In this episode of Welcome to Wetumpka, I’m joined by my friend Brooke Delk, mom of three boys, second grade teacher, and founder of Grace and Order, for a practical, encouraging conversation about motherhood, organization, and creating systems that actually work in real life. Brooke shares the heart behind launching her new company and how grace and order shape the way she approaches both her home and her role as a mom.

We dive into realistic organization strategies for busy families, including how to build simple systems, get kids involved without losing your mind, and create functional spaces that support your daily rhythm. We also talk through practical tips for buyers moving into a new home and sellers preparing to pack, declutter, and list, all with the goal of making home feel calmer, simpler, and more livable.

In this episode, we cover:

• The heart behind starting Grace and Order
• Why organization often falls to the bottom of the list for busy moms
• Simple systems that help create daily flow and reduce chaos
• How to get kids involved in chores (and let go of perfection)
• Daily habits that make home life run more smoothly
• Organization tips for buyers moving into a new home
• How to declutter before organizing to create functional spaces
• Packing strategies and staging tips for sellers preparing to list
• Practical advice for minimizing overwhelm when moving
  
  
  

Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply trying to declutter and organize your home, this episode is packed with practical tips and encouragement to help you create a space that truly supports your life.

Links:

Connect with Brooke Delk!

Follow Grace and Order on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceandorder1440 

Follow Grace and Order on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1654284972395417 

Text to book a service with Grace and Order: 334-657-9917

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on my new Instagram account

Follow the Welcome to Wetumpka podcast Instagram

Follow Rooted and Local Realty

Living Like a Local in Wetumpka Guide 

Moving to Wetumpka Facebook Group

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change network.

February in Wetumpka is full of fun, community, and local favorites. From Galentine’s celebrations in downtown Wetumpka to Mardi Gras festivities, there’s a lot happening this month. I’m sharing the details on three upcoming events you won’t want to miss, including where to go, when to be there, and how to make a full day out of it. Get all the details about these events below.

It’s also the first Tuesday of the month, which means it’s time for the Elmore County housing market update. In this episode, I walk through the January 2026 numbers pulled directly from the Montgomery MLS and explain what they mean beyond the stats. We talk about inventory, buyer behavior, pricing expectations, and what sellers and buyers should realistically anticipate in today’s market.

In this episode, we cover:

• February events happening in downtown Wetumpka
• January 2026 Elmore County housing stats pulled from the Montgomery MLS
• What rising inventory and intentional buyers really signal
• Why homes are taking longer to sell and why that’s not a bad thing
• The biggest disconnect I’m seeing with seller expectations
• How pricing, preparation, and launch strategy matter more than speed
• What this market means for buyers who finally have options again
• Why this is a balanced, healthy, and data-driven market

Whether you’re actively buying or selling, or just keeping an eye on things locally, this episode breaks down what’s happening beneath the surface and how to approach this season with clarity.

Links:

Galentine’s Brunch at Our Place Cafe

Learn more and make a reservation here! https://www.facebook.com/events/873322392098586 

Galentine’s on Main
Learn more so plan your girls’ day here! https://www.facebook.com/events/1158940919664778 

Mardi Gras Festival and Parade

Get all the details here! https://www.facebook.com/events/1238686081345622 

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on my new Instagram account

Follow the Welcome to Wetumpka podcast Instagram

Follow Rooted and Local Realty

Living Like a Local in Wetumpka Guide 

Moving to Wetumpka Facebook Group

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change network.

In this episode, I’m talking about something I see come up again and again in real estate: the quiet difference between a house that looks right on paper and a home that actually fits your life. This isn’t an episode about numbers, interest rates, or timing the market. It’s about why a home can feel “off” at first, why that doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision, and how time and routine play a bigger role in settling in than most people expect.

Before diving in, I’m also sharing two fun community events coming up in Wetumpka. Galentine’s on Main takes place Saturday, February 7 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is the perfect excuse for a girls’ day downtown, complete with shopping, deals, and local fun. Then on Saturday, February 14, Wetumpka hosts its Mardi Gras Festival and Parade, with vendors from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and the parade rolling at 1:00 PM. Rooted and Local Realty will be in the parade, so be sure to look for us.

