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Displaying blog entries 21-30 of 357

501 Martha St: Cottage Hill Dream Home!

Wednesday, July 10, 2024
by The Hat Team

501 Martha Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 559660

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,094 Square Feet | Cottage Hill

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Your dream home awaits in historic Cottage Hill! Just steps from bustling downtown, this totally renovated cottage has old world charm and character with modern updates and features. Welcoming front porch is one of the owner's favorite spots to unwind and visit with friends and neighbors. Spacious living room and dining room have soaring ceilings and plenty of wall space for artwork! Cook's dream kitchen with quartz countertops and custom milled heart pine floors has cozy built in sitting nook, and access to the private rear deck. Full bedroom, bath, and walk in closet share the downstairs space, while the cool master suite encompasses the entire second floor. Master space includes a sitting area perfect for sectional and tv or would make a great home office area. Large walk-in master shower boasts rain shower head and the custom-made poured concrete sink with high end faucet feels like you are in a high-end NYC hotel! Laundry area off master bath has additional storage...a rarity in vintage homes! Systems all updated within the last few years, so all you need to do is pack your things and move in. ESTATE SALE JULY 11-12. SHOWINGS START MONDAY JULY 15TH.

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

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3394 Cloverdale Rd: Classic Cloverdale Charmer!

Wednesday, June 26, 2024
by The Hat Team

3394 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 559082

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Baths | 3,154 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

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Welcome to 3394 Cloverdale Road, a classic Cloverdale charmer! This home has been meticulously cared for by the seller for over 60 years. The home is situated on a corner lot and features spacious formal and casual living areas, 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. There are 2 bedrooms downstairs and 2 bedrooms upstairs. The family room has tall ceilings with wood beams and is open to the kitchen and large eating area. The formal dining room is crowned with an antique chandelier and the living room's antique mantle is flanked by built-in cabinets. The 200-year-old reclaimed staircase adds additional character to this vintage Cloverdale home! The backyard has an irrigation system and lots of space for entertaining. Don't miss your opportunity to see this rare find!

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

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Pricing Your Home to Sell

Wednesday, June 19, 2024
by The 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!

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625 Martha St: Cottage Hill “Diamond in the Rough” with Endless Potential!

Wednesday, June 5, 2024
by The Hat Team

625 Martha Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 558410

3 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1 Half Bath | 1,768 Square Feet | Cottage Hill

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Investors!! House Flippers!! Cottage Hill Lovers!! Whether you're 1, 2 or all 3 of these, here is an excellent opportunity for you!! This diamond in the rough needs work but has an endless amount of possibilities! It's very spacious with 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room, 1 and a half baths and 3 fireplaces. Located in the beautiful and historic Cottage Hill neighborhood, you will be within walking distance to Hilltop Public House and downtown Montgomery. With work, this house could be a great family home or investment property! There is plenty of space to work with so check it out today and let this be the palette of your next project!!

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

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404 E Fairview Ave: Charming Home Ready for Your DIY Attitude!

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
by The Hat Team

404 E Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36105

MLS# 557083

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Bath | 2,256 Square Feet | South Hull District

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Here's the prettiest fixer upper you'll find! The exterior could use a little TLC but you will fall in love with the interior! Situated on a huge corner lot, this charming home offers an updated kitchen with breakfast bar, large light filled living room and dining room and two sunrooms! The downstairs sunroom is right off the living room and perfect for a den or home office, the upstairs sunroom is off the master and great for a dressing room/closet. Nice big fenced-in yard with patio and one car garage. Check it out today!

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

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3191 Thomas Ave: Stunning Edgewood Home with Traditional Elegance!

Thursday, May 2, 2024
by The Hat Team

3191 Thomas Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 556412

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

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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

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Indoor Plants that Can Improve Your Health

Wednesday, April 24, 2024
by The Hat Team

Even during the spring, people spend a lot of time indoors. And while it is important to spend time outside to get fresh air, you may want to do something to improve the quality of the air IN your home. If you enjoy gardening, you don’t have to limit it to outdoors.  There are lots of houseplants that will aid in the removal of pollutants floating around your home.

