Real Estate Information

Montgomery Real Estate Blog

The Hat Team

Blog

Displaying blog entries 381-390 of 1998

Happy Thanksgiving!

by The Hat Team


Did you know?:

-    The first Thanksgiving was held in the autumn of 1621 and included 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians and lasted three days. Many historians believe that only five women were present at that first Thanksgiving, as many women settlers didn't survive that difficult first year in the U.S.

-    Thanksgiving didn't become a national holiday until over 200 years later! Sarah Josepha Hale, the woman who actually wrote the classic song “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” convinced President Lincoln in 1863 to make Thanksgiving a national holiday, after writing letters for 17 years campaigning for this to happen.

-    No turkey on the menu at the first Thanksgiving: Historians say that no turkey was served at the first Thanksgiving! What was on the menu? Deer or venison, ducks, geese, oysters, lobster, eel and fish. They probably ate pumpkins, but no pumpkin pies. They also didn't eat mashed potatoes or cranberry relish, but they probably ate cranberries. And no, Turduckens (a turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a chicken) were nowhere to be found during that first Thanksgiving.

-    Thanksgiving was almost a fast — not a feast! The early settlers gave thanks by praying and abstaining from food, which is what they planned on doing to celebrate their first harvest, that is, until the Wampanoag Indians joined them and (lucky for us!) turned their fast into a three-day feast!

As you gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, take time to remember all that you have to be grateful for.  

Wishing you and yours a day filled with joy. Happy Thanksgiving! 

Turkey! It’s Not Just for Thanksgiving Day!

by The Hat Team


Thanksgiving is just a day away, and chances are you will be feasting on turkey with your family. And chances are you might have some turkey leftover after your fabulous feast. You might find yourself wondering what to do with it all. Here are some great ideas for ways to enjoy your terrific turkey for days following Thanksgiving:

  1. The Classic Turkey Sandwich - It doesn’t have to be just turkey and bread…there are lots of ways to dress up those turkey slices to make a scrumptious sandwich.  The 15 Best Turkey Sandwiches
     
  2. Turkey Tostadas - Feeling like a fiesta to continue the holiday season? How about making some turkey tostadas? Warm up some tortillas and top them with chopped or shredded turkey, lettuce, cheese and pico de gallo. For a finishing touch add a dollop of sour cream.
     
  3. Turkey Chili with Corn & Black Beans - Continue the fiesta with a warm bowl of turkey chili. Dark meat is especially good shredded and used to create this comforting dish. Add some kidney beans, tomato, bell pepper, garlic and spices to taste and enjoy with a side of tortilla chips and salsa!
     
  4. Turkey Hash - Turkey for breakfast! Dark meat works well for a delectable turkey hash and is delicious served up with a fried egg. Sauté some shredded potatoes, a medium onion, and diced green or red bell pepper in a bit of olive oil until the vegetables are golden brown. Add a cup of shredded dark meat from your Thanksgiving turkey and season to taste. Cook until crispy and top with a fried egg and shredded cheese. YUM! Turkey Hash Recipe
     
  5. Turkey Pot Pie - If comfort food is what you desire, there is nothing better than a leftover Thanksgiving turkey pot pie! From the warm, savory filling to the crispy, flaky pie crust, this recipe is sure to delight everyone in your family. Classic Turkey Pot Pie

So, don’t let leftover turkey get you down. Just be creative, and you and your family will enjoy all different kinds of mouthwatering meals until the turkey is all gone!  Happy Thanksgiving!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: tasteofhome.com

Home for the Holidays: Buying During the Holiday Season

by The Hat Team


Buying a home in the midst of the holiday season might sound like a crazy idea, but the truth is this time of year can be a great time to buy!  Here are 5 good reasons to purchase a home during the holidays:

  1. Less Real Estate Market Activity:  Because fewer people are looking for houses this time of year, there is less competition for buyers. And with less competition, buyers have more leverage when negotiating purchases. People selling homes during the holidays must often lower asking prices or make other concessions to sell. So, if you buy this time of year, you might get a bargain! Montgomery AL Real Estate Market
     
  2. Highly Motivated Sellers:  If someone is selling their house at the end of the year, it’s because they need to. Usually sellers avoid the end of the year due to shorter days and cold weather, so if they are selling this time of year they are likely under pressure and motivated to make a deal.
     
