You may be wondering about property taxes in Alabama along with what homestead means in the real estate industry. Here we discuss the basics of Alabama property tax and how it effects the process of buying a home in Huntsville, AL. We also discuss what homestead means, the advantages of homesteading real estate, and how much you can save with homestead exemption. 

Alabama Property Taxes Explained

Know The Basics About Property Taxes.

If you own a house in Alabama, you will likely pay property tax every year. This means that you will receive a bill at the end of each year. It also means that you will have to pay property taxes even if you rent out your home. Property taxes are prorated at closing; not paying attention to the homestead laws can…

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Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait? | Huntsville, AL Real Estate


Should I buy a home now or later? Whether you're renting a home, whether you're expanding your family, whether you're looking to invest or buy that dream home; there's a lot of mixed information out in the marketplace right now that’s causing confusion on home purchasing decisions.

Why You Should Wait

 Home affordability continues to drop. It's dropped 45 points in the last two years from 155 down to 110. Buyers have been faced with this double whammy of rising interest rates, along with rising prices as well. The other thing is there's a lot of fear of a recession in the market and with that potential job losses that might come. Those are all valid reasons for why to consider…

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Parents of Millennials - This real estate advice is For You

I want to talk to parents of millennials, and even grandparents of millennials, and offer the best real estate advice for our current housing market.  The United States real estate is at an inflection point with high prices and high-interest rates. The bad news is the recent challenges we see with millennials and the housing market will not go away soon. The good news is that the Fed is starting to slow down demand. However, due to 5.5 million home deficit in this country, the Fed will unlikely slow down demand at a reasonable rate required for equilibrium to occur in the housing market.

Being a parent has me thinking about how I can help my kids and future grandkids set up for success.…

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#1 Real Estate Team in Alabama

Thank you, Huntsville! Matt Curtis Real Estate has been named one of the top 50 real estate teams nationwide and the number one real estate team in the entire state of Alabama for the third consecutive year. Our real estate agency is also on INC 5000 fastest growing companies in the US list for the 6th year.

We also want to thank the Madison and the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, where they've both awarded us the service Business of the Year award. In addition to being named the best overall business in Madison, we earned a leadership award just a few years ago. We give many thanks and high-fives to our 5-star real estate team for helping Matt Curtis get awarded the #1 real estate team in Alabama and one of…

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New Housing Supply

The United States and the real estate market is experiencing a massive imbalance of supply and demand for new home housing. A question we need answers to is how long will it take new home builders to catch up with inventory? The U.S. has a current home definite of 4 to 5.5 million, an alarming statistic to note when only 6 to 7 million homes are sold annually. The supply of new construction homes needs to rise to even out the 5.5 million home deficit. The challenge comes from the recent increase in interest rates. New construction permits are actually down 3.2% from March to April. So, let's evaluate the new home housing supply and answer the rising question of how long until new home builders catch up with inventory? Building…

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When Will The Housing Market Crash?

It's all over the news, “When will the real estate market crash?” As the owner of Matt Curtis Real Estate, the largest real estate team in Alabama, and a real estate investor, the status of the U.S.'s real estate market, it's a topic that I think about often. 

I started Matt Curtis Real Estate during the once-in-a-lifetime 2008 market crash. Parts of me actually want to see prices come back down; as both an investor and also to help millennials out in getting their first home. We're going to have big challenges ahead as a nation if we become a nation of renters. 

On a positive note, I believe that home values will start to slow down their appreciation rates despite values continuing to rise. The reason why…

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Zillow Updates 2022 Market Prediction

Zillow updated the market prediction for 2022, and there are housing market statistics to discuss. The United States has now reached the most unaffordable market it has seen in the last 15 years! This is measured by reviewing the affordability index. The affordable index looks at the percentage of income that goes towards housing. This percentage is now at 28%, the highest level since 2007. To put that into perspective, 30% is considered the upper threshold that should be avoided. As a nation on average, we are getting close to that number.

The average monthly mortgage payment now stands at $2,127 per month, which is a 36% increase year to date. We're only halfway through the year but the nation's housing…

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Housing Market Shift

Everyone wants to know how the start of the housing market shift will affect current home values. Inman News recently reported on the current real estate market shift. They also remind us that a housing market shift is not the same as a housing market collapse. Why is this housing market shift finally occurring?

First, the Fed has changed its interest rate policy on federal funds rates and quantitative easing. Record low-interest rates have increased by 2% this year. 

Second, Fannie Mae is projecting an 11% drop in home sales this month. The monthly home sales decrease happens because of a lack of affordability and supply. 

Thirdly, both homebuilding and home sales nationally are beginning to slow down. 

Matt’s…

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4th of July Events in North Alabama

4th of July Weekend at MidCity

When: Friday, July 1st through Sunday, July 3rd

Where: MidCity District, Huntsville

Cost: Free

It’s a weekend full of fun starting with live music Friday night at MidCity. Saturday will feature music, yoga, a Mullet & Mustache contest, and a fireworks display before cooling down with a Watermelon Carving Contest on Sunday!

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Madison’s Star Spangled Celebration

When: 5PM-9PM | Saturday, July 2nd

Where: Dublin Park, Madison

Cost: Free

Madison’s Star Spangled Celebration will feature inflatables, live music, food vendors, and more! All parking will be at Madison City Stadium with free shuttle service beginning at 4:30PM. Fireworks begin…

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Housing Market in the U.S. | 2022

Real estate is at an inflection point. Harvard University just released its 2022 State of the Nation’s Market report for the housing industry. Topics that are discussed regarding the current housing market for the U.S. in 2022 include interest rates, housing stock, and the rapid increase in housing costs. The report also notes an inflection point in current real estate and the challenge of inventory, which is not believed to change any time soon.

Record Appreciation is Affecting the Housing Market

The report explains that we hit a record price appreciation in March, which was 20.6%, and apartment complexes are currently seeing a double-digit appreciation of 12%. With the price appreciation slowing down…

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