Birmingham Alabama Real Estate Blog

OK, guys (and gals) it is time we make some changes to public perception!

I was meeting some clients at one of their offices recently to get a contract signed. As the husband and I walked to the wife's office we were introduced to some of her co-workers.

The wife, kindly, introduced me as their "new best friend" since I was helping them in this home buying process.

One of the coworkers responded, "Oh, Where is your badge and you aren't passing out business cards to everyone!" I responded, simply, that I didn't believe in pushy sales. We kindof laughed, and the husband added, "You don't have to be pushy, if your reputation speaks for itself."

Now, that's the story, but I had some Aha! moments as we were working that I thought were necessary to discuss.

First, the statement made by the coworker, "Oh, Where is your badge and you aren't passing out business cards to everyone!" This tells me a lot about our professional reputation. This is not what it should be. Now, don't get me wrong, while we are working I don't have any real issues with the logos on our clothes or the name tag. If we aren't working, wear the clothes, that's fine, but the name tag? Last time I met someone who worked at a retail store they weren't still wearing their name tag when they weren't at work, why are we? If we have our ears open and are actually listening the opportunities will present themselves, we shouldn't have to force it. Don't forget too, lead with a giving hand (not a shoving a card in their face hand).

Next, the statement made by my client, "You don't have to be pushy, if your reputation speaks for itself." This ought to be how we run our business,  

To many agents are more concerned with numbers than they are about people!

If we contstantly work to nurture relationships, meet needs, and provide an amazing experience before, during, and after the transaction our reputation will speak for itself and that will get us more business than we can handle (and for less money!)

Jeff Turner was off twittering away this morning when he mentioned an article that got my attention, What Top Photo Pros Know: Focus on Capture on Centredaily.com.

A statement was made in the article that really resonated with me deeply when it comes to what we do as real estate consultants. The quote was...

For international fashion photographer James Russell, the moment of capture is key in the client relationship. "The first image on the screen sets the tone of the day. That first shot should make them say, 'wow', without hesitation or us adding qualifiers or explanations. Every project has multiple objectives, obviously on some level to immediately please, but more importantly to do anything within reason to win.

"Post-production tools are employed more than ever - but they're the tools we use to refine what must first be a stable image capture process. You have to begin by refusing to compromise on all elements - model, stylist, crew, camera, lights, etc. -- and you learn that from experience."

So what does this have to do with what we do?

I guess I should preface it with another quote from the article, "that "capture" is more than the first step..." You see when it comes to what we do I think a lot of agents focus on the "capture" when in reality it is not the most important step.

Now, I know what a lot of agents are going to say, "If we don't "capture" them we won't have any business" and on one hand that is true, but on another it has all the wrong context.

Let me acknowledge that, yes, I agree capture is the first step. Obviously if no one is there then we can't move on to the important parts. You see, after the "capture" comes all the important things that make what we do special.

Let's go back to the quote above, James Russell says, "The first image on the screen sets the tone for the day. That first shot should make them say, 'wow', without hesitation..." I could really stop this thought there, but let me add that as, not after, we make that first contact we are setting the tone for our entire relationship. Yes, I did say relationship because it should be about the relationship first and the transaction second. It is my opinion that we cannot be effective at what we do if we do not take the time to nurture the relationships. How else are you going to find out their hopes and dreams and their deepest wants and desires for their home?

Next, he says, "Every project has multiple objectives, obviously on some level to immediately please, but more importantly to do anything within reason to win." This, too, speaks volumes. Every "capture" has multiple objectives (buy, sell, nurture relationships...) and while these objectives are OK, we need to ask ourselves do we want to be pleased with the job that we have done, or do we want to win? I know that we want to win.

When we win we not only help someone successfully accomplish their goals, but we have made a life-long relationship by successfully tying our heart to theirs one little strand at a time.

Moving on to the last part of the quote, "Post-production tools are employed more than ever - but they're the tools we use to refine what must first be a stable image capture process. You have to begin by refusing to compromise on all elements." I think this tackles all the "stuff" we do. We do have lots of tools... we send properties, we do virtual tours, we provide CMAs, we have blogs, and the list goes on. Look at what he says though, "they're the tools we use to refine what must first be a stable image capture process. You have to begin by refusing to compromise on all elements." That last little phrase,,, "refusing to compromise on all elements" WOW! What a call to excellence that is!

With all the tools we have we need to be making sure that what we do, we do with excellence. If you cannot be excellent, then we might need to stop or change something we are doing. We cannot be experts at all things. This is why we have a team. It gives the opportunity to work in our giftedness. This is good for us and we think good for all we work with.

