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Displaying blog entries 121-130 of 1998

Repel Annoying Insects Naturally with These Plants

Wednesday, June 7, 2023
by The Hat Team

This time of year, many of us enjoy spending time outside in our yards. Whether we are playing, dining al fresco, doing yardwork, or simply relaxing, our time outdoors can be ruined by nasty insects. There are many remedies for getting rid of these annoying pests, but if you are looking for natural ways to do the job, here are several plants you can put in your yard that will repel unwanted insects. While they will not guarantee an insect free environment, they will help!

  1. BASIL


Basil repels house flies and mosquitoes. Use containers for planting basil by your house doors or in any outdoor areas where you like to relax and entertain. It will serve more than one purpose because you can also use the fresh basil in your cooking!

  1. LAVENDER


This pretty plant repels moths, fleas, mosquitoes and flies. Its pleasing, sweet fragrance appeals to humans, but the bugs hate it! You can place bouquets inside your home to keep flies away. Outdoors, plant it in sunny areas or near the entryways of your house to keep those areas pest free. Check out the Everything Lavender website to find out how you can use lavender oil to make your own mosquito repellent.

  1. LEMONGRASS


Lemongrass contains the natural oil citronella, which is commonly found in candles that are used to keep mosquitoes away. Ornamental lemongrass can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide in one season. It is an annual that does well in a pot or in the ground in sunny, well-drained locations. Its aromatic, narrow leaves can be used in chicken and pork dishes and to flavor soups and salad dressings. Many Asian recipes call for lemongrass.

  1. MINT


Another plant that mosquitoes don’t like. It’s best grown in pots rather than in the ground because it spreads aggressively. Once established in a garden, it can be difficult to remove. The leaves can be used to flavor minty iced tea. Containers of mint strategically placed in the garden or on the patio will assist in keeping nearby plants insect free.

  1. ALLIUMS


If you have a vegetable garden, beautiful, tall alliums will help keep insects out of it. Considered a broad-spectrum natural insecticide, plants in the Allium family repel several insects that plague vegetable gardens, including slugs, aphids, carrot flies and cabbage worms.

  1. CHRYSANTHEMUMS


The ingredient in chrysanthemums that makes them so effective as an insect repellent is pyrethrum. Roaches, ants, Japanese beetles, ticks, silverfish, lice, fleas, bedbugs, spider mites, harlequin bugs, and root-knot nematodes all will avoid chrysanthemums. Pyrethrum is used in America’s most commonly available home and garden insecticide sprays. You can make your own bug spray using chrysanthemum oil, but make sure you know the risks of using it first.

  1. PETUNIAS


These whimsical beauties repel aphids, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and squash bugs. Some people think of them as “nature’s pesticide”. Popular because of their availability in a variety of bright colors, they require minimal maintenance and can be grown in numerous locations including beds, containers and hanging baskets.

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: bonnieplants.com, countryliving.com, ruralsprout.com, thefancygarden.com, whiteflowerfarm.com, almanac.com, gardnerspath.com

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3431 Country Church Rd: Spacious 5-Bedroom Carriage Hills Home!

Friday, June 2, 2023
by The Hat Team

3431 Country Church Road, Montgomery, AL 36116

MLS# 539528

5 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Baths | 2,580 Square Feet | Carriage Hills

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Need more space for your growing family? Welcome to this 5-bedroom home in Carriage Hills! With the formal living room, dining room, family room/den and breakfast nook you will have plenty of living space. The bright white kitchen has plenty of cabinets for storage and the sink in the island has a great view of the private backyard with mature tree line. Three of the bedrooms have walk-in closets. New laminate flooring and fresh paint throughout. Check it out today!

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

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6716 Cherrywood Trail: Move-in Ready in Bell Meadows!

Wednesday, May 31, 2023
by The Hat Team

6716 Cherrywood Trail, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS# 539465

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,202 Square Feet | Bell Meadows 

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This move-in ready home is like new and ready for its next owner! Spacious layout has separate living and dining rooms, plus a large den/family room with cozy fireplace. Galley style kitchen has smooth surface stovetop and double ovens. New carpet throughout, and three guest bedrooms plus oversized primary bedroom with double closets and private bath. A large, fenced backyard allows plenty of room for children and pets to roam. Quiet neighborhood that is convenient to shopping, dining, and entertainment!

