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120 Years of Real Estate: What Has Changed…and What Hasn’t
120 Years of Real Estate: What Has Changed…and What Hasn’t
Real Estate Explained
Think about what buying a home looked like in 1906.
There was no Zillow. No scrolling through listing photos from the couch. No electronic signatures, virtual tours or text messages from your REALTOR® telling you, “They accepted your offer!”
In fact, much of what we now consider a normal part of buying or selling a home would have been unimaginable.
But people still needed homes.
They still moved for jobs. They got married, had children, built businesses, lost loved ones, started over and looked for places where they could build their lives.
And that may be the most interesting thing about looking back at 120 years of real estate.
Almost everything about the way we buy and sell homes has changed.
The reasons we call a place home really haven’t.
Coldwell Banker Started During a Time of Rebuilding
The Coldwell Banker story began in San Francisco in 1906, following the devastating earthquake and fires that changed the city forever.
Colbert Coldwell saw a community facing an enormous rebuilding effort and founded what would eventually become Coldwell Banker on principles of honesty, integrity and service.
It was a very different real estate industry from the one we know today.
And yet, 120 years later, those ideas still matter.
Because no matter how sophisticated the technology becomes, real estate ultimately involves something deeply personal: where people are going to live their lives.
120 Years of Real Estate Has Changed a LOT
Imagine telling a homebuyer in 1906 that someday they would carry a device in their pocket that could show them almost every home for sale in their area.
They could look through dozens of photos without leaving their couch.
They could tour a home virtually.
They could sign a contract from their phone while sitting at their child’s ballgame.
And their REALTOR® could send an offer across town, or across the country, in seconds.
The technology alone would probably sound like science fiction.
But technology isn’t the only thing that has changed.
Homes have changed.
Neighborhoods have changed.
Financing has changed.
Contracts have changed.
Marketing has changed.
The way buyers search has changed.
The amount of information consumers have available to them has changed dramatically.
In fact, the role of a REALTOR® has evolved as buyers and sellers have gained access to more information than ever before.
And even within the same market, some homes sell quickly while others sit…a topic we’ve explained before.
Additionally, sellers are constantly trying to decide which changes buyers actually care about and whether they should renovate before listing.”
The Market Has Changed More Than Once, Too
If you’ve spent any time around real estate lately, you’ve probably heard someone talk about how much “the market has changed.”
And they’re right.
But here’s the thing:
The market has always changed.
Over 120 years, real estate has experienced periods of rapid growth, recessions, housing shortages, building booms, high interest rates, low interest rates, buyer’s markets, seller’s markets and just about everything in between.
Whatever market we’re experiencing today isn’t permanent.
Neither was the one before it.
And the next one won’t be either.
That’s one reason experience and good guidance still matter. The tools may change, but people still need someone who can help them understand what those changes mean for their situation.
What Hasn’t Changed in 120 Years?
This is our favorite part.
Because behind all those market statistics, contracts, mortgage rates and home values are actual people.
And people still move for remarkably human reasons.
A couple needs more room because they’re expecting a baby.
Someone accepts a new job and moves to a city they’ve never called home before.
Parents realize the house that once felt too small suddenly feels awfully big after the kids leave.
Someone gets married.
Someone gets divorced.
Someone loses a spouse.
Someone wants to live closer to their grandchildren.
Someone buys their very first home and stands in an empty living room imagining where the furniture will go.
Someone sells the house where they raised their children and hands the keys to another family who will begin making memories there.
Those stories would have been recognizable in 1906.
They’re recognizable in 2026.
That’s the part of real estate that hasn’t changed.
Why We’re Still Proud to Be Coldwell Banker
There are plenty of places we could hang our real estate licenses.
We choose to proudly serve under the Coldwell Banker name.
Part of that is because there’s something meaningful about being connected to a company that has weathered 120 years of real estate—through changing markets, changing technology and generations of homeowners—while continuing to focus on helping people find their way home.
