Birmingham Alabama Real Estate Blog
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We have heard the news and we continue to hear the news that we are all in a housing slump. Like many real estate agents, I, too, do not necessarily agree with all that is being said. Like Gary Keller (Founder of Keller Williams Realty) said, all real estate is local and there is no national market.
Keeping that mind, let's first mention that comparisons in the Jefferson and Shelby County areas are all compared to 2006. That year, 2006, was the best year ever for our market and we are on track to have the second best year ever since we are down.
However, Shelby County is remaining strong and is proving to be one of the least affected areasin Alabama. How do we know? I was reading an article on al.com, Shelby County Least Affected by Year's Housing Slump, and the stats tell the story.
Housing permits for one tell one story. According to the article Shelby County has issued 1,428 building permits, down 18% from 2006 (our record year). The rest of the state's average is 23.9% down and the national average is 25% down. According to the article, "Much of Shelby County's growth is concentrated in commuter subdivisions and high-end neighborhoods in its northern crescent, bordering Jefferson County, and extending out on U.S. 280."
Another story can be told by foreclosures (2007's new f word). Shelby County has had 249 filings for foreclosure up 25% from last year, Jefferson County (the next door neighbor) has had a 90% increase, and Alabama, as a whole has had a 168% increase.
I think the market here can be best summed up by some word given us by Al Knight, a local developer, who said, "What is happening here does not compare to what is going on nationally... taking all that gloom and applying it here. It just doesn't fit."
Looking to Buy Birmingham Alabama Real Estate?
If you want to buy a home in the Birmingham Alabama area- we've made it fast and easy for you to search all the Birmingham Alabama homes for sale . Search just like the best Birmingham AL Realtors and see all the properties being sold by all Birmingham Alabama Real Estate agents.
Enjoy our fully customizable property search of the complete Birmingham Alabama MLS (multiple listing service) of single family homes, condos, and town houses. We specialize in helping you buy a Birmingham Alabama real estate bargain.(foreclosures and bank owned homes)
Specializing in Selling Birmingham AL Homes
The first thing home sellers need to know is "What's my Birmingham AL home worth right NOW?" and what are Birmingham home prices doing by neighborhood. Our experience shows it all depends on where YOU live. Please ask for a FREE Comparable Market Analysis Report - CMA on your home so you can see what is actually happening in your neighborhood! No obligation, of course.
Experience shows that to sell a home in Birmingham AL today requires more than just putting a sign in the yard or putting the property information in the MLS.
Successful home sellers have found they need the advice of skilled Real Estate counsultants like us, who have:
- strong negotiating skills to get your home sold quickly for the most money even in this real estate market,
- a strong internet marketing plan like our Smart Home Selling Plan. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our plan we make sure they are seeing your home first and we also have a
- deep understanding of what's really happening with home values in your real estate market ( Birmingham Real Estate Market Reports by area).
We have helped many families sell their Birmingham homes, quickly and painlessly even in this difficult housing market. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our Smart Home Selling Plan we make sure they are seeing your home first.
Call us to schedule your FREE private real estate consultation to fully understand your home selling options (no pressure no hassles - guaranteed).
Whether you are buying or selling Birmingham AL homes | Hoover homes | Vestavia homes | Mountain Brook Homes | Pelham Homes |Helena Homes | Trussville Homes |Homewood Homes - we can help!
Call me today at - 205-383-3358.
Stephen Wolfe - Birmingham Alabama Realtor
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I have been talking a lot here lately about the importance of communication, and I have found, yet, another illustration that is worth taking a look at.
Communication, as I have probably said before, is more than just talking and listening. It is understanding. It is so very important for us all, really no matter the industry, that communication also involves understanding.
It is a goal of ours to not just ask the right questions and listen to your answer. It is our goal to truly understand what it is all of our buyers and sellers want and expect.
Only when we understand can we truly help someone accomplish what they want and reach their goals. It is also important as a consumer to make sure that whoever is helping you understands what you want to accomplish. If we seem to be off target. let us know. It won't offend us. It will help us.
Remember our goal is understanding. If we can do this, we will have the opportunity to give you an amazing experience!
Looking to Buy Birmingham Alabama Real Estate?
If you want to buy a home in the Birmingham Alabama area- we've made it fast and easy for you to search all the Birmingham Alabama homes for sale . Search just like the best Birmingham AL Realtors and see all the properties being sold by all Birmingham Alabama Real Estate agents.
