Real Estate Information Archive

3264 Le Bron Road, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 551684

3 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1 Half Bath | 1,815 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

This Cloverdale charmer offers the best of both worlds! Classic historic features you would expect in a vintage home, with improved amenities like a new roof, updated electrical, tankless water heater and more. Half bath added for guests, hall/main bath updated with glass/tile walk-in shower and separate tub, and beautiful spacious kitchen with new appliances, new cabinets, and gorgeous countertops. Bonus room has closet and could be 4th bedroom, den, home office, or playroom. Cozy covered deck overlooks lush, fenced backyard with small shed and covered RV parking! Located just a couple of blocks from Cloverdale Bottom Park which hosts spring concerts, festivals, a playground for the kiddos, and neighborhood holiday celebrations. Walk to restaurants, bars, theatres, and shopping.

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

It’s the time of year when everything just seems “blah”. The holidays are over and winter looms before us…long and cold. Many of us leave for work during the dark morning and don’t arrive home until the dark of night. It can be depressing. Really. Scientifically.  Depressing. Per Psychology Today, Seasonal Affective Disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that follows the seasons. The most common type of SAD is winter depression. Scientists believe that SAD may be related to changes in the amount of daylight we experience. It is estimated that this disorder affects 10 million Americans, with another 10 to 20 percent suffering from a milder form of SAD. It’s more common in women than men and symptoms usually begin around age 20. Some people suffer symptoms so severely that they affect quality of life and 6% of people with SAD require hospitalization. While the promise of spring is just a couple of months away, we still have a bit of winter to get through, but don’t despair! While SAD is a legitimate condition that should be taken seriously and treated, many of us experience a mild form of “winter blues” that we can beat on our own.

Here is a list of scientifically backed ways to “beat the winter blues”:

MAKE YOUR ENVIRONMENT BRIGHTER

Thirty minutes of light exposure can be as helpful as an antidepressant. Open your blinds, sit near a window and on sunny days, get outside! And if these options aren’t available, try light therapy.

MAKE HEALTHY EATING CHOICES

Certain foods like chocolate, asparagus, spinach, blueberries and oranges are known to enhance your mood and relieve anxiety.

SIMULATE DAWN

If you’re suffering with SAD, you may be finding it difficult to get up in the morning, especially if it’s still dark outside. A study showed that a dawn simulator, a device that makes the lights in your bedroom gradually get brighter over a set period of time, can serve as an antidepressant and make it easier to get out of bed in the morning. 6 Best Dawn Simulators

EXERCISE

A Harvard University study showed that walking fast for 35 minutes a day, five days a week or 60 minutes a day, three days a week can significantly reduce symptoms of depression. And for SAD, exercising in brightly lit environments is even better!

LISTEN TO MUSIC

Research has shown that listening to upbeat, cheerful music can improve your mood and reduce anxiety.

PLAN A VACATION

Research shows that although it might be months before you actually go, simply planning a vacation causes a significant increase in overall happiness.

LEND A HELPING HAND

Volunteering to help others is great way to improve your mental health and increase satisfaction in life.

SPEND TIME OUTDOORS

Even when it’s cold, the benefits of spending time outdoors are numerous. Time spent outdoors can improve focus, improve symptoms of SAD and reduce anxiety.

So, don’t let the winter blues get you down.  Take steps to lift your spirits and spring will be here before you know it!

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

With all the fees and expenses involved in purchasing a home, it may be tempting to skip the  home inspection to avoid spending the money.  But in the long run, it may cost you more to skip it. Home inspections sometimes reveal things that ultimately could have cost you way more than the fee involved.

While you might believe that sellers are being honest about the condition of the home, it’s important not to take their word for it. Truthfully, they probably are being honest. But they don’t necessarily see what could be “wrong” with the house any more than you do. That’s why you need an expert to come in and do the inspection. They can find things that never would be noticed otherwise because they know what to look for. Home inspectors can also give you advice and things to look out for in the future. With that information, you can have an idea of how to prepare for potential costs down the road.

A home inspection can be a deal breaker as well.

For example, if sellers offer a discounted price or cash back for skipping the inspection, walk away from the deal. This is a huge red flag!  A home inspection only takes a few hours and is paid for by buyers, so there is no reason sellers should protest unless there are critical issues in the home they know about and are trying to hide.

When hiring a home inspector, you want someone with many years of experience and proper certifications and licenses. You also want someone who will be thorough…willing to go through the basement, attic and up on the roof to check out every nook and cranny of the home.  It’s important to gather as much information about the house as possible so that you know what you are getting into.

