356 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 527661

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,589 Square Feet | Garden District

This updated Garden District home beckons a gentile era of porch sitting and visiting with neighbors. The inviting front porch is perched well above street level offering nice views of the streetscape. Inside, enjoy classic architectural features like coffered ceilings, French doors, and spacious rooms with nice flow. The dining room has a cool wet bar with shiplap accents. Updated kitchen has cozy nook for casual dining. Both bathrooms have had nice updates and are modern-looking, while still retaining some old-house charm. Bonus room off main bedroom could be den/study, nursery, dressing room, or could be easily converted to a large walk-in closet. Private side deck offers a quiet place for relaxation or entertaining, and the manageable back yard has new privacy fence. Vintage detached garage can't be used for car storage any longer, but makes great storage area for garden tools, bicycles, and lawn equipment. Located in Midtown Montgomery close to interstate and downtown, and literally a block from Cloverdale's shopping, dining, and entertainment district!

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

If you are a “foodie” looking for some adventures in dining, the charming capital city of Alabama has no shortage of offerings. From fine dining to farm-to-table to casual fare, you can find everything and anything to please your palate in Montgomery. Here are some of the city’s most popular dining destinations:

• Vintage Year
  Location: 405 Cloverdale Road
  Phone#: 334-819-7215
  

First opened as a chophouse in 1984, Vintage Year came back in its current embodiment in 2016 by new owner Jud Blount. The full-service dining establishment has been lauded in international publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and USA Today as one of the American South’s top restaurants and has been awarded top honors from culinary institutions including Wine Spectator and Open Table for its amazing menus. Enjoy fresh hand-cut meats, prime Gulf seafood, and excellent wines and spirits while luxuriating in the romantic atmosphere.

• Itta Bena
  Location: 1801 Eddie L Tullis Rd
  Phone#: 334-514-5129
  

If you are looking for a hip spot that celebrates the jazz and blues movement, Itta Bena is just the place. Situated atop Montgomery’s B.B. King’s Blues Club and named in honor of the town where the legendary blues singer was born, Itta Bena opened in 2015. It is known for its delicious Southern-style cuisine with served up in a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere. Diners will feast on jambalaya pasta with Andouille sausage, herb roasted chicken served with a goat cheese grit cake, or the ever-popular shrimp and grits. A fine wine list, specialized desserts and live entertainment make this an all-around fabulous place to dine!

• The City Grill
  Location: 5251 Hampstead High Street
  Phone#: 334-244-0960

Located in Montgomery’s Hampstead District since 1998, The City Grill is the oldest and most esteemed white-linen restaurant in Alabama’s River Region. This locally owned dining delight provides an upscale experience in an elegant dining room, while also offering casual seating at a full-service bar. There is even a lovely outdoor seasonal patio. Select from gourmet entrees like grilled filet of beef with a garlic and sundried tomato butter or sauteed shrimp over angel hair with a tomato and feta herb sauce. Enjoy an ever-evolving wine list along with cocktail and top shelf liquor options from the bar. This is a great spot for couples to enjoy a romantic night out!

• Central
  Location: 129 Coosa Street
  Phone#: 334-517-1155
  

Locally owned and regionally sourced, Central is the top-rated dining destination in Montgomery! An upscale casual restaurant and event venue, located in the heart of Montgomery’s Downtown entertainment district. Its farm-to-table fare includes dishes crafted with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. There are a variety of entrée selections to choose from such as wood fired roasted half chicken, citrus brined and served with herb dumplings, olive oil poached Chilean salmon served with smoked fingerling potatoes, and for the red meat lovers, New York strip served with oyster mushrooms. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available as well. Finish off with a delectable dessert and a beverage from the reclaimed wood full-service bar. You will be glad you dined at Central!

• Ravello Ristorante
  Location: 36 Commerce Street
  Phone# 334-356-2852
  
  Ravello offers an unparalleled approach to authentic dishes of Coastal Italy with local Southern ingredients, highlighted by a boutique wine menu. The team at Ravello Ristorante is proud to be serving its guests a truly memorable and authentic dining experience. Make sure you leave room for dessert! Enjoy exquisite interior designs or comfortable outdoor seating!
   
• Yokohama Japanese Restaurant
  Location: 2767 Bell Rd
  Phone# 334-517-1891
  

If you love Asian cuisine, you must check out Yokohama Japanese Restaurant. Opened in 2015 by restaurateur Seong Cheon, Yokohama specializes in unique and varied types of Japanese cuisine. Visit the spacious sushi and cocktail bar flanked by beautiful aquariums and big-screen TVs. Savor high-quality entrees at lunch or dinner including combination platter that allow you to try a little bit of everything from donburi and udon to teriyaki specials, to sushi platter to Japanese barbecue. With indoor and outdoor seating available, it is a great dining destination for large groups or intimate couples alike.

