Homes
Opelika-Auburn
Oct 2023 FREE
and Real Estate
A Hit TV Show Can Make- and Break- Local Housing Markets Page 9
Contents AuburnBank 2 Opelika Chamber 3 HomeLink Realty 6-7, 14 Alabama AG Credit 8 Denson Real Estate 8 The Key Agency 8 Melissa Gillespie, Stockton Mortgage 10 Berkshire Hathaway Centerfold Insurance Solutions Group 12 The Bridge Church 12 Jessica Andrus, EXP Realty 13 The Woods, Brock Built 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 Almost 1 Acre at Lake Harding!
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October 2023
October 2023
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EACH KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED
4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Home in Pinecrest!
Serving Opelika, Auburn, and Lake Martin! 3202 Pinecrest Drive- Covered Front Porch. Living Room with Stone Wood Burning Fireplace. Formal Dining Room with Detailed Molding and Coffered Ceiling. Kitchen with Granite Countertops, Tile Backsplash, and Stainless Appliances. Breakfast Room. Split Bedroom Floorplan. Master Bedroom with Door to the Back Porch. 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 Rush Denson Morris Smith Michael Walton Tinker McCain agent. Owner/Broker Assoc. Broker Assoc. Broker Realtor® 205.503.8655
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Northside Opelika Home with a Basement! Lisa Thrift Linda Zhang Scott Fuller 1402 Novella St- Formal Living Room with Realtor® Wood Assoc. Broker Realtor®
Floors Underneath Carpet. Formal Dining. Den334.734.3341 has a 334.444.8099 334.737.8444 Fireplace with Gas Logs. Main Level has 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathroom. 458 Mother In Law10th SuiteStreet, in the Basement withAlabama a South Opelika, Kitchenette, Bathroom with a Stand Up Shower. Root (334) 759-7525 Cellar. 2 Car Carport. Generator for Power Outages! Page 8
October 2023
A Hit TV Show Can Make—and Break— Local Housing Markets September 13, 2023 Eric Bramlett is the owner of Bramlett Residentia, a top-performing real estate brokerage in Austin, Texas. He is a multi-year winner of the Austin Business Journal Residential Real Estate Award and is in the top 1% of agents in the United States.
© Courtesy of Paramount Network via NAR.realtor
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You’re familiar with the variables that affect your local housing market, such as economic development, zoning laws, taxes and interest rates. But few real estate professionals will contend with a market boom following a hit TV show. In our TV-obsessed culture, shows like “Yellowstone,” LQ ZKLFK ODQG GLVSXWHV DUH D FHQWUDO FRQÁLFW KDYH PRYHG the economic needle in the real locations they portray. Increased tourism and local job growth bring new people to these areas, creating high demand for housing. Agents LQ PDUNHWV WKDW EHQHÀW IURP WKH K\SH DURXQG D 79 VKRZ must grapple with both the positive and negative interest it generates—and buckle up for the ride.
Waco’s Makeover in ‘Fixer Upper’ Chip and Joanna Gaines put the town of Waco, Texas, in the spotlight with their HGTV show “Fixer Upper,” which aired from 2013 to 2018. Before the show, Waco, a small university town that was struggling economically, was best known for the 1993 massacre involving cult leader David Koresh. But the Gaines’ Magnolia brand has made many investments in the local market, including a shopping complex and a new hotel opening this year to be featured on the upcoming HGTV show “Fixer Upper: The Hotel.” Along with the growing prominence of the Magnolia EUDQG :DFR KDV H[SHULHQFHG D WRXULVP ERRP DQ LQÁX[ RI jobs and “an international city PR campaign no town could ever pay for,” Mayor Dillon Meek told local reporters. Still, not all is coming up roses (or magnolias) for longtime residents, who saw average home prices locally increase nearly 52% from 2015 to 2019 and a tax appraisal increase of roughly 30% in 2022, according to reports. Out-of-state relocation buyers, who tend to have larger housing budgets, have descended on Waco and propped up the local market.
