Strengthening Communities Through Real Estate

Buying or selling a home impacts families, neighborhoods, and community futures, influencing children's upbringing and the dynamics of local living. Real estate success depends on knowledge, persistence, and a commitment to people. These ideas drive the latest conversation on the REalizations Podcast.

In the recent episode of the REalizations Podcast, I spoke with Alabama Realtor Evan Crawford about his path in real estate, his work in Auburn and Opelika, and the values that guide his team.

A Career Rooted in Family and Hard Work

Evan’s introduction to real estate began early. His mother, grandfather, and uncles all worked in the industry. He spent his childhood laying sod on homes his grandfather built. Those experiences shaped his understanding of homes, construction, and community.

After college, he spent eight years as a professional baseball pitcher. The travel, pressure, and discipline shaped him in ways that transfer directly to real estate. 

During our conversation, he said, “Baseball is a game of failure. If you get three hits out of ten, you’re in the Hall of Fame.” He uses the same mindset when reaching out to clients and building his business.

Building a Focused and Skilled Team

Evan entered real estate in 2014. He found a mentor who later became his business partner. They formed the Crawford Willis Group and learned quickly which systems helped them serve clients well. They grew, then streamlined to a smaller team with clear roles.

Today, the team includes Evan, his partner, three skilled agents, an office manager, and a transaction coordinator. They concentrate on strong relationships, a direct communication style, and consistent follow-through.

Understanding the Markets of Auburn, Opelika, and Lake Martin

Auburn is a college town with a population of about 120,000 to 130,000. The community is tight-knit and active. The average home price ranges from $395,000 to $415,000.

Evan’s team also works in Opelika, where the office is located, and in the Lake Martin area. Lake Martin has an average price closer to 900,000 to 1 million.

Their work includes:

• Residential homes

• New construction

• Estate lots

• Rural properties

• Timberland

• Large acreage

• Farms

These properties often require knowledge of wells, septic systems, and land considerations. Evan handles these details with confidence and accuracy.

Full-Service Support From Start to Finish

In Alabama, agents follow the transaction all the way through closing. Attorneys are not part of the signing process. This gives real estate professionals more responsibility throughout inspections, appraisals, and negotiations.

Evan begins by learning the needs of each family. People often compare Auburn with nearby cities like Gulf Shores or Columbus. His responsibility is to guide them through the information that helps them make a choice. He speaks about schools, activities, and community life. He gives families a clear understanding of what living in Auburn looks like.

Discipline, Repetition, and Consistency

One of the strongest themes of our conversation was discipline. Evan compared phone calls with batting practice. He said repetition builds confidence and accuracy.

Early in an agent’s career, conversations feel unfamiliar. With practice those conversations turn into reliable skills. This approach guides his team and influences how they train new agents.

Work Guided by People and Relationships

When I asked Evan what he enjoys most about real estate, he said he likes helping families feel at home. He enjoys seeing children excited about their new bedrooms. He values the relationships that grow after closing. He becomes the person clients call when they need a tire shop, plumber, contractor, or any local recommendation. His team motto is “Converting clients into friends.” He uses this daily.

Community Support and Local Commitment

Evan’s connection to Auburn and Opelika extends far beyond transactions. He sponsors a local baseball team for adults with special needs called the Auburn Pilots. He also serves on the board of Roos Roots, a gym that offers martial arts and fitness programs for the special needs community. His team sponsors local events, including Wine on the Tracks, which brings past clients together each year.

His involvement mirrors what I see in real estate across the country. Many agents support their neighborhoods through events, charities, and personal contributions. I shared my own commitments to theater programs and the Berkeley Humane Society.

These efforts matter. They help shape strong communities. Being part of a professional podcast network also supports my ability to highlight people who do meaningful work, because the technical tasks are managed behind the scenes.

A Conversation Across Two Very Different Markets

We closed by comparing life in Auburn with life in the Bay Area. Auburn is connected and community centered. Families run into each other at sporting events and activities. In the Bay Area, life moves quickly and residents often feel separate from one another. Hearing Evan describe Auburn reminded me of the importance of local relationships.

If you want to experience the full energy of my conversation with Evan and hear his insights in his own words, listen to the complete episode. The stories, details, and perspective he shared are worth hearing firsthand.

Tune in to the REalizations Podcast and See How Agents Build Community

My conversation with Evan Crawford highlighted the significant influence real estate professionals have on their neighborhoods. His emphasis on discipline, service, and long-term relationships illustrates how agents can shape communities through commitment and strong values.

His honest and consistent approach to clients exemplifies the leadership needed in the industry. His engagement in local events and support for the special needs community show that real estate transcends transactions. Staying connected with families post-closing highlights that meaningful work extends beyond paperwork.

Apply as a Guest on REalizations Podcast

Are you a high-performing real estate agent with a perspective that strengthens the communities you serve? Apply to be a guest on REalizations.

It’s a great way to share the work you are doing, highlight the impact you have on your market, and connect with listeners who value service-driven real estate.