late July is a smart time to buy

5 Reasons Late July Is a Smart Time To Buy in Lee County

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As the summer heat peaks, late July is a smart time to buy in Lee County, Auburn and Opelika. Whether you’re looking for a cozy home in an established neighborhood or a spacious property in a newer one, purchasing at this time of year can offer distinct advantages that savvy buyers shouldn’t overlook.

Reduced competition.

For starters, the spring buying flurry typically slows by late July. Many families seeking to move before the school year have already settled, reducing the number of active buyers. 

This means you’ll likely face fewer bidding wars, allowing you to take your time and make thoughtful decisions. Exploring neighborhoods during this period can help you find desirable properties without the pressure of competing offers.

Try to visit open houses at your leisure and take the opportunity to engage with sellers who may be more willing to negotiate. The relaxed environment allows for thorough evaluations of potential homes.

Sellers are more motivated.

Next, homes that have lingered on the market since early summer often see price improvements by late July. Sellers become eager to close deals before fall, when the market usually slows, which can lead to better negotiations and potential price drops.

Consider making offers below the asking price, especially if the property has been listed for a while. Additionally, sellers may be more open to concessions such as covering closing costs.

Assess home efficiency in peak heat.

Moreover, with July being one of the hottest months in Alabama, it’s an ideal time to evaluate a home’s cooling systems. You can test the HVAC, assess sun exposure and inspect insulation quality in real-time.

During property visits, pay close attention to how well the home maintains a comfortable temperature.

Attractive builder incentives.

On the other hand, late summer is when builders often offer compelling incentives to clear inventory. In certain areas, potential homebuyers may find offers such as reduced closing costs or interest rate buy-downs.

Ask builders about current promotions and consider new constructions for potential cost savings and modern amenities.

Evaluate landscaping and outdoor spaces.

Finally, late July is a smart time to buy a home in our area because you can see outdoor spaces at their peak. Mature landscaping provides a clearer picture of privacy levels and the practicality of outdoor areas.

Consider how the outdoor space will suit your lifestyle. A well-maintained garden or pool can add immense value and enjoyment to your home.

Summary

To summarize, late July is a smart time to buy in Lee County, Auburn and Opelika due to reduced competition, motivated sellers, the ability to test home efficiency in the heat, attractive builder incentives and the chance to evaluate outdoor spaces. 

Are you ready to search for your next home in Auburn or the surrounding area? Connect with one of our REALTORS for expert guidance and insight. Keep reading our blogs for more real estate tips and updates.

buying or selling

Buying or Selling: Which Side Has the Upper Hand This Fall?

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As the leaves begin to change, so too does the landscape of Lee County’s real estate market. Whether you’re considering buying or selling, it’s essential to understand the current market dynamics to make informed decisions. With recent statistics painting a picture of opportunities and challenges, this fall presents a more balanced market, offering benefits for both buyers and sellers.

A market overview

Recent data from Lee County’s August 2025 Residential Report provides a snapshot of a market in transition. Total homes listed in Lee County increased by 1.3% from last year, with properties sold seeing a modest rise of 1.5%. 

The average days on the market remained steady at 54, but the average sold price surged by 13.2% to $466,286. These figures suggest a more competitive environment in our area, emphasizing the need for strategic planning, whether you’re buying or selling.

Buying in Lee County

For buyers, the increase in average sold prices signals a need for careful budgeting and strategic planning. For example, with Auburn showing a notable 13.7% rise in average sold prices and Opelika seeing a 12.0% increase, buyers should be prepared for competitive bidding, especially in high-demand areas.

Use these helpful tips as a potential buyer:

  • Work with a local REALTOR®: Experienced REALTORS®, like our members, can provide invaluable insights into neighborhood trends and help negotiate the best deals.
  • Expand your search: Consider areas like Opelika, where the average days on the market decreased by 34.4%, suggesting quicker sales and potentially more motivated sellers.
  • Stay informed: Keep an eye on listings and set alerts for new properties to act quickly in this dynamic market.

Selling in Lee County

On the flip side, sellers are in a favorable position with the rising property values. In Auburn, despite a 14.8% decrease in total homes listed, properties sold increased by 15.6%. This suggests that well-priced homes are still attracting buyers swiftly.

Check out our helpful tips for sellers:

  • Price strategically: With the average sold price significantly up, setting a competitive price can attract serious buyers quickly.
  • Enhance curb appeal: A well-maintained property can stand out in listings and during viewings.
  • Leverage local expertise: REALTORS® can offer tailored marketing strategies to showcase your home to the right audience.

Summary

Whether buying or selling this fall, working with local, experienced REALTORS® is key to navigating this balanced market. Their deep understanding of neighborhood nuances and market trends can be the difference between a satisfactory transaction and a missed opportunity.

