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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
What Does Mountain Brook’s 2027 Budget Mean for Homeowners?
Mountain Brook approved a $58 million 2027 budget on Sept. 28, 2026, with a $6 million library renovation, $2.5 million for sidewalks and a $23.2 million reserve. Read More
What Does $300,000 or $400,000 Buy in Tuscaloosa County in 2026?
Countywide, $300,000 is right at the Tuscaloosa County median and $400,000 is near the top quarter. Here is what each budget buys by MLS area, from Northport to north of the river. Read More
Buying or Selling a House With Solar Panels in Alabama: What Should You Know?
Solar panels on an Alabama home are worth the most when owned outright. Here is how Alabama Power's $5.41/kW capacity charge, no net metering and the end of the federal credit change a sale. Read More
What Does Hoover’s 2027 Budget Mean for Homeowners?
Hoover approved a $206 million 2027 budget on Sept. 28, 2026. Here is what it means for roads, drainage, public safety and Hoover homeowners. Read More
What Is Current Use Valuation in Alabama, and Does It Transfer When You Buy Land?
Alabama current use valuation cuts taxes on farm and timber land, but it does not transfer to a buyer. Here are the deadlines and the three-year rollback risk. Read More
How Do You Check a Home Builder License in Alabama?
Before you build or buy new construction in Alabama, look up the builder on the Home Builders Licensure Board. Here is who needs a license, what the Recovery Fund covers and what the board can and cannot do. Read More