At ERA King Real Estate, we’re sliding into summer with a baseball-themed celebration — and we’re inviting you to be part of it! In honor of our Hometown Hero Contest, where one local hero will throw the first pitch at the Birmingham Barons game on June 20, we’re bringing America’s favorite pastime to the world of real estate.

To help you knock your home purchase out of the park, ERA King agent, Elizabeth Taylor, is sharing four must-know tips to make your home buying experience a grand slam.

1. Know Your Budget

Before you take your first swing, get clear on your budget. Knowing how much you can afford keeps you in the right ballpark when house hunting — and helps avoid financial curveballs down the line.

2. Choose the Right Location

In real estate, location is everything — just like having the right position on the field. Think about school zones, commute times, and community vibes that fit your needs. The right neighborhood will not only fit your lifestyle but also boost your future resale value.

3. Don’t Skip the Home Inspection

Even if a home looks like a home run, a professional inspection helps ensure you're not stepping into a fixer-upper with hidden problems. Think of it as your game-day warmup — essential for spotting any potential fouls before you commit.

4. Think Long Term

You want a home that can go the distance. Choose a place that fits your future plans — whether that’s growing a family, downsizing later, or building equity over time. A smart long-term play keeps you winning for years to come.

In Summary

Buying a home doesn’t have to feel like stepping up to bat without a game plan. With the right strategy — knowing your budget, picking the perfect location, never skipping the inspection, and thinking long term — you can make a winning move. At ERA King Real Estate, we're here to guide you every step of the way and cheer you on from the sidelines.

And don’t forget — we’re celebrating local legends this season! Nominate your Hometown Hero for a chance to throw the first pitch at the Birmingham Barons game on June 20. Visit eraking.com/baseball to learn more.

Let’s make your next real estate move a home run!

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A Beautiful Day on the Green: 2025 King Team Foundation Golf Tournament Recap

Each year, we look forward to one special day that combines sunshine, friendly competition, and a whole lot of heart: the King Team Foundation Golf Tournament. This year’s event, held on May 2nd at the Anniston Country Club, was a shining example of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose.

Celebrating Tradition and Purpose

Now in its 14th year, the King Team Foundation Golf Tournament has become more than just a day of golf—it’s a celebration of generosity, community, and impact. What started as a small initiative has grown into one of our favorite annual traditions, drawing in team members, clients, partners, and friends from across the region.

More importantly, it supports the ongoing mission of the King Team Foundation: to give back to our local community through initiatives that support education, housing, and family wellness.

Teeing Off for a Cause

This year’s tournament welcomed 144 golfers who enjoyed a beautiful day of friendly competition, laughter, and shared purpose. The format followed a classic four-person scramble, with contests for Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and a high-stakes Hole-in-One Challenge.

In between swings, participants enjoyed refreshments, great conversation, and a chance to learn more about how their support helps fund vital projects throughout the year. By the end of the day, we had raised over $25,000—all of which goes directly to support our foundation’s charitable work.

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Community and Corporate Champions

We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our event sponsors, whose generosity helped make the day possible. Special thanks to:

Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need. Whether it was sponsoring a hole, donating raffle prizes, or providing tournament swag, our sponsors helped elevate the experience for everyone involved.

Memorable Moments on and off the Course

This year’s tournament gave us plenty to celebrate—from impressive drives to unexpected putts to the sheer joy of spending time outdoors with friends and colleagues. If you haven’t seen the highlight reel yet, be sure to check out our video recap for some great moments of the day!

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up this year’s event, we’re already looking forward to next year’s tournament! Mark your calendars for the first Friday in May—we promise it’ll be another unforgettable day for a great cause.

Until then, we invite you to continue supporting the King Team Foundation and the work we’re doing year-round. Learn more about our mission, impact, and how to get involved at Kingteamfoundation.org. Thank you again to everyone who made this tournament a success. See you on the green next year!

