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Displaying blog entries 31-40 of 1996

How to Make Back to School Lunch Prep a Breeze!

Wednesday, August 7, 2024
by The Hat Team


It’s that time of year again. Back to school. With your children headed back to their classrooms, it is important to maintain a routine. And that includes preparing healthy, nutritious lunches. Curb chaotic mornings by organizing your kitchen in a way that makes lunch prep a breeze! 

The following tips will help:

  • MAKE A LIST

Do not just wing it. By creating a menu of items that you will use for your kids’ lunches, you will not only save time in the mornings (because you will not spend time trying to decide what to pack in their lunch bag), you will also have a handy, dandy shopping list for when you go grocery shopping. Here are some school lunch ideas to get you started. School Lunch Ideas

  • MAKE YOUR FRIDGE LUNCH BOX FRIENDLY

Organize the space in your refrigerator to make lunch prep quick and easy. Clear plastic bins with labels can be used to divide things up by type of food/drink or by day of the week. Experiment with these ideas and find the one that works best for you. Organizing Your Fridge

  • CREATE A STAGING CENTER

Have a designated spot in the kitchen for lunch prep. A basket or bin for lunch bags/boxes will mean that you will never be frantically searching for them in the morning. Have your kids empty them of containers/trash when they get home from school and place them in the designated area. Keep containers handy and make sure you have enough counter space to accommodate everything you will need.

  • HAVE A SUPPLY STATION

Clean out a drawer or cabinet near your staging center and keep all your lunch prep supplies in one spot. Stock up on baggies, containers, napkins, straws, plastic utensils, foil, saran wrap etc.

  • STOCK PANTRY WITH “SCHOOL LUNCH ONLY” ITEMS

Avoid the frustration of going to grab something for your child’s lunch only to discover there is none left. Create an area in your pantry that is only for school lunches. An over-the-door hanging shoe rack is a great space-saver and can be used to store school snacks.

Whether you prepare your children’s lunches, or you have them do it themselves, being organized will make the process easier and quicker.

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!

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1596 Cobblestone Ct: End-Unit Woodmere Townhouse!

Friday, August 2, 2024
by The Hat Team

1596 Cobblestone Court, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS# 559891

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Baths | 1,364 Square Feet | Woodmere Townhouse 

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This end-unit Woodmere townhouse is perfect for first time homebuyer and would make a GREAT addition to any investor's rental portfolio. Spacious living and dining room, galley kitchen, and powder room are on the 1st floor. Upstairs are two ample sized bedrooms, each with its own full bath. Rear of property has a covered patio, small yard, and rear parking for 2-3 cars. Convenient to shopping, dining, interstate, and a lovely walking park just across the street!

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

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Selling Your Home When You’ve Already Moved Away

Wednesday, July 31, 2024
by The Hat Team


Best case scenario – you sell your old home and buy your new one at the same time. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out that way. Chances are you might find yourself in your new dream home while still having a house several states away that needs to be sold. Selling a house from out of state has its challenges, especially when you are unpacking a new home, settling into a new job and establishing your routine in a new place. But making a successful sale is not impossible. 

Here are 5 tips to help you sell your home from out of state:

  1. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL REALTOR WHO IS EXPERIENCED WITH OUT OF STATE SALES

When hiring a Realtor to handle the sale of your home in your former city, you will want to find someone who has experience with out of state sales. The right listing agent will be experienced in communicating with clients remotely and will be able sell your home quickly. You are going to want to find someone that will keep you up to date with what is going on with your property; someone you can rely on to respond to your phone calls and emails in a timely manner.

  1. FIND A PROFESSIONAL TO STAGE YOUR HOME TO SELL IT FASTER

Since you have already emptied out your former home for your move, staging your home will need to be left in the hands of someone in your previous city. Hiring a professional stager (your Realtor can recommend one) will go a long way toward getting your house sold for the best possible price. Per a study conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes that are staged sell faster and at higher prices than those that are not staged.

  1. BE SURE THAT CLOSING FROM OUT OF STATE IS AN OPTION

Before you move, take the time to think about how you are going to close on your current house from out of state. Many attorneys require you to be at the closing table in person, so it’s important that you seek one who is willing be more flexible. The cost and inconvenience of having to go back to your previous city for a closing can be avoided if you find someone who will allow you to sign the closing documents in your new city with a local notary present.

  1. BE THE LIASON FOR YOUR TEAM MEMBERS

Unnecessary back and forth between the people involved in the sale of your house can be avoided by making sure your team has all the documents/paperwork they need throughout the process. You will also want to provide contacts for all your team members so that they can communicate without you as the go-between.

  1. LET YOUR TEAM DO THE WORK

Now it is time to hand over control to your Realtor and the rest of the team so they can handle the sale for you. Some people may find it difficult to relinquish control, but when you are in your new home in another state, you need to place trust in your team to get the job done!


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!

