It’s the first Tuesday of December, which means it’s time for another Wetumpka market update!

In this episode, I break down what’s happening in Elmore County’s real estate market as we head toward the end of the year, plus share some exciting local happenings and a very special guest moment with my daughter.

To kick things off, I’m sharing two fun community events happening this week. First is our Cookies with Santa client appreciation event on Thursday, December 4th from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Jeanette Barrett Civic Room. Past clients, future clients, friends — everyone is welcome to come take pictures with Santa, decorate cookies, and hang out with us.

Then on Friday December 5th from 5:00–8:00 PM and Saturday December 6th from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, downtown Wetumpka will transform for A Dickens Christmas. On Friday night, the Rooted and Local girls will be downtown in costume, and I’d love for you to stop by and say hello!

Next, I walk through the latest Elmore County housing market update, based on numbers as of November 25th, 2025. I share the latest numbers on median home value, list price, average days on market, price per square foot, inventory levels, and overall market trends, along with an important message for sellers navigating the current market.

My favorite part of this episode is having my daughter join me as a special guest. We had so much fun with rapid-fire questions about Wetumpka, our home, and family life — everything from her favorite things about living here to her thoughts on what “home” really means. It’s such a sweet, lighthearted glimpse into our everyday life and the heart behind what home truly is for us.

Plus, Chaseley joins us for another Mortgage Minute, where she breaks down why this time of year is actually a power move for buyers. 

And don’t forget — our New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar is happening on January 22, 2026, at the Jeanette Barrett Civic Room in Wetumpka. The registration link is below, and I would love to see you there!

Links:

New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar

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

Cookies with Santa Client Appreciation Event
Event details can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1551151536020734 

A Dickens Christmas in downtown Wetumpka
Learn more here: https://business.wetumpkachamber.org/events/details/a-downtown-dickens-christmas-2025-44236 

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

In this episode of Welcome to Wetumpka, I’m sharing a powerful conversation recorded at a recent leadership retreat I attended, where my real estate coach, Lacey Newman, asked me questions that challenged me to reflect on my journey, my leadership, and the future of my business.

Lacey and I talk about my unexpected path into real estate — from taking my real estate licensing test at 32 weeks pregnant with my third child to now owning my own brokerage.

We dive into why clients choose to work with me and how connection is at the center of everything I do — from supporting moms to creating a stress-free experience for families.

I also share a recent success story that perfectly captures why I love what I do, along with how I’m changing the way real estate marketing looks in Wetumpka and my big-picture five-year vision for Rooted and Local Realty. Plus, I share what 32-weeks-pregnant me would think of where I am today.

We wrap up with this week’s Mortgage Minute with Chaseley Stephenson, breaking down the pros and cons of 50-year mortgages — something you’ve probably seen all over the headlines.

And don’t forget about our New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar, happening January 22, 2026 at the Jeanette Barrett Civic Room in Wetumpka. The link to register is below!

This episode is full of heart, growth, and behind-the-scenes real talk — you don’t want to miss it.

Links:

New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar

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

Follow Lacey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laceynewman_ 

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

This week, I’m sitting down with Ashley Griffith, a local realtor with Porchlight Real Estate who specializes in new construction with Stone Martin Builders. Ashley has been in real estate for eight years, and for the last six, she’s focused almost exclusively on helping families build their dream homes from the ground up.

Ashley and I dive into what makes Stone Martin Builders such a standout in the Wetumpka market, from their wide range of floor plans to the ability to personalize nearly every detail of your new home. She walks me through the full build process — how it starts, what buyers can expect at each stage, and how Stone Martin’s communication keeps homeowners informed from framing to finish. 

We also talk through the incentives Stone Martin offers, the 1-, 2-, and 10-year warranties, and the different neighborhoods and home styles available for buyers looking for a fresh start. Plus, we tackle a few of the most common misconceptions people have about building a new home.

I’m also sharing the details about our New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar happening on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Jeanette Barrett Civic Center in Wetumpka. You’ll find everything you need to know, plus the link to save your seat, below!

Links:

New Year, New Home Homebuying Seminar

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

Connect with Ashley:

Cell: 334-415-9669

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleygriffith_realtor/

Learn more about Stone Martin Builders: https://www.stonemartinbuilders.com/ 

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

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to buy a home with me, this episode is for you! I’m walking you through exactly how I help my clients move from “just browsing” to closing day — confidently and effortlessly.

