Take a look at our June newsletter!
JUNE 2025
ME LV I N ’ S MON T H LY MOMENT S
205-223-6192 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
HOUSING MARKET STILL STRUGGLING
First Four Months (January–April) Comparison
The key metrics in our market are inventory and affordability.
2019
2025
Change
We are currently selling about 25% fewer homes in our market than we were five years ago. Potential home sellers are delaying putting their homes on the market because they do not want to trade an existing low mortgage rate for today’s higher rates, and home prices have not declined. The only real help to inventory is new construction, and it is not keeping pace in our market or nationally. Demand continues to increase due to an increase in new household formations. However, given the high interest rates and the high prices of homes, buyers are much more selective. The end result has been that houses tend to sit on the market longer, and we have an increase in the “fall out” ratio, that is, the number of homes that do not sell during the listing period. Houses are generally in two categories. Category 1 is the house that sells fast, often with a bidding war, and at a price higher than the asking price. Category 1 homes typically have some or all of the
School District
Median $ DOM Units
Median $ DOM Units Median $ %
HW - Edgewood
$462,250
3
54 $585,000 21
24
26.55%
HW - Shades Cahaba $415,000
11
37 $737,500 18
24
77.71%
HW - Hall Kent
$309,000
14
45 $425,000 57
23
37.54%
MB - Crestline
$676,000
2
31 $1,230,000 19
26
81.95%
MB - Mt. Brook
$731,000
6
32 $1,488,500 30
24
103.63%
MB - Brookwood
$585,000
5
21 $725,000 28
18
23.93%
MB - Cherokee
$555,000
5
31 $927,450 13
18
67.11%
Vest - West
$348,700
12
68 $480,000 32
28
37.65%
Vest - East
$412,500
21
65 $592,500 33
30
43.64%
Vest - Dolly
N/A N/A N/A $555,500 25
32
N/A
Vest - Cahaba
$348,500
9
40 $515,000 11
37
47.78%
Vest - Lib. Park
$585,000
14
41 $725,000 11
41
23.93%
Hoover High
$345,250
10
314 $535,000 36
279
54.96%
Spain Park
$344,250
7
210 $503,000 48
126
46.11%
Avg (Total Units)
$470,573
9
989 $716,032 27
730
52.16%
National Average
$254,800
30 1.38M $402,300 54 1.01M 57.89%
30 Year Mortgage
3.94%
6.75% 71.32%
Stock Market
26,593
40,670
52.93%
Continued on Page 3 ...
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Home Sweet Well-Maintained Home MAINTENANCE TASKS THAT PAY FOR THEMSELVES
Home is where the heart is, but if you ignore maintenance, it can also be where your wallet suffers. Keeping up with minor repairs and seasonal upkeep may not be the most exciting way to spend the weekend, but a little TLC now can save you big bucks down the road. Just like you, your home needs a spa day every once in a while. From fixing a leaky faucet to sealing pesky drafts, essential home maintenance projects like these don’t just pay off — they practically pay for themselves.
twice yearly to remove leaves or debris from your gutters. If you’d rather leave this messy task to the professionals, gutter cleaning is typically inexpensive, averaging about $200. Tune up your HVAC system. Your heating and air conditioning systems are essential in keeping your home comfortable, no matter the weather. The last thing you want to face during a heat wave or chilly winter is for your HVAC system to fail you, and the dollars could stack up if it breaks down. Annual or twice-a-year HVAC tune-ups keep your system running smoothly and reduce your monthly energy bills. Clogged machines cause damage like leaks or ceiling damage and work less effectively, increasing your bills over time. Professional tune-ups cost around $200, and you can save money by changing the filters and flushing the drain lines yourself regularly.
Cut costs by cutting branches. Having trees in your yard heightens curb appeal and provides natural shade. But, if mature trees grow too close to your home, they could cause severe damage and may be dangerous to your family. When limbs are damaged or diseased, a storm could knock them into your roof, windows, or walls, leading to costly repairs. They could also bring extra moisture and pests to your space. Keeping your trees trimmed and pruned regularly can save thousands of dollars in potential repairs. If you have experience trimming trees and it is safe to do so, you can take on this task for the cost of supplies like a ladder and pruning tools. Hiring a professional could cost up to $2,000, but that’s still a great value when you consider roof replacements average about $9,500. Keep your gutters clear. Cleaning your gutters is a basic chore that can save you hundreds or even thousands in the various issues clogged gutters can cause. When debris blocks your gutters, water cannot drain off your roof, which can lead to leaks, water damage, mold, and even foundation problems. You must climb the ladder at least
Protect your driveway. Your driveway takes a daily beating from cars, weather, and time, so protecting the pavement from damage is essential. Applying a coat of sealer every 3–5 years can prevent cracks and pores from forming in the asphalt, which could ultimately lead to potholes. If your blacktop is starting to fade, it’s time to give it a little TLC. A handyperson could do the job for about $500 and even patch existing cracks. A little home maintenance now can prevent future financial headaches. Investing time and effort into these chores will protect your property and keep your hard-earned dollars where they belong.
