It can be very alluring to sell your property in hopes of gaining a large payment. However, before you put your property up for sale, there are a couple of factors to take into consideration.
Before hiring a real estate agent, understand what you’re searching for. Your agent needs to know exactly what you want to get out of your home’s sale and how to help you achieve that.
Does your agent have familiarity with communities in your area? Do you know who your target buyers are? What other knowledge could your agent impart on you before the selling process? What are breaking points for your selling timeline? What is your selling timeline?
Do you need to find more than a listing agent? Do you have another place to go while your home is on the market, or will you be living in it while you sell it?
These are all questions to ask yourself before collaborating with your agent and asking them similar, if not the same, questions once you begin.
After preparing for your home sale, it’s time to investigate listings, promotions and other marketing activities. Do a once over and create a cleaning and preparations checklist to help you ready your property for sale.
Your property should be tidy and free of personal belongings before showings. If you have a lawn, the space should be manicured. If lawn care isn’t a concern, make sure patios, porches and decks are free of clutter.
Once you’ve cleaned the property, added plants, repainted walls to neutral colors and whatever else you may need to do to increase curb appeal, you can start a marketing strategy.
Get your home professionally photographed, and start creating marketing opportunities with your hired real estate agent. Turn to social media and other communication tools to help promote your listing while working closely with your agent of choice.
Remember, sellers are usually held accountable for home repairs. A pre-listing inspection gives you a good idea of how much the repairs will cost. Be mindful of your mortgage payoff cost, which is the payment required to take care of the mortgage balance.
There is also likely to be a broker commission fee, which is a percentage of the price the property will sell for, paid to the representing brokerage. Your real estate agent should be able to provide you with an estimate of those fees, as well as any other transaction fees you may incur.
A real estate attorney can review and outline closing documents, as well as negotiate disputes within the contract. Before the closing, settle any issues with the title, so the property can be transferred to the buyer during the closing process. Be prepared for funds to be allocated to the seller and participants of the transaction.
While the home selling process can be overwhelming, creating a seller checklist can help ease some stressors. It’s also a great idea to remember you aren’t going through this process alone. When you hire a real estate agent, you also get a team of other real estate professionals that work closely within their network, which gives you even more security when selling your home.
Hi! We are David and Evelyn - The Hickox Team!
With a shared passion for helping people find where you truly belong—whether it’s a dream home or a strategic commercial space—we’ve combined our experience, heart, and hustle to better serve you, as our client across the Chattahoochee Valley.
David brings sharp negotiation skills and market insight, and I bring creative strategy, relationship-driven service, and a love for both Residential and Commercial real estate. Together, we bring a perfect blend of strategy, service, and savvy, to elevate every step of your Real Estate journey.
We believe that real estate is not just about property—it’s about people, purpose, and possibility.
If you’re buying, selling, investing, or just want advice—we’re here for you.
-TheHickoxTeam
Every Home Begins with 'H"
Keller Williams Realty River Cities
Meet David
"When I think of dedication and drive in Real Estate, I think of David Hickox. Not only is David my professional partner, he’s also my fiancé — which means I get a front-row seat to the determination and care he puts into every property detail and client interaction."
-Evelyn Forston
I’m David Hickox—a dedicated real estate advisor serving the Chattahoochee Valley with a focus on results, relationships, and real value. My approach is grounded in strategy, honesty, and a deep respect for the goals and dreams of every client I work with.
With experience in both residential and commercial real estate, I bring sharp market insight, strong negotiation skills, and a calm, solutions-focused mindset to every transaction. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling an investment property, or expanding your commercial portfolio, I’m here to make the process smooth, strategic, and successful.
As co-lead of The Hickox Team with my fiancé Evelyn—an incredible Realtor and partner in every sense—we combine our strengths to deliver a real estate experience that’s both heart-led and results-driven. Together, we bring creativity, clarity, and commitment to the table every step of the way.
Outside of real estate, I enjoy staying active, volunteering, spending time with family, and being part of a community I truly care about.
Let’s connect—I’d be honored to help you take the next step with confidence.
Call me at 912-596-4261
Meet Evelyn
Hi, I’m Evelyn Forston —a people-oriented, house-obsessed, dog-loving soul!💛🏡🐾
I'm a Realtor, Advisor and Associate Broker serving both Residential and Commercial Real Estate clients across Georgia and Alabama. I believe Real Estate is more than closings and contracts—it’s about connection, service, and walking with people through some of life’s biggest milestones.
I don't just sell properties—I shepherd people through meaningful life transitions with my professional partner, who is also my fiancé- David Hickox.
Whether I’m helping a family buy their first home, assisting an investor with a new commercial venture, or supporting someone in a major life transition, I treat every client with care, strategy, and heart. My experience spans residential and commercial sales, multi-family, single-family, and property management—which means I can offer smart advice, creative solutions, and real results.
I grew up in the Chattahoochee Valley and proudly graduated from both Brookstone School and Columbus State University. I love this community deeply and it shows in how I live and serve. I’m a 2022 East Alabama Leadership graduate, a member of the East Alabama Board of Realtors, a 2025 “star” for the Alzheimer’s Association Dancing Stars of Columbus, and I serve as the 2025 Entertainment Committee Chair for the Columbus Board of Realtors.
I live, work, and thrive in the Columbus, GA / Phenix City, AL area with my fiancé and real estate partner, David Hickox. We love helping people turn dreams into keys and investments into income.
My Mission
To create a Real Estate experience that’s not just successful—but supportive, empowering, and even a little bit fun. I want every client to feel heard, cared for, and confident from day one to closing day (and beyond!). I'll be your advisor and friend!
How I Can Help
Buying or selling Residential or Commercial Real Estate. Relocating with ease. Downsizing or upsizing strategically. Leasing or listing commercial properties. Supporting first-time buyers and seasoned investors alike. Navigating transitions with compassion and clarity.
I find deep joy in helping others. Whether I’m matching clients with their dream space or sneaking a treat to a four-legged friend, I lead with heart, faith, and a whole lot of enthusiasm.
If you’re looking for a Realtor who is experienced, loves people, and leads with heart—I’m your girl. Let’s make your next move your best one yet.
Call me at 205-901-6756
I'd be honored to put my over 15 years of multiple aspects of Real Estate experience to work for you!
💫 Explore what’s happening in the area:
Chattahoochee Valley Living Calendar
#ResidentialAndCommercial #RealtorLife #Teamwork #YourNextMoveStartsHere
Keller Williams Realty River Cities-Official
