When you’re thinking about buying a home, the most obvious cost on your mind is likely the purchase price. But buying a home involves more than just the down payment and mortgage payments—there are several hidden costs that can catch first-time buyers off guard. Understanding these expenses ahead of time will help you budget more accurately and avoid any financial surprises after you’ve signed the paperwork.

Hi, I’m Rozi Dover, your local real estate expert, and today I’m going to walk you through the hidden costs of buying a home. From closing costs to ongoing maintenance expenses, let’s break down the additional financial responsibilities you should consider when purchasing a home in Auburn or Opelika.

1. Closing Costs

One of the biggest hidden…

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Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and it all starts with understanding your budget. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to move up to a larger home, knowing how much house you can afford is crucial for making informed choices. But how do you figure out your home-buying budget?

Hi, I’m Rozi Dover, your local real estate expert, and in this blog, I’ll guide you through the process of calculating your home budget step-by-step. From understanding your income and expenses to factoring in mortgage rates and other costs, this guide will help you find the right price range for your dream home.

1. Calculate Your Monthly Income

The first step in determining your home-buying budget is calculating your monthly…

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Congratulations on your new job! Moving to Auburn or Opelika is an exciting opportunity for a fresh start in two of Alabama’s most vibrant and growing communities. Whether you’re relocating to work at Auburn University, a nearby tech company, or another local business, you’ll find that Auburn and Opelika offer a unique blend of Southern charm, modern amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Hi, I’m Rozi Dover, your local real estate expert, and I’ve helped many professionals relocate to Auburn and Opelika for work. In this blog, I’ll share key insights to help you navigate the move, from choosing the right neighborhood to settling into your new home.

1. Research Auburn and Opelika Neighborhoods

Finding the perfect place to live is an essential part…

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Being a landlord can be rewarding, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most common issues landlords face is resolving tenant disputes. Whether it’s a disagreement over rent payments, noise complaints, or property maintenance, knowing how to manage these conflicts calmly and professionally is essential for maintaining a good relationship with your tenants and protecting your investment.

Hi, I’m Rozi Dover, your local real estate expert, and in this blog, I’ll share practical tips for landlords on how to handle tenant disputes effectively. From clear communication to mediation strategies, you’ll learn how to address conflicts and create a positive rental experience for both you and your tenants.  I am not an attorney though, so…

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Renting out your property can be a rewarding investment, but it’s essential to protect yourself as a landlord by having a clear and comprehensive rental lease agreement in place. A solid lease not only outlines the terms of the rental but also helps avoid misunderstandings with tenants and provides legal protection for both parties.

Hi, I’m Rozi Dover, your local real estate expert, and in this blog, I’ll walk you through the key elements you should include in your rental lease agreement to ensure smooth and trouble-free tenancy.

1. Names of All Tenants

Every lease agreement should list the full legal names of all tenants who will occupy the rental property. This ensures that each individual living in the unit is legally responsible for the terms…

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Owning a vacation home in Auburn or Opelika offers the perfect blend of relaxation, investment potential, and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape near beautiful golf courses or a second home close to Auburn University for game-day weekends, purchasing a vacation home can be a rewarding investment.

Hi, I’m Rozi Dover, your local real estate expert, and I’ve helped many clients find their dream vacation homes in Auburn and Opelika. In this blog, I’m sharing the ultimate checklist to guide you through the vacation home-buying process, ensuring you make a smart and well-planned decision.

1. Determine Your Budget and Financing Options

Before you start shopping for your vacation home, it’s important to establish a clear budget.…

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Are you dreaming of buying a home in Auburn or Opelika? Before you start house hunting, it’s crucial to check your credit score. Your credit score plays a significant role in determining whether you qualify for a mortgage and what kind of interest rates you’ll receive. A better credit score can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan, so it’s worth putting in the effort to improve it before applying for a mortgage.

Hi, I’m Rozi Dover, your local real estate expert, and today I’ll walk you through some practical steps you can take to boost your credit score before buying a home. Let’s get started!

1. Check Your Credit Report for Errors

The first step in improving your credit score is to know exactly where you stand. You can…

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If you’re thinking about buying a home in Auburn or Opelika, you’ve probably noticed that interest rates are higher than they were just a few years ago. Rising interest rates can have a big impact on how much home you can afford and how competitive the housing market is, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to buy.
Hi, I’m Rozi Dover, and I specialize in helping homebuyers in Auburn and Opelika navigate the challenges of the current real estate market. In this blog, I’ll explain how rising interest rates are affecting local homebuyers and share strategies for making smart decisions in a higher-rate environment.

  1. How Rising Interest Rates Affect Home Affordability
    One of the most significant ways rising interest rates impact homebuyers is by…

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Turning your condo into a rental property can be a smart way to generate passive income and build long-term wealth. Whether you bought your condo as a primary residence or as an investment, renting it out can provide a steady income stream—if you manage it properly.
Hi, I’m Rozi Dover, and I’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to make your condo a successful investment, from setting the right rent price to managing your property efficiently.

1. Check Your Condo Association’s Rules on Rentals
Before turning your condo into a rental property, it’s essential to understand the Homeowners Association (HOA) rules regarding rentals. Some condo associations have strict rules about renting out units, such as limits on the number of rental properties…

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When buying a condo, it’s not just about the property itself—you’re also joining a community managed by a Homeowners Association (HOA). HOAs are a major factor in condo living, as they come with specific rules, monthly fees, and responsibilities. For first-time condo buyers, understanding how HOAs work is crucial to ensuring the condo lifestyle aligns with your needs.
Hi, I’m Rozi Dover, and I’ve helped many clients navigate the condo buying process in Auburn and Opelika. Today, I’m breaking down everything condo buyers need to know about HOAs, from the costs involved to the benefits and potential challenges of living in an HOA-managed community.

1. What Is a Homeowners Association (HOA)?

An HOA is a governing body that manages the shared spaces and…

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