Melvin Upchurch is a veteran Birmingham real estate agent who provides top-quality personal service to all of his clients, both buyers and sellers. He has also earned hundreds of glowing reviews for his work.
In addition, sellers who work with Melvin save themselves thousands of dollars on each transaction — about $8,000 on average — thanks to his alternative commission pricing model. Melvin began using this innovative method in 2014 when he helped launch LIST Birmingham, a cutting-edge real estate agency that gives clients maximum value without sacrificing excellent service.
“We were one of the first locally owned companies to use an alternative listing commission model,” Melvin said. “We wanted to give homeowners an option to save thousands of dollars and keep more of their hard-earned equity.”
Since 2014, LIST Birmingham has sold over 1,400 homes and saved sellers millions in commissions, and Melvin takes a lot of satisfaction in his work with clients.
“It is always gratifying to help my clients sell their homes,” Melvin said. “It is particularly gratifying when I help someone save money that I know really needed the savings. I have helped lots of retired people put more money in their pockets — money that I know they needed.”
Not surprisingly, Melvin has many satisfied clients, including Chase and Ashley Bowers, who now live in Helena. Chase and Ashley have sold three homes with Melvin and used him as a buyer’s agent on two other homes.
Melvin’s unique alternative pricing business model has saved the couple over $65,000 in helping them sell homes in Homewood, Lake Wilborn in Hoover, and a lake home. “If we had not met Melvin and gotten to know him, we would have thought it was unbelievable, but we trusted him,” Chase and Ashley said.
Ashley emphasized the value they received: “The saying goes, ‘You get what you pay for.’ In Melvin’s case, you get way more than what you pay for. His business model is second to none and has saved us thousands over the course of several selling transactions,” she said.
Chase and Ashley met Melvin when they were visiting an open house, and Melvin was the listing agent. “He was extremely helpful throughout the entire process,” Chase and Ashley said. “We visited the property several times, and Melvin was consistently excellent to work with.”
Melvin is amazing and the best agent we have seen. We highly recommend Melvin whether you’re buying or selling a home.
Chase and Ashley Bowers
Ashley added her perspective on what sets Melvin apart from others in the industry: “In a world of spotty customer service and client care, Melvin brings standout professionalism, while also building genuine relationships with his clients. Obviously, yes, he is running a business, but he isn’t just in it for his own benefit. He truly wants to guide his clients in making the right decisions for their family.”
The Bowers live in the home that Melvin helped them purchase in their most recent transaction with him. “Melvin assisted us as a buyer's agent, and it was a highly complicated transaction with numerous obstacles,” Chase and Ashley said. “It took several weeks of constant communication between Melvin, the other agent and contractors.”
Ashley described Melvin’s responsiveness and character: “Melvin is honest, personable, and easy to talk to. He is a genuinely kind person. As far as his expertise in the real estate world, he is top-notch. He is knowledgeable, handles transactions with care, and is willing to go the extra mile to help you find or sell your home. Even when Melvin was out of town traveling, he always made an effort to connect with us and make sure we were taken care of. He never leaves you hanging and is always very responsive.”
Ashley also reflected on the complexity of their recent transaction: “Our last transaction with Melvin was quite involved and somewhat complicated. He never wavered and made sure he was on top of all things at all times, as well as anticipating the next step to keep the ball rolling forward.”
During this long process, the Bowers saw how dedicated and professional Melvin was. “He was always available even on nights, weekends and when he was on vacation,” they said. “Even the sellers of the home commented on how beneficial it was to have Melvin involved in the process. Melvin was patient throughout the process and, as always, helped us accomplish our goal.”
The Bowers have really enjoyed working with Melvin.
“He is full service and he went above and beyond to make sure everything was communicated properly on both sides and that all items were completed,” Chase and Ashley said. “He took on the selling of our property as if it were his own, and we felt like he truly cared about every detail. One of the greatest parts of his service is his process. He and his team communicate well, use up-to-date technology, anticipate your questions and are very responsive.”
“We have used several different real estate agents in the past for multiple transactions,” they said. “Melvin is amazing and the best agent we have seen. We highly recommend Melvin whether you are buying or selling a home.”
The response from his customers through the years has been “amazing,” said Melvin, who has more than 400 five-star reviews. “Honestly, it is extremely gratifying to receive five-star reviews. Time is valuable, so I am always so humbled when someone uses their precious time to write a review.”
LIST Birmingham has a commitment to quality service in serving its clients.
“We pride ourselves on fast response times, constant communication, being available to them and always having a smile in our voices,” Melvin said.
“It is gratifying when my clients express their appreciation,” Melvin said. “I love to hear the sentiment. ‘Melvin is the best agent I have ever had.’”
For more information about Melvin, go to melvinupchurchsells.com or soldbylist.com. Contact him by phone at 205-223-6192 or email melvin@listbirmingham.com.
