Forbes: Birmingham 28th most affordable city
Birmingham ranked in the top half on a recent Forbes.com list of most affordable cities in the country.
The Magic City came in at No. 28 among 100 metros as one of the best bang-for-the-buck cities in the nation, crediting its relatively stable housing and employment markets, reasonable cost of living and quick commute, said the business publication’s Web site.
On the list, Birmingham ranked third in the nation for real estate taxes and seventh in the nation for job forecast. Other factors weighed included housing affordability (Birmingham ranked No. 61), travel time (No. 56), unemployment (No. 68), vacancies (No. 65), home price forecast (No. 31) and foreclosures (No. 52).
The "best bang for the buck" list is topped by Omaha-Council Bluffs, Iowa; Little Rock, Ark; and Jackson, Miss.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
End of The Year SPECIALS!!
We still have great prices on beautiful homes. Ready to close before the end of 2009! Start the new year in a new, all-brick home in the prestigous Ross Bridge community. Hoover School System, Resort community!
Clairmont Plan
Lot C-254 3 BR - 2 BA One Level
$282,290
Legacy Plan
Lot C-101 4 Br - 2.5 BA
$299,900
Bently Plan
Lot C-207 4 BR - 2.5 BA
Two Fireplaces & Open Loft Area
$307,290
Delshire Plan
Lot C-208 4 BR - 2.5 BA
Two Fireplaces & Screened Back Porch
$296,765
Lyndale Plan
Lot C-212 4 BR - 3.5 BA
Large Fenced BackYard with Blinds Throughout
$309,900
Dunmoor Plan
Lot C-216 4 BR - 2.5 BA
$295,090
Laurian Plan
Lot C-240 4 BR - 3.5 BA with Office and Loft Area
$343,940
Clairmont Plan
Lot C-254 3 BR - 2 BA One Level
$282,290
Legacy Plan
Lot C-101 4 Br - 2.5 BA
$299,900
Bently Plan
Lot C-207 4 BR - 2.5 BA
Two Fireplaces & Open Loft Area
$307,290
Delshire Plan
Lot C-208 4 BR - 2.5 BA
Two Fireplaces & Screened Back Porch
$296,765
Lyndale Plan
Lot C-212 4 BR - 3.5 BA
Large Fenced BackYard with Blinds Throughout
$309,900
Dunmoor Plan
Lot C-216 4 BR - 2.5 BA
$295,090
Laurian Plan
Lot C-240 4 BR - 3.5 BA with Office and Loft Area
$343,940
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
LIVE IN CHALYBE AT ROSS BRIDGE
Three Bedrooms / Two Baths - UNFINISHED BONUS ROOM. Beautiful Granite Countertops, Tile Backsplash, Tile Kitchen and Bathroom Floors. Hardwoods in the Greatroom and Hallway. Great backyard with plenty of room to play! Visit us today to see this beautiful home! 205-941-1669
Friday, October 9, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
$363,940! Over 3200+- Square Feet in Chalybe-New to Market
This is a beautiful 4 Bedroom 3.5 bath with seperate office area and open loft upstairs. The kitchen is spacious and open with granite counters, island, stainless steel appliances and a hearth room! Other features include two fireplaces, hardwood floors, hardwood treads on stairs and a side entry garage. This home is on the largest homesite in Chalybe and faces a large,open park area. Don't miss the opportunity to view this home! Call or stop by anytime. Amy or Terri 205-941-1669
Friday, August 21, 2009
Great Article about Ross Bridge!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
“GOAT MEAT FOR SALE”…A lesson in creating a successful new home community
A few years ago I inspected a vacant tract of ground in a remote location in the western suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama. Although situated within the city limits of Hoover, an upscale suburb which is considered to contain one of the better school districts in the metropolitan area, this property is and would naturally be perceived as for all intents and purposes physically within Bessemer, a lower income and socio-economic city in the process of decline.The growth in Birmingham had historically followed four major traffic arteries to the south. This property, unfortunately, was not proximate to any of those routes and instead was accessed only from surface roads after what seemed to be a long and arduous journey, remote from other development and services. In fact, when I first went to visit the site I wondered how we would attract prospective purchasers, especially as the most visible landmark along the way and very near to the property was a hand painted sign nailed to a tree that read “Goat Meat for Sale”.Now I have come across a number of signs in my life that were puzzling. Last week in a restaurant restroom I noticed a sign next to the soap dispenser that read “for washing hands only”. I am still uncertain what the management was hoping to avoid by posting that sign, perhaps someone deciding to shampoo their hair? But I had no doubt what the “goat meat” sign meant and what it suggested about the perception of the neighborhood in which the property was located.
