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Displaying blog entries 101-110 of 1998

How to Throw a Fun-Filled Game Day Bash

Wednesday, September 13, 2023
by The Hat Team

Football season is back!


Whether you are cheering for Alabama or Auburn, that means party time! Gathering with friends and family to watch your favorite team will be all the more fun with these game-day party tips!

GUEST LIST

Make sure to invite people well in advance so that you know how many to plan for. If you are a die-hard football fan, you may want to consider only inviting other die-hard fans, but if you are just using the game as an excuse to have a party, invite anyone and everyone you enjoy socializing with. The more the merrier! You also might want to make it an adult only affair. A day of watching tv and eating junk food might not be the best idea for little ones, especially if there isn’t a lot of space for them to run around and burn off energy. 

PARTY LOCATION

If you live in a tiny apartment with one small couch, you are going to want to either limit how many people you invite to just a few or you might want to totally steer clear of hosting a party at your home. The optimal setting for a football watching party is a large room with lots of seating and a casual atmosphere. Oh…and don’t forget…a BIG television!

WHAT TO SERVE


As far as drinks go, make sure to have a variety. Remember that some people don’t drink alcohol, so you should have non-alcoholic beverages available. Now, for the most important aspect of a game day party…THE FOOD!  Creating a game day menu is one time when you can be a junk food junkie and feel good about it! Think finger foods that are easily consumed while sitting on a couch watching the game. You can’t go wrong with chips, dips and nachos, but if you want something a little more substantial, great options are wings, ribs and chili. You want to stick with foods that can be prepared ahead of time and served up easily so that you don’t have to miss any of the game. Have some sweets on hand for dessert. They should be portable and easy to eat - like cake pops, cupcakes, and brownies. If you really want to impress your guests, make some football shaped food. Whether you keep it simple, or go all out in terms of presentation, just make sure you have enough for everyone!

USE TEAM COLORS FOR YOUR THEME

Make things festive by adding decorations in your favorite team’s colors. Think streamers, paper plates, napkins, and cups. Decorating can be the difference between a gathering and a true “BASH”!


If you love to host parties and relish the idea of going all out, then go for it!  But if you just want to kick back with people to watch the game, keep it simple and don’t stress. Most importantly, enjoy the time spent with friends and family!

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: suburbansimplicity.com, goodlifeeats.com, pinterest.com, angi.com

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3044 Hill Hedge Dr: Stunning McGehee Estates 4 Bedroom Home!

Monday, September 11, 2023
by The Hat Team

3044 Hill Hedge Drive, Montgomery, AL  36111

MLS# 546052

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2,777 Square Feet | McGehee Estates

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Welcome to this stunning McGehee Estates home that is ready for you and your family! The formal living room and dining room lead into an updated eat-in kitchen featuring quartzite countertops, stainless appliances, and a large gas range. Off one side of the kitchen is a huge family room with a soaring vaulted ceiling, fireplace, and doors to the brick patio and large fenced-in backyard. Off the breakfast area is a perfect mother-in-law suite with its own entrance from the front porch, living area (currently used as a home office), bedroom and full bath. On the opposite end of the house is a massive master suite with a large walk-in closet. Down the hall are two more bedrooms and a bath. The three additional spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms are perfect for guests and kids. Outside you will find professional landscaping, mature trees, a two-car carport, and parking pad. Additional updates that may not be obvious include new electrical panel and breakers, new HVAC, new windows and glass doors and new attic insulation. Check out this amazing Midtown Montgomery home today!

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

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2123 Allendale Rd: Beautifully Renovated Allendale Home!

