Homewood Living offers insightful stories about the Homewood real estate market drawing on Mike Wald and Hayden Wald's three decades of experience as two of Homewood's most trusted real estate experts. Get updates on the market, coming soon listings, pricing trends, recently sold listings, staging and listing techniques, marketing strategies, home buying strategies, and much more.

Is the Stock Market Rally Affecting Over-the-Mountain Home Prices?

Tuesday Note: Lessons from helping more than 1,800 families

One question Hayden and I keep coming back to lately: is the stock market rally quietly reshaping the over-the-mountain housing market? We think the answer is yes — and we're seeing it most clearly in Mountain Brook, Vestavia, and parts of North Shelby, especially when a truly special property comes along.

Most homes in our market are still selling within a few percent of asking. That's normal in a competitive market with limited inventory. But almost every week, we see something very different. A trophy property hits the market, and the final number is dramatically higher than expected.

Not 5% over list. Sometimes…

82 Views, 0 Comments

Are Pools Really a Bad Investment?
Tuesday Note:

Lessons from helping more than 1,800 families
 

For years, homeowners have been told that swimming pools are a poor investment. They're expensive. They're hard to maintain. They'll make your house harder to sell.

But after 40+ combined years of helping families buy and sell over the mountain, Hayden and I think the real lesson is much bigger than pools.

A few years ago, I was showing one of our listings with a beautiful backyard pool. The buyers liked the house, but they told me they planned to factor the cost of filling in the pool into their offer. I told them I'd be happy to write it up — but I suspected someone who was excited about that pool would probably outbid them.

That's exactly what…

56 Views, 0 Comments

Five Reasons Why Now Is the Perfect Time for Empty Nesters to Downsize


Strong Seller's Market: The real estate markets in Hoover, Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia still favor sellers. With limited housing inventory and soaring demand, you can expect competitive offers for your home. Bidding wars for homes in good condition and priced appropriately are still the norm, driving up sale prices. Steady Property Values: Home values in these areas have been on a consistent upward trajectory over the years. If you've owned your home for a while, it has likely gained substantial value. Selling now allows you to capitalize on this equity, especially as experts predict a potential slowdown in price increases. Optimal Downsizing…

1500 Views, 0 Comments

Coming Soon! Spacious 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath Home in the Heart of Homewood

Nestled on a spacious lot, boasting exceptional curb appeal, this Homewood property is ready for you to make your own. Spacious formal living and dining area, perfect for hosting gatherings and creating lifelong memories. Beautiful hardwoods with an abundance of natural light create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Family room features a cozy brick fireplace, and seamlessly opens to the back patio, revealing a large backyard adorned with mature landscaping. Enjoy outdoor living and entertaining to the fullest! Large open kitchen with ample cabinet space. The lower level of this home provides additional space for entertainment or as a versatile living area, Conveniently located in…

808 Views, 0 Comments

Found the Perfect House? How to Write a Winning Offer and Not Regret it!

 

You've found the perfect house! There's only one problem- you're not alone! Great homes, priced right, attract crowds of buyers in this crazy market. So, what's the secret to writing a successful offer? Experience helping hundreds of buyers successfully write winning contracts has shown us that there are four critical steps to writing an offer with the best chance of winning. Deciding How Much to Offer is the decision that generally carries the most weight with sellers. The strategy we will share here is designed to help you write the appropriate offer that gives you your best chance of winning while minimizing the risk you'll suffer from buyer's remorse after the sellers…

769 Views, 0 Comments

Beautifully Updated 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home in the Heart of Homewood

Home sweet Homewood! Charming bungalow in the heart of the highly desirable Edgewood community. This beautiful home has been updated throughout offering lots of stylish finishes. This main level floor plan features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large bright open kitchen with stainless steel appliances, show stopping brick breakfast bar and bar with wine fridge making entertaining guests a breeze. The spacious primary features updated ensuite with large walk in shower, soaking tub and double vanity. You will enjoy spending time outside whether it's entertaining friends or relaxing on a warm summer evening on the large deck overlooking your fenced backyard. Close to shops, dining,…

930 Views, 0 Comments

First 90 Days Update: Over the Mountain Volume is Down, Prices Up

The Over the Mountain real estate market is sending mixed signals, but by historical standards it's still a Seller's market. Sales volume is down 27%. Prices are up 7.8% and Days on Market increased from 3 days during the first 3 months of last year to 4 days, this year.

First 90 Days of 2022

950 homes sold with median days on the market of 3

Average list-to-sales price 101.8%

Average sold price $492,553

First 90 days of 2023

690 homes sold with median days on the market of 5

Average list-to-sales price 99.96%

Average sold price $531,084

During the first 90 days of 2022, 260 more over-the-mountain homes were sold than during the first 90 days of this year.…

804 Views, 0 Comments

First 60 Days: The Market's Still Strong! 

      

There are interesting comparisons for the over-the-mountain housing market during the first 60 days of 2022 and 2023. The most important finding is that it's still a seller's market despite the increase in mortgage rates.

2022

534 homes sold with median days on the market of 3

Average list-to-sales price 101.2%

Average sold price $484,819

2023

380 homes sold with median days on the market of 5

Average list-to-sales price 99.27%

Average sold price $528,102

During the first 60 days of 2022, 154 more over-the-mountain homes were sold than during the first 60 days of this year. That's a 29% drop in unit volume. However, the average sales price for homes sold this year was 8.9%

803 Views, 0 Comments

Just Sold! 1101 S Shadesview Terrace

Located in coveted Homewood, this beautifully updated home has plenty of space for relaxing or entertaining, inside and out! Formal living and dining room filled with natural light, spacious kitchen opens to a family room, and nook that provides more space for dining and hosting those Holiday gatherings. Main level offers 3 generous bedrooms, hardwood floors and updated bathrooms. Downstairs find a bonus room perfect for movie nights and sleepovers with built in bunks and a kitchenette. Outdoor living is easy with a covered deck that overlooks a spacious backyard with an inground pool and pool house where you can spend your summer soaking up the sun. Close to all the amenities Homewood has to offer, including,…

390 Views, 0 Comments