The developers behind the community were two experienced and successful real estate development companies in the area who had commissioned a market study by a national research firm before entering into their joint venture. And prior to finalizing the community plan and just to be certain that they were on the right track, they commissioned a second study to be certain that market conditions had not changed and to consider necessary adjustments to the development strategy prior to starting. I had the pleasure of performing that second study and commented to my client that their action reminded me of the first rule I learned in this business, taught to me by a carpenter during my month-long field indoctrination into the homebuilding process – “measure twice, cut once.”
My report recommendations contained relatively minor changes from the original concept – adjusting density and pricing within the parcels, changing the sequence of the development, revising some of the housing product positioning to reduce internal competition, and reducing the size of the Village Center property which required a TND housing component. This last recommendation was due to the local market’s less than overly enthusiastic response to the TND concept in several existing developments. These recommendations were all implemented as were my specific suggestions for the community positioning and sales and marketing implementation. While there certainly are a number of successful new home communities across the country that opened in 2005, I believe that Ross Bridge is arguably unique in that its success has continued even through the current economic and housing downturn.
The original absorption estimates for the community had forecast home sales averaging 150 annually. The results achieved have met or exceeded that goal even though the local housing market has seen substantial deterioration. In 2006, the first full year of sales, 194 homes were sold; in 2007, 204 homes were sold; in 2008, 177 homes were sold (and in that year the lower priced home segments within the community were already sold out) and it appears that for 2009 they will sell 130 homes.
On an absolute basis those numbers may seem respectable but from a market share standpoint, they are exceptional. The 2006 absorption equaled a 2.5% share of the total new home production for the metro area, an outstanding accomplishment for a single community. And as the overall market declined by 30% in 2007, an additional 37% in 2008 and a projected additional 60% for 2009, Ross Bridge’s share of market increased to 3.6% in 2007, 5.7% in 2008 and to an amazing 14.2% in 2009.
What has made Ross Bridge so successful and what lessons can be learned for future residential development?1. They selected a location where their markets wished to live. That may sound simple, almost an absolute, but it was a concept that was often forgotten in the recent boom years.2. They created a true community, not just a subdivision, wherein the individual villages are sized for a reasonable sellout and are separated from each other to preserve values and allow for changes if market conditions require.3. They provided amenities that were appropriate to and desired by the target markets yet did not burden the development or the purchasers with undue cost.4. They selected professional builders and carefully segmented the product and pricing of the homes so that three full pricing quintiles were covered, maximizing the market appeal, while minimizing direct competition within the community.5. They regularly update their market evaluation including analysis of each builder’s performance and positioning to determine opportunities for their builders to increase sales.6. They required centralized sales and marketing by the developer to insure a cohesive and professional presentation to the market and they provided what I believe is the best sales operation in the market under the direction of my personal choice for one of the best new home sales directors in the business.7. They promote and market the community professionally, recognizing early the paradigm shift to web-based advertising and they spent their advertising dollars intelligently and effectively.
I would recommend taking a look at the community, with a physical visit if possible but, if not, at least a visit on-line – http://www.rossbridge.com/
Posted by DanielLevitan at 11:12 AM
Labels: new home marketing, new home sales, new homes, residential development
“GOAT MEAT FOR SALE”…A lesson in creating a successful new home community
A few years ago I inspected a vacant tract of ground in a remote location in the western suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama. Although situated within the city limits of Hoover, an upscale suburb which is considered to contain one of the better school districts in the metropolitan area, this property is and would naturally be perceived as for all intents and purposes physically within Bessemer, a lower income and socio-economic city in the process of decline.The growth in Birmingham had historically followed four major traffic arteries to the south. This property, unfortunately, was not proximate to any of those routes and instead was accessed only from surface roads after what seemed to be a long and arduous journey, remote from other development and services. In fact, when I first went to visit the site I wondered how we would attract prospective purchasers, especially as the most visible landmark along the way and very near to the property was a hand painted sign nailed to a tree that read “Goat Meat for Sale”.Now I have come across a number of signs in my life that were puzzling. Last week in a restaurant restroom I noticed a sign next to the soap dispenser that read “for washing hands only”. I am still uncertain what the management was hoping to avoid by posting that sign, perhaps someone deciding to shampoo their hair? But I had no doubt what the “goat meat” sign meant and what it suggested about the perception of the neighborhood in which the property was located.
