News

August Fast Stats Real Estate Update: Key Trends for REALTORS®

09/15/2026

As we close out August 2026, the North Alabama housing market continues to demonstrate strong buyer demand and steady pricing growth across the region. Based on the latest Fast Stats compiled by ValleyMLS.com, overall sales volume in the combined market reached 1,351 closed sales—up from 1,290 in August 2025—while the regional median sale price rose to $315,000.

For members of the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR), understanding these localized shifts is essential for setting client expectations, pricing inventory effectively, and strategic marketing as we enter the fall season.

Here is your breakdown of the August 2026 market statistics across our regional sub-markets.

COMBINED MARKET OVERVIEW

The Madison County housing market experienced healthy year-over-year gains in total closed volume and median sale price, alongside a slight drop in average days on market (DOM).

METRIC

HOMES SOLD

MEDIAN PRICE

INVENTORY

AVG DOM

PENDING SALES

AUG 26

711

$345,000

2,666

1,095

AUG 25

642

$330,000

2,699

669

CHANGE

+10.75%

+4.55%

-1.2%

-19.23%

+63.68%

OTHER MARKETS

Athens / Limestone County

Athens-Limestone maintained high inventory levels and solid transaction volume, remaining one of the most active markets outside Madison County.

Homes Sold: 215 (vs. 197 in 2025)
Median Sale Price: $326,000 (vs. $325,000 in 2025)
Homes on Market: 1,049 (vs. 1,019 in 2025)
Average Days on Market: 61 days (vs. 56 days in 2025)
Pending Sales: 426

Morgan / LAwrence County

With steady median prices and reduced active inventory, Morgan-Lawrence provides stable ground for buyers seeking affordability close to the metro area.

Homes Sold: 147 (vs. 125 in 2025)
Median Sale Price: $262,000 (vs. $260,000 in 2025)
Homes on Market: 540 (vs. 596 in 2025)
Average Days on Market: 54 days (vs. 54 days in 2025)
Pending Sales: 212

Marshall County

Marshall County saw a modest tick upward in closed transactions alongside an expanding active inventory pool.

Homes Sold: 102 (vs. 96 in 2025)
Median Sale Price: $288,000 (vs. $270,000 in 2025)
Homes on Market: 501 (vs. 442 in 2025)
Average Days on Market: 84 days (vs. 68 days in 2025)
Pending Sales: 143

JACKSON COUNTY

Jackson County experienced a strong jump in closed volume year-over-year, leading to a bump in median home values.

Homes Sold: 42 (vs. 26 in 2025)
Median Sale Price: $314,000 (vs. $280,000 in 2025)
Homes on Market: 146 (vs. 159 in 2025)
Average Days on Market: 79 days (vs. 75 days in 2025)
Pending Sales: 40

ETOWAH / CHEROKEE COUNTY

While sales volume pulled back slightly compared to August 2025, pending sales indicate steady ongoing activity in the area.

Homes Sold: 94 (vs. 121 in 2025)
Median Sale Price: $247,000 (vs. $250,000 in 2025)
Homes on Market: 459 (vs. 509 in 2025)
Average Days on Market: 71 days (vs. 70 days in 2025)
Pending Sales: 125

DEKALB COUNTY

DeKalb County remains one of the most accessible markets in the footprint for first-time buyers and investors.

Homes Sold: 30 (vs. 41 in 2025)
Median Sale Price: $255,000 (vs. $245,000 in 2025)
Homes on Market: 231 (vs. 222 in 2025)
Average Days on Market: 60 days (vs. 63 days in 2025)
Pending Sales: 58

Strategic Action Items for REALTORS®

Leverage Velocity in Madison County: With DOM dropping down to 42 days, advise sellers in Huntsville and Madison County to prepare their homes for quick turnaround and competitive pricing strategies.
Target Value Seekers: Point buyers looking for lower entry points toward DeKalb ($255k median) and Etowah-Cherokee ($247k median) sub-markets.
Stay Informed on Mortgage & Housing Policy: Keep up with regional market updates and national real estate policy changes by visiting the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and monitoring economic analysis via the U.S. Census Bureau Housing Data.

For additional market reports, customized statistics graphics, and MLS tools, log into your member portal at ValleyMLS.com.

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

Real Estate Insights: Madison City Council Recap

09/14/2026

Real Estate Insights: September 14, 2026 Madison City Council Recap

Staying ahead of municipal decisions, zoning amendments, and city infrastructure projects is essential for local real estate professionals guiding buyers and sellers through North Alabama. Below is a concise breakdown of the key takeaways from the September 14, 2026, Madison City Council meeting.

