Real Estate Information

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.

When you are considering the purchase of a new home, one of the first things to think about is if you will be able to get a mortgage loan. At the start of the home buying process, you will hear terms like “pre-qualification”, “pre-approval”, and “conditional approval”. If you are not familiar with these terms and their meanings, it can add to the already stressful process of entering the housing market as a buyer.

While all these terms may sound similar, they are not the same. Pre-qualification, pre-approval, and the conditional approval letter share common characteristics, but they occur at different times during your journey to home ownership. Having a clear understanding of what they mean will save some of the confusion, time and energy that goes into finding the right home for your budget and your family.

Let’s take a look at each of these terms:

PRE-QUALIFICATION

Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage loan is the earliest step of the three terms we are looking at. A pre-qualification will give you an estimate of how much you may possibly be able to borrow from a lender. Basically, you will provide information such as your financial history and credit report to your lender. You can do this verbally at this stage as it is not an overly comprehensive process. Your lender will use the information provided and will give you an estimate of the amount you may qualify for. This will allow you to explore the mortgage options available to you.

After your lender has determined the amount you pre-qualify for, you will receive a pre-qualification letter. By sharing this letter with your Realtor, they can use it when making an offer to a seller to give evidence of your commitment to and preparation for buying a home.

Remember, a pre-qualification is not a guarantee for a loan. While it is a great way to determine what types of loans are available to you, it does not mean a loan for the amount of the home you hope to purchase is a sure thing.

PRE-APPROVAL

Getting a pre-approval is a more formal process that requires an in-depth investigation of your finances. This process will take place after you have submitted your mortgage application and documentation will be required.

Your lender will need the following:

• Employment verification (W-2s or 1099s)
• Bank statements
• Retirement and brokerage account statements
• Any other assets
• Current real estate debt or rental statements
• Monthly debt payments (student loans, auto loans)
• Court orders (divorce, child support, alimony, etc.)
• Tax returns

It may feel overwhelming to provide so much personal, financial information, but it is necessary to obtain a pre-approval for a mortgage loan. Like pre-qualification, you will get a pre-approval letter if your application is accepted by your lender. This letter provides the sellers with the information they need to know that you can afford the mortgage payment and you are ready to purchase a home.

When competing for a home with other buyers, a pre-approval letter can be a game changer, making you look like a serious buyer over others who may not have a pre-approval letter yet.

CONDITIONAL APPROVAL

Conditional approval is also known as “up-front underwriting”. If you choose this option, your lender will review your finances thoroughly in order to provide you with an exact loan approval amount for the specific home on which you are submitting an offer.

What makes a conditional approval letter different from a pre-approval is in the name itself; there will be a few conditions that must be met before closing. For example, purchase agreements, title verifications, home appraisal, and inspections must all be complete and in order. The closing process cannot begin until all the conditions listed in the letter have been met.

Pre-qualification, pre-approval, and the conditional approval letter all provide validation to both your lender and the seller that you are a serious buyer that can afford the home.

They each serve the same purpose, but you will encounter them in different circumstances within the home buying process. Understanding the nuances and differences now will make you a better-informed buyer and will make the home buying process less stressful for you!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

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

• Send Winter Packing

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

• Declare War on the Weeds

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

• Time for a Trim

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

• Quench That Thirst

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

• Dress it Up

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

• Prune Away

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

• Mulch it Up

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

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

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner and many people enjoy spending time outdoors to savor the warmer weather. Unfortunately, there are some not-so-pleasant aspects of spending time outside such as bugs, rain, and hot, humid days. Whether you have a deck, patio or simply a great yard, the following tips will help make the time you spend outside more comfortable in any situation:

BUGS

Yuck. Whether you are hosting an alfresco dinner party or simply trying to relax with a good book on your deck, nothing will send you running back inside faster than nasty, annoying bugs.  If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, dealing with them is imperative if you want to be able to enjoy the outdoors. Screening in a porch is an ideal way to be able to feel like you are outside without all the awful bug bites. Other ways to keep insects away:

• Do not keep any standing water on your property.  Even a single forgotten flowerpot full of rainwater can become a mosquito breeding ground.
• Make water features running rather than standing or treat them with mosquito prevention.
• Install ceiling fans on porches - flies and mosquitoes do not like moving air.
• Hire a pro! If you are unable to spray your yard yourself or would rather the process be handled by an expert, consider calling a professional. I use Mosquito Authority to spray periodically.

USE OUTDOOR FABRICS IN EXPOSED AREAS

If your porch is covered, you may be able to get away with using more delicate furniture and cushions not specifically made for outdoor use.  But if your seating area is exposed to the elements, you will want to invest in fabrics and furniture made for outside use.  They will likely be more expensive, but they won’t fade in the sun, will resist stains and are water resistant.  The cushions are stuffed with material that sheds water easily so that they won’t stay waterlogged if they get wet.

UTILIZE A STORAGE BENCH

While outdoor cushions are designed to stand up to repeated soakings, they will still be wet for a while directly after a rainstorm.  You can avoid having to sit on damp cushions by keeping them in a covered storage bench when you know there is a chance of rain.  If they won’t fit in a storage bench, lean your larger cushions against the wall of the house.  Do the same with any lightweight folding chairs.

MASK SOUNDS WITH RUNNING WATER

If noise is an issue that prevents you from indulging in a peaceful outdoor experience, try using a water feature to drown out the distraction.  Water is a great way to gently camouflage sounds from close neighbors. Try installing a small fountain near your seating area for a more tranquil atmosphere.

MUSIC

If the water feature doesn’t appeal to you, soft music playing in the background can be just as effective at masking sounds.  With wireless speakers, you don’t even need an outlet to play your music.

SHADE

Even when you are craving the warmth of the sun, sitting outside without any shade on a hot, sunny day will send you running for the AC before too long.  There are a lot of options for adding shade to your yard.  Try freestanding umbrellas, a cloth overhang, lattices, a shade tree, or a pergola.

PUT TOGETHER AN OUTDOOR DINING KIT

Dining alfresco will be easier if you have a kit ready and waiting.  Put your frequently used outdoor items in a basket or on a big tray with handles so you can just grab it and go.  Here are some things to include:

• Unbreakable wineglasses and plates
• A carafe for water, wine or tea
• Big napkins
• Candles and matches or a lighter
• A wicker or mesh dome-shaped cover to keep flies off the food
• Unbreakable outdoor serving pieces
• A bottle opener

HAVE BLANKETS FOR CHILLY EVENINGS

Keep some blankets nearby.  Old wool camp-style blankets, light weight Kantha Quilts , or fringed throws work well. Your guests will thank you on chilly evenings in the garden!

HAVE ADEQUATE NIGHTTIME LIGHTING

Your outdoor space will really come alive at night with the right lighting.  Try placing lighting under a bench seat for subtle illumination, make a ring of lanterns on the grass around your dining table or hang strings of lights overhead.  Landscape lighting will add to the ambiance 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.

728 E Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 553557

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,880 Square Feet | Cloverdale

This pristine Cloverdale Idlewild beauty has only had 2 owners! The large front porch welcomes you and your guests inside where you are greeted with hardwood floors, high ceilings and arched doorways, and original sconces. Living area with ventless fireplace and a gorgeous limestone mantle, large formal dining room, sunroom with wall-to-wall windows and brick floors and open eat-in kitchen with vintage built-ins. Master bedroom with private bath. Great attic storage, and if that's not enough, you MUST see the garage/workshop out back that would be PERFECT for restoring cars, storing RV's or boats! Unbelievable space! Let your imagination run wild with all the possibilities!

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