Real Estate Information

842 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 531784

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,508 Square Feet | Cloverdale

This ol' girl turns 100 this year, but you wouldn't know it from looking at her! Meticulously maintained for over 50 years by the same family, and thoughtfully updated over the years, this Midtown Montgomery home is ready for the next owners to love it. Situated at the foot of historic Cloverdale Park, the views are breathtaking and peaceful. Spacious rooms and craftsman-inspired detailing add old world charm. Breakfast room has two built-in china/glassware cabinets, and kitchen features two pantry areas for great storage and clutter free work areas. The rear deck affords a great view of the deep, private backyard with formal garden area and additional yard space beyond. The original one-car garage provides excellent storage and attached "keepers quarters" has endless possibilities for additional live-work/play area. Easily walk to nearby restaurants, bars, theatres, and shopping venues, and access to two of the area's main parks featuring seasonal events, concerts, and exercise/play opportunities.

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

Buying your first home is exciting. After getting approved for a mortgage loan, working with a professional Realtor and finding your dream home, it’s time to settle in and start enjoying your new digs. Then BAM!  The shock of an unexpected expense slaps you in the face. Don’t let that happen to you. Being informed about the possible expenses of being a homeowner will not make spending the money any more fun, but at least you will be prepared. 

Here are some ancillary costs of homeownership that you should be aware of:

1. CLOSING COSTS

When closing on your mortgage you will be presented with a long list of costs: mortgage taxes, lender application fees, attorney’s fees, title insurance, recording fees and any potential real estate tax reimbursements if the seller has paid them up front. Altogether, closing costs are an average of 2 to 5 percent of the total cost of the home. They will vary from state to state.

2. HOME MAINTENANCE
   

Now that you are a homeowner, you are solely responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your property. Everything from yardwork to cleaning; pressure washing to clearing the gutters…it’s all in your hands and on your dime. Oh…and fixing things. Yeah. When the AC isn’t working or there is a leaky faucet, you will be footing the bill for repairs. This all sounds a bit overwhelming, but the key is to be prepared. Go into your home purchase knowing that you will likely be spending about 1% of the purchase price of your home on maintenance annually.

3. PROPERTY TAXES

Property taxes vary by state and can also vary based on city, ordinance, and even specific house. You can utilize a Property Tax Calculator to get an idea of what your taxes will be when planning for your expenses.

4. UTILITIES
   

If you’re coming from a rental where your utilities were included with the rent, you may not have considered how much you will need to set aside to pay for electricity, gas, water, and sewage costs. Added to internet, cable and phone bills, it can be quite a chunk of change. Planning for utility costs is crucial to making sure you can afford to live in a home of your own.

5. HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE
   
   When you get a mortgage, you must get homeowner’s insurance as well. Be sure to do your homework and shop around for the best possible price. You can get discounts for things like security systems, working from home or bundling coverage for your home with your auto insurance policy. Educate yourself on what your insurance policy covers so that you’re not left disappointed when you must pay for something you thought would be taken care of.

Don’t let these expenses scare you off from purchasing a home. Again, the key is to be aware of them going in so that you won’t be caught unawares when they come up.

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: genisyscu.org, hometowninspect.com, energyathaas.wordpress.com, smt.greenwaymortgage.com

4260 Chesire Drive, Montgomery, AL  36116

MLS# 531686

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,144 Square Feet | Somerhill

This townhouse features a Craftsman exterior and is a 2-bedroom split plan. The master suite has an oversized tub and a walk-in closet, the 2nd bedroom has a bay window and a walk-in closet. The kitchen opens to the living area. Small private back yard. Somerhill is conveniently located off Vaughn Rd or Bell Rd and has lots of green space and a gazebo overlooking a lake. Check it out today!

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

Purchasing your first house is a monumental milestone in life.  It’s likely the largest financial commitment you will have made up to this point. You want to get it right. Here is a basic overview of five essential things you need to know when taking this step.

1. HIRE A REALTOR

Having an agent will save you time. They can send you listings directly from the MLS that fit your wants/needs and you won’t waste time looking at properties that might already be under contract. Realtors are also often aware of new listings that are not yet on the market. And while house hunting, there is no point in wasting your gas when an agent will pick you up and provide transportation. The advice you will receive from a qualified Realtor will be invaluable in the buying process.

