Real Estate Information

1030 Old Breckenridge Lane, Montgomery, AL  36117

MLS# 516455

5 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms / 3,588 SqFt / Breckenridge

Looking for extra room? This fabulous 5 bedroom, 4 bath home in Breckenridge is ready for its next family! Open the beautiful wood double front doors to find a large two-story great room with fireplace that opens to a custom kitchen with center island work space and a breakfast bar, an elegant formal dining room, master suite with double vanities, and a bedroom and bath on the opposite side that would make a perfect in law suite. Upstairs are three huge bedrooms, two baths and a bonus room/man cave complete with a custom bar. Off the kitchen is a cozy screened porch overlooking the large backyard. Tons of storage and light filled rooms. Don't miss the awesome neighborhood clubhouse and pool! Come check it out today!

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

You are ready to buy a house, and chances are you do not have a suitcase full of cash at your disposal. So, that means you will need to get a home loan. Before you start shopping for your home, you will need to shop for a mortgage. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

Step 1: Research Mortgage Lenders

Many first-time buyers make the mistake of finding the perfect house before they have shopped for a mortgage. All lenders are a little bit different in terms of interest rates, closing costs etc., so it is smart to comparison shop before choosing your lender. This process will also help you discover if there are any concerns lenders might have with your application so that you can take care of them before you find your dream home!

We work with many local lenders and know their special programs, so check with us first for a lender referral.  And keep your business local as that (1) gives the seller a comfort level and (2) helps if there is a hiccup along the way.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Loan

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an important step that should not be skipped. It not only lets you know how much you can afford for a house, but it also lets sellers know that you are serious about buying and may give you an advantage over other buyers. 

Step 3: Get a Home Appraisal

Once you’ve chosen a lender, made an offer on a home, and signed a sales contract, your lender will want to schedule a home appraisal. A professional home appraiser will check out the home and assess its market value using comparable homes for comparison. It is also time to schedule the home inspection as soon as possible. Doing so will give you adequate time before your closing date to negotiate with the seller if the inspection reveals any unforeseen issues. Click here to learn the potential cost of skipping a home inspection.  

Step 4: Title Search

Once you have purchased your home, you will “take title” of the property. Congratulations!  You are now the rightful owner!  But your lender will want proof. So, they will ask for a title search.  A paid title company will search public records for any possible heirs that think the property belongs to them, for liens that might still be on the home, or other issues. Once the title is cleared, you can move forward to closing.

Securing a mortgage may seem like a long, time-consuming process, but when you sign the dotted line and become a homeowner, it will all have been worth it!

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: regentology.com, realtor.com, allianzebposervices.com

309 Ware Hill Court, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 514857

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms / 2,849 SqFt / Dalraida

Welcome to this beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath in desirable Dalraida! Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, from the outside you would never know this home has such an open floor plan that is suitable to a variety of lifestyles. The newly renovated kitchen boasts granite countertops and island, stainless appliances is open to the great room - perfect for entertaining. Two main bedrooms with en suite baths, each with amazing garden tubs! Pretty laminate flooring, new light fixtures, and unique tile throughout. This lovely property is low maintenance with a pretty front yard, an enclosed private patio, two-car garage AND carport, making it easy to "lock and leave". Check it out today!

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

Selling your home can be a stressful endeavor. Even in this seller’s market where you may get offers above asking price, most buyers will still require a home inspection contingency. And finding termites and the damage they have done can make a deal fall through fast.

Finding out that your house is infested with termites is no fun at any time, but especially when the discovery is made during a home inspection for your home sale. Sadly, many homeowners have no idea there is a problem with termites until a lot of damage has already been done.

Termites are sneaky, destructive little pests. Unfortunately, some homeowners attract them to their homes without realizing it. For example, even a little bit of moisture from poor drainage, leaks, or poor ventilation combined with wood can be very alluring for termites. The cellulose in wood is consumed by them for nutrition, and they require moisture, so they don’t dry out. Even soggy soil close to your foundation can be very inviting to termites.

Termites are also attracted to the protection from foam board insulation and exterior wall solutions like Dryvit, a synthetic version of cement siding. They will chew right through them to get to wood. They can also enter the home via cracks in the foundation as well. Once in, they will find wood and begin to feed on it, thus causing damage to the home.

How do you know if you have a termite infestation?

When investigating possible termite infestation, here are some things to look out for:

• Hollow wood: Try knocking or tapping on your wood. If it sounds hollow, it’s likely you have termites. You can take a screwdriver and press it into the wood to test it. If the wood gives way easily, that is a bad sign.
   
• Mud tubes: Subterranean termites create their own “highways” out of tubes of mud to connect the wood they eat to soil. These mud tubes, made up of wood and soil, are about as wide as a pencil. Spotting them means you have termites, but if you don’t find them it doesn’t mean you don’t have termites. The subterranean termites may not have made them yet, and drywood termites don’t make mud tubes, so beware of those as well.
  
