We have heard the news and we continue to hear the news that we are all in a housing slump. Like many real estate agents, I, too, do not necessarily agree with all that is being said. Like Gary Keller (Founder of Keller Williams Realty) said, all real estate is local and there is no national market.
Keeping that mind, let's first mention that comparisons in the Jefferson and Shelby County areas are all compared to 2006. That year, 2006, was the best year ever for our market and we are on track to have the second best year ever since we are down.
However, Shelby County is remaining strong and is proving to be one of the least affected areasin Alabama. How do we know? I was reading an article on al.com, Shelby County Least Affected by Year's Housing Slump, and the stats tell the story.
Housing permits for one tell one story. According to the article Shelby County has issued 1,428 building permits, down 18% from 2006 (our record year). The rest of the state's average is 23.9% down and the national average is 25% down. According to the article, "Much of Shelby County's growth is concentrated in commuter subdivisions and high-end neighborhoods in its northern crescent, bordering Jefferson County, and extending out on U.S. 280."
Another story can be told by foreclosures (2007's new f word). Shelby County has had 249 filings for foreclosure up 25% from last year, Jefferson County (the next door neighbor) has had a 90% increase, and Alabama, as a whole has had a 168% increase.
I think the market here can be best summed up by some word given us by Al Knight, a local developer, who said, "What is happening here does not compare to what is going on nationally... taking all that gloom and applying it here. It just doesn't fit."
Looking to Buy Birmingham Alabama Real Estate?
If you want to buy a home in the Birmingham Alabama area- we've made it fast and easy for you to search all the Birmingham Alabama homes for sale . Search just like the best Birmingham AL Realtors and see all the properties being sold by all Birmingham Alabama Real Estate agents.
Enjoy our fully customizable property search of the complete Birmingham Alabama MLS (multiple listing service) of single family homes, condos, and town houses. We specialize in helping you buy a Birmingham Alabama real estate bargain.(foreclosures and bank owned homes)
Specializing in Selling Birmingham AL Homes
The first thing home sellers need to know is "What's my Birmingham AL home worth right NOW?" and what are Birmingham home prices doing by neighborhood. Our experience shows it all depends on where YOU live. Please ask for a FREE Comparable Market Analysis Report - CMA on your home so you can see what is actually happening in your neighborhood! No obligation, of course.
Experience shows that to sell a home in Birmingham AL today requires more than just putting a sign in the yard or putting the property information in the MLS.
Successful home sellers have found they need the advice of skilled Real Estate counsultants like us, who have:
- strong negotiating skills to get your home sold quickly for the most money even in this real estate market,
- a strong internet marketing plan like our Smart Home Selling Plan. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our plan we make sure they are seeing your home first and we also have a
- deep understanding of what's really happening with home values in your real estate market ( Birmingham Real Estate Market Reports by area).
We have helped many families sell their Birmingham homes, quickly and painlessly even in this difficult housing market. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our Smart Home Selling Plan we make sure they are seeing your home first.
Call us to schedule your FREE private real estate consultation to fully understand your home selling options (no pressure no hassles - guaranteed).
Whether you are buying or selling Birmingham AL homes | Hoover homes | Vestavia homes | Mountain Brook Homes | Pelham Homes |Helena Homes | Trussville Homes |Homewood Homes - we can help!
Call me today at - 205-383-3358.
Stephen Wolfe - Birmingham Alabama Realtor
;)
;)