Montana’s ‘Yellowstone’ Effect )HZ 79 VKRZV DUH ÀOPHG LQ D ORFDWLRQ ZLWK DV PXFK natural beauty as Bozeman, Mont., where Paramount’s October 2023
“Yellowstone” is produced. The show debuted in 2018 to much fanfare. The COVID-19 pandemic and the era of remote work followed shortly thereafter, leading to an LQÁX[ RI ZHDOWK\ QHZ UHVLGHQWV VHHNLQJ KRPHV UDQFKHV and open land. Today, prices in Montana across the board are at an all-time high as economic expansion, jobs and tourism skyrocket. One study by a local real estate brokerage showed that “Yellowstone” brought 2.1 million tourists and $730 million in associated spending to Montana in 2021. Seventy-one percent of those tourists had seen “Yellowstone,” according to the study. Production on season four of the show alone created more than 500 jobs and brought $72 million to the local economy, the study notes. More broadly, the economy in all of Montana grew by almost 7% in 2021—the fastest pace in more than 40 years—making it the seventh-fastest growing state economy in the nation. In 2020 and 2021, Montana was one of the few states in the U.S. to grow in population. But the median home price locally has increased to $500,000—double what it was in 2020. Montana land values also increased 10% from 2021 to 2022. In Bozeman, home of the Dutton family in “Yellowstone,” the median condo price soared more than 60% year over year from 2021 to 2022, and the median price for a single-family home has increased to nearly $750,000 since the pandemic began in 2020, according to CNBC. :KLOH ´<HOORZVWRQHµ LV UXPRUHG WR EH ÀOPLQJ LWV ÀQDO season, time will tell if national attention stays on Montana or pivots to West Texas, where Paramount’s upcoming show “6666” reportedly will take place. If you are an agent lucky enough to be in an area with rising home sales stemming from a hit TV show, keep in mind that you’ll be dealing with both new and longtime residents who are adjusting to change in the local market and need guidance. Keep an eye on streaming networks for their next offerings, as your neck of the woods could be a setting viewers fall in love with. Page 9
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INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS
SHEY KNIGHT (334) 203-4296
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MARCH 2023 STATISTICS
Alabama Economic & Real Estate Report
Infographic Courtesy of Alabama Association of Realtors
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October 2023
Have you ever heard the phrase “Date the rate; marry the house”? This is a phrase I’m sure lenders are saying to their clients every single day! National rates are high. There is no doubting that. But, I’m seeing fewer and fewer buyers stressing out over it. In difficult times everyone has to pull together and get creative. That’s what your local realtors and lenders are doing! Lenders have many different loan programs to help buyers overcome these high rates. There are so many things your local lender can offer to you: temporary buy downs, adjustable rate mortgages, permanent buy downs, in-house loans, and the list goes on and on. Realtors are helping buyers negotiate a buy-down within the sales contract. Often times we can get the seller of the house you want to buy to contribute significant funds towards your closing costs/buy down. My message to you is to not be so afraid of this market and the rates that you don’t reach out to your lender and see what they can do for you. If you put in a little effort to explore the options, you might find that now is a great time for you to buy and sell. In our local market sales prices are up over this time last year. Homes are taking slightly longer to sell, but overall our market is quite stable. Please reach out to me if you would like to discuss the market and how now could be a good time for you to jump in! jessica.andrus.realtor@gmail.com • 334.704.4442
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October 2023
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Spacious 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath in Bechet Woods! 2103 Suzanne Lane- Convenient to Auburn and Tiger Town! Formal Dining Room. Spacious Kitchen with Lots of Cabinets, Granite Countertops, Tile Backsplash, and a Pantry. Breakfast Nook. Living Room with Wood Floors and a Fireplace. Second Level Features Primary Bedroom with Vaulted Ceiling and a Sitting Room. Primary Bath with Double Vanity, Garden Tub, Separate Shower, and Large Walk In Closet. 3 Additional Bedrooms. Laundry Room. Extended Back Patio with Sun Shades. Privacy Fenced Backyard with Separate )HQFHG $UHD IRU 'RJV &DU *DUDJH 6HOOHU LV RIIHULQJ D ÀRRULQJ DOORZDQFH ZLWK DFFHSWDEOH RIIHU
± 2.43 Acres!
1116 W Collinwood Circle- Spacious 4 Bedroom 3.5 Bath Home in Northside Opelika nestled on Private Wooded Lot. Covered Front Porch. Sunken Living Room with a Fireplace and Built-Ins. Formal Dining Room. Large Kitchen with Great Cabinet Space. Breakfast Room. Den with Built-Ins and Sliding Doors to Back Deck. Large Master Bedroom with Wood Floors, Walk-In Closet, and Private Bath. 2 Additional Bedrooms and a Full Bath on the Main Level. The Basement Features a Den with a Fireplace, 4th Bedroom with Private Bath, 2 Large Storage Rooms, Half Bath, Dark Room, and a Two Car Garage with an additional room with a shop sink. Greenhouse. Awesome Heated/ &RROHG 6TXDUH )RRW 6WDQG $ORQH %XLOGLQJ WKDW FDQ EH XVHG DV :RUNVKRS RU 2I¿FH $GGLWLRQDO *DUDJH
Covered Front Porch!
