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SEPTEMBER 2025
ME LV I N ’ S MON T H LY MOMENT S
205-223-6192 MelvinUpchurchSells.com
Has Anything Really Changed for Buyers and Sellers? 🏡 NAR SETTLEMENT — 1 YEAR LATER
• The average agent sold just five homes last year.
You might remember headlines last year about a major lawsuit claiming the real estate industry had cheated consumers. As a result, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and several large brokerages agreed to a $418 million settlement , promising more transparency and consumer choice. Experts predicted this would dramatically reshape the industry — and cut real estate commissions by 30%.
• Half of all agents sold one or fewer homes , and 70% sold fewer than five.
• What does this mean? Real estate is still a relationship
business . Most people know several agents — and work with the one they feel most comfortable with, not necessarily the one with the most experience or the best fee structure.
So … did that happen? 📊 What Actually Happened
(For the record, I sold 60 homes last year. ) 💬 My Takeaway
• Attorneys made $138 million , while most consumers received a check for around $100 .
• The average commission dropped slightly — from 5.64% to 5.44% (about a 3% change, not 30% ).
When we started LIST Birmingham in 2014 , we set out to offer something different — more transparency, smarter pricing, and real experience. In 11 years, I’ve helped over 1,000 families navigate the market. And I can tell you this: The NAR settlement may have created more paperwork, but it didn’t really change how people choose an agent. Relationships still matter more than experience or cost savings.
• More paperwork and new disclosure rules were introduced, but for the average buyer or seller, the process remains mostly the same. 🧠 Behind the Scenes: How Real Estate Still Works
The biggest winners in the lawsuit? The attorneys.
Despite all the headlines, the core structure of real estate hasn’t changed much:
If you have questions about commissions, contracts, or how these changes affect you, I’m always happy to talk. No pressure — just real answers. –Melvin Upchurch
• There are 2 million agents in the U.S.
• In 2024, 4.7 million homes were sold , meaning 9.4 million transaction “sides.”
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Ready to turn a tired old table into a total showstopper? Whether it’s a flea market find or your grandma’s hand-me-down, refinishing a table is a satisfying single-day DIY project. Grab your gloves, and let’s get to it! Don’t skip the strip. Before you break out the sander, it’s time to tackle the existing finish. If there’s a protective coating or layer of stain, using a varnish stripper first will save you tons of time (and your biceps). Slap on some gloves because this stuff is strong. Spray it on, let it work its magic, then scrape off the gunky mess with a cheap plastic scraper. It’s weirdly satisfying. REFINISH A TABLE WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND (OR YOUR WEEKEND) Wood You Believe This Is the Same Table?
As the air turns crisp and the sweaters come out, your home needs some seasonal love, too. Taking care of a few key maintenance tasks now can help you avoid surprise repairs and set the stage for a cozy, stress-free fall. Think of fall maintenance as a wellness checkup for your house, catching issues now to spare you from winter headaches later. Clear gutters to let rainwater flow. Falling leaves may be whimsical, but not when they’re clogging your gutters. All that debris can trap water, sag gutters, damage siding, and even lead to icy problems later. Clean them out or call in a pro; it’s one of the best ways to protect your home from water damage. Swap screens and seal out the chill. Pack up those summer screens and give your windows a once-over before the cold settles in. Clean the glass, check for gaps, and install storm windows if you have them. This is also the perfect time to refresh your front door with a new coat of paint and seal up any sneaky drafts. Give your furnace a fine-tuning. Before the temperatures dip too low, ensure your furnace is ready to keep you warm. A professional inspection can help it run safely and efficiently, possibly preventing a costly mid-winter breakdown. Plus, a well-maintained system can save on energy bills. Bundle Up Your Home Before Fall Blows In Get Your Home Cozy, Comfy, and Cold-Weather Ready
Sand like a champ. Once your table is stripped and dry, cue the sander! Start with a medium grit to get any stubborn leftovers, then switch to a fine grit for that smooth-to-the-touch finish. Don’t forget the edges and corners — they deserve love, too. Cleaning up dust is a must. Dust is your enemy now. Wipe down the entire surface until it’s squeaky clean. No one wants fuzz or sawdust in their stain! Mellow any yellow with a whitewash. If you want a blank slate, tame yellow hues with a whitewash stain. One coat, wipe it off, plain and simple. Repeat if needed until you reach the desired neutral tone. Stain with beauty. Pick your favorite wood stain and apply two coats. Wipe off the excess quickly for an even, natural look. This is where the real transformation happens! Seal the deal. Once dry, protect your masterpiece with two coats of satin polyacrylic. This adds durability without changing the color, just the perfect finish. Don’t forget the underside. Flip it over and do it all again: strip, sand, clean, whitewash, stain, seal. It’s extra work, but it’s worth it. And just like that, you’ve got a table that looks like it came straight from a boutique showroom. Go you, DIY wizard!
