Zillow has reported that fixer uppers have fallen out of favor in 2025, with home buyers instead gravitating toward fully renovated properties. The real estate site references the post-pandemic renovation boom and rising cost of remodeling. But, as old house lovers, we know the real value of remodeling homes in need of some TLC goes far beyond the MLS listing.

Enter Charles Barkley. The Alabama native, Auburn basketball star, and hall of fame NBA player is getting in the fixer-upper game for a powerful reason. He has pledged $2 million to update homes in his hometown of Leeds and nearby Birmingham, Alabama. The basketball commentator recently renovated his own mother's house, and saw a need beyond helping his own family. According to AL.com, Charles looked around his mother's neighborhood and saw many homes in need of care and decided to do something about it.

Charles explained, "I want to buy run-down homes and try to reinvigorate these areas. That’s my next venture." He's partnering with the contractor who worked on his mother's home and investing $1 million in Leeds and another $1 million in the city of Birmingham.

He doesn't take the responsibility lightly. In Birmingham, Charles intends to work with mayor Randall Woodfin and the head of the police department to identify the most impactful ways to help. He explains, "I want to do some due diligence on who I can trust. That’s my game plan. I want to do everything I can to help Randall and the interim police chief fix up neighborhoods and get people living in these houses again."

Charles is no stranger to philanthropy. He's pledged substantial donations to everything from ALS research to the Auburn women's athletics department to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. But, as Charles knows, updating homes in urban areas can have a serious impact—not only increasing property values but also improving the quality of life for residents, spurring economic growth, and preserving cultural heritage.