2. DECIDE WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
    

Searching for the right home can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not even sure what you want. Come up with a list of must-haves and desires that you can present to your Realtor so that they can provide listings that fit those parameters.

3. GET A LOAN

It is smart to get loan preapproval prior to making an offer on a house…especially if it is a seller’s market where you may be competing with other buyers. Sellers want assurance that you will be able to complete the purchase of the home.

4. NEGOTIATE THE OFFER

Don’t make the mistake of comparing the sale price to other homes you have seen because the truth is, sellers can ask any amount they want for a house. Your Realtor can provide you with comparable sales of similar houses in the same condition and location over the past few months.

5. GET A HOME INSPECTION

Some states will allow you to have a home inspection prior to making an offer on a home. In other states, the inspection becomes a contract contingency, meaning the buyer has the right to cancel the contract. Either way, you don’t want to get locked into purchasing a home that has a faulty foundation, for example.

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: propertyupdate.com.au, landmarkhw.com, homeownershipmatters.realtor

The holidays are winding down and the new year is upon us. Chances are you are thinking about some personal goals you would like to achieve in 2023, but if you are a homeowner, you might want to add some resolutions to your list regarding your home. 

Here are some homeowner resolutions for you to consider in 2023:

1. Do a HOME INVENTORY and put together a DISASTER KIT for your home. You never know when disaster may strike, and while it is no fun to think about, it is important to be prepared. Include your home inventory and financial documents in your disaster kit so that you will be ready should the unthinkable happen. Make sure that your kit is stored in a fireproof, safe place that will be easily accessible if you need it.
   
2. Think about getting a Home Warranty. If your appliances are nearing the end of their life cycles, a home warranty could possibly help prevent high costs for replacements. Just be sure you do your research and read customer reviews regarding different home warranty options. And always read the fine print so that you don’t get blindsided by exclusions.
    
3. Thoroughly examine your Homeowner’s Insurance. You likely got a standard homeowner’s insurance policy to satisfy the lender when you purchased the home, but that does not assure that you are adequately covered. Each policy has unique coverage options and exclusions that you may not be aware of. Look it over and find out what it does and does not cover and then decide if it is adequate for you or if you need to purchase a different one.
   
4. Make saving for an emergency a priority. Sometimes homeowners are blindsided by unforeseen expenses. An Emergency Fund can be a life saver when that happens!  Think of it as a safety net for your home. An ideal emergency fund will be able to cover several months of expenses. Don’t let that overwhelm you. You have to start somewhere. Just start setting aside a small portion of your income each month and before you know it, you will have sizeable savings for emergencies.
    
5. Start building your equity. If you financed your home mortgage, it will be years before you own your home outright. But there are ways to build equity faster, which will enable you to enjoy the benefits of homeownership sooner. Home equity is a valuable asset that can be used to pay for things like home improvements or student loans. 
   

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: ready.gov, moneycrashers.com, thirdway.org

No, that title is not a type-o. And it’s not referring to the weather. But it is referring to our beautiful planet and how it’s effected by the holiday season. The truth is, a lot of what we do this time of can be a burden on our planet, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little ingenuity and effort, we can all do things that will lessen the environmental impact of the holiday season.

Here are some tips to help you enjoy the spirit of the season while also caring for our precious planet:

1. DON’T GIVE SO MANY “THINGS” AS GIFTS

Christmas gifts are meant to be ways to express love and thoughtfulness to others. And while some gifts do need to be purchased new, there are many gifts out there that don’t have to be store-bought. Think about gifting services instead of items. Things like a massage, a mani/pedi, music lessons, and movie tickets are gifts the recipient can enjoy after the chaos of the holidays are over. Even giving the gift of your own time and energy will be so appreciated. Think free babysitting, lawncare, cooking, gardening etc. Gifts like this require a lot of thought and isn’t that what gift-giving should be all about?

2. DON’T GIVE AS MANY GIFTS

If you have a large family, the number of gifts you have to buy can be overwhelming! Shortening that list can be a huge relief to you (and to the planet). Try a simple gift-giving ritual like drawing names so that each family member only buys for one other family member. If you are getting together with friends or extended family, suggest an ornament exchange or a cookie exchange so that each person only has to bring one item to participate.

3. BUY LOCAL

Shopping online is certainly convenient and makes things easier in a lot of ways. But have you ever thought of the environmental impact of having gifts shipped from all over the world? Transportation contributes greatly to greenhouse emissions and global warming. Shopping locally is not only more environmentally friendly, it can also be festive and fun. Hit the local craft fairs and artisan shops. Gifts from these sellers will likely be more unique and special than anything you can find online!

