Birmingham Alabama Real Estate Blog

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What Are Debt-To-Income Ratios? and What Do They Have To Do With My New Car?

In Don't Buy That Car! Or Anything Else! We introduced this inevitable situation so many of us get in to. We expanded on the idea in Fight That Desire To Spend Money!

We ended the last post with our loan officer saying, "If only you didn't have this car payment, you would certainly qualify for a home loan to buy that house." The reason why she said this was because of your "debt-to-income" ratio.

                                                                       But, what are debt-to-income ratios?

Today, our goal is to define this in a simple and direct manner.

So, simply put, a debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your gross monthly income (before taxes) that you spend on debt. This will include your monthly housing costs - including principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and homeowner's association fees, if any. It will also include your monthly consumer debt, including credit cards, student loans, installment debt, and....CAR PAYMENTS!

This whole series has been based upon the purchase of a new car right before you buy a home. Please understand that this "car" doesn't have to be a car. It can be any major purchase.

Next, we are going to actually look at how the purchase of the new car affects the price of the home you can purchase.


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

4 comments • Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe • September 29 2007 10:59PM

Fight That Desire To Spend Money!

In Don't Buy That Car! Or Anything Else! We introduced this inevitable situation so many of us get in to.

We see a car that we just can't stand to live without, and now is the perfect time to buy it.

                                                                                   But, is it really?

Today we are going to talk about this desire we have to spend money and where it could get us.

We all have a special love affair with the automobile and other high priced items that become high priority items on the shopping list. Later, as our dream list expands more and more things will be added to the list and one of those will be a house.  Unfortunately, by the time home ownership becomes more than a dream and a priority, you will have already bought the car.

It happens all the time, sometimes just before you contact a lender to get pre-qualified for a mortgage, or right before you decide to call us, your real estate consultants. At the interview, you tell the loan officer your target price range. He will ask about your income, your savings and your debts, and then give you his opinion.

It will sound something like this, "If only you didn't have this car payment, you would certainly qualify for a home loan to buy that house."

You see, when determining your ability to qualify for a mortgage, a lender looks at what is called your "debt-to-income" ratio.

And this is what we will talk about next.


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

10 comments • Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe • September 28 2007 04:35PM

Birmingham Alabama Fall Parade of Homes

It starts this weekend! The Fall Parade of Homes has arrived! The largest home extravaganza is beginning September 29-30 and will also be the next two Saturdays and Sundays on October 6-7 and October 13-14, 2007.

This year promises to be the largest ever with 222 homes and 2 remodeled homes on display. There will be homes showing ranging from a starter home for the first time home buyer to high end luxury homes for those looking to make a move upward.

I have been going since before I was in involved in real estate, and personally just love to look at homes and see the new trends in architecture, home technology, and dream build.

           Join the parade and check out some amazing homes!

For more information, visit the Fall Parade of Homes website.

To hear the Rick and Bubba radio ad, listen here.


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

2 comments • Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe • September 27 2007 11:19PM

Don't Buy That Car! Or Anything Else!

This situation is inevitable.... It is going to happen. The question is...

Is it going to be you?

You're an adult. You can make your own decisions, and you don't need anyone telling you what to do with your money.

UNTIL! You see the commercial on TV. It has a smooth ride, it handles like a dream, it can stop on a dime, goes 0-60 in 2.3 seconds, and, most importantly, girls like it! Plus, it has a special financing special paying no interest for 6 years with a price reduction of $5,000 for one week only.

STOP! If you want that house. Don't buy the car. Even if you feel that you can afford a car payment and it is the perfect opportunity to get your dream one, mortgage companies have their own ideas about your ability to pay for a home and car. 

We want to explain a little bit about:

  1. This desire we have to spend money
  2. The importance of your debt-to-income ratio
  3. How a new car payment reduces your purchase price

Over the next few days we will be spending some time looking at these three things.