The developers behind the community were two experienced and successful real estate development companies in the area who had commissioned a market study by a national research firm before entering into their joint venture. And prior to finalizing the community plan and just to be certain that they were on the right track, they commissioned a second study to be certain that market conditions had not changed and to consider necessary adjustments to the development strategy prior to starting. I had the pleasure of performing that second study and commented to my client that their action reminded me of the first rule I learned in this business, taught to me by a carpenter during my month-long field indoctrination into the homebuilding process – “measure twice, cut once.”
My report recommendations contained relatively minor changes from the original concept – adjusting density and pricing within the parcels, changing the sequence of the development, revising some of the housing product positioning to reduce internal competition, and reducing the size of the Village Center property which required a TND housing component. This last recommendation was due to the local market’s less than overly enthusiastic response to the TND concept in several existing developments. These recommendations were all implemented as were my specific suggestions for the community positioning and sales and marketing implementation. While there certainly are a number of successful new home communities across the country that opened in 2005, I believe that Ross Bridge is arguably unique in that its success has continued even through the current economic and housing downturn.
The original absorption estimates for the community had forecast home sales averaging 150 annually. The results achieved have met or exceeded that goal even though the local housing market has seen substantial deterioration. In 2006, the first full year of sales, 194 homes were sold; in 2007, 204 homes were sold; in 2008, 177 homes were sold (and in that year the lower priced home segments within the community were already sold out) and it appears that for 2009 they will sell 130 homes.
On an absolute basis those numbers may seem respectable but from a market share standpoint, they are exceptional. The 2006 absorption equaled a 2.5% share of the total new home production for the metro area, an outstanding accomplishment for a single community. And as the overall market declined by 30% in 2007, an additional 37% in 2008 and a projected additional 60% for 2009, Ross Bridge’s share of market increased to 3.6% in 2007, 5.7% in 2008 and to an amazing 14.2% in 2009.
What has made Ross Bridge so successful and what lessons can be learned for future residential development?1. They selected a location where their markets wished to live. That may sound simple, almost an absolute, but it was a concept that was often forgotten in the recent boom years.2. They created a true community, not just a subdivision, wherein the individual villages are sized for a reasonable sellout and are separated from each other to preserve values and allow for changes if market conditions require.3. They provided amenities that were appropriate to and desired by the target markets yet did not burden the development or the purchasers with undue cost.4. They selected professional builders and carefully segmented the product and pricing of the homes so that three full pricing quintiles were covered, maximizing the market appeal, while minimizing direct competition within the community.5. They regularly update their market evaluation including analysis of each builder’s performance and positioning to determine opportunities for their builders to increase sales.6. They required centralized sales and marketing by the developer to insure a cohesive and professional presentation to the market and they provided what I believe is the best sales operation in the market under the direction of my personal choice for one of the best new home sales directors in the business.7. They promote and market the community professionally, recognizing early the paradigm shift to web-based advertising and they spent their advertising dollars intelligently and effectively.
I would recommend taking a look at the community, with a physical visit if possible but, if not, at least a visit on-line – http://www.rossbridge.com/
Posted by DanielLevitan at 11:12 AM
Labels: new home marketing, new home sales, new homes, residential development
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Look What is Playing on Our Big Screen in Ross Bridge this Friday!
Just bring your blanket or chairs, we will provide the drinks and popcorn! The movie starts in Ross Park at 7:45! We hope to see you there!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Ross Bridge Calypso Pool Party Saturday May 23rd!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Get Your Green On in Ross Bridge
Homeowners :
Enter the Ross Bridge community wide competition to show that you know how to "Get Your Green On!". See flyer below for details!
