Real Estate Information

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!

​

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!

​

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!

‘Tis the season to be jolly…and that means enjoying the plethora of festive holiday events that can be found in Montgomery and surrounding areas.

Here is a handy list of special events going on this holiday season:

ELF THE MUSICAL
Pike Road Intermediate School
4710 Pike Rd
Pike Rd, AL

December 1 – December 18, 2022

Directed by James Keith Posey

Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar (The Wedding Singer) and Chad Beguelin (Disney's Aladdin on Broadway), with a book by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).

Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Purchase tickets HERE.

______________________________________________________________________

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Alabama Shakespeare Festival
1 Festival Drive
Montgomery, AL

December 2 – 13, 2022

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers the impact of his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Kate Bergstrom will make her directorial debut leading a cast of five actors who will use sound effects, singing, and quick character changes to bring to life this iconic American story. This production is perfect for all ages. Purchase tickets HERE.

_____________________________________________________________________

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FESTIVAL AT THE ZOO

Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum
2301 Coliseum Pkwy
Montgomery, AL

December 2-25

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm

See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland displaying thousands of sparkling and twinkling lights and festive decorations at Christmas Lights Festival. Take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a brisk train ride. Safely visit Santa and the Christmas Tree Village at the Mann Museum, enjoy the live entertainment at the Overlook Cafe, and no winter's night would be complete without some warming hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies from the Overlook Cafe. Make plans to swing by the Zoo and Museum Gift Shops for last minute gift purchases, souvenirs, and to participate in the Zoo Animal Angel Tree, helping conservation efforts at the Zoo and around the world. For more information and to purchase tickets click HERE.
_____________________________________________________________________

A DOWNTOWN DICKENS CHRISTMAS

Historic Downtown Wetumpka

December 2 & 3, 2022 – 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Join the Wetumpka Chamber in collaboration with the City of Wetumpka, and Main Street Wetumpka for a two-night community event as we celebrate the annual Christmas tree lighting and enjoy a Victorian Christmas in historic downtown Wetumpka! A Downtown Dickens Christmas will be held on December 2^nd and 3^rd from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, where you will be transported back to scenes from “A Christmas Carol” with period costumes, photos with Father Christmas, authentic vendors, and decorated downtown businesses. This is the perfect time to walk around our whimsical historic business district and complete your holiday shopping.

_____________________________________________________________________

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PARADE AND FESTIVAL

3199 Main Street
Millbrook, AL

Saturday, December 3, 2022 – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

The Theme for this year is – “A Musical Millbrook Christmas”. Our Grand Marshals for this year’s parade are the SEHS Choir & Band Directors & members. The Parade will start at 2:00 pm at the Smokehouse Pit BBQ on Main Street and end at the intersection of Main Street and Coosada Road.

Arts & Crafts & Food Vendors & Entertainment – 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. We will have entertainment on stage all day on the Village Green. Come out and see lots of dancers, old and young, and listen to some wonderful singers. We have a great variety of Arts & Crafts vendors, so come out and buy some beautiful and unique Christmas gifts. We have food vendors aplenty with all kinds of temptations. Come for breakfast, stay for lunch, and take home goodies for supper!

Santa & Mrs. Claus will be in the Gazebo in the Village Green and available for pictures 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Free photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus for children 12 and under.

_____________________________________________________________________

JINGLE JAM: THE BIG GIVE

Centerpoint Fellowship Church
1200 McQueen Smith Rd
South Prattville, AL

December 4, 2022 – 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Are you looking for something exciting to do this Holiday season? Take a break from all the baking, shopping, and endless rolls of wrapping paper to join us at JINGLE JAM... a Christmas party big enough for the whole family! Jingle Jam will have it all! Fun and games, music, lights, an interactive show that's sure to engage all ages, and a totally rockin' after party! You don't want to miss this, so invite your friends and family and plan to join us for Jingle Jam on December 4th as we unwrap "THE BIG GIVE!"

We do have a limited capacity for this event, so please reserve your FREE tickets by Wednesday, November 30th!

