Hey I'm James Hayley

Hometown Realtor Serving Auburn & Opelika

Lee County has always been my home. I'll treat your purchase or sale as if it were my own, with more than 1,000 closings and a whole team behind you.

Let's talk or call 334-559-1320
  • Dave Ramsey trusted Pro
  • Zillow Premier Agent
  • #1 in Lee County transactions, 2020–2026
James Hayley smiling in a navy quarter-zip, with autumn leaves behind him
James sitting on a lake dock with his son in his lap, holding a sparkler at sunset
James walking down a marina dock holding hands with his son and daughter

About

James Hayley

I was born and raised in Auburn, and I've spent my whole life in Lee County. I take special interest, care and pride in this market because it has always been my home. I don't just know the market data. I know the neighborhoods, the schools and the people.

Since 2020 I've closed more real estate transactions than any agent in Lee County, every single year. Along the way I've built strong connections from construction to property management and everything in between, and I've been blessed to work with clients from all over the country and the world. Whether you're looking for your dream home, listing your property or buying an investment, I'll put you in the best position for a smooth closing.

Total homes sold
1,000+
Closings in the last 12 months
100+
Star rating on Zillow
5.0
In Lee County transactions, 2020–2026
#1

Why work with me

More than an agent in your corner.

When you hire me, you're not just getting one agent. You get the entire Hayley Real Estate team, our own maintenance crew, and one of the largest leasing offices in Lee County.

  1. A local expert. This is home.

    I grew up in Auburn and I've lived in Lee County my whole life. Nobody knows Auburn and Opelika real estate like someone who has lived it, from which streets flood in a storm to which neighborhoods feed into which schools.

  2. Lee County's #1 agent, year after year

    I've been the top producer in Lee County real estate transactions every year from 2020 through 2026. More than 1,000 total sales and 100+ closings in the past 12 months means I've seen almost every situation, and I know how to negotiate through it.

  3. A whole company behind you

    Rick Hayley, Kurt Hayley, Jeff Glasscock and Anthony Greenlee are with you every step of the way. Pre-listing fixes and inspection repairs are handled by our own licensed handymen, plumbers and electricians, and our leasing office can price out renting versus selling side by side.

  4. Personally there for every showing

    I make sure every light is on before a buyer walks in, meet every buyer's agent with a custom handout for your home, then step aside so they can enjoy it. Afterward I turn the lights off myself, so the last impression of your home is bright and inviting.

  5. An instant cash offer, if you want one

    Rather skip showings and open houses? Our investor network can make a cash offer on your home quickly. Fast, certain and on your schedule, and priced side by side with a traditional listing so you can choose.

Sell your home

Why list with me.

Most sellers assume marketing means putting a home in the MLS and hoping buyers find it. We run six systems on every listing, in this order, to create more demand for your home so it sells faster and for more money.

  1. Pricing that creates competition

    Price is the first thing every buyer sees. We price from buyer behavior, search ranges, competition and timing, with a full professional CMA, so your home draws more buyers and stronger offers instead of silence.

  2. Coming Soon marketing

    We promote your home before it officially hits the market, so launch day starts with real momentum and a list of interested buyers instead of starting from zero.

  3. A Grand Opening open house

    Instead of showings spread out over weeks, we bring buyers through in one high-impact window. Visible demand creates urgency, and urgency leads to faster decisions and stronger offers.

  4. Professional photos, everywhere buyers search

    We pay for professional photography on every listing, then syndicate your home to hundreds of sites, plus Facebook, Instagram and Google, so it's easy to find no matter where buyers look.

  5. The Reverse Offer

    Most agents wait for buyers to make a move. We reach out to the buyers who have already shown interest in your home and start the conversations that lead to offers.

  6. Zillow Showcase, and we pay for it

    3D tours, an interactive floor plan and premium search placement. Showcase listings sell for about 2% more and go pending faster, and we're one of only a few teams in Lee County that offer it.

Contact James for a free pricing consultation, with no obligation.

Contact James

Some of my work

Featured homes, the photos and the story behind each sale.