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The Perks of Downsizing to a Smaller Home

Wednesday, July 24, 2024
by The Hat Team


Are you a recent “Empty Nester” in a home that suddenly feels way too big?  Facing the dilemma of what to do with your empty nest can be overwhelming. You are not only dealing with the emotional turmoil of no longer having your children at home, but now you have this large, empty house as well.  You might already be considering a move to a smaller home, but the thought of giving up the place where you raised your children may have you feeling melancholy. Your current home likely holds a lot of wonderful memories for you. But remember, it’s just a house. There are a lot of perks to downsizing.

  • Your house will be easier to maintain, and you will spend less time cleaning.
  • You will spend less money on everything from your mortgage, taxes and insurance to your heating, cooling, and electricity. 
  • Having less debt will eliminate the financial stress that comes with a huge mortgage payment.
  • A home that doesn’t drain your resources and energy will give you peace of mind…and that is priceless.
  • A smaller home has a positive impact on the environment because it requires less resources to build and maintain.
  • You will have more free time for living the life you want.
  • It will force you to declutter and cut back on your belongings and keep you from buying more.
  • If decorating is not your thing, a smaller house will make it less overwhelming for you.
  • When the time comes to sell, a smaller, more affordable home will appeal to a larger percentage of the population.

Scaling down doesn’t mean you should move into a “tiny house”.  It might be just going from four bedrooms/three baths to three bedrooms/two baths. A professional Realtor can assist you in finding a smaller home that will suit all your needs and provide you with a happier, more peaceful lifestyle.


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!

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346 Cloverdale Rd: Vintage Garden District Bungalow!

Tuesday, July 23, 2024
by The Hat Team

346 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 560045

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,944 Square Feet | Garden District

Play VisualTour

This vintage Garden District bungalow has all the character you love in classic homes, with great modern updates! Brick construction is hard to find in a 1915 home, when most were just wood frame. Perched on a knoll, the oversized covered front porch allows great views up and down this quiet tree-lined street. Traditional layout has large living room with fireplace and original built-ins, and dining room is spacious and great for entertaining. Original breakfast room/butler's pantry has been opened up into the updated kitchen with reclaimed wood and vintage brick accents. Primary bedroom has lots of light from triple windows across the back, and the flashy primary bath features double-vanity sinks, private WC, and walk-in shower with two shower heads! All upgraded within the last few years. Out back there is a deck, mature shade trees, and fenced back yard for pets. Located on the NE edge of the Historic Garden District, a block away shopping, dining, and entertainment!

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

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3513 McGehee Place Ct: Charming 2-Bedroom Patio Home!

Friday, July 19, 2024
by The Hat Team

3513 McGehee Place Court, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 559861

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Baths | 2,532 Square Feet | McGehee Place Estates

Play VisualTour

Discover this charming home in the tranquil McGehee Place Estates. With over 2,500 square feet, this spacious 2-bedroom patio home offers plenty of room to relax. You’ll be greeted by soaring 10-foot ceilings and elegant hardwood floors that create an inviting atmosphere. The den features a cozy fireplace and built-ins, while plantation shutters add a touch of elegance throughout. The kitchen will make it so easy to cook and entertain with a generous island, double ovens and breakfast bar. Love outdoor living? You’ll adore the low-maintenance courtyard, complete with two sitting areas perfect for entertaining or relaxing in nature. Don’t miss your chance to see this beautiful and well-maintained property!

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

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How to Buy a Home When You Have Bad Credit

Wednesday, July 17, 2024
by The Hat Team

Perhaps you are ready to buy a home, but you think you can’t because of a low score on your credit report. Bad credit can present challenges when purchasing a home, but it doesn’t have to keep you from moving forward with your dream of becoming a homeowner.  If you want to become a homeowner, don’t let bad credit hold you back!

Here are some tips for how to buy a home even when you have bad credit:

  • GET YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Take a deep breath and do that search. There are several places you can get your credit score for free. Just keep in mind that you will have three credit scores - one each from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These are the three major credit reporting agencies, so it’s a good idea to get scores form all of them.

  • MAKE SURE YOUR CREDIT SCORE IS UP TO DATE AND ACCURATE

Your credit report is like a history of how you have handled borrowed money. There may be errors in it and if so, that could damage your credit score. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting companies annually. When you get the reports, look over them carefully to make sure all the information is correct. If you find any errors, you can dispute them with the reporting companies.

  • PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A HIGHTER INTEREST RATE

Qualifying for a mortgage with a lower credit score is possible if you are willing to pay a higher interest rate. Lenders charge more to protect themselves should the buyer make late payments or fail to make payments altogether. Unfortunately, bad credit means that you likely have a history of doing just that. While a higher interest rate does mean a higher mortgage payment, it may be worth it to become a homeowner investing in your own home rather than paying rent to a landlord.

  • APPLY FOR AN FHA LOAN

Loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA loans) have lower credit requirements. With a credit score of at least 580, you can qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage with a down payment of just 3.5 percent of your home’s final purchase price. However, there are some catches. First, FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, but they are originated by traditional mortgage lenders. Even though they can originate FHA-insured loans for borrowers with scores as low as 500, it doesn’t mean they are obligated to do so. They can choose to require higher credit scores. Secondly, FHA loans come with a financial penalty. With traditional mortgage loans, you can cancel your private mortgage insurance (PMI) after building up enough equity. With an FHA loan, you must maintain private mortgage insurance for the life of your loan.

