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Why History Still Matters: Lessons Beyond Real Estate
Why History Still Matters
When I walked into the NAR conference last week, I had never heard the name Doris Kearns Goodwin. As she was introduced, an 83-year-old woman walked onto the stage with a big smile on her face. Her bright purple blazer perfectly matched her eclectic, colorful pleated skirt, and she completed the outfit with black platform tennis shoes. I had no idea what to expect, and I certainly didn’t realize we were in for such a treat.
She began sharing stories from her life as a presidential historian. Her love of writing and details began when she was a little girl. Her father would ask her to listen to baseball games on the radio and write down every play so he could read about it when he got home from work. She didn’t realize it at the time, but he was nurturing a gift. Little did she know, he probably could have read about the game in the newspaper the next day. Instead, he was teaching his daughter how to observe, remember, and tell a story.
That love of history and writing eventually led her to work for President Lyndon B. Johnson. She later married Richard N. Goodwin, who served as a speechwriter for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. In fact, he helped draft President Johnson’s address to the nation following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I held onto every word and honestly didn’t want her speech to end. I don’t think I have ever been so engrossed by a speaker. She was sassy, elegant, eloquent, and incredibly knowledgeable. I have always loved history, but she brought it to life in a way that made it feel personal and meaningful. These weren’t stories from a textbook. They were stories she had lived.
Her biggest message was simple but powerful: we have to look back at history if we want to move forward. By understanding the past, we can learn from mistakes, appreciate progress, and continue making positive changes instead of repeating the same failures.
History Shapes Homeownership
As REALTORS®, we spend a lot of time looking ahead. We help buyers plan for the future, sellers prepare for the next chapter, and families build wealth through homeownership. But listening to Doris reminded me that some of the opportunities we enjoy today were hard fought and are relatively recent.
She lived through the Civil Rights Movement and witnessed the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Those changes expanded opportunities and reaffirmed the belief that everyone deserves equal access to housing. Homeownership has always been about more than houses. It represents stability, opportunity, and the ability to build a future.
Why Being Informed Matters
One of the things I admire most about history is that it teaches us perspective. We often think the challenges we face today are unprecedented, but history reminds us that previous generations faced difficult times too. Their stories can teach us resilience, leadership, and the importance of working together.
I’ve always believed that part of being a good REALTOR® is staying educated and informed. Whether it’s understanding market trends, legislation, or the history that shaped our profession, knowledge helps us better serve the people who trust us with one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
My Biggest Takeaway
I walked into that room expecting another speaker. Instead, I walked away inspired.
Doris Kearns Goodwin reminded me that history isn’t just about dates and events. It’s about people. It’s about stories. It’s about learning from those who came before us so that we can become better leaders, better neighbors, and better citizens.
Most importantly, she reminded me that progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people stay informed, stay involved, and continue striving to leave things better than they found them.
And perhaps that’s why history still matters.
Because understanding where we’ve been helps us appreciate how far we’ve come and guides us toward where we’re going.
Before last week, I had never heard the name Doris Kearns Goodwin. I walked into the room expecting another speaker and walked out with a deeper appreciation for history and the people who lived it. Her stories reminded me that history isn’t just found in books. It’s found in people. And if we take the time to listen, we may learn something that helps us leave the world a little better than we found it.
What Are REALTOR® Legislative Meetings and Why Do They Matter?
What Are the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings?
Each year, thousands of REALTORS® from across the country gather in Washington, D.C., for the REALTOR® Legislative Meetings. While many people assume these meetings are simply another conference, their purpose goes far beyond networking.
What Issues Are Discussed?
The REALTOR® Legislative Meetings bring members together to discuss important issues. These issues affect homeowners, buyers, sellers, and the real estate industry.
REALTORS® meet with lawmakers and policymakers to advocate for legislation. The legislation promotes housing affordability, protects property rights, and expands opportunities for homeownership. They also participate in committee meetings, educational sessions, and governance discussions. These meetings help shape the future of the association and the profession.
Some of the current priorities include increasing housing supply, supporting policies that improve affordability, preserving property rights, protecting fair housing, and maintaining tax policies that encourage homeownership. These issues impact communities across the country, including right here in East Alabama.
Why Do REALTORS® Meet With Congress?
One of the most important parts of the meetings is the opportunity for REALTORS® to meet directly with members of Congress. These Hill visits allow REALTORS® to share firsthand stories from their local markets. They also have a chance to explain how proposed policies affect the people they serve every day.
Why I Believe This Matters
As I prepared to attend the REALTOR® Legislative Meetings, I was reminded that being a REALTOR® means more than helping clients buy and sell homes. I appreciated the opportunity to be part of conversations that affect homeowners and future homeowners across the country and more importantly in Auburn/Opelika and the surrounding areas. I wholeheartedly believe it is important for REALTORS® to have a voice in shaping policies that strengthen communities, protect private property rights, and preserve the dream of homeownership for future generations.
I’ve always believed that if I’m going to advise clients through one of the biggest decisions they’ll ever make, I owe it to them to stay educated, stay involved, and stay current on the issues that affect homeownership and the real estate industry.
What to Look for During a Home Showing: 7 Things Buyers Often Miss
Let’s be honest.
Most buyers walk into a home and immediately head for the kitchen.
And while kitchens are important, some of the most important things to evaluate during a showing have nothing to do with countertops or appliances.
I’ve never had a client call me a year after closing and say, “I wish I had picked a different paint color.”