Today, Coldwell Banker has grown far beyond its beginnings in San Francisco, with affiliated agents around the world.
But for us, that big history becomes very local.
It’s the family buying a home in Auburn.
It’s the seller moving out of the house they’ve owned for 30 years in Opelika.
It’s the first-time buyer who isn’t quite sure where to begin.
It’s the family relocating to East Alabama who needs someone to teach them not only about houses, but about neighborhoods, schools, traffic, traditions and what it’s actually like to live here.
Those are the tiny pieces of a 120-year story that we get to be part of.
And that’s pretty special.
1906 Looked Very Different From 2026. Home Didn’t.
A house in 1906 probably didn’t have an open-concept kitchen, smart thermostat or Wi-Fi.
Nobody was checking their doorbell camera from vacation.
And we’re pretty confident nobody was arguing about whether gray flooring had finally gone out of style.
But home?
Home was where babies were brought home.
Where children grew up.
Where people gathered around the table.
Where birthdays were celebrated.
Where families grieved.
Where ordinary Tuesday nights happened.
Where people dreamed about what came next.
And 120 years later, it still is.
That’s why this anniversary feels worth celebrating to us.
Not simply because a real estate company has been around for 120 years.
But because behind those 120 years of real estate are 120 years of people finding home.
We’re proud to be one small part of that history.
And we’re even more excited about the stories that haven’t been written yet.
Happy 120th Birthday, Coldwell Banker.
Here’s to what’s next.
Kent McCown Group proudly serves buyers and sellers throughout Auburn, Opelika and East Alabama with Coldwell Banker Kennon & Parker Alliance. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling one filled with decades of memories or simply wondering what your next move might look like, we’re here to help you find your way home.
Where Does a REALTOR’s Commission Actually Go?
Where Does a REALTOR’s Commission Go?
When people hear that a home sold for $400,000, it’s easy to assume the REALTOR® just walked away with a huge paycheck.
I hear comments like this all the time:
“Wow! You must have made a fortune on that sale!”
The reality is…that’s almost never how it works.
One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is that REALTORS® keep the entire commission. In reality, the money is negotiated, divided, and used to cover the many costs of running a real estate business.
Let’s pull back the curtain and take a look at where a REALTOR’s commission actually goes.
First Things First: REALTORS® Only Get Paid if the Transaction Closes
This surprises a lot of people.
Most REALTORS® don’t earn an hourly wage or salary.
We don’t get paid for:
- Showing homes
- Hosting open houses
- Writing offers
- Negotiating contracts
- Coordinating inspections
- Driving across town for showings
- Answering evening and weekend phone calls
- Solving last-minute problems before closing
If a transaction falls apart before closing, the REALTOR® has often invested dozens…or even hundreds…of hours without receiving any compensation.
That’s simply part of the business.
How Commission Works Today
Let’s use a simple example.
Imagine a home sells for $400,000.
When a seller lists their home, they negotiate and agree to a listing fee with their listing brokerage. That fee covers the professional services provided to market and sell the property.
The seller may also choose to offer compensation to a buyer’s broker, but they are not required to do so.
If a seller chooses not to offer buyer broker compensation, or offers less than what a buyer and their agent have agreed to, the buyer can ask the seller to contribute toward that compensation as part of the purchase offer. Just like the purchase price, repairs, or closing costs, buyer agent compensation can be negotiated during the transaction.
Every real estate transaction is unique.
Speaking of common misconceptions, you may also enjoy reading What Actually Stays with the House When You Sell?
Then the Commission Is Divided
Whether the compensation comes from the listing agreement, a negotiated seller concession, the buyer, or a combination of those sources, the money doesn’t simply go straight into one REALTOR®’s bank account.
Instead, the funds are distributed according to the agreements in place.
That often means the money is divided between:
- The listing brokerage
- The listing agent
- The buyer’s brokerage
- The buyer’s agent
Exactly how that distribution looks depends on the transaction and the agreements everyone has in place.
