Michael Davila Realtor

08/27/2026

Thinking about buying on the Alabama side vs. the Columbus, GA side? 🏡

We get this question a lot from military families and relocating buyers, so here's what actually changes when you cross the state line:

📊 Property taxes: Alabama and Georgia calculate property taxes differently, and your real bill depends on your specific city, county, and any exemptions you qualify for (homestead, and for many veterans, disability exemptions). Don't assume — get your actual numbers before you decide.

🚗 Vehicle registration: Georgia charges a one-time Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) — 7% standard, though new GA residents registering a vehicle they already own generally pay a reduced 3% rate. Alabama uses annual registration fees plus sales tax at purchase instead. Which costs less depends on your specific vehicle and how long you'll keep it — there's no automatic winner.

🎖️ Military retirement pay: Alabama fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. Georgia has also expanded its exemption in recent years, but the details can depend on your age and situation, so confirm your current numbers with a tax professional or the Georgia Dept. of Revenue before you file.

Bottom line: there's no universal "better side" here. It comes down to your specific housing needs, commute, taxes, vehicle, and relocation timeline.

Weighing a move to Phenix City or Columbus? Theresa and I would be glad to run your specific numbers with you — send us a message anytime.

08/26/2026

Still available: 812 McDonald Dr, Opelika — $369,900

Built in 2023, this 4-bed, 3-bath home has 2,751 sq ft and sits just minutes from historic downtown Opelika. A few things that stand out:

– Bedroom and full bath on the main level, handy for guests or multigenerational living
– Open kitchen with granite counters, white cabinetry, and a walk-in pantry
– Upstairs flex space that works as an office, playroom, or media room
– Fenced backyard with a security camera system already in place

2-car garage on a quiet street, close to shopping and dining downtown.

Theresa and I would love to show it to you. Send a message or drop a comment and we'll get a showing set up.

MLS # E104572 | Michael Davila, CENTURY 21 Premier Real Estate

08/24/2026

🏡 PCS season is winding down — and the market is starting to shift. 👀📉

From May through August, the Fort Moore area stays moving. Military families are on orders 🎖️, timelines are tight ⏰, and buyers are often competing with other buyers who need to make a move NOW.

But once we hit late August, that summer rush starts to cool off. 🍂

🔑 BUYERS:
Less competition can mean more negotiating power 💰, fewer bidding wars, and a little more breathing room to make the right decision.

🏠 SELLERS:
If your home sat through the summer without selling, simply putting it back on the market the same way probably isn’t the answer. Something may need to change — price, presentation, marketing… or all three. 📸📊🔥

Theresa and I see this shift every year on both sides of the state line — from Phenix City & Smiths Station ➡️ Columbus & the Fort Moore area.

Not sure what this changing market means for you? 🤔
Shoot me a message. I’m happy to talk it through with you — no pressure, no sales pitch. 🤝

📍 Local market. Local experience. Real answers.

🏡 🎖️

08/22/2026

Splitting a house payment two ways isn't just a big-city thing anymore.

More friends, siblings, and parent/adult-child pairs are buying property together instead of waiting to do it solo — and it's getting a lot more common in Auburn, Opelika, and around Columbus too.

It's not the right move for everyone. But for the right two people, it can mean getting into a house years sooner.

Ever talked about this with someone you'd actually trust to own a house with? Reply TEAM or send me a message — happy to walk through what it really looks like.

08/21/2026

OPEN HOUSE tomorrow — Saturday, Aug 22, 11AM–2PM

122 Lee Road 2121, Salem, AL 36874
$455,900 | 4 bed | 2.5 bath | 2,548 sq ft | 0.62 acres

Built in 2021, this one has the kitchen people actually want to cook in — big island, open to the living space — plus a spacious owner's suite and a 2-car garage. The part that sets it apart: the neighborhood has its own private boat launch onto Lake Harding. Lake days without lakefront taxes.

Come walk through Saturday between 11 and 2. No appointment needed. Can't make it? Message me and we'll set up a private showing.

If you know someone hunting for space near the lake, tag them or share this.

Hosted by Theresa Davila and Michael Davila, CENTURY 21 Premier Real Estate
915-309-3943



With Theresa Davila, Realtor and CENTURY 21 Premier Real Estate

08/20/2026

Phenix City and Columbus are moving in two different directions right now.

On the Alabama side, median sale prices actually dipped slightly this year — but price per square foot is climbing, and homes are taking about 7 weeks to sell.

On the Georgia side, prices are up over 5% year-over-year, and well-priced homes are still moving in the 6-10 week range.

Two very different markets, ten minutes apart.

If you're curious what that means for your specific house, send me your address and I'll send back a quick snapshot — recent comps, what's competing with you right now, and where you'd land if you listed today. No obligation, no pressure.

Michael Davila, REALTOR® | CENTURY 21 Premier Real Estate | Licensed AL & GA

08/20/2026

Thinking about buying in Phenix City, AL? Here's what's actually happening in the market right now 👇

Median sale price is sitting around $242,000, with homes averaging about $132/sqft and going under contract in roughly 48 days. Inventory is solid right now between $200K–$350K, especially along the Lee Road corridor and the newer subdivisions on the east side of town.

Phenix City keeps being one of the most popular landing spots for anyone relocating to Fort Benning — more home for the money than Columbus, GA, and just minutes from post.

Theresa and I have been closing deals here regularly and have buyers under contract nearby right now. If you're weighing Phenix City against the Columbus side, or just want to know what your budget actually gets you, send us a message.

Full breakdown (pricing, days on market, PCS tips, and more) is on the blog: https://michaelc21premierdavila.sites.c21.homes/2026/08/20/phenix-city-al-homes-for-sale-what-buyers-should-know/

📍 Phenix City, AL | Team Davila, CENTURY 21 Premier Real Estate

C21 Premier Real Estate

08/19/2026

🏡 This one's got real curb appeal — covered front porch, stone accents, and room to spread out inside.

📍 122 Lee Road 2121 in Salem — 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,548 sqft. $455,900.

✨ Open kitchen with an island, hardwood-lvp floors throughout, and a front porch that's basically begging for a rocking chair. It's the kind of house that photographs well and shows even better in person.

📲 Want to see it in person? Call or text me at (915) 309-3943, or email [email protected] — I'll set up a walkthrough.

08/15/2026

🗓️ SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 | 11 AM–2 PM CST

🏡 OPEN HOUSE IN OPELIKA!

Come tour this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bath home just minutes from historic downtown Opelika, hosted by Theresa Davila & Michael Davila!

✨ Open-concept kitchen with granite countertops, white cabinetry & walk-in pantry
🛏️ Main-level bedroom + full bath for added flexibility
🎬 Upstairs flex space perfect for a home office, playroom, media room, or second living area

💰 Listed at $372,900
📍 812 McDonald Drive, Opelika, AL 36801

This one has the space, style, and location you’ve been looking for. Come see it for yourself!

📌 SAVE THE DATE!

08/11/2026