D
ecatur Home for Sale – Huntsville Market Snapshot
The Huntsville real‑estate scene is bucking the national trend of slow sales and soaring prices. ValleyMLS data from the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors shows October sales in north Alabama counties outpaced the same period a year earlier, while median prices have held steady.
Realtor Matt Curtis told AL.com that “North Alabama continues to outperform and attract buyers—especially relocations. We’re seeing double‑digit growth in pending and closed sales across the region.” He added that Huntsville earned a perfect affordability score of 100, a stark contrast to many U.S. cities whose ratings have fallen into the 50‑70 range.
Federal shutdown impact
The federal shutdown, affecting thousands of federal employees in the area, may have muted October’s figures. Ben Wales of Gateway Alabama Realty Group explained that October’s numbers actually reflect sales that closed in the previous month, so the shutdown’s true effect will appear next month. “Even if the shutdown slows sales, it should be temporary,” Wales said. “Lower rates and back‑pay will likely give us a boost in December and January.”
October sales by market
* Huntsville (Madison County): 660 homes sold (down from 671 in September, up from 564 in October 2024). 919 sales pending.
* Athens (Limestone County): 216 homes sold (down one from September, up from 190 a year ago). 339 pending.
* Decatur (Morgan & Lawrence counties): 156 homes sold (up from 144 in September, 130 in October 2024). 177 pending.
* Marshall County: 86 homes sold (down from 101 in September, up from 72 in October 2024). 131 pending.
Median sales prices
* Huntsville: $340,000 (up from $320,000 in September, $330,000 in October 2024).
* Athens: $340,000 (up from $318,000 in September, down from $380,000 a year ago).
* Decatur: $254,000 (up from $244,000 in September, $238,000 in 2024).
* Marshall County: $260,000 (up from $250,000 in September, down from $282,000 in October 2024).
Inventory and days on market
* Huntsville: 2,407 homes listed (down from 2,571 in October 2024). Average days on market: 57 (up from 47 a year ago).
* Athens: 992 homes listed (up from 972 in October 2024). Average days: 53 (up from 48).
* Decatur: 497 homes listed (up from 488 in October 2024). Average days: 66 (up from 34).
* Marshall County: 378 homes listed (down from 435 in 2024). Average days: 70 (up from 59).
Scott Turner, covering growth and economic development for AL.com and the Huntsville Times, notes that the region’s resilience is evident despite national headwinds. The market’s strong affordability score and steady median prices suggest continued buyer interest, especially for relocations. The temporary dip linked to the federal shutdown is expected to reverse as rates remain favorable and back‑pay flows in, potentially boosting activity in the coming months.
