Paint Color Really Can Impact The Value Of Your Home
Vikki Grodner, REALTOR® and Certified Interior Designer
In a recent study by real estate website Zillow and paint company Behr, the companies quantified and validated the old adage that paint color really can have an impact on your home's value. The right paint color in the right areas of your house can impact value by as much as $5,000, for a typical US home valued at $290,000.
Based on a recent survey of 1,300 buyers, Behr has curated a collection of paint specifically designed to increase the value of your property. The collection ranges from ethereal dove tones to sophisticated, moodier tones like dark navy and neutral mushrooms.
So, what conclusions did these two home experts come to?
For bathrooms, where you go to relax at the end of the day, pale blue and greens are a solid choice. In the bedroom, where you want to cocoon, a darker, moodier color is the best option. A moody blue, for example, works in a space where a feeling of light and space is less of a priority. And in a finding that likely will surprise no one, white kitchens are where it's at from a value perspective, to appeal to the greatest number of prospective buyers.
So, if your Hospitality Network Group Realtor® suggests repainting may be the thing, now there is solid research to back up this recommendation.
Turning College Housing Costs Into Wealth: Why More Parents Are Buying Homes A recent Business Insider article highlighted a growing trend: parents are choosing to buy homes in college towns for their students rather than paying room and board or rent. And it’s not hard to see why—what was once a four-year expense is now becoming a pathway to long-term equity and wealth. At Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams , we’re passionate about helping parents and investors seize these opportunities. College town real estate isn’t just about having a place for your student to live—it’s about transforming a major cost into a smart investment.
Tuscaloosa: America’s #1 College Town for Real Estate Investing (and #2 for Short-Term Rentals!) A recent BiggerPockets analysis ranked Tuscaloosa #2 in America for college towns with the best short-term rental opportunities —putting it ahead of nearly every other football destination in the country. And it’s not just short-term rentals making headlines. Tuscaloosa was also recently ranked #1 in the nation for college town real estate investing , making it a rare m arket that delivers strong returns across multiple investment strategies. At The Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams , we help parents and investors turn these rankings into real results. We know where the highest returns are hiding, what buyers need to know before they invest, and how to structure deals that win big in Tuscaloosa’s thriving market.
From student condos to game-day getaways, discover why Auburn’s real estate market is becoming a magnet for parents and investors looking to build wealth in one of the South’s most iconic college towns.
Financing First: Why the Right Loan Strategy Matters in a College-Town Market When it comes to buying near the University of Alabama, the property you choose is important — but how you finance it is just as critical. The right loan structure can save you thousands, while the wrong one can delay or even derail your purchase. That’s where Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams comes in. As local experts, we see firsthand how financing decisions shape every step of the buying process in Tuscaloosa.
Discover how savvy investors are cashing in on short-term and mid-term rentals in America's top college towns. If you’re exploring real estate investment opportunities, chances are you’ve considered the usual suspects—vacation destinations, high-growth cities, or trendy urban neighborhoods. But one of the most underrated and reliable markets in the country? College towns. At Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams, we’ve helped dozens of investors build profitable portfolios in some of the most iconic university towns in the South and beyond. In a recent episode of The College Real Estate Coach podcast , we spoke with investor Ryan Winzenburg , who shared exactly how college towns became the cornerstone of his real estate success—and why you might want to follow his lead.
How Royce Dickerson Discovered the Power of Real Estate Before Graduation—and Changed His Future Forever
How parents are building wealth instead of paying rent—for the same monthly cost.
How Parents, Students, and Investors Are Turning College Housing into Long-Term Financial Wins
When Real Estate Meets Real Community – Bringing Joy, Harmony, and Heart to Every Generation
At Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams, we believe our mission goes beyond real estate—it’s about investing in people, purpose, and progress. Whether through homeownership or community service, we are committed to helping neighborhoods grow in meaningful and lasting ways. Recently, Recently, we took great pride to be part of an initiative that reflects those very values: the creation of Alabama’s first public Holocaust Memorial, now open to all at Birmingham’s historic Elmwood Cemetery. This powerful new monument was spearheaded by Barbara Bonfield, a visionary leader whose dedication and persistence brought the project to life ( Barbara’s moving interview can be seen in the dedication video ) . Funded by members of Birmingham’s Temple Beth El, including Vikki and Ken Grodner and others in the greater Birmingham community , the memorial stands as a tribute not only to the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust, but also to the survivors who found the strength to rebuild their lives and legacies in new places—including right here in Alabama. When Terry Holzman, a friend and client, approached Ken and Vikki to support this effort, they immediately felt called to contribute. Ken joined the initiative with gratitude and purpose—helping lead outreach efforts and encourage others to support this historic moment. The result is an 8-foot-tall, 700-pound steel sculpture in the form of a dead tree, resting on rusted railroad tracks. The tracks—originally used during the era of slavery in Alabama—evoke a chilling duality: a local legacy of oppression and the haunting memory of the trains that carried millions to Nazi extermination camps. In its starkness, the sculpture demands reflection. Yet, in its permanence, it offers a call to remember, learn, and ensure “never again” truly means never again. The memorial is not just a place of mourning—it is also a place of resilience and renewal. It honors those who survived the Holocaust, rebuilt their lives, started families, and continued their traditions in the face of unimaginable loss. For Ken, Vikki, and all of us at Hospitality Network Group, this project exemplifies our mission to uplift and support causes that enrich the communities we serve. We’re proud to stand behind efforts like this that preserve history, promote understanding, and inspire future generations to act with compassion and courage. We invite you to visit the memorial at Elmwood Cemetery and to learn more by reading the Alabama News Center’s coverage. Thank you to Barbara Bonfield, Terry Holzman, and all those who contributed to making this vision a reality. Together, we’re not only remembering the past—we’re building a stronger future that safeguards pride, protects honor, and upholds the integrity of all people. Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams – Client focused . Performance driven The Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams is honored to be part of a company that fosters a culture of excellence, empowering its agents to deliver unmatched service and expertise. This commitment to excellence is why Keller Williams agents consistently achieve results that set the standard in the industry. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, our team is here to ensure your goals are not only met but exceeded. Trust the Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams to guide you through every step of your real estate journey. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your real estate dreams.