While Jingle Jam is free to attend, we ask that each family consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy or blanket with you to donate to a wonderful cause! We are partnering with our friends at The Mercy House in Montgomery this Christmas season to help bless families in need.

_____________________________________________________________________

BEDTIME STORIES WITH SANTA

The Shoppes at EastChase
Books-A-Million
7074 Eastchase Parkway
Montgomery, AL

December 6 & 13, 2022 – 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Put on your best holiday pajamas and head to Books-A-Million for Bedtime Stories with Santa! Each ticket will include a holiday book to take home, complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, and a reading by Santa. Following the reading, there will be time for photos with Santa and to tell him your holiday wishes!

Bedtime Stories will be hosted on Tuesday, December 6 and 13th from 4 PM - 6 PM. Tickets are sold in 30-minute increments to allow for quality time with the Man in the Red Coat! Purchase tickets HERE.
______________________________________________________________

dot by Colman Domingo

Cloverdale Playhouse
960 Cloverdale Rd,
Montgomery, AL 36106

December 8^th- 18^th

The holidays are always a wild family affair at the Shealy house. But this year, Dotty and her three grown children gather with more than exchanging presents on their minds. As Dotty struggles to hold on to her memory, her children must fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. This twisted and hilarious new play grapples unflinchingly with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of a West Philly neighborhood.

Directed by our own Greg Thornton, former company member at ASF

Purchase tickets HERE.

______________________________________________________________________

COOKIES WITH SANTA

The Party Palace
1032A US 231
Wetumpka, AL

December 9, 2022 – 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Come experience the magic and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Party Palace.

Get your child’s photo taken and have a cookie as well (made by the elves themsELVES)

For extra magic have your child bring Santa a hand-written note with what their wish is for Christmas!

We will take professional photos as well and will upload them to our Facebook page for sharing!

Children under 2 and adults are free.

All other children need a paid ticket. Purchase tickets HERE

_____________________________________________________________________

A SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

First United Methodist Church
2416 W Cloverdale Park
Montgomery, AL

December 11, 2022 – 9:45 am to 10:45 am

On the third Sunday of Advent, our Cathedral Choir, an orchestra, and soloists will lead us in the holiday musical event of the season. Bring your family and friends to experience the sounds of the season during this unforgettable worship event!

___________________________________________________________________

CRAFTS AT CHRISTMAS

First Presbyterian Church
100 West Bridge Street
Wetumpka, AL

December 13, 2022 – 12:00 pm

Central Alabama Master Gardeners will share all types of tips and tricks for making fun festive crafts to share with others and decorate with this holiday season. This event is free to the public. Water is provided, bring a sack lunch and a friend! For more information contact Elmore County Extension Office at 334-567-6301.

_____________________________________________________________________

ZOOFARI WINTER CAMP

December 27 – December 30, 2022
8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum
2301 Coliseum Parkway
Montgomery, AL

Campers will enjoy unique, educational, and fun daily winter-themed activities, make crafts, experience behind the scenes animal encounters, and perhaps make a new friend or two. Close out the holidays and bring in the new year with a WILDLIFE bang at the Montgomery Zoo! For more information click HERE.

_____________________________________________________________________

HOLIDAYS ON THE HARRIOTT II

Harriott II Riverboat
213 Commerce St
Montgomery, AL

Fridays and Saturdays through December – 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm

The Holidays are magical when you take a cruise on the Harriott II. Purchase your tickets online HERE  to enjoy a delicious dinner, dancing and spectacular views.

____________________________________________________________________

Wishing you a festive and happy holiday season from your Hat Team of Professional Realtors!

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: allevents.in, eventbrite.com, bing.com, facebook.com, exploremgm.com

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.  A time for friends and family to come together to celebrate the holidays.  Many of you will be hosting guests in your homes and while you are surely delighted to spend time with your loved ones, it can be a stressful time as well.

If you are opening your doors to family members or friends this holiday season, here are some ideas for prepping your home so that you’ll be ready to welcome them with open arms:

• Tidy up the house. Use this as motivation to thoroughly clean your house. Get rid of clutter, make small house repairs, and complete your holiday decorating. Prioritize what needs to be done to have your space ready for guests. If you get all this done prior to their arrival, you will have more time and energy to spend with your visitors.
  
