Check out our February newsletter!
FEBRUARY 2024
ME LV I N ’ S MON T H LY MOMENT S
205-223-6192 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
Housing Market Review REFLECTING ON 2023 AND ANTICIPATING 2024
We’ve closed the books on another great year. As we look ahead to 2024, it’s important to understand the story 2023 tells for the housing market. The chart to the right gives some great insight into the market, prices, and trends. What can we infer?
Home Sold 2023
2023 Median Price
2022 Days on Market 2023
Area
2022
Change
2022
Change
Homewood
309 244 -21.04% $489,000 $490,000 0.20% 14 342 266 -22.22% $825,214 $909,250 10.18% 11 635 475 -25.20% $525,000 $575,000 9.52% 14 1149 870 -24.28% $470,550 $496,500 5.51% 17
20 15 19
Mt. Brook
Vestavia
Hoover High
9
Spain Park High 538 410 -23.79% $435,000 $447,500 2.87% 15
24 24 19
Oak Mountain
492 468 -4.88% $495,352 $516,089 4.19% 13
• Since December of 2021,
Average
-20.23%
5.41
14
the 30-year fixed mortgage rates increased from below 3% to 7.50%. In fact, in 2022, mortgage rates more than doubled in less than 12 months for the first time in history. • The impact has been a sharp decline in houses available for sale as homeowners are delaying
30-Year Mortgage Rates
2022
2023
January 1 March 31
3.11% 4.67% 5.30% 6.67%
6.48% 6.27% 6.69% 7.31%
June 30
September 30
putting their homes on the market because over 70% of homeowners have a mortgage rate below 4%. Home sales were down 20% in 2023.
In 2023, 49% of real estate agents sold one or fewer homes. About 70% of agents sold two homes or less. What is the market outlook? As I write this newsletter, mortgage rates have dropped to 6.62%, which is the lowest they have been since May 2023. Most experts are anticipating rates to continue to decline in 2024, which will help create more inventory for the housing market. Projections are for homes to continue to appreciate about 4%–5% per year in our market. If you have any questions about the real estate market, please contact me. I will be glad to provide you with a market analysis of your home. Also, never hesitate to reach out to me for referrals for quality contractors, including handymen, electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, waterproofing companies, etc.
• Note that home prices increased about 5% last year. The reason for the increase is that we still have far more buyers than sellers in the market.
• Personally, my production numbers were up in 2023. My sales volume was over
Have a Happy & Prosperous 2024!
$35,000,000, with 68 units sold for an increase of about 10% . On average, my sellers saved over $10,000 in commission .
–Melvin Upchurch
• 1 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
SOPHISTICATED BABY-PROOFING Safety That Complements Your Home Decor
Maximizing Space and Style Clever Home Decoration Strategies
Welcoming a new baby into the home is a delightful experience, but it also creates safety concerns. The good news is you don’t have to compromise your interior decor to ensure a safe environment for your little one. A wide array of elegant baby- proofing solutions are available, blending safety with style. Assess your home with a designer’s eye. To create a stylish and secure environment for your child, adopt a designer’s perspective when evaluating your home. Consider your home’s existing color palette and decor style so you can make the most of your baby-proofing efforts. For example, consider sleek, clear corner guards if your home has a modern minimalist aesthetic. These unobtrusive guards provide protection from sharp edges while maintaining the clean lines and simplicity of your decor. They seamlessly blend in with your surroundings, ensuring both safety and aesthetics. For homes that lean toward a more traditional decor, wooden safety gates that complement your furniture can be an excellent choice. These gates will blend with your decor’s charm while providing a protective barrier and peace of mind. Ensure safety in the kitchen. The kitchen is often a focal point of potential hazards, but it’s possible to maintain safety without sacrificing style. Consider implementing magnetic cabinet locks that offer robust security without adding unsightly plastic attachments or hardware to your cabinets and drawers. These locks remain discreetly concealed, ensuring your kitchen’s aesthetics remain intact while keeping curious hands away from potential dangers.
In home design, achieving functionality and aesthetic appeal is a balancing act. But with the right strategies, any space can transform into a stylish and practical haven. Here are four expert tips to maximize both space and style in your home. Utilize every wall. A common mistake in home decoration is neglecting wall space. Designer wisdom dictates that every wall should contribute to the room’s overall look and feel. This doesn’t mean overcrowding walls with decor but thoughtfully using them to enhance the room. Consider adding art, mirrors, shelves, or decorative rails. These elements fill empty spaces and add character and dimension to your living area. Conquer clutter with style. Clutter is the enemy of a well-designed space. Use baskets and storage solutions that complement your decor to keep clutter at bay. Baskets are not just functional; they can also be stylish accents that add texture and warmth to any room. They come in various sizes and materials, allowing you to choose those that align with your home’s aesthetic. This way, you keep your space tidy while adding an element of design. Install creative lighting. Lighting is pivotal in setting the mood and highlighting your home’s best features. Incorporating various types of lighting — wall lamps, standing lamps, ambient lights, and table lamps — creates layers of illumination that enhance the room’s atmosphere. Pay special attention to your pendant lamp; it’s not just a light source but a decorative piece that can be a focal point in the room. A well-chosen pendant lamp adds elegance and can tie a room together. Harmonize color and texture. Integrating varying textures and colors can dramatically change a room’s appearance and feel. Soft furnishings like throw pillows and rugs bring comfort and visual interest. Experiment with contrasting textures and complementary colors to create a dynamic yet cohesive look.