Where Does a REALTOR’s Commission Actually Go?
Let’s imagine a REALTOR®’s brokerage receives $12,000 in compensation from a transaction.
Many people assume that’s what the REALTOR® takes home.
In reality, that’s just the starting point.
Before an agent ever receives a paycheck, that money may be reduced by things like:
- Brokerage split
- Transaction fees
- Franchise or royalty fees (if applicable)
- Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance
- MLS fees
- Local, state, and national REALTOR® association dues
- Licensing fees
- Continuing education
- Marketing and advertising
- Professional photography and videography
- Signs and lockboxes
- CRM and technology subscriptions
- Fuel and vehicle expenses
- Office expenses
- Self-employment taxes
- Health insurance
- Retirement savings
Most REALTORS® are independent contractors, meaning they pay these expenses themselves.
Like any small business owner, they’re responsible for investing back into their business so they can continue serving clients.
REALTORS® Don’t Have a Guaranteed Paycheck
Unlike many professions, REALTORS® don’t receive:
- Paid vacations
- Sick leave
- Employer-sponsored retirement plans
- Guaranteed weekly paychecks
Some months include several closings.
Other months may include none, even though the work never stopped.
That’s why REALTORS® spend so much time building relationships, continuing their education, marketing their business, and serving clients long before payday ever arrives.
So…Is It Worth It?
Absolutely.
Helping first-time buyers get the keys to their first home.
Helping growing families find more space.
Helping empty nesters start their next chapter.
Those moments are why so many REALTORS® love what they do.
Behind every successful closing are weeks…or sometimes months…of work that most people never see.
The Bottom Line
The next time you hear someone say,
“That REALTOR® made a fortune on one sale.”
Remember there’s much more happening behind the scenes.
Before a REALTOR® ever sees a paycheck, the compensation has often been negotiated, divided according to multiple agreements, and used to cover the many costs of operating a real estate business.
And perhaps the biggest misconception of all?
REALTORS® don’t get paid when they start working.
Most only get paid if they successfully make it to the closing table.
Have Questions?
Real estate has changed over the past few years, and there’s a lot of misinformation floating around.
If you have questions about how commissions work, buyer agreements, or the home buying and selling process, we’re always happy to help.
The more you understand, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to make your next move.
If you’re preparing to sell, you may also enjoy our article on Should You Renovate Before Selling Your Home?
So, Where Does a REALTOR’s Commission Go? “It depends.”
Should You Renovate Before Selling Your Home?
Real Estate Explained
Should You Renovate Before Selling Your Home?
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’ve probably asked yourself one of the most common questions homeowners face:
“Should I renovate before I list my home?”
The honest answer?
It depends.
Some improvements can help your home sell faster and potentially for more money. Others may cost thousands of dollars without adding much value at all.
So, Before you start knocking down walls or replacing every countertop, here’s what you should know.
Start With the Simple Things
The best return on investment doesn’t always come from major renovations.
Sometimes, the biggest impact comes from making your home feel clean, well-maintained, and move-in ready.
A few simple updates like:
- Fresh paint
- Deep cleaning
- Touch-up landscaping
- Replacing burned-out light bulbs
- Decluttering
- Cleaning windows
can completely change a buyer’s first impression.
Many buyers aren’t looking for perfection, they’re looking for a home that has been well cared for.
Not Every Renovation Pays You Back
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is assuming every dollar they spend will increase the value of their home.
Unfortunately, that’s not always how it works.
A $40,000 kitchen remodel doesn’t automatically increase your home’s value by $40,000.
In fact, some highly personalized upgrades may actually make it harder for buyers to picture themselves living there.
Instead of asking,
“What do I want?”
ask,
“What will today’s buyers appreciate?”
Every Neighborhood Is Different
The improvements that make sense for one home may not make sense for another.
For example:
A home in one neighborhood may need updated flooring to stay competitive.