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

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Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Fixer-Upper

Wednesday, May 31, 2023
by The Hat Team


Whether you are a DIY expert or plan to hire experts to “fix” your home, buying a fixer-upper is a risk. But often it is a risk very well worth taking! It just depends upon finding the RIGHT home to fix up.

Here are things you should consider before you make the decision to invest your money, time and energy into fixing up a house:

  • Consider the Price Carefully

A fixer-upper should have a fixer-upper price. That may seem obvious, but you might be surprised by how much sellers think a home is worth. Try not to have a “this is the one!” moment with a house when the listing claims it just needs a little TLC. Do your research first. An experienced Realtor like Sandra Nickel can help you find out what similar homes in the neighborhood have sold for. You are also going to want to be aware of what types of homes they are so that you don’t over invest in luxury improvements that price your house right out of the neighborhood for future resale. When determining your budget, base it on the market value of the homes in the neighborhood.

  • Determine What Improvements Are Needed

How much work do you want to do? How much do you want to spend? Ideally a fixer-upper will offer many opportunities for “instant equity”, meaning that you would make money on the home if you immediately sold it after fixing it up. Some fixer-uppers will just need cosmetic fixes like painting and landscaping. Others may require large renovations. You will need to carefully consider the potential cost of improvements along with the sale price of the home so that you don’t get in over your head.

  • Research Which Projects Will Give You Instant Equity

Will you have to hire a professional to complete the projects? If so, will the cost of that outweigh the money you might get back in instant equity? While many home improvements add some equity, some add a lot more value than others. But they are usually the types of projects that require the help of a professional. Here are some examples of projects that will give you excellent return on investment even if you pay a professional to complete them: new roof, hardwood floors, and insulation.

  • Be Sure You and Your Family Can Cope with the Disruption

A fixer-upper takes time and patience. If you must move into the home to complete the renovations, you may be living in chaos for a while. Also remember that not all projects go smoothly and there may be setbacks and unexpected issues. Can you handle that emotionally? It’s important to consider how the disruptions will affect you and your family before deciding to take on a fixer upper.


Buying a fixer-upper should never be a spontaneous decision. It needs to be well thought out. So, do your homework first to determine your budget along with how much you are willing and able to take on before jumping into a fixer upper. With the proper preparation, you will end up with a beautiful home that is worth much more than you paid for it!

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: moving.com, nextavenue.org, blog.topknobs.com

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The Best Weekend Getaways in Alabama

Wednesday, May 24, 2023
by The Hat Team

Memorial Day is around the corner and with it comes the unofficial start of the summer vacation season. If you’ve been thinking about where you can go to “get away from it all” this summer, you won’t have to venture far. From relaxing coastal beaches to historic inns and B&Bs, Alabama is home to many wonderful places to visit for a weekend getaway.

Here are 5 of best weekend getaways in Alabama:

  1. Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

    Located in the charming little beach hamlet of Point Clear, AL, this resort offers a relaxing, entertaining oasis to guests of all ages and interests.  It boasts two exceptional golf courses, a 20,000 square-foot Grand Spa, a fabulous pool complex for kids of all ages, ten tennis courts, and miles of white sand beaches stretching along Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast.  You’ll enjoy dining at the Saltwater Grill seafood restaurant, and the Grand Steakhouse.  Elegant rooms and suites are beautifully decorated and include all the amenities you could ever want - free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, a coffeemaker, fridge, and a work area with an ergonomic chair.
     
  2. Magnolia Springs B&B

    This romantic Inn is set on a tree-lined street in the heart of Magnolia Springs, Alabama.  Charm oozes from this historical landmark which offers beautiful accommodations, scrumptious homemade breakfasts and a tranquil ambiance that makes it impossible not to relax.  Ideally located for exploring the area, you can venture out for a scenic drive to nearby Mobile Bay on the Gulf of Mexico or play golf at one of the several courses in the area.
     
