Even though we're in one of the strongest seller's markets in decades, an experienced, serious real estate professional with well designed marketing strategies, can make a significant impact on the sales price of a listing. The four critical steps that must be followed to insure a successful sale include; preparing the house for listing, high quality photography, appropriate pricing, and effective promotion of the listing to insure that all the best prospects know about the listing before it hits the market. Listing Strategies 2026 offers insights into the marketing strategies developed by the Mike and Hayden through the years while helping more than a thousand clients sell their homes at the highest possible price.

Marketing Case Study: 3412 Watertown Place

6 Offers. 4 Days. $40,100 Over Asking. 

3412 Watertown Place · Vestavia Hills 

This wasn't luck. It was strategy.

Thoughtfully renovated 4BR/2BA home in Coventry, one of Vestavia Hills’ most sought-after neighborhoods.. It's the kind of home that could have sold well through any number of approaches — but "well" and "at the top of its range" are two very different outcomes. Our sellers wanted the second one.  

Here's our strategy, step by step: 

Preparation 

What we did: Before a single photo was taken, we walked the home with the sellers and identified the changes that would meaningfully move a buyer's response — and the ones that wouldn't. Then we brought in our…

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Marketing Case Study: 605 Twin Branch Drive

7 Offers. 4 Days. $37,100 Over Asking. 

605 Twin Branch Drive · Vestavia Hills 

This wasn't luck. It was strategy.

Beautifully updated 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath home with large level backyard in Vestavia Hills. It's the kind of home that could have sold well through any number of approaches — but "well" and "at the top of its range" are two very different outcomes. Our sellers wanted the second one.  

Here's our strategy, step by step: 

Preparation 

What we did: Before a single photo was taken, we walked the home with the sellers and identified the changes that would meaningfully move a buyer's response — and the ones that wouldn't. Then we brought in our trusted contractor…

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Marketing Case Study: 1016 Oaklawn Drive

6 Offers. 4 Days. $92,100 Over Asking. 

1016 Oaklawn Drive · Vestavia Hills 

This wasn't luck. It was strategy — and here's exactly how we ran it. 

Gorgeous 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home in the heart of Vestavia Hills, zoned for sought after East Elementary! Completely remodeled kitchen, fresh paint throughout the house and beautiful hardwoods in the main living areas. It's the kind of home that could have sold well through any number of approaches — but "well" and "at the top of its range" are two very different outcomes. Our sellers wanted the second one.  

Here's our strategy, step by step: 

Preparation 

What we did: Before a single photo was taken, we walked the home…

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Marketing Case Study: 2216 Ivy Trace

3 Offers. 4 Days. $20,000 Over Asking. 

2216 Ivy Trace · Vestavia Hills 

This wasn't luck. It was strategy — and here's exactly how we ran it. 

This beautifully maintained 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home in sought-after Ivy Glenn neighborhood, in the heart of Vestavia Hills. It's the kind of home that could have sold well through any number of approaches — but "well" and "at the top of its range" are two very different outcomes. Our sellers wanted the second one.  

Here's our strategy, step by step: 

Preparation 

What we did: Before a single photo was taken, we walked the home with the sellers and identified the changes that would meaningfully move a buyer's…

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Marketing Case Study: 1833 Mission Road

5 Offers. 4 Days. $15,100 Over Asking. 

1833 Mission Road · Vestavia Hills 

This wasn't luck. It was strategy.

Beautiful and spacious 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath home with large level backyard in the heart of Vestavia. It's the kind of home that could have sold well through any number of approaches — but "well" and "at the top of its range" are two very different outcomes. Our sellers wanted the second one.  

Here's our strategy, step by step: 

Preparation 

What we did: Before a single photo was taken, we walked the home with the sellers and identified the changes that would meaningfully move a buyer's response — and the ones that wouldn't. Then we brought in our trusted…

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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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Marketing Case Study: 4100 Crossings Lane

1 Offer. 2 Days. $5,000 Over Asking. 

4100 Crossings Drive · Hoover

This wasn't luck. It was strategy.

Main-level living at it's best with this gorgeous 3BR/2BA home in desirable Caldwell Crossings! It's the kind of home that could have sold well through any number of approaches — but "well" and "at the top of its range" are two very different outcomes. Our sellers wanted the second one.  

Here's our strategy, step by step: 

Preparation 

What we did: Before a single photo was taken, we walked the home with the sellers and identified the changes that would meaningfully move a buyer's response — and the ones that wouldn't. Then we brought in our trusted contractor…

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Just Sold for $40,100 Over List!

Welcome home to this beautifully updated 4BR/2BA residence in Coventry, one of Vestavia Hills’ most sought-after neighborhoods. Thoughtfully renovated, this home features a stunning updated kitchen, hardwood floors throughout, and light-filled living spaces designed for both everyday living and entertaining. The finished basement offers valuable additional living space perfect for a den, playroom, home office, or media room. Step outside to a large deck overlooking the generously sized, level backyard, complete with a patio and plenty of room to relax, play, or host gatherings. With charming curb appeal, stylish updates, and zoning for award-winning Vestavia Hills schools, this is a rare opportunity to own a move-in…

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Just Sold! 2581 Crossgate Place

Beautiful 4BR/3.5BA brick home in the desirable Crossgate subdivision of Vestavia Hills. With over 3,700 sq ft, this home offers hardwood floors throughout and fresh paint on every wall. The main level features a spacious master suite and an office across the hall. The bright kitchen includes marble countertops, stainless appliances, and ample cabinet space. Upstairs are three bedrooms, including a second master suite, plus two full baths. Enjoy the large deck overlooking the neighborhood lake, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The finished basement offers a bonus room and a 3-car garage with extra space for a workshop. Centrally located near shopping, dining, and Vestavia Hills’ top-rated schools, this home…

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Just Sold For $20,100 Over List!

Classic charm meets everyday comfort in the heart of Vestavia Hills—on one of the area’s most sought-after streets! This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is perfectly situated just minutes from top-rated schools, shopping, and popular dining spots. Inside, you’ll find warm hardwoods and inviting living spaces designed for both relaxing and entertaining. The kitchen offers an eat-in area for casual meals, while the separate dining room is perfect for hosting family and friends. A large laundry room adds convenience and great storage. The spacious primary suite features an en-suite bath, along with three additional bedrooms and a full hall bath upstairs—ideal for family living or guests. Step outside to enjoy the…

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