It is not mandatory for you to be present for the inspection, but it’s a good idea to be there.  Some inspectors are happy to have you walk along with them and ask questions as you go.  Others will want to do the inspection on their own and then have you do a walk through with them after they are done. Either way, be sure to look carefully through the report they give you and ask as many questions as you want. Remember that you are paying for their time, so don’t hesitate to have them go over the report with you so that you have a clear understanding of it.

Even if your inspection comes up clean, the fee you pay is worth the price to have peace of mind. Include it in your home-buying budget and don’t think of it as an “extra” expense. It is a crucial element of your decision in purchasing the home and paying a $450 fee and finding nothing wrong is better than skipping it and ending up having to spend thousands to repair something! 

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

1809 Winona Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 550038

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,665 Square Feet | Capitol Heights

Welcome to Capitol Heights! This move in ready home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths has just been updated for its new owner. Walk in to find beautifully refinished hard wood floors, fresh paint, new door hardware and tons of natural light. The huge kitchen has a new tile floor, new granite countertops and new stove and dishwasher. Both bathrooms have been spruced up with a new shower and new vanities. Check it out today!

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

 

Self-Portrait Workshop with Kira Nam Greene

January 6, 2024 – 10:30 am to 2:00 pm

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
1 Museum Drive
Montgomery, AL

Designed for adults

Take a closer look at yourself with Kira Nam Green, featured Present Tense artist, in this conceptual self-portrait class that encourages participants to explore their own identity and experiences through artmaking.

This mixed media workshop is FREE and limited to 15 students and advance registration is required.

Register Here

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The Collective - Grand Opening Event!

January 6, 2024 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

1704 Carter Hill Road
Montgomery, AL

DRINKS! REFESHMENTS! MUSIC! AND MORE!

Montgomery Alabama…THE ULTIMATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IS HEADED YOUR WAY!

The Collective GRAND OPENING is happening on January 6, 2024.

The Collective is a 3-n-1 Boutique that covers you from head to toe brought to you by 3 women who push and motivate each other daily! Join the #collectiveexperience where WOMEN collaborate!

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Bluegrass Jam and Sit & Sew

Saturday, January 6, 2024 – 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Alabama River Region Arts Center
300 W. Tallassee Street
Wetumpka, AL

The Alabama River Region Arts Center hosts a bluegrass jam open to all players of acoustical instruments and singers. Sit and Sew encourages all quilters, knitters and crocheters to bring projects to work on. Join the fun every first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for both events. 

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MGM Runs

Saturday, January 13, 2024 – 6:00 am to 8:00 am

Hilltop Public House
3 N Goldthwaite Street
Montgomery, AL

Get a move on with this weekly social run! Routes are 3, 6 and 10 miles, and count toward perks. Slide by the bar for a spot of coffee, some brunch, or a Bloody Mary. Catch a pinch of soccer during the season. Start your Saturdays off right!

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Brr Its Cold Outside Chili Bar

Saturday, January 13, 2024 – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Harley-Davidson of Montgomery, AL
655 N Eastern Blvd.
Montgomery, AL

Get ready for a sizzling good time at our upcoming Chili Bar! We're turning up the heat with a unique and flavorful experience that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. 

Purchase Tickets Here

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The Black Jacket Symphony

January 19, 2024 – 8:00 pm to 12:00 am

Montgomery Performing Arts Center
201 Tallapoosa Street
Montgomery, AL

The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. A selected album is performed in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no sonic detail being overlooked--the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album. The performance is separated into two sets--the first set features the album being recreated as a true symphonic piece. The second set, which features a selection of the album artist's "greatest hits", opens in full contrast to the first set with an incredible light display and the symphony being much more laid back. The tone is set very quickly that this is going to be the musicianship of the first act paired with all the bells and whistles of a major rock and roll show.

Purchase Tickets HERE

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Kids’ DIY-U Workshop: My First DIY Toolbox

Saturday, January 20, 2024 – 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Lowe’s Home Improvement

4501 US Highway 231
Wetumpka, AL 36092

Time to get to work! This Kids Toolbox Workshop will have your little helper eager to tag along on your next home improvement project.

Purchase Tickets Here

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Goldfish Swim School Montgomery – Grand Opening Celebration

Sunday, January 21, 2024 – 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Goldfish Swim School
2460 Berryhill Road
Montgomery, AL 36117

Join Goldfish Swim School Montgomery for our FREE Grand Opening Event on Sunday, January 21st from 3-6 p.m. All are welcome!

Event highlights include family swim, arts & crafts, a photo booth, a balloon twister, refreshments and much more! This event is FREE and open to the public! Please note that parents/caregivers should plan to be in the water with their children for family swim. Little swimmers who are not yet potty trained are required to wear a reusable swim diaper (available for purchase in the facility).

We ask that families sign up for ONE Family Swim Time Slot (either 3-4 p.m., 4-5 p.m. or 5-6 p.m.).

