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Displaying blog entries 81-90 of 211

Is it Time to Move to a Smaller Home?

Wednesday, August 3, 2022
by The Hat Team

Do you have more house than you need? Perhaps you’ve recently become an empty-nester and don’t need a home spacious enough for a large family anymore. Or maybe you are just tired of trying to keep up with the cleaning and maintenance that a large property requires. Whatever the reason, maybe it’s time to consider downsizing.

Here are 5 perks of downsizing to a smaller home:

  1. YOU WILL SPEND LESS MONEY

You will not only save on your monthly mortgage payment in a smaller home, you will also save money on frivolous living. One of the advantages of downsizing your home is that you can stop wasting money on furniture and home décor that are used to fill space rather than to fulfill a function. Filling a smaller space will allow you to prioritize what items are important and necessary for you.

  1. THERE WILL BE LESS STRESS


After working hard all week to pay the bills, it’s no fun to have to spend your weekend doing chores. A smaller home equals fewer chores and less upkeep. This will free up time to enjoy leisure activities, hobbies, and relaxation. Imagine weekends spent doing fun outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends or just simply chilling out and reading a good book. Those things sure sound a lot less stressful than doing endless yardwork and household chores.

  1. YOU WILL REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

If you live in a large home, you know that energy costs can be expensive. Smaller homes will not only save you money on heating, cooling, and water costs, it will also allow you to reduce your carbon footprint.

  1. IT WILL FREE UP TIME FOR TRAVEL


With additional disposable income and less upkeep needed, a smaller home will afford you the time and cash for travel and adventure. Weekend getaways or even long trips are less of a hassle now that you don’t have to worry about doing lots of home maintenance and being house-poor.

  1. IT PROVIDES A FRESH START

Downsizing can be the beginning of a new chapter in your life. If being an empty-nester has you feeling down, a lifestyle change might be just what you need to start focusing on how you want to spend your time, money and energy. 

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.

Photo Credits: moving.com, nbcnews.com, sixtyandme.com

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2428 Cherry St: Well-Maintained Duplex with Great Rental History

Wednesday, August 3, 2022
by The Hat Team

2428 Cherry Street, Montgomery, AL 36107

MLS# 523001

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Duplex | Highland Park

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This well-maintained duplex has great rental history and would make a fine addition to any investment portfolio! Right side unit is handicap/wheelchair accessible. All electric units so tenants don't have to deal with gas. Windows replaced about 4 years ago, bathrooms and kitchens updated as well. Great cash flow!

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

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2172 Campbell Rd: Private Oasis in the Heart of Allendale!

Thursday, July 14, 2022
by The Hat Team

2172 Campbell Road, Montgomery, AL 36111

MLS# 519270

4 Bedrooms |  3.5 Bathrooms |  4,259 Square Feet |  Allendale 

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Welcome to your own private oasis in the heart of Allendale! This beautifully restored contemporary home has new landscaping, sits on almost an acre lot and on a cul-de-sac, which offers a gorgeous setting that feels like you are far away from the city. This Midtown Montgomery home has a wonderful open floor plan perfect for entertaining family and friends. The wide hallway lined with built-in bookshelves leads to the great room with recently updated kitchen with a new island and new countertops, a dining area and living room with a wall of windows overlooking the fabulous courtyard and back yard. At the end of the hall is a huge master suite with its own private deck. Special features are new wide planked wood flooring, spacious bedrooms, sleek bathrooms, a wood burning fireplace and large laundry room. Truly a unique property that is definitely worth seeing in person!

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

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850 Augusta Ave: Adorable Cottage in Cloverdale South!

Monday, June 27, 2022
by The Hat Team

850 Augusta Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36111

MLS# 519627

2 bedrooms | 1 bath | 1,001 square feet | Cloverdale South

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Snap this up before it's gone! Adorable, updated cottage in Cloverdale South is precious inside and out. Living room opens to dining area and large open kitchen. Two spacious bedrooms share a beautifully updated bath. Home sits on a large lot with a big, fenced back yard perfect for pets. Detached building out back provides additional storage and would make a great workshop. New HVAC installed in 2020. Updated plumbing and electrical. Property has rented for $850/month and would make a great investment property or a perfect starter home for first-time homebuyer. Move-in ready in Midtown Montgomery!

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

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4261 Shamrock Ln: Four Bedroom Ranch Oozing with Potential!