Enter the Ross Bridge community wide competition to show that you know how to "Get Your Green On!". See flyer below for details!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
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Here's a little preview of things to come in Chalybe. These are two of our newest floor plans we are offering in Chalybe! The first home is a three bedroom 2 bath for $254,840. It is a very open and spacious floor plan with high ceilings throughout! The second home is a 1.5 story with 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths. This home offers an enormous gourmet kitchen and loft area. This home is listed for $267,140. We look forward to seeing you very soon in Chalybe!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Chalybe Sales Office Has Moved
We have officially moved to the new Model Home in Chalybe. If you haven't stopped by, please come in for a visit and see the new Laurian Plan. It has five bedrooms and 3.5 baths. We are located just across the street from where we were - look for the Chalybe sign! Hope to see you soon!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
CHALYBE GETS A BRAND NEW LOOK!
JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING AND CHALYBE IS GETTING A NEW LOOK! WE ARE GETTING READY TO MOVE INTO OUR NEW MODEL HOME JUST ACCROSS THE STREET! OUR TARGET MOVE IN DATE IS APRIL 21! WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU VERY SOON!AMY & TERRI
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Successful Yard Sale in Ross Bridge
Many Ross Bridge residents had a very successful day of spring cleaning and selling items today at the Community Yard Sale. Hope everyone had a chance to go browse around and find some great deals! We saw a lot of familiar faces and enjoyed seeing everyone there. Spring has sprung and HPH Homes in Chalybe has some great incentives right now. Stop by or call us today for more information.
205-941-1669.
205-941-1669.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
2.75% Interest Rate Available in Chalybe at Ross Bridge!
HPH Homes, LLC has joined forces with Wells Fargo to form Elite Home Mortgage! Elite can offer our customers great interest rates! Contact one of our preferred lenders now to find out how you can take advantage of the low rates!Turenne Newell 205-276-8946
turenne.newell@elitehomemtg.com
Robert Ginter 205-966-7614
robert.p.ginter@elitehomemtg.com
Lori Morgan 205-358-2402
lori.morgan@elitehomemtg.com
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Great News About the Birmingham Real Estate Market!
Thursday, March 12, 2009, 5:49pm CDT | Modified: Friday, March 13, 2009, 8:37am
Birmingham-area home sales jump 28% in February
Birmingham-area homes sales rose 28 percent in February over the previous month, according the Birmingham Association of Realtors.
Compiled with data from the Birmingham Area Multiple Listing Service, the area saw 725 homes sold last month, up 28 percent from January.
Inventory of homes for sale is still headed in the right direction. Inventory totaled 10,475 in February, compared to 11,919 a year ago.
For the month, the southern portion of the city had the most sales, with a total of 310 sold. That was followed by the eastern portion with 215, the western portion with 147 and the northern portion with 53.
Birmingham-area home sales jump 28% in February
Birmingham-area homes sales rose 28 percent in February over the previous month, according the Birmingham Association of Realtors.
Compiled with data from the Birmingham Area Multiple Listing Service, the area saw 725 homes sold last month, up 28 percent from January.
Inventory of homes for sale is still headed in the right direction. Inventory totaled 10,475 in February, compared to 11,919 a year ago.
For the month, the southern portion of the city had the most sales, with a total of 310 sold. That was followed by the eastern portion with 215, the western portion with 147 and the northern portion with 53.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Spring Forward! March 8, 2009 Set you clock's forward!
We just want to remind you to set your clock's forward one hour! We hope to see you very soon in Chalybe at Ross Bridge! Our brand new model home is really coming along! It has 5 large bedrooms with a keeping room and a loft upstairs. Your family will enjoy the livability of this brand new floor plan! Visit us today to find out more about our homes in Chalybe!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Chalybe Welcomes Three New Neighbors
Things are moving and shaking in Chalybe! We have three new neighbors this week and we want to welcome them to our community! With the upcoming arrival of Spring, we have seen an increase in sales and an increased interest from potential buyers. HPH Homes is also starting construction on two new homes in the Cul-De-Sac of Phase III. These are pre-sold homes being built for customers. If you are interested in joining this community, please feel free to give us a call or visit our sales office for more information!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Chalybe's New Model Home Under Construction
Keep an eye on the new Model Home being built in Chalybe. It will be a luxurious five bedroom home with three and 1/2 baths. It will showcase some of the new options available through the HPH Design Studio. The new model home should be ready in the next few weeks and our sales office will relocate at that time. We will keep the blog updated with photos and information and will announce an Open House so everyone can come by to see the new design!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Ross Bridge Yard Sale!
We are so excited that Ross Bridge is having this event! This is our first Yard Sale in Ross Bridge! Stay tuned for more information!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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