Welcome to Wetumpka with Abbie Weldon

Abbie Weldon

Welcome to Welcome to Wetumpka with Abbie Weldon – mom of three, local realtor, and lifelong Wetumpka girl. This podcast is your go-to for all things Wetumpka, Alabama. Each week, Abbie shares real estate tips, local happenings, fun family activities, and stories that celebrate the people and places that make Wetumpka feel like home. Whether you’re raising a family here, thinking of moving to our sweet river town, or just love a dose of Southern charm, you’ll find yourself right at home. Grab your coffee and join us as we keep it real, keep it Southern, and always keep it neighborly.

  1. 3D AGO

    24. Should You Buy New Construction or An Existing Home in Wetumpka?

    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.

    13 min
  2. DEC 16

    23. Is Winter a Good Time to Sell Your Home in Wetumpka?

    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.

    11 min
  3. DEC 9

    22. Your 2025 Wetumpka Holiday Guide: Best Events, Places to Eat, Christmas Lights & More

    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.

    13 min
  4. DEC 2

    21. Wetumpka Events, Market Trends + A Special Guest Chat (December 2025)

    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  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.

    13 min
  5. NOV 25

    20. How I’m Building a Different Kind of Real Estate Business in Wetumpka

    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_  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.

    22 min
  6. NOV 18

    19. Building Your Dream Home in Wetumpka with Ashley Griffith

    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/  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.

    21 min
  7. NOV 11

    18. Buying a Home with Me: What the Process Really Looks Like

    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. 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.

    16 min
  8. NOV 4

    17. Wetumpka Events + Elmore County Housing Market Trends (November 2025)

    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 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.

    10 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Welcome to Wetumpka with Abbie Weldon – mom of three, local realtor, and lifelong Wetumpka girl. This podcast is your go-to for all things Wetumpka, Alabama. Each week, Abbie shares real estate tips, local happenings, fun family activities, and stories that celebrate the people and places that make Wetumpka feel like home. Whether you’re raising a family here, thinking of moving to our sweet river town, or just love a dose of Southern charm, you’ll find yourself right at home. Grab your coffee and join us as we keep it real, keep it Southern, and always keep it neighborly.