2 •205-223-6192
Planting the Seeds of Style GET YOUR GARDEN BLOOMING WITH THESE BOLD TRENDS
Nostalgia Gardening Travel back to a more sentimental time with nostalgia gardening. This style is about honoring the past and capturing the gardens’ smells, sights, and feels from our childhood memories. Fill the space with fragrant, familiar flowers like the roses grandma always grew or lilacs that remind you of peaceful afternoons. Cozy touches like stepping stones and wooden benches can give your yard a feeling of timeless comfort, inviting you to slow down and appreciate the little things. It’s about designing a space that feels like a warm hug from the past, where every bloom tells a story, and every corner holds a special place in your heart. Bold Colors and Textures Dare to go big and bright this year with plants that feature bold colors and unique textures or shapes. Look for unconventional local plants to blend different leaf shapes
Summer is in full bloom, and so are this year’s biggest gardening trends! Whether you’re a natural green thumb or just trying to keep a cactus alive, the hottest landscaping fads are here to help you grow your garden game to new heights. From living fences to bold colors and textures, we’ve got the dirt on what’s blossoming in popularity this season. Ready to branch out and dig into the latest gardening trends? Let’s get growing! Living Fences Do you want to add privacy to your space without sacrificing style or the environment? Living fences made of decorative hedges give your home a cozy cottage feel — private but attractive. Plants are an excellent way to enclose your space, beautify your yard, and support local wildlife while creating your oasis. Unlike solid walls, eye-catching hedges don’t stop the eye or disrupt the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space.
and sizes to create a dynamic landscape. Don’t be afraid to highlight flowers in big bursts of reds, purples, and blues to bring a buzz of energy to your home. If you have wanted to experiment with strange plants or unusual varieties, now is the perfect time to let your imagination blossom. Think spiky succulents, tropical foliage, or unexpected patterns to make your yard a masterpiece.
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
... continued from Cover
following characteristics: updated, particularly the kitchen and baths; great location; and special features like an outdoor kitchen, pool, view, covered entertaining areas, etc. Category 2 are homes that do not have any of those characteristics and/or are just priced too high. Sellers have not fully embraced the realities of the current market. Buyers are willing to pay for a home that has the features they desire, but if a home is a little off, it will sit there. Currently, if the average days on the market are 54, that means about one-third of the houses sell in one week, and the other two-thirds might sell in 90 days. My advice to sellers is to make updates where needed and price their homes appropriately. For more information about the market as it relates to your submarket or your house in particular, please call me. –Melvin Upchurch
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar • 1 cup soy sauce • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional) • 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil • 3 large garlic cloves, chopped • 4 lbs boneless round steak, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices • Bamboo skewers soaked in water
Directions
1. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil, and garlic together. Drop beef slices into the mixture and stir to coat. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in a refrigerator for 24 hours. 3. Remove beef from marinade, shaking to remove excess liquid. 4. Thread beef slices on skewers in a zig-zag pattern. 5. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 6. Cook beef skewers for about 3 minutes per side until the meat is cooked through.
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205-223-6192 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com 300 UNION HILL DR., STE. 200 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE
1
Housing Market Still Struggling
2
How Small Repairs Lead to Big Savings
3
The Hottest Landscaping Fads This Season
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
4
The Rule of 3 for Perfect Patios
Your tiny terrace or pint-size patio doesn’t have to be small in style if you follow the rule of three to make a significant impact with smart seating, lush greenery, and mood-setting lighting. Turn your outdoor space into balcony bliss with cozy furniture like an armchair or nesting seats to save space. Choose furniture that complements your lifestyle, like an outdoor workstation for the remote worker or a table and chairs for the coffee lover. Add life to your balcony with potted plants, mini vegetable gardens, and climber plants like dramatic ivy to green your valuable vertical space. Colorful planter boxes with vibrant flowers can elevate your lofty curb appeal. Create a warm glow with candles, lanterns, or twinkling LED lights. Don’t forget personal touches, like a bright rug or quirky statue, because even the tiniest balcony should feel like a grand getaway.
Big Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces A Little Balcony Goes a Long Way
4 •205-223-6192
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