Enjoy our fully customizable property search of the complete Birmingham Alabama MLS (multiple listing service) of single family homes, condos, and town houses. We specialize in helping you buy a Birmingham Alabama real estate bargain.(foreclosures and bank owned homes)
Specializing in Selling Birmingham AL Homes
The first thing home sellers need to know is "What's my Birmingham AL home worth right NOW?" and what are Birmingham home prices doing by neighborhood. Our experience shows it all depends on where YOU live. Please ask for a FREE Comparable Market Analysis Report - CMA on your home so you can see what is actually happening in your neighborhood! No obligation, of course.
Experience shows that to sell a home in Birmingham AL today requires more than just putting a sign in the yard or putting the property information in the MLS.
Successful home sellers have found they need the advice of skilled Real Estate counsultants like us, who have:
- strong negotiating skills to get your home sold quickly for the most money even in this real estate market,
- a strong internet marketing plan like our Smart Home Selling Plan. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our plan we make sure they are seeing your home first and we also have a
- deep understanding of what's really happening with home values in your real estate market ( Birmingham Real Estate Market Reports by area).
We have helped many families sell their Birmingham homes, quickly and painlessly even in this difficult housing market. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our Smart Home Selling Plan we make sure they are seeing your home first.
Call us to schedule your FREE private real estate consultation to fully understand your home selling options (no pressure no hassles - guaranteed).
Whether you are buying or selling Birmingham AL homes | Hoover homes | Vestavia homes | Mountain Brook Homes | Pelham Homes |Helena Homes | Trussville Homes |Homewood Homes - we can help!
Call me today at - 205-383-3358.
Stephen Wolfe - Birmingham Alabama Realtor
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Halloween can be a fun time for all of us with families, but like all else. We need to make sure we are doing the things to make sure it is safe and fun.
I found this website, Halloween Safety Guide, while doing some searches on Halloween Safety and thought it would be a benefit to us all.
On the site they outlined safety tips for kids, parents, pets, parties, costumes, and yard haunts. Some of the tips they gave were:
- "Teaching your kids basic everyday safety such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, watching both ways before crossing streets and crossing when the lights tell you to, will help make them safer when they are out Trick or Treating."
- "The best bet is to make sure that an adult is going with them. If you can't take them, see if another parent or a teen aged sibling can go along."
- "To keep things moving for either an adult party or child's party, make sure that you have some games, like a scavenger hunt or a murder mystery planned in advance."
- "Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you."
- "When building your haunt, make sure that the walk ways are far enough away from things so that people can't trip over them or hurt themselves. This also is good for you, this means that your visitors won't be able to ruin your props and sets. Some people just have to vandalize at this time of year and ruin it for others."
- "If you are going to dress your pet in a costume, keep in mind that unless the dog or cat is extremely receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing it discomfort and stress. Some animals don't mind at all but others do not want to be bothered with this kind of thing. They'll be under enough stress with the festivities going on outside and people at the door constantly so don't cause them any more nervousness then you have to. You may love to dress in costume but then, you aren't a dog or a cat."
These were just some of the tips they listed. It would be a good idea for anyone participating to check out all the lists themselves! It is Halloween Safety Guide.
Let's make sure our memories are a treat and not a haunting and frightening remembrance!
Looking to Buy Birmingham Alabama Real Estate?
If you want to buy a home in the Birmingham Alabama area- we've made it fast and easy for you to search all the Birmingham Alabama homes for sale . Search just like the best Birmingham AL Realtors and see all the properties being sold by all Birmingham Alabama Real Estate agents.
Enjoy our fully customizable property search of the complete Birmingham Alabama MLS (multiple listing service) of single family homes, condos, and town houses. We specialize in helping you buy a Birmingham Alabama real estate bargain.(foreclosures and bank owned homes)
Specializing in Selling Birmingham AL Homes
The first thing home sellers need to know is "What's my Birmingham AL home worth right NOW?" and what are Birmingham home prices doing by neighborhood. Our experience shows it all depends on where YOU live. Please ask for a FREE Comparable Market Analysis Report - CMA on your home so you can see what is actually happening in your neighborhood! No obligation, of course.
