March 2023 | Volume 13 | Issue 10
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REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT Home sales down in 2022 By NEAL EMBRY
H
ome sales decreased last year in the city of Homewood, according to data from the Greater Alabama Multiple Listing Service. There were 374 existing homes sold, with seven new homes sold. That’s down from 464 existing homes and 13 new homes sold in 2021, according to the data. The total number of homes sold was at its lowest point in at least five years. Homewood had between 450 and 495 homes sold from 2018 to 2021. With a lower number of homes came another increase in average home prices. The average home price for the city was about $535,000, with existing homes averaging $523,000 and the seven new homes averaging $1.1 million. The average price of a home in Homewood has increased each year since at least 2018,
See REAL ESTATE | page A16
New homes under construction on Broadway Street in Homewood on Feb. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson.
For the love of books: Little Professor moving to new location as it celebrates 50 years By NEAL EMBRY
Kathleen Wylee, left, an employee at the Little Professor Bookshop for 17 years, stands beside Meredith Robinson, the owner of the bookstore, at the Homewood location. Photo by Erin Nelson.
The location will offer new outdoor space, an expanded children’s area, a second floor and more, Robinson said. It is envisioned as a place where customers can come not only to purchase new books, but to meet friends, enjoy a cup of coffee and sit to read or study, Robinson said. The space will be able to host between 50 and 100 people, Robinson said, which is helpful given the popularity in the store’s events,
For its 50th “birthday,” the Little Professor bookstore in downtown Homewood is getting a new home. The local stop for readers is moving down the block to the former Nadeau building, located at 2738 18th St. S. “Everything will feel very updated,” owner Meredith Robinson said.
INSIDE
Sponsors............... A4 News....................... A6
Business................ A6 Schoolhouse........A10
Events................... A12 Opinion.................A14
from book clubs to special events like Harry Potter trivia night. Designated parking will also be a much-needed addition for Little Professor customers, she said, and having more space will mean not having to cap book clubs. The clubs have become the store’s most popular offering, a place to connect and make friends.
Sports.................... B4 Camp Guide.......... B8
See BOOKSTORE | page A18 Metro Roundup... B12 Calendar............... B14 facebook.com/thehomewoodstar
A+ Teachers
Library Asset
Homewood City Schools names teachers of the year.
Homewood Public Library welcomes new Assistant Director Michelle Hamrick.
See page A10
See page B1
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