Real Estate Information

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

101 S Capitol Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36107

MLS# 537695

3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 2,188 Square Feet | Capitol Heights

Do you love the charm and character of classic historic homes but don't want to deal with old house issues? Well, here is the perfect house for you! This vintage historic Capitol Parkway home is the best of both worlds! Meticulously renovated inside and out to include a new roof, new electrical and plumbing, new HVAC, new kitchen and baths, and addition of guest powder room! Gleaming hardwood floors greet you upon entering the spacious living room, which opens to the traditional dining room with bay window. Off the living room is a well-proportioned den/family room/study with French doors back out to the big covered front porch. Two guest bedrooms share a wonderfully modern updated bath, and the private primary suite has a contemporary bath with a large walk-in shower and heated towel bar. Stunning kitchen is sleek and open, with plenty of cabinets and loads of counter space...and the gorgeous countertops are built from the reclaimed floor out of the old downtown YMCA! Rear laundry/mudroom offers access to the big backyard with lots of potential for outdoor living. Located minutes from downtown, shopping, dining, and schools.

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

Big houses mean “big work”. The care and maintenance of a larger home can be overwhelming. You might be looking to downsize and simplify. There are a plethora of benefits of living in a smaller house. First, it costs less money…which frees up funds for other things you enjoy like travel and hobbies.  And the peace of mind that comes with living within your means is priceless. Also, with less space, there is less to clean. And less cleaning means more time for fun and relaxation. But sometimes it can be challenging to fit everything you need (and want) into a home with limited square footage. Don’t despair! Not only can you make it all fit, but you can also do it with style and create a comfortable, cozy home that suits all your needs. 

Here are some clever ideas for making the most of small spaces:

• Make everything seem bigger by painting walls in light colors. 
   
• Use small-scale furniture rather than large, overstuffed pieces that will overwhelm the room.
   
• Use mirrors to create the illusion of more space.  One mirror will make an impression, but two facing each other will make a bigger impact by amplifying the semblance of added area and light.
  
• If you’re thinking of doing any renovations, consider adding a bay window. Not only will it maximize square footage, but it will provide the added bonus of flooding the house with natural light.
   
• Keep things simple.  Clean lines make things feel streamlined and give the impression of openness.
   
• Take advantage of high ceilings by going vertical with cabinetry.  Not only will it draw the eyes up and away from the limited counter space, but it will also provide maximum storage.
  
• Continue thinking up and not out by utilizing tall bookshelves.
   
• Use furniture pieces that serve more than one purpose.
   
• Got stairs?  Don’t let the area underneath them go to waste.  There are great options for creating extra storage that will be functional and look great too.
   
• If you’re going to hang curtains, hand them as high as you can to make the ceilings seem higher and extend the rods about 4 inches on either side to make windows seem wider and to allow more light in when they are open.
  

Downsizing and simplifying will make you realize that less really is more, but it doesn’t mean you must sacrifice style and comfort!

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, sonomamag.com, thespruce.com, designmorsels.com

Spring is a great time to sell a house. In fact, per a Zillow study, homes listed between May 1 through May 15 sold, on average, around 18.5 days faster than homes not listed during this period. Add this to the fact that the largest number of buyers are actively searching for homes in the months of April, May and June and you will see that getting your property on the market this time of year is a must. This is especially true now because there is still a shortage of homes for sale, so buyers are on the hunt!

Here are some tips that will help your house stand out among the other homes that get put on the market in spring:

1. Wash windows inside and out and polish all mirrors. A little bit of sparkle goes a long way in impressing potential buyers.
    
2. Rake the yard and trim back bushes. Your yard is the first thing people will see. Dead leaves and debris do not paint a pretty picture. In addition, you want as much natural light as possible flooding through your windows, so make sure bushes aren’t blocking the rays.
   
3. Mow the yard diagonally and edge along the driveway and sidewalks. Mowing diagonally makes yards look larger. And edging shows that you give attention to small details. 
    
4. Plant yellow flowers. Yellow tulips and daffodils promote feelings of happiness and contentment.
    
5. Clean window treatments and open windows. It will be worth your while to take down your drapes, curtains, and blinds to clean them and give them a crisp, fresh look. Weather permitting, opening windows lets the fresh air in and gives the whole house the feeling of spring.
   
6. Have fresh, fragrant flowers in the house. Artful home-staging brings color and pleasant aromas indoors.
    
7. Polish floors to a high gloss. Make those floors shine! Refinish them if necessary.
    
8. Use light colors. Even if you must spend a little to replace items things like towels, linens, throws, and sofa pillows are inexpensive accents that will pay off.  Use soft, spring colors such as yellows, pinks, pale blues, and lavenders to light up a room.
   