Monday, June 20, 2022
by The Hat Team

4261 Shamrock Lane, Montgomery, AL  36106 

MLS# 519269

4 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 1,928 SqFt / Green Acres 

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Green Acres is the place to be! This spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick Midtown Montgomery house is oozing with potential! Split floor plan, 2 car attached garage and nice sized shed for extra storage. Close to Vaughn Road Park. Perfect for investor looking to add to their portfolio, or a lucrative fix-and-flip! With a little TLC this could be a wonderful home!

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

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Prepare for a Quick Move if Your House Sells Fast

Wednesday, June 1, 2022
by The Hat Team


With the way houses are selling so quickly these days, chances are you might need to move out sooner than you thought. And let’s face it, no matter how prepared you think you are, moving is stressful. One of the worst parts of moving is packing up your current house. You are probably busy enough already, and now you are adding this huge task to your “to do” list. It can be overwhelming. One way to make it a little easier is to spread it out over several weeks instead of trying to do it all right before you move. It is a good idea to prepare for your move even before you put your house on the market.

Here is a guideline for packing for a move:

  • PRE-PACKING - If you are planning to put your home on the market soon, it’s a good time to pre-pack items that you won’t need or use before you move. Out of season clothing, tools and small appliances, and collectibles/knick-knacks are items that you won’t miss, and you can get them out of the way.
  • BOX UP NON-ESSENTIALS - Among the items that you didn’t pre-pack, choose those that you know you likely won’t need before moving. Books, extra linens, and kitchen items can be packed up because you likely won’t be doing much reading, and you only need enough linens, plates, and utensils for the number of people living in the home. 
     
  • TIME TO GET SERIOUS - Once your house is on the market, it is time to really start paring down the amount of “stuff” still in your home. If you have children, allow them to choose a few toys/games to keep out, and pack up the rest. If you have a home office, clean it out and box up what you plan to take with you. Jewelry and shoes that you don’t wear daily can go as well. Simply label everything well so you can find items you might want or need if your house doesn’t sell as quickly as you thought it would.
     
  • IF OFFERS ARE COMING IN - Now it is time to pack up all but the few things you will need to get through the last few weeks at your current home. The rest of your clothes and kitchen items can go (leaving yourself what you will need until the move, of course).  Go through your medicine cabinet and toss any expired medications. Pack the rest except for the ones you take daily. If you accept an offer and the financing goes through quickly, you may be closing and moving soon!
     
  • MOVING IS IMMINENT - At this point the stress might reach maximum levels, but if you have been packing a bit each week, you should be almost finished! Box up your electronics (in their original packaging when possible), bathroom items, and any miscellaneous items that are left. Keep a box for essential items that you will keep with you as you are moving.
  • MOVING DAY: IT’S HERE! - All that should be left is furniture and appliances.  Whether you have hired movers to load the large items or you are doing it yourself, it will be so much more manageable with everything else already boxed up and ready to go.

IMPORTANT TIP: Label every box.  You can either write what is in the box or what room the box should go to. Or both. You will be glad you did when you are unpacking!


Remember that this is simply a general guideline.  You should do what is right for you and your family when it comes to packing and moving. But hopefully this will make what can be a trying and overwhelming time a little more pleasant.

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.

Photo credits: azbigmedia.com, moving.com, foxnews.com, movematcher.com

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1030 Old Breckenridge Ln: Fabulous 5 Bedroom Home in Great Neighborhood!

Wednesday, May 4, 2022
by The Hat Team

1030 Old Breckenridge Lane, Montgomery, AL  36117

MLS# 516455

5 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms / 3,588 SqFt / Breckenridge

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Looking for extra room? This fabulous 5 bedroom, 4 bath home in Breckenridge is ready for its next family! Open the beautiful wood double front doors to find a large two-story great room with fireplace that opens to a custom kitchen with center island work space and a breakfast bar, an elegant formal dining room, master suite with double vanities, and a bedroom and bath on the opposite side that would make a perfect in law suite. Upstairs are three huge bedrooms, two baths and a bonus room/man cave complete with a custom bar. Off the kitchen is a cozy screened porch overlooking the large backyard. Tons of storage and light filled rooms. Don't miss the awesome neighborhood clubhouse and pool! Come check it out today!

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

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309 Ware Hill Ct: Beautifully Updated Home in Desirable Dalraida!

Thursday, April 28, 2022
by The Hat Team

309 Ware Hill Court, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 514857

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms / 2,849 SqFt / Dalraida

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Welcome to this beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath in desirable Dalraida! Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, from the outside you would never know this home has such an open floor plan that is suitable to a variety of lifestyles. The newly renovated kitchen boasts granite countertops and island, stainless appliances is open to the great room - perfect for entertaining. Two main bedrooms with en suite baths, each with amazing garden tubs! Pretty laminate flooring, new light fixtures, and unique tile throughout. This lovely property is low maintenance with a pretty front yard, an enclosed private patio, two-car garage AND carport, making it easy to "lock and leave". Check it out today!