Over the past few months we have been getting lots of calls from people asking about foreclosures. Obviously they have been listening to the main stream media and the masses who say that now is the time to get a foreclosure because you can get a "good deal."

The problem with this is the definition of "good deal" and what really makes a "good deal."

One of the things a lot of these buyers do not seem to realize is that a number of the foreclosures will need some to a lot of work and TLC. Let me add that we are not saying that ALL or MOST of them will, just that some will. This we know is true due to the fact that we have shown some that fit that description.

Another thing a lot of buyers do not realize is the concept of "Rights of Recemption." Some foreclosures are still under a period called "Rights of Redemption." If they are still in this period, the owner can buy it back leaving you on the house hunt once again.

Something else we are also seeing is the idea that we can go in a "low ball" them to get a really good deal. In Alabama this isn't exactly the trend we are seeing. We have had several offers rejected that were "low ball" offers. We need to remember that a lot of these are already reduced just due to the fact that they are foreclosures.

Now, with all of this said, we want to spend some time on that last idea. Just saying it isn't enough. We need to look at the data.

As of today, February 25, 2008, for the month of February there have been 97 foreclosures sold in the Jefferson and Shelby County areas for the month of February according to the Birmingham MLS.

Now, what kind of "deal" did these buyers get? Did they low ball them and get tons off the asking price?

On average, for the Jefferson and Shelby County areas they got an average of a 4.5% reduction.

Well what about Trussville, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia, Hoover and Oak Mountain Area?

On average for the last six months, they have only seen a 6.7% reduction in price.

Keep in mind that these reductions were off the list price at the time and there may have other reductions prior and foreclosures are generally priced low anyway sometimes a good bit below what the neighborhood would normally sell for.

Now that you know all of this.... are you still interested? We believe that there are some "good deals" to be had and that when going that route you just need to know where you are going.

Foreclosures for sale: (as of February 25, 2008, according to the Birmingham MLS)

Trussville

Vestavia

Homewood

Mountain Brook

Hoover/North Shelby County

For updated information on foreclosures and any other homes for sale in the Greater Birmingham Area go to LivingInGreaterBirmingham.com and search all of the homes for sale.

"'Tis the season," I have heard it said before talking about the atrocities of disappearing pets around Halloween and home break-ins or pick-pockets at Christmas.... but it looks like it can be said again about this season of increased foreclosures.

If you or someone you know, for some unfortunate series of events, is in a season of foreclosure, you need to be careful. You are not just in a season, you have become a target.

There are some things you can do to protect yourself though from one of the biggest hunters out there.

First you need to know what this hunter is. It is mortgage fraud. Freddie Mac has done an excellent article, Avoiding Mortgage Fraud, about the dangers of Mortgage Fraud that gives some excellent insight and advice.

One of the biggest schemes Freddie Mac points out is "A foreclosure rescue scheme often begins with a scam artist offering a promise to pay off your delinquent mortgage, allowing you to stay in the home as a renter with the option to purchase the home back when your financial situation improves. But what really happens is a series of steps designed to cash out the equity in the home and disappear..." (See the article for more information...)

Some of the warning signs of these scammers, again, according to Freddie Mac, are if...

This is just the tip of the iceberg. The video below gives more information about what you can do to stay protected.

Please remember, if you are already in this season or can see this season coming, you need to go to your lender now and see what you can work out. If you think you have been approached by one of these scammers, report them so we can take one more hunter off the prowl.

I recently ran across an article on The Terminal addressing the need for not just recycling, but to Learn How To Recycle.

Rebecca Schiffman, an independent film maker, put togther a video for the Alabama Environmental Council, showing Birmingham AL how to start recycling in the area.

The video gives some great information, as you can see for yourself below, such as a phone number to call to to get your recycling bin in Birmingham.  (The number is 311)

Obviously this is something important to do, not just for yourself, but for the Birmingham Area as well.

Romeo and Juliet, the story of a tragic love that sought to break the binds of a family feud and prove that love truly does conquer all.

It's in Birmingham this weekend at the Samford Wright Center performed by the Alabama ballet. According to the Alabama Ballet website, it... "Set to Prokofiev's majestic score, Alabama Ballet traces this classic tale in which young love is first discovered and tragically ended. Stirring, passionate, and heartbreaking, Alabama Ballet's Romeo & Juliet was also the subject of Alabama Public Television's Emmy-nominated documentary, The Making of Romeo & Juliet. With its universal themes and enduring storyline, this classic production is a must-see."