• Stock up on food and drinks. Make sure you have different types of beverages and snacks that your guests enjoy. It’s nice for them to be able to easily grab a quick snack whenever they want. If you don’t feel comfortable with your visitors searching through your pantry and fridge, provide a basket of goodies and cooler with drinks in their guestroom.
  
• Have activities planned for your guests. Depending on how long they are staying, you may want to plan some special events or activities for your guests. Whether it’s a shopping excursion, a day at a museum, a holiday concert or just a nice dinner out, your visitors will appreciate your thoughtfulness in keeping them entertained.
   
• Be mindful of the little ones. If your guests include children, be sure to plan for them as well.  If you don’t have children, you may want to pick up a game or some arts and crafts to have around for them.  Find out their food preferences prior to their arrival so that you are prepared to accommodate them at meals. 
   
• Provide comfortable sleeping spaces. Be sure to have nice, clean sheets, pillows, and extra blankets.  If you have a guest bedroom that has not been used in a while, strip the bed and wash the bed linens so that they are fresh for your guests.  
  
• Provide toiletries.  The guest bathroom should have soap/body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion available for guests. Place some clean, fluffy towels and wash cloths in a basket for your visitors to use.
   
• Give instructions for electronics. If the guest room has a television, leave written instructions for how to use the remote so your visitors won’t have to come and ask you for help.

By following these tips and prepping your home ahead of time, you will be able to offer a warm welcome to your guests and enjoy the time you have with them!

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: parenting.firstcry.com, smallgesturesmatter.com, mombrite.com, LovePastaToolbelt.com

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and if you are planning to have a houseful of kids at your celebration, you may want to prepare some fun crafts for them to do to keep them busy until the feast is ready. If they are busy creating fun Thanksgiving crafts, you won’t have to worry about them being underfoot while preparing your meal. It’s an especially good idea if the weather is not nice and they can’t get outside to play and burn off energy. Plus, kids love to feel like they are helping, so let them make placemats, place cards and decorations for your table. 

Check out these fun, simple crafts:

THANKSGIVING PLACEMATS

This easy craft can be done by kids of all ages. Simply use these Fun Printable Thanksgiving Placemats and provide crayons, colored pencils, watercolor paints, or markers. Print them on nice, thick art paper so that they will lie flat on the table. If the kids use paints, make sure they start early to give them plenty of time to dry. And if there is an older child or adult with time on their hands, you can even purchase laminating paper so that the placemats can be preserved and used again next year!

TURKEY FINGER PUPPET

Little ones be delighted by these precious little DIY TURKEY FINGER PUPPETS. All you need are foam sheets, scissors, glue, and a hole punch. If there are older kids, they can help by doing the cutting. Otherwise, an adult should prepare the materials by pre-cutting them and then the little ones can do the gluing. When they are done, they will have a terrific turkey friend top play with all day!

THANKFUL TREE

The whole family can take part in this activity that helps to teach little ones about the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Use a large piece of butcher paper to draw a leafless tree (or have an older child do it). Hang the butcher paper on the wall with sticky putty. Provide templates for different shaped leaves. The kids can trace and cut out the leaves and write what they are thankful for on them. They can also cut out leaves for all the adults and let them write what they are thankful for as well. Then everyone can put their leaves on the tree with sticky putty or glue and you will have a beautiful, colorful Thanksgiving Tree!

HANDPRINT TURKEY PLACE HOLDER

You will have to plan ahead for this craft so that you have the materials you need on hand. But the result will be these precious place card holders literally made from your little ones’ hands!  You will need brown construction paper, natural wood clothespins, paints in fall colors, stick-on googly eyes, paintbrushes, scissors, glue, pencils, and white cardstock.  Depending on the age of the children, they may need help writing the names on the cards. Allow them to help set the table by putting their homemade place cards at each setting.

