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!

Fall gardens bring to mind vivid, jewel toned colors such as scarlet, deep purples and gold.  Planning for a fall garden needs to start early so that plants are established. Even if they bloom late in the season, they will be hardier and bloom best if they’ve been in the garden longer.  Before planting, research what kind of flowers and plants will do best in your area.  To help, here are some that thrive in hardiness zone 8:

Chrysanthemums

Commonly called “mums”, these richly hued plants are true sign of fall. When buying mums, look for ones labeled “hardy mums” or “garden mums” for the best chance of having them thrive throughout the season.  Plant them as soon as you buy them.  Given the opportunity to develop a strong root system, they will last longer.

​Helenium

Part of the daisy family, this cheery flower blooms in yellow, orange and red bringing a vibrant ambiance to your garden. These tough, easy-to-grow perennials bloom late in the season and last a long time.

Asters

Available in a variety of hues in shades of pink, purple, blue and white, these perennials bloom from mid to late fall.  Loved by bees, butterflies and other pollinators, they provide a late feeding opportunity for them.  Plant them as soon as they are available in early fall so that they can establish a strong root system.

Pansies

One of the most popular cool weather annuals, pansies are favorites for fall flowerbeds. They are very hardy and can continue to bloom through winter and into spring, thereby adding lively color to your garden almost year ‘round!

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Robust, carefree, pretty, and long-lasting, sedum is about as close to perfect as you can get for a fall flower. Sedums come in many various sizes and colors, including mat forming, creeping, and upright varieties. Easy to grow, they are great for beds, borders, or even a rock garden. 

Dahlias

Known for their large blossoms, these lovely flowers boast deep pink petals with a bit of striking white around the edges. They thrive in partial shade or full sun and grow into early winter. Be prepared to prune them to have consistent blooming.

Remember, it’s not too early to start planning for your colorful autumn flowerbeds!

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!

Perhaps you have been thinking about purchasing a home, but you are not sure how much you need for a down payment. Many people will tell you that you need to have 20% to secure a mortgage. Thanks to various programs available to buyers, the truth is that’s not always the case. In fact, if you are a military veteran you could qualify for a Veterans Affairs Home Loan and not need a down payment at all! While these programs may mean that you do not have to save as much and you can get into a home sooner, there are some major benefits to making a 20% down payment if you can:

1. YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR A LOWER INTEREST RATE

Putting 20% down vs a 3-5% down payment gives your lender/bank the confidence that you are financially stable and a good credit risk. With this confidence, they will be willing to give you a lower interest rate on your mortgage loan.

2. YOU WILL PAY LESS OVER THE LONG RUN

With a bigger down payment, you will have a lower loan amount for your mortgage. That means you will be paying less interest. For example, if you make a 20% down payment, you will only pay interest on the remaining 80% of the loan. If you put only 5% down, the extra 15% on your loan will accrue interest and you will pay more over the long run.

3. YOU WILL BE MORE APPEALING TO SELLERS

Chances are, you will be competing with other buyers for the same home. Like the mortgage lender/bank, sellers feel more confident in buyers who are making 20% or larger down payment. They will see you as a buyer who’s financing is more likely to be approved, thus ensuring the sale will go through.

4. YOU WILL SAVE MONEY BY NOT HAVING TO PURCHASE PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is an insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It comes to you in the form of a monthly fee included in your mortgage payment. It is required for all conforming, conventional loans that have down payments of less than 20%. If you make a down payment of 20% or more, this insurance is not required.

5. YOU WILL HAVE LOWER MONTHLY PAYMENTS

When you make a 20% down payment it will result in smaller mortgage payments. You are starting off with a smaller overall mortgage and saving the expense of PMI, therefore your monthly payments won’t be as high.

6. YOU WILL IMMEDIATELY HAVE EQUITY

Putting 20% down means you will already have equity when you move into your new home, which means it will take less time to build up your investment in your home. That will come in handy should you need to get an equity loan or line of credit for home repairs and/or improvements.

While putting 20% down on a home is not a requirement, and you can certainly purchase a house with less down, saving for a 20% down payment may be worth it thanks to the benefits listed above!

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!

