According to an online report, realtors and real estate agents in Huntsville are enjoying a strong holiday season.
Home sales continue to outpace last year in all but one of the region’s five counties. Huntsville led with 545 homes sold, up from 475 last year. Athens also saw a rise, with 188 homes sold compared to 144. Marshall County sales grew from 62 to 88, and Jackson County increased from 19 to 25. Decatur, however, remained flat at 105 homes sold in both 2023 and 2024.
Shifting seller behavior drives sales growth
Experts credit changing seller strategies for the rise in sales. Bennie Waller of the University of Alabama noted that sellers are adjusting to higher interest rates. “It looks like sellers may be realizing that rates are not going back to 3%,” Waller said. Realtor Matt Curtis added, “Successful sellers are becoming more aggressive with pricing to compete against new construction homes.”
Price trends reflect mixed market conditions
While sales have risen, average home prices have fallen in most markets. Huntsville’s average price dropped from $375,000 in 2023 to $363,000. Athens saw a decrease from $365,000 to $331,000. Jackson County also experienced a decline. However, Decatur and Marshall County saw price increases. Buyers seeking affordable options drove Decatur’s growth, while demand for higher-priced homes boosted Marshall County.
Inventory and market times surge
Inventory levels and days on the market have significantly increased. Huntsville listings rose to 2,513, up from 1,856 last year, with homes staying on the market 55 days compared to 33. Athens and Decatur showed similar trends, while Marshall County listings jumped from 239 to 417. “Homes are taking 57% longer to sell compared to last year,” Curtis said.
Although the Huntsville market remains strong, rising inventory and extended timeframes point to a more balanced market. This shift provides new opportunities for buyers and sellers to navigate the changing landscape.
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