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

10 comments • Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe • September 27 2007 10:53PM

Mountain Brook Alabama Real Estate Guide and Community Tour

Local developer, Robert Jemison, developed Mountain Brook in 1929 to be mostly residential. It was later developed in 1942.

Mountain Brook has its own school system with four elementary schools: Mountain Brook Elementary, Cherokee Bend Elementary, Brookwood Forest Elementary, and Crestline Elementary, one junior high school: Mountain Brook Junior High, and one high school: Mountain Brook High School.

There are three shopping villages in Mountain Brook. These were part of the original plan developed by Warren H. Manning, a Boston-based landscape architect who had developed plans calling for three shopping villages called "English Village", "Mountain Brook Village" and "Crestline Village.

You can find out more about Mountain Brook by checking out: Mountain Brook on Wikipedia, Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, Mountain Brook web site.

 To see the full version of the tour visit Mountain Brook Real Estate Guide and Community Tour


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

4 comments • Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe • September 26 2007 11:13PM

Calming the Fears of the Home Buying Process: Addressing People

First of all, we admit it, home buying and selling is scary. You know it, we know it, and we admit it. The big question is, what are we scared of?

What are we scared of?

We have found that there are about three things that probably scare you most about buying a home.

Our hope over the next few days is that we will be able to give you some behind-the-scenes secrets that will help you deal with the 3 things that scare you most about buying a home.

So what are these three things?  We have identified them as, first, cost, second, commitment, and, third, people. (We tried, but we couldn't come up with three c's.)

Third, we want to address people. Who can you trust in this home buying process?  This is a big investment we're talking about.  And it seems that everyone is out to make as much money as possible OFF of you! 

There are sellers, real estate consultants, lenders, builders, movers, and attorneys, all of whom may be strangers, and have a vested interest when you buy a home.  It's easy to be afraid that they will take you to the cleaners.  (To see more about these people please see, Birmingham Alabama Home Buying Process: Who Are All These People?)

The behind-the-scenes secret is to check their references.  Really.  Many lenders and real estate consultants operate on a referral basis - in which they ask clients to refer them to others they know are buying a home.  Those who offer "lifetime relationships" and other services (like Free Reports and seminars on buying or selling homes) are already striving to meet your needs.

In reality, they are NOT all out to get you - because in the long run, the BEST business strategy is to make sure that you get what you need and want in a home.

Buying a home must up there at the top of all frightening experiences, but, the reality is, is that many of us will buy a home and do it again during our lifetime.

By giving you a these "behind-the-scenes" secrets, we hope to help you deal with the 3 things that scare you most about buying a home.

Also, to review the other two fears see, Calming the Fears of the Home Buying Process: Addressing Commitment and Calming the Fears of the Home Buying Process: Addressing Cost


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

4 comments • Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe • September 26 2007 07:30PM

Popeye says "Get A Home Inspection!"

I was watching cartoons the other day, (YES, with my kids...) and this video came on. I was hoping I could find it. I know it is a little long (about 10 min.), but it illustrates something we all need to be aware of.

Get a home inspection!

No, we can't make you as real estate agents. (However, if you don't you will sign a form that says it was your decision and we are not liable.) Your mortgage company probably will. Either way... You will see here what can happen to a home if it is not properly taken care of. You will also see what can be happening behind the scenes without you even knowing it until it is to late.

I hope you will watch, take note, and take our advice.


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

2 comments • Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe • September 25 2007 07:05PM

Calming the Fears of the Home Buying Process: Addressing Commitment

First of all, we admit it, home buying and selling is scary. You know it, we know it, and we admit it. The big question is, what are we scared of?

What are we scared of?

We have found that there are about three things that probably scare you most about buying a home.

Our hope over the next few days is that we will be able to give you some behind-the-scenes secrets that will help you deal with the 3 things that scare you most about buying a home.

