754 Forestdale Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109

MLS# 563910

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,556 Square Feet | Forest Hills

Great starter home in Forest Hills, OR a good addition for your Investment Portfolio. Living/Dining combo, large eat in kitchen and den with tile flooring. Good closets and separate laundry room and nice flat back yard. Check it out today!

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

There are some beautiful older homes in Montgomery and if you are lucky enough to own one, you want to keep it in the best shape possible. It’s important to take steps to maintain the old-world charm of a historic home. 

Here are steps you can take to keep your aging, vintage home properly protected and preserved:

• KEEP UP WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Routine maintenance, like cleaning and painting (especially the exterior) is vital to minimizing issues that might mean costly repairs. It’s a good idea to develop a maintenance schedule and follow it as best you can.

 

• LIMIT CHANGES

When repairs must be made, try to keep original details intact. For example, if some trim needs to be replaced due to rot or infestation, only replace the parts that are damaged. This will save wood and money and help preserve the historic fabric of the house. If you do have to replace something completely, take photos prior to removing anything so that it can be duplicated to retain the character of the home.

• KEEP HISTORIC WINDOWS

If you have early twentieth century (or earlier) windows, you are going to want to keep them. They were made to be repaired, not replaced.It is possible to make old windows more energy efficient.

 

• TAKE SPECIAL CARE WITH MASONRY

While brick and masonry are long-lasting components, they will need maintenance and eventually, repairs. Educate yourself about proper ways to care for and repair them.

 

• EMBRACE THE QUIRKS

You don’t have to “fix” everything. You can repair and stabilize structural damage while keeping elements that show how your home has aged over the generations.

• KEEP HISTORIC INTERIOR FEATURES

While you will surely want to update some aspects of your home, try to hang on to the charming features that make it unique. Things like transoms, paneled doors, moldings and such are features that make your home special.

 

• KEEP PLASTER WALLS

Plaster is a remarkable material that is superior to modern day drywall. In recent years, preservation contractors have discovered the benefits of preserving plaster walls. Damaged plaster walls can be repaired, and if necessary, only replace the damaged portions.

 

• CHERISH THOSE OLD HARDWOOD FLOORS

Retaining the old floors in a historic house requires special care. Be careful not to over-sand them, destroying the antique character in the process. Old floors were hand-planed, and hand-sanding is the best way to maintain their character.

The most important step you can take to maintain your vintage home is to educate yourself. Lots of information can be found online and there are “Old House Specialists” that can help you!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out  https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

While summer is considered by many to be the hottest time for selling a house (both literally and figuratively), sometimes circumstances require you to sell during a different time of the year. If there is a season for everything, autumn just might be exactly the right season to sell.

Here are some perks to selling in autumn:

1. HOMES SHOW WELL IN AUTUMN

The autumn season lends a beauty to homes that can’t be found in any other season. Colorful leaves, fall décor, and seasonal flowers provide a gorgeous, cozy aesthetic that draws a lot of positive attention to the appearance of a home. For sellers, this means prime curb appeal will draw buyers’ interest.

2. SERIOUS BUYERS

Buyers who are looking at homes in autumn likely want to buy before the end of the year, so they are serious buyers. They likely want to get settled into a new house before the holiday season begins. The pressure is on for them to find their new home quickly and this puts you (the seller) in the driver’s seat when it comes to negotiations.

3. LESS COMPETITION

There is less competition in autumn. Many sellers need to close and move before school starts, so fewer houses are for sale. With less to choose from, buyers can’t afford to be quite as picky.

4. DIFFERENT TYPES OF BUYERS

You will be dealing with different types of buyers in Autumn. Families often move in the summer to accommodate school schedules. Empty nesters and Millennial home buyers are more likely to be looking in the fall. In addition, employers who need to relocate their workers often wait for fall to avoid the hot market during spring and summer. A speedy closing is the goal of most of these buyers, which means you are more likely to get the best price possible for your house.

