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ME LV I N ’ S MON T H LY MOMENT S
MAY 2023
205-223-6192 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
A common question we receive from our clients is “How is the residential real estate market?” A GLIMPSE INTO OUR CURRENT REAL ESTATE MARKET There are currently two competing forces in the real estate market — higher mortgage rates and lack of inventory. These clashing situations are yielding a rather dramatic drop in units sold (29.45%) in the first quarter of this year compared to last year. However, prices have remained relatively stable (1.66% rise). What does this mean for the market? We need more inventory. Currently, 70% of Americans have a mortgage rate of less than 4%. They are reluctant to put their home on the market because now their mortgage rate will be over 6%. When mortgage rates drop, there will be a pretty good bull market in residential real estate. THE INSIDE SCOOP
Units Sold
Median Price
Diff 2023 Birmingham Metro (Downtown, Homewood, Mt. Brook, Vest & Hoover) 2022 2022 Diff 2023
January February
239 304 462
184 214 311 709
-23.01% $423,000 -29.61% $425,000 -32.68% $459,500 -29.45% $436,553
$452,500 $423,000 $510,750
March
Total
1005
$443,810 1.66%
Homewood
January February
14 20 27 61 13 20 32 65
10 17 19 46
-28.57% $411,000 -15.00% $462,500 -29.63% $505,000 -24.59% $453,000
$514,450 $450,000 $390,000
March
Total
$440,000 -2.87%
Mt. Brook
January
7
-46.15% $1,000,000 $1,260,000
February
17 31 55
-15.00% $956,375 -3.13% $750,000 -15.38% $772,000
$785,850 $995,000
March
Total
$930,000 20.47%
Vestavia
January
25 42 76
27 20 31 78
8.00% $428,000 -52.38% $475,000 -59.21% $499,500 -45.45% $475,000 Hoovv ee rr & SS paa ii nn Paa rr kk -12.99% $425,000 -26.21% $417,500 -31.03% $450,000 -25.71% $429,460
$510,000 $502,500 $599,000
February
March Total
For more information about the current real estate market, feel free to contact me.
143
$545,500 14.84%
January February
77
67 76
$474,590 $434,000 $456,950
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW WEBSITE CONTEST WINNERS. Register on my new website for a chance to win! MelvinUpchurchSells.com 1. Sarah Hays ($200 Gift Certificate to Giamarco’s – her favorite restaurant) 2. Sam Holland ($100 Chuy’s) 3. $25 to Edgars Ryan Zebot, Ben Ratliff, Anne Martha Corley, and Beverly Francis
103 174 354
March
120 263
Total
$454,900 5.92%
–Melvin Upchurch
• 1 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
KEEP IT COOL! Wash Clothes in Cold to Save the Planet
As we approach the summer months, Americans will spend more time in their outdoor spaces than at any other time of the year. From barbecues to pool parties, your patio will likely host many guests in the coming months — and there’s nothing worse than having an unprepared space that leaves your guests feeling uncomfortable. Have Your Guests Begging to Come Over With These Summer Patio Trends
Every home has a few appliances that are habitual climate-crisis offenders, and washing machines are usually at the top of the list. However, we understand that washing machines aren’t going anywhere anytime soon — they’re too convenient. Luckily, one thing anyone can do to benefit the environment while using their washing machine is to use cold water! If you didn’t know, about 90% of a washing machine’s energy goes toward heating the water, resulting in a more expensive energy bill and increased carbon emissions. Carbon emissions are “the main driver of climate change and associated extreme weather, which will affect climate for thousands of years through polar ice loss, ocean warming, and sea level rise,” according to the World Meteorological Organization.
So, before your guests ever arrive this summer, refresh your patio by using these four trends.
Trend No. 1: An Unexpected Touch of Wicker Wicker is common for outdoor spaces and a great way to make them feel casual yet comfortable. However, a complete wicker ensemble can sometimes feel overwhelming. You can still achieve this relaxed atmosphere by adding wicker in unexpected places, like a bar cart or small side table. This will help maintain a cozy atmosphere without making the entire patio look uniform or bland. Trend No. 2: Conversation-Centric Seating We sometimes assume our guests want to move around when we host in outdoor spaces. But oftentimes, people actually enjoy staying in one place and getting to visit in a single area, like a patio that is both functional and fun. You can create this environment by organizing your outdoor furniture so the seats face each other. This cozy setup allows people to relax while catching up and is perfect for summer living! Trend No. 3: Space-Focused Serveware While you may have a table or two on your patio, this surface area is limited — and serving trays or dishware can take up space fast. So, use clever serveware made to save space. These dishes are either tiered or boast deep basins to hold more food without taking up too much room. Trend No. 4: Bold Leaf Prints Many outdoor spaces feature concrete or brick flooring. While these materials can look appealing for a while, they eventually become damaged, faded, or dull. So, spice up your outside space with rugs, seat cushions, or pillows with leaf prints that can make your space feel natural yet exciting. These large-scale patterns and green prints can make your outdoor space fun and cozy. These outdoor design trends are easy ways to make your patio space come alive and ensure your guests will be talking about more than just the warm weather.
