Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
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Montgomery Real Estate Blog
The Hat Team
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Displaying blog entries 791-800 of 1998
‘Tis the Season to Give Back
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
The holiday season is the perfect time of year to show how grateful we are by helping others in need. Not everyone will spend the holidays in a warm home surrounded by loved ones, but those of us that will can make the season a little bit brighter by donating time, food and gifts to those less fortunate. To make it a little easier for you to do so, here is a list of places where you can volunteer or make donations in the Montgomery area:
The Salvation Army of Montgomery AL - The Salvation Army serves the most vulnerable citizens in our community in many ways. You can help by making a donation or by volunteering your time and energy.
Hands on River Region - Adopt a family in need through the Christmas Clearinghouse Project. Through this program you can provide for the needs of one family and make their Christmas a little brighter. You can also build a care basket of items that food stamps and public assistance don’t provide for. If you don’t have time for either of those options, monetary donations are always welcomed and appreciated.
The Friendship Mission Inc. - The Friendship Mission’s goal is to assist homeless people in becoming self-sustaining in the local community. They need your help. Contribute to their ongoing needs which provides people with basic necessities. You can also donate items and shop at the Friendship Mission Thrift Store where all proceeds go directly to the improvement and expansion of their shelters and programs.
The Montgomery Area Council on Aging - This organization serves seniors in the River Region area of Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore, Coosa, and Tallapoosa counties. Their flagship program is Meals on Wheels. Volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals to over 400 senior citizens who cannot prepare their own meals. They not only provide much needed nutrition, but they also give daily social interaction as they check on the welfare of their recipients. They currently have a waiting list of over 200 seniors who need your help. Volunteer here.
Midtown Montgomery Home for Sale: 3526 Bankhead Ave, Montgomery AL 36111
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Midtown Montgomery Home for Sale: 3526 Bankhead Ave, Montgomery AL 36111
MLS# 424476
5 bedrooms | 4 baths | 3,865 square feet | Edgewood
Wonderful family home in desirable Edgewood! Need lots of room to spread out? Look no further! This house has a lovely updated kitchen with granite, stainless appliances including a double oven with warming rack, work island and is open to the Florida room/den. The spacious master addition has its own office, coffee bar, doors to the patio and a huge master bath with double walk in closets, split vanities and garden tub. The original master is on the opposite side of the house with a cool retro bath with custom built-ins. The living room and dining room have parquet floors and stone fireplace, and hard tile, Mexican tile and wood floors in the rest of the house - no carpet at all! The lovely brick patio overlooks a huge back yard with mature trees. Great location in Midtown Montgomery! Check it out today!
Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Layfield, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!
De-Stressing for the Holidays - Tips for a Peaceful Holiday Season
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
- Don’t Strive for Perfection – Put down the Martha Stewart magazine and focus on what is important. What is the point of having perfect decorations, meals and gifts if you are not enjoying yourself? Martha has a full staff to help her decorate, bake and shop. Stop killing yourself trying to create an image of a perfect holiday and let yourself EXPERIENCE the season. Pick and choose what you want to do. Baking with your kids, decorating the tree…whatever makes you happy. You don’t enjoy entertaining guests? Then don’t do it. Keep it simple and enjoy!
- Shop Online – Avoid traffic, parking garages and crowded malls by doing your shopping online. If a trip to the mall during the holiday season is something you look forward to, then by all means, go for it! But if fighting the crowds is not your thing, then put on some comfy pjs, fix yourself a cup of hot cocoa and shop until you drop…only you won’t actually drop because you won’t be so tired! Shopping online will also save you a lot of time which you can use for RELAXING. Check out this site for unique gifts: Uncommon Goods
- Delegate Responsibilities – Who said you must do it all yourself? If you have older children, have them decorate the tree. If you have guests coming over, make it a pot luck…you provide the main course and have them bring side dishes and desserts. Have your spouse pick up what you need from the grocery store on the way home from work. With everyone chipping in, chores and events won’t feel so overwhelming.
- Find Ways to Save Time – Here are some ideas for saving time during the holiday season:
- Don’t be afraid to say NO. Stop wasting time on activities you don’t want to do. Learn to Say No
- Purchase pre-printed holiday cards and envelopes.
- Keep your decorations simple.
- Make a list of what you need at the store so that you can complete your shopping in one trip.
- Be Compassionate – The joy that comes from doing something kind for others may be all you need to relieve the stress that accompanies the holiday season.
Take care of yourself and stress LESS!
http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Creating-Traditions-in-Your-New-Home
http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Energy-and-Money-Savers-for-Winter
http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Making-Your-Home-Safe-for-Children
Happy Veteran's Day!
