A home can be under contract for weeks before closing. If a hurricane damages the property during that time, both the buyer and seller may have urgent questions: Who handles the damage? Does the sale still move forward? What happens to the closing date? The answer depends on the purchase agreement the parties signed. In Alabama, the Alabama REALTORS® Legal Helpdesk says the seller generally bears the risk of loss while the seller remains in possession, and the purchase agreem

Getting an offer on your home is exciting. It’s also a moment to slow down, read the details, and decide what works best for you. The offer price matters, but it’s only one part of the decision. Look at the whole offer Consider the proposed price alongside the buyer’s financing, requested concessions, contingencies, closing date, and possession terms. A higher offer may come with conditions or costs that affect your net proceeds. Your agent can help you compare the full terms

The photos are taken, the listing is live, and the sign is in the yard. Your home is officially for sale! After all the work that goes into preparing a home, this can feel like the moment to take a breath. But it can also bring a new set of questions: When will the showings start? What if we don’t get an offer right away? Does every showing mean someone is ready to buy? At the Renee Marshall Team, we help you understand what happens after your home hits the market—and how to

You’ve decided to sell your home, you’ve talked through pricing, and now comes one of the most important steps before your listing goes live: getting your home ready to be seen. In today’s market, buyers often meet your home online before they ever walk through the front door. Your listing photos, and the impression your home makes during those first few minutes of a showing, can have a big impact on whether a buyer wants to take the next step. The good news? Preparing your h

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Baldwin County, there’s probably one question at the very top of your list: How much is my home worth? It sounds like a simple question, but the answer isn’t always as straightforward as typing your address into an online home-value calculator. Your neighbor’s home may have sold for a certain price. An online estimate may give you another number. You may know what you paid for your home, how much you’ve invested in improvements, a

Selling your home is a big decision, and once you start thinking about it, it’s easy to immediately notice everything you think needs to be fixed, painted, replaced, or updated. Before you start spending money, stop. One of the most valuable things you can do before preparing your Baldwin County home for the market is figure out which improvements actually matter to buyers—and which ones probably won’t give you your money back. Here are seven things we recommend doing before

One of the questions we hear most from homebuyers is: "How much will my property taxes be?" It's a great question—and one that's not always as straightforward as people expect. Whether you're moving from another state or buying your very first home, understanding how property taxes work in Alabama can help you avoid surprises after closing. Here's what every buyer should know. 1. Alabama Has Some of the Lowest Property Taxes in the Country For many people relocating from stat

Buying a home is exciting—but before you get the keys, there's one topic that often catches buyers off guard... Homeowners insurance. If you're moving to Baldwin County or purchasing your first home near the coast, insurance may look a little different than it does in other parts of the country. The good news? It's not something to fear—it just means asking the right questions before closing. Here's what many buyers wish they had known. 1. Every Home Is Different One of the b

Every year, thousands of people relocate to Alabama looking for a better quality of life. Some come for new jobs, others to be closer to family, and many simply want a slower pace and more affordable living. If you're considering making Alabama your new home—especially Baldwin County—you've probably researched neighborhoods, schools, and home prices. But there are a few things that don't always show up in a Google search. Here's what many newcomers say they wish they had know

There's something magical about waking up to a sunrise over the water or ending the day watching the sun set across Mobile Bay. For many people, owning a waterfront home is a lifelong dream. Whether you're looking along Mobile Bay, Weeks Bay, Fish River, or one of Baldwin County's beautiful creeks or canals, waterfront living offers a lifestyle that's hard to match. But before you buy your piece of paradise, here are a few things many buyers don't realize. 1. You're Buying th

Ask almost anyone who lives in Fairhope why they moved here, and you'll probably hear the same thing: "We came for the house... but stayed because of the lifestyle." Fairhope isn't just another town on the map—it's a community that people fall in love with. From stunning Mobile Bay sunsets to locally owned shops and year-round festivals, there's a reason Fairhope continues to attract families, retirees, and professionals from all over the country. But before you pack your box

There's something exciting about being the very first person to live in a home. Everything is brand new, modern, and untouched. It's no surprise that new construction homes are incredibly popular throughout Baldwin County, especially in communities around Fairhope, Daphne, Foley, Spanish Fort, and beyond. But while buying a new home can be an amazing experience, there are a few things many buyers don't learn until they're already under contract. Here are some insider tips to

If you've sold a home before, you might expect today's market to work the same way. The truth is—it doesn't. The real estate market is constantly changing, and what worked a few years ago may not be the best strategy today. Whether you're selling in Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Foley, or anywhere in Baldwin County, understanding today's buyers can make a big difference in your results. Here are a few things most homeowners don't hear until their home is already on the mark

Buying a home is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Between online listings, mortgage rates, inspections, and negotiations, it's easy to focus on finding the perfect house while overlooking the details that can make or break your experience. If you're searching for homes in Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or anywhere in Baldwin County, there are a few things every buyer should know before making an offer. Here's what many people don'

One of the biggest decisions buyers face in today’s market is whether to purchase a new construction home or an existing home. Both options offer unique advantages, especially in growing areas like Fairhope and Daphne. So which one is the better choice? The answer depends on your lifestyle, budget, timeline, and priorities. The Benefits of New Construction New construction homes continue to be extremely popular across Baldwin County. Many buyers love: modern floor plans energ

Fairhope has become one of the most talked-about towns on Alabama’s Gulf Coast — and for good reason. With its beautiful bayfront sunsets, charming downtown, local restaurants, and laid-back coastal lifestyle, Fairhope continues to attract buyers from across the country. But as home prices rise and Baldwin County continues to grow, many people are asking the same question: Is Fairhope still worth moving to in 2026? For many buyers, the answer is absolutely yes. Why People Sti

Fairhope continues to be one of the most desirable places to live on Alabama’s Eastern Shore. From its charming downtown and beautiful bay views to its strong sense of community, buyers from all over the country are relocating here. The good news? You can still find great neighborhoods in Fairhope under $500K. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating, downsizing, or looking for an investment property, here are some areas worth considering. Fruit & Nut District The Fruit

Moving to Baldwin County can be incredibly exciting. From coastal living and beautiful neighborhoods to great restaurants and waterfront sunsets, it’s easy to see why so many people are relocating to Alabama’s Eastern Shore. However, there are a few common mistakes buyers make during the process. Here are seven mistakes to avoid when buying a home in Baldwin County. 1. Underestimating Insurance Costs Insurance costs can vary dramatically depending on the location and age of t

If you’re thinking about moving to Alabama’s Eastern Shore, chances are you’ve narrowed your search down to two of the most popular areas: Fairhope and Daphne. Both towns offer beautiful scenery, great communities, and convenient access to Mobile and the Gulf Coast — but they each have a very different feel. So which one is right for you? Let’s compare Fairhope and Daphne to help you decide. Fairhope: Charming, Coastal & Full of Character Fairhope is known for its picturesque

Fairhope and Daphne are two of the most desirable places to live on Alabama’s Eastern Shore. With beautiful waterfront views, charming downtown areas, excellent restaurants, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle, it’s easy to see why so many people are relocating to Baldwin County. But before making the move, there are a few hidden costs buyers should understand. As a local real estate agent, I always want my clients to feel informed and prepared — not surprised after closing day