Your Guide to Living In Greater Birmingham

Luxury Home Market Watch January - October 2007

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-Oct 2006	79	$1,399,314	$1,000,000 -  $2,825,000	114	95.79%
Jan-Oct 2007	91	$1,454,272	$1,000,000 -$3,495,000	123	94.80%

According to the chart, 91 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 $1,454,272. Average days on market for the sold luxury homes was 123 days up 9 days from the same time frame in 2006.  However, the average sold price is $1,454,272 which is up $54,958 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-Oct 2006	240	$1,573,072	$1,000,000 - $4,500,000
Jan-Oct 2007	274	$1,542,861	$1,000,000 - $4,999,000

According to the chart, 274 million dollar plus properties have been listed this year. This number is up from 240 properties during the same period last year. Unlike the sold properties though, the average list price is down $30,211. Let me add that 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 Many are withdrawn or expire and not put back on the market.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 11/19/07	166	$1,696,208	$1,039,900 - $4,999,000	190

According to the chart, there are 166 active million dollar plus properties. The highest price home right now is for $4,999,000. Average active price is $1,696,208. The average days on market for the active properties are 190 days.

* Areas included are Jefferson, Shelby, and St. Clair Counties

* All statistics are accurate as of 11/19/07 according to the Birmingham MLS

You Need To Slow Down

Have you ever had one of those life moments where you had to say to yourself, "Slow Down!"

We can all get so preoccupied with life that we forget to live it, enjoy it, and cherish those things that really make life worth while in the first place.

Sometime, and I would recommend us all do this, we need to turn off our cell phones, computers, pagers, and anything else attached to business and work and just escape, refocus, recharge, rebuild, and get rejuvinated.

I found this song on accident (if you believe in accidents) and some of the lyrics really hit home for me. By the way, it is Emmy Rossum performing Slow Me Down

Check these two exerts out...

1. "slow me down, don't let me live a lie, before my life flies by..."

2. "the noise of the world is getting me caught up, chasing the clock and i wish i could stop it, just need to breathe, somebody please slow me down ..."

Thats powerful isn't it? I invite you to stop, close your eyes, ponder on those two thoughts, and liten to the song.

Next, I want you to schedule that time. It would be a shame if life flew by before you had a chance to really live it.

Trussville Market Statistics Now and Then October 2007 verses October 2006

With so much media coverage about "the state of the real estate market" being broadcast, I want to start doing a now and then segment to show how the market has changed from one year to the next.

I think it's important as a Real Estate Consultant, as a resident, or a future home buyer or seller in the Trussville Area to know the stats.

October 2007
Listed Properties (during the month): 73
Average Price: $283,975 (Median Price: $239,900)
Price Range: $138,900-$810,000

October 2006
Listed Properties (during the month): 58
Average Price: $279,482 (Median Price: $229,900)
Price Range: $33,000-$689,900

October 2007
Sold Properties: 30
Average Price: $233,730 (Median Price: $229,000)
Price Range: $47,000-$421,000
Average Days on Market: 80

October 2006
Sold Properties: 46
Average Price: $258,789 (Median Price: $252,500)
Price Range: $41,329-$580,000
Average Days on Market: 96

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.

*Note these stats are accurate as of 11/19/07 according to the Birmingham MLS. They are subject to change as agents submit listed and sold properties into the MLS.

How Important Are Schools?

I was reading an article today in the Birmingham News by Anita Debro, Joe Songer/Birmingham News GOOD SCHOOLS DRIVE REAL ESTATE MARKET.

It gave some great insight into another aspect of the real estate market.... schools. Like all other real estat e consultants, we are not really allowed to give opinions of schools and school systems, but we know, that buyers are interested in this information. All we can do is direct them to do the research. I often recommend GreatSchools.netas a starting place to do the research. I know there are a lot of other good ones out there.

Back to the article... According to the article about 27% of buyers consider schools. I would assume it was higher than that, but maybe that's because I have kids myself and it is important to me.

Jim Lawrence, president of the Birmingham Association of Realtors, was quoted as saying, "Good schools are an amenity, particularly for families..." and "...good schools are typically one of the factors that drive up property values."

A Vestavia Hills City Councilwomen, Mary lee Rice said, "Those are the kinds of things (schools) that are pulling people in to our system..."

Steve Martin, a Shelby County school board member stated, "I don't think that there is a city or community in Shelby County that would have grown as much and prospered if we did not have these schools..."

It sounds like the city's know this is a factor to their future growth as well.

