how to increase home value and market appeal

How to Increase Home Value and Market Appeal

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Whether you’re getting ready to sell or simply want to make your home more attractive, understanding how to increase home value and market appeal can make all the difference. From cost-effective upgrades to design touches that catch buyers’ eyes, this guide walks you through proven ways to boost your property’s potential and make it stand out in today’s competitive market.

Fresh paint

A fresh coat of paint offers one of the highest returns on investment when selling a home. A new coat of paint instantly refreshes spaces and increases buyer appeal at a relatively low cost.

When choosing a color palette, select neutral paint colors to help buyers envision their own style in the space, creating a clean and versatile look.

Kitchen and bathroom upgrades

Kitchen and bathroom touch-ups and upgrades are important because these high-traffic areas can affect buyers’ impressions. However, keep in mind, you don’t need a full remodel to make an impact. Small upgrades, such as replacing outdated hardware, installing new light fixtures or updating faucets, can transform the space.

For bathroom updates that offer a strong return on investment and signal the home is well-maintained, try regrouting tile, caulking any cracks, replacing mirrors and updating backsplashes.

New flooring

Next on the list of how to increase home value and market appeal is new flooring, as it instantly refreshes the home’s look. To eliminate signs of wear and create a polished look, replace old flooring with a durable option such as hardwood floors or luxury vinyl plank.

Energy-efficient features

Modern buyers are prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainability more than ever before. Upgrades like LED lighting, smart thermostats and updated appliances not only reduce utility costs but also demonstrate the home is modern.

If your budget permits, these types of updates can attract eco-conscious buyers. Remember to highlight these energy-saving improvements in your listing.

Decluttering and staging

Decluttering helps create a clean, open space that will make potential buyers feel like it’s move-in ready. Additionally, removing personal items can allow buyers to envision themselves in the home.

What’s more, staging can help highlight the property’s best features and demonstrate how each room can be used effectively.

Curb appeal

Buyers often decide whether they’re interested in a home before stepping inside. Simple exterior updates, like trimmed hedges, fresh mulch, clean walkways and a manicured lawn, create an inviting first impression.

Little touches, such as seasonal flowers, updated house numbers or a new mailbox, can also elevate curb appeal without a big expense.

Summary 

Bottom line? Knowing how to increase home value and market appeal can lead to a successful home sale. Connect with a Lee County Association of REALTORS member for a smooth and successful real estate journey! And continue reading our blogs for more industry news and tips.

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.

tips for virtual staging

5 Tips for Virtual Staging in Today’s Market

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With buyers using the internet to search for a home more now than ever, a home’s visual appeal can make or break a sale. This is why virtual staging is important. Discover these tips for virtual staging in today’s market to begin understanding how to digitally add furniture, décor and other elements to your listing.

Know your audience.

Before adding digital elements to your listing, it’s important to understand your target audience. Begin by asking yourself questions like: Is your listing a luxury apartment situated in a city? Or is it a family home located in the suburbs? Questions like these will help guide you to choose design elements tailored to the potential buyer’s style.

Keep it ethical and simple.

One of the most important tips for virtual staging in today’s market is to keep it ethical and simple.

Required by Article 12 in the NAR’s Code of Ethics, real estate agents who are REALTORS® must be honest and truthful in their real estate communications and present a true picture in their advertising, marketing and other representations. Ensure that any photo of a virtually staged listing is clearly labeled as such.

And when it comes to virtually staging, less is often more. Avoid cluttering spaces with big furniture or elaborate décor that will distract a buyer. Choose a clean, minimalist style that makes viewers feel at home while still allowing them to appreciate the entire space.

Highlight the home’s best features.

Virtual staging can be used to draw extra attention to a home’s best features. Whether it’s a beautiful brick fireplace, a spacious floor plan or a wall of large windows, strategically place furniture and décor to emphasize these selling points.

Utilize AI tools.

