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    The real estate market in North Alabama is expected to see significant changes in the coming year. Dr. Doug Barrett, Interim Dean at the University of North Alabama's Sander's College of Business & Technology, predicts that the incoming presidential administration will have a notable impact on the market.

    Several factors are likely to influence the market, including deregulation, immigration reform, tariffs, tax cuts, and interest rates. While some of these changes may be positive, such as increased affordable housing stock due to deregulation and lower interest rates, others could be negative, like higher construction costs resulting from tariffs and immigration reform.

    Barrett notes that the overall direction of the housing market will depend on which promises are implemented and to what extent. He expects growth in equities over the long term but acknowledges that volatility is likely in the short term due to policy uncertainties.

    In other business news, Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $245,400 grant for a simulated job site in Limestone County, providing high school students with hands-on experience in commercial construction trades. The facility will offer training in areas such as plumbing, electrical work, and building construction.

    Here's a snapshot of the current real estate market in North Alabama:

    * Huntsville: Median home price $330,860 (down 2.7% year-over-year), median days on the market 41

    * Madison: Median home price $365,100, median days on the market 52

    * Athens: Median home price $322,250, median days on the market 67

    * Florence: Median home price $220,000, median days on the market 20

    * Decatur: Median home price $218,000, median days on the market 18

    * Guntersville: Median home price $447,335, median days on the market 58

    Stay tuned for our next North Alabama business news roundup, brought to you by the University of North Alabama Sanders College of Business & Technology.