Real Estate Information

625 Martha Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

MLS# 558410

3 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1 Half Bath | 1,768 Square Feet | Cottage Hill

Investors!! House Flippers!! Cottage Hill Lovers!! Whether you're 1, 2 or all 3 of these, here is an excellent opportunity for you!! This diamond in the rough needs work but has an endless amount of possibilities! It's very spacious with 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room, 1 and a half baths and 3 fireplaces. Located in the beautiful and historic Cottage Hill neighborhood, you will be within walking distance to Hilltop Public House and downtown Montgomery. With work, this house could be a great family home or investment property! There is plenty of space to work with so check it out today and let this be the palette of your next project!!

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

It’s hurricane season folks, and while Montgomery is in a very low risk hurricane zone, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared should a major weather event occur. This year the NOAA predicts an 85% chance of an above normal season. Gathering your hurricane supplies ahead of time will save you from having to fight the crowds at stores right before a storm hits. And some of these items will be useful on average stormy summer nights as well.

Your HURRICANE KIT should contain the following:

• Flashlights & extra bulbs
• Battery-operated radio
• Battery-operated lanterns
• Batteries (in different sizes)
• Matches
• First Aid kit
• Duct Tape
• Rain gear
• Clock (wind-up or battery-powered)
• Plastic garbage bags
• Fire extinguisher
• Scissors
• Can opener
• Clean clothes
• Extra blankets
• Heavy gloves

Have non-perishable food for each person for 3-7 days in two coolers (one for food and one for drinks) with the following:

• Bottled water (1 gallon/person/day)
• Canned foods
• Bottled juice
• Dry pet food (make sure to include water for your pets)

House Checklist:

• Remove outdoor items
• Trim dead branches from trees
• Board up windows
• Fill gas tanks and extra containers
• Have extra cash on hand
• Move furniture away from windows
• Store important documents in waterproof containers
• Have extra supply of medicines on hand

Medical Needs:

• Medical-alert tags
• Insect-repellent sprays
• Feminine hygiene items
• Sunscreen
• Soap
• First Aid kit
• Prescription medicine
• Over-the-counter medication
• Bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic solution
• Thermometer
• Tweezers

Prepare your pets:

• Water for pets for 3-7 days
• Non-perishable pet food
• Crate/carrier/tank
• Leash
• Collar or harness
• Favorite toy
• Blanket or pillow
• Clean litter box
• Updated shots and medical records
• Microchip and contact information
• Any medications
• Calming aids
• Tags
• Puppy training pads
• Heartworm preventatives
• Rain gear

Be prepared to evacuate, if necessary, by knowing where your local evacuation routes are and making sure your vehicle gas tanks are full.

Hopefully you will never have to use your Hurricane Kit, but being prepared for severe weather will give you peace of mind knowing that you are ready should such an event occur.

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.

Owning a home is likely the largest financial investment many will make, so whether you are buying or selling a home, it is important to think about resale value. With a little research, you will find that there are some things that will get you a great return on investment and there are others that will not.

When selling your home, you may want to make some improvements that will make it more appealing to buyers, ensuring a more profitable sale. But it is when you are searching for a home to buy that you can consider options that will give you desirable resale value in the future.

Here are 5 surprising things that will raise your home’s value:

1. LOTS OF TREES

While a brand-new house in a recently established community has its perks, what it often lacks is a proximity to mature trees. Large, well-rooted trees found in older neighborhoods, not only make for a lovely landscape, but they also provide shade. They add beauty and they save energy, while also increasing your home value.

2. GOOD SCHOOL SYSTEM

It may not seem so unexpected that a home in a good school district would have increased value. But sometimes people who do not have children do not think about this. Even you if you never intend to have children, you should keep in mind that many buyers will be highly motivated to purchase a home based on the quality of the area’s school system. For the purpose of resale value, it would be smart to invest in a home in an area with desirable schools.

3. SHOPPING NEARBY

People like convenience, so if a house is in close proximity to a shopping area with a supermarket, it will likely increase its value. This is especially true if it is close to higher-end stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. Per Zillow, homes near these grocery stores may appreciate up to 40% more quickly than other homes.

4. OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS

Living close to a park, walking trails, or other recreation areas can increase your home’s value. Things like dog parks, tennis courts, golf courses, and playgrounds are appealing to people who enjoy staying active. They will be willing to spend a little more to live close to areas where they can enjoy outdoor activities.

5. SEPARATE LIVING SPACE

Whether you have a mother-in-law suite, an apartment, or a carriage house, having a separate living space will add to the value of your home. Unlike the other items listed here, this is something you can add to a home after moving in. But while looking for a home, you may want to keep an eye out for one that already has one. Not only will it boost resale value, but it will give you the opportunity to earn rental income (depending upon the laws in your area) while living in the house.

When buying a home, it is important to find a place that feels right for you, but unless you plan to stay there forever, it will benefit you to think about resale value as well!

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!

404 E Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36105

MLS# 557083

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Bath | 2,256 Square Feet | South Hull District

Here's the prettiest fixer upper you'll find! The exterior could use a little TLC but you will fall in love with the interior! Situated on a huge corner lot, this charming home offers an updated kitchen with breakfast bar, large light filled living room and dining room and two sunrooms! The downstairs sunroom is right off the living room and perfect for a den or home office, the upstairs sunroom is off the master and great for a dressing room/closet. Nice big fenced-in yard with patio and one car garage. Check it out today!

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

Summer is almost here and for many families, that means it is cookout time!  One of the best things about cooking out on the grill is that there are fewer pots and pans to wash than with stovetop cooking. While you don’t have to scrub down your gas grill to shiny perfection after each use, it is important to give it a deep clean every now and then to make sure it runs safely and efficiently. Here’s how!

1. Gather your cleaning supplies - You may want to use gloves and you will need a nylon grill brush, aramid fiber-wrapped brush or stainless-steel coil brush – all of which are good alternatives to wire grill brushes. You will also need old cleaning rags or paper towels, a bristle brush or putty knife, and soap and water.
    
2. Turn off the gas supply – THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure the gas supply is turned off or play it extra safe and remove the gas tank from the grill while cleaning it.
    
3. Remove the grill grates - Pull them out so you can give them a thorough cleaning. Scrub them with a grill brush or other coarse brush.
    
4. Clean anything covering the burners - Remove any V-shaped metal heat tents, ceramic briquettes, or lava stones that cover the burners and brush them clean. You will want all the gas grill parts to be spic and span.
    
5. Clean the burner tubes - Lightly brush the burner tubes and make sure all the gas ports are clean and open.
    
6. Clean the bottom of the grill and the lid - Brush or wipe any debris out of the bottom of the grill. If there is peeling black stuff (usually carbon flakes and grease) on the grill lid or bottom, use a bristle brush or putty knife to scrape it off.
    
7. Clean the grease collection tray - Use soap and water to clean the grease collection tray and replace any disposable pans as needed.  Make sure to dispose of grease properly - pour it into an empty can or bottle, wait for it to harden, then throw the whole thing away.
    
8. Wipe down the outside of the grill - With a rag or paper towel, wipe down the outside of the grill and any side trays using soap and water.
    
9. Put the grill back together - Now you’re ready for a cookout!!

Here is a delicious grill recipe for you to enjoy this summer:

Surf ‘n Turf Foil Packs

4 Servings, Prep time: 10 minutes, Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ lb. sirloin steak, cut into 1” cubes
• ½ lb. shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 2 ears corn, each cut crosswise into 4 pieces
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 1 small red onion, cut into thick slices
• 1 lime, sliced into wedges
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning
• 1tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
• Lime wedges for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat grill to high. Cut 4 sheets of foil about 12 inches long.
2. Divide steak, shrimp, corn, tomatoes, onion, lime, and garlic between each foil pack. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with Old Bay, fresh thyme, cumin, and black pepper.
3. Fold each foil pack crosswise over to completely cover the food mixture. Roll top and bottom edges to seal.
4. Place foil packs on the grill and cook until shrimp is cooked through and steak is finished to your desired doneness, 6 to 8 minutes per side.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve with lime wedges.

Recipe from delish.com

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.

Chances are, if you are getting ready to sell your home, you are also preparing to purchase a new home. So, the last thing you want to do is spend more money on your current property. However, you certainly want to get the best price possible when selling it, and per the National Association of Realtors, for every $100 invested in staging, the potential return is $400. As you can see, it will pay off in the end to stage your home to entice potential buyers.