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

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Home Sale Deal Breakers: Termites

Wednesday, April 27, 2022
by The Hat Team

Selling your home can be a stressful endeavor. Even in this seller’s market where you may get offers above asking price, most buyers will still require a home inspection contingency. And finding termites and the damage they have done can make a deal fall through fast.

Finding out that your house is infested with termites is no fun at any time, but especially when the discovery is made during a home inspection for your home sale. Sadly, many homeowners have no idea there is a problem with termites until a lot of damage has already been done.

Termites are sneaky, destructive little pests. Unfortunately, some homeowners attract them to their homes without realizing it. For example, even a little bit of moisture from poor drainage, leaks, or poor ventilation combined with wood can be very alluring for termites. The cellulose in wood is consumed by them for nutrition, and they require moisture, so they don’t dry out. Even soggy soil close to your foundation can be very inviting to termites.

Termites are also attracted to the protection from foam board insulation and exterior wall solutions like Dryvit, a synthetic version of cement siding. They will chew right through them to get to wood. They can also enter the home via cracks in the foundation as well. Once in, they will find wood and begin to feed on it, thus causing damage to the home.

How do you know if you have a termite infestation?

When investigating possible termite infestation, here are some things to look out for:

  • Hollow wood: Try knocking or tapping on your wood. If it sounds hollow, it’s likely you have termites. You can take a screwdriver and press it into the wood to test it. If the wood gives way easily, that is a bad sign.
     
  • Mud tubes: Subterranean termites create their own “highways” out of tubes of mud to connect the wood they eat to soil. These mud tubes, made up of wood and soil, are about as wide as a pencil. Spotting them means you have termites, but if you don’t find them it doesn’t mean you don’t have termites. The subterranean termites may not have made them yet, and drywood termites don’t make mud tubes, so beware of those as well.
  • Swarm evidence: Subterranean termites shed their wings in piles when they set off to create a new colony, so if you see piles of wings, you likely have a termite infestation.
     
  • Frass: If you see small, granular, oval pellets on your door frames, baseboards, and windowsills, they may be frass, or termite droppings.
     
  • Peeling paint: When termites damage drywall, moisture enters the space between the surface and the paint, causing paint to bubble or peel. There are other reasons your paint may buckle, but if you note this in tandem with other signs, you may have a termite infestation. 
     
  • Head banging: Strange clicking sounds coming from inside of your walls may not be your imagination. When soldier termites detect a threat, they signal danger to other termites by banging their heads against the wood and shaking their bodies.  
     
  • Seeing live termites: It is possible that you may come across some live termites. It’s important to distinguish them from flying ants so that you know what you’re dealing with. Termites’ rear wings are even in size, their abdomens are thick, and their antennae are straight. On the flip side, flying ants have wings of different size, are thinner through the middle, and have bent antennae.

 There are several ways to help prevent a termite infestation in your home:

  • Remove cellulose-based debris from around your house. Any sort of organic wood material around your house will attract termites.
     
  • Get rid of any wood that is in direct contact with the ground, like wood lattice or siding, or door/window frames that go to the ground.
     
  • Have your home pre-treated for termites. If you’re going to build a home, set a termite barrier on the land before starting construction.
     
  • Remove cracks and crevices in your home to prevent termite access.
     
  • Hire a professional to do termite inspections annually.


Whether you are selling your home soon or don’t plan to sell for a long time, be sure that termites aren’t causing damage that will mean costly repairs, and the probability of losing buyers when selling.

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.

Photo credits: homeinspector.org, trustterminix.com, thisoldhouse.com

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7 Calhoun Dr: Great Brick Duplex!

Friday, March 4, 2022
by The Hat Team

7 Calhoun Drive, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 510966

2 Units with 2 Bedrooms and 1 Bath Each

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Let your tenant help you make the mortgage payment while you live on one side of this great brick duplex or rent both sides! Each unit has 2 beds/1bath, a living room, dining room, and kitchen. Both units have updated kitchens with white quartz countertops, all white tile in the baths, refrigerators, and beautiful hard wood floors. Plenty of off-street parking with a two car garage and RV sized carport. Two separate laundry rooms, each with their own washer/dryer are in the garage. Come check out this Midtown Montgomery property today!

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

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