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UNTSVILLE, Ala. – With 2026 fast approaching, many people are setting new‑year goals, including buying a home. Brenda Elliot of Weichert Realtors told WAFF 48 that mortgage rates hover around 6 % today but are expected to dip into the 5 % range by next year. Nationally, realtors anticipate a gradual reset that should improve affordability, yet Huntsville’s outlook is a bit different. Projects such as Space Command, Eli Lilly, and the FBI campus are slated to arrive, pushing prices slightly higher in 2026. Inventory remains robust, and new construction throughout the Tennessee Valley will keep the market balanced. “It’s more level than the frenzy years,” Elliot said, noting that fresh builds in North Alabama—especially in Limestone, Morgan, and Marshall—will expand buyer options. Buyers now have more choices and time to decide, and long‑term growth is still expected. She urged buyers not to be deterred by potential price rises; the Huntsville market remains healthy, with median prices staying in the low‑to‑mid 300‑thousand range. In this more normal market, sellers must price realistically and prepare thoroughly. Subscribe on YouTube for the latest WAFF 48 news, sports, and weather.