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Annual and Q4 Real Estate Economics Report

02/17/2026

Huntsville Real Estate: 2025 Year in Review & Q4 Insights

As we close the books on 2025, the Madison County housing market has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite a landscape of elevated mortgage rates, our local economy continues to drive steady demand, leading to a year of modest growth and market normalization.

2025: A Year of Steady Recovery

Total home sales for the year reached 7,284 units, a 1.8% increase over 2024. This upward trend signals a continued recovery from the market lows of 2023.

Key Annual Highlights:

Total Sales Volume: The market saw nearly $2.8 billion in total dollar volume for the year.
Pricing Stability: The median sales price for 2025 settled at $332,129, showing almost no change from the previous year, suggesting a period of price leveling.
Inventory Expansion: Average total inventory rose by approximately 11%. Notably, existing home inventory surged by 28%, while new construction inventory saw an 8% decline.
Market Pace: Homes spent an average of 54 days on the market, a 23% increase from the 44-day average in 2024.

Q4 Snapshot: A Balanced Finish

The fourth quarter saw 1,726 homes sold, holding steady compared to Q4 2024. While the pace slowed slightly from the third quarter, the market remains 3.6% above the three-year average for Q4.

Quarterly Quick Stats:

Median Price: Rose slightly to $333,450 in Q4.
Buyer’s Opportunities: Market conditions leaned toward buyers, with 36% of homes selling below list price and only 17% closing above list.
New Construction: Accounted for 31% of total closings during the quarter.
Inventory Shift: Total active listings at the end of December stood at 2,270, a slight 3.3% decrease from the end of 2024.

Growth by Price Segment

Activity varied significantly across different price points. The most active segment remained homes priced between $350,000 and $500,000, accounting for 25% of all transactions in 2025. Interestingly, the high-end market (homes above $800,000) saw the strongest Q4 growth, with a 26% increase in units sold compared to the same period last year.

The Bottom Line

While the days of rapid price appreciation and record-low mortgage rates have transitioned, the Madison County market is finding its footing in a “new normal”. Strong local economic conditions and consistent demand continue to offset the impact of higher borrowing costs.
As we move into 2026, these trends toward increased inventory and stabilized pricing offer a more balanced environment for both buyers and sellers.
 
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Celebrating HAAR’s First Black President & a Legacy of Service

02/16/2026

Trailblazing Excellence: Celebrating Clifton “Clif” Miller

This Black History Month, the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) is proud to honor a true pioneer in our industry and community: Mr. Clifton “Clif” Miller.
When we speak of “Black History,” we aren’t just looking at the distant past—we are looking at the leaders among us who broke barriers and set a new standard for excellence. Clif Miller is a testament to that legacy.

From Defending Homes to Defending Homeownership

Born and raised in Hale County, Alabama, Clif’s journey to success in real estate was paved with discipline and bravery.
Before he was a REALTOR®, he was a soldier. Clif dedicated over 20 years of his life to the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of Major. His distinguished military career was marked by a Bronze Star, awarded for his outstanding service during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
In 1995, Clif transitioned from defending homes to defending homeownership. He brought that same military precision, integrity, and heart to his second career in real estate.

A Historic Presidency & A Record of Excellence

In 2008, Clif Miller made history as our first African American President in HAAR history. His leadership during that year wasn’t just symbolic—it was transformational.
His commitment to the industry continued after his presidency to earn Mr. Miller the 2013 HAAR REALTOR® of the Year award.
This honor, one of the highest a member can receive, recognized his professional achievements, his “REALTOR® Spirit,” and his tireless work in civic and community affairs.

Leadership Beyond the Sale

Clif’s impact stretches far beyond the closing table. A man of deep faith and community conviction, he has served on numerous boards and played a pivotal role at the state level as a Commissioner for the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC).
His life is a masterclass in “Service Above Self.” Whether it is through his leadership in the Madison Civitan Club, his lifelong brotherhood in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., or his active involvement in his church, Clif has spent decades building up the people around him.