I’m also taking a moment to thank everyone who reached out with kind words after the ribbon cutting of Rooted and Local Realty. Your support means the world!

In this episode, I’m sharing what makes my home-buying process a little different. I tailor everything to the person I’m working with — whether you’re a first-time buyer who wants me to hold your hand every step of the way or someone who’s bought before and just needs a trusted guide.

We’ll start with my pre-buyer questionnaire, the first thing I send once you reach out. From there, we’ll talk about the importance of getting pre-approved and what our initial consultation looks like — whether that’s in person, virtual, or over the phone.

Then, I’ll share how I help clients narrow down what they really want in a home and the one surprising thing I ask you to do before we even start touring houses (trust me, you’ll thank me later).

We’ll wrap up with what happens once you find “the one” — from reviewing the contract together line-by-line to understanding every step before you sign.

And don’t skip out before the end — Chaseley is back for another Mortgage Minute, and we’ve got an exciting announcement you don’t want to miss!

Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll walk you through what happens after you go under contract.

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

It’s the first Tuesday of November, which means it’s time for another Wetumpka market update!

In this episode, I break down what’s happening in Elmore County’s housing market as we head into the holiday season. As of October 2025, the market remains steady and healthy — and inventory continues to grow. I share the latest numbers on median home value, list price, average days on market, and the current sales-to-list ratio, plus how these compare to where we were a year ago.

With inventory up, buyers now have more options — and sellers are facing a bit more competition. I talk about what this shift means for both sides of the market and what types of homes are actually selling right now.

We’re also introducing a brand-new segment: Mortgage Minute! Tune in to hear from our special guest and learn what the current interest rates mean for you.

Finally, I look ahead to the upcoming holidays and explain why December might actually be the sweet spot for buyers — even during what’s typically a slower season in real estate.

If you’re keeping an eye on the Elmore County market, this is one you won’t want to miss!

Links:

Vendor Application for Holiday Open House:

 https://www.facebook.com/events/s/downtown-wetumpka-holiday-open/1274179827361051/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=boDZX3UOcZQ0k5Ym&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F17h5BtxjwV%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr

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

If you haven’t listened to Episode 15 yet, hit pause and go back! Today’s episode builds on last week’s topic and walks you through what really happens when you go under contract as a seller.

A lot of people think that once their home goes under contract, the hard part is over—but that’s rarely the case. The truth? The real work begins after that “under contract” sign goes up.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the process step-by-step—from the home inspection to the repair negotiations, appraisal, and everything in between. You’ll hear a real story about how I helped one seller cut a 53-item repair list down to just 12.

We’ll talk about why emotions can complicate repairs, how to handle buyer requests strategically, and what to look for during the final walkthrough before closing. Because believe it or not, I’ve seen final walkthroughs completely derail a deal!

Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or you’re already under contract, this episode will give you a clear picture of what’s coming next—so you can make it to the closing table with confidence.

Links:

50 Harris Road Listing: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/50-Harris-Rd-Elmore-AL-36025/119129_zpid/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVVJxRW9ESk5EUlRUUW00TgEeWrhH5FiCgGX-rUtdJ_GI6eOEIVrKxOSK-6TCwjearbYunpcr1_oWz3qAr4U_aem_C1yM_e0JER-D2rWNpWCzvA

Rooted Way Playbook - How to Get Your Home Sold: https://website.rootedandlocalrealty.com/request-the-rooted-way-guide-350017

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

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I have a good one in store for you today! But first, I’m giving a quick shoutout to one of my local listings with Rooted and Local Realty. Tune in to hear where that one is — it’s a good one!

Today’s episode is all about what really happens behind the sign when you list your home with me. Most people only see the “for sale” sign, the pretty photos, and the open house. But there’s so much more that goes into getting your home sold — and I’m breaking it all down step-by-step.

From the very first time you reach out to me, I send over a detailed prelisting questionnaire that helps me get to know your home and your goals. Then, we schedule our first appointment where all we do is walk through your home — no pricing yet! I always bring fresh flowers (that’s my signature touch!) and take it all in before heading back to the office to research comparable properties.

