Real Estate Information

Deciding whether to buy a home is a big deal, especially for military families who may only live someplace for a short period of time. If you are in the military and are thinking about buying a home, here are some important things to take into consideration:

RESEARCH

It’s important to start researching the area where you will be moving long before your moving date. Check out real estate listings online. Have a list of wants and needs prepared to help narrow down the types of homes you’re interested in viewing. Pay particular attention to houses in the neighborhoods you’re interested in to see how long they are staying on the market and if there are changes in their asking prices.

COMMUNITY

Moving a lot can make it challenging for military families to find a sense of community. Buying a home in an area that offers a lot of amenities makes it easier for residents to meet people and form connections. Look for neighborhoods that offer things like pools, fitness centers, dog parks, playgrounds, and community gardens. Families with children moving in the summer before school starts can utilize these amenities to meet people and establish relationships that will help you integrate more easily into the school year.

MILITARY INCENTIVES

You will find that many developers and builders will offer special incentives for military buyers. Some communities even offer free landscaping services for members of the military who are deployed. Military buyers also can qualify for interior design extras and help with closing costs. It is prudent to always ask about any available extras for active military and veterans. In addition, military buyers can benefit from special financing options. Using a VA Home Loan is a great advantage for military buyers. And if the military buyer has greater than 30% disability, there are tax benefits which will lower his or her tax rate. With low interest rates and your housing allowance, you will be able to pay your mortgage and build equity even if you only live there a short time.

Military buyers want the same things in a new home that all buyers want…a good floorplan, great schools, lots of storage, nice appliances, and a safe neighborhood. But you do bring a unique perspective to the home-shopping experience. Connecting with a military-friendly professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel is vital to navigating the homebuying process. Sandra is a Certified Residential Specialist who will provide information about schools, safety, traffic, and neighborhood activities to help military families make the best choice for their new home!

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 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/ for more info! 

9171 Vaughn Road, Pike Road, AL  36064

MLS# 553924

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2 Half Baths | 4,740 Square Feet | Pike Road

EXQUISITE PIKE ROAD ESTATE SITUATED ON 4.7 +/- ACRE CORNER LOT! As you pull down the circular drive you are greeted by a cast iron fountain and beautiful landscaping. The grand foyer has soaring ceilings, handmade wood brick floors and a chandelier that is sure to catch your eye. The living room has lots of windows and a masonry fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases. The dining room has antique wood pocket doors. The kitchen has granite countertops, a smooth surface cooktop, double ovens, and a work island. There is plenty of drawer and cabinet space and a large pantry located in the laundry room. The Butler's Pantry has additional drawer and cabinet storage for your entertainment pieces and boasts granite countertops and a sink. The den has hand-picked 10-12 in. heart pine floors that have recently been redone. There is a masonry fireplace and wood storage area below the original heart pine mantle. There is a half bath off the den for your convenience. The family room has windows everywhere giving you views of the grounds and pool! This room has a great bar area with granite countertops, mirrored shelving and a half bath that is ideal when swimming or entertaining on the patio. The master bedroom has a sitting area and walk in closet. The master bath has a huge walk-in shower with double shower heads. The room off the master suite is perfect for an office. Three additional bedrooms upstairs with walk in closets and two full baths. Tons of storage closets including floored attic space. The pool area is remarkable with a huge, covered patio including an outdoor kitchen with sink, refrigerator, built in gas grill and bar. This property is gorgeous! Come see for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

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

3241 Gatsby Lane, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 552544

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,518 Square Feet | Hillwood West

Neat as a pin in Hillwood West! This adorable patio home is the perfect spot to land if you are looking for low maintenance. The open floor plan has a living room, dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar and a family room/den perfect for an office. Two bedrooms are on opposite ends with two full bathrooms in between. Ideal location close to the interstate, restaurants, and shopping.

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

 

Monster Truck Nitro Tour

Saturday, March 23RD, 2024......1:30 pm (Pit Party 12:00 pm–1:00 pm) 
Saturday, March 23RD, 2024…..7:30 pm (Pit Party 6:00 pm–7:00 pm) 

GARRETT COLISEUM
1555 Federal Dr 
Montgomery, AL 36107

MONTGOMERY, AL will be motorsport entertainment’s epicenter with the nation’s most competitive MONSTER TRUCKS as the Monster Truck Nitro Tour invades the Garrett Coliseum on March 23RD for TWO MONSTER shows! See these incredible 10,000-pound, car crushing giants compete in racing, wheelie contests, and then rock the house with amazing freestyle action during the Monster Truck Nitro Tour! Plus, you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pre-event Autograph Pit Party!

