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Buying an Older Home in Mountain Brook, Homewood or Vestavia Hills: What Should You Check?
Most homes in Mountain Brook and Homewood, and about half in Vestavia Hills, were built before 1980. Here is what to inspect on an older Over the Mountain home, from lead paint and aluminum wiring to sewer lines, hillside drainage and radon. Read More
Is There a Tax Credit for Adding a Storm Shelter to an Alabama Home?
Alabama offers a state income tax credit of up to $3,000 or 50% of the cost for a qualified storm shelter at your primary residence. Here is how it works, the December 31 deadline, and what buyers and sellers should know. Read More
Should Coach DeBoer List This Week? Alabama 56, Mississippi State 23 Edition
QUICK SUMMARY Alabama rolled past Mississippi State 56-23 and is now 6-0 heading into a huge home game with Georgia. This week’s call is Get Ready. Prices are still climbing in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, but homes are sitting longer and fewer are selling than this time last year. That is your signal to start getting... Read More
How Fast Do Homes Sell in Homewood, Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook, and How Can Buyers Compete?
Homes in Homewood, Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook sold in a median of 3 to 5 days over the past year, often above list. Here is TWG's MLS data by city and school zone and how buyers win. Read More
Buying a Home in a Tuscaloosa Historic District: What Rules Come With It?
Homes in Tuscaloosa's local historic districts need a Certificate of Appropriateness for most exterior changes. Here is what the Historic Preservation Commission regulates, what it costs and how to check a house before you buy. Read More
Should You Ask for a Rate Buydown or a Price Cut When Buying a Home in Alabama?
With mortgage rates above 7%, a seller-paid rate buydown usually cuts an Alabama buyer's monthly payment far more than a price cut of the same size. Here is the math, the loan limits and when each option makes sense. Read More
What Does $500,000 Buy in Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Mountain Brook?
Last updated: October 2026 · By Byron Bennett, The Williams Group at Keller Williams Realty QUICK SUMMARY The short answer: $500,000 buys a typical three-bedroom home in Hoover or Vestavia Hills, a below-median three-bedroom in Homewood, and is a stretch budget in Mountain Brook. Over the 12 months ending August 2026, Greater Alabama MLS closings... Read More
How Are Property Taxes Prorated at Closing in Alabama?
Last updated: October 2026 · By Byron Bennett, The Williams Group at Keller Williams Realty QUICK SUMMARY The short answer: Alabama property taxes are paid a year in arrears. The tax year runs October 1 to September 30, and the bill that comes due each October 1 (and turns delinquent after December 31) pays for... Read More
Greater Birmingham Housing Market Report — October 2026
Jefferson County home prices rose 3.8% to $310,000 in August 2026 and Shelby County rose 4.2% to $380,232. MLS data, 7% rates and what it means for buyers and sellers. Read More
Tuscaloosa County Housing Market Report — October 2026
Tuscaloosa County home prices held at $299,900 in August 2026 while sales fell 8% and homes took 30 days to sell. MLS data, 7% rates and what it means for buyers and sellers. Read More