I have had buyers tell me they wish they had paid more attention to storage, drainage, traffic patterns, and how the home functioned day to day.
If you’re wondering what to look for during a home showing, don’t stop at the kitchen and bathrooms. Some of the most important things buyers notice after moving in are often overlooked during a tour.
1. Water Drainage
Take a look at the yard.
Are there low spots holding water?
Do gutters direct water away from the foundation?
Does the property slope toward or away from the home?
In East Alabama, heavy rains can quickly expose drainage problems. A beautiful backyard isn’t quite as appealing if it turns into a swamp after every storm. Many buyers exploring living in Auburn are surprised by how much lot topography can vary from one neighborhood to another.
For additional information on drainage and stormwater management, visit the City of Auburn Stormwater Program.
2. What to Look for During a Home Showing: Storage Space
Everybody notices the primary bedroom.
Few people check where the vacuum will go.
Look beyond bedroom closets.
Pay attention to:
- Linen closets
- Pantry storage
- Garage space
- Attic access
- Utility storage
Trust me. Storage becomes more important after move-in day.
3. Natural Light
A showing only gives you a snapshot of a home.
Pay attention to:
- Window placement
- Tree coverage
- Room orientation
- Overall brightness
A room can look very different at 9 a.m. than it does at 6 p.m.
4. Noise Levels
Stand quietly for a minute.
Can you hear traffic?
Train horns?
Dogs barking?
Nearby commercial activity?
In Auburn, the neighborhood can feel very different once the excitement of a showing wears off. The same is true for buyers considering living in Opelika, where neighborhood character and surroundings can vary significantly depending on location.
5. Outdoor Living Space
Many buyers say they want a backyard.
Fewer buyers ask whether they’ll actually use it.
Think about:
- Covered porches
- Shade
- Privacy
- Entertaining space
- Yard maintenance
The best outdoor space is one that fits your lifestyle.
Before purchasing, it’s worth exploring nearby attractions, parks, and amenities through Auburn-Opelika Tourism.
6. Future Maintenance
No home is maintenance-free.
During a showing, pay attention to:
- Mature trees close to the house
- Aging decks
- Retaining walls
- Drainage systems
- Exterior condition
These items aren’t necessarily deal breakers, but they are worth understanding before making an offer.
7. How The Home Functions
This may be the most important one.
Imagine a normal Tuesday.
Where do shoes go?
Where do backpacks land?
Is the laundry room convenient?
Can multiple people move through the kitchen comfortably?
A house may look beautiful in photos, but living in it is a different experience.
Every community is different, which is why it’s important to explore various East Alabama Areas before making a decision.
The Goal Isn’t To Find A Perfect House
Every home has strengths and weaknesses.
The goal isn’t to find a perfect house.
The goal is to find the right house for your lifestyle, priorities, and long-term plans.
Looking beyond the kitchen and bathrooms can help you make a more informed decision and avoid surprises after closing.
Knowing what to look for during a home showing can help you avoid surprises after closing and make a more confident buying decision.
If you’re just getting started, our Buyer Guide walks you through the entire home-buying process from start to finish.
Benefits of Homeownership: Why We Celebrate Homeownership Month
June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of homeownership and the opportunities it creates for families across America.
While buying a home is often viewed as a financial decision, the benefits of homeownership extend far beyond a mortgage payment or a property value. Homeownership provides stability, builds wealth over time, strengthens communities, and creates a place where memories are made.
National Homeownership Month began as National Homeownership Week in 1995 before expanding to the entire month of June in 2002. Today, it serves as a reminder of the importance of creating opportunities for more families to achieve the dream of owning a home.
Building Wealth Through Homeownership
For many families, a home is the largest asset they will ever own.
Unlike rent payments, which build equity for a landlord, mortgage payments help homeowners build equity in their own property. As home values appreciate and mortgage balances decrease, homeowners create wealth that can support future goals, retirement, or even future generations.
The National Association of REALTORS® notes that homeownership remains one of the most effective ways to build generational wealth and financial stability.
Stability for Families
Homeownership often provides a greater sense of stability and control over your living environment.
Homeowners can personalize their space, establish roots in a community, and create consistency for their families. Children often benefit from staying in the same school district, building lasting friendships, and participating in community activities over time.
A home becomes more than a place to sleep. It becomes the backdrop for birthdays, holidays, family dinners, and everyday moments that turn into lifelong memories.
Stronger Communities
Homeownership benefits entire communities.
Studies have shown that homeowners are more likely to be invested in their neighborhoods, participate in local activities, and take pride in maintaining their properties. These investments help strengthen neighborhoods and contribute to vibrant local economies.
Here in Auburn, Opelika, & surrounding areas, we see this every day. From neighborhood gatherings to community events, homeowners play an important role in shaping the places we call home.
Homeownership Looks Different for Everyone
The path to homeownership is not the same for every family.
For some, it means purchasing a first home. For others, it may be buying a larger home, downsizing, investing in property, or finding a place closer to family.
Regardless of the journey, homeownership continues to represent opportunity, security, and the ability to build a future.
Celebrating Homeownership Month
National Homeownership Month is not just about houses. It is about the people who live in them.
It is about the first-time buyer receiving their keys. The growing family finding more space. The empty nesters beginning a new chapter. The investor building a future. The neighbors who turn streets into communities.
As REALTORS®, we have the privilege of helping people navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives. We are reminded every day that homeownership is about much more than real estate. It is about creating a place to belong.
This June, we celebrate homeowners, future homeowners, and the dream that continues to inspire so many families across our community.