So what are these three things?  We have identified them as, first, cost, second, commitment, and, third, people. (We tried, but we couldn't come up with three c's.)

Second, we want to address commitment. We all know that women like to stereotype men as having a fear of commitment - but when it comes to buying a home, we're all susceptible.  Buying a home usually means committing money and time (at least a year - usually more like 5-10 years) to being in one spot. 

The behind-the-scenes secret to dealing with the fear of commitment is in buying a home that will resell easily - that has features that other people will want. If you do this you will know that upon having, or just wanting, to sell your home you will have less problems.

Buying a home must up there at the top of all frightening experiences, but, the reality is, is that many of us will buy a home and do it again during our lifetime.

By giving you a these "behind-the-scenes" secrets, we hope to help you deal with the 3 things that scare you most about buying a 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:

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

0 comments • Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe • September 25 2007 03:05PM

Birmingham Hoover Alabama: More Good Reasons to Live Here

I was reading an article from Realtor Magazine and found out more reasons why Birmingham Alabama is a great place to live.

In today's market, a lot of buyers are looking for a bargain. It looks like, according to economists from Fiserv (FISV), Lending Solutions, Moody's(MCO) Economy.com, and BusinessWeek, that Birmingham and Hoover offer buyers just that.

First, though, let's define what a bargain is, according to these economists. They define a bargain as a place where homes are affordable, price appreciation is probable, and the economy is strong.

Now why is the Birmingham Area among these areas? For starters, the median home price is $164,900. Also, the affordability ratio is 2.9. (This is formulated by dividing the median home price by the median family income, and lower is better.) The forecast 2 year change in home prices is 9.2%, and the forecast 5 year employment growth is 1.6%. These are all great statistics!

To see the other reasons why we have been spoken about so much here recently can read Birmingham Alabama Strong Housing Market and Strong Economy and Hoover Alabama Job Market: One of the Nation's Strongest . To learn more about Hoover check out the Hoover Alabama Real Estate Guide and Community Tour

Their top pics are listed below along with the median home price and the forecast 2 year change in home prices:

Did you notice that Alabama has three areas in the list? WOW! Looks like Alabama is a great place to work and live. 

To read the entire articles from where this information came you can read Where to Find the Top Home Bargains, Where Are All the Real Estate Deals?, and Best and Worst Bargain Real Estate Markets


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:

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

0 comments • Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe • September 24 2007 03:58PM

Calming the Fears of the Home Buying Process: Addressing Cost

First of all, we admit it, home buying and selling is scary. You know it, we know it, and we admit it. The big question is, what are we scared of?

What are we scared of?

We have found that there are about three things that probably scare you most about buying a home.

Our hope over the next few days is that we will be able to give you some behind-the-scenes secrets that will help you deal with the 3 things that scare you most about buying a home.

So what are these three things?  We have identified them as, first, cost, second, commitment, and, third, people. (We tried, but we couldn't come up with three c's.)

First, we want to address cost. This could quite possibly be the greatest fear that people have about buying a home. Will I be able to afford it?  It keeps us awake at night - we calculate and recalculate how many lunches we will have to pack instead of going out with the gang, just so we might be able to make the mortgage payment. 

Now, let's look at the behind-the-scenes secret to dealing with the fear of cost. The secret is working with a great lender, getting pre-approved BEFORE you start looking at homes, and being realistic about what you are willing and able to spend.  The lender will give you are range of loan options available, and if asked, will give you a realistic projection of what you can REALLY afford considering your budget and lifestyle. (By the way, this means you need to ask.) What a relief this should be! This is why it is so important to locate a lender who is knowledgeable and trustworthy.

Buying a home must up there at the top of all frightening experiences, but, the reality is, is that many of us will buy a home and do it again during our lifetime.

By giving you a these "behind-the-scenes" secrets, we hope to help you deal with the 3 things that scare you most about buying a home.


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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

4 comments • Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe • September 23 2007 07:22PM