1507 Pinedale Drive- One Level Home in Northside Opelika! Spacious Kitchen with ample Cabinets and Countertop Space! Breakfast Room with Built Ins. Master Bedroom with Private Bath. Bedroom 2 & 3 Have Wood Floors and Ceiling Fans. Bedroom 2 also has built-ins! Laundry Room. Sunroom! Nice Backyard. Covered Back Patio. Storage Building. One Car Carport.
West Richland!
863 W Richland Circle- Spacious 4 Bedroom 3 1/2 Bathroom Home! Covered Front Porch. Foyer with Soaring Ceilings. Living Room with a Gas Log Fireplace. Gourmet Kitchen features Upgraded Granite Countertops, Island, Tile Backsplash, Wall Oven, Gas Cooktop, Vent Hood, and a Pantry with Wood Shelving. Formal Dining Room with Coffered Ceilings. First Floor Master Bedroom. Master Bath features Double Vanity, Garden Tub, Tile Shower with Niches And A Seat, Linen Closet, and Walk-In Closet. 1/2 Bath on the Main Level. Laundry Room with Upgraded Cabinets. The Second Level Features a landing with Wood Floors, 3 Spacious Bedrooms, 2 Full Bathrooms, and A Media Room. Game Day Back Porch with a Wood Burning Fireplace and Extended Patio. Large Privacy Fenced Backyard. 2 Car Garage with Shelving. Irrigation System.
ToriBeth BethThompson Thompson Tori Associate Broker, REALTOR® Associate Broker, REALTOR®
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October 2023
14 Things That Make The Exterior Of Your Home Look Dated, According To Designers WRITTEN BY CAMERON BEALL PUBLISHED BY ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS As the first impression of your home, it’s important for the exterior, especially the front facade, to feel refreshed and welcoming. This goes beyond colorful containers and cute doormats. “‘Out of date’ can also mean non-functioning,” said designer Lisa Henderson of Lisa Henderson Interiors. “When addressing an outdoor space, a comprehensive approach will ensure an exterior that’s both pretty and practical.” From lighting and paint colors to shutters and roofing, the smallest details might be holding back your home’s potential curb appeal. “For example, adding a modern light fixture over the front door can shift the look, along with a cheerful welcome mat and potted plants,” said designer Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design. At the end of the day every home is different, and what makes it look outdated may differ, but here are a few general guidelines according to designers. “Of course there are exceptions to every rule,” said designer Lauren Lowe of Lauren Elaine Interiors. Trends That Won’t Stand the Test Of Time “Keep it classic and it will look great for years to come,” Lowe said. Trends often have expiration dates. When building or updating a home, lean into timeless and traditional elements. “Anything that’s too trendy or specific to a timeframe can eventually make your home feel dated,” said designer Laura Hodges of Laura Hodges Studio. Think about the location and style of your home as well. “Not every home is architecturally appropriate to embrace the modern farmhouse trend — one size does not fit all when it comes to a white house and black trim,” said October 2023
Elly Poston, founder of Elly Poston Interiors. “And those contemporary windows that were hot in 2018 likely are not going to be in 2028.” Inconsistent Materials “The quickest way to date a project is inconsistent building materials that scream 1980s, 1990s, or 2000s,” Poston said. “Pick a palette and a material, then embrace it,” she adds. In the same vein, if remodeling or updating your home, ensure any new additions are consistent with the existing elements. This can be especially tricky when it comes to brick, which Lowe notes to avoid brick with pink or orange undertones. Tired Plants “Replace overgrown shrubs, especially if the home is obscured by them, and add interest with texture and color of plants,” Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors suggested. While landscaping won’t date a home the same way building materials will, fresh plantings can take your house far in terms of refreshing the exterior. Williams also said she recommends updating old containers and planters by adding fresh plantings or simple ferns. “Tired plants should be removed or need to undergo ‘rejuvenation pruning’,” said Jean Liu of Jean Liu Design. Past-Their-Prime Elements It’s probably high time to rethink leaded glass and ornate iron entry doors. While these things might not necessarily be outdated on their own, they’re likely not helping in the curb appeal department. Williams said she suggests swapping old gutters for new systems, especially copper if the budget allows, and replacing or repairing cracked pathways. Where appropriate, update concrete with freshly laid stone or brick. This also applies for things that might just need a good deep Page 15
