Wonderful family home located on a beautifully landscaped lot! Welcoming foyer opens up to nice living room. Separate formal dining has chair rail. Eat in kitchen has some stainless appliances and bay window. Family room off kitchen has brick gas fireplace and wonderful pine floors. Master bedroom has two closets and attached bath with shower. Two nice size bedrooms share hall bath with tub shower combo and large vanity. Wonderful sunroom off family room has wood beams and overlooks flat backyard- new windows 2012. Bonus room on lower level is perfect for a third living, exercise or play room. Large cedar closet in basement has tons of room for storage. Irrigation system. $269,900

Gorgeous Lakefront Home on Cul de Sac. Gleaming Refinished Hardwoods carried throughout the Main Level. A 2 Story Great Room with Floor to Ceiling Windows offers tons of Natural Light. Open Kitchen and Keeping Room leads right out onto the Deck overlooking the Lake. Large Master with Walk in Closet on the Main. 3 Bedrooms 2 Full Baths and a Bonus/Play Rec Room upstairs. Plenty of walk in attic space that could be expanded upon. 2 Car garage on the Main Level as well as 2 in the Basement. Stained Concrete Floors throughout the Basement Bedroom, Bathroom and Basement Den, currently used as an Exercise Room. The Movie Room is wired for Surround Sound. Beautiful Landscape features have been added to the Backyard. Exterior Lighting, Stone Walkways, 2 Patios and a Fire Pit all lead down to 115+/-feet of waterfront! $799,900

This full brick home on one level in desirable Cahaba Heights is move in ready! Features include a cozy den with a wood burning fireplace and hardwood floors throughout. Smooth ceilings, crown molding, security system and a fenced yard with a heated POOL! ~ what more could you want? Convenient to everything~ interstate, shopping, and restaurants. Don't miss out on this cute bungalow, zoned for award winning Vestavia schools. Cute A-frame on the property can be used as rental income, pool house, office, man-cave ~ the possibilities are endless! $226,000

Year old roof - Sewer available at street. Lovely, lovely front porch - Come & sit a spell! Wonderful den w/exposed beams and large brick fireplace. Kitchen is somewhat updated and open to den. Large LR and DR w/a huge extra den. The yard is flat & private w/lots of greenery. A well loved home and the feeling is warm!

Beautiful full brick family home located on Wellington Road in the desirable Mayfair area. This home just Feels Right! Beautiful hardwood floors, tall ceilings, an updated kitchen that opens to a cozy den are just some of the things this home has to offer. Cook dinner and watch the kids play in the landscaped back yard from the kitchen window. Or, relax on the screen porch and listen to the church bells that abound throughtout Homewood. Hardwood floors, both up and downstairs, his & her closet, beautiful master bedroom and bath, plus in the basement, is a playroom, extra bedroom w/ a full bath and jetted tub, a large laundry room and a garage. Sprinkler System& Central Vac $649,900

Fabulous home full of surprises in heart of Crestline Park/Mountaindale. Rare 4 Br/2 Ba has 2,748 sq feet per tax records!! Living room, separate dining, updated kitchen with open floor plan! Natural sun filled rooms thru-out. Kitchen features SS appliances, refrigerator, gas stove, granite countertops & cabinets galore! Breakfast bar opens into huge den w/ great flow for entertaining. Wood deck overlooking fenced in backyard. 3 nice sized true bedrooms (no walk thru), 2 full baths. The 4th BR w/ built-in bookcases down the hall from den w/a private entrance. Two years NEW: roof, kitchen, 4th BR addition, exterior paint, hot water heater. Crown molding, smooth ceilings, gleaming hardwood (also under carpet in bedrooms), security system, pull down attic, generator, washer/dryer to remain. Cannot emphasize the storage, numerous closet space! Convenient to Crestline Shopping, La Paz and SAW'S Restaurant, UAB, Interstates. Showing Now!! MLS#564142 $263,988