One of the biggest surprises for buyers is how long it takes for a house to stop feeling temporary. I talk about why that awkward, unsettled phase is completely normal and why it’s often mistaken for regret. A house doesn’t become home in a single moment; it happens slowly, through repetition, ordinary days, and learning how you actually live in the space.

I also share where regret really comes from when it does show up later on. Most of the time, it’s not about the price or the decision itself, but about a home no longer supporting daily routines or a new season of life. A house can be perfect for one chapter and feel tight or inefficient years later, and that doesn’t mean you chose wrong, it just means life changed.

If you’re buying, selling, or simply questioning whether your current home still fits your life, this episode will help you think beyond finishes and square footage and focus on what actually matters long-term. And if you’re feeling that quiet sense of “something feels off,” I promise, that awareness is often the beginning of better decisions, not a sign you made a bad one.

Links:

Galentine’s on Main
Learn more and plan your girls’ day here! https://www.facebook.com/events/1158940919664778 

Mardi Gras Festival and Parade

Get all the details here! https://www.facebook.com/events/1238686081345622 

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on my new Instagram account

Follow the Welcome to Wetumpka podcast Instagram

Follow Rooted and Local Realty

Living Like a Local in Wetumpka Guide 

Moving to Wetumpka Facebook Group

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change network.

One of my favorite things about hosting Welcome to Wetumpka is getting to share not just the real estate side of life here, but the heart behind what “home” truly means to our family. Today’s episode is a fun and especially meaningful one because I’m joined by a very special guest — my 8-year-old son, Bennett.

If you remember episode 21, when my daughter Jamie Beth joined me over Thanksgiving break, you’ll know just how much fun it is to hear a kid’s perspective on home, family, and everyday life. Ever since that episode, Bennett has been determined to have his turn — and he did not disappoint.

Before we jump in, I share a quick reminder about the event I’m hosting with Chaseley Stephenson this Thursday January 22nd, the New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar. If buying a home is on your radar this year, you’ll definitely want to check out the details and registration link below.

In this episode, Bennett and I dive into rapid-fire questions about our house and what makes a home fun, boring, loud, and meaningful — all through the honest (and hilarious) lens of an 8-year-old. We talk about favorite rooms, dream house features, backyard vs. playroom debates, and what he thinks grown-ups actually do all day at home. His answers are equal parts sweet, insightful, and laugh-out-loud funny. It’s such a lighthearted conversation, but it also highlights how deeply kids experience and remember the spaces they grow up in.

This episode is a gentle reminder that home isn’t just about square footage or floor plans — it’s about the people, the memories, and the everyday moments that happen inside those walls. Whether you’re a parent, a homeowner, or just someone who loves Wetumpka, I think this one will leave you smiling.

Links:

New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar

Save your seat here! https://website.rootedandlocalrealty.com/request-newyear-newhome

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on my new Instagram account

Follow the Welcome to Wetumpka podcast Instagram

Follow Rooted and Local Realty

Living Like a Local in Wetumpka Guide 

Moving to Wetumpka Facebook Group

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change network.

Buying or selling a home can look pretty simple from the outside — but behind the scenes, there’s often a lot more happening than most people realize.

In this episode of Welcome to Wetumpka, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing real stories from past transactions that didn’t go perfectly… at least not at first. These are deals that hit unexpected hiccups along the way — inspections, insurance issues, lender requirements, and things that popped up right before closing — but still made it to the closing table thanks to strong communication and two agents working together.

I walk through a few real-life examples, including what can come up when buying older homes, historic properties, or homes with crawl spaces, as well as how things like insurance requirements or items attached to the property can unexpectedly delay a closing. These stories aren’t shared to scare you — they’re meant to educate you and help you understand why having experienced representation matters.

If you’re a buyer or seller, this episode will help you better understand what can happen during the homebuying process and why delays don’t always mean something is “wrong.” And if you’re an agent, you’ll probably recognize a few of these situations all too well.

I’m also sharing details about my upcoming New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar, where my goal is to help you walk away feeling informed, confident, and prepared — whether this is your first home or your fifth. If it’s been a few years since your last purchase, this is a great refresher on what today’s market actually looks like.

As always, thank you for listening to Welcome to Wetumpka. If you enjoy the show, be sure to follow along on Instagram and stay connected for future episodes and local events.