Experience shows that to sell a home in Birmingham AL today requires more than just putting a sign in the yard or putting the property information in the MLS.
Successful home sellers have found they need the advice of skilled Real Estate counsultants like us, who have:
- strong negotiating skills to get your home sold quickly for the most money even in this real estate market,
- a strong internet marketing plan like our Smart Home Selling Plan. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our plan we make sure they are seeing your home first and we also have a
- deep understanding of what's really happening with home values in your real estate market ( Birmingham Real Estate Market Reports by area).
We have helped many families sell their Birmingham homes, quickly and painlessly even in this difficult housing market. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our Smart Home Selling Plan we make sure they are seeing your home first.
Call us to schedule your FREE private real estate consultation to fully understand your home selling options (no pressure no hassles - guaranteed).
Whether you are buying or selling Birmingham AL homes | Hoover homes | Vestavia homes | Mountain Brook Homes | Pelham Homes |Helena Homes | Trussville Homes |Homewood Homes - we can help!
Call me today at - 205-383-3358.
Stephen Wolfe - Birmingham Alabama Realtor
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I was reading a couple of articles today that I found quite interesting. I was hoping and wondering if you could give me some clarity. I am interested in what the real estate community and the general community have to say on this topic.
The first article was Cities Find New Ways to Discourage McMansions. In this article we learned of the steps different areas were taking to slow down, or, really, eliminate this trend of building "McMansions." Some of the steps being taken were limits on square footage, extra fees, or caps for builders.
The second article was Market for Billionaire Palaces Is Booming. This article described the ever growing market for multi-million dollar estates. Rick Goodwin, publisher of Ultimate Homes, noted this by saying that, "Three years ago the most expensive property on the market was $75 million, and now it's $155 million."
Let me note upfront that I have not yet come to a personal opinion on this issue. I am really just throwing out some initial thoughts.
As I read these articles I couldn't help but wonder, are these two articles were at some odds with each other on some level?One question I think of is, if there is a market for these "McMansions" should'nt we build them? Isn't this what free market is about? Aren't we putting limits on what people can have? Are they going to put in 
place income limits next? Doesn't this sound like government leading the people rather than government by the people? I digress.
I know of some areas that at what time were solely small cottages (2 bedroom/1bath/1000 square feet) and now have a large and growing number of large cottages (4 bedrooms/3 baths/2500 square feet or larger). This trend has been good economically for the area, and has not taken away from the "feel" of the community since they mostly have kept with the same style. If these limits had been in place there, would the prosperity have come? Would this trend of home improvement and addition have started?
I have seen homes that really outshine their surroundings and, as a real estate agent, I have to think that it could be their loss. They may never get the money out of it if the neighborhood does not adapt too. But, shouldn't this be a chance that they are allowed to take?
I am curious to hear your thoughts and opinions. Does anyone really have any thoughts and opinions on this? Let me hear them.
Looking to Buy Birmingham Alabama Real Estate?
If you want to buy a home in the Birmingham Alabama area- we've made it fast and easy for you to search all the Birmingham Alabama homes for sale . Search just like the best Birmingham AL Realtors and see all the properties being sold by all Birmingham Alabama Real Estate agents.
Enjoy our fully customizable property search of the complete Birmingham Alabama MLS (multiple listing service) of single family homes, condos, and town houses. We specialize in helping you buy a Birmingham Alabama real estate bargain.(foreclosures and bank owned homes)
Specializing in Selling Birmingham AL Homes
The first thing home sellers need to know is "What's my Birmingham AL home worth right NOW?" and what are Birmingham home prices doing by neighborhood. Our experience shows it all depends on where YOU live. Please ask for a FREE Comparable Market Analysis Report - CMA on your home so you can see what is actually happening in your neighborhood! No obligation, of course.
Experience shows that to sell a home in Birmingham AL today requires more than just putting a sign in the yard or putting the property information in the MLS.
Successful home sellers have found they need the advice of skilled Real Estate counsultants like us, who have:
- strong negotiating skills to get your home sold quickly for the most money even in this real estate market,
- a strong internet marketing plan like our Smart Home Selling Plan. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our plan we make sure they are seeing your home first and we also have a
- deep understanding of what's really happening with home values in your real estate market ( Birmingham Real Estate Market Reports by area).