Not the best at photo editing? Utilize AI tools to design your spaces! AI virtual staging platforms, like Collov AI, can generate fully furnished rooms in seconds. All you have to do is upload the property photo, and then you can virtually add furniture in curated styles, remove clutter, transform lighting, enhance low-quality pictures and more.

Many AI platforms will require a small payment. When comparing virtual staging fees to in-person staging fees, you will see that you are saving hundreds of dollars, making staging accessible for everyone.

Customize your design.

Going hand-in-hand with knowing your audience, customizing your design will help tailor the look and feel of your property. Use chat edit to enter commands like “replace the large chair with a smaller one” or “add a rug under the couch and a chandelier above it” to manage the design of your listing.

Summary

Now don’t just ignore these tips for virtual staging in today’s market—take advantage of the powerful technology we have and unlock your listings’ true potential to attract more buyers to achieve a faster sale. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or new to the real estate market, continue reading our blogs for more tips and tricks—or to keep up with all things LCAR.

NAR Leadership Week 2025

Ways To Participate in NAR Leadership Week 2025

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Being a successful Realtor® requires an array of skills, and leadership is undoubtedly one of those. NAR Leadership Week 2025, taking place August 10-15, is an opportunity for industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills and broaden their professional horizons.

While our future board members and officers will be attending the Leadership Summit in Chicago, there are several ways for local Realtors® in Lee County to engage meaningfully from home. Check out how you can make the most of NAR Leadership Week 2025.

Register for a continuing education course.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to participate in NAR Leadership Week 2025 is by enrolling in a continuing education (CE) course. These courses are designed to sharpen your skills and keep you informed about the latest industry trends and regulations.

Whether you are interested in marketing strategies or legal compliance, courses that suit your needs are available.

Become an Accredited Buyer’s Representative.

Consider taking the next step in your professional journey by becoming an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR). This designation boosts your credibility and equips you with specialized skills to better serve your clients. By earning this accreditation, you demonstrate your commitment to excellence and leadership in the real estate industry.

Host a workshop.

Organizing a workshop is a good way to share your knowledge and connect with your community. You can invite participants to learn about the ins and outs of the home buying and selling process or delve into other relevant real estate topics.

This is not only an opportunity to position yourself as a thought leader but also a chance to build valuable relationships with potential clients and peers.

Make your open house an event.

Transform a standard open house into a memorable event. Consider adding live demonstrations, Q&A sessions or a local vendor showcase to attract more visitors. By creating an engaging experience, you’re more likely to leave a lasting impression and generate leads.

Refresh your online presence.

Take this week as an opportunity to give your online presence a makeover. Update your website with recent testimonials, new listings or informative blog posts.

Enhance your social media channels by creating engaging content, such as Reels or TikTok videos that provide insider views of your daily work life or tours of new listings. A strong online presence helps you reach a wider audience and establish your brand.

Create a community mailer.

Introduce yourself to a new area by crafting a community mailer. This is an ideal way to announce your services, share your expertise and invite residents to upcoming events. A well-designed mailer can increase your visibility and help forge new community connections.

Summary

In summary, NAR Leadership Week 2025 presents an opportunity to network, generate leads and foster community ties. By participating in these activities, you enhance your professional development and contribute to the thriving real estate market in Lee County. Keep reading our blogs for more industry news and insight.

homeowners association

Real Estate Defined: Homeowners Association

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Established to create uniformity, care for the community and more, a homeowners association can be a big part of homebuying. From deciding whether to live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association to choosing one that fits your needs, keep reading for everything you need to know.

What is a homeowners association?

A homeowners association (HOA) is a group of homeowners within a particular area whose purpose is to ensure the provision and maintenance of community facilities and enforce property rules.

HOAs are run by volunteers and usually collect a monthly or annual fee. Residents pay these fees to cover the maintenance and upkeep of the community.

When purchasing property within an HOA’s jurisdiction, you become a member. The rules of each HOA vary, meaning some associations can be very restrictive while others allow their residents more liberties.

HOAs and their effect on property value.