Another neighborhood may place more value on outdoor living spaces.
In some cases, buyers expect fully updated homes.
In others, they expect to personalize the home themselves.
That’s why local market knowledge matters.
Focus on Repairs First
Before investing in cosmetic upgrades, make sure the basics are covered.
Buyers notice things like:
- Leaky faucets
- Damaged flooring
- Peeling paint
- Broken door handles
- Loose railings
- HVAC issues
Small maintenance items can create the impression that larger problems have been ignored.
Because of this, fixing these issues first often provides a better return than expensive cosmetic renovations.
Should You Renovate?
Here’s a simple guide.
Renovations that often pay off:
✔️ Fresh neutral paint
✔️ Updated lighting
✔️ Landscaping
✔️ Professional cleaning
✔️ Minor kitchen or bathroom updates
✔️ New hardware and fixtures
Renovations to think carefully about:
- Luxury kitchen remodels
- High-end appliances
- Removing walls
- Custom finishes
- Swimming pools
- Highly personalized upgrades
Every situation is different.
Talk to a REALTOR® Before You Spend the Money
One of the biggest advantages of working with a local REALTOR® is knowing where to invest and where not to.
Before spending thousands of dollars, ask an agent who understands your neighborhood and current buyer expectations.
Sometimes, spending $500 wisely can have a bigger impact than spending $20,000 in the wrong place.
The Bottom Line
Should you renovate before selling your home?
It depends.
The right improvements can absolutely help your home attract buyers and maximize its value.
The wrong improvements can cost time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Before starting your next project, let’s have a conversation about what makes the most sense for your home, your neighborhood, and your goals.
Sometimes the smartest renovation is knowing when not to renovate.
What Actually Stays With the House When You Buy It?
What Stays With the House When You Buy It?
Have you ever walked through a home and wondered, “Does that refrigerator come with it?” Or maybe you fell in love with a porch swing, a beautiful chandelier, or even a one-of-a-kind carousel horse in the backyard. What Stays With the House When You Buy It?
The answer might surprise you.
One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is that everything you see during a showing automatically comes with the home. In reality, some items stay with the property, while others belong to the seller unless they’re specifically included in the purchase agreement.
Let’s break it down.
What Usually Stays
In general, anything considered a fixture stays with the home. A fixture is something that’s permanently attached to the property.
Common examples include:
- Built-in cabinets and shelving
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Bathroom mirrors that are attached to the wall
- Window blinds or shades
- Built-in appliances like dishwashers and ovens
- Mailboxes
- Landscaping that is planted in the ground
These items are considered part of the property and are typically included in the sale unless the seller specifically excludes them.
What Usually Doesn’t Stay
Personal property belongs to the seller and usually moves with them.
This often includes:
- Furniture
- Televisions
- Rugs
- Artwork
- Patio furniture
- Grills
- Potted plants
- Decorative mirrors that are simply hung on a nail
Even if an item looks like it “belongs” with the home, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s included.
The Gray Areas
This is where things can get interesting.
Items like these often create questions:
- Refrigerators
- Washers and dryers
- Security cameras
- Porch swings
- Playsets
- Sheds
- Mounted televisions
- TV wall mounts
- Hot tubs
- Garage shelving
Some sellers plan to leave them. Others intend to take them.
The only way to know is to ask.
What If You Love Something Unique?
Maybe it’s a custom-built dining table that fits the breakfast nook perfectly.
Maybe it’s the porch swing where you can already picture yourself drinking coffee.
Or maybe it’s a vintage carousel horse sitting proudly in the backyard.
If it makes the property feel like home, don’t be afraid to ask if it can stay.
The seller may say no, but they might also be perfectly happy to leave it behind. Sometimes they don’t want the hassle of moving it, and sometimes they’re simply willing to include it as part of the negotiation.
You never know unless you ask.
The Most Important Rule
Real estate contracts are designed to eliminate assumptions.