Some people will hire a certified staging professional to get the job done.  While it might seem easier than doing it yourself, it is not the only way to get that SOLD sign planted in your front yard. There are some simple, yet effective home-staging hacks that won’t break the bank:

• Roll Out a Welcome Mat

Sounds simple, right? It is! First impressions mean everything when selling your home. Also, prospective buyers tend to linger by the front door before the real estate agent opens the home for viewing, so an inviting entrance is crucial. A new welcome mat can cost as little as $15.Purchase a modern mat that compliments the style of your home. To further enhance the entryway, add a little green with some fresh plants and b An enticing entrance will make buyers want to see more!

• Mount Mirrors in Strategic Spots

Every home has spaces like a dim hallway or small space that lacks natural light. To spruce up these areas, hang a few mirrors. They add extra light to rooms that look dark and create an illusion of space. They will pack an extra punch if placed next to or directly across from a window because they will pull in more sun. For a more decorative look, create a collage of several mini mirrors in different shapes and sizes rather than just slapping one large mirror on the wall. You can find inexpensive mirrors at craft stores and discount home stores.

• Set Tables and Serving Areas for Entertaining

A home filled with friends, food and laughter is a happy one! Paint a picture of what entertaining in your home will be like for potential buyers. Keep it simple, but aesthetically pleasing. Lay out cloth napkins, wine glasses and solid plates in the dining room. Use matching mugs and bowls in the kitchen to produce the feel of family meals.

• Replace Personal Photos with Artwork

Over the years, you have turned your house into a home by decorating with family portraits and personal mementos. But potential buyers are going to want to be able to envision themselves living there and that is hard to do with your family members present in the form of pictures in every room. So, get a head start on packing up your house by putting your pictures away and replacing them with artwork that compliments the style of the home. You can find inexpensive art at discount stores, or you can print beautiful landscape photos to put in frames.

• Make the Bathroom Look Elegant with White Linens - Spruce up your bathroom with crisp, fresh, all-white linens.  White towels, bathmats, and shower curtains give the room an instant update.  They inspire the feeling of a luxury spa without spending a lot of money.  Take it a step further by including some "spa like" displays. Simple additions like an orchid, candles and special soaps will go a long way.
  
• Arrange Decorative Scenes - Decorative displays can give a cozy, lived-in ambience to a house.  Assembling classy vignettes of colorful vases, lanterns, books, plants, baskets, and other items atop dressers, counters and bookshelves will make a house feel more like a home. Group items in odd numbers and in varying heights and shapes while keeping them in the same color family. You will be amazed at what you can find to use in your house, but if you need to buy some things, you can mix in inexpensive pieces from craft and discount stores.  Done properly, these displays will have people feeling like they are looking at rooms right out of home décor magazines…and that is a sure way to impress prospective buyers.

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.

Mother’s Day is this weekend and there are plenty of ways you can celebrate Mom in and around Montgomery this year!  If you’re looking for a special way to show your mother some love and appreciation, check out the following events happening on Mother’s Day in Montgomery!

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Mother’s Day at the Zoo

Sunday, May 12 – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum
2301 Coliseum Pkwy
Montgomery, AL

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, May 12. All Moms receive FREE admission, so make plans to join us for Mom's special day.

Mother's Day admission includes:

• Admission to the Zoo
• Admission to the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum 
• Entry to Parakeet Cove
• Entry to Waters of the World
• Entry to the Reptile Facility
• Special zookeeper talks at 11:30am and 1:30pm

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Mother’s Day Brunch at Ravello Ristorante

Sunday, May 12 – 10:00 AM

Ravello Ristorante
36 Commerce Street
Montgomery, AL

Every day is A Mother’s Day!! Fortunately, for them, this one is Extra Special! Buffet-Style Brunch @ Ravello. Don't Miss It!

I hope you're bringing your appetites; for this Mother's Day Brunch will be Buffet-Style and nothing short of delicious. Call Ravello for questions about Menu Options, Dietary, Restrictions, and Allergens @ 334.356.2852

Click HERE to make reservations!