  3. Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa

    If you’re looking for elegance and romance, this is the place for you.  This resort offers 259 guest rooms with private balconies and lake views.  Upgrade to a high-level room and enjoy scenic views and a private Jacuzzi.  Lots of activities are available from jogging/walking trails to a saltwater swimming pool, to a well-equipped fitness center. Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, or just kick back and admire the breathtaking Alabama views.
     
  4. The Hotel at Auburn University

    Located on the Auburn University Campus, this is the premiere hotel facility for all things Auburn.  Filled with charm, it offers sleek guest rooms and suites with top-of-the-line amenities for their guests, like premium linens, flat screen televisions, and walk-in rainfall showers.  You can upgrade to a room with a private living room and wet bar. Enjoy upscale dining onsite at the Mediterranean restaurant Ariccia Trattoria, and kick back and relax while listening to jazz at the Piccolo cocktail lounge.  Other amenities include an outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and the 22,000-square foot Dixon Conference Center.  There is a lot to do and see in and around Auburn, so check out this list of the 15 Best Things to Do in Auburn Alabama.
     
  5. The Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast

    How could anyone resist a place called The Mistletoe Bough?  This quaint, romantic bed and breakfast offers a choice of five different rooms and suites with private bathrooms and Victorian-style décor.  Relaxation is the name of the game whether you are strolling through lovely gardens or sipping sweet tea while sitting on the wraparound veranda.  Historic downtown Alexander City and several restaurants are walking distance from the B&B. But don’t worry about breakfast, because a buffet is served every morning in the Victorian dining room. Complimentary coffee, tea, and cool drinks are available throughout the day.

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: booked.net, magnoliasprings.com, travel.usnews.com, ocm.auburn.edu, romancetheusa.com

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713 Maryethel Dr: Adorable 3 Bedroom Gunter Grove Home!

Friday, May 19, 2023
by The Hat Team

713 Maryethel Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109

MLS# 537515

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,489 Square Feet | Gunter Grove

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Welcome to Gunter Grove! This adorable home has fresh interior paint, brand new laminate floors and a new garage door. The family room/den has a vaulted ceiling and brick fireplace. The eat-in kitchen has a huge bay window with lots of natural light. Master ensuite bath has a walk-in closet. Nice flat back yard with new deck area. Convenient location. OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, MAY 21st 1:00-2:00. Seller is participating in a 1031 Exchange at no cost to the buyer.

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

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4401 Ray Dr: Lovely 3 Bedroom Johnstown Home!

Friday, May 19, 2023
by The Hat Team

4401 Ray Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109

MLS# 537509

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,750 Square Feet | Johnstown

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Welcome to Johnstown! Situated on a large corner lot, this home has fresh interior paint and laminate flooring throughout. The eat-in kitchen has a flagstone floor and a door to a large laundry room. Living room/dining area can be configured to suit your family. Extra-large garage for plenty of storage room. Convenient location, check it out today! OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, MAY 21st 1:00-2:00. Seller is participating in a 1031 Exchange at no cost to the buyer.

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

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Avoid These Pitfalls When Closing on a Home

Wednesday, May 17, 2023
by The Hat Team

Closing on a home is the final step to the home selling/buying process. It can feel stressful and overwhelming, especially to first-timers.

Here are some things that most often go wrong with home closings, and how to avoid them!

  • WALK-THROUGH

A walk through of the home is done before closing to confirm that everything is as it was when you signed the purchase agreement. It’s also the time to make sure any repairs that you requested were completed. If you get to your walk-through and discover that the owner took the washer and dryer they had agreed to leave or there were agreed upon repairs not done, your closing will definitely be put on hold. Money may be placed in escrow to cover the costs and deadlines may be extended.

  • FEES


You will want to look at a copy of your HUD-1 Settlement Statement before going to your closing so that you can look over all the fees and ask questions should you have any. Fees on the statement will include those from your lender, closing attorney, city, insurance, surveys, and transaction fees among other things. You don’t want to get all the way to your closing and find out there are fees you weren’t aware of which may delay proceedings.