A well-maintained and clean community offering useful amenities typically positively affects property value. With these benefits, homes can be seen as more desirable.

However, an HOA with high fees or a poorly managed community can deter potential residents, potentially decreasing property value.

Benefits of an HOA.

When deciding where to live, homeowner associations can provide many benefits. Under the management of an HOA, the burden of maintaining the community and dividing upkeep tasks is taken off of the homeowners.

By maintaining a cohesive appearance, an HOA can enhance community marketability. Additionally, an HOA manages and maintains community amenities such as pools, gyms, and parks. Some homeowner associations may also offer enhanced security measures like gated entries.

Challenges of an HOA. 

On the other hand, living in an HOA can pose some challenges, including additional costs, strict rules or possible disputes among the board and homeowners.

The good news is that an experienced REALTOR® can offer guidance and help you understand more about the HOA in the neighborhood, townhome community or other residence you are considering.

Summary

The bottom line is that owning a home comes with my responsibilities, including living in an area with a homeowners association. Need help navigating these decisions and finding a home? Connect with one of our skilled LCAR members for all your real estate needs.

For more real estate news and information, continue reading our blogs.

New Year’s resolutions for real estate agents in 2025

6 New Year’s Resolutions for Real Estate Agents in 2025

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New year, new you—or so they say. But do you have what it takes to make the upcoming year different? Make it your goal and start thinking about next year now with these New Year’s resolutions for real estate agents in 2025.

Set goals.

First and foremost, start your turnaround by setting goals. Whether you want to enhance your work/life balance, learn new skills, create a bigger presence or update your headshots, setting clear goals will help you stay focused and organized.

Enhance your digital marketing.

A digital presence is essential in today’s marketplace, and this is especially true for real estate. Build your brand and connect with current and potential clients through social media. It is an effective way to establish yourself as an expert real estate agent in your local market.

Create a posting schedule to stay on track with daily posts. In addition to posting photos, creating videos is another impactful way to communicate with your target audience. Video topics can include market updates, buyer and seller tips, a new listing tour and more.

Attend a conference or webinar.

One of the best ways to learn something new is to attend a conference or webinar. Start by identifying the areas you want to work on in 2025 and look up webinars or professional conferences to increase your knowledge.

A webinar can be a low-cost and low-time commitment option. Although a conference might require more time, networking with other top agents is beneficial.

Connect with local businesses.

Forming relationships within your community is one of the best ways to create a good reputation. So, when it’s time for your New Year’s resolutions for real estate agents in 2025, remember to connect with those around you! Partner with local shops to provide discounts, welcoming gifts and goodies for open houses.

Stay in the know.

One of the most important parts of being a real estate agent is knowing how the marketing is faring. Make this one of your resolutions for 2025 so that your clients look to you as a trusted advisor.

Update your email marketing.

One of the most overlooked components of a marketing plan is email blasts. Email marketing done right can generate leads, strengthen relationships and more. Review your email marketing strategy and see where content can be refreshed—this can be rewording your message, creating new graphics or adding a new signature.

Summary

Sometimes a small change can make all the difference; that’s why these New Year’s resolutions for real estate agents in 2025 are key. In addition to these tips, continue reading our blogs to learn more about the world of real estate.

selling your house on your own

The Spooky Side of Selling Your House on Your Own

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Before deciding to sell your own home, it’s important to understand the potential risks involved. Discover the spooky side of selling your house on your own now, including scarce real estate knowledge, pricing challenges and more.

Legal risks.

Real estate transactions involve complex laws and regulations. When selling your home without a knowledgeable Realtor, you may be unaware of legal obligations that can lead to legal and financial liabilities.

Things you may not be aware of can include but are not limited to:

  • Information that must be disclosed to potential buyers.
  • Knowing what to ask lenders to ensure an easy escrow process.
  • The implications of buyers changing their minds and when they are entitled to their earnest money.
  • Deadline management.

Pricing.