Links:

New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar

Save your seat here! https://website.rootedandlocalrealty.com/request-newyear-newhome

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on my new Instagram account

Follow the Welcome to Wetumpka podcast Instagram

Follow Rooted and Local Realty

Living Like a Local in Wetumpka Guide 

Moving to Wetumpka Facebook Group

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change network.

It’s the first Tuesday of January, which means it’s time for our first Elmore County market update of 2026 — and there’s a lot to unpack as we head into the new year.

In this episode of Welcome to Wetumpka, I’m breaking down what actually happened in the Elmore County housing market in December and, more importantly, what those numbers mean for buyers and sellers right now. While December is typically a slower month in real estate, the data tells a story of a steady, balanced market — and that’s great news as we start 2026.

I walk through how many homes came on the market, how many went pending, and what buyer activity really looks like behind the scenes. If you’ve felt priced out or unsure about timing over the past few years, this episode offers important insight into how buyer leverage is shifting and why strategy matters more than ever.

We also talk about average sales price, days on market, and why longer market times don’t necessarily mean something is wrong — but they do make first impressions, pricing, and presentation critical for sellers. I share how I’m advising clients heading into the new year and what I’m seeing work best in today’s market.

Plus, I want to remind you about our upcoming New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar happening later this month. It’s designed to be practical, informative, and worth your time — whether you’re buying your first home or your tenth.

Elmore County continues to be a strong, desirable place to live, and opportunities still exist on both sides of the market. If buying or selling is on your radar for 2026, this episode will help you understand where we are — and how to move forward with confidence.

Before you go, a quick personal update — if you don’t see me on Instagram anymore, don’t panic! Over the holidays, my original account was deactivated, and I’ve since started a new one. I’d be so grateful if you’d follow my new account at the link below, and while you’re there, be sure to check out and follow the Welcome to Wetumpka podcast Instagram as well. Your support truly means the world!

Links:

New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar

Save your seat here! https://website.rootedandlocalrealty.com/request-newyear-newhome

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on my new Instagram account

Follow the Welcome to Wetumpka podcast Instagram

Follow Rooted and Local Realty

Living Like a Local in Wetumpka Guide 

Moving to Wetumpka Facebook Group

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change network.

A new year often brings new goals — and for many people, that includes buying or selling a home. But heading into 2026, the Wetumpka housing market looks a little different than the fast-paced, unpredictable years we’ve just come through.

In this episode of Welcome to Wetumpka, I’m breaking down what buyers and sellers should realistically expect in the 2026 housing market, using data straight from the National Association of Realtors — not opinions or guesses. I talk about where the market is headed nationally and, more importantly, how those trends are already showing up right here in Wetumpka.

For buyers, I break down what to expect as affordability slowly improves, inventory begins to recover, and competition shifts toward a more balanced market. I also explain why life events — not perfect market timing — will continue to drive buying decisions, and why having a local advantage matters as more buyers relocate to Wetumpka from Montgomery and out of state.

For sellers, I share why 2026 isn’t a year to panic, but a year to be strategic. I explain why pricing and presentation matter more than ever in a balanced market, how this shift impacts showings and negotiations, and what today’s buyers are actually responding to — without resorting to unnecessary price drops.

I also explain what a healthier, more stable market really means heading into the new year — modest price growth, fewer bidding wars, and more opportunity for both buyers and sellers to make confident, well-timed decisions.

Plus, Chaseley joins me for the Mortgage Minute to talk about why the start of the year is such a powerful time to get clarity around your buying power, and how understanding your numbers can turn “maybe this year” into a confident plan. She also shares further details about the New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar coming up on January 22, 2026 — be sure to save your seat below!

If buying or selling a home in Wetumpka is on your radar for 2026, this episode will help you start the year informed, confident, and ready to make smart decisions.

Links:

National Association of Realtors

Find all the information I talk about in today’s podcast right here: https://www.nar.realtor/

New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar

Save your seat here! https://website.rootedandlocalrealty.com/request-newyear-newhome

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on Instagram

Follow Rooted and Local Realty

Living Like a Local in Wetumpka Guide 

Moving to Wetumpka Facebook Group

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change network.