If you want something to stay, it should be written into the purchase agreement.
If the seller plans to take something that buyers might reasonably expect to remain, that should be clearly stated as well.
Clear expectations help prevent misunderstandings and keep everyone on the same page.
Before writing an offer, it’s important to make sure everything you want to stay (or not stay) be discussed with your agent. This also will help determine what a great offer looks like.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just beginning your search, you can browse homes currently available in the Auburn and Opelika area.
Buying a home isn’t just about four walls and a roof. Sometimes it’s the little details that make you fall in love with a property.
Whether it’s a refrigerator, a porch swing, or a carousel horse, remember this simple rule:
If you want it, ask for it. If it’s important to either party, put it in writing.
Because when it comes to real estate, clarity is always better than assumptions.
Have questions about what should be included in your offer? We’d be happy to help.
Why Price Per Square Foot Can Be One of the Most Misleading Numbers in Real Estate
Price Per Square Foot – The Most Misunderstood Number In Real Estate
Helping buyers and sellers across East Alabama understand real estate, one question at a time.
“What’s the price per square foot in my neighborhood?”
As Realtors®, this is one of the most common questions we get from homeowners.
It’s an understandable question. Price per square foot is easy to find online, it’s often mentioned in market reports, and it seems like a quick way to estimate what a home might be worth.
In fact, many sellers become attached to that number before we ever sit down to discuss pricing.
The problem is that relying too heavily on price per square foot can create unrealistic expectations. In today’s market, pricing a home based on a simple calculation instead of its true market value can lead to fewer showings, lower offers, and ultimately more time on the market.
Before we talk about why, it’s important to understand what price per square foot actually tells us…and what it doesn’t.
What Is Price Per Square Foot?
Price per square foot is exactly what it sounds like. You take the sale price of a home and divide it by its finished square footage.
For example:
- A home that sells for $400,000 with 2,000 square feet sold for $200 per square foot.
It’s a useful statistic because it helps identify general trends in a neighborhood or local market.
The key word, however, is general.
It’s a market indicator, not a pricing formula.
No Two Homes Are Truly the Same
Imagine two homes that are both 2,000 square feet.
One backs up to a golf course.
The other sits on a busy road.
One has a beautifully renovated kitchen with custom cabinetry and quartz countertops.
The other still has its original finishes from twenty years ago.
One has a screened porch overlooking a private backyard.
The other has no outdoor living space at all.
Even though they’re exactly the same size, they are unlikely to sell for the same price.
Square footage is only one piece of the puzzle.
Smaller Homes Often Have a Higher Price Per Square Foot
This surprises many homeowners.
A 1,400-square-foot home may actually sell for a higher price per square foot than a 3,200-square-foot home in the very same neighborhood.
Why?
Because certain parts of every home carry significant value regardless of size.
Think about the kitchen.
Bathrooms.
The garage.
The roof.
The HVAC system.
The lot itself.
Those costs don’t double simply because the house is larger. Since those fixed-value features are spread across fewer square feet in a smaller home, the price per square foot is often higher.
That’s completely normal.
Buyers Don’t Shop With Calculators (Well, Most buyers anyway)
When buyers walk through a home, they aren’t thinking:
“This feels like exactly $212 per square foot.”
Instead, they’re asking themselves questions like:
- Can I picture my family living here?
- Is the kitchen updated?
- Do I love the backyard?
- Is there enough storage?
- Does the layout work for our lifestyle?
- Is this home worth the asking price compared to others I’ve seen?
Those emotional and practical decisions influence value far more than a simple mathematical formula.
Location Can Change Everything
You’ve probably heard the phrase:
Location, location, location.
There’s a reason it’s still one of the biggest factors in real estate.
Two nearly identical homes can have very different values simply because of where they’re located.
Things like:
- Neighborhood demand
- School districts
- Privacy
- Lot size
- Views
- Nearby amenities
- Traffic patterns
- Future development
all influence what buyers are willing to pay.