One of the most prominent risks of selling your house on your own is the pricing challenge. Pricing is key to a successful sale, and real estate agents have experience in the local housing market. Hence a thorough understanding of current housing trends and listing prices down to the neighborhood.

Homeowners often lack this knowledge and experience, leading to overpricing or underpricing the home.

Limited exposure.

With access to professional networks, multiple listing services and other marketing tools, real estate agents can get your property maximum exposure. With For Sale by Owner, your listing may not reach a broad audience, lengthen the selling process.

Complicated negotiations.

Coordinating with the buyer, the buyer’s agent, the inspection company, the appraiser and more can become overwhelming for an individual trying to sell their home. Plus, navigating negotiations and handling contingencies and contract terms can be challenging for sellers without representation.

Working with a Realtor can keep negotiations professional, accurate and on track to seal the deal.

Summary

Were you thinking about selling your home without a real estate agent? Now that you know more about the spooky side of selling your house on your own, consider working with Realtor for a smooth selling process.

Are you looking for a Realtor in the East Alabama area? Connect with one of our trusted Realtors! For more real estate tips and industry news, continue reading our blogs.

make your open house a success

8 Ways To Make Your Open House a Success

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As a Realtor in a competitive marketplace with inventory continually increasing, are you doing all you can to make your listings stand out? Planning an open house? Here are eight ways to make your open house a success in 2024! 

Focus on the main objectives. 

Remember the three main objectives of having an open house to make your open house a success. First, an open house generates leads. Second, it’s a time to promote your brand. And the third objective is to sell the listing. 

Hence, every step you take before, during and after the open house should help achieve those goals. 

Research the area.

Before the open house, get to know the ins and outs of your listing and those of similar listings in the area. 

Go beyond online research and do a walk-through of some of the properties, and note what features each offer that your listing may not and what your listing offers that they do not. Then, you will be ready to share your local knowledge with comparable details on your listing and others in the area if a potential buyer asks. 

Schedule appropriately. 

And when it comes to scheduling, know your market. Will an afternoon or after-work open house be best? Or are weekends more flexible? Don’t forget to check the community calendar to plan your event around other popular happenings in town. 

Use your network to partner with another local business. 

Partner with one or several local businesses for cross-promotions. Whether it’s a local restaurant or bakery providing small bites and sweets or an interior designer offering a raffle item or a free consultation, create excitement with your open house.  

Promote your open house.

Use various strategies to promote your open house. Consider writing a blog about the upcoming event and feature the home on your website. If you posted a property showcase on the home, re-share it on your homepage with a new graphic and blurb about the upcoming open house.

Share the open house details on social media, including any cool cross-promotions, giveaways and more. Create print materials to reach a wider audience. Send direct mailers to target markets. Hand out fliers, hit the streets with door hangers and post unique signage. 

Make it an event.

Showcase local talent and have live music in the living room or backyard. Display the works of local artists and host an “art exhibition.” Max out your cross-promotions with raffles and giveaways.

Have a sign-in sheet.

Start by kindly letting guests know upon entering that the homeowner requests each visitor sign in for security purposes. But instead of a pen and notebook, hand them an iPad and use an app like the Open Home Pro, for example. 

Be ready to answer buyer questions.

Demonstrate your expertise by being prepared to answer common buyer questions, ranging from house background to information about the neighborhood. A few common questions include how long the sellers have lived there, why they are moving, the age of the appliances, the average monthly utility bill and how old the roof is.

Summary

Finally, make your open house a success by having informative handouts and promotional items set out. Share statistics about the home, the neighborhood, local services, the school district and other helpful information. Have water bottles with your name and contact info printed on the labels. Bring other seasonal goodies, like sunglasses or hats, with your logo to promote your brand. Keep reading our blogs for more Realtor tips and news! 

Accredited Buyer's Representative

Elevate Your Real Estate Career: Become an Accredited Buyer’s Representative

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Are you passionate about real estate and helping clients find their dream homes? If so, becoming an Accredited Buyer’s Representative might be the perfect next step in your career, giving you the edge you need to stand out.