This is definitely a show that shouldn't be missed, AND so you don't miss it...

Show times will be on Friday, February 22 at 7:30 pm, Saturday February 23, at both 2:30 and 7:30 pm, and finally on Sunday February 24 at 2:30 pm at the Samford Wright Center. Ticket prices range from $20 to $55.

For the past week and a half moms from all around the Birmingham area have been flocking to an old FoodWorld store at 4525 Southlake Parkway in Hoover bringing items such as books, art, toys, furniture, and clothes for both boys and girls.

How do I know this? I was one of the many husbands who got to help! I walked in there on Wednesday morning, February 20, and was amazed at the amount of items already on display ready for the BIG SALE!

According to the Kids Market and Mom website, "Kid's Market and Mom is the most unique and exciting way to purchase high quality, low cost prior-owned clothing and furniture for your children. Unlike garage sales where you feel pressured to haggle about prices, all articles at Kid's Market and Mom are clearly marked with the consignee's desired sale price. No hassles - no unknowns. And Kid's Market and Mom has become synonymous with top quality merchandise. All items received from consignee's are reviewed by the trained staff and any article not meeting the high standards set by the management of Kid's Market and Mom is held back from sale to be later donated to local charities."

The sale doors open for contributors (I know, I know, I should have told you all this earlier!) on February 28th.

For the general public you can begin shopping on March 3rd and shop through March 8th.

Shoppers on March 3rds 8am - 8pm shopping date must follow specific instructions of "No strollers, diaper bags or large purses allowed while shopping. Fanny packs are acceptable."

On March 4th-8th doors will be open from 9am-6pm. On the 7th you can get a 25% discount and on the 8th a 50% discount. Let me advise you to not wait until those days to shop as much of the coveted items will be gone. (I am sure they will be in my home as my wife will have done her shopping by then.)

For directions, you can use the map below...

Bob Hope, President Nixon, Doris Day, Ray Charles, Joe Namath, and Bear Bryant... They all have one thing in common with hosts of other dignitaries, celebrities, and athletes. They all spent time at the Parliament House Hotel in downtown Birmingham.

On Sunday, February 17 2008, Birmingham said goodbye to an old friend who went to the rubble grave with lots of memories. Sunday morning it was imploded and crumbled to it's grave.

So, goodbye Parliament House Hotel...

The Birmingham News did a piece on the hotel and it's destruction: Parliament House hotel, home to both celebrities and squatters, to be imploded Sunday

It's new and exciting! (Ok, not any more) It has a dishwasher! An electric razor! An electric toothbrush!

It's the House of The Future!

This was a feature for years in Disneyland spotlighting all of the big ideas of the future. It is amazing to think of how things have changed over the pasty 50 years, but they sure have!

What do you think are the next big things to come? Are there any big ideas you have for the home future?

Why don't you share some of them with us here and let's see just how big we can really dream...

With so much media coverage about "the state of the real estate market" being broadcast, we chose to start doing a now and then segment to show how the market has changed from one year to the next. As we have always stated that as a homeowner, potential resident, potential seller, or as a real estate consultant, we think it is always important to know the stats about what is happening with Hoover AL Real Estate.

In January 2007, there were 81 properties listed during the month. The average price was $285,487 and the median price was $269,900. The listed price range was $62,200-$579,900.

In January 2008, there were 83 listed properties during the month. The average price was $321,975 and the median price was $287,900. The listed price range was $45,000-$1,300,000.

In January 2007, there were 34 sold properties. The average price was $237,994 and the median price was $220,750. The price range was $48,500-$506,500 with 69 average days on market.

In January 2008, there were 23 sold properties. The average price was $318,496 and the median price was $305,000. The price range was $111,200-$570,000 with 137 average days on market.

If you would like to be contacted as soon as homes become available in the Trussville area just let me know, or if you would like to see statistics about other areas, don't hesitate to ask.

You can actually search all of the active homes as of 2/15/08 if you click below at...

Active Properties up to $250,000

Active Properties from $250,000 - $350,000

Active Properties from $350,000 and above

To see how much your Trussville Home may be worth visit TrussvilleHomePrices.com

To search all of the homes for sale in Trussville and all its communities visit TrussvilleHomeSearch.com

You can also find all the Birmingham Alabama Real Estate stats here on Your Guide To Living In Greater Birmingham

*Note these stats are accurate as of 2/15/08 according to the Birmingham MLS. They are subject to change as agents submit listed and sold properties into the MLS.