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JUNE 2026
ME LV I N ’ S MON T H LY MOMENT S
205-223-6192 MelvinUpchurchSells.com
WHAT THE FIRST QUARTER TOLD US
(And What It Didn’t)
These first-quarter stats provide a helpful snapshot of how select Birmingham markets performed relative to one another and to broader national trends. At a high level, we saw steady demand in many areas, with well-positioned homes continuing to attract strong interest. Compared to the national market, our local numbers remained encouraging. Average sales prices and price per square foot held strong, and homes here generally sold faster, reflecting continued buyer demand and market stability. That said, it’s important to interpret this data with caution. One quarter alone doesn’t establish a trend. In several of these segments, a relatively small number of sales can significantly influence the numbers — sometimes in ways that don’t reflect the broader market.
From Easter earlier this spring — grateful for faith, family, and Bram serving
1st Qtr 2025
1st Qtr 2026
Birmingham Markets
Avg $
Avg Sq Ft
DOM
$ Sq Ft
Avg $
Avg Sq Ft
DOM
$ Sq Ft
HW - Edgewood $632,811 30 1,955 $323.69 $689,382 5 1,868 $369.05 HW - Shades Cahaba $1,099,876 25 3,216 $342.00 $872,660 13 2,328 $374.85 HW - Hall Kent $555,957 82 2,388 $232.81 $460,527 19 1,876 $245.48 MB - Crestline $1,934,994 25 4,323 $447.60 $1,239,678 31 3,109 $398.74 MB - Mt. Brook $2,005,940 41 4,843 $414.19 $2,274,799 25 4,144 $548.94 MB - Brookwood For $999,721 35 3,380 $295.78 $851,200 30 3,301 $257.86 MB - Cherokee $1,016,990 4 3,854 $263.88 $1,050,127 11 4,200 $250.03 Vest - West $528,814 30 2,640 $200.31 $578,362 33 2,897 $199.64 Vest - East $739,972 31 2,691 $274.98 $873,500 24 3,612 $241.83 Vest - Dolly Ridge $651,495 30 2,977 $218.84 $844,564 33 3,618 $233.43 Vest - Cahaba Hights $569,377 13 2,392 $238.03 $939,582 43 3,052 $307.86 Vest - Liberty Park $710,870 13 3,133 $226.90 $865,162 42 4,039 $214.20 Hoover High $571,603 39 2,923 $195.55 $598,343 33 2,940 $203.52 Spain Park $601,646 53 3,291 $182.82 $581,037 50 3,088 $188.16 Highland Pk to Crestwood $472,572 42 2,044 $231.20 $540,170 54 2,299 $234.96 Trussville $427,874 39 2,441 $175.29 $475,196 59 2,686 $176.92 Oak Mtn $594,945 44 2,992 $198.85 $606,521 42 3,039 $199.58
in five services (while I managed on crutches)
With that in mind, this report is best viewed as a comparative look at how different markets are behaving rather than a definitive indicator of whether values are rising or falling. It does, however, highlight something we consistently see: Performance can vary meaningfully from one neighborhood to the next, even within the same city. Real estate is hyper-local. If you’d like a more precise read on your specific neighborhood — or what these trends mean for your home — I’d be glad to walk you through it.
Average for the Above Markets
$830,321 34 3,028 $274.18 $843,577 32 3,064 $275.28
–Melvin Upchurch
National Average $402,300 47 2,408 $167.07 $499,500 65 2,405 $207.69
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Goodbye Grime THE SIMPLE TASK THAT CAN MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK BRAND-NEW
Early summer is often one of the best times to get outside and tackle long-awaited projects around the house. We’re past the rainy season and are still a few weeks away from the extreme heat setting in, giving us a great opportunity to clear out the gutters, reinvigorate our lawns and gardens, repaint the exterior of the house, and wash windows. However, another task that’s easy to overlook has a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal and overall cleanliness. It’s pressure-washing season! If you don’t own a power- or pressure-washer, you may not truly understand the appeal. From the outside, pressure-washing can look like people are simply scraping off a layer of grime from their sidewalks, decks, or driveways. You may think you can accomplish the same thing with a mop and bucket, but that’s not entirely true. Let’s explore why pressure washing can be so helpful and how to use it wisely.