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Harriott II Mother’s Day Cruise

Riverboat – Harriott II
200 Coosa Street
Montgomery, AL

Come celebrate Mother's Day with a cruise aboard Montgomery's only riverboat, The Harriott II. You have two options for Mom's special day; a dinner cruise or a patio ride-only option. Descriptions of each are listed below. Don't Miss the Boat!

Dinner Cruise Ticket Includes Menu; 10oz T-Bone Steak, Twice Baked Potato, Whole Green Beans, Fresh Green Salad, Roll & Cheesecake with Topping. Vegetarian and Vegan Options are available. This two-hour cruise includes reserved seating on the inside interior decks (1st or 2nd), Live Local Entertainment, a Cash Bar, and a Gift for Mom

Patio Ride Only Ticket Includes: General Admission, first come first serve seating on the exterior 3rd deck. This ticket does not include a meal, but all guests can purchase food from our Wheel House Grille and drinks from a cash bar. Two-hour cruise, Live Entertainment, and a Gift for Mom. We hope to see you there!

Click HERE for more information.

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Mother’s Day at Whippoorwill

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

1201 Old Barnes Road
Mathews, AL

Brooklin Events would like to invite you out for a remarkable day at the exquisite Whippoorwill Venue for our 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Brunch. This delectable brunch experience paired with an endless mimosa bar; will be a one-of-a-kind occasion you won't want to miss!

For the little ones, we will have a bounce house provided by Rae Events & a bubble house provided by Hello Party, mini golf course, axe throwing, and a color station. Three Broke Girls will perform again for us outside on the beautiful patio overlooking the water.

This year we will have reserved seating as well as additional seating space. During checkout you will have the opportunity to let us know if you desire to sit inside or outside. Table numbers will be emailed out the week of Mother’s Day and these will also be posted at the venue. We desire everyone to come in (no check-in lines) and enjoy the day, having no worries about finding yourselves a table!

Click HERE for tickets!

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Mom’s & Mimosa

May 12, 2024 - 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm

Montgomery Riverfront Park
355 Commerce Street
Montgomery, AL

Let's raise a toast to all the amazing mothers out there with our special Mom's and Mimosa event on the Sip-n-Cycle Pedal Cruise! Join us as we celebrate Mother's Day in style on Sunday, May 12th, with a delightful boat cruise along the picturesque Alabama River.

Treat your mom to an unforgettable experience by booking your spot on one of our cruises at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, or 7pm. Choose the perfect time to honor and cherish the special bond you share with your mom.

Spaces are limited, so don't wait! Book now and make this Mother's Day one to remember aboard the Sip-n-Cycle Pedal Cruise. Visit our website, www.sipncyclepedalcruise.com, to secure your spot today. Cheers to all the incredible moms out there!

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Mother’s Day High Tea

May 12, 2024
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

The Loft at Grove Station
19 Sistrunk Street
Tallassee, AL 36078

Grove Station invites you to join us for a modern-day English Tea Service to celebrate all of the beloved Mothers in the World!  Enjoy Tea Sandwiches, Fresh Fruit, House Muffins and Pastries along with Hot & Iced Tea, Coffee, and Juices.  Mimosas, Champagne, & Wine flights can also be purchased during the experience. 

Feel free to dress in your Sunday best or just come in what is comfortable for you!  We love hosting groups, besties, couples or just you, as meeting friends seems to be the number one activity during our Experiences! 

This Experience will occur in our Loft, so feel free to park in the rear of the building and enter through the back door on the right.  Can't wait to host you!

Purchase tickets HERE

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Happy Mother’s Day!

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 http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: alabama.travel, experiencemontgomeryal.org, allevents.in, eventbrite.com, tickets.atgrovestation.com

3191 Thomas Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 556412

4 Bedrooms | 2 Full Baths | 2 Half Baths | 3,589 Square Feet | Edgewood

Stunning Edgewood home has only been owned by two families! Traditional elegance with grand curved staircase and large living spaces are now combined with updated fixtures and contemporary style living. Current owners love entertaining neighbors and friends in the oversized dining room, bright cheery sunroom, and extensive yard and gardens. Main floor has two powder rooms for convenience, and a cozy den/study with fireplace. Retro kitchen boasts a new commercial stove/oven, and breakfast room/butler's pantry has tons of built-in cabinets. Upstairs is an oversized primary bedroom with dressing room/closet and newly renovated bath with double vanities and huge walk-in shower. Three other large bedrooms share a hall bath, and the south end bedroom has additional finished attic space that could be converted to another bath/dressing room/upstairs laundry. Gracious amounts of storage between closets, built-ins, and cubbies. In addition to front staircase, there is also a rear staircase for convenience. Front, side, and rear yards feature multiple garden "rooms" and seating areas scattered amongst mature landscaping. All on one of Midtown's most desirable and beautiful streets, nestled among beautiful vintage estate homes!