MILK BOTTLE THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE

You may not know this, but young children LOVE to pour. It sounds so simple…and it is, but they get great joy out of it! So why not let them add to your lovely  table by making this Easy DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece! You will need six empty glass containers like milk bottles or mason jars, various colors of dried beans and corn, six taper candles, and some ribbon and letters to spell out “thanks”. You can let older kids cut the letters out of construction paper, or you can purchase chipboard letters in the scrapbooking section of the craft store.

So, keep those kids busy Thanksgiving Day with these fun crafts and be thankful for their wonderful contributions to this special holiday!  Happy Thanksgiving!

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: thekindergartenconnection.com, handmaidcharlotte.com, thecraftycrow.net, easypeasyandfun.com, thesprucecrafts.com

The holiday season is upon us, and it is the perfect time of year to show how grateful we are by helping others in need. Not everyone will spend the holidays in a warm home surrounded by loved ones, but those of us that will can make the season a little bit brighter by donating time, food and gifts to those less fortunate. To make it a little easier for you to do so, here is a list of places where you can volunteer or make donations in the Montgomery area:

The Salvation Army of Montgomery, AL
With a statement of “we’re better together”, the Salvation Army serves the most vulnerable citizens in our community in many ways. During the holiday season, millions of children in America will not receive gifts for Christmas or even have a decent meal to celebrate Thanksgiving. You can help by “giving joy” and making a donation or by volunteering your time and energy to distribute gifts along with food for holiday meals to participating families.

Hands on River Region
Adopt a family in need through the Christmas Clearinghouse Project. Through this program you can provide for the needs of one family and make their Christmas a little brighter.  You can also build a care basket of items that food stamps and public assistance don’t provide for. If you don’t have time for either of those options, monetary donations are always welcomed and appreciated.

Friendship Mission
Friendship Mission’s goal is to assist homeless people in becoming self-sustaining in the local community. They need your help. You can volunteer your time and talents in various ways to help those in need: sponsor a movie night or a game day party meal, assist adults in learning about time management and other life skills, tutor school-aged children and/or adult learners who are working toward their GED, or do something fun with the clients like playing bingo or teaching a craft. And of course, donations and gifts are always welcome and appreciated.

The Montgomery Area Council on Aging
This organization serves seniors in the River Region area of Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore, Coosa, and Tallapoosa counties. Their flagship program is Meals on Wheels. Volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals to over 400 senior citizens who cannot prepare their own meals. They not only provide much needed nutrition, but they also give daily social interaction as they check on the welfare of their recipients.  They currently have a waiting list of over 200 seniors who need your help. Volunteer HERE.

Family Promise of Montgomery
Family Promise’s vision is “a nation in which every family has a home, a livelihood, and a chance to build a better future together”.  To accomplish that goal, even just in the Montgomery area, it takes a village. Family Promise welcomes and appreciates volunteers of all ages to support families with children facing a housing crisis. Serving over 1,000 people a year, it is truly not possible to succeed without community involvement. Click HERE to see all the ways you can volunteer for this wonderful organization.

Montgomery Area Food Bank
The food bank’s mission statement: “To source, acquire, and distribute nutritious food those experiencing hunger and food insecurity throughout out region, so that families, seniors, and children can thrive.” Every $1 donated feeds five hungry people in the River Region. Click HERE to get involved!

These are just a few ways you can give back to your community this holiday season. Happy Holidays!

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: paradoxlabs.com, salvationarmyalm.org, handsonriverregion.org, friendshipmission.org, macoa.org, familypromisemontgomery.org