Thanks to rising housing and healthcare costs, many families have begun sharing multigenerational homes over the past few years. A multigenerational home is one where grandparents, parents, and children all live under the same roof.  According to Pew Research, 59.7 million Americans were living this way as of 2021. More people sharing a space may not seem ideal, but it does have its perks; from saving money to being present to care for family members when needed.

Multigenerational living means enough space in homes is needed to provide comfort and privacy for all family members. 

If you are in search of a home for this purpose, here are some things to look for:

1. ACCESSIBILITY

Even if the elders in the family are getting around easily now, it is important to think ahead to when it might not be so easy for them. Open floor plans are ideal for creating spaces that are easily accessible should someone be in a wheelchair at some point. In addition, look for a home that has at least one main floor bedroom and full bath so that going up and down stairs won’t be a problem in the future.

2. MAIN FLOOR BEDROOMS

As stated above, it is ideal to have at least one main floor bedroom. But if you can find a home with more than one main floor bedroom, all the better. Having some bedrooms upstairs and some downstairs provides separation and privacy between generations.

3. ROOMS THAT SERVE DUAL PURPOSES

Keep in mind that it is easy to convert a bedroom into another type of space, but not always possible to convert another space into a bedroom. Bedrooms need windows and a closet. So, when looking for a house, look for one with as many bedrooms as possible so that they can be used for different purposes like a den, playroom or office.

4. PRIVATE LIVING SPACE FOR EVERYONE

Look for a home large enough and with enough rooms to provide a private living space for each generation. For example, an office could become a den for grandparents, family room for the middle generation and maybe a playroom upstairs for the youngsters.

5. PRIVATE ENTRANCES

Look for homes that are already set up for multigenerational families. They may have an in-law suite, an apartment over the garage and private entrances for different parts of the home. If you cannot find one already built, consider a renovation of an existing home to add these features.

Whether you find the perfect property, renovate a home, or build one from scratch, remember to consider the needs, privacy and accessibility of all your family members and you will have a home filled with love!

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!

When you are searching for a new home, location is one of the most important factors to consider. You might love a house, but if it’s not in the right community, it may not be the right house regardless of how much it appeals to you.  So, before you start scrolling through home listings online, it is smart to have an idea of WHERE you want to live. 

Here are some things to consider when searching for the right neighborhood:

• You may have heard this saying before: “It’s better to have the worst house in the best neighborhood than the best house in the worst neighborhood”. While nobody really wants to live in the “worst” house anywhere, there is some good logic behind this statement.  If you ever plan to sell your home, its value will be impacted by the surrounding homes in the neighborhood.  For that reason, you will have better resale value if you are surrounded by homes that are similar to yours.  So, it is a good idea to research home values in the neighborhoods that appeal to you.
   
• How important is convenience to you?  Some people prefer living in more rural areas, but others desire close proximity to things like major interstates, shopping areas, medical facilities, and schools.  Before you start your home search it is important to decide how much convenience matters to you. In addition, you may want to think about the fact that having a home that is convenient to highways and such can have a positive impact on your resale value.
   
• Are home values rising or falling in the neighborhood? If a neighborhood has home values that are climbing, that is a positive indication that it is a good place to buy.  However, if a neighborhood has stagnant or falling home values, it might not be the best place to look for a home.  Many things can have an impact on home values; for example, if an area is growing with new businesses, the career opportunities involved can lead to rising home values in the area.
   
• Does the neighborhood have an HOA? (Home Owners Association)?  Some people love an HOA. They appreciate how it protects home values by establishing rules for maintaining the appearance of the homes and neighborhood. They also enjoy perks such as a neighborhood pool and clubhouse, parks, and walking trails.  However, for other people, an HOA is a deal breaker. They do not care for the rules and regulations (and payments) that come with it.  HOA regulations and costs vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, so it is important to research them before you decide to live in a community with an HOA.
  
• How safe is the neighborhood?  Safety is important to everyone. Nobody wants to live in a neighborhood that is not safe.  You can research crime statistics for neighborhoods online.  If you are relocating to a new state and you are not familiar with the area, an experienced local Realtor is a great resource to help you determine what areas are safe for you and your family.

There are so many factors involved in the home buying process, but determining the right location is a decision that requires thought and research.  Once you have found the right place, then you can start searching for the right house!

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!