• Swarm evidence: Subterranean termites shed their wings in piles when they set off to create a new colony, so if you see piles of wings, you likely have a termite infestation.
   
• Frass: If you see small, granular, oval pellets on your door frames, baseboards, and windowsills, they may be frass, or termite droppings.
   
• Peeling paint: When termites damage drywall, moisture enters the space between the surface and the paint, causing paint to bubble or peel. There are other reasons your paint may buckle, but if you note this in tandem with other signs, you may have a termite infestation. 
   
• Head banging: Strange clicking sounds coming from inside of your walls may not be your imagination. When soldier termites detect a threat, they signal danger to other termites by banging their heads against the wood and shaking their bodies.  
   
• Seeing live termites: It is possible that you may come across some live termites. It’s important to distinguish them from flying ants so that you know what you’re dealing with. Termites’ rear wings are even in size, their abdomens are thick, and their antennae are straight. On the flip side, flying ants have wings of different size, are thinner through the middle, and have bent antennae.

 There are several ways to help prevent a termite infestation in your home:

• Remove cellulose-based debris from around your house. Any sort of organic wood material around your house will attract termites.
   
• Get rid of any wood that is in direct contact with the ground, like wood lattice or siding, or door/window frames that go to the ground.
   
• Have your home pre-treated for termites. If you’re going to build a home, set a termite barrier on the land before starting construction.
   
• Remove cracks and crevices in your home to prevent termite access.
   
• Hire a professional to do termite inspections annually.

Whether you are selling your home soon or don’t plan to sell for a long time, be sure that termites aren’t causing damage that will mean costly repairs, and the probability of losing buyers when selling.

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: homeinspector.org, trustterminix.com, thisoldhouse.com

704 Felder Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 514841

4 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bathrooms / 3,250 SqFt / Cloverdale 

Classic Old Cloverdale at its finest! Situated on the corner of two of the most iconic streets in the neighborhood, this stunning home awaits its new owner. The open floor plan is adaptable to a variety of lifestyles and is ideal for entertaining. The kitchen and master bath boast beautiful marble and there is gorgeous molding, stained glass accents and large windows throughout that make the home full of natural light. French doors lead from both the living room and dining rooms onto a huge brick patio overlooking the lovely back yard. Midtown Montgomery walking distance to restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

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

It’s a challenging time to purchase a home because you not only have to find a property you want; you must also beat out all the other homebuyers who want to make an offer on it as well. It is a seller’s market and that means supply is low and demand is high. The latest figures from the National Association of Realtors show that that there was only a 1.7 -month supply of homes for sale in February, which is significantly lower than the six-month supply that indicates a balanced market that equally benefits buyers and sellers.

So, home sales are moving quickly and often have multiple offers. That means you need to be strategic to get into the home of your dreams.  Going to open houses and perusing listings is not enough to acquire the house you want in this market.

Seeking out an Experienced Realtor to assist you in your search is vital to your success in buying a home right now. Realtors can help you with everything from finding properties, to placing appropriate offers and negotiating terms.

Knowing what is most important to sellers is key to winning a bidding war.  A good agent will know what motivates sellers.

Take the following steps to prepare and you will have a better chance at success:

• Get your finances in order and shop for a mortgage pre-approval prior to making an offer on a house.
• Move quickly once you find the house you want.
• Do not make snap judgements based on listing photos. You must see a home in person to know if you truly love it or hate it. Pictures do not tell the whole story!
• Be realistic about the inspection and repairs. In a competitive market, owners don’t need to make repairs to sell. Inspections should be utilized to find major flaws that may be deal breakers for prospective buyers.
• Start with your best offer. A competitive market is not the right market for negotiating a bargain.
• Make a big earnest money deposit. A large deposit will let sellers know that you are serious about the purchase.
• Make a backup offer. Even if a house is already under contract, the deal might still possibly fall apart for various reasons such as inspection issues or financing.  If you love a house, put a backup offer on it so that you will be first in line if the initial buyer walks away.
• Consider waiving or shortening contingencies. Most offers are made contingent on the buyer being approved for a mortgage, the appraisal being equal to the purchase price and the buyer approving the inspection. Waiving any one of those contingencies can be risky but may be worth taking a chance on in some circumstances.

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: rates.ca, affinityfcu.com, foxbusiness.com

Spring has arrived and with the weather warming up, now is the time to start sprucing up your yard for curb appeal. Here are some tips for how to rid your yard of that wild, unattended winter look and replace it with a space that is sure to impress!

1. Send Winter Packing!

Pull out your rake and remove all the debris of winter. Leaves, pinecones, sticks etc. are not appealing and ridding your yard of all that mess will have it looking tidy in no time.