For personalized advice and to explore your options, connect with a Lee County REALTOR® today. Keep reading our blogs for more insights and tips on navigating the ever-changing real estate landscape of Lee County.

Lee County’s housing stats for 2024

Year-End Review: A Look at Lee County’s Housing Stats for 2024

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An analysis of Lee County’s housing stats for 2024 provides insight into the year-over-year changes compared to 2023. It also lays the groundwork for understanding future real estate trends by highlighting the current state of the local market, including inventory levels and average sales prices.

More properties sold in all areas.

Overall, Lee County, Auburn and Opelika experienced a boost in total properties sold year-over-year. In Auburn, 1,050 properties were sold in 2024 versus the 895 properties in 2023. That’s a 17.3% increase! For Lee County, 180 more properties sold within a year, going from 1,876 in 2023 to 2,056 in 2024—a 9.6% change.

Opelika experienced the smallest shift—but an increase nonetheless—at 1.1%, jumping from 734 in 2023 to 742 last year.

New listings were up and down in some areas.

While Auburn and Lee County saw an increase in new listings in 2024, Opelika experienced a slight decrease. More specifically, Auburn experienced the highest year-over-year change with a 19.2% increase in new listings. In 2024, 1,506 new listings hit the market, compared to 1,263 new listings in 2023, a 243-home difference! 

Lee County wasn’t far behind with a 9.1% boost, equal to 231 more new listings in a year going from 2,520 in 2023 to 2,756 in 2024. 

Opelika, on the other hand, had a slight dip in new listings last year. In 2024, the city had 881 new listings hit the market and that figure was 957 the year before. 

Properties spent more—and less—time listed, depending. 

It’s another of Lee County’s housing stats for 2024 that depends on location. By and large, home seekers had more time to find what they were looking for with homes spending more time on the market. The average days on the market for Lee County and Opelika listings increased while Auburn decreased.

Homes in Lee County spent an average of 60 days listed in 2024 versus 58 in 2023, a 3.4% difference. Opelika listings spent 66 days on the market last year, a 24.5% increase from the 53 days in 2023. 

In this case, Auburn saw a 7.8% decline in average days on the market at 59 days in 2024, five fewer days than the 64 in 2023.

Average sales prices had highs and lows.  

Auburn home buyers benefited here and there last year as average sales prices fluctuated month-to-month, leading to a slight 1.5% decrease overall, equivalent to $7,023. To clarify, Auburn’s average sales price in 2024 was $471,893. The previous year’s figure was $478,916.

But Opelika’s average sales prices jumped by 6%, or $20,453, increasing from $341,308 in 2023 to $361,761 in 2024. 

Summary

To summarize, Lee County’s housing stats for 2024 show a healthy real estate market that shows no signs of dramatic shifts. Inventory in the area should continue to add new and existing properties. Home seekers have more time to find a property and make an offer. This could be the year to take advantage of shifting average sales prices and lowering interest rates to secure your dream home! 

Are you ready to speak to a local expert more in-depth? Find your Realtor using our Member Search. Continue reading our blogs for more real estate updates and tips. 

exploring the MLS

Exploring the MLS

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Whether searching popular real estate websites like Zillow is a hobby or you’re truly searching for your next property, there is one local marketplace database that has all the current home listings in the area. But to gain access to it, you need a Realtor. Then exploring the MLS becomes a useful means to an end at your fingertips!

What is the MLS?

First of all, MLS stands for “multiple listing service.” To clarify, it is basically a network of local databases for designated areas across the U.S. In fact, there are more than 500 local MLS marketplace databases, serving as tools for real estate professionals to share area home listings with each other.

From there, licensed Realtors can begin exploring the MLS with their clients, narrowing down the available options based on information found in the database. An MLS listing is usually similar to other public real estate listings.

It typically includes the property’s price, address, square footage, type of property, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, utilities and other key details. The MLS listing also includes agent remarks about the property, along with photos of the interior and exterior of the property.

In addition, there is a section intended for other agents, brokers and Realtors only. Here is where they will find private information such as directions on how to get to the property, for instance.

More about the MLS

More than just a current database of listed homes in your area, the MLS ensures home buyers and sellers have access to the largest collection of available properties and genuine buyers through the active participation of Realtors.

It also promotes transparency and a competitive marketplace. According to Bright’s 2022 MLS Study, consumers benefit from the open marketplace made possible through the MLS. The study reported that homes on the MLS generally sell for about 15 percent more than those not in the database.

More specifically, non-MLS listings sold for an average of $349,773, while similar properties on MLS sold for an average of $395,244, which is a $45,471 difference!

Summary

To summarize, working with a licensed local Realtor pays off, from exploring the MLS to having a loyal advocate on your side throughout the complicated process of selling and buying a home. Are you ready to rev up your search for a home in East Alabama? Connect with one of our expert LCAR members to get started! For more real estate news and home ownership tips, keep reading our blogs.