A Legacy in Motion

Today, we salute Clif Miller not just for the history he made, but for the path he cleared for future generations of real estate professionals. He proved that excellence knows no color, and that leadership is defined by how much you give back to the community that sustains you.

Please join us in celebrating a veteran, a leader, and a true Alabama icon: Mr. Clifton Miller.

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January 2026 Fast Stats

02/16/2026

COMBINED
ATHENS
DEKALB
ETOWAH - CHEROKEE
HUNTSVILLE_Madison County Fast Stats
JACKSON
MARSHALL
MORGAN

ValleyMLS.com Market Stats include statistics from the following cities/counties: Athens, Limestone County, Dekalb County, Etowah County, Cherokee County, Huntsville, Madison County, Jackson County, Marshall County, Morgan County, Lawrence County

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How to Create a Real Estate Marketing Plan for the Off-Season

02/09/2026

Here's how to create a real estate marketing plan that turns the off-season into a season of opportunity

The off-season in real estate can feel like a slow slog, but with the right marketing plan, it can become an opportunity to stand out, build relationships, and prepare for the busy months ahead.
Instead of waiting for the market to heat up, why not use this time to refine your strategies, connect with potential clients, and position yourself as a top agent?
Here’s how to create a real estate marketing plan that turns the off-season into a season of opportunity.
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 Reflections on Black History Month 

02/06/2026

A note from HAAR & ValleyMLS President Regina Mitchell on Black History Month

Dear Members of the Huntsville Association of Realtors,
As we celebrate Black History Month, I am honored to reflect on the profound impact African Americans have made—not only in our nation’s history, but within our communities, our industry, and the real estate profession as a whole.
Black History Month is a time to recognize resilience, innovation, and leadership in the face of adversity. It is also a time to acknowledge the pioneers who paved the way for equitable housing opportunities and fair access to homeownership—cornerstones of the American dream. Their perseverance laid the foundation for the work we continue today.
As an African American woman and the President of the Huntsville Association of Realtors, I am especially proud to lead an organization that values diversity, inclusion, and opportunity for all. Our strength as an association lies in our ability to come together, learn from one another, and serve our clients and community with integrity and purpose.
Let this month serve as both a celebration and a call to action—encouraging us to honor the past, engage in meaningful conversations, and remain committed to advancing fair housing and equal opportunity. By doing so, we ensure that the legacy of those who came before us continues to shape a stronger, more inclusive future.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our profession and to the communities we proudly serve.
With gratitude and pride,

 

Regina Mitchell
President
Huntsville Association of Realtors®
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Affiliate Appreciation Luncheon

02/06/2026

Growing Together at the Table is an affiliate appreciation luncheon designed to reconnect our affiliate […]

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BHM26: A note from HAAR’s Diversity Committee Chair

02/02/2026

A note from HAAR Diversity Committee Chair Demberia Grandy:

As we kick off Black History Month, I find myself reflecting on more than just the dates and figures in our history books. To me, this month is a profound reminder of the resilience that is woven into the American fabric. It is a time to honor the ancestors who turned ‘no’ into ‘not yet’ and ‘impossible’ into ‘watch me.’
For us as REALTORS, Black History Month carries a unique weight. Our industry sits at the very heart of the American Dream: homeownership. We cannot ignore that for many Black families, the journey toward that dream was paved with systemic obstacles. But we also celebrate the victories—the trailblazing Black brokers and agents who fought for Fair Housing and the families who built generational wealth against all odds.
Determination shouldn’t have an expiration date. While February gives us a focused spotlight, the ideals of the struggle and the joy of the victory must be our North Star all year round. Inclusion isn’t a monthly theme; it is a daily commitment to ensuring every member of the Huntsville community feels seen, heard, and empowered to own a piece of the land they call home.
We have an incredible year planned, filled with education, advocacy, and community building. But we can’t do it alone. We need your voice, your energy, and your perspective.
If you are interested in joining the Diversity Committee or simply want to learn more about our upcoming initiatives, please reach out.
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Fair Housing in Action