Purchase Tickets Here

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World Ballet Series: Swan Lake

Tuesday, March 26 – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre,
201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery Performing Arts Centre,
Montgomery, United States

Event Information:
Experience the legendary! Swan Lake, the ballet of all ballets, will be performed one night only as a part of the World Ballet Series. See the iconic Dance of the Little Swans, count the 32 fouettés performed by Odile, and immerse yourself in magical Tchaikovsky's music. The production will feature richly detailed, hand-painted sets as well as over 150 radiant costumes that bring fresh representation to this timeless classic. World Ballet Series is a unique project that attracts many international artists and is composed of renowned professional dancers representing over ten countries who are united by a passion for entertaining audiences and enriching classical ballet traditions through brilliant, critically-acclaimed new productions of timeless ballet classics. Audience: For ages 5 & over Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission)

Please Note: 
Audience: For ages 5 & over Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission) Click HERE to purchase tickets.

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Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza
 

April 1, 2023 – 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Blount Cultural Park
3 Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117

Join us Saturday, April 1st, at Blount Cultural Park from 11AM to 1PM for the City's Annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza! This free event will feature children's activities, photos with the Easter Bunny, food vendors and more!

**Join us at MMFA on Friday, March 31st at 7pm for a special showing of the movie HOP!**

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Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival

April 6th, 202410:00 am-6:00 pm

The annual Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival will held at Cooters Pond Park on April 6!  Artists will fill the park and there will be fun for the whole family from 10 am until 6 pm.  You don’t want to miss this event! For more fun and information, visit

Wilson Pickett Festival

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Beyond the Horizon Air & Space Show at Maxwell AFB

April 6th, 2024 - April 7th, 2024Gates open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels aerial demonstration team highlights the Beyond the Horizon Air and Space Show at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala., April 6-7, 2024. The show will also include America’s air power on display, flying demonstrations, a STEM Expo and activities for the whole family. The event is free and open to the public—tickets or special passes are not needed. Gates open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Visit HERE for more information.

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Seafood & Arts Festival

April 12, 2024 – 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Blount Cultural Park
3 Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117

The City of Montgomery will kick-off live music season this week with the annual Seafood & Arts Festival.

River Region-based blues, funk, jazz and rock band, Sabadas, will headline the Seafood & Arts Festival. Featured food vendors include the Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck, The Wharf, Potz & Panz, D’Road Café, Gumbo to Geaux Food Truck and more!

The event is free to attend, but the City will encourage donations to Child Protect Children’s Advocacy Center.

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CoosaPalooza Brewfest

SAT, APR 20, 2024
3:00PM - 6:00PM

231 Hill Street
Wetumpka, AL 36902

CoosaPalooza Brewfest is BACK in 2024! 

Join us for the fourth annual Coosapalooza Brewfest in Downtown Wetumpka for good beer, great friends, & awesome entertainment! This is a fundraising event for Main Street Wetumpka. All proceeds from this event go to Main Street Wetumpka's mission of downtown revitalization.

This event, which takes place along the beautiful Coosa Riverwalk at Merchants Alley, is a primary fundraiser for Main Street Wetumpka, a 501c3 organization dedicated to downtown revitalization.

General admission ticket holders will enjoy nearly 40 craft brews while taking in the beautiful backdrop of the Coosa River in downtown Wetumpka. General admission price also includes entertainment, souvenir tasting glass, and beer tastings.

The 2024 Coosapalooza Brewfest is an event for people 21 years of age or older. Chairs, blankets, and small bags are allowed. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Rain or shine event; no refunds. Free bottled water is available.  

General Admission event times are 3pm to 6pm.  Beer tastings will be cut off at 6 p.m.

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Earth Day Safari at the Montgomery Zoo

April 26, 2024 – 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum
2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36110

Help us learn how to save the planet and protect our environment on Earth Day, April 26, 9am - 2pm at Earth Day Safari Educational Event at the Montgomery Zoo. Spend a fun-filled day at the Montgomery Zoo learning about how simple changes in our daily habits can affect the environment and the planet on which we live. It is fun, educational, always a wild adventure, and an awesome learning experience for all ages; especially school groups.   