That’s true whether the home is in Auburn, Opelika, or one of the many wonderful communities throughout East Alabama.
Appraisers Don’t Use Price Per Square Foot Alone
One of the biggest misconceptions is that appraisers determine value by multiplying square footage by a dollar amount.
They don’t.
Professional appraisers compare similar homes that have recently sold and then make adjustments for differences such as:
- Size
- Age
- Condition
- Updates
- Lot characteristics
- Garages
- Pools
- Outdoor living spaces
- Overall appeal
This process creates a much more accurate picture of a home’s market value than a simple price-per-square-foot calculation ever could.
So… Is Price Per Square Foot Useless?
Not at all.
It’s actually a valuable tool when it’s used correctly.
Real estate professionals use price per square foot to identify market trends and compare similar properties.
The problem comes when it’s treated as the only factor in determining value.
Every home has its own story.
Every neighborhood is different.
Every buyer values different features.
That’s why pricing a home is both a science and an art.
The Bottom Line
Pricing a home isn’t about finding a magic number and multiplying it by the square footage.
It’s about understanding how buyers see your home in today’s market.
A well-priced home often attracts more interest, generates stronger offers, and creates a smoother selling experience.
On the other hand, pricing too high because of an oversimplified price-per-square-foot calculation can cause a home to sit on the market longer than necessary. As time passes, buyers naturally begin to wonder why it hasn’t sold, and that can make achieving your desired price even more challenging.
That’s why I prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for every seller. A CMA looks beyond square footage to evaluate the things buyers actually pay for—location, condition, updates, amenities, lot characteristics, and recent comparable sales.
Our goal isn’t simply to tell you what your home is worth.
Our goal is to help you price it strategically so you can attract the right buyers and maximize your opportunity in today’s market.
Have a question you’d like us to explain?
Send it our way! Your question could inspire a future edition of Real Estate Explained. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or simply curious about the market in East Alabama, we’re here to help.
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.
What Makes Buyers Walk Away From a Home in Auburn & Opelika (And Sellers Often Miss It)
What Makes Buyers Walk Away From a Home in Auburn & Opelika (And Sellers Often Miss It)
Selling a home is interesting because buyers are often making decisions long before they ever sit down to write an offer. If you have ever wondered what makes buyers walk away from a home, the answer is often smaller details sellers stop noticing.
Sometimes it is the big things.
Sometimes it is something surprisingly small.
In many cases, buyers start forming opinions within the first few minutes of arriving at a property. The challenge is that sellers are living in the home every day, so it becomes easy to overlook details that fresh eyes immediately notice.
If you are planning to sell in Auburn or Opelika, here are some common reasons buyers quietly move on.
1. Poor Drainage Raises Questions
Most buyers are not engineers.
They may not understand grading, slopes, or drainage systems, but they notice standing water, erosion, muddy areas, gutters dumping beside the foundation, and flower beds that look washed out.
In East Alabama, drainage matters.
A small issue outside can make buyers wonder if there are larger concerns they cannot see.
Before listing, walk the yard after a rainstorm and look at your property the way a buyer would.
Many homes in Auburn have varying elevations, mature landscaping, and larger lots, which makes drainage worth paying attention to.
2. Dark Rooms Feel Smaller
Lighting changes everything.
A room can have plenty of square footage and still feel small if it is dark.
Closed blinds, heavy curtains, burned out bulbs, and furniture blocking windows can make spaces feel smaller than they really are.
Simple changes like opening blinds, adding brighter bulbs, and rearranging furniture often make a bigger difference than sellers expect.
3. Overfilled Rooms Hide Space
Buyers are shopping for space.
If every wall is covered, furniture fills each corner, and storage areas are packed, buyers may struggle to picture themselves living there.
This is especially important in:
- living rooms
- bedrooms
- pantries
- garages
- closets
- linen storage
Yes, we are going to mention linen closets again because buyers notice storage more than people think.
