August 2022 Homes and Real Estate

Homes

Opelika-Auburn

August 2022 FREE

and Real Estate

Adding Curb Appeal

How to Attract! Pages 14-15

Market Analysis

Economy Trends & Effects On the Housing Market Pages 8-9

Contents CrossCountry Mortgage 2 Preferred Contractors 3 Alabama AG Credit 6 The Brown Agency 6 BNB & Associates 7 Realtor® Jessica Andrus Featurette 8-9 State Farm, Kathy Powell 10 Berkshire Hathaway Centerfold Steven Gaddis, EXP Realty 11 Denson Real Estate 11 Insurance Solutions Group 11 HomeLink Realty 10, 12-13 Crazy Crafty Chick Featurette 14-15 Rose Anne Erickson Realty 16 Opelika Chamber 17 Ambriah Bryant, Keller Williams 18 Fincher-Coffin Realty 18 Interlinc Mortgage 18 AuburnBank 19 334-663-1060 NHTMagazine@gmail.com Key Media LLC 334-749-8003 223 S 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801

*NeighborhoodTour Magazine is a monthly publication which features agent listed properties for sale. This magazine will not knowingly accept or publish illegal material of any kind. Advertising which expresses preference based on legally protected personal characteristics is not acceptable.

Publisher assumes no responsibility and shall not be held liable for any typographical errors inadvertently made in advertisements. All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in whole or in part, of this publication is strictly prohibited. Publisher’s Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” © COPYRIGHT, 2018.

Featured Tours Adorable One Story!

1455 Bedrock Dr. Auburn

Tori Beth Thompson Homelink Realty 334.524.0422

4 Bedroom 2 Bath!

7 Snowshoe Court Fort Mitchell

One Level, 3 Bedroom 2 Bath!

1907 Arbor Lane Opelika

Amy Littleton

Homelink Realty 334.524.2019

Tori Beth Thompson Homelink Realty 334.524.0422

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2022 Home Trends forFeaturette

The Crazy Crafty Chick Pages 14 - 15

Tours8 Page

Digital Editions Scan Here

100 S 7th Street Opelika, Alabama • (334) 745-3584

Master Bath with Tile Shower, Jetted Tub, Double Vanity, and Walk In Closet.

3 Additional Bedrooms. Irrigation System. Covered Back Deck. 2 Car Garage.

Floored Attic with Tons of Storage. Fenced Yard. Seller is related to listing Bill Brown

Broker 334.728.4166

Morgan Vickers

Realtor® & Property Manager 334.740.0106

Patrick Thrower Realtor® 334.559.5887

Home with a

Crawford Tatum Realtor® 334.332.8337

Page 6

Earl Ketchum Realtor® 334.734.2312

August 2022

We Do It All! List, Sell Build & Mortgage 108 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika, AL Toll Free: 877-846-6307 • Fax: 334-749-3087 www.bnb-associatesllc.com

Company ID# 1087652 NMLS Originator ID# 874565 www.bnb-associatesllc.com and www.bnb-builds.com

We Are American Strong!

1302 Lizlin St $340,000 New Construction

LD

SO

2911 Anderson Lake Ct $240,000

1401 South St $209,900

New Construction

Existing Home with Updates

LD

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Market Analysis

Realtors are asked almost on a daily basis, “How’s the market?” Consumers are always curious and interested in our professional opinion.

However, recently the questions have become more anxiety-based instead of curiosity-based.

“What’s going on??”

“The market is crashing, isn’t it?”

There is an urgency and somewhat of panic to people’s questions, and understandably so.

The economy isn’t great. We all know and feel it. But do high gas and grocery prices accurately reflect what is going on in the housing market?

Economists nationwide, including well-known names like Dave Ramsey, don’t think so. They are all saying the same thing: The market is not crashing. It’s normalizing.

Listening to these folks on the news or reading their national articles can feel a world away from our small towns here in east Alabama. So I reached out to one of our home-town “money guys” to break it all down for us.

Nathan Kastner of Smith Kastner Wealth Management keeps his eye on all things money and investing. He assists his clients with all aspects of financial planning, investing and retirement planning. A huge part of many of his clients’ financial portfolio is their investments in real estate.

Here is what Kastner has to say when his clients come to him with questions and concerns about the market: “The recent increase in home prices, coupled with the recent rise in interest rates, combined with fears of a looming recession, will likely result in a “cooling off” of the housing market, but a collapse is highly improbable. The more likely scenario is that we see housing prices level off, but not significantly decline. They may even continue to rise, but at a historically more normal and steady rate. Buyers that are “waiting on the drop” are very possibly waiting on a day that isn’t going to come.”

Some may be asking “how?” What leads you to believe that a crash is not coming? Here is how Kastner breaks it down: “There are a number of reasons to suggest that a collapse is not imminent: 1-Inventory is still low. During the sub-prime housing crisis of 2007-2008, the number of available homes on the market far exceeded the demand. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of existing single-family homes for sale is less than half of what was available fifteen short years ago. Today, demand still outpaces supply by an estimated 3 MILLION homes.

