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MARCH 2025
ME LV I N ’ S MON T H LY MOMENT S
205-223-6192 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
Let me confess: I am a NERD for statistics. I have found that most people want to know how they compare to others. In our market, every elementary school district compares itself to the other elementary school districts in their city, and every city compares itself to the other cities. These stats give you an idea of how you compare. The following are some of my biggest takeaways. Birmingham Stats: HOW DOES YOUR MARKET LOOK?
Birmingham Market Statistics 5 Year Comparison by School District
2020
% New Construction
2024
School District
Median $
Avg Sq Ft
$ Sq Ft
Median $
Avg Sq Ft
$ Sq Ft
HW - Edgewood $479,000 2,202 $217.53 $616,000 2,320 $265.52 5.56% HW - Shades Cahaba $445,000 2,228 $199.73 $675,000 2,526 $267.22 3.23% HW - Hall Kent $325,000 2,164 $150.18 $469,950 2,019 $232.76 5.71% MB - Crestline $821,000 3,284 $250.00 $1,110,000 3,206 $346.23 0.00% MB - Mt. Brook $828,500 4,043 $204.92 $1,180,000 3,640 $324.18 1.52% MB - Brookwood $530,000 3,676 $144.18 $830,000 3,635 $228.34 0.00% MB - Cherokee $610,785 4,033 $151.45 $915,000 4,355 $210.10 3.28% Vest - West $365,000 2,691 $135.64 $480,000 2,695 $178.11 1.77% Vest - East $501,250 3,209 $156.20 $637,500 3,028 $210.54 1.09% Vest - Dolly $502,450 3,474 $144.63 $715,000 3,623 $197.35 3.16% Vest - Cahaba $420,000 2,679 $156.77 $480,000 2,466 $194.65 3.41% Vest - LP $555,000 4,084 $135.90 $725,225 3,887 $186.58 29.08% Hoover High $396,066 2,837 $139.61 $521,906 2,868 $181.98 29.31% Spain Park $359,900 3,386 $106.29 $437,500 3,008 $145.45 1.15% National Average $358,700 2,333 $153.75 $427,000 2,374 $179.87 28.00%
1. Homewood has the smallest houses.
4. Our median price for homes is generally well above the national average. The price per square foot is higher than the national average in every submarket except for two.
2. Mountain Brook has the most expensive homes — surprise, surprise.
5. New construction in Homewood, Mt. Brook, and all submarkets in Vestavia, with the exception of Liberty Park, is primarily limited to tear-downs.
3. New construction in the Birmingham
6. The average size of homes in Liberty Park is getting smaller, indicating that the new homes being constructed there are smaller than the traditional, older homes in Liberty Park.
area, in general, lags behind the rest of the country. We are only seeing significant new construction in Liberty Park and along the Hoover Met Corridor in Hoover.
Call me if you would like market information about your neighborhood or for a CMA for your particular home.
–Melvin Upchurch
• 1 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
DON’T LET SMALL ISSUES SLIDE Sneaky Home Issues You Should Never Ignore
Your home should be your haven, but even the coziest spaces can harbor silent troublemakers. While some household quirks might seem harmless, ignoring them can lead to bigger, messier, and pricier problems. Let’s uncover six common culprits and learn how to deal with them before they take over. Tiny Intruders and Mysterious Droppings The sight of mouse droppings can stop any homeowner in their tracks. Droppings, ants, and other pests indicate your home has unsealed openings, practically inviting critters in. Inspect spots like exhaust vents, ducts, and garage doors for gaps or signs of chewing. When in doubt, call a professional. Ignoring pests is a recipe for health risks and more unwelcome guests. Mold’s Unwelcome Appearance Mold hangs out in the usual places — bathroom corners or the fridge ( oops, forgot about that yogurt ). However, mold on your living room walls or bedroom ceiling is a major red flag. Unexpected mold could point to a hidden moisture problem, and ignoring it won’t make it disappear. Get a professional to evaluate the situation, stop the spread, and ensure your home stays safe for you and your family. Less-Than-Perfect Shingles Your roof works year-round to protect your home, so don’t let damaged shingles go unnoticed. A single missing shingle might seem trivial, but it can allow moisture to seep in and wreak
“A bit of vigilance now can prevent major headaches later, keeping your sanctuary safe, beautiful, and ready for all life’s moments.”
