Decades of leadership experience put the client at the center of service.
Pleasanton, CA — October 08, 2026 — NextHome is proud to announce our newest addition to the franchise, NextHome Advocates, located in Hoover, Alabama.
NextHome Advocates provides client-centered service throughout Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, and the remainder of Jefferson and Shelby counties. Equipped with decades of local real estate experience, the brokerage offers services in residential resale, investment, townhomes, first-time home buying, and all other types of residential real estate.
NextHome Advocates is owned by Deb Long and her husband, Randy Long. Deb is a detail-oriented professional with more than 20 years of expertise in Alabama’s residential housing market. Her career has spanned both small boutiques and nationally franchised firms, with a through line of prioritizing people.
“The most important things I hope people know about me and the way we run this brokerage are that I love God and I love people,” Deb said. “For me, success has been about living out my faith, continually learning and growing, and using what I’ve learned to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Deb traces her love for residential real estate back to her childhood. As a student, she enrolled in a career academy program centered on architecture, eventually building a model house as a school project with the help of her grandfather, a framing contractor.
That experience sparked a lasting interest in houses, construction, and design.
“I love to learn,” Deb said. “I’m always taking a class. I’m always learning something new. If it’s the latest and greatest, I want to know about it, because then I get to take those skills back and help my clients.”
After 20 years in the industry, Deb developed extensive knowledge of contracts, negotiations, and the constantly changing real estate landscape, which she brings to her clients. In 2018, she opened her own independent office, Today’s Home.
Amid her numerous professional accomplishments, Deb views professional recognition as secondary to the trust she earns from the people she represents.
“The most meaningful part of real estate is helping people navigate a life-changing transaction,” Deb said.
That focus means Deb prioritizes advocating for every client.
“That’s why we are NextHome Advocates,” Deb explained. “The advocate goes before you and is looking for ways to protect you before problems arise.”
After several years of listening to the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered podcast, Deb knew she needed to become a NextHome franchise owner.
While listening to the podcast in the car, Deb’s husband and business partner, Randy, reached over and paused the episode, saying that Deb should really consider joining NextHome.
“Little did he know that making the move to NextHome had been on my heart for quite a while,” Deb said. “That was just confirmation it was the right thing to do.”
Today, Deb is aligning the future of her business with NextHome’s Humans Over Houses approach.
“This company directly aligns with where we are, in that it’s all about people,” Deb said. “The fundamentals of a NextHome office all support that mission. I’m excited about partnering with a company that is on the forefront of industry changes, is progressive with technology, and genuinely loves people as much as I do.”
Deb and Randy have three grown children, six grandchildren, and another grandchild on the way. For 12 years, Deb has dedicated her day off to spending time with her grandchildren, picking them up from school, helping with homework, cooking dinner, and simply being present in their lives. She continues to protect that time, even turning down board opportunities when they would interfere with her commitment to her family.
“My board is my grandkids,” Deb said. “It’s my dedication.”
Please join us in congratulating Deb on the opening of NextHome Advocates in Hoover, Alabama!
Interested in being a part of the NextHome Real Estate Franchise? Contact Charis Moreno at [email protected].
Each office is an independently owned and operated business.