Create a stylish play area in the living room.
Transforming your living room into a secure play area need not disrupt your interior design. Chic, foldable play yards come in various colors and materials, serving as stylish accessories that effortlessly blend with your living room decor. They provide a safe play area and do not detract from your space’s overall visual appeal.
It is possible to baby-proof your home without sacrificing style. By thoughtfully selecting elegant and versatile safety products, you can create a secure and aesthetically pleasing living space for you and your new family member.
2 •205-223-6192
Valentine’s Day is not just about the grand gestures; the little things count, too. Nothing speaks louder than a handmade token of love in a world brimming with store-bought gifts. This year, dive into DIY and create gifts from the heart. Here are seven DIY Valentine’s Day crafts you can make from home. Personalized Love Jars Gather some Mason Jars and fill them with notes of appreciation, favorite memories, or future date ideas. Decorate the jars with ribbons, stickers, or paint to personalize them. Every note is a reminder of the special moments you share. Handcrafted Photo Frame Nothing says “I cherish our memories” like a handmade photo frame. Use materials like beads, seashells, and glitter to create a unique frame, then insert a favorite photo of you and your loved one. Customized Candle Holders Transform ordinary glass candle holders into something special. Use paint, glitter, or etching to add a romantic touch. Place a scented candle inside, and you’ve got a perfect mood-setter for a romantic dinner at home. Love-Themed Garden Stones For those who love gardening, creating love-themed garden stones is a great idea. Paint rocks or stepping stones with heartwarming messages or designs. These can be placed in your garden as a reminder of your affection. A Craft for Your Valentine UNIQUE DIY VALENTINE’S GIFTS TO CHERISH
Homemade Bath Bombs Mix a batch of bath bombs using simple ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. Choose scents and colors that your partner loves. It’s a great way to add a bit of luxury to your partner’s relaxation time. Knitted or Crocheted Items If you’re skilled with knitting needles or a crochet hook, you can make a cozy scarf, hat, or even a small plush heart. These handmade items carry the warmth of your love. Heart-Shaped Baked Goods Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked goods. Whip up a batch of heart-shaped cookies or a cake decorated with your partner’s favorite colors. Crafting a Valentine’s Day gift is an intimate and enjoyable journey. It’s about embedding a piece of your heart into something tangible. This Valentine’s Day, let your love take a creative form and watch as these crafts bring a smile to your loved one’s face.
TAKE A BREAK
Puff Pastry Berry Hearts
Inspired by Weelicious.com
Ingredients
• 1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted • 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp powdered sugar • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or berries of your choice)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Unfold the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes. 2. On a baking sheet, place puff pastry hearts and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 3. In a standing mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed for 4. 2–3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat on high for 30 more seconds or until thick and fluffy. 5. Remove hearts from the oven and allow to cool completely. Slice each heart in half between pastry layers to create 2 hearts. Top the bottom half with whipped cream and berries, and place the other half on top to form a sandwich.
• 3 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
205-223-6192 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com 300 UNION HILL DR., STE. 200 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209
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INSIDE
1
A Year in Review — Looking Back on 2023
2
Make the Most of Your Space
Child-Proofing Safety With Style
3
Heartfelt DIY Crafts for Your Valentine!
Puff Pastry Berry Hearts
4
Home Harmony: Unveil the Secret of Indoor Plants!
BREATHE LIFE INTO YOUR HOME: DISCOVER THE POWER OF INDOOR PLANTS!
Imagine stepping into a room where the air feels fresher and the ambiance is more relaxing. This isn’t just a dream — it’s the reality you can create with the right indoor plants. From the elegant Peace lily , known for its air-purifying qualities, to the hardy Zanzibar Gem that thrives in low light, each plant brings a unique touch to your living space.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. Indoor plants like the Ficus elastica and Philodendron Hope are
more than just decor; they’re companions that grow with you, adapting to your home’s
environment and adding a touch of nature’s resilience to your daily life. Whether a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, you can find a plant that fits your home and skill level. Create your own indoor oasis today. Embrace the joy and tranquility plants bring, and watch as they transform not just your home but also your well-being.
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