Survey: Huntsville real estate most affordable in Alabama

 This Huntsville has been ranked Alabama's most affordable residential real estate market in Coldwell Banker LLC's 2007 Home Price Comparison Index.

The study looked at 2,200 square feet, four bedroom homes in 317 American markets. The average price of such a home in the Huntsville market was $212,183. That price was $232,375 in Mobile, the state's most expensive residential market, which makes a total gap of $20,192.

The HPCI found that, again, the nation's most expensive market was Beverly Hills, Calif., at a $2.2 million average. Killeen, Texas, reclaimed its 2005 crown as the most affordable U.S. market at an average $136,725.

"The real estate market has certainly changed over the last year," Coldwell Banker CEO Jim Gillespie said in a statement. "I continue to point out that we cannot make national blanket statements about appreciation and inventory. Real estate is a local business, with each market having its own story to tell.

People continue to move for lifestyle, he said. "They did before, they are today and they will tomorrow."

Six of the nation's 10 most affordable markets are also home to or located in close proximity to major U.S. military posts. Eight of the top 10 most expensive markets in the U.S. are in California.

Timing and Location - Vital Elements In the Home-Buying Process Mike Manosky author's email

Mike Manosky September 21, 2007 Getting a good deal on a home is often more about timing than purchase price. Because most homes are financed through at least a 15-year mortgage (usually 20- or 30-year), the amount paid in interest has an enormous impact on what the home will ultimately cost. The contract price may be $150,000. By the time interest is calculated over 30 years, however, you could easily pay twice or even three times that amount, depending on what the interest rate is on the day you lock into a mortgage rate.

Lower interest rates make it possible to finance the same amount of money for a lower payment, or finance more money without increasing the payment. How so? Let’s look at financing $150,000 for 30 years at 6.50%.

Your approximate principal and interest payment would be about $948 monthly. Another option would be to finance $158,000 with a monthly payment of roughly $947. This option would allow you to borrow an additional $8,000 without hardly changing the payment. If the interest rate dropped to 6.00%, however, the payment would decrease to approximately $899 per month. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, or thinking about upgrading to a bigger one, lower rates open the opportunity to find a great buy. The other vital element is location. The award-winning city of Huntsville, Alabama has much to offer.

The Value of Huntsville

No one wants to buy a home that won't resell well. So, where do you look to ensure you get value? In a June 30, 2007 survey, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) reports, “Of 287 metro areas, 131 recorded decreases in house prices during the quarter.” The Huntsville real estate market, however, was ranked 36 out of 287 in price appreciation, and came in above average with a second quarter increase of 1.76%. Plainly stated, while houses in many areas are losing value, Huntsville, Alabama is still an affordable and wise housing choice.

What Does Huntsville Have To Offer?

Huntsville is widely recognized as being one of the country’s best places to work, live and go to school. The September 2007 issue of U.S. News & World Report says, “The University of Alabama in Huntsville ranks among the top ten percent of business schools in the county.” Check with MSN/Sperling’s Best Places and you will find that Huntsville is named one of the country’s top ten cities for job growth and affordability. So, what makes this southern town such a remarkable place to live? Huntsville offers a thriving job market, lower than average cost of living, plenty of options for entertainment and a climate that enjoys the best of all four seasons.

If you're considering buying a home, now may be a good time to do so if you're looking in the Huntsville real estate market. And with all it has to offer, Huntsville could easily be just what you’ve been waiting for.

Mike Manosky has over 16-years experience serving the needs of those who wish to buy Huntsville real estate. If you're thinking of moving to Huntsville, real estate listings that match your criteria can be sent to you immediately. Contact Mike today to get started. http://www.movetohuntsville.com . © 2007, All Rights Reserved