To get reports on some of the local schools in our area, you can try some of the links below:

Homewood City Schools Information

Trussville City Schools Information

Vestavia City Schools Information

Hoover City Schools Information

Mountain Brook City Schools Information

Jefferson County Schools Information

Shelby County Schools Information

Birmingham City Schools Information

School of Fine Arts Information

Leeds City Schools Information

Hoover Market Statistics Now and Then October 2007 verses October 2006

With so much media coverage about "the state of the real estate market" being broadcast, I want to start doing a now and then segment to show how the market has changed from one year to the next.

I think it's important as a Real Estate Consultant, as a resident, or a future home buyer or seller in the Hoover Area to know the stats.

October 2007
Listed Properties (during the month): 196
Average Price: $436,089 (Median Price: $321,950)
Price Range: $139,900-$2,195,000

October 2006
Listed Properties (during the month): 169
Average Price: $392,368 (Median Price: $290,670)
Price Range: $136,500-$2,600,000

October 2007
Sold Properties: 76
Average Price: $339,485  (Median Price: $335,536)
Price Range: $132,000-$860,000
Average Days on Market: 101

October 2006
Sold Properties: 92
Average Price: $371,599 (Median Price: $299,122)
Price Range: $125,000-$1,400,000
Average Days on Market: 69

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

*Note these stats are accurate as of 11/19/07 according to the Birmingham MLS. They are subject to change as agents submit listed and sold properties into the MLS.

The phone rings and someone is coming over... unexpected!

Have you ever had it happen to you? The phone rings and someone is coming over... unexpected!

It happens all the time, and for some reason they always seem to come when the house is at its worst. It may be dusty, have cat hair all over the place, or kid's toys all over the floor.(Yes, I am airing stuff I am guilty of.)

If you are trying to sell your home it is probably an agent who didn't schedule the showing ahead of time (or is sitting right outside). If you just bought your home, it is probably someone who just "can't wait" to see your new home. You may not be either of those, you may just have people in your life who like to stop by with very little warning.

Did you know that a wet rubber glove will help pull up cat hair? or If you dust real quick at the hight of your tallest guest will keep people from noticing the rest of it. How about, do you know what the most important room to clean is before last minute guests arrive?

I think I may have found a solution for you. Real Simple magazine has posted on their website a list of 27 Best Cleaning Tips and Tricks which are things you can do to help ease and simplify the cleaning and organizing process.

Hopefully this will give you the secrets you need to prepare for those guests who surprise us.

Mountain Brook Market Statistics Now and Then October 2007 verses October 2006

With so much media coverage about "the state of the real estate market" being broadcast, I want to start doing a now and then segment to show how the market has changed from one year to the next.

I think it's important as a Real Estate Consultant, as a resident, or a future home buyer or seller in the Mountain Brook Area to know the stats.

October 2007
Listed Properties (during the month): 40
Average Price: $790,044 (Median Price: $559,450)
Price Range: $235,000-$3,950,000

October 2006
Listed Properties (during the month): 57
Average Price: $696,783 (Median Price: $549,900)
Price Range: $234,000-$1,995,000

October 2007
Sold Properties: 15
Average Price:  $602,420 (Median Price: $487,500)
Price Range: $285,000-$1,400,000
Average Days on Market: 95

October 2006
Sold Properties: 17
Average Price: $834,924 (Median Price: $660,000)
Price Range: $355,200-$2,700,000
Average Days on Market: 138

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

*Note these stats are accurate as of 11/19/07 according to the Birmingham MLS. They are subject to change as agents submit listed and sold properties into the MLS.

Are You Listening To Your Home?

We read so much these days about curb appeal and how important it is to make a first impression, and I do think this is important, but....

Kathy Haight, of the Charlotte Observer has taken it one step further in her article Consider the Face of a Home Before Buying. (as spotlighted by Realtor Magazine Online) In my opinion, she has taken it one step further. Pealed one more layer off the onion, if you will.

She points out that beyond how the home looks on the outside; we must also look at the outside of the home. This part of the home also speaks to us, if we will listen.

But what is it saying?

The outside of the home is telling us what kind of maintenance and possibly cost it will take to maintain or possibly create beauty.

Kathy points out a number of things the outside of the home may be saying to us. For example (taken from the article):

1. "Wood looks great, but it must be painted or stained and is susceptible to rot and termites".

