Check out our March newsletter!
MARCH 2024
ME LV I N ’ S MON T H LY MOMENT S
205-223-6192 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
Happy 10th Anniversary, LIST Birmingham!
1. I was the #1 producing agent in Homewood in 2023! Since I live in Homewood, I am very proud of that ranking.
When we started LIST Birmingham on February 1, 2014, we heard from every naysayer. One of my favorites was from the dean of a local college who stated in 2015: “Your model is not sustainable.” (But he used us anyway and saved $10,000). The all-time classic was this little jewel: “They won’t last three years.” (We quote that one around the office all the time.) Not only have we survived, but we have also helped 2,000 buyers and sellers. Since we opened our doors, we have sold one house on average every two days. Commission savings for our clients are over $10 million. How crazy is that?
2. In the entire Birmingham market, I was ranked #10 in sales out of 6,500 real estate agents. Not bad, but my goal is to be #1. If you aren’t the lead dog, the view never changes.
3. In Vestavia, I was ranked #11 in sales out of 600 agents that sold a property in 2023 (Top 2%).
4. For homes zoned Spain Park, I was ranked #14 out of 619 agents (Top 2%).
Thank you for helping LIST Birmingham reach this milestone.
5. For Avondale/Forest Park, I was ranked #14 out of 434 agents (Top 3%).
Newsletter Spotlight: Decorator, Leanne Cates Congratulations to Leanne Cates for being selected as the top interior decorator in Vestavia! Before Leanne became a successful decorator, she staged houses for me. Leanne has always been our secret weapon; we would send her to help our clients prep their homes before we put them on the market. Thanks to her efforts, my listings can optimize their potential, resulting in the best online presentation, the best curb appeal, and ultimately, homes that sell faster and for more money. Despite Leanne’s tremendous success as a decorator, she still assists my clients. I owe a great deal of my success to Leanne — so thanks, Leanne! Contact her if you need a decorator by calling 205-585-3876 or at LeanneGCates@Gmail.com. Ranking Melvin: As I look over my production in 2023, there are a few statistics worth mentioning, i.e., bragging about.
The bottom line? Our model works in every market. My success would not have been possible without an amazing team behind me. That includes Leanne on decorating, Natan, the top house photographer in the market, amazing contractors, mortgage lenders, closing attorneys, home inspectors, etc. We use the top service providers at every point of a transaction. Thanks to these fantastic folks for taking such great care of my clients! Please help me increase my rankings in 2024 by sending me all your referrals! Thank you to all my clients for your business, referrals, and friendship!
–Melvin Upchurch
• 1 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
BEYOND CLEANING: Essential Spring Upkeep for a Safer Home
Driveway Maintenance The impact of winter is also evident in driveways, which often suffer from cracks and potholes due to the freezing and thawing cycle. Addressing these issues enhances the home’s curb appeal and prevents further deterioration and potential safety hazards for vehicles and pedestrians.
Spring brings sentiments of renewal, and spring-cleaning is like a fresh start for your home. Spring-cleaning and decluttering make your home feel fresh and new; try rearranging furniture, updating decor, or even repainting a room to breathe new life into your home. While these are mainly aesthetic, other spring-cleaning tasks can level up your home’s safety and energy efficiency. Here are eight to consider. Ensuring Home Safety and Functionality Addressing the wear and tear homes endure during the winter helps maintain its value. It’s an excellent time to check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers to ensure they are working correctly. The Hidden Danger of Dryer Vents One overlooked but crucial aspect of home safety is the maintenance of dryer vents. It is alarming that clogged dryer vents are responsible for 3,000 home fires yearly, so have them cleaned regularly. A clear vent also improves the dryer’s efficiency, saving energy and prolonging appliance life.
Inspecting and replacing the HVAC filter is crucial for the system’s proper functioning and readiness for summer use. A well-maintained HVAC system provides efficient cooling and improves indoor air quality, contributing to a healthier living environment. Home Maintenance Checklist: Electrical, Plumbing, and Structure Regular maintenance schedules should include checking the home’s electrical system, plumbing, and structural integrity. These systems are fundamental to a safe and functioning home. Outdated electrical wiring poses a fire hazard and affects the efficiency and performance of modern appliances. Undetected leaks in plumbing can lead to significant water damage over time. Regular checks and timely repairs prevent these issues. Post-Winter Roof and Gutter Care Your roof often bears the brunt of winter’s fury, requiring special attention as the season changes. Winter winds and storms can loosen shingles, creating vulnerabilities that may lead to leaks and water damage. But if these issues are found early, they are easy to fix. When inspecting the roof, look for any dents, missing shingles, or other signs of wear. Remove debris from the roof and gutters to ensure proper water drainage before the rainy season starts.