5. LOWER MOVING COSTS

Since autumn is not the peak moving season, movers will be less in demand than they were during the summer. This means prices for moving may drop as demand drops. So, for those moving in autumn, you may possibly be able to save quite a bit on moving costs. You can maximize your savings choosing to move mid-month and/or mid-week when rates are often even lower.

6. BETTER (SWEATER) WEATHER

It can still be pretty warm during autumn in the south, so while it might not actually be “sweater weather”, it definitely will be “better weather” for moving than it is in the heat of summer.

Autumn is pretty. The weather is cooler; the leaves are changing colors and fall décor can make homes look and feel warm and cozy. This is a great time of year to dress up your house to entice buyers!

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.

3123 Woodley Terrace, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 563782

3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2,048 Square Feet | Woodley Terrace

Welcome to 3123 Woodley Terrace, a delightful gem nestled on a peaceful street! As you approach, the beautiful azaleas will be the first thing to catch your eye! Step inside to see the beautifully refinished hardwood floors that flow throughout the first floor, complemented by unique detailing along the staircase. The updated kitchen features a stylish tile backsplash, elegant granite countertops, and custom cabinetry—perfect for both everyday meals and entertaining. This charming home offers two spacious bedrooms on the first floor, while the finished upstairs boasts a third bedroom and additional bathroom. This versatile space is ideal for children or a home office, providing plenty of room to grow. Outside, you’ll find a two-car garage and a nicely sized fenced yard, complete with a lovely stone walkway—perfect for your gardening ambitions or creating a nice space for outdoor gatherings. Recent updates include a new HVAC system and roof installed in 2022, along with fresh interior and exterior paint, refinished floors, and new carpet installed upstairs this year. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this Cloverdale charmer yours!

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

338 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 563781

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,920 Square Feet | Garden District

This adorable Garden District cottage has been in the same family for over 80 years! Living spaces feature high ceilings and large open rooms. Seller says hardwoods under carpet. Spacious kitchen has original/antique built-in cabinet and fabulous farm sink. Rear section of central hallway large enough for sitting area off main bedroom. Main/rear bedroom is large and flooded in light by multiple large windows. Central hallway has large walk-in closet that would be perfect for powder room conversion. Front bedroom is spacious and also has en suite bath. Attic is floored for additional storage. Cozy and private back yard features a deck, is fenced for pets, and has an original 1 car detached garage with storage in rear. Attached 1-car aluminum carport protects from the elements. Great street and just a block from fine dining, coffee shop, bars, restaurants, and entertainment. Easy access to downtown and both interstates!

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

There are a plethora of fun events happening in and around Montgomery this Fall. It’s a great season to get out and explore all the wonderful things this city and the surrounding area have to offer!

SEPTEMBER
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Montgomery Smooth Jazz Fest
9/20/24 & 9/21/24

Riverwalk Amphitheater
355 Coosa Street
Montgomery, AL 36104

The Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival celebrates various music genres with an emphasis on Smooth Jazz and R&B. Now in our 3rd year; The Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival will provide two days of outstanding performances for national jazz and R&B artists.  Our main stage at the Riverfront Amphitheater will feature live performances accentuated with large video screens including a specially designed interactive screen allowing the artists to stylishly operate harmoniously with the music. We are offering music lovers top-notch entertainment with the world’s best artists in a unique setting along the Alabama River, resulting in the type of musical experience that you can’t find anywhere else. 

Click HERE for more information and purchase tickets!

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Fall Festival
Presented by The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

One Museum Drive
Montgomery, AL 36117

Saturday, September 21
Sunday, September 22
10 AM–5 PM

Fall Festival is a free event that celebrates Montgomery, Alabama’s vibrant creative culture, featuring both local and regional artists from all backgrounds. This free public event features an art market with more than 30 vendors, live music, art demos, food trucks, and tastings with local brewers. The Artist Market is an integral part of Fall Festival; booths feature fine arts and crafts for sale made locally in the River Region.