Hurry on Home to the best street in Crestline Park!! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath is done! Updated kitchen, gleaming hardwoods, nice size bedrooms and great back deck, fire pit area and privacy fenced backyard. Per seller: roof in '05, exterior paint '08, hot water heater '11 and interior designer colors. Door from carport takes you right into house! This one is special!!MLS558747 $236,000

Always admired & now available! A long winding drive leadso this distinctive traditional home situated on 2 acres with dynamic view. It offers many amenities including spacious rooms, abundant hardwood floors, tall ceilings and custom finishes. Custom designed as the builders own home, it features three fireplaces including one in the master suite. Large living room and banquet sized dining for entertaining. Inviting family room features large windows overlooking the view of distant mountains, hardwood floors and a fireplace. The back door opens directly to the level backyard and deck. Lovely master suite focuses on the view and is split from the other bedrooms for maximum privacy. Updated kitchen with eating area and loads of cabinets. Upstairs is a bonus/ study plus a HUGE attic. Must see! MLS#547406 $599,900

This charming home is completely updated, move in ready, and nestled on a large corner lot! Living room has gas fireplace with stone surround. Big kitchen has new cabinets, granite tops, stainless steel appliances, and tumbled marble backsplash. Dining area has bead board walls with chair rail. Nice size bedrooms share hall bath that has commode vanity. Nice bonus/utility room off kitchen would make a great second living. Hardwoods throughout, recessed lighting, and crown molding. Flat fenced backyard has open deck and ample room to do a Master bath addition. Covered parking. New Hot water heater-2012. Great location- convenient to shopping, restaurants, and walk to school! MLS#561544  $279,900

Rare chance to own one of the first homes ever built in Crestline. This 1925 Craftsman is still owned by the original family. Located on TW0 BEAUTIFUL LOTS it offers the chance to make the house your own on either one large lot or to divide and build on two separate lots. MLS#562341  $450,000

Peaceful mountain view from a private balcony with three separate entrances. The second bedrom has been renovated into a study with a built in desk, bookshelves and hardwood floors. The dining room chandelier has been replaced and ceiling fans have been installed in all rooms except bathrooms. New carpet in the living/dining room and master bedroom. The kitchen has been completely renovated from floor to ceiling with all new appliances. All rooms repainted except master bedroom and bath. Storage unit available for extra storage. 24 hr. Security Gate and beautifully maintained grounds. Convenient location with easy access to UAB, shopping and restaurants.MLS# 563440  $179,900

An Email Interview with Laura Silsbee

On Mar 29, at 8:02 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
So what's the current state of the Birmingham real-estate market?

laurasilsbee@lahrealestate.com wrote:
Times are a changing again in the real estate market, but this time for the better! We are having less inventory this year as compared with last year which means that there are more people buying again. Just in LAH alone on the residential sales side we have seen a dramatic difference in the upward swing. Our company had a total sales volume of $225 million compared to $170 million the year before. That is a 32% increase. In 2012 we had 797 closings and the year before we had 612. A 30% increase. Plus the average sales price has increased to: $282,498 from $278,897. All of this is very positive for our city.

On April 2, at 9:02 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
What about commercial real estate?

laurasilsbee@lahrealestate.com wrote:
The LAH family is unique because we are both a residential and commercial company. On the commercial side we are seeing a much different world than what we saw in the past few years. In the early and mid 2000s we saw a lot of speculative development for shopping centers with large "anchor" stores, new office & industrial developments being built.

Now that the Birmingham real estate market is coming back after the recession, the transactions we are seeing and involved with are primarily owner-occupied small businesses. The "mom and pop" business owners of the town.

Another interesting thing is that office space is moving very slowly right now. The medical tenants are the main businesses that are moving into the vacant offices in town.

On April 3, at 7:42 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
Is there is a major resurgence in the small "mom and pop" businesses?

laurasilsbee@lahrealestate.com wrote:
There are not necessarily more mom and pop businesses. However, as their leases expire these businesses are realizing it is cheaper to purchase a building instead of renewing the lease. The drive for this happening is because of the lower interest rates and the lower prices of the buildings. So it ends up being cheaper for these businesses to own instead of lease

On April 3, at 3:40 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
Is it a buyer's or seller's market now?

laurasilsbee@lahrealestate.com wrote:
Actually, it is both a buyer's and a seller's market, which is highly unusual. It is a buyer's market because most sellers are pricing their homes reasonably from the start, we have a good number of homes on the market to select from and the mortgage rates are still fantastic!!!

