrobe one drawer at a time - Trying to tackle your whole wardrobe at one time will feel like a staggering task.  Instead, set a timer for 30 minutes and start with a single drawer.  Keep working your way through your clothes one drawer at a time until the timer goes off.  Eliminate items you know you won’t wear anymore.  If they are in good condition, pack them up to donate. 

- Simplify the linen closet -  If your linen closet is a jumble of towels and sheets that you’ve been accumulating for years, it’s time to purge some of the old ones.  Take 30 minutes to sort out your household linens, pulling your least favorite (or most frayed) sets to have picked up by a local charity. Find charity organizations who pick up donations here: Donation Town

- Clear your desktop - It’s next to impossible to concentrate when you’re trying to work at a desk with a mountain of “stuff” on it.  Set a timer for 30 minutes and have a desk clutter-blasting session.  Sort and file important papers, shred and recycle unneeded documents, test the pens in you pen cup (hint: throw out the ones that don’t work), and clear out the drawers.  Work tasks will be much more pleasant with a neat and tidy desk

If you are decluttering to prepare for listing your home for sale, let experienced Realtor Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you in understanding how to stage your house to sell!  Call them at 334-834-1500 today!

Photo Credit: organizedmom.net

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