You may not think of being on someone’s black list as a very desirable situation, but here’s proof that it can be good. Yep, you can be on someone’s black list, and, most likely, benefit from it.

This all started earlier a little over a month ago. That’s when Colleen and I saw an excellent opportunity pop up on the MLS. A Foreclosure, consisting of a house and about five acres of property in a desirable area of Shelby county had gone up for sale. Asking price: $109,900.

We thought it was such an enticing offer that we immediately sent e-mails to a number of people we thought might be interested. Would anyone respond? We had no idea.

We got our answer. Lots of folks, it turned out, wanted to know more, and several visited the property.

The inquiries continued. In less than five days, the property had multiple offers and sold. Needless to say, being able to capitalize on a great opportunity requires quick response. Speed is definitely the issue. Or, as some say, if you snooze, you lose.

Given the response we received, we knew it was time to let technology help people know quickly when a good real estate opportunity arises.

And so, The Black List was born.

The Black List is our quick notification e-mail list you can join to get periodic updates about attractive chances to own property in the Shelby Co. and Birmingham area.

When we see what we consider an especially juicy real estate opportunity, we’ll let you know via The Black List. Needless to say, if you’re on the list, you’ll be among the first to learn about it. And that will automatically put you in a position to capitalize on the chance, if you wish to pursue it.

The properties you read about might be Foreclosures, or they might be regular sales or Short Sales. They might be large homes or small homes. They might be in the city, or maybe in the country. They might need work, or might be move-in ready. They might be our Listings, or they might be those of another Agent. The point is to let you know quickly when a good deal pops up.

You can sign up by clicking here and entering your e-mail address in the sign-up box at the top of our website’s main page.

We’ll operate this e-mail list the way we think e-mail lists should be run: We won’t share your information, and we won’t constantly blast you with e-mails. You can unsubscribe at any time, with no questions asked.

Here’s hoping The Black List will help you with being able to take advantage of some of the great opportunities we’re seeing more and more in the Shelby Co. and Birmingham areas!

David

Are you a numbers fan? If so, here are a few statistics on October, 2008, home sales in Helena (both Jefferson and Shelby counties), taken from the Birmingham MLS that you may find interesting:

Are homes selling? Yep. In Helena, nine homes sold within 30 days during October...

Miscellaneous notes:

Two of the month’s sales were foreclosures, both in Laurel Woods, for $127,100 (on the market for 70 days), and for $120,000 (on the market for 109 days).

We plan to publish updates like this from time to time, so you’ll have a snapshot of what’s happening with the real estate market in the Birmingham and Shelby county, Alabama areas. Let us know what you think!

David