It is a seller's market because there are many buyers now wanting to purchase again after a lull, the rates are great (which encourages the buyers to buy), and we have seen multiple offers on several properties.

On April 8, at 12: 12 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
So you started Mountain Brook Trading just a few months ago on Facebook, and you already have something like 14,000 members; what's going on with that group?

laurasilsbee@lahrealestate.com wrote:
I really had no idea it would grow to be that big at all. I didn't even know MBT would take off. But when I started it my plan was to sell some good things that my family and I did not use anymore. These items were still of excellent quality and really too nice to donate. So I invited my local friends on Facebook, and then they invited their friends and so on. There are some great items being posted for sale everyday.

I have since started a Facebook page and I am working on a website to help promote our locally owned businesses within Birmingham. We have such a great town with great people that support these local businesses and I want to see them succeed.

MLS #562367  $499,000

This beautiful full brick custom built home offers one level living at its best! Wonderful open floor plan has living room with vaulted ceiling and gas fireplace with marble surround. Formal dining is open to living room. Fabulous kitchen has new cabinets, granite and tile backsplash, pantry and eating area. Laundry room off kitchen. Spacious master bedroom has hardwoods and tray ceiling. Master bath has double vanities, garden tub, separate shower and big walk-in closet. Two other bedrooms have vaulted ceilings and share hall bath. Arched doorways, high ceilings, recessed lighting, crown molding and hardwoods throughout. New paint, hardwoods, kitchen cabinets, granite and backsplash - 2012. Security and irrigation systems. Open patio overlooks lovely professionally landscaped backyard. Attached two car garage. You'll love the convenience!

Hollywood Beauty built in 1955 and over 4,000 sq ft according to Court House Records. This home has room galore for entertaining and sleep overs for family and visitors. Kitchen and master suite remodeled 2005. Roomy bedrooms on main level and extra large bedroom on lower level with 4 closets. Master bedroom has large walk in closet and bath with double sinks, sep.shower, and jetted tub. Main level has hardwoods thoughout except kitchen and baths that have ceramic tile. HVAC 5 ton Trane replaced in 2012, 2 new 50 gallon water heaters 2005 and roof replaced 2005. Double paned windows throughout. Top of the line Security System including carbon monoxide and fire protectors. Plantation blinds, 2 refrigerators, freezer, and washer/dryer remain with accepted contract.The best tornado shelter you may have ever seen!

Community Blood Drive at LAH Real Estate, Homewood Office from 9AM - 3PM on May 14. This is a great cause, so please give blood and save a life.We'll see you there!

Fabulous Family home in much desired Tanglewood! Wonderful space with room for everyone to entertain at the same time with out interfering with each other in either the Living room, den, playroom , media room, screen porch or deck. The Mainlev master bedroom is huge & the master bath has double vanities, separate shower and jetted tub! The lovely Den has a brick fireplace, a wall of bookcases with storage and it is open to the kitchen with its cherry cabinets & updated stainless appliances. The basement has a large playroom with a wet bar, a media room (6th bedrm), full bath, large storage closet and a 2 car garage. The screen porch & deck overlook the trees and there is new sod in the play area. This is a great House! MLS#562612...$484,500

MLS #562592   $129,900

Wonderful Family Home

This is a wonderful home in fabulous Abingdon neighborhood! Five minute Drive from the Summit, Target, and I-459 Highway. Tons of space for all and a very private setting.