P lease reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions! We can't wait to see you in the pool!

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Magical Montgomery Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 – 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Goldthwaite Street
Montgomery, AL

Your creative, nontraditional scavenger hunt begins at a scenic spot that's a local favorite. You'll get your digital quest from your live and interactive remote host. Then you’ll take off on your own to experience a wide variety of carefully curated locations in town. You'll walk or drive to the various checkpoints as you interpret creative tasks, accept wacky challenges, and get outside your comfort zone!

Magical Montgomery Scavenger Hunt is happening on Wednesday, January 24,2024 at 02:00PM

To access further details about this event, Click HERE.

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Prattville Band Mattress Fundraiser

January 28, 2024 – 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Prattville High School
1315 Upper Kingston Road
Prattville, AL

Come get a better night’s sleep AND support the 11th Annual Prattville Band Mattress Fundraiser! We carry quality name brands like Simmons, Beautyrest, and Therapedic mattresses for up to 40% below retail. This is ONE DAY only, so we need your help to SPREAD THE WORD by inviting all of your family and friends! Profits go directly to Prattville Band!

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: allevents.in, unation.com, eventbrite.com, h-dmontgomery.com, mmfa.org, albamabluegrassmusic.org

With the many expenses of being a homeowner, we all want to cut back where we can to lower costs. There are several ways to save on your electric bill. 

Try these tips to lower your bill:

Get an Energy Audit

Check and see if your utility company offers a free home energy audit. If so, it’s well worth it to have them come out. They can point out areas where you can trim your energy use. Home Energy Audit

Install Dimmer Switches

Dimmer switches will allow you to only use as much light as you need. How to Install a Dimmer Switch

Keep Your Fridge & Freezer Full

The food that you store in your fridge and freezer serves as insulation, so the more you have in there, the less your appliance must run to keep itself cold.

Install Ceiling Fans

If you keep the air circulating in your home, your AC will not have to work as hard to keep the house cool. You can also use your ceiling fan to keep warmer in the winter. To do this, reverse the motor in the ceiling fan so it rotates clockwise at a low speed. This creates an updraft which forces warm air near the ceiling down into your space. It won’t change the temperature in the room, but it will help keep you warm.  But don’t forget to turn the fan off when you leave the room to save even more electricity!

Cover and Repair Windows

If your windows are not insulated for cold weather, they can be a major source of lost heat from inside your home. Make sure they are properly sealed and weatherized to help prevent heat from escaping and cold air from coming in. You can use caulking on small gaps or apply weatherstripping to cover them.

Line Dry Your Laundry

Let “Mother Nature” dry your clothes for you on warm, sunny days. When that is not possible, try using a drying rack indoors.

Eliminate “Phantom Loads”

You may be shocked to know that about 75% of the energy used by home electronics is consumed when they are turned off. Some examples of these “phantom” users are: televisions, CD players, computers, and various kitchen appliances. The simple solution is to plug these items into a power strip and then turn the power strip off when not using them.

Install an Attic Fan

An attic fan will pull cool air into your home and help to remove hot air.

Shield Your Home from the Sun

You can cut down on air conditioning use by closing your curtains and blinds on the sunny side of the house. You may also want to consider planting trees that will provide shade during the sunny times of the day.

Schedule Yearly HVAC Maintenance

Having your HVAC inspected and cleaned each year will save you money in the long run…and it will help provide cleaner air to your home.

Change Your Filters Regularly

Filters should be changed every 30 days to keep your HVAC running at peak efficiency.

Switch to LEDs

LED light bulbs use 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.  Switch out the bulbs you use the most in your home and then change the rest as they burn out.

Lower the Temperature of Your Hot Water Heater

13% of your home’s energy goes to heating water. You can lower this percentage by setting your hot water heater to 120 degrees.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to monitor and set your heat usage so that you are not heating an empty house while you’re away. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, adjust it manually before leaving the house.

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Ahh…Christmas. A time for happiness and good cheer. And shopping. And cooking. And wrapping. And decorating. And baking. Are you tired yet? I am…just from typing this list of things we all do during the holiday season. Don’t despair! It doesn’t have to be this way. You can experience the magic of Christmas without exhausting yourself to the point that you can’t even enjoy it. Embrace minimalism this Christmas and you will breathe a sigh of relief as you savor the joy of the season.

Here are some tips to help:

• The Three Gift Rule

If maxing out your credit cards and spending hours wrapping gifts doesn’t sound like fun, you may want to consider the “Three Gift Rule”. With the Three Gift Rule each person gets one thing they need, one thing they want, and one surprise. Turn the focus from quantity to quality while saving yourself time, energy, and a little money.