9. Spruce up your entryway. This is the part of your home where buyers will get their first impression. Make it a good one!

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: thepropertytribune.com.au, lawnsite.com, briebrieblooms.com, littlehouseoffour.com

There was some good news for buyers this week as mortgage rates continued a recent downslide. So, if you are questioning whether you should buy or rent a home, now may be a great time to lock into a rate.

Buying is often considered to be financially better than renting over the long run because your mortgage payments build equity in your home, which you will eventually own, while rent only goes toward the upkeep of your home and the pocket of your landlord. That is just one reason buying is better than renting. 

Here are some others:

• YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT WITH YOUR PROPERTY

Making home improvements will be your choice…from colors to paint the walls to light fixtures to types of floors, you won’t need permission from a landlord to make changes.

• TAX BENEFITS

Tax deductions are a great perk of home ownership.

• STABLE MONTHLY PAYMENTS

Rents can go up, but with a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments won’t change.

• FORCED SAVINGS

Renting might seem less expensive, but would you actually save the money you don’t spend on rent?  Since your mortgage payments are building equity in your own home, which you can later sell for profit, it’s like a forced savings.

Using a Rent vs. Buy Calculator you can see how buying is a better financial option than renting. For example, after 4 years, the cost of homeownership (down payment, mortgage, taxes, etc.) for a $300,000 home would be $143,564. The total cost to rent the same house for that period would be $102,022. Renting would leave you with $41,543 in your pocket (including the money you didn’t spend on a down payment). So, it looks like renting would be better financially, right? 

But wait…not so fast.

Let’s look at what you gain over the same 4-year period if you buy. After 4 years, your home will have $79,736 in equity. However, if you instead rent and invest your down payment and the other money you save at a 6% return rate, it will earn around $8,351 in 4 years. So, if you look at your gross costs, equity, and investment potential, it’s better for you to buy than rent if you plan to live in your home for more than 3 years and 9 months.

The bottom line is, if you’ve been thinking about buying a home in the Montgomery area, don’t wait! Start investing your money in your own home vs that of a landlord today!

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: ramseysolutions.com, theguardian.com, getarate.com, familyhandyman.com

8529 Westhampton Court, Montgomery, AL  36117

MLS# 535461

5 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 1 Half Bath | 4,228 SqFt | Wynlakes

Picture yourself living in pampered luxury in this executive Wynlakes home, one of Montgomery’s premier residential communities. This custom-built, Mediterranean-inspired home features an Italian stucco exterior and the finest of interior finishes. Stunning architectural details, ornate columns, two fireplaces (both can utilize wood or gas logs) and a breezy layout make this home perfect for both entertaining and everyday living. This 5-bedroom, 4.5 bath home features formal and casual living spaces, a home office with a separate entry and theater room complete with surround sound and remote-controlled lighting. Prepare a chef-grade meal in the gourmet kitchen complete with an island, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances (new dishwasher), dual-fuel Gaggenau cooktop (gas and electric) and new, built-in oven and microwave. The luxury wine bar and butler’s pantry are conveniently located for guests to flow to the formal dining room, kitchen or great room. Above the double-car garage, sits the private-entry guest apartment - perfect for a college student or guest - complete with a morning kitchen and full bath. A new roof was added in February 2022. Make your appointment today.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Joy Randolph, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

1067 Magnolia Curve, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 535613

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,821 Square Feet | Cloverdale

Beautifully situated on the corner of Magnolia Curve and Boultier, you will find this adorable home ready for its new owners! Excellent Midtown Montgomery location in Cloverdale for walking to nearby parks and restaurants, this beautiful house has been tastefully updated while also maintaining the Cloverdale charm. In the updated kitchen you will find granite counter tops, a smooth top electric range, stainless steel refrigerator and a large pantry for extra storage. The main level has two bedrooms and a bathroom which has been very nicely updated. Upstairs you will find the third bedroom and a brand-new bathroom! There is also ample space for storage or even a 4th bedroom upstairs. The formal living room boasts beautiful built-in bookcases, crown molding and wood burning fireplace with large eye-catching mantle. There is a bonus room off the living room that would be an excellent sitting area before stepping out onto your patio. The backyard is fully fenced and easily maintainable while also having a storage shed for all outdoor equipment. Hop on over this Easter weekend to check it out!!

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

Spring has sprung and there’s nowhere better to celebrate the season than Montgomery!

Here are some special events going on in and around the Montgomery area this spring that you won’t want to miss:

Easter Bunny Meet & Greet
April 5-7, 2023 – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

The Party Palace
1032A US 231, Wetumpka, AL

HOP on over to The Party Palace for a meet & greet with the Bunny! Tickets include a photo with the Easter Bunny and springtime crafts!