Buying a home in Wetumpka comes with a big decision — new construction or an existing home — and what works for one buyer may not work for another.

In this episode of Welcome to Wetumpka, I’m breaking down the real pros and cons of both options, using local insight you won’t find in a generic Google search. We talk through how pricing compares here in Wetumpka, which neighborhoods tend to lend themselves to new builds versus established homes, and why neither option is “better” — they simply attract different types of buyers.

Wetumpka offers a unique mix of planned new construction neighborhoods and older, character-driven areas, and I walk through what buyers can realistically expect from each. We discuss typical layouts and amenities with new builds, along with some of the trade-offs buyers don’t always consider — including lot size and long-term flexibility. On the flip side, we explore what existing homes offer that new construction can’t always replicate, from mature trees and privacy to charm, location, and larger, more unique lots.

One thing many buyers overlook in this decision is resale. In this episode, I share how timing, neighborhood trends, and future development can influence your home’s value — and why choosing a home that fits your life now often matters more than trying to predict the market years down the road.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how lifestyle, maintenance tolerance, and long-term goals should factor into whether new construction or an existing home makes the most sense for you.

Plus, Chaseley joins me for the Mortgage Minute to talk through financing options when building a new home and clear up the common misconception that mortgages only apply to existing homes.

If you’re weighing your options in the Wetumpka housing market, this episode will help you make a more confident, informed decision.

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on Instagram

Follow Rooted and Local Realty

Living Like a Local in Wetumpka Guide 

Moving to Wetumpka Facebook Group

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change network.

One of the questions I hear most often this time of year is: “Is now actually a good time to sell my home?” Traditionally, people think spring and summer are the only times to list because the market feels “hot,” but that doesn’t mean selling in the winter is a bad move.

In this episode of Welcome to Wetumpka, I’m breaking down the real pros and cons of selling your home during the winter months — and busting a few common myths I hear from sellers every year.

I talk about why a slower market doesn’t mean buyers disappear, what makes winter buyers different, and how selling when there’s less competition can actually work in your favor. We also touch on what sellers need to do to make their homes stand out during the winter season and why strategy matters more than timing.

I share what the winter market typically looks like here in Wetumpka and Elmore County, including why January and February can be especially active for military families and Montgomery commuters — and why listing now can help you avoid the spring rush.

We wrap up with this week’s Mortgage Minute with Chaseley, where she breaks down the outcome of the Federal Reserve’s final meeting of the year and what the current rate outlook means as we head into the holidays. If buying a home is on your 2026 wishlist, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear.

If you’ve been on the fence about selling your home this winter, this episode will help you decide if now is the right time — and how to approach it the smart way.

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on Instagram

Follow Rooted and Local Realty

Living Like a Local in Wetumpka Guide 

Moving to Wetumpka Facebook Group

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change network.

In this week’s episode of Welcome to Wetumpka, I’m sharing something extra festive — my 2025 Wetumpka Holiday Guide! Think of this guide as your personal roadmap to the best local spots to sip coffee, see magical Christmas lights, enjoy holiday events, and make special memories with your family this season. Whether you’re a Wetumpka native or visiting for the holidays, this guide highlights the top coffee shops, restaurants, family-friendly events, Christmas activities, and even weekend getaway ideas. Every spot includes a clickable link to the address so you can explore with ease. Grab your copy at the link below!

Chaseley also joins me for another Mortgage Minute, where she breaks down the naughty or nice list: mortgage edition. She shares the habits that help your mortgage approval go smoothly and the ones that can slow the process down. The takeaway? Stay on the “nice” list and keep things simple for a stress-free experience.

To wrap things up, I had a little fun with AI this week. I asked ChatGPT: If Wetumpka neighborhoods were holiday movies, which ones would they be? The answers were surprisingly spot on — and honestly pretty entertaining. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Links:

2025 Wetumpka Holiday Guide
Grab your copy here! https://website.rootedandlocalrealty.com/request-holiday-wetumpka-guide

Christmas on the Coosa
Get all the details and see the full itinerary: https://wetumpkaal.gov/347/Christmas-on-the-Coosa 

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on Instagram

Follow Rooted and Local Realty

Living Like a Local in Wetumpka Guide 

Moving to Wetumpka Facebook Group

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change network.