Once I’ve crunched the numbers, we meet again to go over my full marketing plan, pricing strategy, and come up with your listing price together. Then comes content day — photos, videos, descriptions, and marketing materials — everything that makes your listing shine.

When we go live, I don’t just sit back and wait. I keep you updated every step of the way, from open house feedback to my Monday morning market update emails. My goal is to keep you informed, supported, and confident throughout the entire process.

And once we go under contract? That’s a story for next week’s episode. You won’t want to miss it!

Let’s Connect!

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

Buying a home can feel overwhelming—especially when the headlines are filled with talk of a government shutdown and fluctuating mortgage rates. My good friend and trusted mortgage lender, Chaseley Stephenson with Alabama Home Mortgage, joins me on the podcast today to clear things up!

Chaseley has been in the business for 13 years, and together we’ve helped so many clients close on their homes—I like to think of us as the dream team! In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really happening in the mortgage world right now and answering the questions everyone’s asking.

We start with the government shutdown—what it actually means for mortgage rates and why, historically, rates tend to go down during a shutdown (even though everyone’s freaking out). Chaseley also shares what parts of the lending process are impacted and what’s not.

Then, we dig into the difference between getting prequalified and preapproved, what lenders look at during the process, and why there’s nothing to be embarrassed about when applying for preapproval. The sooner you start, the sooner we can help you get on the right path to homeownership!

We also talk about:

 - What really happens when the Fed meets (and why there’s no magic button that changes rates overnight).

 - What the “rate of the day” actually means.

 - The truth about down payments—and why you don’t always need 20% down.

 - The differences between conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans, and how to know which one fits your situation best.

- Why using a local lender and broker can make your home-buying experience smoother, faster, and more personal.

If you’re planning to buy a home soon—or just want to understand what’s going on in the market right now—this episode is packed with helpful insights straight from one of the best in the business.

Follow Chaseley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaseley_mortgagepro/

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

It’s the first Tuesday of October, which means it’s time for your Elmore County real estate market update! I’m breaking down the latest numbers from September—median sales price, average days on market, cost per square foot, and how many new listings, contracts, and sales we had in Elmore County. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, you’ll learn what these trends mean for you and why homes are moving in about six weeks right now.

Plus, I’ve got a special thank-you to share—I was recently honored with a prestigious award, and I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me!

We’ll also look at what’s happening around town this month, including:

• Broomsticks and Brews
  
  
• Pink Pop-Up Party
  
  
• Farmer’s Market with Our Hometown Heroes
  
  
• Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival
  
  
• Coosa Candy Crawl
  
  

Be sure to check out these Wetumpka events, and if you see me out and about, come say hi!

Tune in now for your October 2025 Wetumpka market update and get the inside scoop on both real estate and community happenings.

Upcoming Events:

Broomsticks and Brews: https://www.facebook.com/events/3866577253641659/

Pink Pop-up Party: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ACGcASM2F/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Farmer’s Market with Our Hometown Heroes: https://www.facebook.com/events/1694346961221020

Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival: https://facebook.com/events/s/wetumpka-wildlife-arts-festiva/976469297351270/

Wetumpka Coosa Candy Crawl: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EqpT8QjYf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Let’s Connect!

Fall Guide to Wetumpka: https://website.rootedandlocalrealty.com/request-fall-guide-to-wetumpka-535534?fbclid=PAVERFWANKngFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp2qAlpaKQ2uVDRqlZ6DnxchvoSpfZy1uKb5ArbAo1RchZDDokce7Q_XrZlMC_aem_MdLtuRRsi2gBPtXKujC-gQ

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Ever come across a real estate term that left you scratching your head? You’re not alone. In this I put my husband Ben in the hot seat for a lighthearted real estate quiz. Together, we break down the most common (and sometimes confusing) terminology that every homebuyer and seller should know.

From the meaning of MLS and escrow to how earnest money and closing costs work, this episode makes real estate lingo easy to understand—and even fun! Whether you’re preparing to buy your first home, thinking about selling, or simply want to sharpen your knowledge, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of the terms that pop up in contracts, listings, and closings.

Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming, but knowing the terminology gives you confidence every step of the way. Tune in for a fun, educational conversation that takes the mystery out of real estate jargon—Wetumpka style!

Let’s Connect!

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