We have helped many families sell their Birmingham homes, quickly and painlessly even in this difficult housing market. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our Smart Home Selling Plan we make sure they are seeing your home first.
Call us to schedule your FREE private real estate consultation to fully understand your home selling options (no pressure no hassles - guaranteed).
Whether you are buying or selling Birmingham AL homes | Hoover homes | Vestavia homes | Mountain Brook Homes | Pelham Homes |Helena Homes | Trussville Homes |Homewood Homes - we can help!
Call me today at - 205-383-3358.
Stephen Wolfe - Birmingham Alabama Realtor
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I was reading an article today from the National Association of Realtors, 6 Common Housing Problems that Spook Buyers, and found that there are some things that will make a buyer run from a potential property.
One of the important things the article pointed out was the importance of a home inspection and the need, if possible, for the buyer to be at the inspection. If you are at the home inspection you might have the opportunity to ask questions for clarification and understanding.
The article listed six things, or issues, that seem to cause the most fear: (I have added my own commentary to their information.)
1. Water damage. After walking through a house nothing worries potential buyers more than water spots or clear water damage. It was noted in the article that "all water damage isn't serious." One of things you will want to know is whether the water damage or leak is major or minor. While major leaks can be be quite costly, some minor ones may only require a few hundred dollars or less. So, it might be worth your while to get an estimate from a professional who can let you know how serious it is and what it might take to remedy.
2. Missing permits. In today's HGTV world, there are a lot of do-it-yourself types out there working on their homes. Something they might neglect to do is get a permit to do the work. Before you completely mark this off the list, the article suggests that you "ask the home inspector if the work was done well and meets code requirements..." If it was done well and passes inspection it might be a nice addition.
3. Code violations. Sometimes you might hear an inspector utter those words. Find out what it would take to bring the situation up to code. Often, in older homes, you might find plumbing or electrical work that is out of date. Some code repairs might be as simple as replacing a plug outlet. So ask.
4. Cracks in the garage floor. I have been in many homes and seen cracks in the basement floor or driveway. From talking with some inspectors, most of these cracks are nothing more than settling and are not indicative of structural problems. Find out from the home inspector whether they are or not. If they do suggest a problem, find out what the problem is and what it might take to correct it.
5. Termites. Damage or a presence of termites can be seen in a large part of the country. Alabama does have them, like most of the south. If they are found, first, they need to be gotton rid of. Once they are gone, you will be able to see what kind of damage has been done and find out what it might take to fix it. If your home isn't protected, we would recommend you getting a bond and regular treatment to prevent further occupation or damage.
6. Foundation cracks and other foundation issues. Cracks can be found in the foundation of many dated homes. If you find any, I would do as the article suggests and "Get an expert to inspect the problem and estimate - what if anything - needs to be done."
Looking to Buy Birmingham Alabama Real Estate?
If you want to buy a home in the Birmingham Alabama area- we've made it fast and easy for you to search all the Birmingham Alabama homes for sale . Search just like the best Birmingham AL Realtors and see all the properties being sold by all Birmingham Alabama Real Estate agents.
Enjoy our fully customizable property search of the complete Birmingham Alabama MLS (multiple listing service) of single family homes, condos, and town houses. We specialize in helping you buy a Birmingham Alabama real estate bargain.(foreclosures and bank owned homes)
Specializing in Selling Birmingham AL Homes
The first thing home sellers need to know is "What's my Birmingham AL home worth right NOW?" and what are Birmingham home prices doing by neighborhood. Our experience shows it all depends on where YOU live. Please ask for a FREE Comparable Market Analysis Report - CMA on your home so you can see what is actually happening in your neighborhood! No obligation, of course.
Experience shows that to sell a home in Birmingham AL today requires more than just putting a sign in the yard or putting the property information in the MLS.
Successful home sellers have found they need the advice of skilled Real Estate counsultants like us, who have:
- strong negotiating skills to get your home sold quickly for the most money even in this real estate market,
- a strong internet marketing plan like our Smart Home Selling Plan. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our plan we make sure they are seeing your home first and we also have a
- deep understanding of what's really happening with home values in your real estate market ( Birmingham Real Estate Market Reports by area).
We have helped many families sell their Birmingham homes, quickly and painlessly even in this difficult housing market. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our Smart Home Selling Plan we make sure they are seeing your home first.
Call us to schedule your FREE private real estate consultation to fully understand your home selling options (no pressure no hassles - guaranteed).
