Hoover New Homes offers insightful stories about the process of buying new construction homes within Hoover- a popular suburb located just south of Birmingham, Alabama. Drawing on Mike and Hayden Wald's three decades of experience as two of Hoover's most trusted real estate experts, you'll learn all about Hoover's wonderful new neighborhoods. You'll also learn about topics ranging from how to select the best lot to finding the house plan that best fits your lifestyle.  

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Stunning 5 Bedroom, 5 Bath Ross Bridge Home 

Stunning basement home offers an inviting formal dining room and a generously sized living room with a seamless flow to the well-appointed kitchen, ideal for hosting gatherings or spending time with loved ones. With stylish finishes and a large center island with seating, the kitchen offers the perfect space for meal prep while engaging in conversations. Main level features a lavish master suite with a private spa-like ensuite, complete with double vanities and an oversized walk-in shower. Upstairs, a bonus room provides additional space for relaxation or entertainment. The lower level boasts ample living space, ideal for creating a game room or hosting movie nights. The screened-in porch and multiple…

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Ross Bridge- A Classic American Town

Ross Bridge is a master planned, mixed use "resort town" situated on 2,700 acres in the western section of the City of Hoover. It features about 1,800 homes, a championship golf course, a luxury hotel, retail shops and dining, and several parks throughout the community.

A wiffle ball field in the Hamptons neighborhood of Ross Bridge.

A neighborhood pool 

One of several neighborhood parks

The Ross Bridge Real Estate Market is Healthy

During 2022, 137 homes sold in Ross Bridge with an average sales price of $564,161. Last year homes stayed on the market for only about 3 days.

Comparing the First Four Months of Last Year to This Year

Almost the same number of homes have sold in the first four…

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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.…

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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%…

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If your search for the perfect house depends on being in a certain school zone, we've got you covered! The following is a step by step guide on how to search for listings that are zoned for a particular school.

Step 1. Here's a screenshot of our home page at www.FindThePerfectHouse.com. To start your search, click the navigation link at the top of the home page that says "SEARCH HOMES."

Step 2. You'll see a box open and you'll want to click on the link that says, "FIND THE PERFECT HOUSE." 

Step 3. Next you'll want to click the green button that says, "Filters."

Step 4. You can search by Elementary School or by High School. Just type in the name of the school you prefer. In this example, we're searching for homes zoned for Dolly…

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