Key Planning & Zoning Decisions

Slaughter Road Development: The Council held a public hearing for Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-279 regarding a 23.4-acre parcel on the west side of Slaughter Road, north of Eastview Drive. The proposal seeks to rezone roughly 19 acres from AG (Agriculture) to R-1C (Single-Family Conservation District) and 4.4 acres to B-2 commercial.
Forrest Drive Annexation & Zoning: Ordinance No. 2026-274 and Ordinance No. 2026-272 address the annexation and R-1A (Low Density Residential) zoning of 0.46 acres located at 158 Forrest Drive.
Huntsville-Browns Ferry Road Cluster Zoning: Resolution No. 2026-315-R set an upcoming public hearing for October 26, 2026, regarding a proposed RC-2 (Residential Cluster District) zoning on 20.8 acres north of Huntsville-Browns Ferry Road and east of Holladay Boulevard.
Lewter Drive Residential Annexation: Resolution No. 2026-318-R set an October 26, 2026, public hearing to consider R-1A zoning for 1.55 acres at 139 Lewter Drive.

Infrastructure & Transportation Enhancements

Greenway Expansion: Resolution No. 2026-323-R authorizes a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) application to extend the Town Madison Greenway and Singing River Trail, with the city committing a $200,000 match.
Sidewalk & Traffic Upgrades: The Council authorized TAP funding applications for the Eastview Sidewalk Design project (Resolution No. 2026-352-R) and approved a $150,000 agreement with the Madison City Board of Education for joint sidewalk construction.
Subdivision Acceptance: Star Estates Phase 2B (Resolution No. 2026-321-R) and McCaulley Manor Subdivision (Resolution No. 2026-334-R) were formally accepted into the City of Madison Maintenance Program.
Highway & Road Operations: The Council approved closeout payments for the I-565 & County Line Road interchange project, a change order for the Town Madison/I-565 signal design, and right-of-way property acquisitions for the Bradley Street Improvement project.

City Operations & Budget

FY2027 Budget: Resolution No. 2026-340-R authorizes the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget for the City of Madison.
Surplus Real Estate: Resolution No. 2026-356-R authorizes an agreement with Taylor Properties Alabama, LLC, for the sale of surplus city property on Kyser Boulevard.

For complete meeting details and upcoming agendas, visit the official City of Madison Government Portal. To explore more market updates, advocacy news, and continuing education resources, visit the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR).

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Huntsville Council Key Takeaways & Real Estate Impact

09/10/2026

As a real estate professional, staying ahead of local municipal updates, zoning proposals, and city-funded infrastructure projects is essential to guiding your buyers and sellers effectively. The Huntsville City Council meeting agenda highlights key municipal moves across Madison and Limestone counties that directly impact residential and commercial market dynamics.

Here are the primary city updates, zoning cases, and growth trends every REALTOR® should know. Get more updates at HAAR.realtor/news.

Major Residential Zoning & Neighborhood Developments

Municipal planning decisions directly shape local housing supply, neighborhood density, and property values. The Council set public hearings for October 22, 2026, for several notable land parcels:

East Huntsville / Little Cove Rd Growth (536+ Acres): Public hearing set to zone 536.68 acres east of US Hwy 72 E (north and south of Little Cove Rd) into Residence 1 and Residence 2 Districts (Res. 26-763). This major expansion will significantly increase single-family inventory in the eastern submarket.
County Line Road Corridor Rezoning (291+ Acres): A proposed rezoning of 291.30 acres west of County Line Rd and south of I-565 from Highway Business C-4 to Commercial Industrial Park District (Res. 26-769), supporting local commercial and industrial growth near key commuter routes.
Countess Rd / Jacque Jim Dr (1.14 Acres): Proposed zoning to Residence 1 District (Res. 26-767).
Commercial Expansion along Hwy 72 W (3.07 Acres): Proposed zoning west of Dupree Worthey Rd to Highway Business C-4 District (Res. 26-765).

Market Takeaway: Keep a close eye on eastern submarkets. Clients seeking single-family homes or upcoming residential options in East Huntsville will benefit from developments in this corridor. track long-term zoning plans using the Huntsville Planning & Urban Development Department resources.

City Footprint Annexations & Land Acquisitions

Huntsville continues to extend its footprint westward into Limestone County, opening up new opportunities for residential and commercial client investments.