Whether you are buying or selling Birmingham AL homes | Hoover homes | Vestavia homes | Mountain Brook Homes | Pelham Homes |Helena Homes | Trussville Homes |Homewood Homes - we can help!
Call me today at - 205-383-3358.
Stephen Wolfe - Birmingham Alabama Realtor
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The Birmingham Alabama Luxury Home Market has been coming up a lot over the past few weeks based upon statistics from the Birmingham MLS. According to the Birmingham MLS luxury home sales are up. (Let me note for this article, I am classifying luxury properties as those that sell/list for one million or more.)
Sold Properties
Date Range | Number Sold | Average Price | Price Range | Avg. Days on Market | Percent of Asking Price |
Jan-Sept 2006 | 69 | $1,375,566 | $1,000,000-$2,700,000 | 108 | 95.54% |
Jan-Sept 2007 | 85 | | $1,000,000-$3,495,000 | 122 | 94.66% |
According to the chart, 85 million dollar plus homes have sold so far this year. The highest price sell was $3,495,000 and the average million dollar plus home that sold, sold for $1,463,868. Average days on market for the sold luxury homes was 122 days up 14 days from the same time frame in 2006. However, the average sold price is $1,463,868 which is up $88,302 from the same time period last year.
Listed Properties
Date Range | Number Listed | Average Price | Price Range | Avg. Days on Market | Percent of Asking Price |
Jan-Sept 2006 | 216 | $1,572,977 | $1,000,000-$4,500,000 | | |
Jan-Sept 2007 | 239 | $1,540,245 | $1,000,000-$4,999,000 | | |
According to the chart, 239 million dollar plus properties have been listed this year. This number is up from 216 properties during the same period last year. Unlike the sold properties though, the average list price is down $33,732. Let me add the even with these numbers being high all of them do not stay on the market. Many are withdrawn or expire and not put back on the market.
Properties Still Active
Date Range | Number Active | Average Price | Price Range | Avg. Days on Market | Percent of Asking Price |
Present: as of 10/26/07 | 174 | $1,649,460 | $1,000,000-$4,999,000 | 178 | |
| | | | | |
According to the chart, there are 174 active million dollar plus properties. The highest price home right now is for $4,999,000. Average active price is $1,645,460. The average days on market for the active properties are 178 days.
* Areas included are Jefferson, Shelby, and St. Clair Counties
* All statistics are accurate as of 10/26/07 according to the Birmingham MLS
Looking to Buy Birmingham Alabama Real Estate?
If you want to buy a home in the Birmingham Alabama area- we've made it fast and easy for you to search all the Birmingham Alabama homes for sale . Search just like the best Birmingham AL Realtors and see all the properties being sold by all Birmingham Alabama Real Estate agents.
Enjoy our fully customizable property search of the complete Birmingham Alabama MLS (multiple listing service) of single family homes, condos, and town houses. We specialize in helping you buy a Birmingham Alabama real estate bargain.(foreclosures and bank owned homes)
Specializing in Selling Birmingham AL Homes
The first thing home sellers need to know is "What's my Birmingham AL home worth right NOW?" and what are Birmingham home prices doing by neighborhood. Our experience shows it all depends on where YOU live. Please ask for a FREE Comparable Market Analysis Report - CMA on your home so you can see what is actually happening in your neighborhood! No obligation, of course.
Experience shows that to sell a home in Birmingham AL today requires more than just putting a sign in the yard or putting the property information in the MLS.
Successful home sellers have found they need the advice of skilled Real Estate counsultants like us, who have:
- strong negotiating skills to get your home sold quickly for the most money even in this real estate market,
- a strong internet marketing plan like our Smart Home Selling Plan. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our plan we make sure they are seeing your home first and we also have a
- deep understanding of what's really happening with home values in your real estate market ( Birmingham Real Estate Market Reports by area).
We have helped many families sell their Birmingham homes, quickly and painlessly even in this difficult housing market. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our Smart Home Selling Plan we make sure they are seeing your home first.
Call us to schedule your FREE private real estate consultation to fully understand your home selling options (no pressure no hassles - guaranteed).
Whether you are buying or selling Birmingham AL homes | Hoover homes | Vestavia homes | Mountain Brook Homes | Pelham Homes |Helena Homes | Trussville Homes |Homewood Homes - we can help!