4061 Ray Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109

MLS# 528016

4 Bedrooms | #4 Baths |3,305 Square Feet | Johnstown/Dalraida 

Absolutely amazing large family home in Johnstown/Dalraida! Situated on a large corner lot, this 4 bedroom, 4 bath home has been beautifully updated, meticulously maintained and is move in ready! The large living room has a vaulted ceiling with a stone fireplace at one end, and a huge window at the other. The kitchen has stainless appliances, granite counter tops, breakfast bar and opens to a sunroom/dining room/keeping room with French doors to the patio and pool. The master suite has a great bathroom with split vanities, a soaking tub with a cool electric wall heater, separate shower and two walk in closets. Down the hall are two bedrooms with good sized closets, a pretty hall bath and laundry room. There is a parking pad on the left side of the house with a separate entrance and a mother-in-law suite (2nd master) with two bathrooms, French doors to the patio and an extra living space (currently a home office). The covered patio with a fancy outdoor kitchen, the saltwater pool (new lining), the top-of-the-line hot tub and fabulous garage have been the center of entertaining family and friends for 25 years. This home has lots of special features that you have to see in person. Check it out today!

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

When purchasing a home, the many different loan options available to you can be a bit overwhelming. With different names, various term lengths and many other factors on the table, it can be confusing trying to figure out which loan is best for you. While your mortgage lender and your Realtor can both answer questions you may have, it’s still smart to do your own research so that you have a basic understanding of mortgage loans.

Let’s focus on the two major options that affect your mortgage: the term of the loan and the type of interest rate attached to it. The term of the loan is the amount of time you have to pay it off.  Two of the most common loan terms are 15-year and 30-year loans. There are pros and cons to both. In addition, there are two types of interest rates to choose from: a fixed-rate or an adjustable-rate. Each type of loan combination has perks that meet your specific needs and will determine your monthly payment and the total interest you will pay.

First we will look at a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage loan.

This is a loan that you pay back over 15 years with the same interest rate throughout the life of the loan. One of the biggest benefits of a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage loan is that you will pay it off in half the time of a 30-year loan. Obvious, right? But what you may not realize is that you will also be paying less toward interest AND you will be building equity more quickly.  Paying your loan off faster means being able to use your hard-earned money for other things like retirement savings, college tuition for children, travel etc. However, while having a shorter term will often garner a lower interest rate, it still likely means higher monthly payments. And that is something you need to think about when deciding what kind of loan to pursue. For example, say your loan amount is $184,000 and you have a fixed interest rate of 7%.  You will pay about $1,650 a month with a 15-year loan verses about $1,220 a month with a 30-year term.  Since your payment will be lower with a 30-year loan, you might be able to qualify for a larger amount if you choose the loan with the longer term.

Shorter term loans usually have lower interest rates. This is because the lender is taking on less risk when money is borrowed for a shorter amount of time and they are able to get their interest back sooner. Locking into an interest rate with a  fixed-rate loan means you will pay at that interest rate for the entirety of your loan term. Since rates fluctuate daily, this is a good thing. However, there is always a chance that interest rates could drop lower than your rate, in which case an adjustable-rate mortgage might be beneficial. Adjustable-rate loans are risky though, because your rate could also go much higher meaning higher monthly payments and more interest paid throughout the life of the loan. The main reason to think about getting an adjustable-rate mortgage loan is to get a lower monthly payment. Since you are taking on the risk of rates rising, the bank will often reward you with a low rate starting out.

Now, let’s look at a 30-year mortgage loan. 

This is a home loan that will be paid off completely in 30 years as long as every payment is made as scheduled. Most 30-year mortgages are fixed-rate loans, meaning the interest rate will stay the same throughout the life of the loan. When you take out a 30-year loan, you may qualify for a higher amount than you would with a 15-year term. In addition, you will have lower monthly payments, making a more expensive home affordable for you. You also will enjoy the flexibility of being able to pay the loan off faster by adding to your monthly payment or making extra payments. But you can always go back to your regular payment when you can’t afford to do more. It’s easier to qualify for a 30-year loan and with the lower payments, you might have money left over each month for other things like savings, travel, etc. Just keep in mind that with a 30-year mortgage you will likely be paying a higher interest rate as well as more interest over the years, and you won’t be building equity as fast as you would with a 15-year mortgage.

Choosing what mortgage works best for you is a personal decision based on your needs.  Again, your mortgage lender and Realtor can help you do the math to determine what type of loan is going to give you the best outcome.

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: texasunitedmortgage.com, corbymortgage.com, totalmortgage.com, mortgagemoon.com