LeCroix Annexation (236.58 Acres): Introduction of an ordinance to annex 236.58 acres south of Huntsville Brownsferry Rd and west of Greenbrier Parkway (Ord. 26-838). This area continues to evolve as a key growth corridor for jobs and housing.
Limestone County Land Acquisition (30 Acres): Authorization of a Purchase and Sale Agreement for 30 acres near County Line Road and Old Highway 20 (Res. 26-829).
Greenway Infrastructure: The city renewed its partnership with The Land Trust of North Alabama to assist with greenway acquisition and expansion (Res. 26-828)—a valuable selling point for home buyers prioritizing neighborhood amenities and parks.

Infrastructure Funding & Local Tax Districts

Targeted public spending and municipal financing tools support property values and neighborhood desirability over time.

“TIF D8” Tax Increment Financing District: Public hearing held regarding the creation of Tax Increment Financing District “TIF D8” pursuant to Ala. Code Sec. 11-99-1. TIF districts serve as catalysts for public infrastructure improvements and commercial attraction.
Huntsville Utilities $84M+ Capital Budget: Approval of Fiscal Year 2027 capital improvement budgets across Water ($17.05M), Gas ($15.86M), and Electric ($56.23M) infrastructure (Res. 26-789, 26-790, 26-791) to support expanding developments.
Roadway & Access Upgrades: ALDOT agreements for AL Hwy 255 (Bob Wade Lane) and AL Hwy 1 (US Hwy 431) covering turnouts, drainage, and median crossovers (Res. 26-803 to 26-806), along with local improvements on Peoples Road and Pryor Road (Res. 26-808).

Developer Obligations & Property Compliance

Understanding local administrative compliance helps agents address potential closing delays or community maintenance issues:

Subdivision Letters of Credit Invoked: The City Legal Department authorized invoking Letters of Credit across multiple active developments, including Hays Farm (Phase 1), Ashton Springs (Phase 4), Medical District Townhomes, Freeman Road Townhomes, Inspiration at Green Mountain (Phase 7), and Olde Cobblestone (Phase 10) (Res. 26-817 through 26-826). This process ensures developers fulfill required public infrastructure obligations.
Property Maintenance & Liens: Community Development moves forward with weed and overgrown grass liens on non-compliant properties (Res. 26-761).

Pro Tip for Listing Agents: When representing properties in newly completed subdivision phases, keep informed on municipal utility and infrastructure handoffs. For general industry resources and regulatory updates, visit the National Association of REALTORS®.

Summary Takeaway

From large-scale residential zoning along Hwy 72 East to strategic annexations near Greenbrier Parkway, Huntsville continues to lay the groundwork for strong real estate demand and expanded inventory. Sharing these hyper-local insights demonstrates your expertise and keeps your clients ahead of the market.

Takeaways from the Madison County Commission Meeting

09/10/2026

At HAAR, monitoring local government actions is a core part of our commitment to advocacy and member empowerment. This week, the Madison County Commission convened, approving key development contracts, utility improvements, and transportation projects.

Here is what local REALTORS® need to know to keep clients informed and stay ahead of regional market shifts.

Key Transportation & Road Infrastructure Upgrades

Infrastructure drives residential growth, and Madison County’s Engineering Department continues to aggressively invest in regional mobility. The Commission authorized several agreements focused on crucial traffic nodes and road improvements:

Jeff Road & McKee Road Roundabout: Approved improvements via Rogers Group, Inc. will help smooth traffic flow along this busy corridor.
Old Railroad Bed Road Expansion: Multiple projects target Old Railroad Bed Road, including roundabouts at Orvil Smith Road, Lockhart Road (Wiregrass Construction), and McKee Road (Grayson Carter & Son).
Greenway Expansion: A new agreement with Wiregrass Construction will establish a greenway from Smokey Hills Court to County Lake Road, adding desirable recreational connectivity to nearby subdivisions.

Why It Matters to Your Practice

Transportation updates directly affect buyer interest in Harvest, Monrovia, and West Madison. Enhanced intersections reduce drive times to major employers like Redstone Arsenal, while new greenways offer sellable neighborhood lifestyle amenities.

Utility Infrastructure & Residential Growth

Modernized utilities lay the foundation for new residential subdivisions and long-term land availability.

Water System Expansion: Authorized water main improvements on County Lake Road via McCord Construction, alongside supervisory control system updates at the Northgate Booster Station.
Commercial Sewer Infrastructure: Approved a permit for Integra Water Madison County, LLC to install sanitary sewer capacity supporting the Moores Mill Fuel Station development.
Subdivision Activity: The Commission noted agenda progress on the proposed Moontown Farm subdivision in District 3, introducing 9 prospective residential lots.

Why It Matters to Your Practice

Utility capacity is often a precursor to residential platting. Improved water and sewer infrastructure along northern and eastern corridors lends to single-family residential expansion.