4. Flower Beds And Curb Appeal Matter
The first impression starts before buyers walk through the front door.
Overgrown shrubs, faded mulch, weeds, dead plants, and neglected beds can make buyers wonder what maintenance looks like elsewhere.
You do not need a full landscape renovation.
Fresh mulch.
Trimmed beds.
Defined edges.
Healthy plants.
Small updates outside often create a stronger first impression than expensive updates inside.
Buyers considering living in Opelika often pay attention to outdoor space, landscaping, and first impressions.
5. Odors Can Be Deal Breakers
This one is hard because sellers usually stop noticing their own home.
Pets.
Cooking smells.
Smoke.
Heavy candles.
Strong air fresheners.
Buyers notice quickly.
A clean, neutral smell usually works best.
If you are unsure, ask someone you trust to walk through honestly before listing.
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. Deferred Maintenance Creates Doubt
A dripping faucet may not kill a sale.
Neither will one loose cabinet handle.
But when buyers start seeing multiple unfinished items, they begin wondering:
What else has been ignored?
Small repairs often carry more weight than sellers expect because they affect confidence.
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Auburn or Opelika, preparing before listing can make a big difference.
What Makes Buyers Walk Away From a Home Besides Price
Beautiful kitchens matter.
Fresh paint helps.
Updated flooring gets attention.
But buyers are also paying attention to how a home feels, functions, and has been maintained.
Sometimes the reason a buyer walks away has nothing to do with price.
It is simply perception.
If you are preparing to sell in Auburn or Opelika, looking at your home through buyer eyes can make a big difference before it ever hits the market.
Move In Ready Homes in Auburn & Opelika | Why They’re Not Always the Best Investment
Looking at Move in Ready Homes in Auburn & Opelika?
There is something really exciting about walking into a home and thinking, “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Fresh paint. Updated fixtures. Pretty kitchens. New floors. Everything looks perfect.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying move-in ready.
But sometimes the house that feels perfect today is not the house that makes the most sense five years from now.
We talk about this with buyers all the time in Auburn and Opelika.
Sometimes the homes people skip are the ones with the biggest opportunity.
The “Ugly Duckling” House Deserves A Second Look
You know the house.
The landscaping is overgrown.
The paint color is not helping.
Maybe the kitchen feels a little dated.
It gets passed over because buyers are focused on what it looks like today.
But underneath all of that?
It may have exactly what matters.
A great location.
Mature trees.
Good bones.
A functional layout.
A larger lot.
Character that newer homes do not always have.
Sometimes that house becomes the dream home later.
Buying For Future Value Instead Of Today’s Finishes
We always encourage buyers to ask:
What will this house look like in five years?
Not just:
What does it look like today?
Could fresh paint change everything?
Would new landscaping improve curb appeal?
Could updating lighting, flooring, or countertops create value over time?
Small improvements often add up.
And when you buy below the top of the neighborhood, you may leave room for future appreciation.
That is where vision starts becoming strategy.
We See This In Auburn & Opelika Often
Around Auburn and Opelika, we see buyers fall in love with homes because they are move-in ready.
We also see buyers overlook homes with incredible potential.
Some older homes offer larger lots, established neighborhoods, mature landscaping, and layouts that are difficult to find in newer construction.
A home does not have to be perfect to be the right investment.
Sometimes it just needs the right buyer.
Move-In Ready Is Great. Potential Is Great Too.
This is not an argument against updated homes.
Move-in ready can absolutely be the right choice.
Especially for buyers who do not want projects.
But if you automatically skip every home that needs cosmetic work, you may miss opportunities.
The “ugly duckling” today could become the dream home tomorrow.
And sometimes the best investment is the house everyone else walked past.
Thinking about buying in Auburn or Opelika?
We would love to help you look beyond finishes and think about long-term value, future goals, and the kind of home that still makes sense years from now.
