Does Anyone Actually Use the Formal Dining Room? (Or Is It Just Storage Now?)Serious question: Does anyone actually use their formal dining room anymore? Or is it just that one pristine room you walk past like it’s roped off at a museum?Let’s be honest—most people clean it once a year before company comes over… and the rest of the time, it’s low-key a storage unit with a chandelier. You know what I mean: holiday decorations, unopened Amazon boxes, and maybe even a rogue dog bed no one admits is there.In Auburn and Opelika, I tour a lot of homes, and the formal dining room is one of the most underused spaces I see. Sure, it can be stunning—high ceilings, crown molding, a gorgeous table no one eats at—but is it really worth the square footage?Some homeowners are turning them into home off... 07/10/2025

Moving to Auburn, AL? Read This Before You Buy or RelocateIf you’re thinking about moving to Auburn, Alabama, let me give it to you straight: this town is unique—and not always in ways you can Google. As a local Auburn REALTOR®, longtime resident, and Auburn University alum, I’ve helped countless families, professionals, and faculty find homes here—and avoid real estate regrets.Here’s what you really need to know before relocating to Auburn:  Game Day Traffic Isn’t a JokeDuring football season, Auburn University (auburn.edu) transforms into an SEC frenzy. Expect traffic, crowded grocery stores, jam-packed restaurants, and limited showing windows. If you’re not a football fan, you’ll want to choose your neighborhood—and your Saturday plans—accordingly.  Neighborhoods Aren’t One-Size-Fits... 07/08/2025

Why ‘Move-In Ready’ is a LieIt’s spotless. It smells like cookies. It’s labeled “move-in ready” like it’s a done deal.But here’s the truth: even the most polished listings have quirks, flaws, or forgotten repairs. That shiny listing? It might come with a broken garbage disposal, a loose stair railing, or a closet door that mysteriously won’t shut. And yes—this happens with brand-new homes too. Builders miss things. Sellers overlook things. Home inspectors find things.The only thing guaranteed on closing day? Your mortgage payment.That’s why you need someone who knows how to look past the candles and cute decor and spot the stuff that could cost you later.I help buyers in Auburn and Opelika go beyond the “move-in ready” label and see what’s really going on—before the keys are in hand. Fr... 07/11/2025

This house sold before Zillow even knew it was an option.That’s not luck—it’s strategy.Zillow is great for browsing, but it’s not the full market. In a place like Auburn, Alabama, some of the best homes are sold before they ever hit the public sites. Why? Because local agents like me know what’s coming—and who to call.Here’s what really happened:• I knew this home was about to become available, thanks to my network of agents, builders, and sellers.• My buyer was ready—pre-approved and focused—so when the home popped up, we acted fast.• We made the match before the listing ever went live.• No Zillow alerts. No bidding war. Just smart strategy and great timing.If you’re relying on Zillow alone, you’re already behind. But when you work with a well-connected local REALTOR® who lives and bre... 07/09/2025