  3. Lower Interest Rates: Because of limited demand during the holiday season, there is greater competition among lenders so there is a general trend of lower rates. Current Mortgage Interest Rates
     
  4. Tax Perks: Buy a house before the end of the year and you can deduct any points you paid upon closing.  You can also deduct property taxes and mortgage interest. Learn about the tax benefits of buying a home and find out if it is to your advantage to buy before year’s end. While your decision to buy a home shouldn’t be made solely for tax reasons, you certainly want to take advantage of the perks that exist!
     
  5. Faster Closings: Everybody involved in the home buying/selling process has incentive to complete transactions before the end of the year.  Lenders want to close their books, Realtors want to receive their commissions before the new year and sellers are anxious to move on.  Since everyone is so motivated, and there is less real estate activity, closings should happen quickly and efficiently.

So, if you’ve been thinking about buying a home, but thought you should wait until the new year, think again! NOW just may be the right time for you to find a new home for the holidays!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: irishtimes.com

507 Mercer Dr: Beautiful Home for Every Stage of Life!

by The Hat Team

Prattville AL Real Estate For Sale:

507 Mercer Dr, Prattville AL 36066

Beautiful Home for Every Stage of Life!

MLS#483654 | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 3,489 Square Feet | Glennbrooke

507 Mercer Dr

Virtual Tour

BRAND NEW Morningside II J Plan on an awesome lot! Just completed, never lived in. This plan pairs expert space planning with a long list of desirables and numerous upgrades throughout, and the result is a beautiful home for nearly every phase of life. The welcoming feel starts on the covered front porch when you open the double front doors and enter into a long foyer entryway with upgraded wainscoting and leads you to a breathtaking view of the vast great room. The corner fireplace will immediately catch your eye, but the sprawling hardwoods and wall of windows will secure your admiration for this space. The kitchen's center island is a showstopper with a show-stopping built-in wine rack, bookshelves and includes many upgrades like a farmhouse sink, granite countertops, gas stovetop, pot filler and a large pantry. Off the kitchen is a flexible space showered with natural light that would make a great breakfast room, office/study or den. From the great room you can step out onto the covered patio with built-in gas fireplace perfect for watching football on chilly nights in the fall. The massive master suite occupies one side of the main level and offers a modern take on coffered ceilings and an adjoining sitting room, perfect for privacy. The flawless master bath centers around a free-standing soaking tub and offers a huge walk -in closet. The three additional bedrooms and two full bathrooms are found off of the main entryway, each with their own walk-in closet. The stairway in the foyer leads to a large bonus room and full bathroom, perfect for a 5th bedroom, media room/man cave. The mud room has built in cubbies, perfect for backpacks and jackets, and is conveniently next to the laundry room and right off of the garage. You don't have to wait, this new home is ready right now!

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

2095 S Hull Street: Charming Garden District Home!

by The Hat Team

MIdtown Montgomery Home For Sale:

2095 S Hull Street, Montgomery AL 36106

MLS 483879 | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,750 Square Feet | Garden District

Charming Garden District Home!

Virtual Tour

Welcome to a charming English Tudor in the Historic Garden District! The pride of ownership definitely shows in this meticulously maintained, move-in ready home. With two living areas and two beautiful sunrooms, let your imagination create the perfect spaces to fit your family's needs. The heart of the house is a huge central hallway that provides privacy in the split floorplan and leads to each spacious light filled room, all with gorgeous hard wood floors! The kitchen layout makes it super easy when cooking, prepping and cleaning with the 14 ft long stainless countertop. The bathrooms have plenty of storage and are a perfect blend of old house charm with a modern feel. The master bath has an extra long vanity and a huge laundry closet. There's also double outdoor living space with the covered deck and patio below. You won't believe what you will find behind the brick privacy wall - a double garage! Situated on a lovely corner lot and walking distance to restaurants, shopping and churches. Come see for yourself today!