More listing media from past sales

  • White board-and-batten farmhouse with a metal-roofed front porch and a wide green lawn
    Exterior photography
  • White kitchen with a long blue island and copper pendant lights
    Interior photography
  • Aerial view of a farmhouse on a large cleared lot backed by woods
    Aerial photography
Video tour
Video tour

A review from a recent seller

  • “James did a great job marketing our condo. We were already long distance, and knowing James had our back gave us great peace of mind. Sold at asking price! Great job, James!”

    JobySold a condo in Auburn, 2026

Thinking about selling? Let's walk your home together.

Request a home walkthrough

Reviews

Don't take my word for it.

  • The Holland family holding a framed sign with their new home's coordinates in Opelika, beside James
  • A client holding a framed Gullette-Smith Family sign beside James at closing
  • James with a smiling veteran and his wife in front of a stone wall
  • James with two clients in the driveway of their new gray craftsman home
  • James taking a selfie with two happy clients on the porch of their new home
  • “He made this process that for most is scary and stressful, something that my wife and I actually enjoyed.”

    Brandon

  • “Born and raised in this community, James truly has a keen perspective of the market and is also a joy to work with.”

    Mike

  • “He kept in close contact throughout the process and answered questions we didn't even know we had yet.”

    First-time buyers, Opelika

  • “Would absolutely recommend him over any other agent in the area.”

    David

  • “Attentive and always willing to help day and night.”

    Gina

  • “Outstanding in every way, listening to our needs and desires.”

    Tom & Cindy

  • “Sincere in helping you find what fits best for you.”

    Jared

Client stories on video

Coming soon. Past clients telling it in their own words.

Read more reviews

RamseyTrusted

A trusted Dave Ramsey Pro agent.

RamseyTrusted Pro for Auburn & Opelika

I'm proud to be a RamseyTrusted Pro agent, recommended by Ramsey Solutions. Dave Ramsey has been giving money advice on the radio since 1992, and his 7 Baby Steps have helped millions of people pay off debt, save money and build wealth. Ramsey only recommends agents who have the experience to get the job done and the heart of a teacher, so you get honest advice without the pressure.

If you're working the Baby Steps, I speak your language. I'll never push you into more house than your plan allows. We'll find a home that fits your budget and your goals, using the same guidelines Dave teaches:

  • A monthly payment no more than 25% of your take-home pay
  • A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, or paying cash
  • At least 10% down, and 20% if you can, to avoid PMI

Selling? Whether you're downsizing, relocating or using your equity to get debt-free, I'll help you net the most from your home and move into your next chapter with confidence.

Buy or sell the Ramsey way

Teach first, never pressure

I'll walk you through every number, every option and every offer, so you make the decision with total confidence.

A plan you can live with

A home should be a blessing, not a burden. We'll stay inside the budget you set, even when the market gets exciting.

Experience that's been vetted

1,000+ closings and a 5.0 rating on Zillow and Google. That track record is what earned the RamseyTrusted recommendation.

Real estate background

I don't just sell real estate. I believe in it.

Red brick duplex with arched windows, trimmed hedges and a wide driveway
My first investment property

Anything I recommend in real estate comes from experience, not only from the sales side, but also as an investor and buyer myself. I don't just sell real estate as a source of income; I truly believe in it.

I purchased my first investment property at 25, and that investment had a major impact on my life. I was lucky enough to have a great Realtor and mentor who helped guide me through the process, and I'm grateful that I now get the opportunity to do the same for others.

Investment properties are one of my true passions in real estate. I've purchased turnkey rental properties and Airbnbs, bought properties that needed work before they could be rented, and purchased and sold flips. I've made money, lost money, and encountered plenty of challenges along the way.

I take those experiences and use them today when helping my clients. If you have any interest in real estate investing, whether you want to understand what makes a property cash flow, when it might make sense to sell or hold, or when to buy more, I'd absolutely love to sit down and talk about it. And who knows, maybe we'll even find an opportunity to invest together.

Let's talk investing

Contact

Let's talk about your next move.

Buying, selling, investing, or only curious about the market. Ask me anything.