About the Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation

To clarify, an Accredited Buyer’s Representative is a real estate professional who has completed specialized training in representing buyers in real estate transactions. This designation is awarded by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to agents who have demonstrated excellence in buyer representation.

Let’s review more about the benefits of becoming an Accredited Buyer’s Representative, what you’ll learn and how it can help you better serve your clients.

The benefits of being an Accredited Buyer’s Representative

First and foremost, becoming an Accredited Buyer’s Representative demonstrates your dedication and commitment to serving today’s homebuyers. Backed with specialized knowledge, you will gain valuable insight into working with buyers. Topics covered in the course include understanding homebuyers’ needs and preferences and guiding them through the entire home-buying process.

Next, having this special designation adds credibility to your name. Clients will feel more confident entrusting you with their home-buying journey knowing that you have undergone rigorous training and education.

Another benefit of becoming an Accredited Buyer’s Representative is continuous learning through professional development. Realtors can access exclusive resources, networking opportunities and ongoing training.

Finally, having the Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation gives you a competitive edge. Clients are more likely to choose an agent with specialized training in buyer representation, leading to increased business opportunities and referrals.

What you’ll learn

During the two-day course, and the following elective course, participants will learn how to create a buyer representation agreement, conduct a successful buyer consultation and more. Upon completion of the course, Realtors will have a thorough understanding of each step in the home-buying process.

The material covered includes the search-showing-selection process, making an offer, negotiations, appraisals and closing on the property. What’s more, learn how to promote yourself in the competitive buyer’s market and grow your business with the designee member benefits!

Summary

Are you ready to take the next step? Register for a free live virtual instructor-led course for classes offered from June through December. Continue reading our blogs for more industry news and current real estate topics.

a walk through the home buying process

A Walk Through the Home Buying Process

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Are you thinking about purchasing your first home? Or has it been a while since you’ve last sold or bought a home? Regardless of the answer, let’s take a walk through the home buying process to refresh your memory and remind you how to prepare for it.

Understand your finances.

In other words, check your financial health. Review your credit score, look at your expenses versus your income and calculate how much you can afford.

Create a budget.

When it comes to budgeting, remember to calculate the one-time and recurring costs. These include the down payment, closing costs, move-in expenses and property taxes, for example. Typically, a 20% down payment is the norm.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Before you start looking at homes, it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a better understanding of how much you can afford to spend on a home and will show sellers that you are a serious buyer.

To get pre-approved, you’ll need to provide your financial information to a lender, who will then determine how much they are willing to lend you.

Find a Realtor.

A Realtor will be your guide through the home buying process, helping you find homes that meet your criteria, negotiating offers and navigating the closing process. Look for an agent who is experienced in the local market and has a track record of successful transactions.

Start house hunting.

Once you have your pre-approval and a Realtor, it’s time to start looking at homes. Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Be open to exploring different neighborhoods and property types. Attend open houses, schedule private showings and don’t hesitate to ask your Realtor for their expert opinion.

Make an offer.

When you find a home that checks all the boxes, it’s time to make an offer. Your Realtor will help you draft a competitive offer that takes into account the current market conditions and the seller’s motivations.

Schedule a home inspection and appraisal.

As we continue our walk through the home buying process, it’s important to remember this critical step. A home inspection helps determine if the property has any structural, mechanical or other potential issues.

Depending on the report, potential buyers can request specific repairs from the seller or back out of the deal.

Prepare for the closing.

It’s official! As you get closer to closing day, your Realtor will help you become familiar with the standard closing documents beforehand. On or near closing day, plan on doing the final walk-through with your Realtor to ensure that everything’s as agreed upon.

Summary

With a walk through the home buying process fresh on your mind, do you have more questions for an experienced Realtor? Connect with your next local Realtor to have your questions answered and start your search for a home in Lee County. Keep reading our blogs for more real estate news and guidance.