How's the Market offers the latest analysis of the over the mountain real estate market from veteran real estate professionals Mike and Hayden Wald. Each week they'll share their insights on trends in the local housing market including, inventory, pricing, interest rates, and more.

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: 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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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! 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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Why a Home’s Value Isn’t a Fixed Number

One of the most common misconceptions we hear from sellers is that a home has a single, predetermined value.

As if the market has already decided what it will sell for — and the rest is simply timing and paperwork.

In reality, that’s almost never how residential real estate works.

Most Homes Have a Range of Value

Rather than having one fixed price, most homes sell within a range of value.

That range is influenced by factors like:

  • The neighborhood

  • The type and condition of the home

  • Recent comparable sales

  • And, most importantly, how buyers respond once the home comes to market

The difference between the low end and the high end of that range can be…

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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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Just Sold for $35,000 Over List!


Discover this All-Brick Masterpiece on the 14th Green of Inverness Golf Course – Where Elegance Meets Perfection!

  • Impeccably updated and meticulously crafted to perfection.
  • Spacious living and dining areas for memorable gatherings.
  • A cozy ambiance with a white brick surround and honed granite hearth.
  • Dream kitchen with custom cabinetry, white quartz countertops, and GE Cafe Series appliances.
  • Master bath designed as a spa-like retreat with custom cabinetry and a free-standing soaker tub.
  • Enjoy dining al fresco on the terrace or soak in the scenic 14th green view from the illuminated staircase.




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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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