• Keep Your Tree Simple

Unless every single ornament you own is super meaningful to you, you don’t have to use them all. If you are overwhelmed thinking about how much time it takes to decorate your Christmas tree, then consider toning it down this year. If you have three bins of ornaments, just use one this year. Next year you can use another one. When it comes to your Christmas tree, there is beauty in simplicity. If you decorate it so much that you can’t even see any of the actual tree…you are probably doing too much!

• Don’t be “Extra”

You may have heard kids using this term lately. It refers to someone trying too hard or being over the top. We can all get caught up in trying to outdo our friends, neighbors, social media acquaintances, and/or family members during the holidays. But do you need all the additional stuff at Christmas? Stick to the basics…a lovely Christmas tree, a few special gifts and a wreath on the door…and you can still have a magical holiday!

• Give Homemade Edible Gifts

We all have SO. MUCH. STUFF. When thinking about what gifts to give to neighbors, friends and family, consider making and/or baking edible gifts. Not only will your time and thoughtfulness be appreciated, but the food will be enjoyed and won’t add to the collection of stuff taking up space in our homes.

• Go Easy on the Stockings

If you fill a stocking so full that you can’t leave it hanging because it’s too heavy, you have put too much in it! Use Christmas stockings to hold small items like candy, lip balm and socks.

• Secret Santa

If you are part of a large extended family or a large friend group, it can be stressful and expensive trying to find the perfect gift for every person in the group. Avoid that stress (and expense) by suggesting that you all do a “Secret Santa Gift Exchange”. This way, each of you will only have to buy for one other person. You will not only save money; you will be able to focus on finding a special gift that your chosen person will love!

• Give the Gift of Experiences

When Christmas is over, many people find themselves with a bunch of things they will never use again. But if you give the gift of a future experience…think tickets to a show or movie, gift card to a restaurant or spa experience…not only will there be less “stuff” to put away, but there will be things to look forward to as the holiday season draws to a close.

• Only Decorate the Room You Spend the Most Time In

You don’t have to decorate your whole house. Skip the Christmas shower curtain in the bathroom and focus on decorating where you and your family spend the most time. Some people enjoy decorating their entire home, but if you don’t, it’s ok. Do what brings you joy and skip the rest!

The bottom line is that the holiday season should be a time of peace and happiness.  Do what works for you and your loved ones so that you can truly experience the joy of the season!

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

2444 Winchester Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 549594

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,511 Square Feet | Vaughn Meadows

Welcome to 2444 Winchester Road in Vaughn Meadows, conveniently located in Midtown Montgomery! You will love the spacious layout this well maintained one owner home offers! Upon entering you will notice there are plenty of areas for your family and friends to spread out. The kitchen offers beautiful granite counter tops, a nicely tiled backsplash, unique brick flooring and all the needed space for cooking! You will fall in love with the high ceilings and natural light flooding into the freshly painted great room. Down the hall are four nicely sized bedrooms, two bathrooms and plenty of storage closets. In the backyard you will immediately notice this house backs up to a wooded area, adding privacy to the yard. There are two patio areas, one of which is covered, for relaxing on those nice breezy evenings. Don't miss your opportunity to see everything this wonderful house has to offer!

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

116 Brantwood Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109

MLS# 549535

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,618 Square Feet | Morningview

This one-owner Morningview home is ready to move into! Classic 1950's design boasts large living room, dining room, and updated kitchen with sunny breakfast room. Knotty pine 3rd bedroom off kitchen has fireplace with Alabama sandstone and could swing as a wonderful cozy den/family room. The central hallway leads to the guest bath, 2nd bedroom, and main bedroom. The former back porch is enclosed to make laundry room (hence small window unit in that room.) Large, fenced back yard has patio and big storage/workshop building (former 1 car garage.) Convenient to schools, shopping, dining, downtown, and interstate! A solid brick home that has been loved by the same family for over 70 years, and now it can be yours!

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

476 Caldwell Place, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 549446

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,648 Square Feet | Wing Wood

This immaculate, custom-built, one-owner home in desirable Caldwell Place has so much to offer! Perched on a bluff in a quiet cul-de-sac, this patio home feels private and secluded. Beautiful landscaping (fed by an in-ground sprinkler system) welcomes you not only from the front approach, but also via the rear alley driveway, where you will find plenty of off-street private parking. Inside, the Living room is spacious and boasts volume ceiling. The dining room for formal meals pairs nicely with large sunny breakfast room off kitchen for everyday meals. Although this is a two-bedroom home, there is a study/office/bonus room (no closet) that could be used as a third bedroom. Main bedroom also has volume ceilings and lots of light. Main bath has big walk-in closet, double vanity, garden tub and separate walk-in shower. A covered rear porch is the perfect place for relaxing and enjoying the private backyard with all its wonderful flower beds and shrubs. This home is centrally located in Montgomery and close to shopping, dining, and schools.

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