Looking to buy a home, items you need to know

able of Contents Step 1: Define Your Home Preferences Step 2: Set Your Budget And Secure Financing Step 3: Research Neighborhoods And Schools Step 4: Collaborate With A Local Real Estate Agent Step 5: Schedule And Attend Open Houses Step 6: Evaluate Properties And Make Offers Quick Summary Key Point Explanation 1. Define Clear Home Preferences Identify must-have features and lifestyle needs to streamline your house hunting process. 2. Set a Realistic Budget Calculate monthly income and expenses to determine an affordable housing budget, including … Continue reading...

First Time Home Buyers Tip For YOU!

Aug/21/25 Here are some valuable tips: 1) đź“Š Check Your Credit Score – Lenders use this to determine your mortgage rate & repayment history.  Higher score = typically better loan terms. 2) Get Pre-Approved – Shows sellers you’re serious and tells you how much you can actually afford. 3) Set a Budget (Beyond the Mortgage) – Remember property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, maintenance, and closing costs (usually 2–5% of the purchase price). 4) ) 🏡 House Hunting Pick the Right Location – Consider commute, schools, neighborhood safety, amenities, shopping, and resale value … Continue reading...

Buying or Renting, which is better for you?

Americans Are on The Move. Here Is How We Help Home Buyers Find Their Perfect Home Americans move every 5 years. We're just highly mobile. How many times have you moved in the last 5 years? None? Once? More than once?   Moving within the same country is a fascinating and yet complex phenomenon which can have a huge impact on the demographics and the economies of the affected areas. It’s interesting to know how often these relocations occur and what the usual reasons behind each move may be. According to the information provided by U. S. Census Bureau, out of a population of … Continue reading...

Is it better to buy now or wait?

Mortgage rates are still a hot topic – and for good reason. After the most recent jobs report came out weaker than expected, the bond market reacted almost instantly. And, as a result, in early August mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point so far this year (6.55%). While that may not sound like a big deal, pretty much every buyer has been waiting for rates to fall. And even a seemingly small drop like this reignites the hope we’re finally going to see rates trending down. But what’s realistic to expect? According to the latest forecasts, rates aren’t expected to fall dramatically … Continue reading...

Summer vs Spring vs Fall for the Real Estate Market

  Back to School, Back to Reality: What the Fall Market Means for You Why Fall is the "Reset Season" for Real Estate As the school buses start rolling and families settle back into routines, the real estate market also goes through a seasonal shift. I call it the “reset season.” It’s that window between summer vacation and the holidays when serious buyers and motivated sellers come back to the table. If you’ve been sitting on the fence, wondering whether now is the right time to make your move, fall might just be your moment. Here’s what I’ve learned after decades of guiding … Continue reading...

What would yuou want? A bedroom on the main flor or one upstairs.

Do You Care if the Primary Bedroom Is Upstairs or Downstairs? This one splits people fast—do you care if the primary bedroom is upstairs or downstairs? Some folks say, “Put it upstairs—I want separation from the chaos.”Others say, “Absolutely not—I need my bedroom on the main floor. I’m not climbing stairs after a long day.” This seemingly small detail can actually be a huge dealbreaker for some buyers in Auburn and Opelika. Let’s break it down: • Upstairs primary bedrooms are often seen in traditional two-story homes. You get privacy, distance from noise, and a more elevated view—but … Continue reading...

What First Time Buyers need to know!

🏠 Buying your first home is a major milestone — and having the right support makes all the difference. While this process may be new to you, it’s not new to us. At The Scott Smolen Team, we’ve helped many first-time buyers navigate each step with confidence. We know what matters, what to avoid, and how to guide you through it with less stress and more clarity. 🔑 Here are four key tips to help you get started: Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved First âś… One of the most common mistakes? Looking at homes before knowing your budget. It’s tempting, but risky — and can lead to disappointment. The … Continue reading...

Buyers, this is what you need to know

Before you fall in love with a house, make sure your financing is ready to go! 🏡 Getting preapproved helps narrow your search, strengthens your offer, and shows sellers you mean business. As your agent, I’ll help guide the process and connect you with trusted loan pros if you need one. Ready to shop with confidence? đź’¬ Let’s chat and make your homeownership dream a reality! … Continue reading...

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