  • English Ivy


Used as a houseplant, this elegant beauty is excellent for removing harmful chemicals that can be found in the home. It will grow in full shade to full sun, so you will have lots of flexibility in placement. With proper care, it can survive for many years.

  • Bamboo Palm


This plant prefers part sun or shade. It removes harmful elements such as benzene and formaldehyde.

  • Chinese Evergreen


This pretty, easy-to-care-for plant thrives in low to medium light. It can grow to one or two feet. While it helps maintain healthy air quality, it also can be toxic to pets, so if you have fur-babies at home, keep this plant out of their reach!

  • Gerbera Daisy


These delightful flowering plants will remove benzene from your home while adding a cheerful vibe! But they like to be warm, doing their best in temperatures of 75 degrees or higher.

  • Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (also known as “Snake Plant”)


Despite the interesting moniker, this hardy succulent is a great houseplant for beginners (or those who don’t have green thumbs) because it can survive in even the toughest of conditions. Just be careful not to over water it.

  • Peace Lily


Honestly, we can never have too much PEACE! This lovely plant not only brings to mind the beauty and hope of spring, it fights against toxic gases like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. They are easy to care for and will droop when they need watering. They can be a bit toxic to pets and humans, so you should wash your hands after touching it.

  • Spider Plant


Bring on the green with this houseplant that thrives in bright, indirect light and will remove harmful pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Keep its soil damp, but not soggy and it will last a long time!

It is important to be very conscious of taking care of ourselves and the environment we live in. Use these houseplants for health and improve your air quality at home today!

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.

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A Guide to Mortgage Loan Terminology

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
by The Hat Team


When you are considering the purchase of a new home, one of the first things to think about is if you will be able to get a mortgage loan. At the start of the home buying process, you will hear terms like “pre-qualification”, “pre-approval”, and “conditional approval”. If you are not familiar with these terms and their meanings, it can add to the already stressful process of entering the housing market as a buyer.

While all these terms may sound similar, they are not the same. Pre-qualification, pre-approval, and the conditional approval letter share common characteristics, but they occur at different times during your journey to home ownership. Having a clear understanding of what they mean will save some of the confusion, time and energy that goes into finding the right home for your budget and your family.


Let’s take a look at each of these terms:

PRE-QUALIFICATION

Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage loan is the earliest step of the three terms we are looking at. A pre-qualification will give you an estimate of how much you may possibly be able to borrow from a lender. Basically, you will provide information such as your financial history and credit report to your lender. You can do this verbally at this stage as it is not an overly comprehensive process. Your lender will use the information provided and will give you an estimate of the amount you may qualify for. This will allow you to explore the mortgage options available to you.

After your lender has determined the amount you pre-qualify for, you will receive a pre-qualification letter. By sharing this letter with your Realtor, they can use it when making an offer to a seller to give evidence of your commitment to and preparation for buying a home.

Remember, a pre-qualification is not a guarantee for a loan. While it is a great way to determine what types of loans are available to you, it does not mean a loan for the amount of the home you hope to purchase is a sure thing.

PRE-APPROVAL

Getting a pre-approval is a more formal process that requires an in-depth investigation of your finances. This process will take place after you have submitted your mortgage application and documentation will be required.

Your lender will need the following:

  • Employment verification (W-2s or 1099s)
  • Bank statements
  • Retirement and brokerage account statements
  • Any other assets
  • Current real estate debt or rental statements
  • Monthly debt payments (student loans, auto loans)
  • Court orders (divorce, child support, alimony, etc.)
  • Tax returns

It may feel overwhelming to provide so much personal, financial information, but it is necessary to obtain a pre-approval for a mortgage loan. Like pre-qualification, you will get a pre-approval letter if your application is accepted by your lender. This letter provides the sellers with the information they need to know that you can afford the mortgage payment and you are ready to purchase a home.

