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Displaying blog entries 61-70 of 352

3038 Lebron Rd: Convenient Cloverdale/Idlewild 2 Bedroom Cottage!

Thursday, August 31, 2023
by The Hat Team

3038 Lebron Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 544616

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,515 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

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Cloverdale Idlewild cottage looking for its next owner! Just a short block away from the concerts in park or enjoy from the marble tiled front porch! Living room has lots of windows and the dining room has doors to a small patio. Den/family room with laminate floors off of the kitchen. Two bedrooms and two baths with a third small room that would make a great office or child's room. Large pantry/storage room in between kitchen and dining room. Walking distance to Fairview restaurants. Check out this Midtown Montgomery beauty today!

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

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2604 Locust St: Well-Maintained Cash Flowing Rental Property!

Thursday, August 31, 2023
by The Hat Team

2604 Locust Street, Montgomery, AL 36107

MLS# 545739

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 992 Square Feet | Highland Park

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Calling for investors looking for a well-maintained cash flowing rental property. Long term tenant in place, sellers looking to liquidate their real estate investment portfolio.

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

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Keep Yourself in Shape with These Fun Fitness Activities

Wednesday, August 30, 2023
by The Hat Team

Do you hate exercising?  Do you want to be healthier and fitter, but the thought of going to a gym fills you with anxiety?  Well, I am here to tell you that there are numerous ways to “exercise” that you will enjoy so much, you won’t even realize you’re exercising!

Seven Fun Ways to Stay Active:

  1. Hiking


Whether you like the solitude of hiking alone or you would rather go with family and friends, you will be surrounded by the beauty of nature and wildlife and you will walk miles before you know it. There is no shortage of beautiful places to hike in and around Montgomery! Best Trails Near Montgomery, AL

  1. Walking


If you don’t have time for a hike, go for a walk instead. Even a fifteen-minute walk can get your heart pumping. Walk in your neighborhood, or during your lunch break at work. One way or another, get those steps in! Walking Tours in Montgomery

  1. Geocaching


For the adventure nerd in all of us…geocaching allows us to be real-life treasure hunters and get a great work out at the same time! Geocaching is a type of treasure hunt where people look for “caches” – hidden stashes of objects. Check out this Website for information on geocaching events taking place in Alabama.

  1. Dancing


So many types of dances, so little time! You can try swing dancing, Latin dancing, tap. The options are limitless! Try some ballroom dancing lessons at River Region Ballroom or step out for some country line dancing at one of the many Country Line Dance Bars in Montgomery!

  1. Martial Arts


Just like with dancing, there are many different types of martial arts. Not only will you learn to defend yourself, but the practice of martial arts can be a stress reliever. Try karate at the Johnson's Martial Arts Academy or jiu-jitsu at Montgomery Martial Arts.

  1. Cleaning


I’m shaking my head as I type this, because really? Who likes cleaning? But, by thinking of it as a great way to get fit, you can kill two birds with one stone (so to speak). Blast your favorite music at max volume and see how much you can get done during one song. Make it a challenging game and before you know it you will not only have a clean house…but you will have worked up a good sweat too!

  1. Play


Get outside and play childhood games with your kids and their friends. Hide and seek, tag, red rover, kick the can. These games will keep you moving…and probably laughing, while you enjoy quality time with your kids! 40 Classic Outdoor Games

So, if “exercise” is a bad word in your book, remove it from your vocabulary and replace it with one of these fun and exciting ways to stay fit!

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: alabamarecreationtrails.com, thebamabuzz.com, npr.org, facebook.com, montgomeryadvertiser.com, mollymaid.com, sunshineandhurricanes.com

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Putting Your House on the Market When You’re Getting Divorced

Wednesday, August 23, 2023
by The Hat Team

Moving is one of the top five most stressful life events. Divorce ranks in the top five as well.   Put those two together and you have a meltdown in the making. If you and your spouse own a home together and you are divorcing, you are going to have to figure out what you’re going to do about the house. This can be challenging under the most amicable of situations and can be devastating when there is bitterness and fighting.