01/29/2026

Fair Housing in Action (3 CE) Class Description: This 3-hour CE elective shows how important Fair […]

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Chicago brokers share how to scale real estate teams and win in 2026

01/21/2026

At A and N Mortgage’s first Power Hour of the year Jan. 15, Matt Laricy, managing broker at Americorp Real Estate and team lead of The Laricy Team, and Jill Silverstein, president of the JS Group at Compass, pulled back the curtain on how top-producing teams can scale without losing their edge. The panel, titled “Scaling Smart: When to Hire, When to Outsource, When to Grind,” drew agents looking for concrete strategies to grow in the Chicagoland market. 

Planning in Q4 for 2026 

Laricy opened by stressing that success in January is built months earlier. He reviews every lost listing and client who chose another agent, saving their feedback and using it to rebuild his playbook for the coming year. “I’m planning January in September, October, November,” he said, explaining that weaknesses identified in the prior year become targets for improvement so they can turn into strengths in 2026. 
Anticipating a surge in demand, Laricy has grown his team ahead of the curve, hiring and training agents and adding virtual assistants in the Philippines to handle late-night scheduling and logistics. That move, he said, protects his in-office staff from burnout while ensuring every opportunity is captured during peak season. 
He also pushes buyers to think strategically about timing, often advising January and February shoppers with spring leases to extend to late summer or fall so they can skip “waiting in line like a club to get into a property” and buy when competition eases. 

Coaching buyers to compete 

Silverstein focused on front-line execution with buyers, especially in multiple-offer situations. She coaches clients to treat every showing as an audition: dress well, introduce themselves to the listing agent, and come across as “warm, easy, rational, fair” so they stand out when offers pile up. In a market where most offers are over asking, “as is,” and accompanied by appraisal waivers, she said the difference is often in presentation and process, not just price. 
Her team’s offers are packaged with a buyer profile, JS Group accolades, and a tailored cover letter that humanizes the deal while staying within fair housing guidelines. Strong terms on earnest money, timing and flexibility around the seller’s needs round out the strategy. 
On the agent side, both Laricy and Silverstein criticized “text-only” negotiators; Silverstein tells her team, “Call the agent. Call the agent. Call the agent every time,” while Laricy admitted he’ll take a lower offer with a strong, responsive agent over a higher offer from someone who won’t pick up the phone. 

Hire before you feel ready 

 On hiring and scaling, Silverstein said while it’s good to understand what you’re good at, it’s also to know what you’re bad at.  
“I worked to be able to hire an assistant because I knew that was going to be the ticket to help me scale,” she said. 
Silverstein hit $11 million in volume in her first year, largely from open houses and relentless networking, then hired an assistant just 10 months in so she could focus on prospecting and brand-building. A later hire — a dedicated transaction manager — was “pivotal,” allowing her to hand off contract-to-close and stay in growth mode. 
Laricy, meanwhile, described his hiring filter as simple but strict: undying loyalty, work ethic and cultural fit. Candidates meet him, then existing team members, because “we’re like a family,” he said, and he refuses to carry agents who treat real estate as a part-time hobby.  
For agents in Chicago, the message from both panelists was clear: plan early, hire before you feel ready, outsource the noise — and grind where your unique value is highest. 

Reprinted from: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2026/01/15/chicago-brokers-team-growth-2026/

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Advocacy Family Network: New Community Resource Center & Transitional Housing

01/21/2026

HAAR is passing along information from the Advocacy Family Network about two new resources now available in our community that may be helpful in your work with individuals and families.

 

Community Resource Center
The Community Resource Center offers support services and referrals designed to help individuals navigate next steps and access community-based assistance.

 

Domestic Violence Transitional Housing
This program provides transitional housing options for individuals seeking a safe and supportive environment while working toward longer-term stability.
Attached (or linked below) you’ll find flyers and contact information for both resources. Please feel free to share this information with your teams and include it in your resource materials as appropriate.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, don’t hesitate to reach out. As always, thank you for the work you do and for the collaboration that makes these connections possible.
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