Call me today at - 205-383-3358.
Stephen Wolfe - Birmingham Alabama Realtor
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I got an email yesterday sharing this with me and thought there was something definitely to be learned from it.
An office was having a "going away" party for a lady in their office. Someone called a store (yes, I did omit the name) and ordered the cake. Here are his instructions:
"He told them to write: "Best Wishes Suzanne" and underneath that write "We will miss you"."
You can tell from the picture that things didn't quite turn out as was intended.
What can we learn from this? Communication is key! I have always heard people say that you need to ask questions and listen.
But, it is not enough to just ask questions and listen to the answers. We need to be sure that we understand what they are saying. Otherwise we might find ourselves with a face full of cake.
Rest assured, that one of the things that we want to be sure that we are doing is listening to our clients and making sure that we have understanding. This helps us assist you more effectively and efficently so you can find your dream home.
Looking to Buy Birmingham Alabama Real Estate?
If you want to buy a home in the Birmingham Alabama area- we've made it fast and easy for you to search all the Birmingham Alabama homes for sale . Search just like the best Birmingham AL Realtors and see all the properties being sold by all Birmingham Alabama Real Estate agents.
Enjoy our fully customizable property search of the complete Birmingham Alabama MLS (multiple listing service) of single family homes, condos, and town houses. We specialize in helping you buy a Birmingham Alabama real estate bargain.(foreclosures and bank owned homes)
Specializing in Selling Birmingham AL Homes
The first thing home sellers need to know is "What's my Birmingham AL home worth right NOW?" and what are Birmingham home prices doing by neighborhood. Our experience shows it all depends on where YOU live. Please ask for a FREE Comparable Market Analysis Report - CMA on your home so you can see what is actually happening in your neighborhood! No obligation, of course.
Experience shows that to sell a home in Birmingham AL today requires more than just putting a sign in the yard or putting the property information in the MLS.
Successful home sellers have found they need the advice of skilled Real Estate counsultants like us, who have:
- strong negotiating skills to get your home sold quickly for the most money even in this real estate market,
- a strong internet marketing plan like our Smart Home Selling Plan. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our plan we make sure they are seeing your home first and we also have a
- deep understanding of what's really happening with home values in your real estate market ( Birmingham Real Estate Market Reports by area).
We have helped many families sell their Birmingham homes, quickly and painlessly even in this difficult housing market. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our Smart Home Selling Plan we make sure they are seeing your home first.
Call us to schedule your FREE private real estate consultation to fully understand your home selling options (no pressure no hassles - guaranteed).
Whether you are buying or selling Birmingham AL homes | Hoover homes | Vestavia homes | Mountain Brook Homes | Pelham Homes |Helena Homes | Trussville Homes |Homewood Homes - we can help!
Call me today at - 205-383-3358.
Stephen Wolfe - Birmingham Alabama Realtor
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Home Owners and Home Sellers, you may or may not realize this, but what you are doing right now in your home, whether it is on the market or not, will make an impact on how long it takes your home to sell, how much you will make on the sell of your home, and how difficult or easy the sell will be.
You will learn that when your home goes on the market that any semblance of privacy goes out the window. Your house becomes more of a display piece than a home.
Since we are taking a look in the bathroom, you will agree that there are some things (sights, smells, sounds, etc...) that buyers (visitors) will not want to experience while in that room.
So what do you do to prepare that bathroom for guests?
We have identified four things to do to prepare your bathroom for guests, and these are:
- Clean
- Fix
- Sanitize
- Finishing touch
Today, we want to discuss step 3, the Finishing Touches! Hopefully, you have cleaned, repaired, sanitzed, and are ready to wrap things up.
There are a number of ideas to keep in mind and this list is not exhaustive. For example, on the counter many agents suggest only having three items such as potpourri, a new soap dispenser and a plant. Also, keep things off the top of the toilet tank (in case prospective buyers and/or inspectors may want to sneak a peek).
Something else we need to remember is maintenance. We need to maintain the clean scent and fresh appearance of the bathroom. This means keeping away the clutter and dust and grime that seems to show up. Clutter, by the way, can be seen as toothbrushes, hair brushes, hair blowers, make-up, etc... I think you get the picture. For the staging benefit, you might want to be sure that a clean set of towels and or robe can be on display as well. After the big clean-up and repair job in the bathroom, it is important to maintain the fresh smell and appearance each day the house is on the market.