Tickets are $10 per child and $5 per adult.

First Friday with Charisse!
Friday, April 7, 2023, at 9:00 PM

BB King’s Blues Club
1801 Eddie L Tullis Rd, Montgomery, AL

Join us on the First Friday of April for an evening with Charisse Mackey, who will be tearing down the house! Guaranteed good music, food & drinks! Reserve your spot HERE.

BB King's Blues Club is Located within the Wind Creek Hotel and Casino in Montgomery, Alabama. Authentic Memphis style Barbeque dishes as well as Cajun and Creole menu items are served inside an amazing replica of the original BB King's Blues Club in Memphis, along with the entire Beale Street experience. Enjoy our world-famous BB King's Ribs while listening and dancing to the best in local and regional blues and R&B musicians and bands.

Spring Celebration & Easter Egg Hunt
April 8, 2023 – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Prattville First United Methodist Church
100 East 4^th Street, Prattville, AL

Join us on Saturday, April 8, 2023, for our Spring Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt! We will gather on the Bell House Lawn from 2:00-4:00pm for a fun day of Spring Activities! The Easter Bunny will be here, and we will have games, music, snacks, inflatables, a petting zoo and of course an EASTER EGG HUNT for children up to 5th grade. 

Easter Ornament Hunt
Saturday, April 8, 2023 – 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Downtown Historic District
Prattville, AL

The 4th Annual Easter Ornament Hunt will be held in Historic Downtown Prattville on Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. or until all ornament cards* are found. 

*Ornament cards are exchanged for real ornaments

Please come and enjoy the fun! It’s FREE!

For more information click HERE

Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Museum

2302 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL

The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum will be OPEN on Easter Weekend, April 7-9, 2023. Come on out to the zoo this holiday weekend to explore the great outdoors and the continents of the world!

Alabama Shakespeare Festival – Preview: Million Dollar Quartet
Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 7:00 PM

1 Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL
Festival Stage

On December 4, 1956, a twist of fate brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley at Sun Records in Memphis, TN. Million Dollar Quartet is a celebration of the contagious spirit, freewheeling excitement, and thrilling sounds of the once-in-a-lifetime event where four of music’s best talents came together. This is a rocking night of classic music!

Alyssa Ruffin at Jan’s Beach House Grill
Thursday, April 13, 2023
6:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Jan’s Beach House Grill
850 Eastern Blvd #850, Montgomery, AL

Join us for a night of music from multi-award-winning recording artist Alyssa Ruffin! Alyssa is an award-winning, genre-bending Country Recording Artist, and Singer-Songwriter. She is the 2022 International Fair Play Country Music – Country Voice of the Year Award Winner, a 2022 Josie Music Awards Songwriter Achievement Award winner and more! Don’t miss out on this wonderful night of music at Jan’s Beach House Grill!

CoosaPalooza Brewfest 2023
Saturday, April 15, 2023
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Main Street, Wetumpka, AL

CoosaPalooza Brewfest is BACK in 2023!

Come out to the banks of the Coosa River in Downtown Wetumpka for good beer, great company, and awesome entertainment! This is a fundraising event for Main Street Wetumpka. All proceeds from this event go to Main Street Wetumpka’s mission of downtown revitalization.

VIP admission ticket holders will enjoy nearly 40 craft brews while taking in the beautiful backdrop of the Coosa River in downtown Wetumpka. General admission price also includes entertainment, souvenir tasting glass, and beer tastings.

Get VIP tickets for $85, which include 1-hour early entry, VIP Tent (Specialty Beer & Food), and a CoosaPalooza t-shirt. VIP entry starts at 2:00 PM.

The 2023 Coosapalooza Brewfest is an event for people 21 years of age or older. Chairs, blankets, and small bags are allowed. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Rain or shine event, no refunds. Free bottled water is available. 

Purchase tickets HERE.

Parks & Rec Summer Registration Kick-Off and Family Fun Day
April 22, 2023 – 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Oak Park
1010 Forest Ave., Montgomery, AL

Come on out to Oak Park to register your children for summer programs and enjoy a fun-filled day of activities with the family! Activities include inflatables, face painting, arts & crafts, vendors, and armory athletics. Free food and drinks will be available.

Bama Sound Band at Cloverdale Park
Sunday, April 30, 2023 – 4:00 PM

Cloverdale Bottom Park
3124 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL

Sunday afternoon in the park with the Bama Sound Band featuring Cameron DuBois. Bring lawn chairs and a cooler and relax to an old school free concert in the park.