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

Whether you are selling a home or buying one, you are going to want to know the value of the home so that you can determine selling price or if the sale price is appropriate. But what you may not be aware of is that there are 3 different types of home values. It may be confusing to you when trying to determine what the true value of the home is.

Let us break it down for you so that you will understand the 3 types of home values and what they mean.

1. ASSESSED VALUE

The assessed value is the assigned dollar value of your home used by local tax assessors to determine property taxes. Tax assessors calculate assessed value based on various factors, which may include the appraised value and the fair market value, as well as any home improvements, whether you generate income from the property, and any tax exemptions. The assessor will give you a figure that is commonly a percentage of what they perceive the value to be. Because property taxes are based upon assessed value, ideally, this figure will be lower. It should be close to your actual market value, but frequently it is not.

2. APPRAISED VALUE

When you are refinancing or purchasing a house, an appraiser will be hired to determine the value of the house in question. They will use the same process that real estate professionals use to determine the fair market value. A licensed appraiser will consider the location, size and condition of the home along with any renovations that have been completed. They will walk through the home and compare it to others with similar amenities and improvements in the area that have sold. Most appraisals will include a construction or replacement cost that is used for insurance purposes.

3. FAIR MARKET VALUE

Fair market value is what a home is worth based on the current market climate. It encompasses how a home looks to prospective buyers compared to other homes in the area. It takes into consideration the sale prices of homes that are similar (same number of bedrooms, square footage etc.) A real estate agent will start by looking at “comps” to figure out what buyers have been willing to pay for properties comparable to yours. Other things that help determine fair market value are whether it is a seller’s or buyer’s market and how much inventory is available.

Because these different types of values can be subjective, it is vital to make sure you are looking at a comprehensive overview when trying to determine the value of the home you are selling or buying. An experienced Realtor like Sandra Nickel can assist you with this process by providing a comparative market analysis.

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.

Even during the spring, people spend a lot of time indoors. And while it is important to spend time outside to get fresh air, you may want to do something to improve the quality of the air IN your home. If you enjoy gardening, you don’t have to limit it to outdoors.  There are lots of houseplants that will aid in the removal of pollutants floating around your home.

• English Ivy

Used as a houseplant, this elegant beauty is excellent for removing harmful chemicals that can be found in the home. It will grow in full shade to full sun, so you will have lots of flexibility in placement. With proper care, it can survive for many years.

• Bamboo Palm

This plant prefers part sun or shade. It removes harmful elements such as benzene and formaldehyde.

• Chinese Evergreen

This pretty, easy-to-care-for plant thrives in low to medium light. It can grow to one or two feet. While it helps maintain healthy air quality, it also can be toxic to pets, so if you have fur-babies at home, keep this plant out of their reach!

• Gerbera Daisy

These delightful flowering plants will remove benzene from your home while adding a cheerful vibe! But they like to be warm, doing their best in temperatures of 75 degrees or higher.

• Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (also known as “Snake Plant”)

Despite the interesting moniker, this hardy succulent is a great houseplant for beginners (or those who don’t have green thumbs) because it can survive in even the toughest of conditions. Just be careful not to over water it.

• Peace Lily

Honestly, we can never have too much PEACE! This lovely plant not only brings to mind the beauty and hope of spring, it fights against toxic gases like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. They are easy to care for and will droop when they need watering. They can be a bit toxic to pets and humans, so you should wash your hands after touching it.

• Spider Plant

Bring on the green with this houseplant that thrives in bright, indirect light and will remove harmful pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Keep its soil damp, but not soggy and it will last a long time!

It is important to be very conscious of taking care of ourselves and the environment we live in. Use these houseplants for health and improve your air quality at home today!

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.