Hopefully this will help create the kind of bathroom that someone can imagine moving in to.
Looking to Buy Birmingham Alabama Real Estate?
If you want to buy a home in the Birmingham Alabama area- we've made it fast and easy for you to search all the Birmingham Alabama homes for sale . Search just like the best Birmingham AL Realtors and see all the properties being sold by all Birmingham Alabama Real Estate agents.
Enjoy our fully customizable property search of the complete Birmingham Alabama MLS (multiple listing service) of single family homes, condos, and town houses. We specialize in helping you buy a Birmingham Alabama real estate bargain.(foreclosures and bank owned homes)
Specializing in Selling Birmingham AL Homes
The first thing home sellers need to know is "What's my Birmingham AL home worth right NOW?" and what are Birmingham home prices doing by neighborhood. Our experience shows it all depends on where YOU live. Please ask for a FREE Comparable Market Analysis Report - CMA on your home so you can see what is actually happening in your neighborhood! No obligation, of course.
Experience shows that to sell a home in Birmingham AL today requires more than just putting a sign in the yard or putting the property information in the MLS.
Successful home sellers have found they need the advice of skilled Real Estate counsultants like us, who have:
- strong negotiating skills to get your home sold quickly for the most money even in this real estate market,
- a strong internet marketing plan like our Smart Home Selling Plan. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our plan we make sure they are seeing your home first and we also have a
- deep understanding of what's really happening with home values in your real estate market ( Birmingham Real Estate Market Reports by area).
We have helped many families sell their Birmingham homes, quickly and painlessly even in this difficult housing market. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our Smart Home Selling Plan we make sure they are seeing your home first.
Call us to schedule your FREE private real estate consultation to fully understand your home selling options (no pressure no hassles - guaranteed).
Whether you are buying or selling Birmingham AL homes | Hoover homes | Vestavia homes | Mountain Brook Homes | Pelham Homes |Helena Homes | Trussville Homes |Homewood Homes - we can help!
Call me today at - 205-383-3358.
Stephen Wolfe - Birmingham Alabama Realtor
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Last week an article came out in the Birmingham News pointing out a drop in sales for the month of September. In BIG print it read, "Month's Sales Drop 15%..." Let's read on though, because things may not be as bad as it seems. Let's look on the bright side.
To be "fair and balanced" let's look at both sides of the equation though. Sales are down, it is true. There is no denying this because the numbers back it up. Comparing September 2006 against September 2007 you will see that sales were down from 1,523 in 2006 to 1,283 in 2007. For the year we are down as well from 14,473 in 2006 to 13,942 in 2007 so far. But, the median price is up. In September of 2006 the median sales price was $159,000 and it is now up to $164,200 in September of 2007. New home sales have fallen probably the most. Sales volume in September of 2006 was 7.8 months and is up to 9.2 months of September of 2007.
Now, let's look on the bright side. Last year, 2006, was a banner year for our area. We continue to do all of our comparisons based on our best year ever for sales. So far, we only behind last year by 3.7% which puts on pace to having the second best year ever. So, has the Birmingham real estate market been affected, yes, but are we crumbling as the media would have you think? Absolutely not. As Gary Keller reminded us a while ago, all real estate is local.
Looking to Buy Birmingham Alabama Real Estate?
If you want to buy a home in the Birmingham Alabama area- we've made it fast and easy for you to search all the Birmingham Alabama homes for sale . Search just like the best Birmingham AL Realtors and see all the properties being sold by all Birmingham Alabama Real Estate agents.
Enjoy our fully customizable property search of the complete Birmingham Alabama MLS (multiple listing service) of single family homes, condos, and town houses. We specialize in helping you buy a Birmingham Alabama real estate bargain.(foreclosures and bank owned homes)
Specializing in Selling Birmingham AL Homes
The first thing home sellers need to know is "What's my Birmingham AL home worth right NOW?" and what are Birmingham home prices doing by neighborhood. Our experience shows it all depends on where YOU live. Please ask for a FREE Comparable Market Analysis Report - CMA on your home so you can see what is actually happening in your neighborhood! No obligation, of course.
Experience shows that to sell a home in Birmingham AL today requires more than just putting a sign in the yard or putting the property information in the MLS.