These are just a few of the many amazing restaurants you will find in magnificent Montgomery!

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: usarestaurants.info, opentable.com, tripadvisor.com, central129coosa.com, usarestaurants.info

90 Timberland Lane, Millbrook, AL 36054

MLS# 527556

4 Bedrooms | 3 Full and 1 Half Baths | 2,750 Square Feet | Live Oaks Estates

This beautifully maintained and custom-built home boasts many stunning features from the time you walk through the door! This home has soaring ceilings and a wonderful open floor plan with a formal dining area, large great room with fireplace, kitchen with an eat-in area and beautiful oak cabinets, screened-in back patio and much more! The master suite has its own wing with a separate shower, jetted tub, double vanities and more! The upstairs bonus room has a full bath and is equipped with surround sound. 2-car insulated and heated garage. There is also an 18x40 covered RV shed and a utility shed in the back. You will love it!

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

529 Felder Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 526395

3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2,776 Square Feet | Old Cloverdale

Check out this location in the heart of Old Cloverdale! Step into a huge living room with fireplace that looks into the dining room and has a great sunroom off of it that's perfect for an office or playroom. This charming house has beautiful hard wood floors and high ceilings. All the bedrooms are spacious including the large den and enormous laundry room with lots of cabinets. Large, private, side deck, a partially fenced back yard, and detached carport. Midtown Montgomery restaurants, bars, and shopping are just around the corner.

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

642 Doris Street, Montgomery, AL 36105

MLS# 526309

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 891 Square Feet | Ridgecrest

Cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bath home ready for a first-time home buyer or investor looking to add to their rental portfolio! This house has been freshly painted both inside and out. The living room has hardwood floors and nice natural lighting. The eat-in kitchen features a new tile backsplash. Both bedrooms are nicely sized with new carpeting. Outside you will find a spacious backyard along with a storage shed. Check this one out before it's gone!!

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

When caught up in the fun and excitement of Halloween festivities, it’s easy to overlook safety issues. There may be ghosts, vampires, and witches on every corner, but what is truly frightening is the number of preventable accidents that occur each year on this night. You will enjoy this spooky holiday more if you know your children are safe.

Here are 5 safety tips for Halloween:

1. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should not cross streets alone before they are ten years old. Maturity, danger awareness, and traffic savvy are all required for navigating street crossings and research cautions that even some ten-year-olds might not be ready for that. In a Wall Street Journal article, author Andrea Peterson stated, “Research has found that young children walking to school often don’t look for traffic to stop at the curb before stepping into the street.” And the AAP’s Policy Statement on this topic is that parents “are likely to overestimate their children’s ability to safely cross the street.” So, if your little princess or superhero is under ten, make sure there is a trusted adult with them to guide them across streets. Teach them that looking left, then right, then left again is the best way to be sure no cars are coming. Remind them to listen for traffic as well. If your children are trick or treating in a city with busy streets, always use designated cross walks for crossing.
   
2. Avoid visual impairments, like masks. Face paints are a great alternative for masks for trick or treaters. Incorporate bright colors into the face paint to make your child more visible in the dark. It’s also a good idea to add some reflector tape to dark costumes so that your child can be seen in the dark.
   
3. When trick or treating in an area that does not have sidewalks and you must walk on roads, be sure to walk FACING oncoming traffic. This makes it easier for you to spot cars coming and for drivers to spot you. It’s a good idea to carry a flashlight and point it forward and down. It will not only give you more visibility, but it will also make you more visible.
   
4. Nothing says Halloween like a candlelit jack o’ lantern, but unfortunately, it’s also a fire hazard. Long capes and costumes with trailing material on crowded doorsteps are disaster waiting to happen when exposed to an open flame. Be sure to purchase flame-retardant apparel for your little ones. And to be extra safe, go over the “STOP, DROP & ROLL” procedure with them.
   
5. Set some rules for candy consumption. Don’t allow your child to eat while out trick or treating. It’s too hard to inspect candy properly in the dark and you want to be sure packaging isn’t punctured or previously opened. Don’t let them eat anything homemade unless it’s from a friend or neighbor that you know. Wait until your child is home and you can inspect their loot in a well-lit room and set guidelines for how much they may eat and when. Last thing you want is a tummy ache at the end of a spooktacular night…especially if it’s a school night!

Follow these tips and use common sense and Halloween night will be festive but not frightening!

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: kippdc.org, drivejohnsons.co.uk, jobsinchildcare.com, parentmap.com, romper.com

Oktoberfest at the Goat Haus Biergarten

September 30, 2022 – October 2, 2022

523 Clay Street - Overlooking Downtown Montgomery

334-625-9602

www.goathausbeer.com

Celebrate Oktoberfest at the Goat Haus Biergarten Fri-Sun 9/30-10/2 with German food, a Stein Run, Craft Brewing, Music, Costumes, and a Makers Market!