Civic Facilities & Quality of Life Investments

Local amenities strengthen neighborhood retention and long-term appreciation.

Huntsville Botanical Garden: Authorized a site work and materials agreement supporting upcoming facility upgrades.
Robert “Bob” Harrison Senior Wellness Center: Approved updates for equipment and instructional programming to enhance senior services in District 6.
Madison County Farmers’ Market: Approved facility improvements, including garage door installations through Wilson Garage Door Company.

Why It Matters to Your Practice

Proximity to quality community facilities, like Huntsville Botanical Garden or senior wellness resources, provides valuable positioning points when highlighting lifestyle appeal to buyers.

Looking Ahead: FY 2027 Budget

The Commission has begun talks on the 2027 budget, and HAAR’s Government Affairs team will continue tracking county capital allocations to ensure REALTOR® interests are represented.

For the full meeting agenda and more information about the Commission, visit the official Madison County Commission Portal. For more advocacy updates and market insights, bookmark the HAAR Advocacy Resources.

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August Fast Stats Real Estate Update: Key Trends for REALTORS®

For members of the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR), understanding these localized shifts is essential for setting client expectations, pricing inventory effectively, and strategic marketing as we enter the fall season.

Here is your breakdown of the August 2026 market statistics across our regional sub-markets.

COMBINED MARKET OVERVIEW

The Madison County housing market experienced healthy year-over-year gains in total closed volume and median sale price, alongside a slight drop in average days on market (DOM).

METRIC

AUG 26

AUG 25

CHANGE

OTHER MARKETS

Athens / Limestone County

Morgan / LAwrence County

Marshall County

JACKSON COUNTY

ETOWAH / CHEROKEE COUNTY

DEKALB COUNTY

Strategic Action Items for REALTORS®

Real Estate Insights: Madison City Council Recap

Real Estate Insights: September 14, 2026 Madison City Council Recap

Staying ahead of municipal decisions, zoning amendments, and city infrastructure projects is essential for local real estate professionals guiding buyers and sellers through North Alabama. Below is a concise breakdown of the key takeaways from the September 14, 2026, Madison City Council meeting.

Key Planning & Zoning Decisions

Forrest Drive Annexation & Zoning: Ordinance No. 2026-274 and Ordinance No. 2026-272 address the annexation and R-1A (Low Density Residential) zoning of 0.46 acres located at 158 Forrest Drive.

Huntsville-Browns Ferry Road Cluster Zoning: Resolution No. 2026-315-R set an upcoming public hearing for October 26, 2026, regarding a proposed RC-2 (Residential Cluster District) zoning on 20.8 acres north of Huntsville-Browns Ferry Road and east of Holladay Boulevard.

Lewter Drive Residential Annexation: Resolution No. 2026-318-R set an October 26, 2026, public hearing to consider R-1A zoning for 1.55 acres at 139 Lewter Drive.

Infrastructure & Transportation Enhancements

City Operations & Budget

For complete meeting details and upcoming agendas, visit the official City of Madison Government Portal. To explore more market updates, advocacy news, and continuing education resources, visit the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR).

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Huntsville Council Key Takeaways & Real Estate Impact

Here are the primary city updates, zoning cases, and growth trends every REALTOR® should know. Get more updates at HAAR.realtor/news.

Major Residential Zoning & Neighborhood Developments

Municipal planning decisions directly shape local housing supply, neighborhood density, and property values. The Council set public hearings for October 22, 2026, for several notable land parcels:

County Line Road Corridor Rezoning (291+ Acres): A proposed rezoning of 291.30 acres west of County Line Rd and south of I-565 from Highway Business C-4 to Commercial Industrial Park District (Res. 26-769), supporting local commercial and industrial growth near key commuter routes.

Countess Rd / Jacque Jim Dr (1.14 Acres): Proposed zoning to Residence 1 District (Res. 26-767).

Commercial Expansion along Hwy 72 W (3.07 Acres): Proposed zoning west of Dupree Worthey Rd to Highway Business C-4 District (Res. 26-765).

Market Takeaway: Keep a close eye on eastern submarkets. Clients seeking single-family homes or upcoming residential options in East Huntsville will benefit from developments in this corridor. track long-term zoning plans using the Huntsville Planning & Urban Development Department resources.

City Footprint Annexations & Land Acquisitions

Huntsville continues to extend its footprint westward into Limestone County, opening up new opportunities for residential and commercial client investments.

LeCroix Annexation (236.58 Acres): Introduction of an ordinance to annex 236.58 acres south of Huntsville Brownsferry Rd and west of Greenbrier Parkway (Ord. 26-838). This area continues to evolve as a key growth corridor for jobs and housing.