Since your home is likely the greatest asset that you share, selling it is often necessary when parting ways. Sentimental value may entice one or the other of you to want to keep the home, but financial implications may keep you from doing so. Understanding how divorce affects the sale of a home is crucial.  The emotional aspect of splitting up your family can sometimes impair your judgement but making a poor decision regarding your home can have lasting ramifications, long after the divorce is finalized. 

Whether one spouse wants to buy out the other and keep the home or both want to sell and split the equity, selling a house while getting divorced is a rocky road that needs to be navigated intelligently.  When two people are willing to deal with each other in a peaceful, respectful way, it certainly makes the whole process easier. But often this is not the case in these situations. Division of a home is not simple. 


When each spouse contributed to purchase the home - even if one paid more than the other - you are both going to want your fair share out of it. Ideally, you will be able to work with an attorney or mediator to come to an agreement out of court, but if you can’t, a judge will decide for you. This can be a very unpleasant experience for all parties involved. If both your incomes were factored in the purchase of the house, chances are when you split that in half, neither of you can afford it on your own. If that is the case, the best solution is to sell the home and divide the assets. There are also tax implications that should be considered when you are trying to decide if you should sell before you divorce or after.

Should one of you decide to stay in the home, there are a couple of different ways to make that happen.  First, if you have the financial means to do so, you can take over the mortgage by refinancing. This means you must qualify for the loan and be able to make the monthly payments on your own. Your ex-spouse will be completely out of the picture. Another way is to continue co-owning the property.  Perhaps you have children and want to keep them in their home. While this is the least disruptive option, it is precarious and requires a lot of trust. It would have to be a very civil and friendly divorce for this to work because both parties will be responsible for the mortgage and upkeep of the house. The bottom line is that if you plan to stay in the home, you better be sure you can afford it. It would be prudent to work out a budget before you make the decision.


With all the financial and emotional issues that get wrapped up in the sale of a home during divorce, it’s crucial that you know what you want prior to meeting with your Realtor. It is best for you to meet with your attorneys for them to guide you through the process of deciding how to split the equity. Once you have that done, seek out an experienced Realtor like Sandra Nickel, who will gently guide you through the process with as little stress as possible.

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: community.thriveglobal.com, albinlawgroup.com, collaborativedivorcetexas.com

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1201 Felder Ave: One of the Coolest, Most Unique Homes in Old Cloverdale!

Tuesday, August 15, 2023
by The Hat Team

1201 Felder Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 544326

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,652 Square Feet | Cloverdale

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"Once in a blue moon" opportunity to own one of the coolest, most unique homes in Old Cloverdale! This mission revival home built in the mid-1920's has had tasteful, architect designed upgrades over the years while maintaining its pure architectural aesthetic. Living and dining rooms boast barrel-vault ceilings and lots of arched windows/doors for optimal light. Screened french doors lead from living room to cozy front porch, and dining room has unique custom candle-lit chandelier on a pulley system for lowering to light candles. Smart kitchen is compact, and offers adequate space for producing gourmet meals! Previous architect-owners built custom bookshelves, built-in pull out desk system, and unique lighting in third bedroom to give a den/study feel. The crown jewel of this property may just be the large screened-in porch that runs the entire width of the rear of the house. From casual evenings with cocktails to grand dinner parties for a dozen, this porch will surely be one of your favorite "rooms." Walled back yard provides nice garden space and security with its electric car gate leading to three car detached carport.

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

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New Homebuyer’s Guide to Obtaining a Mortgage

Tuesday, August 15, 2023
by The Hat Team

Deciding to buy a home is exciting. But it can also be overwhelming, especially for first-time homebuyers. There is so much to think about! Before you start your home search, you should find a mortgage lender who can help walk you through the home-buying process.

Follow these mortgage tips and you will be prepared to purchase the home of your dreams!

  • FIND THE BEST LENDER

With a little homework, you will be able to find the best lender to help walk you through the home-buying process. Get recommendations from friends and family or from your Realtor. Interview lenders. Find out what their closing time averages are and look up customer satisfaction rates. This is likely the largest financial investment you will ever make, so be sure that the lender you choose is right for you both personally and financially.

