Real Estate Information Archive

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!

3241 Gatsby Lane, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 552544

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,518 Square Feet | Hillwood West

Neat as a pin in Hillwood West! This adorable patio home is the perfect spot to land if you are looking for low maintenance. The open floor plan has a living room, dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar and a family room/den perfect for an office. Two bedrooms are on opposite ends with two full bathrooms in between. Ideal location close to the interstate, restaurants, and shopping.

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

 

Whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing a home and a mortgage is involved, a home appraisal is going to be an important aspect of the process. Therefore, it’s crucial that you understand how the appraisal process works and how an appraiser determines a home’s value.

A home appraisal is an unbiased, professional opinion of a home’s value. Conducted by a licensed home appraiser with the knowledge and experience to determine the fair current value of the home, it takes place in almost every home purchase/sale transaction and is commonly used in refinance situations as well. Within a purchase/sale transaction, it is used to establish if the home’s contract price is appropriate, based on the home’s location, condition, and features. For a refinance, the appraisal makes sure that the lender isn’t giving the borrower more money than the home is worth. Because the home serves as collateral for the loan, lenders want to make sure that the homeowner is not over-borrowing. With a purchase/sale transaction, the home appraisal is typically paid for by the buyer and the fee is included in the closing costs.

The reason the home appraisal is so important is because it lets the lender know that they are lending the appropriate amount of money for the value of the home. Sometimes the appraisal will come in for a lower amount than the agreed upon price and when that happens, the lender might deny a loan for that amount. If the appraisal comes in at or above the contract price, the transaction can proceed. However, chances are the seller doesn’t want the deal to fall through, so if the appraisal comes in low, the buyer may be able to use it to negotiate a lower selling price. Knowing that the bank won’t lend any buyer more than what the home is worth, the seller may be willing to lower their selling price so that they can proceed with the sale.  A low appraisal can also derail a homeowner’s attempt at refinancing their home. The home needs to appraise at or above the amount the homeowner wants to refinance. One exception is if you have an FHA mortgage.  With an FHA mortgage, you can refinance without an appraisal through the Streamline Your FHA Mortgage.

The appraiser will look at many things to determine the home’s fair current value. The property’s value will be influenced by recent sale prices of similar properties and by current market trends. The home’s amenities, floor plan, functionality, square footage, and number of bedrooms/bathrooms will also play a part in coming up with a fair price for the lender.  A thorough visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the property will allow the appraiser to note any issues that might have an adverse effect on the property’s value.  You may confuse a home appraisal with a home inspection, but they are not the same thing, A home inspection is a much more detailed evaluation of the home and does not involve the lender.

Usually, the home appraisal will just be a box checked off on your home closing checklist. But if the appraisal comes in lower than expected, the purchase/sale transaction can be delayed or canceled.  Understanding the process and being aware of potential problems will help you be better prepared to handle whatever circumstances come your way.

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.

3012 Norman Bridge Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36105

MLS# 553669

8 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 4-Plex | Southmont

Great investment opportunity and prime location in Midtown/Cloverdale area! This brick 4-plex has spacious 2 bedroom /1 bath apartments with hardwood floors and large rooms. 3 of the units have screened porches, and 1 upstairs unit has an enclosed porch/sunroom! Some of the units come with a washer/dryer and dishwasher. Incoming electrical system and meters/breaker boxes updated within the last few years. Exterior has just had fresh paint, rotten wood replacement, and porches refreshed. Ample parking in the rear off Norman Bridge. Across from historic Brewbaker mansion and other fine homes, as well as LeGrand Park! Minutes to downtown, Huntingdon, ASU, I-65 and I-85, Jackson, and Baptist South hospitals.

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

3174 Lexington Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 552107

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,533 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

Love the charm of Cloverdale but looking for stylish updates too? Then this is the one for you! Entering this house, it's impossible to not fall in love with the unique arched front door! Then you're immediately greeted with beautiful hardwood floors and ample amounts of natural light! The living room, dining area and kitchen are all open creating plenty of space for the family or entertaining friends! The kitchen has updated counter tops, subway tile and cabinetry making cooking a pleasure. Wait until you see the master suite! The recessed ceiling and lighting add a touch of elegance to this room! Along with that, the updated bathroom includes a double vanity, gorgeous counter tops and a tiled walk-in shower surrounded by glass. The guest bedrooms are spacious, and the guest bathroom has a claw foot tub! The large backyard is spacious enough for cookouts, garden beds or anything else your heart desires! Don't miss your chance to see this beautiful house that's only minutes away from everything Cloverdale has to offer!

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

 

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