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: funinmontgomery.com, facebook.com, allevents.in, milliondollarquartet.net, experiencemontgomeryal.org, bbkings.com, eventbrite.com

610 Ponce De Leon Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 535236

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,521 Square Feet | Cloverdale/Idlewild 

Have you always dreamed of living in a Cloverdale cottage? Well, here is your opportunity!! Spend your evenings walking to nearby parks and restaurants or relax on your front porch swing. Conveniently located near Cloverdale Bottom Park where you can enjoy the Spring Concert series and the Cloverdale entertainment district. As you enter this lovely, freshly painted home you are greeted with a bright living room, fireplace, window seating and built-in bookshelves. The French doors separate the living room and dining room while looking great both open and closed. The breakfast room has a built-in china cabinet with glass doors for additional storage space. The updated kitchen boasts granite counter tops, a stainless-steel refrigerator, smooth top range, dishwasher and microwave; all of which will remain with the home. The spacious deck holds built-in seating while the fully fenced yard supplies all the space needed for entertaining. The beautiful hardwood floors are in pristine condition while the crystal doorknobs and transom windows add so much Cloverdale charm. Don't miss the opportunity to call 610 Ponce De Leon, in Midtown Montgomery, home!!

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

With spring’s arrival and summer just around the corner, many people enjoy spending time outdoors to savor the warmer weather. Unfortunately, there are some not-so-pleasant aspects of spending time outside such as bugs, rain, and hot, humid days.

Whether you have a deck, patio, or balcony (any outdoor space will do!), the following tips will help make the time you spend outside more comfortable in any situation:

• BUGS 

Yuck. Whether you are hosting an alfresco dinner party or simply trying to relax with a good book on your deck, nothing will send you running back inside faster than nasty, annoying bugs. If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, dealing with them is imperative if you want to be able to enjoy the outdoors. Screening in a porch is an ideal way to be able to feel like you are outside without all the awful bug bites.

Other ways to keep insects away:

• Do not keep any standing water on your property. Even a single forgotten flowerpot full of rainwater can become a mosquito breeding ground.
• Make water features running rather than standing, or treat them with Mosquito Dunks.
• Install ceiling fans on porches - flies and mosquitoes do not like moving air.
   
• USE OUTDOOR FABRICS IN EXPOSED AREAS

If your porch is covered, you may be able to get away with using more delicate furniture and cushions not specifically made for outdoor use. But if your seating area is exposed to the elements, you will want to invest in fabrics and furniture made for outside use. They will likely be more expensive, but they won’t fade in the sun, will resist stains and are water resistant. The cushions are stuffed with material that sheds water easily so that they won’t stay waterlogged if they get wet.

• UTILIZE A STORAGE BENCH 

While outdoor cushions are designed to stand up to repeated soakings, they will still be wet for a while directly after a rainstorm. You can avoid having to sit on damp cushions by keeping them in a covered storage bench when you know there is a chance of rain. If they won’t fit in a storage bench, lean your larger cushions against the wall of the house. Do the same with any lightweight folding chairs.

• MASK SOUNDS WITH RUNNING WATER 

If noise is an issue that prevents you from indulging in a peaceful outdoor experience, try using a water feature to drown out the distraction. Water is a great way to gently camouflage sounds from close neighbors. Try installing a small fountain near your seating area for a more tranquil atmosphere.

• MUSIC

If the water feature doesn’t appeal to you, soft music playing in the background can be just as effective at masking sounds. With wireless speakers, you don’t even need an outlet to play your music.

• SHADE

Even when you are craving the warmth of the sun, sitting outside without any shade on a hot, sunny day will send you running for the AC before too long. There are a lot of options for adding shade to your yard. Try freestanding umbrellas, a cloth overhang, lattices, a shade tree, or a pergola.

• PUT TOGETHER AN OUTDOOR DINING KIT

Dining alfresco will be easier if you have a kit ready and waiting. Put your frequently used outdoor items in a basket or on a big tray with handles so you can just grab it and go.

Here are some things to include:

• Unbreakable wineglasses and plates
• A carafe for water, wine, or tea
• Big napkins
• Candles and matches or a lighter
• A wicker or mesh dome-shaped cover to keep flies off the food
• Unbreakable outdoor serving pieces
• A bottle opener
  
   
• HAVE BLANKETS FOR CHILLY EVENINGS

Keep some blankets nearby. Old wool camp-style blankets, light weight Kantha Quilts, or fringed throws work well. Your guests will thank you on chilly evenings in the garden!

• HAVE ADEQUATE NIGHTTIME LIGHTING

Your outdoor space will really come alive at night with the right lighting. Try placing lighting under a bench seat for subtle illumination, make a ring of lanterns on the grass around your dining table or hang strings of lights overhead. Landscape lighting will add to the ambiance as well.

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: mountainliving.com, homedepot.com, housedigest.com, yardenvy.com