2. "Brick is durable, never needs painting, is fire-resistant and energy efficient, but shifts in the soil and constant contact with rain and snow and can cause cracks in the mortar between the bricks. Re-pointing a house is expensive, so buyers should make sure the seller takes care of any problems with deteriorating brick."

3. "Vinyl siding, if properly installed, is durable and needs little maintenance. Newer vinyls with insulated backing are rigid and energy efficient. From a distance, it looks like real wood. But vinyl tends to fade and can't be repainted, and some people also think it looks cheap. "

4. "Fiber cement is a durable, low-maintenance siding that looks like wood. It resists fire, water and termite damage. It holds paint well and isn't as expensive as it once was."

5. "Stucco looks like concrete. It's similar to brick in durability, maintenance and price".

6. "Synthetic stucco applied over Styrofoam has had problem with rot and mold. Anyone interested in buying a house covered with this material should have it inspected by a stucco specialist before buying."

So, what can we learn from this? When we are out looking at homes, let's remember to put on our listening ears and hear EVERYTHING a home is telling us.

Vestavia Hills Market Statistics Now and Then October 2007 verses October 2006

With so much media coverage about "the state of the real estate market" being broadcast, I want to start doing a now and then segment to show how the market has changed from one year to the next.

I think it's important as a Real Estate Consultant, as a resident, or a future home buyer or seller in the Vestavia Area to know the stats.

October 2007
Listed Properties (during the month): 56
Average Price: $466,420 (Median Price: $369,450)
Price Range: $199,000-$1,395,000

October 2006
Listed Properties (during the month): 67
Average Price: $454,387 (Median Price: $342,500)
Price Range: $173,500-$1,925,000

October 2007
Sold Properties: 24
Average Price: $413,781 (Median Price: $309,500)
Price Range: $142,000-$1,350,000
Average Days on Market: 91

October 2006
Sold Properties: 27
Average Price: $452,394 (Median Price: $300,000)
Price Range: $168,500-$2,825,000
Average Days on Market: 65

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

To see how much your Vestavia Home may be worth or to search all of the homes for sale in Vestavia and all its communities visit VestaviaHomeSearch.com

Learn more about Vestavia at Vestavia Hills Alabma Real Estate Guide and Community Tour, an earlier post giving a brief history and video of the Vestavia Hills area.

*Note these stats are accurate as of 11/19/07 according to the Birmingham MLS. They are subject to change as agents submit listed and sold properties into the MLS.

Do You Have An Attitude of Gratitude?

We are grateful for e-mail. Why? Because every now and then someone will send us a wonderful story, one we enjoy sharing with family and friends. We’d like to share this story by Jeff Davis with you now, because the Thanksgiving season is a great time to appreciate the small, as well as the big, fortunes in life.

The older we get, the more we enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it’s the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it’s the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are the most enjoyable for me.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the kitchen with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it.

I turned the volume up on my radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning talk show. I heard an older-sounding man with a golden voice. You know the kind – like he should be in the broadcasting business himself. He was talking about “a thousand marbles” to someone named Tom. I was intrigued and sat down to listen to what he had to say. “Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you’re busy with your job. I’m sure they pay you well, but it’s a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work 60 or 70 hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter’s dance recital.”

He continued, “Let me tell you something, Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities.” And that’s when he began to explain his theory of a “thousand marbles.”

“You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about 75 years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about 75 years.

“So, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of Saturdays the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now stick with me Tom, I’m getting to the important part.

“It took me until I was 55 years old to think about all this in any detail,” he went on, “and by that time I had lived through over 2800 Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be 75, I had only about a thousand of them left to enjoy.

“So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to roundup a thousand marbles. I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in my workshop next to the radio. Every Saturday since then, I’ve taken one marble out and thrown it away.

“I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight.

“Now, let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then I’ve been blessed with a little extra time to be with my loved ones.

“It was nice to talk with you, Tom. I hope you get to spend more time with your loved ones, and I hope to meet you again someday. Have a good morning!”

You could have heard a pin drop when he finished. Even the show’s moderator didn’t have anything to say for a few moments. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to do some work that morning, then go to the gym. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss.

“C’mon honey, I’m taking you and the kids to breakfast.”

“What brought this on?” she asked with a smile.

“Oh, nothing special,” I said. “It’s just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we’re out? I need to buy some marbles.”

We wish you many marbles and the happiest of Thanksgivings!

PS: What is your favorite use for your Saturday marble? Please leave your favorite uses in the comments section so we can all enjoy them– We would enjoy hearing from you!