Successful home sellers have found they need the advice of skilled Real Estate counsultants like us, who have:
- strong negotiating skills to get your home sold quickly for the most money even in this real estate market,
- a strong internet marketing plan like our Smart Home Selling Plan. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our plan we make sure they are seeing your home first and we also have a
- deep understanding of what's really happening with home values in your real estate market ( Birmingham Real Estate Market Reports by area).
We have helped many families sell their Birmingham homes, quickly and painlessly even in this difficult housing market. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our Smart Home Selling Plan we make sure they are seeing your home first.
Call us to schedule your FREE private real estate consultation to fully understand your home selling options (no pressure no hassles - guaranteed).
Whether you are buying or selling Birmingham AL homes | Hoover homes | Vestavia homes | Mountain Brook Homes | Pelham Homes |Helena Homes | Trussville Homes |Homewood Homes - we can help!
Call me today at - 205-383-3358.
Stephen Wolfe - Birmingham Alabama Realtor
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Home Owners and Home Sellers, you may or may not realize this, but what you are doing right now in your home, whether it is on the market or not, will make an impact on how long it takes your home to sell, how much you will make on the sell of your home, and how difficult or easy the sell will be.
You will learn that when your home goes on the market that any semblance of privacy goes out the window. Your house becomes more of a display piece than a home.
Since we are taking a look in the bathroom, you will agree that there are some things (sights, smells, sounds, etc...) that buyers (visitors) will not want to experience while in that room.
So what do you do to prepare that bathroom for guests?
We have identified four things to do to prepare your bathroom for guests, and these are:
- Clean
- Fix
- Sanitize
- Finishing touch
Today, we want to discuss step 3, Sanitize! Some may wonder why this isn't the same as step 1. Sanitizing and cleaning are closely related, but, let's be honest. Most of us don't really sanitize when we clean. We throw away, wipe off, and reorganize.
I am assuming that you have already cleaned and fixed and re-cleaned after you made a mess fixing things. Now, what you need to do is look around the walls, ceilings, crevices in the shower, around the tub, in the sink, and around the toilet. You are looking for all the mold, mildew, and just general grime that normally doesn't come up with just the bathroom cleaner. We want it looking like new.
I know this was short, but it needs to be reminded of and remembered. Next, we will look at the finishing touches.
Looking to Buy Birmingham Alabama Real Estate?
If you want to buy a home in the Birmingham Alabama area- we've made it fast and easy for you to search all the Birmingham Alabama homes for sale . Search just like the best Birmingham AL Realtors and see all the properties being sold by all Birmingham Alabama Real Estate agents.
Enjoy our fully customizable property search of the complete Birmingham Alabama MLS (multiple listing service) of single family homes, condos, and town houses. We specialize in helping you buy a Birmingham Alabama real estate bargain.(foreclosures and bank owned homes)
Specializing in Selling Birmingham AL Homes
The first thing home sellers need to know is "What's my Birmingham AL home worth right NOW?" and what are Birmingham home prices doing by neighborhood. Our experience shows it all depends on where YOU live. Please ask for a FREE Comparable Market Analysis Report - CMA on your home so you can see what is actually happening in your neighborhood! No obligation, of course.
Experience shows that to sell a home in Birmingham AL today requires more than just putting a sign in the yard or putting the property information in the MLS.
Successful home sellers have found they need the advice of skilled Real Estate counsultants like us, who have:
- strong negotiating skills to get your home sold quickly for the most money even in this real estate market,
- a strong internet marketing plan like our Smart Home Selling Plan. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our plan we make sure they are seeing your home first and we also have a
- deep understanding of what's really happening with home values in your real estate market ( Birmingham Real Estate Market Reports by area).
We have helped many families sell their Birmingham homes, quickly and painlessly even in this difficult housing market. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our Smart Home Selling Plan we make sure they are seeing your home first.
Call us to schedule your FREE private real estate consultation to fully understand your home selling options (no pressure no hassles - guaranteed).
Whether you are buying or selling Birmingham AL homes | Hoover homes | Vestavia homes | Mountain Brook Homes | Pelham Homes |Helena Homes | Trussville Homes |Homewood Homes - we can help!
Call me today at - 205-383-3358.
Stephen Wolfe - Birmingham Alabama Realtor