This year, Fall Festival’s theme will revolve around how art connects us. All artists will live in and make in Alabama.

Click HERE for more information!

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Ballet and the Beast

Montgomery Zoo
2301 Coliseum Boulevard
Montgomery, AL 36110

Friday, September 27
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Join us for a night of dancing under the stars and music during a performance of Ballet and the Beasts at the Montgomery Zoo, Friday night, September 27. Gates open at 6pm, and the performances start at 6:30pm. This is a FREE performance presented by the Montgomery Ballet, in cooperation with Troy University, Alabama State University, and the Montgomery Symphony.

This year’s presentation of Ballet and the Beasts will be a five-part performance with the Montgomery Ballet opening the evening with Carnival of the Animals and Animals of Classical Ballet, followed by two performances featuring the Troy University and Alabama State University dance troupes, and performance presented by a quartet from the Montgomery Symphony.

Ballet and the Beasts is fun for all ages, boys and girls. Admission is FREE, picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers are welcome.  There will be a bleacher section available for additional seating.  Select concessions will be available for purchase. Prior to the performance, the Montgomery Zoo’s Education Department will display a live animal presentation featuring various animal education ambassadors.   

In effort to help those in need, we will be accepting non-perishable and canned food donations for Heart of Alabama Food Bank. 

A VIP section is section will be made available this year for purchase.  For more information or to purchase your VIP TICKETS, please contact the Montgomery Ballet at montgomeryballet.org or by phone @ Studio (334) 409-0522 or Google Voice (334) 721-3687.

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Dino Dig at Montgomery Zoo

Montgomery Zoo
2301 Coliseum Boulevard
Montgomery, AL 36110

Saturday, September 28
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Are you ready to get a little dirty? Then Dino Dig is perfect for you. Our junior explorers get to experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Dino Dig is an educational program with hands-on experience and fun. It is geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 years old.

Dino Dig is a fun-filled and insightful educational program packed with:
-- a classroom lesson plan
-- real dig time (getting dirty)
-- live animal presentations
-- a take-home, keepsake goody bag

Click HERE for more information.

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OCTOBER
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Alabama National Fair
10/4/24 – 10/14/24

1555 Federal Drive
Montgomery, AL 36107

Since 1954, the Alabama National Fair has been a hub of fun and excitement for all. With a wide range of activities, exhibits, and vendors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Stay safe and informed with our comprehensive safety plans and daily schedules. Explore the quick links below!

See links HERE!

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Howler Arts & Literary Festival

Union Station Train Shed
210 Water Street
Montgomery, AL 36104

Saturday, October 5 – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

The Hilltop Art Festival was a fantastic experience, but we are shifting our focus and location a little bit, which has precipitated a name change! So come out to the Union Station Train Shed in downtown Montgomery and experience over 70 of the best authors, artists, and bakers the River Region has to offer! And hang around for lunch with the variety of food trucks that will be on site!

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Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival

301 Hill Street
Wetumpka, AL 36092

Saturday, October 19 – 9:45 AM to 4:00 PM

Every year, The Kelly holds our “Art Gone Wild” art exhibition, showcasing the truly beautiful wildlife art of our region. The Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival is an annual one-day festival celebrating wildlife art as well as the natural beauty of Alabama. Art appreciators and outdoor enthusiasts alike gather together for this festival. We strive every year to pack this festival full of educational presentations, art exhibits and classes, vendors, food, children’s activities, and expert demonstrations.

The Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival is held on a Saturday every fall in the Historic Downtown Wetumpka.

Click HERE for more information.