Tidy the yard and prep the garden. Give your yard a final clean-up before winter. Trim any overhanging branches, rake up leaves, and clear out dying plants. Don’t forget to plant spring bulbs now for a colorful surprise when the snow melts. Protect your outdoor faucets. In colder areas, frozen pipes are no laughing
matter. Disconnect garden hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and shut off interior valves if you have them. Add insulated covers to help prevent freezing and bursting. Get the fireplace chimney ready to glow. Whether you’re dreaming of holiday fires or warming up on cold nights, ensure your chimney is clean and safe. Have it professionally inspected and swept to enjoy those cozy moments worry-free.
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A QUEEN NEEDS HER CASTLE (EVEN IF IT’S JUST A COZY CORNER) Welcome to the Woman Cave
It’s time to flip the script. Forget man caves stuffed with neon signs, bar stools, and sports memorabilia (unless that’s your jam). A woman
novel you’ve already read five times. Add a mug of something warm, and you’ve created a Pinterest fantasy.
cave is the ultimate self-care sanctuary, a place where cozy meets creative and everything inside reflects you. Whether escaping for quiet time, diving into a hobby, or craving a little glam, this is your personal retreat … and the rest of the world can wait.
Craft queen command center: Whether you’re into painting, scrapbooking, knitting, or DIY wizardry, build a corner stacked with your favorite supplies, creative inspiration, and plenty of space to let the magic happen. Zen den retreat: Imagine low lighting, gentle music, flowing water from a tabletop fountain, and the scent of lavender filling the air. Now drop into a cozy cushion and let the world fade away. Fit and fierce gym zone: Whether you’re pumping iron or mastering your yoga poses, this is your no-judgment sweat sanctuary. Decorate with fun art, motivational quotes, and all the gear you love. Make time for yourself. The secret to enjoying your woman cave? Schedule it. Add “me time” to your calendar like it’s the most important meeting of your week, because it is. Your woman cave celebrates everything you love — just remember to use your new favorite escape.
Claim your space and get creative. You don’t need a palace to create your dream escape. A forgotten basement corner, a spare room with good lighting, or even a backyard shed begging for a makeover will do. Think soft textures, bold colors, and items that spark joy. This is your haven — no permission slips required!
Dream up your hideaway. Looking for inspiration? Let your passions lead the way:
The book nook of bliss: Surround yourself with towers of stories and poetry, soft throw blankets, a few glowing lanterns, and your favorite
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil
Directions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
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205-223-6192 MelvinUpchurchSells.com 300 UNION HILL DR., STE. 200 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE
1
NAR Settlement 1 Year Later
2
Refinish Your Table With Grit (and Sandpaper)
Don’t Let Autumn Catch You Off Guard
3
Move Over Man Cave, the Woman Cave Has Arrived!
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
4
Creative Ways to Style a Lush Plant Corner
A GREEN TRANSFORMATION FOR A SMALL NOOK Turn Any Corner Into a Plant Paradise
Garnish With Glass Gardens
Looking to bring life to a quiet nook? Create your very own plant paradise that’s equal parts stylish and soothing. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting, this setup blends charm with nature’s best. Float Fresh Greenery Suspend your favorite plants to add visual interest. Wall- mounted planters or boho-style hangers give your space an airy, whimsical ambiance.
Tiny terrariums are big on personality. Fill them with moss, stones, and mini plants for easy, eye- catching charm. These small glass gardens can be placed on tables, shelves, or hung from the ceiling.
Go Big or Go Home Anchor your corner with a bold botanical centerpiece. Large leafy greens like monstera or snake plants bring structure and elegance. Finish With Flair Warm woods, soft ceramics, and natural-toned accessories set a serene scene. Add a gentle spotlight, and watch your plant corner glow by evening.
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