Real Estate Update: February statistics show increased sales

The Huntsville Area Association of Realtors (HAAR) has released its report for the month of February 2024.  The Huntsville/Madison County market saw 545 houses sold in February, which is up from 378 sold in January, and 452 sold in February of 2023.  There were 994 pending sales listed in February 2024, up from 919 in […]

National Association of Realtors responds to legal settlement

The way people buy and sell real estate in America has changed dramatically, as the National Association of Realtors (NAR), has reached a legal settlement that will, among other things, end the “even-split 6% commission model.” Additionally, the agreement would resolve claims against NAR, over one million NAR members, all state/territorial and local REALTOR® associations, […]

Will Huntsville real estate always be affordable?

Huntsville, AL has been a media favorite from US News and World Report, Southern Living, Money Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal. A common thread amongst these reports has been the uncanny affordability of homes within our city.  A few years ago, you could purchase a nice starter home in one of the area’s best […]

Real Estate Update: NAR discusses Biden’s SOTU proposals, local sales increase

During his 2024 State of the Union Address, President Biden made a number of policy proposals aimed towards addressing the ongoing crisis of housing affordability.  Biden’s proposals included the establishment of a tax credit towards mortgages over the next two years, the elimination of title insurance fees for federally-backed mortgages, and an initiative to build […]

Launch Tank competition returns to North Alabama, offering entrepreneurs $25,000 funding opportunity

HUNTSVILLE, AL – Entrepreneurs in North Alabama have a chance to turn their business dreams into reality as Launch, in collaboration with Singing River Trail, officially opens applications for the third annual Launch Tank competition. Set to unfold at the Space Camp Operations Center located within the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, […]

Navigating optimism and financial strain: The complex reality behind America’s economic boom

The economy of the United States made tremendous gains in November and December of 2023, and then scored exceptional gains in January of 2024. The data tells the story of a powerful economic comeback, something this resilient nation is somewhat known for historically.  However, the complete picture is a little more complicated and nuanced. If […]

AI Talks: A look into the educational impact of AI-generated content creation

“AI Talks” is a series from the Huntsville Business Journal on Artificial Intelligence and its applicability to the world of business. Each month, HBJ plans on bringing you interesting topics led by our contributing expert writer, Carl Holden. This has also introduced another “writer” to our journal: Artificial Intelligence itself. Using Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer […]

Monthly report shows prices rising as mortgage rates stabilize

The monthly report for the month of January 2024, as compiled by the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors (HAAR), shows indications that the local real estate market is beginning to shrug off the sluggishness of the end of the year.  The addition of housing inventory continues apace, with 1738 units on the market in January, […]

How you can conquer the interview process

Writing resumes and cover letters, searching through job postings, and completing applications can be time-consuming and exhausting. Landing an interview, especially at a position you are very excited about, can inject a sorely needed boost of enthusiasm and hope.  However, the interview phase is merely the start of the hiring process and a competitive step […]

Rate cuts likely delayed as economy hotter than projected

The Consumer Price Index, tracking the economy during the first month of 2024, suggests that the Federal Reserve will be unlikely to cut interest rates until late spring at the earliest.  Data for January showed that the annual inflation rate registered at 3.1%. While this is a noticeable decrease from the 3.4% of December, economists […]