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DECEMBER 2025
ME LV I N ’ S MON T H LY MOMENT S
205-223-6192 MelvinUpchurchSells.com
And a Glimpse of What’s Next A SEASON OF GRATITUDE …
As another year winds down, I find myself reflecting on the incredible people I’ve been lucky enough to work with. Every home has a story, and every story reminds me why I love what I do. For more than a decade, LIST Birmingham has been helping homeowners sell smart, save thousands, and keep more of their hard-earned equity. It’s been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career, and I’m deeply grateful for every client who’s trusted me along the way. Lately, I’ve also been thinking about what comes next. The world of real estate keeps evolving, and I’m preparing to evolve with it. In 2026, I’ll be making some exciting updates in how I serve clients and grow my business. It’s still early to share details, but I can tell you it’s rooted in the same principles that have guided me since day one: relationships, value, and trust. On the home front, Jill, Bram, and I are looking forward to a little downtime this holiday season with friends, family, and a few rounds of golf. And, of course, the Melvies return in January! Our annual (and completely unofficial) client awards always make me smile, and this year’s lineup is a fun one. Keep an eye on your inbox to see who takes home the chocolate “Oscar.” Thank you for being part of our journey, and for letting me be part of yours.
Wishing you joy, peace, and a wonderful holiday season.
Warmly,
Coming 2026: Something new is taking shape — built around relationships, results, and doing business the right way. Stay tuned!
–Melvin Upchurch
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The Power of the Curve HOME DESIGN THAT FLOWS
Most of us give our windows little thought until something goes wrong. Maybe one refuses to open, lets in drafts, or fogs up without warning. Sometimes, these issues can be fixed. But often, they are signs it’s time for a replacement. Our comfort and efficiency take a hit when windows aren’t working right. That’s why it pays to know the warning signs. If opening and closing your window is a struggle, that’s a red flag. You shouldn’t need to force it or use a prop to keep it open. In these cases, moisture has caused the frame to swell or warp. Older wooden frames are especially vulnerable to this damage, and once decay sets in, it tends to spread. Leaks and drafts are another giveaway. Hold a lit candle near the window’s edges. A flickering flame means air is sneaking in. That can be uncomfortable and expensive. It can also mean more outside noise. If road traffic sounds louder than it used to, your windows might be the problem. Swapping single-pane windows for modern double-pane ones helps reduce noise and improve efficiency. If your windows look foggy between the panes, the seal has failed. That means any insulating gas has leaked out, and your windows aren’t doing their job. This kind of wear and tear happens gradually, but the result is often higher utility costs over time. Older windows also let in more harmful UV rays, which can fade carpets, furniture, and curtains. And from the outside, warped or outdated windows can make your home look a little run-down. Look at your energy bills. If they’re climbing and nothing else has changed, your windows might be the reason. Upgrading to energy- efficient models could trim heating and cooling costs by up to 30%. It might even earn you a tax credit. Don’t Overlook What You Look Through Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Windows
Ever notice how some spaces feel better than others? You can walk into a room and instantly feel more relaxed, even if it’s unclear why. It turns out that a room’s shape might have more to do with that than the furniture inside. Lately, curved architecture is trending in residential home design, and one of the main reasons is the positive shift in mood these curves bring to a space. Studies show that people prefer curves and rounded edges to hard angles. It makes sense when you think about it. Nature is full of curves. You see them everywhere: tree canopies, rolling hills, river stones, and even our bodies. Familiar forms put our minds at ease. Some research links curved spaces to reduced stress, a feeling of safety, and a boost in mood. In home design, curves promote good flow and soften transitions between spaces. And builders today have more ways to bring rounded elements into a home. CNC machines, 3-D printers, and new drywall framing systems make creating soft-edged interior spaces and design elements easier and more affordable. But you don’t have to renovate your house to bring in the curve. You can ease into it. A round mirror in the hallway changes the way light bounces. A lamp with a soft arc can pull a corner together. Swap out a square coffee table for a circular one, and suddenly the flow of a room changes. If you are remodeling, consider an arched pass-through between the kitchen and dining room or a rounded edge on the kitchen island. Built-ins with curved shelving or banquette seating can soften a space without taking over the entire layout. What matters most is how your eye travels. Curves can guide you through a room, and simply adding a few to your home’s layout can change how it looks and feels. That’s a design choice we can all get behind.
Good windows make a quiet, comfortable, and efficient home. They don’t always shout when they stop working, but they do whisper.
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Scenic Rail Journeys Worth Riding TRACKS AND TREASURES
express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers in its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. An Alaskan Adventure If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has provided travelers an intimate way to explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow-capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife. For the ultimate Alaska experience, opt for the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic nature viewing, a full-service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper-level platform for additional sightseeing. The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in a closer and more personal way? With railway vacations, you can. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising on the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A Euphoric European Escape While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous international excursion of the Venice Simplon-Orient- Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s- era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its remarkable gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) and live entertainment, this world-renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other legendary European destinations. A Symphony of Swiss Scenes For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express ’ 292-bridge/91-tunnel track from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams, and alpine meadows. Often referred to as “the slowest
Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
TAKE A BREAK
Ingredients
Gravy • 4 tbsp flour • 2 beef stock cubes • 3 tbsp caramelized onion chutney • 2–3 tsp yeast extract
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns • 1 tbsp mustard powder • 1 tbsp dried thyme • 1 tsp celery seeds • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 1/4 lbs topside joint of beef
Directions
1. With a pestle and mortar, crush peppercorns, mustard powder, thyme, and celery seeds together. 2. Stir in oil, then rub into beef. 3. Preheat oven to 375 F and set seasoned beef in a snug roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour. 4. Remove from the oven, lift onto a platter, and cover with foil to rest 30 minutes. 5. For gravy, pour juices from the pan into a large measuring cup. 6. Let the juices separate, then spoon 2 tbsp of fat back into the pan. Discard remaining fat. 7. Top juices in the cup with boiling water to make 3 cups total liquid. 8. Heat pan with fat over medium heat and stir in flour, stock cubes, onion chutney, and yeast extract. 9. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, and gradually add juices/water. Bubble to thicken and serve with the beef.
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
• 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 Season of Gratitude Plus a Glimpse of What’s Next
2
A Softer Approach to Modern Living
When Your Windows Send a Warning
3
3 Train Trips to Take Today
Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
4
Creating a Home Office That Feels Good
SIMPLE FIXES TO YOUR OFFICE SETUP Cozy Up Your Workspace
Start by clearing your desk. Tuck away wires, receipts, and plastic trays. Then add one soft thing. It might be a knit blanket over your chair or a small throw pillow. If it’s in your budget, get a new chair. Something comfortable but supportive will make a world of difference. Swap your overhead light for a small lamp with a warm glow. You can also add a candle. Scented candles bring warmth to a room and can have a soothing effect. A plant is a nice finishing touch. Real or fake, it doesn’t matter. Green things make a space feel alive. You don’t need a complete redesign. These quick, easy additions can give your home office a new vibe.
Are you trying to work in a home office that feels like a storage closet with Wi-Fi? You’re not alone. Small changes can make it cozy, less cramped, and maybe boost your productivity.
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