Admission includes
     -- Entry to the Zoo and Mann Museum 
     -- Entry Worlds of the World
     -- Entry to Parakeet Cove
     -- Entry to our Reptile Facility 
     -- Special zookeeper talks @ 11:30am and 1:30pm

Additional fun, attractions, and rides
     -- Train ride: $3 per person 
     -- Giraffe Encounter: $3 per person
     -- Sky lift ride: $5 per person
     -- Parakeet sticks: $2 per stick
     -- Concessions: Prices vary

For more information call (334) 625-4909

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CIA SPRING CONCERT SERIES, 2024

WHEN: SUNDAY AFTERNOONS AT 4:00 PM

WHERE: Cloverdale “Bottom” Park (Cloverdale Rd and Ponce de Leon)

WHO: April 7 Big Vic and the Convicts. Our first “college band”. Been playing fraternity parties and clubs in Alabama

And Mississippi and now they’re here in Cloverdale.

April 14 Long Sleeve Pants. You’ve seen them all over town, with their mix of popular and cover tunes.

April 21 Blackbird Pickers. Some of these guys have been with us since our first concert. Still delivering great rock with a folk flavor.

April 28 John Bull Trio. John and his guys are back with their own special treatment of the blues. Harmonicas and harmonies, doesn’t get any better than that.

May 5 Montgomery Dixie Trio: The trio will bring a little bit of New Orleans to the Cloverdale Bottom Park.

May 12 Curt McKinney and Chuck Loston: They’re bringing their own combination of rock and blues to our concert series.

May 19 The Marvtones. They are returning again this year.

Great music and a light-hearted patter to go with it.

May 26 Bekky and Doyle: They are bringing their popular acoustic sounds for our enjoyment and entertainment.

WHY: Mostly for the fun of it.

HOW: ADMISSION IS FREE. Bring your chairs, coolers, and snacks. Sit under the beautiful oak trees in the park and enjoy the music.

With special thanks to the Pine Bar for sponsoring the Porta-Potties.

Photo Credits: prattvilleal.gov, allevents.in, monstertrucktour.com, alabama.travel, bigtickets.com, montgomeryal.gov, experiencemontgomeryal.org

Whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing a home and a mortgage is involved, a home appraisal is going to be an important aspect of the process. Therefore, it’s crucial that you understand how the appraisal process works and how an appraiser determines a home’s value.

A home appraisal is an unbiased, professional opinion of a home’s value. Conducted by a licensed home appraiser with the knowledge and experience to determine the fair current value of the home, it takes place in almost every home purchase/sale transaction and is commonly used in refinance situations as well. Within a purchase/sale transaction, it is used to establish if the home’s contract price is appropriate, based on the home’s location, condition, and features. For a refinance, the appraisal makes sure that the lender isn’t giving the borrower more money than the home is worth. Because the home serves as collateral for the loan, lenders want to make sure that the homeowner is not over-borrowing. With a purchase/sale transaction, the home appraisal is typically paid for by the buyer and the fee is included in the closing costs.

The reason the home appraisal is so important is because it lets the lender know that they are lending the appropriate amount of money for the value of the home. Sometimes the appraisal will come in for a lower amount than the agreed upon price and when that happens, the lender might deny a loan for that amount. If the appraisal comes in at or above the contract price, the transaction can proceed. However, chances are the seller doesn’t want the deal to fall through, so if the appraisal comes in low, the buyer may be able to use it to negotiate a lower selling price. Knowing that the bank won’t lend any buyer more than what the home is worth, the seller may be willing to lower their selling price so that they can proceed with the sale.  A low appraisal can also derail a homeowner’s attempt at refinancing their home. The home needs to appraise at or above the amount the homeowner wants to refinance. One exception is if you have an FHA mortgage.  With an FHA mortgage, you can refinance without an appraisal through the Streamline Your FHA Mortgage.

The appraiser will look at many things to determine the home’s fair current value. The property’s value will be influenced by recent sale prices of similar properties and by current market trends. The home’s amenities, floor plan, functionality, square footage, and number of bedrooms/bathrooms will also play a part in coming up with a fair price for the lender.  A thorough visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the property will allow the appraiser to note any issues that might have an adverse effect on the property’s value.  You may confuse a home appraisal with a home inspection, but they are not the same thing, A home inspection is a much more detailed evaluation of the home and does not involve the lender.