  • DETERMINE HOW MUCH YOU WANT TO SPEND ON A HOME

There is a difference between what you can afford and what you are willing to spend. Many factors play into this decision. Your lifestyle, the size of home you’re looking for, and other expenses should all be considered. You might be shocked by what the numbers say. Chances are you won’t want to spend as much as you qualify for. So, work out a budget first and don’t overestimate what you can afford.

  • GET PRE-APPROVED FOR A MORTGAGE LOAN

The last thing you want to happen is to find the perfect home and not be able to make an offer because you haven’t been pre-approved for a loan. Taking the time to do this now will save you time and grief in the future.

  • STOP SPENDING

Now is not the time to make large purchases. Avoid taking out new lines of credit. Don’t purchase a new car or apply for a new credit card. Make sure that you are not adding to your credit card balances. Remember that your Debt to Income Ratio is a vital piece of the mortgage puzzle and can be a deal breaker if you go over your limit.  Save large purchases for after closing day.

  • DON’T RUSH!

Now that you’ve got all your ducks in a row, the fun begins. Take your time searching for the right home. This is a financial investment that you will be living with for a long time, so don’t settle. Professional Realtor Sandra Nickel and her team can answer any questions you have about purchasing your first 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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: loans.com, realtor.com, schlage.com

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Get in the Back-to-School Groove with a Daily Routine

Wednesday, August 9, 2023
by The Hat Team

With kids heading back to school, it can be challenging to transition from a summer schedule to a more demanding school year schedule. Establishing a morning routine will help keep everyone organized. 

Here are some tips for creating an effective routine for your family:

  • SET A TIME FOR WAKING UP ON SCHOOL MORNINGS AND STICK TO IT  


Consistency is key. By waking up at the same time every day you will develop a pattern of wakefulness and sleepiness each day. It’s equally important to go to bed at the same time every night, especially for young children who need 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Once you have determined what time your kids need to get up to get ready for school, you can then easily determine what time they need to go to bed.

  • PREPARE FOR EACH DAY THE EVENING BEFORE

Make sure that school bags are packed up and placed in a designated spot to be picked up the next morning. Have your children choose their outfits the night before as well. Plan for lunches if your children bring them from home. Have them ready to grab and go. Get the day off to a good start by having everything organized and ready to go.

  • CREATE A “TO DO” LIST FOR YOUR CHILDREN THAT INCLUDES EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO DO BEFORE LEAVING FOR SCHOOL


Brushing teeth, getting dressed, putting on shoes, eating breakfast etc. You can find Free Printable Charts or you can have your children make their own.  Place it where you know they will see it first thing every day.

  • MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE ENOUGH TIME FOR A HEALTHY BREAKFAST

Any breakfast is better than none but try to avoid having sugary sweets for breakfast every day. Your kids need fuel for their bodies and minds to be successful at school.

  • LEAVE THE HOUSE WITH PLENTY OF TIME TO GET TO THE BUS STOP (OR SCHOOL, IF YOU ARE DRIVING)  


School can be stressful for kids. Having to rush in the door can set a bad tone for the day, while arriving at school calmly and with time to spare sets a positive tone for the day.

Setting a consistent routine will get you into the school year groove and make mornings more pleasant and the school day more successful!

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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: mwsinusandsleep.com, usatoday.com, kidsactivitiesblog.com, newsweek.com

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If You’re Ready to Retire, It May Be Time to Sell Your House

Wednesday, August 2, 2023
by The Hat Team


Are you a Baby Boomer who has reached retirement age? If so, you may be asking yourself if it is time to sell your home. This is a time in your life to finally enjoy the fruits of your labor and the last thing you want is to have to take care of a large home or be tied down to a big mortgage. There are plenty of younger people looking for starter and trade-up properties, meaning there are a lot of buyers out there competing for homes. So, the question you need to ask yourself is, “should we sell now?”. 