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Creatures of the Night: Family Fun Night at the Museum

Montgomery Zoo
2301 Coliseum Parkway
Montgomery, AL 36110

Friday, October 25, 2024
6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Do you enjoy the dark? Are you ready to go on an adventure, with nothing but your good senses and a flashlight? If so, then you just might be the junior explorers we are looking for to attend our Creatures of the Night and Mann Museum Flashlight Tour Education Program and Family Fun Night. Peer through the darkness and discover walls lined with animal pelts of the past, see several deer species nose to nose, and if you can bear it, just around that corner may be 10 foot Polar bear just waiting to meet you. Creatures of the Night / Mann Museum Flashlight Tour is an educational program and family fun night with hands-on experience, all sorts of adventure, and lots of fun. It is geared for boys and girls aged 5-12 years old, and their parents. Yes, parents, you are invited to join the fun too. 

Creatures of the Night / Family Fun Night Mann Museum Flashlight Tour is a combination of fun-filled and insightful educational program (and family fun night) packed with:

live animal presentation of creepy creatures
flashlight tour of the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum,
scavenger hunts,
live animal presentations,
discovery stations,
craft time, and
everyone leaves with a take-home, keepsake goody bag.

Event location and hours
-- Location: Mann Wildlife Learning Museum (GPS location: 325 East Vandiver Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36110)
Please do not come to the Zoo's front gate for this event. 
-- Date: Friday night, October 25
-- Hours: 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Participants can come and go as they like, and may stay as long we they want within the three hours of the event.

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Participants are encouraged to wear fun, family-friendly Halloween costumes. 

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Advanced reservations required. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR ON THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT! 

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For additional information concerning the Creatures of the Night / Mann Museum Flashlight Tour Education Program and Family Fun Nights, please contact our Education Department at

(334) 625-4909
email: [email protected]
montgomeryzoo.com 

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Haunting on the Harriott II Halloween Costume Party Cruise

213 Commerce Street
Montgomery, AL 36104

Saturday, October 26, 2024
8:00 PM

Come aboard the Harriott II for a haunting good time! Wear your scariest costumes and enjoy live entertainment from a local entertainers, cash bar and concessions from our Wheel House Grille and the beautiful view of the Alabama river. Food and beverage prices vary. Be sure to taste all of our Spooky drink specials. To cruise, you must be 21 and over and wear a costume. We will host a costume contest so come prepared to scare!

Don't miss out on one of Montgomery's BEST Halloween Parties! Cruises are rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. All seating is General Admission, first come first serve.
Don't Miss the Boo-oat!

Adult Tickets - $47.75

Purchase tickets HERE

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If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check our https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Photo Credits: montgomerysmoothjazzfestival.org, mmfa.org, montgomeryzoo.com, assets.simpleviewinc.com, hilltophowlers.org, thekelly.org, facebook.com, allevents.in

1936 Norman Bridge Court, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 563552

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,746 Square Feet | Garden District

Welcome to 1936 Norman Bridge Court! Nestled at the end of the cul-de-sac in the historic Garden District, this house offers the tranquility of a quiet neighborhood while being just a short stroll from the Cloverdale Entertainment District. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by a spacious living room, providing ample room for all your furniture and creating a welcoming atmosphere. The dining room features an impressive, oversized window which floods the space with natural light. Originally a three-bedroom home, it has been thoughtfully redesigned to include a large primary bathroom. This updated space boasts a tiled shower and a generous closet area, offering you plenty of room for a vanity and your wardrobe needs. Relax on the back deck during peaceful evenings or tackle your DIY projects in the detached one-car garage. This home combines comfort, convenience, and a touch of historic charm, making it a true gem in the Garden District.

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

You are a homeowner. You have gone through the process of procuring a mortgage, closing on a house, moving in, and creating a home for yourself and your family. Chances are you have developed a loving attachment to your first home, but for one reason or another, it is time to move on. Maybe you have outgrown it, or maybe you are being transferred for a job.