 

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

7 Kitchen Essentials Every Home Needs

by The Hat Team


Whether you enjoy cooking or not, it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the various tools, appliances and contraptions that collect on your kitchen counters and in your cabinets. The truth is, you probably do not need much of what you have collected over time.  Here is a list of seven kitchen essentials that every kitchen needs:

  • Chef’s Knife - One knife that features a straight blade capable of cutting everything from meat to vegetables to cheese is a must have for every cook. Look for a knife that is light-weight and durable with a slip resistant handle. With the right knife, slicing and dicing will be comfortable and safe. Top 5 Chef's Knives of 2020
     
  • Cutting Board - Look for a quality carving board that can be used for cutting meats and poultry. Professional chefs most often recommend plastic cutting boards because they are durable and will last a long time. In addition, they can be washed easily by hand and are dishwasher safe. However, they can be harder on knives than wood or bamboo. 13 Best Cutting Boards 2020
     
  • Peeler - If you cook with a lot of fresh veggies, a good peeler is a must! This prep tool should be sharp and easy to maneuver. Look for one that has a comfortable handle. The Top 5 Vegetable Peelers to Make Your Life Easier
     
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons - When you are following a recipe, you will want precise measurements. That means you will want a nice set of measuring cups and spoons. Look for them in stainless steel with riveted handles for a better grip. The Best Measuring Cups for 2020
     
  • Stand Mixer - While pricy, a quality stand mixer just might be your best friend in the kitchen! You can prepare just about anything with this powerful appliance that can tackle any job from kneading dough to whipping cream. 10 Best Stand Mixers for 2020
     
  • Baking Sheet - The right baking sheet can make all the difference in how your baked goods turn out. Find a sheet that can cook everything from cookies to fries to vegetables. Remember that there is a difference between cookie sheets and baking sheets.  A quality baking sheet will cook evenly and give you great results! The Best Baking Sheet for 2020
     
  • Skillets - Skillets are very versatile and can be used to prepare a plethora of recipes. Since you will likely be using a skillet frequently, it will pay off to invest in a top-of-the-line option. You will want one that provides even heat distribution and excellent heat retention. The 9 Best Skillets of 2020

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: wisecredit.com

Happy Veteran's Day!

by The Hat Team

It happened on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. An armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

To all veterans of all branches: Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for us all. In short, thank you for your service! To all those who have served, and those who continue to serve… Happy Veterans Day!

Post-Hurricane Inspection Guide

by The Hat Team


Zeta, the 27th storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, wreaked havoc in our neck of the woods, and hopefully your home survived with no apparent damage. But it is still important that you take the time to carefully look at your house and examine it for damage such as missing shingles or vents plugged by wind-blown debris.  Here is a list of things you should do to complete a post-hurricane home inspection:

  1. Check your roof for visible damage. Look carefully at valleys where the roof planes intersect and check anything that comes up through the roof, such as vent stacks. Roof Inspection Tips
  2. View your dryer vent outlet.  Use a flashlight to see if it is clogged with debris from the storm. Remove any debris that you find.
  3. Inspect furnace vents that run directly through the wall.  Look for damage and clogs, especially bits of shattered leaves hurled into it by hurricane force winds.
  4. Check gutters and downspouts. They can come loose if a strong wind catches them.  This can result in them eventually swinging loose and doing some real damage. Clean them out if they are clogged.
  5. Examine your air conditioning unit for damage.  Before you turn your unit on you want to be sure that nothing is damaged. 
  6. Look at your home’s electrical service entrance.  If it is sagging or leaning, contact an electrician immediately.
  7. Make sure your fence is still standing.  Take a walk around the perimeter of your fence and push it to check for storm-weakened sections. 
  8. Observe any large trees you have on your property. You may want to consider having them removed if they are a possible threat to your home in future storms.

When examining your home after a hurricane or storm, document and take photos of any damage that you find. This will make the insurance claims process much easier. How to File an Insurance Claim After a Natural Disaster

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs!  Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: insurancejournal.com

Its Time to "Fall Back"!

by The Hat Team

Have a Spooktacular Halloween!

by The Hat Team

Displaying blog entries 381-390 of 1998

Syndication

Categories

Archives

   cdpe    crsHat Lady on Zillow