Limestone County Land Acquisition (30 Acres): Authorization of a Purchase and Sale Agreement for 30 acres near County Line Road and Old Highway 20 (Res. 26-829).

Greenway Infrastructure: The city renewed its partnership with The Land Trust of North Alabama to assist with greenway acquisition and expansion (Res. 26-828)—a valuable selling point for home buyers prioritizing neighborhood amenities and parks.

Infrastructure Funding & Local Tax Districts

Targeted public spending and municipal financing tools support property values and neighborhood desirability over time.

“TIF D8” Tax Increment Financing District: Public hearing held regarding the creation of Tax Increment Financing District “TIF D8” pursuant to Ala. Code Sec. 11-99-1. TIF districts serve as catalysts for public infrastructure improvements and commercial attraction.

Huntsville Utilities $84M+ Capital Budget: Approval of Fiscal Year 2027 capital improvement budgets across Water ($17.05M), Gas ($15.86M), and Electric ($56.23M) infrastructure (Res. 26-789, 26-790, 26-791) to support expanding developments.

Roadway & Access Upgrades: ALDOT agreements for AL Hwy 255 (Bob Wade Lane) and AL Hwy 1 (US Hwy 431) covering turnouts, drainage, and median crossovers (Res. 26-803 to 26-806), along with local improvements on Peoples Road and Pryor Road (Res. 26-808).

Developer Obligations & Property Compliance

Understanding local administrative compliance helps agents address potential closing delays or community maintenance issues:

Property Maintenance & Liens: Community Development moves forward with weed and overgrown grass liens on non-compliant properties (Res. 26-761).

Pro Tip for Listing Agents: When representing properties in newly completed subdivision phases, keep informed on municipal utility and infrastructure handoffs. For general industry resources and regulatory updates, visit the National Association of REALTORS®.

Summary Takeaway

Takeaways from the Madison County Commission Meeting

At HAAR, monitoring local government actions is a core part of our commitment to advocacy and member empowerment. This week, the Madison County Commission convened, approving key development contracts, utility improvements, and transportation projects.

Here is what local REALTORS® need to know to keep clients informed and stay ahead of regional market shifts.

Read more news at HAAR.realtor/news!

Key Transportation & Road Infrastructure Upgrades

Infrastructure drives residential growth, and Madison County’s Engineering Department continues to aggressively invest in regional mobility. The Commission authorized several agreements focused on crucial traffic nodes and road improvements:

Jeff Road & McKee Road Roundabout: Approved improvements via Rogers Group, Inc. will help smooth traffic flow along this busy corridor.

Old Railroad Bed Road Expansion: Multiple projects target Old Railroad Bed Road, including roundabouts at Orvil Smith Road, Lockhart Road (Wiregrass Construction), and McKee Road (Grayson Carter & Son).

Greenway Expansion: A new agreement with Wiregrass Construction will establish a greenway from Smokey Hills Court to County Lake Road, adding desirable recreational connectivity to nearby subdivisions.

Why It Matters to Your Practice

Transportation updates directly affect buyer interest in Harvest, Monrovia, and West Madison. Enhanced intersections reduce drive times to major employers like Redstone Arsenal, while new greenways offer sellable neighborhood lifestyle amenities.

Utility Infrastructure & Residential Growth

Modernized utilities lay the foundation for new residential subdivisions and long-term land availability.

Water System Expansion: Authorized water main improvements on County Lake Road via McCord Construction, alongside supervisory control system updates at the Northgate Booster Station.

Commercial Sewer Infrastructure: Approved a permit for Integra Water Madison County, LLC to install sanitary sewer capacity supporting the Moores Mill Fuel Station development.

Subdivision Activity: The Commission noted agenda progress on the proposed Moontown Farm subdivision in District 3, introducing 9 prospective residential lots.

Why It Matters to Your Practice

Utility capacity is often a precursor to residential platting. Improved water and sewer infrastructure along northern and eastern corridors lends to single-family residential expansion.

Civic Facilities & Quality of Life Investments

Local amenities strengthen neighborhood retention and long-term appreciation.

Huntsville Botanical Garden: Authorized a site work and materials agreement supporting upcoming facility upgrades.

Robert “Bob” Harrison Senior Wellness Center: Approved updates for equipment and instructional programming to enhance senior services in District 6.

Madison County Farmers’ Market: Approved facility improvements, including garage door installations through Wilson Garage Door Company.

Why It Matters to Your Practice

Proximity to quality community facilities, like Huntsville Botanical Garden or senior wellness resources, provides valuable positioning points when highlighting lifestyle appeal to buyers.