Reviewed by: Lacey Muenstermann
Real estate industry expert looks at 2025 + more local business news
Reading time: 4 minutes
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In business news this month, we were able to get some fabulous insight about the real estate market for the coming year from our expert analyst from the University of North Alabama’s Sander’s College of Business & Technology.
Here’s the latest info on North Alabama business:
What to expect in the real estate market in 2025 + beyond
The real estate market has seen an overall surge in the last several years, with the median home prices in the U.S. at record highs in most states. With a new presidential administration coming into power in just a matter of weeks, we may see a change or two in the real estate market.
Dr. Doug Barrett, Interim Dean at the University of North Alabama’s Sander’s College of Business & Technology, said the incoming presidential administration should have an effect on the real estate market in the immediate future, with both positive and negative possibilities.
Barrett said several factors involving the incoming administration are in place that will have impact on the real estate market, including:
- Deregulation (especially opening federal lands)
- Immigration reform
- Tariffs
- Tax cuts
- Interest rates
Potentially positive effects
President-elect Trump has promised significant deregulation with respect to federal lands, and this would open additional space to build, Barrett said.
Additionally, Trump promised expansive tax cuts, as well as putting pressure on the Fed to lower interest rates. These moves would likely increase available affordable housing stock.
“Trump’s presidency would be expected to encourage growth, which would fuel a strong dollar. Corporate tax cuts and tariffs would tend to strengthen American equities. The expected rollback on green regulations would favor much of the energy sector.
However, as the new administration begins pursuing its stated goals, some volatility is likely due to the uncertainties with respect to policy implementation. Over the longer term, it is likely that equities will experience growth over the next year.”
Dr. Doug Barrett, Interim Dean, UNA Sanders College of Business & Technology
Potential negative effects
Barrett said Trump’s immigration reform policy and tariffs could increase the cost of building supplies, which would offset any positive changes from deregulation and tax cuts.
“The overall direction of the housing market will depend on which of the promises come into effect, and to what degree.”
Dr. Doug Barrett, Interim Dean, UNA Sanders College of Business & Technology
Industrial training site approved for Limestone County
Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $245,400 grant to give high school students in Limestone County simulated job-site experience as they train for careers in commercial construction.
The Limestone County Board of Education will use the funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission grant to create a simulated job site that will give students at the Industrial Construction Academy hands-on experience in a controlled environment.
The simulated job site will be a 24-square-foot by 60-square-foot structure designed to replicate a real construction site. The facility will offer hands-on experience in trades including plumbing, electrical work, masonry, HVAC, drafting, welding and building construction.
“This training program will provide a safe setting for students to experience first-hand a real-world job site for in-demand trades. It will prepare students from all backgrounds for future skilled careers and will improve their chances of landing a good job upon graduation.”
Gov. Kay Ivey
A look at the real estate market in North Alabama
The median listing home price in Huntsville was $330,860 in October 2024, trending down 2.7% year-over-year. Here’s how home prices look in Huntsville and surrounding cities for October according to Redfin and the Alabama Center for Real Estate:
| Huntsville | Median home price: $330,860 | 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 |
Look for our monthly North Alabama business news roundup this time next month, brought to you by the University of North Alabama Sanders College of Business & Technology.
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