4. PICK GIFTS MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS

This might be a little more challenging to do, but if you are really interested in “going green” there are many businesses that have developed products using recycled materials. Check out these ideas for eco-friendly gifts: Gifts Made From Recycled Materials

5. AVOID GIFTS THAT NEED BATTERIES

Per the EPA, about 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season. Sadly, when we throw away batteries, we are damaging the environment. Even rechargeable batteries are eventually thrown away

6. DON’T BE AFRAID TO REGIFT

We are not saying to just grab any old thing you don’t want and give it to someone. But if you have something you are not using and you know it would be useful to someone on your Christmas list, regifting is a thoughtful gesture that will be appreciated.

Christmas is a time to gather with family and friends to make memories you will cherish. Let’s take care of our earth so that people will be able to celebrate for generations to come!

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: countryliving.com, housebeautiful.com, learn.eartheasy.com 

With Christmas right around the corner, you might already be thinking about your new year’s resolutions. And if those resolutions include buying a home, it’s never too early to start considering how you can defeat debt in order to achieve your dream of homeownership!

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Realtors see two major challenges time and time again with first time home buyers that effect their ability to purchase a home:

1. They often carry too much debt.
2. They don’t have enough cash for a down payment.

These two issues are strongly related in that people need to reduce debts that inhibit them from saving money.

We all know that we shouldn’t spend more than we earn, but falling into the debt trap is easy to do. You see a pair of boots that you must have and you think, I will use my credit card now and pay for them with my next paycheck. It sounds reasonable at the time, but next thing you know you’ve done something like that often enough that there is a beastly credit card balance hanging over your head.

So, now you’re in debt. You have regrets, but no use doing the “should have, would have, could have” dance. Now it’s time to move forward and take the steps needed to reduce your debt.

Here is a list of things to do to change the way you manage your money. Follow these steps and before you know it you will be on your way to saving for a down payment on your first home!

• STOP ADDING TO YOUR DEBT

The first step to getting out of debt is to stop adding to your outstanding balances. To remove temptation, carry only one credit card with you…and make sure it is the one with the lowest limit so that it is impossible to get into serious trouble with it. Leave any other credit cards in a safe place at home to keep yourself from going on an impulsive shopping spree.

• TAKE AN INVENTORY OF YOUR SPENDING HABITS

This may not be a fun activity, but it is helpful to see how you are spending. Create a list of where your money goes each month including rent, utilities, car payments, food, credit cards etc. Once you have done this, split the list into two categories: bills you must pay every month and debts you need to pay off. The second list then can be organized in order of urgency, either based on outstanding balance or highest interest rate. Now you will have a clear picture of your debt situation.

• ELIMINATE THE LARGEST DEBTS FIRST

Make a minimum payment for each of your credit card bills, but then make an extra payment on the bill that is at the top of your list. Do this monthly until that bill is paid in full. Now take the money you were using for that bill and start applying it to the second item on your list. Continue this until all of them are paid off.

• CUT EXPENSES AND MAKE THE PAYMENT

If you are already in debt, how are you going to find money for an extra payment?  Well, some sacrifices will have to be made.  Cutting back on extras like trips to Starbucks, entertainment and eating out can free up cash that can go toward that extra payment each month. 

• PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Sometimes life is a struggle and unexpected challenges such as car repairs or medical expenses will pop up from time to time. As you cut expenses and start to save money, set up an emergency savings account just for these occasions. That way you will be prepared and won’t have to use a credit card and add to your debt.

• SEEK LOWER INTEREST RATES

Give your credit card company a call to see if they will lower your interest rate. If they say no, shop around for a card with a lower rate and transfer your debt (be careful of transfer fees to make sure the transfer benefits you). You can also seek out a consolidation loan from your bank. They will pay off your debt and you can pay them back at a lower interest rate.

• STICK TO IT!