So, if helping the environment is on your laundry list, an easy way to start is by switching your washer settings to cold water. The best part is that you can still run warm wash cycles occasionally if you need the sanitation benefits. According to the American Cleaning Institute, washing 4 out of 5 loads on cold-water
settings can reduce carbon emissions by 864 pounds a year. To put those numbers into perspective, that’s the equivalent of planting 0.37 acres of forest! Aside from the carbon emissions, washing your clothes in cold water has also been proven to reduce the number of microfibers released into the water system. Microfibers are tiny fibers that fall off every time we wash our clothes. These little threads are dangerous to small aquatic organisms that may eat them, and they also release toxic chemicals into our oceans over time. For those who need a more practical push toward sustainability, cold water washes are often better for your clothes, too. Washing your clothes in cold water can help them last longer and avoid shrinkage or colors from fading. So, the next time you toss your dirty clothes into the washing machine, set the dial to cold. The environment, your energy bill, and your clothing will thank you!
2 •205-223-6192
They say April showers bring May flowers, but sometimes, even with Mother Nature’s help, some sprouts have trouble growing. When this happens, the natural next step for many people is to give their precious plants a little fertilizer. But traditional chemically formulated fertilizers “[run] off into waterways or [get] broken down by microbes in the soil [and release] the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide into the atmosphere,” according to a report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. So, if you’re looking for a more natural way to help your plants grow, you can make your own fertilizer at home — with coffee grounds! This eco-friendly alternative uses cinnamon as a natural pesticide and club soda for extra macronutrients. What You’ll Need How to Make Coffee Fertilizer PUT YOUR GROUNDS IN THE GROUND!
Your coffee grounds must have gone through a brew cycle to make them less acidic so they don’t harm your plants. You can save the needed amount of coffee grounds throughout the week (depending on whether you use single-cup machines or drip pots) or brew a pot using 4–6 tablespoons specifically to use for fertilizing. Then, once your grounds have been brewed, mix them in a bowl with cinnamon and club soda. When these ingredients are combined, it creates a solution full of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other minerals that plants love! Apply this coffee mixture directly to the soil of your plants every two weeks, ensuring you spread the fertilizer over the entire surrounding area to distribute the nutrients evenly. This mixture is excellent for indoor potted plants, outdoor plants, and even different bushes or shrubs. With this easy DIY fertilizer, you can reduce waste, help the environment, save money, and help your plants grow happier and healthier!
• 4-6 tbsp used coffee grounds • 1 tsp cinnamon • 1 cup club soda
Hairball Control Cat Treats
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by VitaCost.com
Ingredients
• 1 1/4 cups brown rice flour • 1/3 cup canned pumpkin • 1 egg • 3 tbsp flaxseed, ground
• 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp water • 1 tbsp catnip (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. 3. Once evenly mixed, place the dough in plastic wrap for 5 minutes. 4. On parchment paper, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into narrow strips, and place strips onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. 5. Remove from oven, then use a spatula to break treats into bite-size pieces. Bake for 10–15 more minutes. 6. Once treats are cool, place them in an airtight container or serve to your feline friends.
• 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
How Is the Real Estate Market Today?
2
Give Your Patio a Summer Refresh!
Save Energy, Your Clothes, and the Planet
3
Give Your Plants a Coffee Boost!
Hairball Control Cat Treats
4
Attractive Alternatives to Grass
LAWN SUBSTITUTES THAT BOOST CURB APPEAL No Grass? No Problem!
Keeping your grass healthy can be tricky. In some states, it’s downright impossible due to strict regulations on water usage.
So, if you’re looking to transform your yard without the hassle of grass, here are three options that will keep your home looking sharp
with no sprinkler system involved.
Low-Maintenance Groundcovers A groundcover is any plant that grows low to the ground and is tolerant of being stepped on. Plants like mat grass, carpetweed, and fogfruit are excellent groundcover options.
Flowerbeds A flowerbed filled with your area’s native plants will grow steadily and add the green you’re looking for without grass. Gravel If you don’t have the time, money, or patience for plant care, try gravel! It’s a fantastic, low-cost option that comes in many colors, washes, and sizes to suit any homeowner’s tastes.
4 •205-223-6192
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