Usually, the home appraisal will just be a box checked off on your home closing checklist. But if the appraisal comes in lower than expected, the purchase/sale transaction can be delayed or canceled.  Understanding the process and being aware of potential problems will help you be better prepared to handle whatever circumstances come your way.

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 just around the corner, and it is a great time to sell a house! In fact, per a Zillow study, homes listed between May 1 through May 15 sold, on average, around 18.5 days faster than homes not listed during this period. Add this to the fact that the largest number of buyers are actively searching for homes in the months of April, May and June and you will see that getting your property on the market during spring is a must!

Here are some tips that will help your house stand out among the plethora of homes that get put on the market in spring:

• Wash windows inside and out and polish all mirrors. A little bit of sparkle goes a long way in impressing potential buyers.
  
• Rake the yard and trim back bushes. Your yard is the first thing people will see. Dead leaves and debris do not paint a pretty picture. In addition, you want as much natural light as possible flooding through your windows, so make sure bushes aren’t blocking the rays.
   
• Mow the yard diagonally and edge along the driveway and sidewalks.  Mowing diagonally makes yards look larger. And edging shows that you give attention to small details and lets buyers know you have cared for your property.
   
• Plant yellow flowers. Yellow tulips and daffodils promote feelings of happiness and contentment.
  
• Clean window treatments and open windows. It will be worth your while to take down your drapes, curtains, and blinds to clean them and give them a crisp, fresh look. Weather permitting, opening windows lets the fresh air in and gives the whole house the feeling of spring.
   
• Have fresh, fragrant flowers in the house.  Artful home-staging brings color and pleasant aromas indoors.
   
• Polish floors to a high gloss. Make those floors shine! Refinish them if necessary.
   
• Use light colors. Even if you must spend a little to replace items; towels, linens, throws, and sofa pillows are inexpensive accents that will pay off. Use soft, spring colors such as yellows, pinks, pale blues, and lavenders to light up a room.
   
• Spruce up your entryway. This is the part of your home where buyers will get their first impression. Make it a good one!

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.

3012 Norman Bridge Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36105

MLS# 553669

8 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 4-Plex | Southmont

Great investment opportunity and prime location in Midtown/Cloverdale area! This brick 4-plex has spacious 2 bedroom /1 bath apartments with hardwood floors and large rooms. 3 of the units have screened porches, and 1 upstairs unit has an enclosed porch/sunroom! Some of the units come with a washer/dryer and dishwasher. Incoming electrical system and meters/breaker boxes updated within the last few years. Exterior has just had fresh paint, rotten wood replacement, and porches refreshed. Ample parking in the rear off Norman Bridge. Across from historic Brewbaker mansion and other fine homes, as well as LeGrand Park! Minutes to downtown, Huntingdon, ASU, I-65 and I-85, Jackson, and Baptist South hospitals.

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

Purchasing your first home is a huge milestone…and not one that should be taken lightly.  It’s a big commitment and you want to be sure you get it right. It is important that you educate yourself before you begin the home buying process so that you can find the right property and procure the financing for it. 

Here are some things you should know as a first-time homebuyer:

• PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

Entering the home buying process for the first time might feel a little overwhelming. You will have a lot of questions, but don’t worry, there will be people who will guide you through. The first thing to do is to find an experienced, professional Realtor. Your Realtor will assist you in finding your starter home, making an offer, and negotiating with sellers. Another person you should meet with prior to starting your home search is a mortgage lender. Your mortgage banker will help you complete your loan application along with determining the amount you qualify for.

Getting preapproved for a mortgage is an important step that will set you on the right course for buying your first home.

• STARTING YOUR HOME SEARCH

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “location, location, location” in relation to real estate. It exists for a reason. Because location is one of the most important aspects in choosing a home. The first thing you must do when searching for your starter home is determine the area you want to live in. You should take many things into consideration when making this decision. Do you want city, suburban, or country living? What is the reputation of the school system? Are there shopping, dining, and entertainment activities nearby? The answers to these questions aren’t just important for you when you’re living there but may also have an impact on resale value. Remember, this is your starter home, not necessarily your forever home. So, you should take resale value into consideration when choosing the location. Once you’ve determined WHERE you want to look, you can create a list of what you’re looking for in a home. You may have to compromise on some things, but going into your search knowing what you want will make things less confusing.

• FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

When buying your first home, there may be some expenses that you didn’t anticipate. Don’t risk being blindsided by unexpected expenses. Do your research and make sure you know what you are getting into. Here are some costs you may not have thought of:

• Closing costs
• Home inspection
• Moving expenses
• Setting up your new house

Remember that your Realtor and Mortgage Banker are there to answer questions you may have, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of their expertise!

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.

While there are many perks to home ownership (and tax breaks are a big one!), people who are beginning the journey of purchasing a home may be easily misled by common homeowner tax myths.

First, it is important to note that owning your own home does come with tax benefits. For example, a conventional loan’s PMI (private mortgage insurance), the VA loan funding fee, the USDA loan guaranteed fee, and FHA loan upfront mortgage insurance premiums are each tax deductible per the IRS. But as a first-time homeowner, it’s important that you educate yourself on extended tax benefits so that you will know what you can and cannot deduct. Because, unfortunately, some things you might have heard about homeowner tax perks may not be true.

MYTH: DEDUCTIONS ALWAYS CUT YOUR TAX BILL IN HALF

TRUTH: While it is possible for your home ownership deductions to reduce your tax bill, it is not a guarantee. In order to claim deductions, they must add up to more than the combination of the standard deduction and non-home related write-offs, such as sales taxes or charitable donations. You also will have to itemize your deductions.  Timing, in this case, is everything. For example, if you close on your home in April, you will make several mortgage payments throughout the tax year and chances are that you will exceed the standard deduction and write-offs, in which case your tax bill will be reduced. But if you close in November, you might only make one mortgage payment in the taxable year and you likely won’t exceed the standard deduction, meaning this is one homeowner tax perk that you won’t be able to enjoy until the following tax year.

MYTH: EVERY PAYMENT MADE AT CLOSING IS DEDUCTIBLE

TRUTH: Some closing costs are deductible. Not every fee you pay at your home closing can be written off.  The following closing costs ARE deductible: real estate taxes, mortgage interest, and PMI (private mortgage insurance). You will not receive a tax break for your homeowner’s or flood insurance premiums. The same applies to appraisal fees, escrow accounts for property insurance and taxes, and title insurance.

MYTH: HAVING A HOME OFFICE IS A GUARANTEED DEDUCTION

TRUTH: Having a home office can indeed provide a deductible…for those who qualify.  You must keep in mind that the IRS’s definition of a “home office” is very specific. The following will qualify you for a home office deduction: you are self-employed, own a small business, work from home and have turned one of your home’s rooms into your office space. If you just work from your couch with your laptop, it doesn’t qualify as a “home office” in the eyes of the IRS.

If you fill out a W-2, your home office is NOT deductible.

Purchasing your first home can be an overwhelming and sometimes intimidating process. Educating yourself about homeowner tax breaks is one step you can take toward becoming a knowledgeable, prepared home owner.

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.

Perhaps you have imagined your dream house. You’ve pictured it in your mind and can only hope that you can find it in real life. Some buyers must look for a long time before finding the home of their dreams, but others know right away. When reality matches the vision you have for your home, you might fall in love at first sight.

Here are some things that make buyers know they had found “the one” the moment they see it:

1. A GORGEOUS FRONT PORCH

Nothing says “welcome home” better than a beautifully appointed front porch. A creative front door with porch railings painted a complementary color are a great way to draw a potential buyer into a home. That first look can make or break the interest of buyers.

2. STANDING OUT AMONG THE CROWD

That neighborhood full of “cookie cutter” houses may be the right area for you, but you don’t want your house to look like everyone else’s. A home that stands out is the one for you. For example, maybe that one white brick house in a sea of red brick houses is just different enough to make it the right one for you.

3. LAYOUT

Open concept has been popular for a long time, but maybe your dream house affords more privacy. When you walk into a home that has defined rooms that serve specific purposes, you have found what you have envisioned as the perfect home for you.

4. THE GREAT OUTDOORS 

Perhaps the inside doesn’t matter quite as much as the outside to you. Despite the imperfections in the house itself, that huge, beautiful yard is all you ever wanted. Or maybe you see a diamond in the rough well worth “fixing” if it means living in a beautiful neighborhood with mature trees and walking trails.

5. GOOD BONES

If your dream house is one that you want to design yourself, then you might just fall in love with a fixer upper that has good bones. Just make sure to educate yourself about what it will take to make the vision you have for your home a reality.

There are many things that can make a buyer fall in love with a house at first sight. A professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel can help guide you through the process of finding and purchasing your dream home. 

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