clean. “A facade and driveway that has accumulated soot over time could benefit from a thorough power wash,” Liu said. She said she also suggests giving any glass a good cleaning, replacing dim-lit bulbs and changing out welcome mats that have seen better days. Not-Quite-Right Shutters Whether it’s the size, scale, or color — the right shutters can make or break the feel of your home’s exterior. “Shutters arose out of a need for protection from the elements, security and privacy, but over time, they became like ‘earrings’ for windows — being applied as pure ornament without any regard to function,” said designer Katie Wolf of Wolf Interiors. Having inappropriately scaled shutters is a signal of a dated exterior. “A true shutter should function, cover the window if closed and have hardware to feel truly authentic,” Wolf said. “For hardware, shutter dogs [tiebacks] are not only there to hold your shutters open, but they provide an opportunity for a design element.” Any shutters on a home, should have the proper hardware to hold them open, whether operable or just for looks. Shutters should also reflect the shape and size of the window. “If your windows are arched, your shutters should be arched,” she said. Overly Manicured Lawns and Faux Plants “Manicured lawns can look beautiful, but with so much water going to the care of lawns, I think this look is starting to feel dated and out of touch with the changing climate,” Hodges who is seeing more gardens with native plants, said. Hodges also said she recommends staying away from fake plants on doors and in hanging planters and window boxes when possible. “If you can’t use a living plant, try preserved plants which will last longer but still look great.” Page 16
Obscured and Frosted Block Windows While we put a great amount of thought into window treatments on the interior of a home, it’s not just the fabric that needs the attention. While frosted, leaded, and textured windows serve the purpose of privacy, these materials more often than not feel out of fashion today. “Glass block windows seemed like they might have been making a comeback recently, but to me, this architectural material always feels outdated,” Hodges said. Mismatched Paint Scheme
Paint is one of the best ways to give your home a refresh, but consider your palette before you commit. Mismatched colors and shades will do the opposite of boosting curb appeal. “I love a tonal color palette, such as using the same color family to paint the body of your house, then shifting the palette a bit lighter or darker for the trim and windows,” said designer Laura Jenkins of Laura W. Jenkins Interiors. Jenkins said she looks to historic homes for inspiration. “Don’t be afraid of color,” she said. “If you don’t want to commit to color on a large part of the house, have fun with the door.”
And while there are so many colors to play with, be sure to consider the style of your home too. In general, Lowe said she advises staying away from brown trim paint unless your home is a classic Tudor style, and being wary of trim colors with yellow undertones, especially if it’s against brick. Polished Brass Hardware and Lighting Just as lighting sets the tone for a room inside the home, it’s one of the main ways that establishes a warm welcome on the exterior as well. “Polished brass hardware and lighting feels like a holdover from the 1980s,” Jenkins said. “I love brass hardware and lighting, but I always use ‘living finishes’ that will patina and age with time — which is especially important on historic October 2023
homes.” When thinking about exterior fixtures, it’s also best to steer clear of overly ornate selections that may date your home down the road. Ho-Hum Roofing If it’s time to replace your roof due to damage or age, it might be a good idea to consider using something other than flat, strip asphalt shingles. “If you’re updating your roof, use dimensional architectural shingles or if you have the budget, a luxury material [such as cedar shake, slate or copper accents], especially if your roof is highly visible,” Jenkins suggested. Niche Styles From out-of-place stucco roofing to Tuscan-inspired villas, it’s easy for a home to date itself as trends and styles change around it. “Unfortunately the building boom of the nineties left us with a lot of homes with questionable architectural significance, like McMansions,” said Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors. “The height of the ‘Tuscan Kitchen’ trend also resulted in many exteriors leaning vaguely Mediterranean — double height arched windows, columned entrances and pale gray stucco exteriors with bright white trim which feels outdated today.” Peeling Paint The power of paint is undeniable — both positively and
negatively. “Faded shutters and a dark front door can easily date your home,” Griffin said. Even if a whole exterior refresh isn’t in the cards, a bolder hue on certain elements will go a long way. “Fresh paint will always update an exterior, especially a contrasting color on the front door,” Williams said. “If you have a front porch, consider repainting or updating the furniture as well.” Retro House Numbers “Even though house numbers are a small detail on an exterior, it’s one of those things that can date a home,” said interior decorator Rashida Banks. “ If you’ve lived in your home for over ten years or if you’ve moved into an old home, chances are that the house numbers need refreshing. Changing the placement, font type and number size are all factors to consider to help give your exterior a rejuvenated look. And if you are using sticker numbers, definitely replace those with something more modern like wall mounted numbers.” Lower Quality Windows and Doors When you think about it, windows and doors take up a large portion of your home’s facade, so it’s important to consider the type of product you’re selecting. “When upgrading windows or doors, be sure to use quality products that replicate the original style of the home,” Jenkins said. “And never use windows with fake mullions.”