The Higdon Team

🚨 TIP OF THE WEEK: Don’t tour a house only once.

Love the house? Great. Now try something different.

If possible, visit the property at different times of day. Morning traffic, afternoon activity, evening noise, and weekend conditions can give you a very different feel for the area.

📍 Especially when you're buying in North Alabama, take time to experience the neighborhood—not just the home.

A great showing can tell you about the house. Multiple visits can tell you more about the lifestyle.

Would you visit a home more than once before making an offer? 👇

Sellers often weigh more than price alone — financing strength, contingencies, closing timeline, and overall deal terms can all be part of the decision. A well-prepared offer can be just as important as the number attached to it.

What do YOU think matters most to a seller besides price? Drop your guess below! 👇

If you're preparing to make an offer, we're happy to walk you through how to put together a strong one. 🏡

Can a home’s past affect its future value? 🏠

Sometimes, a property’s history can influence how prospective buyers perceive it — even when there is no physical issue with the home.

This is sometimes referred to as a "stigmatized property".

A stigmatized property may have a history or circumstance that can affect buyer interest or perception. Importantly, that doesn’t automatically mean the property is worth less. Market conditions, buyer preferences, and applicable disclosure requirements can all play a role.

That’s one reason understanding the full picture of a property matters when buying or selling.

Would a home’s history influence your decision to buy?

Tell us what you think in the comments. 👇

🏠 REAL ESTATE TERM OF THE DAY: FUNCTIONAL OBSOLESCENCE

Ever wonder why two homes that look great on paper can have very different appeal to buyers?

Sometimes, it comes down to how well the home functions for today’s lifestyle.

That’s where functional obsolescence comes in.

It refers to a home feature, layout, or design that may be outdated or less practical compared with what buyers typically expect today.

Think:

• A 4-bedroom home with only 1 bathroom
• A kitchen layout that makes everyday tasks less convenient
• Limited storage in a home where storage is a priority

The home can still be well-maintained and beautiful. But the way it functions can influence how buyers perceive and evaluate the property.

And here’s the important part: not every renovation is necessary, and not every upgrade will have the same impact.

🏡 Planning to make improvements before selling? Talk with a local real estate professional about which updates may make sense for your home and your market before you start spending.

Have a real estate term you want us to break down next? Drop it in the comments!