  • MAKE A LARGER DOWN PAYMENT

If you can come up with a larger down payment, lenders may be willing to take a chance on you. While it’s possible today to get a mortgage with as little as 3 percent down, people with bad credit may find that making a larger down payment is what will get them the mortgage loan they seek. When you put down more money up front it shows the lender that you are willing to take on the risk of a home loan. The lender also will feel you are less likely to walk away from a large financial investment. If you can come up with a down payment of 20 percent or more, you will increase your chance of getting approval on a mortgage loan.

  • REBUILD YOUR CREDIT

If your credit is so bad that a mortgage is not feasible right now, don’t despair. It just means that it is time for you to start rebuilding your credit so that you can become a homeowner in the future. To do this, you simply need to start paying all your bills on time every month so that you can build a better credit history. Also, pay down as much credit card debt as possible to raise your score.

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!

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2095 S Hull St: Remodeled English Tudor in the Historic Garden District!

Thursday, July 11, 2024
by The Hat Team

2095 S Hull Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 559623

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

Play VisualTour

Nestled in the Historic Garden District, you will find this impeccably remodeled English Tudor. With three bedrooms and two baths, every inch of this residence has been transformed into a showstopper with an array of upgrades that must be seen to be fully appreciated! Upon entering, you’ll notice the stunning tiled fireplace and coffered ceilings in the living area, setting the tone for the elegance found throughout the home. A spacious hallway features a custom wall, adding a unique and artistic touch that reflects the home's exceptional attention to detail. Prepare to be captivated by the primary suite, where no expense was spared in its redesign! The fireplace, with floor-to-ceiling tile, and coffered ceilings create a serene atmosphere. A custom iron door leads to a bathroom reminiscent of a luxury spa, complete with a clawfoot tub and a steam sauna featuring dual shower heads. The adjacent closet is a masterpiece with a quartzite-topped island, ensuring ample space for wardrobe and accessories. The additional bedrooms and bathrooms have also undergone remodeling, each exuding the same level of quality and style found throughout the home. The kitchen is a true masterpiece featuring tiled walls and marble countertops. The eat-in breakfast area boasts a custom white quartz island. Step outside to the extended, screened-in rear porch—a perfect retreat for relaxation or entertaining. Equipped with fans, it promises comfort in any season, whether sipping a cold beverage or hosting guests. Beyond the main living areas, discover a unique recreational room within the garage, equipped with a video wall and climate control, offering versatility and entertainment options galore! Rest easy knowing this home is equipped with two new HVAC systems, updated electrical and plumbing, and a generator, ensuring comfort and reliability in all seasons. This home marries historic charm with modern luxury, offering an opportunity to own a property that epitomizes elegance.

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

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501 Martha St: Cottage Hill Dream Home!

Wednesday, July 10, 2024
by The Hat Team

501 Martha Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 559660

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,094 Square Feet | Cottage Hill

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Your dream home awaits in historic Cottage Hill! Just steps from bustling downtown, this totally renovated cottage has old world charm and character with modern updates and features. Welcoming front porch is one of the owner's favorite spots to unwind and visit with friends and neighbors. Spacious living room and dining room have soaring ceilings and plenty of wall space for artwork! Cook's dream kitchen with quartz countertops and custom milled heart pine floors has cozy built in sitting nook, and access to the private rear deck. Full bedroom, bath, and walk in closet share the downstairs space, while the cool master suite encompasses the entire second floor. Master space includes a sitting area perfect for sectional and tv or would make a great home office area. Large walk-in master shower boasts rain shower head and the custom-made poured concrete sink with high end faucet feels like you are in a high-end NYC hotel! Laundry area off master bath has additional storage...a rarity in vintage homes! Systems all updated within the last few years, so all you need to do is pack your things and move in. ESTATE SALE JULY 11-12. SHOWINGS START MONDAY JULY 15TH.

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

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529 Felder Ave: Gorgeous Old Cloverdale Home Loaded with History!

Wednesday, July 10, 2024
by The Hat Team

529 Felder Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 559629

3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2,749 Square Feet | Cloverdale

Play VisualTour

Welcome to Old Cloverdale! You have just stepped into a part of Montgomery where every home has its own story to tell. The neighborhood is lined with trees, beautiful parks and winding walking trails. Felder has been home to Zelda and F Scott Fitzgerald, just imagine what they would think of it today being in walking distance to the Pine Bar, Vintage Year and Cafe, Frenchie's, Derk's, boutiques and art galleries? Your love of history and the opportunity to own a piece of it awaits you behind the doors of iconic 529. This home has withstood 111 years of evolution and still stands strong, and more importantly has never looked better. Over the years special love has been given to the careful restoration of the interior as well as an entire exterior renovation with extensive landscaping, an inviting gravel path up to and surrounding the property which is now enclosed with a brand-new privacy fence with an electric gate. If you have seen it before, you must check out the transformation for yourself! OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 7/14 1:00-3:00.

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

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Displaying blog entries 31-40 of 1996

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