As a real estate agent, there are certain neighborhoods that come up over and over again with clients. The Preserve is one of them. It doesn’t matter if someone is relocating to Birmingham, moving across town, or building a custom home—at some point, The Preserve usually makes its way into the conversation. And almost always, it’s followed by the same question: “What’s it actually like to live there?” So instead of just talking about it, I wanted to show it.

Every now and then a house comes along that isn’t about what it is today—it’s about what it could become. That’s exactly the story at 1349 Atkins Trimm Blvd in Hoover, a spacious home with strong bones, generous square footage, and the kind of layout that practically invites someone with vision to roll up their sleeves and create something special.

Sometimes, a Media Day is about houses. Sometimes, it’s about the people behind them. Our 2026 Parade of Homes Ambassador group headed out to Chelsea Park to see what DR Horton is building — and to spend the morning with three of my favorite on-site real estate agents on the ground there: Marci Dockery, Erika, and Naydia. They’re the kind of team you want guiding buyers through the process — knowledgeable, honest, and genuinely invested in helping people get into a home that works for their life. And after our tour, it was easy to see why Chelsea Park is getting so much attention.

This morning, the 2026 Parade of Homes Realtor Ambassadors gathered somewhere most buyers don’t get to see until they’re deep into the building process: the Harris Doyle Homes Design Studio. And let me tell you—if you’ve ever worried that building a home means drowning in a sea of tile samples, cabinet doors, and second-guessing every decision you’ve ever made… this was reassuring in the best possible way. We spent the morning with the design team at Harris Doyle Homes, pulling back the curtain on how they guide clients from “I like everything” to “Yes, this feels like home”—without the burnout that so often comes with big design decisions.

If you’ve been anywhere near the Birmingham new-construction scene and haven’t heard of HarrisDoyle Homes… Where have you been?! This Wednesday morning, we’re doing something pretty special: hosting our first Media Day with the Parade of Homes Realtor Ambassadors, and the setting could not be better. We’re heading straight behind the scenes with the HarrisDoyle team for a private, insider look at how some of the most sought-after homes in the metro actually come together. This isn’t a model-home stroll with background music and bottled water. This is the real thing.

If you’re thinking about moving to Birmingham or relocating somewhere in the metro, welcome—you’re asking the right questions. I’m Roxanne, and I’ve spent more than 26 years helping people buy, sell, and build homes all over Birmingham. Whether someone is relocating from out of state or just moving across town, the conversations tend to revolve around the same things every single time: Commute time. Home prices. New construction vs. resale. Schools. And lifestyle. Birmingham isn’t just one city—it’s a collection of very different neighborhoods, suburbs, and communities. Choosing the right place isn’t about picking the “best” area. It’s about choosing the one that fits how you actually live day to day. Let’s break it down.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’ve probably noticed the conversation around real estate feels… quieter than it used to. Not bad. Not booming. Just different. That’s because the Birmingham market has settled into something we haven’t seen in a while: a more balanced environment. This isn’t the frenzied, seller-dominated market of a few years ago. It’s also not a buyer free-for-all. Control isn’t sitting squarely on either side of the table — and that’s exactly why strategy matters again.

We’re seeing more of these situations across Alabama than we did even a few years ago. As baby boomers age and many homeowners hold onto properties longer thanks to the low interest rates of the past, more families are finding themselves responsible for selling a home without clear instructions left behind. When there’s no will, the process can feel unfamiliar — especially when one family member is suddenly tasked with figuring everything out. In Alabama, when someone passes away without a will, selling their home usually requires going through probate. That means the court appoints an administrator with the legal […]

If you ever find yourself driving just outside Cullman and feel the urge to turn onto a narrow county road “just to see where it goes,” listen to that instinct. That’s usually how people end up at Clarkson Covered Bridge. There’s no fanfare. No big sign announcing you’ve arrived somewhere important. Just trees, quiet, and a long wooden bridge stretching across Crooked Creek like it’s been waiting patiently for you to notice it. And it has.

Cullman has a way of surprising people. It doesn’t shout for attention. It doesn’t lead with buzzwords. But more and more buyers looking across North Alabama keep landing on Cullman—and for good reason. Cullman offers a rare mix of affordability, space, and livability that’s getting harder to find in faster-growing markets. If you want room to breathe, a strong sense of community, and housing options that don’t immediately blow up your budget, Cullman deserves a serious look.

When people talk about North Alabama real estate, the conversation usually starts—and ends—with Huntsville. Growth. Jobs. Tech. Buzz. And yes, all of that matters. But just down the road sits Decatur, a city that’s been steadily doing its thing while everyone else chases headlines. Decatur isn’t flashy. It’s practical. And in real estate, practical often wins.

Every year—without fail—this question pops up: “Is now a good time to buy a home?” They asked it in 2000. They asked it in 2008. They asked it in 2016. They asked it in 2020. And yes, they’re asking it again as we head into 2026. The headlines change. The talking points change. But the real question underneath it all hasn’t.