If dirt and other substances cling to your home, they slowly corrode the area. Let it sit even longer, and it will find its way inside, damaging your walls and threatening the structural integrity of your home. Mice and other vermin will be drawn to the area, and moisture can lead to mold growth, which poses a risk to your health. When these conditions reach a breaking point, it can become dangerous and incredibly expensive to repair. Pressure washing is a proactive approach that will help keep your home safe. Boost Curb Appeal As you walk around your neighborhood, more than a few houses will catch your eye for the right and wrong reasons. Houses that have been power-washed will be much more pleasing to the eye, while those with layers of visible dirt and grime will have you crossing the street in avoidance. Whether you pressure- wash your siding, deck, walkways, or driveway, it will significantly impact how your home looks to visitors and passersby. That simple upgrade can make your house more beautiful and even increase its value if you’re considering selling. Buyers are more likely to buy from a seller who power-washes because it shows they care for their home. Take Proper Precautions The first time you use a pressure washer, you may feel like running wild with it, especially after noticing how much grime it can take off your walkway or deck. However, you need to be careful, as user error could come back to haunt you. If you pressure- or power-wash your siding, you can force water under it, creating a breeding ground for mold and damaging the siding’s overall integrity. Pressure-washing windows can cause them to crack or even shatter. After cleaning the rest of your home, you may feel compelled to pressure-wash the roof, but this can actually damage the protective granules that make your shingles so effective. You need to be intentional and cautious whenever using a pressure or power washer. Using a pressure washer to clean your home is one of the best things you can do for its health and curb appeal. Pressure washers are relatively low-cost and easy to use. So, give it a try! You’ll quickly wonder why you never made the effort sooner!
“Houses that have been power-washed will be much more pleasing to the eye, while those with layers of visible dirt and grime will have you crossing the street in avoidance.”
Protect Your Home We are used to seeing dirt and grime, and in most instances, we don’t even think twice about it, especially during the rainy months. When we see dirt accumulate on our clothes, cars, or pets, we’re quick to clean or wipe them down, but our homes don’t get the same treatment. Walk through your neighborhood, paying close attention to the siding of the homes. You’ll notice more than a few with grime darkening the color. It’s visually unappealing, but it’s actually causing more harm than you may think.
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Build the Perfect Patio Without Breaking the Bank DREAMING OF A BACKYARD ESCAPE?
Few things feel better than settling into a chair outside, sipping an ice-cold drink, and enjoying a quiet moment in the open air. For many people, that sense of calm comes from a backyard space they’ve turned into their own private retreat just beyond the back door. The patio is the perfect environment for your favorite outdoor relaxation activities, but not everyone has one. And those who are considering adding one to their space may think otherwise after seeing the final price tag. Thankfully, you don’t have to hire a construction company to enhance your outdoor space. With the right materials and a little creativity, you can build the patio you’ve always envisioned. Here are three ideas to help you get started. Pallets While this may sound like an odd choice for patio improvements, pallets are an affordable, multiuse option that can completely change the look of your space. They can be used to create a sturdy, rustic floor for your patio or to hang on the side of your house as a garden wall for your flowers and veggies. They may need to be sanded or cleaned up to give it a more charming look, but pallets are one of the easiest ways to add to your outdoor space when on a budget. Shades One of the main reasons people avoid spending time outside during the summer months is the intense sunlight. It can get very hot, and sunglasses are recommended from sunrise to sunset. Shades are an easy solution that can fit
just about any space. All you really need is a tarp or fabric canopy and some wooden posts to create more shade in your outdoor living space. If you want to get even more hands-on, you can build a pergola. Lighting Those who want to continue enjoying their patios after sunset need to add some lights. Outdoor lighting options are more plentiful than ever. Still, simple additions like fairy lights and lanterns remain among the most affordable, charming, and easy-to-install choices, instantly transforming the atmosphere of your space.
TAKE A BREAK
BLT CHOPPED SALAD
Ingredients
Salad • 8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 9 oz) • 1/2 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil) • Hot water • 8 cups chopped kale, stems removed • 1/4 tsp kosher salt • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 1/2 cup sweet corn • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese • 1/4 cup finely chopped green or red onion Dressing • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 3/4 tsp smoked paprika • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Directions
1. Bake bacon at 400 F until crisp, then pat dry, cool, and chop. 2. Submerge sun-dried tomatoes in very hot water for a few minutes, then drain and pat dry. 3. Place kale in a large bowl, sprinkle with salt, and massage until darker and tender (about 2 minutes). 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, corn, bacon, feta, and onion. 5. Combine all dressing ingredients, mix well, then drizzle over salad and toss. 6. Chill 15 minutes if desired, or serve right away.
• 3 MelvinUpchurchSells.com
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
A Buyer Behavior Breakdown
2
Summer’s Most Satisfying Chore
3
Budget-Friendly Ways to Create Your Own Outdoor Oasis
BLT Chopped Salad
4
Create the Ultimate Bedroom Retreat With the Right Chair
Find the Bedroom Chair to Bring Your Space to Life TAKE A SEAT!
Our bedrooms often serve as the ultimate sanctuary for relaxation. It’s a place to unwind after a long day of work, where we can throw on our favorite show and find our zen. To enhance your calming and relaxing atmosphere, you need somewhere to sit, and it shouldn’t be on your bed! Thankfully, you can choose from various chair designs to personalize your space and enhance the room’s comfort.
Set up a recliner or rocking chair by the window to give yourself the perfect reading nook. If you have room, place smaller chairs next to each other so you and your spouse can converse and relax as the evening progresses. Whether you want something vintage, modern, or uniquely you, you can find a bedroom chair that works for you. Just make sure it brings a positive touch to your room without cluttering the space!
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