Click the link above to see a schedule of events. Purchase Tickets Here

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Ballet and the Beasts by the Montgomery Ballet at the Montgomery Zoo

September 30, 2022
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum
2301 Coliseum Parkway
Montgomery, AL 36110

Ballet and Beast is a FREE performance presented by the Montgomery Ballet under the stars at the Montgomery Zoo. Enjoy this presentation of CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS provided by the international troupe of dancers from the Montgomery Ballet along with dance troupes from Troy and ASU.

Ballet and Beasts is fun for all ages, boys, and girls. Admission is FREE and picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers are welcome. There will be bleacher section available for extra 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.

The Zoo will be accepting non-perishable and canned food donations for the Montgomery Area Food Bank.

Gates open at 6:00 PM and performance begins at 6:30 PM.

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Fall Watercolor Workshop

Sunday, October 2, 2022
12:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Chelsea & Russ Photo and Video LLC
105 E Bridge Street
Wetumpka, AL 36092

Learn how to paint watercolor art with this Fall-themed workshop!

Whether you are a beginner artist or experienced, this watercolor workshop is for you. Here is what you can expect:

• Learn the basics of watercolors (supplies, introduction, basic techniques)
• Learn how to color mix and basic color theory
• Paint a pumpkin
• Paint a fall composition

The best part? You can take the supplies and artwork home!

Come hang at the Chelsea & Russ Photos and Video new studio in downtown Wetumpka and enjoy light refreshments while having fun painting! Purchase Tickets Here

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34^th Annual Holiday Market

Wednesday, October 5, 2022 – Saturday, October 8, 2022

Multiplex at Cramton Bowl
1037 Pelham Street
Montgomery, AL

The Junior League of Montgomery presents their 34^th Annual Holiday Market! You will find beautiful clothing, incredible jewelry, gifts, children’s items, art, gourmet food, bath products, gifts for men, home & holiday décor, handmade items, and one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find at a mall! Bring family, friends, and a camera for pictures by the Christmas tree!  Purchase Tickets Here!

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Fall Harvest Festival at the Zoo

Saturday, October 15, 2022 @ 5:00 PM

Montgomery Zoo
2301 Coliseum Parkway
Montgomery, AL

Join us for a new event at the Zoo! This Fall Festival and Carnival-like wild Saturday at the Montgomery Zoo is our new annual Fall fundraiser. This fun-filled event will be filled with great music, live entertainment, animal presentations and programs, games, prizes, rides, tons of yummy concessions and fun, fun, fun!

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A Villains “Unfortunate Souls” Ball

Saturday, October 15, 2022
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

The Party Palace, LLC
1032A US-231
Wetumpka, AL

Join us on October 15^th for a wickedly fun event! This event is for ALL AGES!

Whether you are a princess or a villain, you won’t want to miss this Ball!

Activities include:

• Performances by The Party Palace Villains and their princesses
• A Halloween costume contest (judged by our villainous team)
• Meet & greets with our characters and photo opportunities
• Food and FUN

This will NOT be a “scary” event, so don’t worry! Our villains have made a vow to be on their best behavior for this event. Purchase Tickets Here

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Halloween Ghost Hunt/Paranormal Investigation at The Fitz!

By Southern Ghost Girl Tours

Saturday, October 22, 2022
9:30 PM to 11:59 PM

The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
919 Felder Avenue
Montgomery AL

EXCLUSIVE AND BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Halloween Ghost Hunt and Interactive Paranormal Investigation at Montgomery’s historic Fitzgerald Museum!

TV personalities The Southern Ghost Girls, led by psychic medium and paranormal investigator Lesley Ann Hyde will be hosting a fun-filled Halloween Ghost Hunt and Real Live Interactive Paranormal Investigation using state-of-the-art paranormal investigation equipment at The Fitz.

Click HERE for more information about this spooky, fun event and to purchase tickets!

Enjoy these fun events and more this Fall in Magnificent Montgomery Alabama!

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: Facebook, montgomeryadvisor.com, Eventbrite, allevents

168 Cobb Ridge Road, Millbrook, AL 36054

MLS# 525914

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,719 Square Feet | Cobb Ridge

This Cobb Ridge charmer is so conveniently located and ready to move into! Foyer, dining room, kitchen and breakfast room have good-looking and easy-maintenance vinyl plank flooring. Kitchen features 5 burner gas range and built-in microwave. Large living/great room has gas fireplace and overlooks covered rear patio and shady back yard. Split plan buts main bedroom towards the rear of the house, with two other bedrooms and hall/guest bath on the front side for owner privacy. Large main bedroom features classic trey ceiling. Large main bath has double vanity, WC, garden tub AND separate shower, plus a HUGE walk-in closet! Attached two car garage to protect your cars and keep you out of the elements! Large back yard is shady, fully fenced, and has a great custom workshop. Relax on the covered back porch and enjoy the serenity of the large lot.

