Move to Auburn: Brick Home or Siding—What Do You Trust More?
Move to Auburn brick home or siding what do you trust more is one of those questions buyers don’t ask at first—but they should.
Because once you start looking at homes in Auburn and Opelika, you’ll notice it immediately:
Brick everywhere…
Mixed with siding…
And sometimes both on the same house.
So which one should you trust?
Let’s break it down the way I explain it to my clients.
The Short Answer (Before We Go Deep)
- Brick = durability, low maintenance, long-term value
- Siding = lower cost, more variety, easier to update
But the real answer?
It depends on your lifestyle and how long you plan to stay.
Why Brick Homes Are So Popular in Auburn
Drive around Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/) and you’ll see it—brick dominates.
There’s a reason for that.
Brick Pros
- Extremely durable (can last 100+ years)
- Low maintenance (no repainting or replacing panels)
- Resistant to fire, pests, and weather
- Strong resale appeal (buyers trust brick)
Brick holds up over time. Period.
That’s why so many long-term homeowners prefer it.
Brick Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Limited color/style flexibility
- Repairs (if needed) can be more specialized
What About Siding Homes?
Siding is very common in newer developments and certain price ranges.
And honestly—it’s not “bad.” It just serves a different purpose.
Siding Pros
- More affordable upfront
- More design options and colors
- Easier to install and update
- Can still be low maintenance depending on material
Siding Cons
- Shorter lifespan (often 20–30 years)
- Can fade, warp, or get damaged over time
- May require repairs or replacement sooner
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Brick | Siding |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 100+ years | 20–30 years |
| Maintenance | Very low | Moderate over time |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
| Durability | Very high | Moderate |
| Style Options | Limited | Wide variety |
What I See Buyers Doing Right Now
Here’s the honest truth from the field:
Most buyers moving to Auburn start thinking they want brick.
And many stick with that.
But…
Some shift once they start comparing actual homes.
Real Client Story
I had a buyer relocating for Auburn.
They told me:
“I only want brick. No siding.”
We toured a few homes.
Then I showed them a newer siding home just to compare.
- Newer layout
- Better kitchen
- More space
- Lower price
They paused.
And said:
“Okay… now I get it.”
They ended up choosing siding.
Why?
Because the overall house mattered more than the exterior material.
Where You’ll See Each Type
- Brick homes → more common in established neighborhoods and traditional builds
- Siding homes → more common in newer builds and certain price ranges
- Mixed exteriors → VERY common (brick + siding combo)
If you’re browsing Auburn subdivisions (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/), you’ll see all three.
Lifestyle Matters More Than Material
This is where most people get it wrong.
They focus on brick vs siding…
Instead of asking:
- How long am I staying?
- Do I want zero maintenance?
- Am I okay with future upkeep?
- Do I care more about price or durability?
Because that’s what actually determines the right answer.
Location Still Beats Everything
You can have:
- A brick home far from everything
OR - A siding home in the perfect location
And most buyers will choose location.
Being close to places like Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium), Auburn Mall (https://www.shopauburnalabama.com/), or main roads often matters more day-to-day than exterior material.
Schools and Resale
Both brick and siding homes can perform well in resale—especially in areas tied to:
- Auburn City Schools (https://www.auburnschools.org/)
- Opelika City Schools (https://www.opelikaschools.org/)
But yes—brick does tend to have a slight edge in buyer perception.
The Truth Most Buyers Land On
Here’s where people usually end up:
- If they want long-term, low maintenance → brick wins
- If they want best value and newer features → siding can win
- If they find the “right house” → exterior becomes secondary
-
T
Quick Q&A
Is brick better than siding?
Brick is more durable and longer-lasting, but siding can be a better value depending on the home.
Do brick homes require less maintenance?
Yes. Brick typically requires very little upkeep compared to siding.
Is siding a bad choice?
No. Many newer homes use siding and still perform very well.
What do most Auburn buyers choose?
Many prefer brick—but plenty choose siding once they compare homes.
Here’s My Advice (Straight Up)
Don’t fall in love with the material.
Fall in love with the right house.
Because I’ve seen too many buyers pass on great homes…
over something that didn’t actually matter long-term.
Laura Sellers is an Auburn REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate — the official real estate partner of the Auburn Tigers.
I help buyers relocating to Auburn figure out what actually matters—so you don’t waste time or make the wrong call.
🏡 Thinking about buying or selling in Auburn or Opelika?
I’m Laura Sellers, REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc. — the official real estate partner of the Auburn Tigers.
📲 Call or text me today at 334-332-7263 or visit AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com to start your move with a local expert who knows this market inside and out.
Homes, y’all!