2. Declare War on the Weeds!

Weeding is no fun, but it’s a necessary part of maintaining your lawn and garden. Taking the time to clear your yard of weeds will not only make it look nicer, it will also show that you take pride in all aspects of your home.

3. Time for a Trim!

It is time to start cutting your grass regularly again. Healthy, even grass is attractive and gives the yard a pleasing appearance. Don’t forget to trim the edges as well to complete the look.

4. Quench That Thirst!

It’s important to keep your grass hydrated. It will become dry and a dull shade of green if it is not watered regularly. The same applies to your garden. Pay special attention to areas that are sheltered and do not get as much moisture when it rains.

5. Dress it Up!

Planting seasonal plants and flowers will dress up your yard and enhance curb appeal. You can choose perennials that will come back every year or, for longer blooming plants, annuals that last for one season. Better yet, use a combination of both!

6. Prune Away!

Trim back any large shrubs, trees, or plants to frame your house in a way that is inviting. Pruning allows for new growth and deters pest and animal infestation. It also promotes healthy growth into a natural shape for the plant.

7. Mulch it Up!

Once you have planted and pruned, mowed, and edged, it’s time to spread mulch around your garden beds. Mulch helps to keep moisture in your plants and makes the garden easier to maintain.  Make sure you choose a mulch that compliments your garden type and style.

Spend some time working on your yard now and not only will you save yourself from having to do it in the sweltering heat of summer, but you will be able to enjoy your outdoor spaces throughout the spring and summer 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: costimates.com, realtylandscaping.com, hobbyfarms.com, landscapemulch.com

714 Karen Rd, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 514379

3 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom / 1,035 SqFt / Forest Hills

Cute brick starter home or cash-flowing investment property with good tenant already in place! Open floorplan includes living/dining and kitchen, with hardwood and tile floors! updated kitchen features as well as bath. covered parking doubles as great covered sitting area for outdoor enjoyment out of the elements. Big back yard fenced for pets. Convenient location on nice hilly street.

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

The current real estate market is still a sellers’ market, meaning bidding wars are not the exception, but the rule when trying to purchase a home. If you are attempting to buy in a desirable area, there are likely to be multiple offers on the property you want, meaning you will have to be competitive to come out on top. It is easy to get caught up in the process and your desire to “win” at all costs may, well…cost you.  Mistakes might not only cost you the home of your dreams but might also have you end up in a house that you regret. So, you need to be careful out there!

Here are some common bidding war mistakes to avoid:

• Bidding ALL Your Money

NO. Don’t do it. With houses selling for thousands of dollars above asking price, it may be tempting to empty your budget just to “win”. But what if you do get the house and it needs repairs and/or updates? With all your cash gone, you will be left with nothing to put towards improving your new home. DO NOT PANIC and make impulsive decisions that you will come to regret.

• Rushing to Bid

If you don’t have your financing in place or know exactly where your money is coming from, then now is NOT the time to get into a bidding war. For example, if you make your offer contingent upon the sale of your current house, you are likely to lose in a bidding war because the seller will choose a buyer that has the fewest contingencies. Get pre-approved for a mortgage loan and have all your ducks in a row to stand out to sellers.

• Bidding with NO Contingencies

Desperate times call for desperate measures, but there are some contingencies that you should NEVER waive. Waiving a home inspection and the ability to back out of the deal if the inspection reveals major issues would be a BIG mistake. It is just not worth the risk. You can compromise on other contingencies but sacrificing the right to inspection is never a good idea.

• Counting on a Second Chance

When entering a bidding war, it might be tempting to make an offer that leaves room for you to make a “better” offer later. But with so much competition, you likely won’t get a second chance. Work with your Realtor to write your bid as if it is the only bid you will make. If you’ve done your homework and have your financing in order, you should already know the limits of your bidding potential. If you don’t win the bidding war, it simply means the property was not the one for you.

One of the most important things to do when entering the market to buy a home right now is to find an experienced, professional Realtor to help you through the process. Their knowledge of the market along with their expert negotiation skills will be invaluable in your quest to find, and win, the right home for you!

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: ovmfinancial, dsnews, fincancebuzz

3305 Audubon Road, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 514199

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 1,524 SqFt / Cloverdale

Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac street, this charming Cloverdale cottage is convenient to the park, dining, and entertainment! Traditional living room and dining room are perfect for entertaining, and your family will love the big den/family room off the kitchen with plenty of space to spread out. Kitchen and bathrooms have been nicely updated with granite, and kitchen features a large pantry for additional storage. Large master bedroom has walk-in closet and door to back deck. Outdoor living is easy on either the private side deck off the family room, or on the floating deck in the back yard, surrounded by nice landscaping and mature shade trees. Big back yard is fenced and provides privacy and plenty of room for pets. Detached shed is wired and provides additional workspace and storage. Exceptional Midtown Montgomery living!

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