REMAX Preferred: Paul DeCarlo

08/26/2026

WHO is actually handling your real estate transaction?

Here’s a question buyers and sellers may want to ask their agent:

“Do you use a Transaction Coordinator, and if so, exactly what parts of my transaction will that person handle?”

There is absolutely nothing wrong with an agent using administrative help. I've worked with FANTASTIC TC's. But when you hire a real estate agent, I believe you should know who is actually managing the details, answering the phone, discussing issues, and negotiating on your behalf.

I do NOT use a Transaction Coordinator. Even when I'm working multiple deals, I'm not overloaded. I can multitask quite well.

When you hire me, you get me. I manage my contracts, deadlines, negotiations, inspections, amendments, communications and the details of the transaction myself. When something important happens, I want to know about it immediately. Not after it works its way through another person.

And a note to agents I work with: I respect however you choose to run your business. Send documents to your TC. Let them help with administrative work. That’s your choice. You hired a TC, and that's great.

But when I need an answer involving your client, your contract, a negotiation, or an important decision, I’m calling you. You are the agent representing the client. I’m not going to chase down a TC or determine their legal level of handling a transaction.

Real estate transactions can move quickly. Accessibility, accountability and direct communication still matter. And yes... I still answer my phone and return calls that I can not take immediately.

That’s the level of service I expect from myself, and it's the level of service my clients deserve and receive.

So who's handling the details of one of the most important transactions you might make?

Your Property. My Priority.
Paul DeCarlo, REMAX Preferred
205-677-8463

08/20/2026

Why am I still with REMAX after 23 years? Because of this... and we can prove it.

REMAX has a strong reputation for productive, experienced agents, but I recently dug into the actual numbers both nationally and right here in our local Birmingham market, and the results were pretty impressive.

According to 2026 RealTrends Verified data, REMAX agents at large participating U.S. brokerages averaged 11.7 transaction sides per agent in 2025, compared with 5.4 for competing brokerages. REMAX reports this marks the 18th consecutive year its agents have maintained roughly a 2-to-1 productivity advantage!!

What really caught my attention was the local comparison. Here in Birmingham Alabama.

After analyzing Greater Alabama MLS production data, REMAX affiliates averaged approximately 13.1 transaction units per producing agent in 2025!! This is the highest among the major traditional brokerage brands I compared locally.

That doesn’t mean every REMAX agent is the same, or that productivity is the only thing that matters when choosing an agent. But it does show there is some real data behind the REMAX reputation for having highly productive agents.

I’m proud to have been affiliated with REMAX for more than two decades.

For anyone who likes to dig into the numbers:

The national figures are based on 2025 production reported in the 2026 RealTrends Verified Best Brokerages rankings. REMAX calculates its per-agent comparison from that verified brokerage data. My local comparison was calculated separately from Greater Alabama MLS production reports and uses producing agents, so the national and local methodologies are not identical.

https://news.remax.com/press-release/remax-agents-are-most-productive-for-18-years-straight?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.realtrends.com/ranking/real-trends-verified-best-brokerages/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Paul DeCarlo, REMAX Preferred, 205-677-8463

View the top real estate professionals in United States, based on data from the previous calendar year.

08/12/2026

I'm happy to announce this listing that I brought to the market today in Pelham, Alabama. It's 110 High Ridge Trace, Pelham, AL and is a 3 Bed, 2 Bath property offered at $275,000. Nicely maintained home! Take a look here to see the official listing and photos.

08/05/2026

**PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION IN PELHAM!**

I’m pleased to offer approximately **1/3 of an acre zoned M-1 Light Industrial**, conveniently located just off Highway 31 and immediately past the former Old Time Pottery location, now Gabe’s.

Utilities are reported to be available on site, subject to verification before closing.

Pelham’s M-1 zoning may accommodate a wide range of office, contractor, service, equipment, automotive, wholesale, light-manufacturing, research, recreational, warehouse, and distribution uses. All proposed uses remain subject to the City of Pelham’s definitions, site requirements, permitting, and final zoning approval.

**What would you do with this property?** It may be the right location for your business, investment, or future expansion.

Contact me for additional information or to discuss the property. Buyers should contact the City of Pelham directly to confirm approval of their specific intended use.

Paul DeCarlo, SFR®
REMAX Preferred
205-677-8463
[email protected]

**Your Property. My Priority.**

07/27/2026

Just Listed!! 2 Bed, 2 Bath in Pelham. $199,900 and Seller is offering a $3,000 concession to the buyer. Check it out!

155 Chase Creek Circle, Pelham, AL 35124

Note: $3,000 seller credit at closing to the buyer to app...

07/22/2026

What does $1 million and above look like today in Shelby and Jefferson Counties?