As you see your debt decrease and see your cash increase, don’t fall back into old spending habits. As you have more money available, put it right into your savings and soon you will have the money you need for a down payment on 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://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: uhloans.com, urmc.rochester.edu, familyhandyman.com

520 Moorfield Lane, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS# 530005

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,350 Square Feet | Taylor Downs

This well-maintained 3BR, 2BA home in the desirable Taylor Downs subdivision is in close proximity to everything you need - schools, shopping and dining! Upon entering, you will love the open floor plan that consists of a cozy living room with wood-burning fireplace and dining room. Beautiful laminate wood throughout the entire home. The kitchen exudes warmth with beautiful tile backsplash and stainless-steel appliances. This home has a split floor plan - the spacious master bedroom includes a full bathroom with double vanities. On the other side are two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom. Enjoy two outdoor patio spaces - one covered and one uncovered - and do it all in the privacy of your fully-fenced backyard. Make plans to see this one today!

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

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Ahh…the holidays. A time for happiness and cheer. And shopping. And cooking. And wrapping. And decorating. And baking. Are you tired yet? I am…just from typing this list of things we all do during the holiday season. And chances are you haven’t even started yet! Don’t despair! It doesn’t have to be this way. You can experience the magic without exhausting yourself to the point that you can’t even enjoy it. Keep it simple this year and you will breathe a sigh of relief as you savor the joy of the season.

Here are some tips to help:

• The Three Gift Rule

If maxing out your credit cards and spending hours wrapping gifts doesn’t sound like fun, you may want to consider the “Three Gift Rule”. With the Three Gift Rule each person gets one thing they need, one thing they want, and one surprise. Turn the focus from quantity to quality while saving yourself time, energy and a little money.

• Keep Your Tree Simple

Unless every single ornament you own is super meaningful to you, you don’t have to use them all. If you are overwhelmed thinking about how much time it takes to decorate your Christmas tree, then consider toning it down this year. If you have three bins of ornaments, just use one this year. Next year you can use another one. When it comes to your Christmas tree, there is beauty in simplicity. If you decorate it so much that you can’t even see any of the actual tree…you are probably doing too much!

• Don’t Go Overboard

We can all get caught up in trying to outdo our friends, neighbors, social media acquaintances, and/or family members during the holidays. But do you need all the additional stuff at Christmas? Stick to the basics…a lovely Christmas tree, a few special gifts and a wreath on the door…and you can still have a magical holiday!

• Give Homemade Edible Gifts

We all have SO. MUCH. STUFF. When thinking about what gifts to give to neighbors, friends and family, consider making and/or baking edible gifts. Not only will your time and thoughtfulness be appreciated, but the food will be enjoyed and won’t add to the collection of stuff taking up space in our homes.

• Go Easy on the Stockings

If you fill a stocking so full that you can’t leave it hanging because it’s too heavy, you have put too much in it! Use Christmas stockings to hold small items like candy, lip balm and socks.

• Secret Santa

If you are part of a large extended family or a large friend group, it can be stressful and expensive trying to find the perfect gift for every person in the group. Avoid that stress (and expense) by suggesting that you all do a “Secret Santa Gift Exchange”. This way, each of you will only have to buy for one other person. You will not only save money; you will be able to focus on finding a special gift that your chosen person will love!

• Give the Gift of Experiences

When Christmas is over, many people find themselves with a bunch of things they will never use again. But if you give the gift of a future experience…think tickets to a show or movie, gift card to a restaurant or spa experience…not only will there be less “stuff” to put away, but there will be things to look forward to as the holiday season draws to a close.

• Only Decorate the Room You Spend the Most Time In

You don’t have to decorate your whole house. Skip the Christmas shower curtain in the bathroom and focus on decorating where you and your family spend the most time. Some people enjoy decorating their entire home, but if you don’t, it’s ok. Do what brings you joy and skip the rest!

The bottom line is that the holiday season should be a time of peace and happiness.  Do what works for you and your loved ones so that you can truly experience the joy of the season!

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: goodhousekeeping.com, nytimes.com, idaph.net

436 Duckworth Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS# 528022

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,433 Square Feet | Landmark Estates

Tucked away in the quietest of neighborhoods is this move in ready home in Landmark Estates! Situated on top of a hill you will find an immaculate spacious house ready for its new family. The large family room has a vaulted ceiling and brick fireplace, the formal dining room has built in cabinets and the huge galley kitchen has a breakfast area. The master suite has a sitting area with a door to the patio and a huge walk-in closet and the other two bedrooms are on the opposite side of the house. Entertain family and friends outside under the covered patio overlooking the pool. The interior has been freshly painted and floors polished, new water heater, storage building and two car garage. Convenient location, check it out today!

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