Consider these questions to find your answer:

  • Will you be able to afford your home once you have retired?  It is important to think long term about the monthly costs of staying in your home. Even if you have paid off your mortgage, you will still be responsible for property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and utilities. Then there are home repair costs.  If you are living on a limited monthly income, an unexpected, costly home repair can be devastating.
  • How much equity do you have in your current home? If you have a lot of equity built up in your current home, you can use that to purchase a retirement home and have little or no mortgage, freeing up your monthly income for other things.
     
  • Can you keep up with home maintenance? Maybe you are someone who enjoys yard work and other home maintenance tasks, but depending on your age and health, these chores can become more challenging with time. A condo with an HOA fee might be the way to go so that you can enjoy your golden years with the peace of mind knowing that you don’t have to do maintenance work yourself.
  • Do you feel secure in your home?  Criminals prey on the elderly. It is a sad, but true fact.  Elderly homeowners are often targets for scams and break-ins. Home security systems are helpful, but living somewhere that has 24-hour security, such as a manned gate-house and resident only access can provide you the security you need to be able to relax and enjoy retirement.
     
  • Is your current home set up property for limited mobility? As people age, getting around can get more challenging.  People are living longer, more active lives these days, but that doesn’t mean that you will always want to climb the stairs to your bedroom. And what if you must use a wheelchair at some point? Are your doorways and hallways wide enough? Will you have easy access to a bathroom and shower? Homes in retirement communities are built with these things in mind and often offer the best of both worlds…activities to keep you busy and entertained and accommodations for any physical needs you might have in the future.
  • Is your current home in a convenient location? There are many things to consider about location.  Are you close to a hospital and drug store? Can you easily get to shopping and entertainment venues? Are your grandchildren close by? Maybe you are living in a fantastic school district, which was great when your kids were growing up, but doesn’t really serve you now. If that’s the case, take advantage of the resale value that will give you and sell so that you can find a home that is more conveniently located 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://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: massagemag.com, nhbr.com, homeaccessproducts.com, designerservicesltd.com

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3215 Montezuma Rd: Welcoming and Cozy Brick Cottage!

Friday, July 28, 2023
by The Hat Team

3215 Montezuma Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 543639

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,144 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild

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Sellers say this is not a house, it's a "HOME" and once you see it, I think you will agree! Set back off the street on a lovely tree covered lot, this brick cottage is cozy and welcoming. Cool off on the front porch with your favorite libation or spend chilly evenings on the swing by the fire pit out back. Morning coffee is perfect on the private side deck just off the kitchen/breakfast room. Living room opens to formal dining room. Kitchen has breakfast bar and space for a small table. Three bedrooms and a guest bath downstairs, and current owners added a staircase and primary suite upstairs with a sitting area, walk-in closet, and adorable modern bath with lots of reclaimed antique features. Electric car gate allows access to rear parking and 2 car carport (perfect for covered backyard entertaining!) Backyard features another seating area under the pines, and a detached storage/workshop building. This Midtown Montgomery location all within walking distance to spring concerts in the park, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

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

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1943 Ridge Ave: Classic Style and Simple Elegance in this Old Cloverdale Home!

Thursday, July 27, 2023
by The Hat Team

1943 Ridge Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 542598

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,820 Square Feet | Old Cloverdale

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Classic style and simple elegance! This Old Cloverdale home nestled just south of Cloverdale park draws your eye with custom landscaping and charming wrought iron porch balustrade. Inside large rooms flow effortlessly from living room into party-sized dining room, and big open eat-in kitchen with quartz countertops. Off the living room is a cozy sunroom/study with a wall of built-in bookshelves and lots of natural light. Rear central hallway large enough to hold pieces of furniture. Three ample bedrooms and two baths round out the interior. Out back you will find a deck, screened porch, and lush landscaping. there is also a detached 2 car carport with a heated and cooled studio on the second floor! Night-scape lighting and underground sprinkler system in front and back yards. Midtown Montgomery walking distance to shopping, dining, and entertainment.

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

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Displaying blog entries 61-70 of 352

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