I created two direct property searches for anyone interested in exploring the upper tier of our market:

Shelby County homes priced at $1 million and above:
https://rem.ax/4tn3Ows

Jefferson County homes priced at $1 million and above:
https://rem.ax/4bWp4Sm

Browsing the listings is interesting, but asking price tells only part of the story.

After nearly 22 years in Birmingham-area real estate, I help clients look beyond the listing price and understand how an individual property fits within the broader market.

Whether you are considering a purchase, planning a future sale or simply curious about how your property compares, I would be glad to provide a confidential, property-specific market consultation.

Paul DeCarlo, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Preferred
c: 205-677-8463
e: [email protected]

22 Years of Experience
Your Property. My Priority.

Search all available properties including Single Family, Condos, Townhouse via the MLS in Jefferson, AL - brought to you by REMAX Preferred

07/21/2026

14 completed transactions as of July 2026... Nearly $4 million in closed sales volume this year. But the most important parts of those numbers are the relationships and experience behind them.

With 22 years of real estate sales under my belt, I recently reviewed Birmingham MLS production for the entire year as of July, 2026. Compared with more than 3,600 agents that report sales in the report, my results place me here:

• In the top 9% by completed transactions
• In the top 14% by total sales volume

I will continue to be grateful for every client who has trusted me during my 22 years in real estate, and especially for my wife and family who support me on nights and weekends so that I can get the job done for my clients.

Selling a valuable or distinctive property requires more than placing it in the MLS and waiting for an offer. It requires careful pricing, thoughtful preparation, professional presentation, strong communication and experienced negotiation.

My goal is to provide clear market intelligence and a strategy built around each property and each client’s objectives, whether the home is a custom residence, acreage, an estate property or simply a home with features that require some special attention.

It does not matter whether you are considering selling now or sometime in the future. I would be glad to provide a confidential consultation to discuss your property’s value, preparation, competition and timing.

Paul DeCarlo, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Preferred
c: 205-677-8463

22 Years of Experience - Your Property. My Priority.

07/01/2026

This does matter to you. It is about your money, your choices, and transparency in real estate.

I want to be very clear about something: I do NOT buy Zillow leads, and I am not a Zillow Premier Agent paying for buyer or seller leads. I'm not paying them for the chance to meet you.

When you search for homes online and connect with a partnered agent through a third-party platform, there might be a referral fee or lead-generation cost involved. In some Zillow programs, that fee can be substantial, even up to 40% of the agent’s commission in certain situations.

There is nothing wrong with asking an agent a simple question: “Are you paying a referral fee or third-party fee because of my relationship with you?”

And to be fair, there is nothing wrong with agents using those programs. Every agent runs their business differently. But my approach is simple: I would rather earn your business directly through relationships, personal referrals, local experience, and the work I do every day in this market.

When an agent pays for a lead or owes a referral fee to a third-party platform, that cost has to be accounted for somewhere in the business. My preference is to keep my business model direct, efficient, and transparent, so my clients are not left wondering whether extra lead-generation costs are built into the process.

There are times when I may pay or receive a referral fee from another agent or source. When that applies, it is handled properly and disclosed as required. But that is not my routine way of doing business.

Also, real estate compensation is negotiable. It is not set by Zillow, the MLS, NAR, REMAX, or any organization. Compensation is discussed, agreed to in writing, and based on the services being provided.

Please note this: you do not have to go through a lead platform to reach me. You can contact me directly, ask questions directly, and work with someone who is focused on representing you... not paying for the opportunity to meet you.

Take care,
Paul DeCarlo
REMAX Preferred
e: [email protected]
c: 205-677-8463

Your Property. My Priority.

06/30/2026

New Alabaster Listing! $259,900 3Bed/2Bath at 1274 Bennett Drive, Alabaster, AL

This spacious Alabaster home offers a flexible layout, multiple living areas, and standout main-level conveniences. Originally built in 1972 and remodeled over time, it features two kitchens, two full baths, and two laundry areas, creating excellent versatility for everyday living, guests, hobbies, work-from-home needs, or future reconfiguration.

You’ll also find low-step main-level access, generous gathering spaces, updated kitchens with custom finishes, a comfortable front porch with a pleasant view, and a great backyard with multiple areas to relax, entertain, garden, or explore future improvements. Finished lower-level space adds even more flexibility.

Additional highlights include an updated roof, updated HVAC, and a whole-house generator.

Be sure to view the 3D Virtual Tour and come see the potential this home offers!

Please share this post with anyone who may be looking in Alabaster.

Paul DeCarlo
REMAX Preferred
205-677-8463

https://www.pauldecarlo.com/property/107-21457602-1274-bennett-drive-alabaster-AL-35007