  • TITLE SEARCH

Make sure the title search is completed with plenty of time to deal with any issues that may arise. A professional title examiner should be utilized by your closing attorney to be sure there are no defects on the title that would prevent the property from being sold. If the title search is done at the last minute and there are problems, it might take a long time to fix, thus holding up the closing.

  • WIRE TRANSFER

The wire transfer of funds needs to arrive within a specific window of time for closing.  An issue with the wire can hold up closing. It’s vital to check with your lender and closing attorney to be sure that all parties have the correct wire information and timelines.

  • CLOSING PACKAGE


A common problem that delays closings is the Closing Package not being ready. At the end of the loan process, there are a lot of loose ends that must be tied up and they can sometimes cause delays. Timing is everything. You may be scheduled to close at 11:00 AM, but if your package isn’t ready until 2:00 PM and your lender and attorney has other closings scheduled, your closing may be postponed to the next day.

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.

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1124 Westmoreland Ave: Conveniently Located Cloverdale Cutie!

Friday, May 12, 2023
by The Hat Team

1124 Westmoreland Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 537785

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1,097 Square Feet | Cloverdale

Play VisualTour

Come check out this Cloverdale cutie! From the beautifully shaded front yard to the 'perfect for entertaining' back yard, you will fall in love with this Midtown Montgomery home! Upon entering this home, you will immediately feel relaxed with the perfectly picked colors on the freshly painted walls. The quaint kitchen boasts new LG appliances and adorable shelving for all your cooking needs. Each bedroom is nicely sized and custom shades were recently hung in the master which is large enough for a king-sized bed. Enjoy entertaining? The large deck is perfect for friends and family at all the get-togethers you will be having! The back yard comes with an extra half lot and is perfect for summer activities including bonfires in the unique firepit. There is a detached garage that is ideal for a small car and/or storage. The crawlspace was recently incapsulated with a new dehumidifier and sump pump. Don't miss your chance to be within walking distance of all the entertainment Cloverdale has to offer!

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

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Updating Your Older Home on a Budget

Wednesday, May 10, 2023
by The Hat Team

Older homes appeal to many due to their charm and endurance. But living in an older home can become cumbersome as its parts age and break. You can update your little piece of history without changing the overall ambiance that attracted you to begin with. 

Here are some simple and budget-friendly ways to update your older home:

  • Paint the Front Door

Buying a new front door can be pricey. In addition, you may be hard-pressed to find a “new” door that complements the style of your older house. But PAINTING the front door that you already have is a fabulous alternative. It will only cost you the price of the primer, paint, and supplies. Not only can you add some color to your exterior, but you will also add protection from the elements, meaning that your door will last longer.

  • Replace Outdoor Light Fixtures

Faded, rusted light fixtures can be easily replaced with new ones for very little cost. You can even find Vintage Light Fixtures to fit in with the age and style of your home.

  • Wash Your House

If you don’t own a power washer, it will be well worth it to rent one for a day so that you can give your house a good washing. You will be amazed by the difference it will make when you remove years’ worth of dirt and dust!

  • Install Porcelain Tile Floors in Your Bathroom

Replacing floors in your home can seem overwhelming due to the expense. But you can start with your smaller rooms, like your bathroom, without spending too much. Look for sales on porcelain tiles and install them yourself to save even more money.

  • Replace Light Switch Plates

Do your light switch plates look dingy? You can brighten up a room by simply replacing them with new ones! For example, brushed nickel plates are only about $5 each and when used throughout the home they provide style and consistency.

  • Replace Old Indoor Light Fixtures

Just like with the outdoor light fixtures, old, shabby ones can make your home feel old and shabby. Keep the vintage appeal of your home while updating it with new light fixtures. Check out the Vintage Light Fixtures link above to find ones that will fit in with your 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://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: oldhouseguy.com, lowes.com, sg.news.yahoo.com

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Displaying blog entries 121-130 of 1998

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