So, lesson #1: so long as the demand exceeds the inventory of available homes, prices are unlikely to fall.

334.704.4442 • jessica.andrus.realtor@gmail.com Page 8

August 2022

2- Not only is inventory not meeting demand, supply chain issues are hindering our ability to ramp up supply. Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that it is now taking at least 8 months to fully construct a home. Homes were being fully constructed in 4-6 months in pre-pandemic years.

3- Inflation has caused nearly every aspect of the construction process to become more expensive. The NAHB estimates that building material prices have increased 33% since the start of the pandemic. Builders, being the rational capitalist that they are, will not typically sell a home for less than it cost them to build it. As a result, the increased costs of materials, labor, and fuel are passed on, at least in part, to the consumer. The result is higher home prices.

4-The US Housing Market Index reports that demand for housing has increased over 600% since bottoming-out in 2009. Baby boomers are retiring and downsizing; moving closer to their children; moving into swanky subdivisions that cater to retirees; and purchasing vacation homes to enjoy their golden years. Additionally millennials, which make up an even larger market segment than Boomers, are finally coming into their own. Now into their mid-twenties and early forties, many have finally settled into successful careers and are moving out of mom and dad’s basement. For a lot of reasons, most of which were not their fault, the Millennial generation was a little slow to get going. But they are gaining momentum and are a driving force in the market.

5- Practically speaking, it’s not as if there are many alternatives to home ownership.

Obviously, homelessness is not a welcomed solution. And living with Mom and Dad may work for a while, but it’s tough to get married and raise a family from your parents’ basement. Renting is the logical alternative, but it, too, has seen some hefty price increases over the past few years. In April 2022, real estate brokerage firm Redfin reported that the median monthly rent and the median monthly mortgage only differed by $30 per month. So while it’s easy to understand that the recent increase in home prices may push many buyers out of the market, with rent prices that are not much better, many consumers are choosing to bite the bullet and purchase a home in spite of record prices.”

As a local realtor, I identify with all the points Kastner has made. My buyer clients have very little inventory from which to choose and building a home has become a lengthy and more costly process. Rental rates in our area are through the roof turning many parents of college students into local purchasers. Recent college graduates are also finding the same issue with rental rates and are opting to jump into the real estate market.

So, what would you say to clients still hesitant to get into the real estate market at this point in hopes they can get a major deal on a home in a year or so?

“I think that’s a mistake, and they are going to be disappointed” Kastner said.

I couldn’t agree more. If you are ready to explore your options in this market contact your realtor and financial advisor. And if you don’t have those, Nathan Kastner and I are here for you!

August 2022

Nathan Kastner (334) 749-5001 nkastner@smith-kastner.com Page 9

Tori Beth Thompson Associate Broker, REALTOR®

334.524.0422 toribeth@topproducer.com toribethsellshomes.com 3 Bed, 2 Bath!

Adorable!

1907 Arbor Lane- One Level Home in Creekstone! Spacious 1455 Bedrock Drive- One Story 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Home in Living Room. Kitchen with all Appliances. Breakfast Room. Master Bedroom with a Tray Ceiling and a Ceiling Fan. Master Bath with Double Vanity, Garden Tub, Separate Shower, and 2 Closets! 2 Additional Bedrooms with Ceiling Fans. Guest Bath Tub has Glass Doors. Laundry Room with Pantry Storage. Large Fenced Backyard. Covered Back Patio. Storage Building with Power and a Covered Deck! 2 Car Garage. New Hot Water Heater 2022.

Covered Bus Stop at the Entrance of the Neighborhood.

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Cobblestone Subdivision! Covered Front Porch. Split Bedroom Floorplan. Living Room with Wood Floors, Vaulted Ceiling, and a Ceiling Fan. Kitchen with Granite Countertops, Tile Floors, and All Appliances Included. Breakfast Room Open to Kitchen. Master Bedroom with Tray Ceiling and Ceiling Fan. Master Bath with Double Vanity, Granite Countertops, Bedroom 2 has a Vaulted Ceiling and a Ceiling Fan. Laundry Room. Covered Back Patio.

Storage Building. Large Fenced Backyard. 2 Car Garage. Roof Replaced in 2019. Gutters!

August 2022

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Call Me Today for All Your Real Estate Needs!

Serving Opelika, Auburn, and Lake Martin!