Whatever the reason, now it is time for you to begin the process of selling your home. This is no small task. A lot of time and energy goes into preparing your home to get the best possible price when you sell. So, if you are ready to list your house for sale, take a deep cleansing breath and take one step at a time:

1. THINK BEFORE YOU ACT

Before putting that “for sale” sign in your yard, make sure you know exactly what you want. Communicate with your partner (unless you live alone) so that you are both on the same page. Ask yourself and your partner these important questions:

• Why are we moving?
• What is our timeline?
• What do we expect from the home selling process?
• What role will we play in preparing our home for sale?

2. DO SOME HOMEWORK

You will want to have an idea what kind of real estate market you are entering. There are a lot of factors that influence the market, including fluctuating mortgage rates and inventory shifts. Educate yourself so you will know what to expect.

3. INTERVIEW & CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL REALTOR

There is no more important relationship in your selling process than that which you have with your Realtor. The right agent will guide you, advise you, answer questions, and market your home so that you get the best possible price.

4. DETERMINE YOUR SELLING PRICE

Your Realtor can help you decide the best asking price based on current market values.

5. PREPARE YOUR HOME TO IMPRESS

These days, home buyers have free access to look at property listings online, so it is vital that your home makes a good first impression. That means getting your home in “show-worthy” condition. The time and effort you put into decluttering, making necessary home repairs, and cleaning until it sparkles will go a long way toward getting your house sold for the best possible price. Even better? Stage your home to sell. Staged homes sell faster and for better prices than those that aren’t staged.

6. MARKET YOUR HOME

You not only need your home to be visible online, but you also need it to stand out! Consider having professional photos taken that showcase the best attributes of your home. The best listings also have compelling property descriptions that generate interest. Videos and virtual tours can also be used to draw interest from buyers. Be sure that your property is being promoted in the best possible way.

7. BE FLEXIBLE WITH SHOWINGS

You want every interested party to be able to come to see your home. So, even though it’s inconvenient sometimes, make sure that you can make your home available for potential buyers to visit.

8. CONSIDER OFFERS & NEGOTIATE WITH BUYERS

Again, your Realtor will play an important role here. Professional Realtor Sandra Nickel is an expert negotiator who will assist you in deciding on a strategic counteroffer to the buyer’s offer. They will consider not only the money being offered, but the contingencies as well.

9. CLOSING THE SALE

Before you arrive to sign the final paperwork and collect your check, make sure your home is ready for the buyer’s final walk-through and take care of any last-minute issues.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let  Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

3235 Wellington Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 563487

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,824 Square Feet |  Cloverdale/Idlewild

This adorable Cloverdale Cottage will capture your heart! Whether one, two, or a family, this home fits all. Spacious living room with fireplace and lots of built-ins for books and collectibles, dining room for big family gatherings, PLUS cozy den/family room with classic coffered ceilings will satisfy all your living needs. The kitchen overlooks gathering room/breakfast room and allows grown-ups to prepare meals while the little ones do homework or play. Elevated rear deck overlooks shady back yard, large brick patio with built-in firepit, and playground -grade jungle-gym for the kids. The backyard also boasts a wired and insulated workshop that once was a music studio with additional storage space inside. Check it out today! 

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

1019 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL  36104

MLS# 563411

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,228 Square Feet | Garden District 

This adorable Craftsman bungalow sits on a high knoll overlooking Bellinger Hill Park. Known lovingly as the "tree house," this home in the heart of the historic Garden District has been lovingly restored and maintained by an old house purist! All the important things like roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and water heater have all been updated/replaced within the last 5 years. The inviting porch has great views of the neighborhood and the park to the south. Natural hardwood floors are gleaming, all windows have been painstakingly restored, and the kitchen was updated within the last few years. Located just minutes from bustling downtown, Maxwell AFB, and the Cloverdale dining and entertainment district. A quote from a former resident; "The Garden District is more than just a beautiful place to live; it's a true community...neighbors are friendly and welcoming, creating a close-knit and supportive environment." WOW, what a testament to historic neighborhood living!

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