havoc on the wood beneath. Before you know it, a quick fix turns into a costly nightmare. Take the time to inspect your roof regularly or schedule a professional check-up. Your wallet (and home) will thank you. Gurgling Drains and Unpleasant Surprises If your sink drain starts gurgling like it’s auditioning for a horror movie, or you catch a whiff of something unpleasant, don’t shrug it off. A simple blockage may be the culprit, and a plunger or drain snake could solve the problem. However, persistent issues might mean debris or nesting critters are blocking your vent pipe. When DIY doesn’t cut it, call a plumber to get your pipes back in shape. Risky Stair Railings A shaky stair railing can seem like a minor annoyance until it becomes a major safety hazard. A quick DIY fix might work for short railings, but anything longer — or attached to a balcony — needs a professional’s touch. Better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to something you rely on daily. What Lies Beneath Peeling Paint Peeling paint can be more than an aesthetic issue. If the paint flakes in square, scaly patterns, you might have lead-based paint underneath — a big concern, especially with kids in the house. Don’t tackle this alone; bring in a pro to safely remove the old paint and give your walls a safe, fresh look. Your home has a way of hinting when something’s wrong. Listen to those little signals and take action. A bit of vigilance now can prevent major headaches later, keeping your sanctuary safe, beautiful, and ready for all life’s moments.
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Why Does My Water Take So Long to Get Hot?
COMMON REASONS YOUR SHOWER IS COLD
homes, changing the heat to a higher setting only requires manually adjusting the temperature to the desired degree. Also, consider the time it takes for the hot water to reach the tap. You may set the temperature to a specific degree, but it may be a few degrees cooler when it reaches you. The water heater is too far from the shower. Ideally, water heaters are placed centrally in a home, but that isn’t always the case. Basements and laundry closets are common areas for water heaters, and in many instances, they are a good distance away from the kitchen or bathrooms. When this is an issue, it can take some time for the water to heat. The pipes aren’t insulated. Areas like an unfinished basement or crawlspace can be the culprits for slow-
Having hot water is a luxury many enjoy, but it can be frustrating when the water takes too long to heat up. A lag in hot water temperature can be due to many factors, including uninsulated pipes, lower water temperature settings, or something as simple as not realizing the knob isn’t turned all the way. No matter the case, anyone’s patience can grow thin when waiting on hot water, especially when they desperately need the pampering of a relaxing bath or shower. Before frustration sets in and you take a hammer to the tap, here are three common culprits preventing your water from getting hot enough, fast enough! The water heater is set to a lower temperature. Most water heaters have adjustable control settings (except for heaters in rented spaces). However, for most
heating water. As the warm water passes through the pipes, the pipes warm up, but that can take time. Depending on the location of the pipes, you can insulate them, but if it’s not worth the time or effort, it’s best to have a little more patience with your water heater!
TAKE A BREAK
Not Your Mom’s Corned Beef and Cabbage
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces • 1 tsp salt • 2 lbs red potatoes, halved • 1 small head of cabbage, cut into eighths
• 1 (4 lb) corned beef brisket with spice packet • 3 qts water • 1 onion, quartered • 3 carrots, cut into large chunks
Directions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine corned beef, spice packet contents, water, onions, carrots, celery, and salt. Bring to a simmer (skimming off any foam on top). 2. Cover pot, reduce to low heat, and let simmer for 3 hours until meat is fork tender. 3. Add potatoes to the pot and let simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until potatoes are al dente. 4. Add cabbage along the edges of the meat and on top. Cover and let simmer until cabbage is tender, 20–30 minutes. 5. Place meat on a cutting board and let rest for 10–15 minutes. After meat has cooled, slice against the grain. 6. Add to a large serving bowl, ladle vegetables and broth over top, and serve.
Aquamarine Basketball Bluebird Clover
Green Ides Leprechaun Madness
Pisces Spring Tangerine Tulip
• 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
Birmingham Stats: How Does Your Market Look?
2
Ignoring These Home Issues Could Cost You Big
3
Why Does My Water Take So Long to Get Hot?
Not Your Mom’s Corned Beef and Cabbage
4
The Secrets to Perfectly Styled Shelves
TURN YOUR SHELVES INTO A SHOWSTOPPER Shelf Styling Made Easy
Styling your shelves is an opportunity to let your creativity run wild! With a few thoughtful tweaks, your shelves can go from cluttered chaos to chic and cohesive. Embrace the ‘love it or leave it’ rule. If it’s not practical, sentimental, or something you absolutely adore, it doesn’t belong on your shelf. A few well- placed pieces can be far more striking than an overcrowded display. Pick a palette, not a paint splatter. Stick to a cohesive palette to avoid a jumble of clashing colors. Pair whites with soft creams, metallics, and neutrals for a sophisticated look. Add artwork for personality. Lean a piece of art against the back or hang it on the molding for extra flair.
It doesn’t have to be fancy — a framed kid’s drawing can add the character your shelves need to pop. Play with texture and height. Mix in baskets, wooden objects, or textured vases to keep things interesting. Combine varying heights and sizes, but stay true to your palette.
4 •205-223-6192
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