Top 10 Issues Shaping Real Estate in 2025The real estate market faces unique challenges and opportunities in 2025. From rising insurance costs to advancements in artificial intelligence, the trends outlined by the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) will impact buyers, sellers, and investors in significant ways. Let’s dive into the key issues.Political UncertaintyWith elections in over 70 countries and the U.S., policy changes in corporate taxes, rent control, and sustainability may reshape the market, creating cautious buyers and sellers waiting for stability.High Financing CostsDespite recent rate reductions, financing costs remain high. CRE notes that cautious buyers are focusing on high-cap-rate deals, with market reentry anticipated to take another two years.Loan Maturities DeadlinesNe... 04/24/2025

5 Expert Tips to Ventilate Your Home This Winter Without Raising Energy BillsWondering how to keep your home’s air fresh without skyrocketing your utility bills this winter? These pro tips will show you how to ventilate smartly and cost-effectively!Use Short Bursts of VentilationOpen windows briefly – just five minutes – for a quick exchange of stale air with fresh air. According to HVAC expert Lucy Arnold, this method refreshes your space without cooling down walls and floors, which helps keep the room warmer overall.Switch Ceiling Fans to ClockwiseSet your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in the winter to push warm air down without creating a chill. This keeps the air fresh without sacrificing warmth, making it perfect for stuffy bedrooms and living areas.Service Your HVAC SystemGet y... 04/19/2025

Understanding Home Equity and How to Use It: Your Guide to Unlocking Value in Your HomeHomeownership is one of the most significant investments you can make, and one of the key benefits of owning a home is building equity. But what exactly is home equity, and how can you use it to your advantage? If you’re buying a home in Auburn or Opelika, AL, or if you’re already a homeowner, understanding home equity can open up financial opportunities. Let’s dive into how home equity works and the smart ways to use it.What Is Home Equity?Home equity is the portion of your home’s value that you truly own. It’s the difference between your home’s market value and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. As you make mortgage payments, your equity increases, and if your property value rises, your equit... 04/18/2025

How to Budget for Home Repairs: A Smart Guide for HomeownersOwning a home is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of maintaining it. One of the most important aspects of homeownership is budgeting for home repairs. Whether you’re planning to buy a home in the Auburn-Opelika area or already own one, knowing how to set aside money for unexpected repairs is essential. Here’s how you can budget for home repairs and avoid financial stress.Why You Need to Budget for Home RepairsNo matter how well you maintain your home, repairs are inevitable. From plumbing issues to roof repairs, there are always unexpected expenses. Having a dedicated repair budget ensures you’re financially prepared for any surprises, and it can help prevent minor issues from turning into costl... 04/21/2025