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

Inheriting a house may provide financial gain, but it also comes with legal and financial responsibilities. In addition, it will likely include an emotional element, especially if you share the inheritance with siblings or other heirs. Navigating the process of either taking ownership of the house or selling it can be challenging and it’s important you that you do your homework and educate yourself about how the process works.

The first thing that has to be done when a house is inherited is to make a short-term plan for home maintenance for the duration of the time it takes to settle the estate. This is the time when discussions need to happen with other heirs to determine what the long-term goal is for the property.

Here are some issues that may come up when you inherit a house:

• Expenses
  

Right away you will have to plan for the ongoing expenses involved in the upkeep of the house. These expenses include the mortgage, utilities, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, repairs, and maintenance.

• Insurance

When the homeowner passes away, the insurance policy for the home should be rewritten. Most insurance companies will allow the current policy to remain intact for a certain number of days to give you time to find your own coverage, as long as you continue to make the payments. However, it’s important to know that if the property goes into probate, you won’t be able to assume ownership during that time, and therefore won’t be able to get insurance in your name until that period is over. If you want to make sure the house is covered, have the executor of the estate contact the current insurance company to ask what the coverage options are. It is possible that you can get some short-term coverage while the house is in probate, but it might be very expensive. But it is vital that you maintain coverage until you can get a policy in your own name.

• Mortgage

When you inherit a home, you are responsible for paying the mortgage. Payments must be kept up on the existing mortgage or you run the risk of foreclosure. If you aren’t sure if there is an outstanding mortgage on the property, you will want to check the home’s title, which should list the lender.

• Other Expenses

It’s a good idea to run a title check on the property to find out if there are any liens or other outstanding debts on the home. Examples might be unpaid contractor bills or second mortgages. As the new owner of the home, you also inherit these debts.

What Can You Do with a House You Inherit?
 

• Move In
  

One option is to make your inherited property your primary residence. This is a great choice if you can afford it. You may be thinking “Yay! Free house!”, but you really must think through all the expenses you will be incurring. In addition to the mortgage, you must think about property taxes, needed repairs, insurance, maintenance and more. If you inherited with other people, you also might have the expense of buying them out of their shares of the home.

• Rent It Out

If you can’t (or don’t want to) live in the home full time, but you still want to keep it, renting it out is an option. Depending on the property you may want to find long-term tenants, or you may want to turn it into a vacation rental. Investing some money into creating a marketable rental could result in a nice source of income for you. Just keep in mind that being a landlord is a lot of work and responsibility.And it may become complicated if you own the home with siblings or other heirs. You will also want to consult a tax advisor to determine the tax ramifications of owning a rental property.

• Sell It
  

Whether you inherit a house on your own or share the inheritance with others, it may be in everyone’s best interest to sell it. Selling may be necessary for numerous reasons. Maybe you can’t afford the mortgage and maintenance, or maybe you simply don’t want the headaches that come with renting it out or owning it with others. Selling it puts it behind you, so you don’t have to worry about it anymore. If you’re going to sell, it’s important to plan out how you are going to cover the expenses for preparing it and while it is on the market.

As stated above, inheriting a home can be great, but comes with a lot of responsibilities. Be sure to research and understand your options financially while also keeping in mind the emotional toll it will take. Reach out to experts who can help you navigate the process so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

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: totalmortgage.com, legalzoom.com, travelers.com

5709 Blevins Circle, Montgomery, AL 36116

MLS# 525769

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2 Half Baths | 2,568 Square Feet | Taylor Lakes

Great design for easy living! This well-maintained brick home features graceful arches outside and in giving an air of elegance. Formal dining room has soaring ceiling and is bathed in natural light, and the great room also has 2-story ceiling height and gas log fireplace. Large kitchen has work island/breakfast bar and overlooks breakfast nook and has a pass through into the great room. Spacious main bedroom is also on the first floor and the main bath features double vanity, garden tub, tiled walk-in shower, and large walk-in closet (main bath recently renovated!) Upstairs there are three more bedrooms, on with ensuite bath and walk in closet that could be a second main bedroom. Den/family room on second floor overlooks the great room and foyer. Cozy covered front porch is great for relaxing and visiting with neighbors, and the private screened in porch out back is great for morning coffee or evening cocktails. Large, fenced backyard great for pets and outdoor entertaining.

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