When competing for a home with other buyers, a pre-approval letter can be a game changer, making you look like a serious buyer over others who may not have a pre-approval letter yet.


CONDITIONAL APPROVAL

Conditional approval is also known as “up-front underwriting”. If you choose this option, your lender will review your finances thoroughly in order to provide you with an exact loan approval amount for the specific home on which you are submitting an offer.

What makes a conditional approval letter different from a pre-approval is in the name itself; there will be a few conditions that must be met before closing. For example, purchase agreements, title verifications, home appraisal, and inspections must all be complete and in order. The closing process cannot begin until all the conditions listed in the letter have been met.

Pre-qualification, pre-approval, and the conditional approval letter all provide validation to both your lender and the seller that you are a serious buyer that can afford the home.

They each serve the same purpose, but you will encounter them in different circumstances within the home buying process. Understanding the nuances and differences now will make you a better-informed buyer and will make the home buying process less stressful for you!

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.

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Spring Curb Appeal

Wednesday, April 10, 2024
by The Hat Team

Spring has arrived and with the weather warming up, now is the time to start sprucing up your yard for curb appeal. Here are some tips for how to rid your yard of that wild, unattended winter look and replace it with a space that is sure to impress!

  • Send Winter Packing

Pull out your rake and remove all the debris of winter. Leaves, pinecones, sticks etc. are not appealing and ridden your yard of all that mess will have it look tidy in no time.

  • Declare War on the Weeds

Weeding is no fun, but it’s a necessary part of maintaining your lawn and garden. Taking the time to clear your yard of weeds will not only make it look nicer, it will also show that you take pride in all aspects of your home.

  • Time for a Trim

It is time to start cutting your grass regularly again. Healthy, even grass is attractive and gives the yard a pleasing appearance. Don’t forget to trim the edges as well to complete the look.

  • Quench That Thirst

It’s important to keep your grass hydrated. It will become dry and a dull shade of green if it is not watered regularly. The same applies to your garden. Pay special attention to areas that are sheltered and do not get as much moisture when it rains.

  • Dress it Up

Planting seasonal plants and flowers will dress up your yard and enhance curb appeal. You can choose perennials that will come back every year or, for longer blooming plants, annuals that last for one season. Better yet, use a combination of both!

  • Prune Away

Trim back any large shrubs, trees, or plants to frame your house in a way that is inviting. Pruning allows for new growth and deters pests and animal infestation. It also promotes healthy growth into a natural shape for the plant.

  • Mulch it Up

Once you have planted and pruned, mowed, and edged, it’s time to spread mulch around your garden beds. Mulch helps to keep moisture in your plants and makes the garden easier to maintain. Make sure you choose a mulch that compliments your garden type and style.

Spend some time working in your yard now and not only will you save yourself from having to do it in the sweltering heat of summer, but you will be able to enjoy your outdoor spaces throughout the spring and summer season.

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.

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728 E Fairview Ave: Pristine Cloverdale/Idlewild Beauty!

Friday, March 29, 2024
by The Hat Team

728 E Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 553557

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,880 Square Feet | Cloverdale

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This pristine Cloverdale Idlewild beauty has only had 2 owners! The large front porch welcomes you and your guests inside where you are greeted with hardwood floors, high ceilings and arched doorways, and original sconces. Living area with ventless fireplace and a gorgeous limestone mantle, large formal dining room, sunroom with wall-to-wall windows and brick floors and open eat-in kitchen with vintage built-ins. Master bedroom with private bath. Great attic storage, and if that's not enough, you MUST see the garage/workshop out back that would be PERFECT for restoring cars, storing RV's or boats! Unbelievable space! Let your imagination run wild with all the possibilities!

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

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Displaying blog entries 21-30 of 357

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