Friday, November 10, 2017
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"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"--President Woodrow Wilson
So began President Wilson in November 1919, when he dedicated Armistice Day, November 11, to the cause of world peace and to honor the sacrifice of the US military after World War I. Nineteen years later, a legal holiday was officially signed into being, and in 1954, the name was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all veterans. Veterans Day differs from Memorial Day in that it celebrates living and dead US Veterans, and pays tribute to their sacrifices for the freedoms in this country.
Ceremonies, parades, and special events dedicated to honoring our veterans happen all over the country, and what better way to pay tribute than to attend an event in our local area? See the links for more information!
All National Parks admission is free on Veterans Day Weekend
Montgomery River Region Veterans Day events
Veterans Appreciation Week Montgomery Zoo
Creating Traditions in Your New Home
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
If this is your first holiday season in your new home, it is a perfect time to start some new traditions! When you move, you don’t leave everything behind. You bring your belongings and your memories and yes, your family rituals. But a fresh start in an unfamiliar house is just the inspiration you need to begin unique traditions that will make this house truly feel like home.
Check out these fun ideas for creating new traditions:
- Take and annual family photo. Choose a theme or a pose that you can recreate every year. Label the photos with the date and create a photo book or framed collage with them. It will be so much fun for your family to see how everyone changes through the years. Creative Family Photo Ideas
- Incorporate a cultural tradition. No matter what holiday you celebrate, you will find a cultural tradition to go with it. Make it a family activity to research your heritage and make new discoveries about how your ancestors celebrated. Multicultural Holiday Celebrations
- Gratitude. Sometimes we take all that we have for granted. A wonderful way to experience the holiday spirit is to express gratitude. This can be a fun and meaningful activity for the whole family. Go outdoors and find a branch to use to hold your “leaves of gratitude”. Cut leaves out of colorful paper and each day have family members write something they are grateful for on a leaf. Then hang the leaves on the “tree” to create a beautiful reminder of all that is right with your world! Gratitude Tree
If you are still in search of the perfect house to make your new home, contact Sandra Nickel and the Hat Team for all your real estate needs!
http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/The-Top-Features-to-Look-for-When-Buying-a-House
http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Mortgage-Tips-for-First-Time-Homebuyers
http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Making-Your-Home-Safe-for-Children
Montgomery AL Real For Sale: 2019 Clubview Street
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Montgomery AL Real For Sale:
2019 Clubview Street, Montgomery AL 36106
MLS# 424033
Formerly an art gallery, an office, and a daycare, this commercial/business building could have many uses. Great reception, conference room, and open spaces to two private office/rooms with doors, and a full bath. plenty of parking in the front. Relatively new metal roof, aluminum siding, and almost new HVAC. Great location among other thriving businesses.
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Energy and Money Savers for Winter
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
With energy costs on the rise, it is essential for a homeowner to stay on top of all they can in order reduce their heating and utility bills during the cold Winter months. Here are some things consumers can do on their own at little or no cost to keep money in their pockets every month.
- Check windows and doors for drafts. Seal spaces with caulk or weather stripping.
- Look at all of the utility-entry places around the outside of your home, and fill around pipes with insulation or cement, if practical.
- Close the foundation/crawlspace vents as soon as temps get colder than 40°. This helps protect water pipes from freezing as well.
- Go into the attic and inspect your insulation, or consider adding insulation if you haven’t taken that step. This can cut your energy costs and pay for itself in a few years.
- Check ductwork for places where it may have come apart and repair—this job may be better for a service person to undertake.
- The sun can be used to help keep the house warm by simply keeping curtains on the south side of your home open during the day.
- Hanging thicker panels or thermal curtains can help insulate around windows as well. If you don’t want to change curtains, easy-to-install cellular shades allow light to shine through while insulating your windows.
- Plastic sheeting is inexpensive and easy to install on drafty windows or unused patio doors, and just as easy to remove when Spring arrives. Kits are available at hardware and home improvement stores.
- Have your furnace serviced before it’s time to use it, and replace your filters once a month.
- Close the damper in the fireplace when you're not using it.
- Install a programmable thermostat--if heating with a heat pump, make sure the thermostat is the type specifically for heat pumps. Program the thermostat for the lowest temperature setting that your family is comfortable while at home, preferably in the 60° range. Turning it down 10°-15° at night and using an extra blanket will calculate to big savings on your energy use and costs.
- Using a humidifier is not only healthier, it can cut down on heating costs. The more moisture there is in the air, the warmer you feel.