Details

• 4B/3Ba
• Abingdon Neighborhood
• Very Spacious and Private
• Children's Paradise

View more details here: http://www.bhamtoursmls.com/4223oldbrook

Offered at  $539,000

Virtual Tour

Don't miss this great house ON THE GOLF COURSE! Beautifully updated with hardwood floors thruout the main level incl master bedroom. Spacious rooms, detailed moldings and fine quality create a feeling of elegance for entertaining family & friends. Living room/study opens off foyer. HUGE dining room will easily accomodate large gatherings. Very large kitchen w/updated stainless appls including warming drawer, commercial style gas cooktop, abundant cabinets & granite counters. Large laundry with more storage right off kitchen. Updated master with sep vanities, large walk in shower, wonderful closet w/bltins. Upstairs you will find three large bedrooms plus a sep office/study with builtins. Large finished room & bath downstairs. Big windows and double doors open to flat backyard overlooking golf course. MLS#562558 $499,900

WILL CONSIDER ALL OFFERS!! Great opportunity to live in this well established Cross Keys Subdivision. Situated on corner lot with circular driveway on main and large 2 car garage parking in basement plus room for tools, hobbies, motorcycles, bikes, etc. Great room with fireplace, eat-in kitchen and beautiful dining room featuring crown molding and wainscoting. Washer/dryer room and storage. Large master located on main with large Master Bath featuring jetted tub, separate shower and walk in closet. Also 3 BRs 2 baths upstairs. Beautiful hardwood and crown molding throughout entire house. Screened deck as well as open deck for grilling. Circle drive in front of house on main level along with 2 car basement garage. GREAT house! MLS#553023...$275,000

REDUCED TO NEW LOW PRICE!!! Don't miss this great opportunity to live in a fabulous condo in Mountain Brook at this price!! Award winning Cherokee Bend Elementary School!! Shows like brand new!! Beautiful, full brick end unit. Light and airy living/dining room, cozy kitchen with new appliances, granite countertops, den and powder room on main. Upstairs features a large Master Bedroom, walk in closet and beautifully totally updated hall bath. Two more nice-sized bedrooms with a second updated bath. Updates: NEW windows, paint thru out, light fixtures, hardware, new a/c upstairs (dual system), all kitchen appliances, granite countertops, upstairs carpet, refinished gleaming hardwood on main, blinds and more! Very private patio. This condo is spotless and turn key ready. Has been a one owner, smoke free/no pets unit. Lovely Pool across the street w/ iron fence . Convenient to interstate, shopping, Trinity and UAB Hospitals. Move in today!!!! GENERATOR to remain. MLS# 550891   $220,000

Zamora Temple 

3521 Ratliff Rd

What a great house in a popular location! More and more people have discovered what a great value these homes and location can be. Full brick on a great lot are just a few of the qualities you'll find here in addition to hardwood floors and good closet space. The back yard is fenced so those four legged family members have their on place to play. Many updates here will make life easier and more efficient. Don't miss this one. MLS#549830  $99,500

A spectacular city view for an amazing price! The boss said let it go. Now is your chance to benefit. Hardwoods are to be found through most of this unit. Two master bedrooms with baths and large walk in closets are found here. As well bedroom three is versatile enough to be used as a den and has gorgeous built in book cases. The den, living room, and one of the master suites open to the balcony overlooking the Birmingham skyline. Secured access, covered parking, activity room and pool are just a few of the great amenities of Regency Crown. Luxury items such as corian counters, whirl pool tub, and wet bar are found in the unit, not to mention a fireplace! (One of the few in the complex). Make your appointment today.

View Vulcan from this truly stunning three bedroom unit in mint condition! Marble flooring in foyer along with recessed lighting. Beautiful hardwood floors and deep moldings. This unit features a fireplace in the living room with gas logs and marble surround, stainless steel appliances, balcony, cozy den, third bedroom used as study with abundant bookcases, plantation shutters, all other window treatments remain, and a 2-car garage located just inside the gated entry with no steps into the building. Both baths have been updated with master bath having double vanities and jetted tub while the guest bath has raised vanity, linen closet and step-in shower. All light fixtures to remain with exception of dining room chandelier.Fantastic roof top deck with 360* views of the city skyline, perfect for watching the 4th of July fireworks from Vulcan Park.Swimming pool, workout room and club room complete the package. This is a great opportunity to live in historic Highland Plaza! MLS#544933   $440,000