If I have a hero in an area is it considered my area since he/she is not a unit? Anyone know?

Nope, it is not considered to be your area unless you've got a unit in there.

thanks for the answer man

have to have a unit and/or a stronghold

It's worth pointing out, though, that you ALWAYS "control" your home realm areas, even if you don't have a unit or stronghold there. The only exception is if there is an ENEMY unit or stronghold there; then they control it.

Good point.

On that point, I am assuming that to take an enemy home realm without any enemy units or enemy strongholds would still count as a "battle" since it is enemy controlled. Thus you could not use strategize or the second mobilize activation (unless the first did not result in a battle).

I sort of assumed this in my last, but then by brother mobiized his units (supremacy action) into my empty kingdom, and I realized that ooops, there is no reason to think that an empty kingdom requires a battle to take.

Now a stronghold requires a battle, but empty... nope.

The rule book states “Mobilize” and “Conquer” Order cards allow a player to activate an area and move any of his units into the area as long as the
units started two or fewer areas away. If there are enemy or neutral units in the activated area , then the player must start a battle with
them or attempt diplomacy.

The FAQ states

Q: If a player attacks an area containing an enemy stronghold and 0 enemy units, does a battle take place?
A: Yes. However, most steps of the battle will have no effect except for Tally Strength and Resolution.

No mention about empty kingdom hexes

Im sending the question to rule support for confirmation, but im very confident that no battle is required... so dont leave your hexes empty.