- If you use ceiling fans, make sure they’re turning clockwise on low speed to pull up cool air, and circulate the warm air that collects near the ceiling.
- Thinking about changing your home’s heat source? Do it before the cold weather sets in. Check out the many different products available to help you make this decision.
The Department of Energy states that simply turning down the thermostat is the number one money-saver. For every degree it’s lowered, consumers save approximately 3% on heating costs. Lowering the temperature may mean wearing a sweater and socks inside, but the money you can save outweighs the bulky clothes.
http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/blog/Autumn-Home-Maintenance
Photo credit:Pure Green Lawn and Tree Professionals
Don't Get Boo-Ed!
Monday, October 30, 2017
Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.
The Top Features to Look for When Buying a House
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
House hunting can be overwhelming sometimes, especially when beginning the search for your first home. Chances are you might get caught up in the process and important details might slip by you. While the number of rooms, condition of the kitchen, and size of the yard are important, there are other things to consider before you make an offer. This list of things to look for can help get your search off to the right start.
- Location
They say that the 3 most important things to look for when buying a home are location, location, location. While a home might not be perfect, loving your neighborhood and neighbors can make all the difference in living with imperfection. And face it…you can change almost anything about your house, but you can’t change its location or the people living nearby. When you go house hunting, make sure to consider the home’s proximity to your work, the appeal of the neighborhood, where in the neighborhood the home is situated, ease of access, noise from neighbors, traffic, pets and access to parks, shopping, schools and public transportation.
- Home Placement
Beyond location, look at how the home is situated. If the home is on a hill does it have a view, a walkout basement, or lots of stairs to climb? Do neighbors' windows look directly into the home? Is the yard suitable for kids, pets, gardening, or other uses? Is their safe access to the home? These are all important questions to ask yourself when determining if it is the right property for you.
- Check Out the Neighborhood
While it’s important for your house to meet your expectations, it’s equally important that the neighborhood meets them too. Take a drive around the development you are interested in on week days and weekends, during the day and in the evening. Are the homes in good repair? Are yards kept clean and tidy? Is the neighborhood safe enough for people to walk, run or bike? Are there children playing outdoors?
- Consider a Home’s Curb Appeal
You want a home that is going to reflect your lifestyle. Do you live a casual, laid-back life? Then you probably won’t want a formal Victorian or Tudor style home. A simple, contemporary home might better suit you. Pay close attention to exterior features. Think about maintenance. For example, a brick home is easier to maintain than one with siding. Do you like working in the yard? If not, you might not want a house with extensive landscaping. Is the roof in good condition? Attention to detail will help you choose the home with the best curb appeal for you.
- Size and Floor Plan
You may be thinking about buying your dream home. But is your dream home practical? Do you need 4 bedrooms and 4 baths when you live alone? A spacious home may provide the extra room you've always wanted for a home office or a theater room, but you'll pay higher heating bills and have higher taxes. Additionally, it will take more furniture to furnish and money to decorate. Think about how the new home space will be used and whether it will fit your lifestyle now and in the future.
- Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need and only look at homes that meet that criteria. You don’t want to fall in love with what is otherwise a perfect house if it doesn’t provide the space needed for your family. It’s smart to consider counting an extra bedroom in that number so that you have extra space for a home office or guest room. If you think you might add on to the home later, make sure you consult an architect who can advise you on space planning and regulations.
- The Kitchen
For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Don’t settle for a home with a kitchen that doesn’t work for you. Yes, you can remodel later, but at great expense. If it’s an easy fix like replacing cabinets or countertops, get a price quote before committing to the house so that you will know if it is within your budget to take that on.
- Closets and Storage
Older homes often have small closets and lack storage space. As you’re looking at a home ask yourself where you will store your belongings. Tiny closets don’t have to be a deal breaker. There are ways to maximize storage without renovations. Newer homes tend to have lots of storage and you may sacrifice living space while having more closet space than you need.
- Windows and Lighting
While looking at a home keep in mind your preferences regarding light and privacy. Do you want a lot of windows to provider bright, sunny rooms? Pay attention to the locations of electrical outlets and fixtures to make sure they will meet your lighting needs.
- Finishing Touches
Even a simple home can look spectacular with the right moldings, hardware, and a fireplace. If elements like these are important to you, look for them while house hunting.
You may not find everything you want in one house, but keep this list handy and you are more likely to find the home that best suits your needs and desires. Happy House Hunting!
http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Mortgage-Tips-for-First-Time-Homebuyers
http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/First-Time-Home-Buyers-and-Unexpected-Expenses
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Displaying blog entries 791-800 of 1998
