By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—With numerous shopping centers, recreational opportunities, great schools and a location convenient to downtown Birmingham, Hoover has all the ingredients for a strong housing market, Hoover Re/Max real estate agent Mary Milton said during a May 5 Hoover Economic Development Committee meeting.

“I love the saying we had several years ago, ‘Hoover has it all,’ because that is the truth,” Milton said.

As a 46-year Hoover resident and after nearly 30 years in the real estate industry, Milton is uniquely acquainted with the city’s housing market.

“It has been really fun to be able to watch Hoover grow,” Milton said. “It has evolved.”

The Hoover housing market is gaining strength and Milton said she has seen a lot of young families “excited to move in” to areas such as Green Valley, Star Lake, Bluff Park, Trace Crossings and Caldwell Crossings. Homes in these areas have appreciated in value as well, Milton said.

New homes aren’t the only ones selling. Milton said there is a demand for older homes as well.

“Young couples want to renovate old homes,” Milton noted.

Many popular Hoover neighborhoods are centrally located close to schools and other conveniences.

“It’s all about location, location, location,” Milton said.

While location is important, correctly pricing a home is key in making a sale. Milton said she has seen well-priced homes sell very quickly after listing.

“You really have to be aware of what’s going on in the market,” Milton said.

For those in the market for a home, Milton recommended hiring an agent with experience in the Hoover area and having a home inspection done before buying. Milton noted some builders cut corners and used sub-par building materials, such as Chinese drywall, during the housing market boom, which can lead to problems for homeowners down the road.

“Even if you’re buying new construction, I think it’s a good idea to have a home inspection,” Milton said. “It’s money well spent on the front end.”

The rental market in Hoover is also strong, and upgrades are being done to several apartment complexes in the city.

“Rental property moves really good too,” Milton said. “That market is still great.”

Milton said she hopes to see the city’s housing market continue to trend upward.

“You’re getting to a point where (properties) are appreciating again…that’s what I’m seeing,” Milton said. “Houses are not sitting (on the market) as long…We are seeing a lot of movement in Hoover.”