Spring Tree and Landscaping Maintenance
Another essential home maintenance task is to trim tree branches too close to the house before these branches fill out with leaves, making them heavier and more challenging to manage. It safeguards the home from potential damage due to falling limbs, especially during spring storms. To help maintain a manicured landscape, trim back any overgrown bushes. Clear away dead foliage and trim vegetation to allow your plants and landscaping to emerge in the spring. It’s also a good time to clear space for new plants you want to add to your outdoor spaces.
Leveraging the Expertise of Professionals
As you work on your home, engage with professionals to ensure proper maintenance and adherence to regulatory standards. Whether the experts are roofers, HVAC technicians, or landscapers, they bring skill and experience and save homeowners precious time. Experts can identify potential problems that may not be obvious and provide effective and efficient solutions. Incorporating these maintenance tips into the annual spring-cleaning regimen enhances your home’s safety, functionality, and visual appeal. By proactively addressing these areas, you prevent potential issues and maintain the value of your home.
Maintain HVAC System for Optimal Comfort
The HVAC system plays a pivotal role in providing comfort within the home.
“As you work on your home, engage with professionals to ensure proper maintenance and adherence to regulatory standards. Whether the experts are roofers, HVAC technicians, or landscapers, they bring skill and experience and save homeowners precious time.”
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Spring is in the air; the chirping birds and warm air call you outdoors. It’s the perfect time to start your garden. Even as a beginning gardener, you can find plants and flowers to bring you joy throughout the summer. Carrots and radishes are quick, easy, and grow well in most areas. Carrots are versatile veggies great for snacking and cooking; even your dogs will love them! They need to be planted early, though, as they take about three months to germinate. Radishes are cool-season vegetables you can start indoors and plant outside after the last frost. Other vegetables can be started from seed indoors in late February to early March. Try cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, leeks, endive, and lettuce. Later, in mid to late March, you can start peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, Swiss chard, and tomatillos indoors. Wait to plant your seeds and seedlings in the ground until two weeks after the last frost. Some early cold-tolerant vegetables, like cabbage, broccoli, and head lettuce, can go in the ground early to mid-March. Heat-loving plants like peppers, okra, and eggplant that grow slowly can also be planted in March. Tomatoes are the stars of many gardens. It is best to wait until early April to plant them, though. They are like Goldilocks and prefer everything just right — not too cold or hot. GROW YOUR GREEN THUMB THIS SPRING A Spring Gardening Guide
We can’t talk about gardening without giving a few helpful tips for adding color. Plant hydrangea, aster, pansy, sweet peas, garden mums, and Oriental lilies in the spring to invite pollinators and provide blooming color throughout the summer. Spring bulbs, like crocus and daffodils, are the first to bloom. Sometimes, they will even bloom when there is a bit of snow on the ground. But it is best to plant bulbs in the fall so they have time to settle in their roots. A gardener’s best friend is the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. Since most states include three different growing zones, it is a handy resource to choose the best plants for your area. The website at PlantHardiness.ars.usda.gov has a wealth of information, including tips for easy maintenance. So, grab your gloves, get your seeds, and enjoy watching your garden grow!
TAKE A BREAK
St. Paddy’s Irish Soda Bread
Inspired by Epicurious.com
Ingredients
• Nonstick vegetable oil spray • 2 cups all-purpose flour, extra for dusting • 5 tbsp sugar, divided • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 3/4 tsp baking soda • 3 tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cubed • 1 cup buttermilk • 2/3 cup raisins
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray. 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, 4 tbsp sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut butter into the mixture with your fingers or a pastry knife until crumbly. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk. Gradually mix until dough comes together. Mix in raisins. 3. Using floured hands, form dough into a ball and transfer to pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tbsp sugar. 4. Bake bread for about 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and a tester stick comes out clean. Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then enjoy!
• 3 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
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
Celebrating 10 Years of LIST Birmingham
2
Easy Steps to Maintain a Safe Home
3
Bring Color and Joy to Your Garden
St. Paddy’s Irish Soda Bread
4
Refresh Your Home for the Season
Sprucing Up for Spring EASY TIPS TO INFUSE LIFE AND STYLE
Spring is a time of renewal, blooming flowers, and rejuvenation. Revitalize your home this season with a few easy DIY ideas.
Add splashes of color.
Nothing says spring like bright, fresh colors. A fresh coat of paint will change the dynamic of any room; try painting an accent wall with greens, blues, and yellows. You can also use colorful pillows, vases, and other accessories to brighten a room.
Rearrange the furniture.
Shifting your furniture around is a great way to invite spring into your home. Try moving your furnishings so more light comes in. It doesn’t take a lot to rejuvenate your home for spring. These quick tips will add light, brightness, and color to your surroundings.
Get new houseplants.
Bright-colored flowering plants and multi- shaped green leaves bring spring to any space. Whether natural or artificial, they’re a great way to make any room livelier.
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