Thursday, September 7, 2023
by The Hat Team

2123 Allendale Road, Montgomery, AL 36111

MLS# 544665

3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 1 Half Baths | 2,740 square feet | Allendale

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Welcome to this incredible home in an amazing location! This Allendale beauty was previously redesigned in order to create modern living spaces while keeping the timeless architectural character of the neighborhood. The renovation includes a fabulous open kitchen, dining and living area with custom cabinetry, Jenn Air appliances, marble countertops, large island, and herringbone brick floors. The master suite is huge and features a gorgeous master bath with soaking tub and marble walk-in shower. Off the kitchen is an awesome mud room, office and the laundry room. Last, but certainly not least, is the enormous screened in porch which could end up being your primary living area! Nice sized back yard and garage with space for a home office or workshop. Don't miss this opportunity to live on one of Midtown Montgomery’s most desirable streets!

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

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Location Matters! Finding the Right Place to call Home

Wednesday, September 6, 2023
by The Hat Team

When you are searching for a new home, location is one of the most important factors to consider. You might love a house, but if it’s not in the right neighborhood, it may not be the right house regardless of how much it appeals to you.  So, before you start scrolling through home listings online, it is smart to have an idea of WHERE you want to live. 

Here are some things to consider when searching for the right neighborhood:

  1. You may have heard this saying before: “It’s better to have the worst house in the best neighborhood than the best house in the worst neighborhood”. While nobody really wants to live in the “worst” house anywhere, there is some good logic behind this statement. If you ever plan to sell your home, its value will be impacted by the surrounding homes in the neighborhood.  For that reason, you will have better resale value if you are surrounded by homes that are like yours.  So, it is a good idea to research home values in the neighborhoods that appeal to you.
     
  2. How important is convenience to you? Some people prefer living in more rural areas, but others desire proximity to things like major interstates, shopping areas, medical facilities, and schools. Before you start your home search it is important to decide how much convenience matters to you. In addition, you may want to think about the fact that having a home that is convenient to highways and such can have a positive impact on your resale value.
  3. Are home values rising or falling in the neighborhood? If a neighborhood has home values that are climbing, that is a positive indication that it is a good place to buy.  However, if a neighborhood has stagnant or falling home values, it might not be the best place to look for a home. Many things can have an impact on home values; for example, if an area is growing with new businesses, the career opportunities involved can lead to rising home values in the area.
     
  4. Does the neighborhood have an HOA? (Homeowners Association)?  Some people love an HOA. They appreciate how it protects home values by establishing rules for maintaining the appearance of the homes and neighborhood. They also enjoy perks such as a neighborhood pool and clubhouse, parks, and walking trails.  However, for other people, an HOA is a deal breaker. They do not care for the rules and regulations (and payments) that come with it. HOA regulations and costs vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, so it is important to research them before you decide to live in a community with an HOA.
     
  5. How are the schools rated? Whether you have children or not, the school system is an important factor when choosing where to live. If you plan to send your children to public school, you will want to live where schools are highly rated. You may think that if you do not have kids in school, it doesn’t matter how the school system is rated. But that thinking is a mistake. The truth is that the rating of a school system can have a huge impact on your resale value; positive or negative.
     
  6. How safe is the neighborhood? Safety is important to everyone. Nobody wants to live in a neighborhood that is not safe. You can research crime statistics for neighborhoods online. If you are relocating to a new state and you are not familiar with the area, an experienced local Realtor is a great resource to help you determine what areas are safe for you and your family.


There are so many factors involved in the home buying process, but determining the right location is a decision that requires thought and research. Once you have found the right place, then you can start searching for the right house!

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: proptiger.com, foxroach.com, bendrelocationservices.com

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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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1115 Woodbridge Drive: Fantastic Starter Home or Investment Property!

Tuesday, August 15, 2023
by The Hat Team

1115 Woodbridge Drive Montgomery AL 36116

MLS# 544162

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1614Square Feet | Seth Johnson

​
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Move in ready in Seth Johnson! Excellent condition with fresh interior paint, beautifully refinished hard wood floors and laminate flooring. Bright kitchen with new countertops, hardware, and backsplash. Brand new main bath with marble tiled shower and new tub in hall bath. Large fenced in back yard and patio off the den. Perfect starter home or to start your investment portfolio.

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

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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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Displaying blog entries 101-110 of 1998

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