Five Things Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Know in 2025

Buying your first home is one of life's most exciting milestones — but it can also feel overwhelming. With the housing market constantly evolving, stepping into homeownership in 2025 comes with a few new challenges and opportunities. If you’re a first-time home buyer, understanding what to expect can make all the difference. Here’s what you should know before you start your journey to buying your first house.

1. Understand Your Budget and Today’s Mortgage Rates

One of the first steps in the home buying process in 2025 is figuring out what you can truly afford. With mortgage rates still fluctuating, getting pre-approved early is more important than ever. A pre-approval not only helps define your budget but also shows sellers you’re serious — a critical advantage in a competitive market.

While it can be tempting to use online mortgage calculators to determine a price point, there are many factors that affect your affordability that are not taken into consideration when using these tools. The best way to receive a feasible, accurate budget is to meet with a mortgage professional.

Pro Tip: Speak with a local lender that is familiar with your area to understand what loan programs and rates you might qualify for in 2025.

2. Know About First-Time Buyer Programs and Incentives

If you're buying a house for the first time, you may qualify for special programs that can make homeownership more affordable. From down payment assistance to lower interest rates, there are several options available in Alabama and nationally designed specifically for first-time buyers.

Look into programs like:

Step Up Program (offered through the Alabama Housing Finance Authority)
FHA loans with low down payment options
VA loans if you’re a veteran or active-duty service member

Working with an experienced agent and lender can help you navigate which incentives you’re eligible for and how to take advantage of them.

For a list of programs available in Alabama, click here

3. Be Ready for a Competitive Market

In Birmingham, certain neighborhoods like Crestwood, Homewood, and Vestavia Hills remain highly desirable — and competitive. Even in 2025, multiple-offer situations are still common in hot areas. As a first-time homebuyer, you need to be prepared to act quickly when you find the right property.

Here’s how to stay competitive:

Get pre-approved before house hunting! Your offer isn’t likely to be accepted without one, and certainly won’t be competitive against an offer that has one attached.
Making a list of your must-haves can help you stay on track. Stay flexible about small cosmetic issues — focus on location and structure. Buying your first home is an exciting, and often, emotional process, and this list can help you focus on what really matters in the long run.
Work with a real estate agent that is knowledgeable in the areas you are interested in- he or she will have strategic feedback to help you get your offer accepted!

The process of buying a house can move fast once you find a property that you like. Having a clear plan and a proactive team behind you gives you a major edge.

4. Understand the True Cost of Homeownership

Many first-time buyers focus heavily on the mortgage payment — but there’s more to owning a home than just the loan. You’ll also need to budget for:

Closing costs (typically 2–5% of the purchase price)
Property taxes & homeowners insurance- oftentimes this can be added to your monthly mortgage payment and paid out of an escrow account.
Utilities
Routine maintenance and emergency repairs
Possible HOA (Homeowners Association) fees

Before you buy, it's smart to create a rough budget for these expenses. Factoring them in now can save you a lot of stress down the road — and protect your investment for years to come.

Example: If you're buying a historic home in Birmingham, like those in Avondale or Highland Park, expect to budget more for maintenance and updates.

5. Technology Can (and Should) Be Your Best Friend

The home buying process in 2025 is more tech-driven than ever. As a first-time home buyer, you have incredible resources at your fingertips:

- Virtual tours that let you view homes online before scheduling a showing
- E-signatures for faster contract and document processing
- Mortgage apps that track your loan progress in real-time
- AI-powered search tools that match you with properties fitting your wishlist

While technology is a powerful tool, it's still essential to view homes in person when possible and rely on the expertise of real estate professionals to spot things that photos might not reveal.

Embrace the digital tools available, but balance them with traditional guidance for the best results when you’re ready to buy a house.

Conclusion

Buying your first home is a big step — but with the right preparation, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. If you understand your budget, explore all available programs, move confidently in a competitive market, prepare for the full costs of ownership, and use technology wisely, you’ll be ready to navigate buying your first home in 2025 like a pro.

Ready to start your home buying journey? Our experienced team at ERA King Real Estate is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free first-time buyer consultation — and let's make your dream of homeownership a reality!