Rush Denson Morris Smith Michael Walton Tinker McCain Owner/Broker 205.503.8655

Assoc. Broker 334.740.5440

Assoc. Broker 334.610.6339

Realtor® 334.748.0183

Scott Fuller

Lisa Thrift

Jae Hee Ko

Linda Zhang

Realtor® 334.737.8444

Assoc. Broker 334.444.8099

Realtor® 334.333.7372

Realtor® 334.734.3341

458 South 10th Street, Opelika, Alabama

(334) 759-7525

INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

SHEY KNIGHT (334) 203-4296

w o n We Kance! r u s n I

SKNIGHT@INSURANCESOLUTIONSGROUP.COM

August 2022

JEFF BRYANT (334) 444-3512

JBRYANT@INSURANCESOLUTIONSGROUP.COM

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August 2022

August 2022

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Curb Appeal

Bringing joy and creativity to your home, Tonya Wilson deWaart The Crazy Crafty Chick

We have all been there - turning into “that” neighborhood where each house just looks like a home. Why? This homeowner has created what most call “the curb appeal”. So what is “curb appeal”? The technical definition according to Google it is the visual attractiveness of the house as seen from the street. Now think of that one house you always love to drive by and just want to go in the home where is it?

Now that we have established what curb appeal is, let’s just talk a minute about what it is not. Years and years ago I told my husband he was giving our home “curb appeal” when doing the yard work. To some heck yes, but we are looking for a little bit more than an hour of visual studliness in yard work. So let’s think about how we can take our home insides and bring it to our home outside to create that feeling of “wow, that looks like home” As we all think about creating and providing a beautiful visual appearance I know, you are thinking - ching, ching! Y’all know me - I love to get that creativity and decor on a budget. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind as we enter what some may call fall, but in the south it is just another month of summer.

Try these easy updates for instant curb appeal Paint the front door - One of the easiest ways to transform your home’s exterior is to paint your front door. Choose a subtle shade that blends with your home’s existing materials and paint colors. Or for those with a wild flare add that unexpected splash of color to the door - I have seen gorgeous shades of blue, teal,yellow, and even pink. This is a budget friendly project and can be done in just a few hours.

Illuminate your walkways - When the sun goes down curb appeal doesn’t end. I have always said “lighting” can sell your home. Highlight pathways and trees with landscape lighting. It improves safety and that home’s night time appeal. Nowadays you can grab those lights from local stores or even Amazon and they grab the light energy from the sun - yep, solar energy!

Clean, Clean and Clean - Wait, we are to clean the inside and the outside of the house. Doesn’t seem fair does it? Agreed!

With that being said, we are to clean our home and the surroundings. Pressure wash the house (not just the front, all four sides). While you have that pressure washer also spray the driveway and path/walkway. Having clean concrete will create an actual glow to your home. Oh and don’t forget those outdoor windows. The pressure washer will help with the first layer of grime then we need to put some elbow grease on those windows we can get too - now we are talking about some serious shine. Oh yes - almost forgot, the roof. That is on my checklist now.

Been in my home 10 years now and I am seeing the black and grime on the roof that is a rust red color. Yuck!

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August 2022

Landscape for Curb Appeal - This can be a long list, let’s try to keep it short and simple. Did you know that the landscape your home has currently can “oudate” your home and t steel curb appeal. Yep - like it or not, there are times we all gotta get our hands dirty, pull those old bushes and plant some new colorful flowering bushes, layering them in front of your home by adding splashes of daylilies around the small areas of your home. This can be an easy and an inexpensive project - you can do the work yourself and be sure to find a wholesale plant nursery to save on bushes and plants. Also, educate yourself on what plants and flowers can and cannot handle shade and sun. I promise you with some work and a small budget your neighbors will be jealous and appreciate you at the same time!

The Porch is Calling - I know you have seen those porches as you drive around our community - the ones that cause you to slightly hit the breaks. They scream “come sit with me and have a cup of coffee”. In all honesty, don’t you want your porch to invite others to your home? This is pretty simple depending on the size of your porch.

For smaller porches, you can add a wreath or seasonal hanger to your door. As the seasons change, use various colored themed pots with different flowering plants and a beautiful fern. I am gonna give you a little secret. For a fern in the sun, buy a Kimberly Fern. It can handle heat and sun. For larger porches, that list is endless. Consider outdoor furniture and arrange conversational areas with rugs, side tables and even a fire pit. Arrange pots along the porch walkway on multiple levels using varied container sizes. For that door you can go wild with porch learners and front door rugs. The possibilities are endless!

An idea to consider is to look at your home and determine the type of home you have. There are so many different home types, but to name a few, traditional, modern, farmhouse, Victorian and Craftsman Style. This is where some designers will have various opinions. As you create curb appeal and even paint the house, keep in mind the type of home you have and do not stray from it. Keep the farmhouse a farmhome and the modern a modern. If you change the style others may take “that” second look and be a bit confused.

As we wrap up, keep up with the good ol’ fashioned pinestraw, bark and take care of that beautiful green Bermuda grass we all love. Clean those gutters and please be safe. Y’all know me - at the end of the day it is your home and you do what you love!

June 2022

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August 2022

EACH KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

AMBRIAH BRYANT REALTOR

334.524.6552 ASBRYANT22@GMAIL.COM 1716 TALIAFERRO TRAIL MONTGOMERY, AL 36117

AUBURN | OPELIKA MONTGOMERY

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