Updated home values, interest rate changes, new subdivisions like The Reserves, and why keeping transactions local benefits Walker County
Market Snapshot
The housing market in Huntsville is showing steady activity. Current data places the average home value at about $258,700, which is well below the statewide median and considerably lower than many nearby cities. Rental homes in Huntsville average close to $1,500 a month, appealing to families, students, and newcomers who may not be ready to buy.
Terri Coleman, a Realtor with more than three decades of experience serving Walker and Montgomery counties, tracks both listings and values closely. “For the month of September so far, we have 656 homes on the market. 108 of those are for rent. The average price here in Huntsville is 356,000. The average square footage of a home’s around 2,100.”
While her figure reflects broader MLS trends, Zillow’s published average home value for Huntsville sits at just under $259,000, underscoring the need for buyers and sellers to pay attention to both current listings and official valuation benchmarks.
Rates and Buyer Activity
One of the most influential factors shaping demand is the movement of interest rates. Coleman explained, “Interest rates are down. The Fed dropped it a quarter. It’s predicted two more drops before the end of the year, but now that’s just a prediction.”
When borrowing costs fall, more buyers enter the market, often competing for homes that are already in short supply. National real estate educators estimate that rate cuts could add as many as half a million buyers across the country, a wave of demand that ultimately reaches smaller markets like Huntsville.
Conroe as a Regional Comparison
To understand Huntsville’s affordability, it helps to look south toward Conroe. The average home value there is around $317,600, significantly higher than Huntsville’s $258,700. For many buyers priced out of Montgomery County, Huntsville represents a more accessible entry point into homeownership.
Coleman points out that buyers willing to commute or embrace Huntsville’s community lifestyle can often find more space for their money, while still remaining within reach of Houston’s expanding job corridor. As Conroe continues to grow and attract development, Huntsville is poised to capture a share of the regional housing demand.
Subdivision Growth: The Reserves at Huntsville
One of the clearest signs of Huntsville’s growth is the development of The Reserves on Highway 30. Coleman highlighted this subdivision as a centerpiece of new construction. “We’ve got two builders out there. We have K Hovnanian Homes and Castle Rock. They’ve got 140 lots available right now.”
Homes in The Reserves start at around $250,000, putting them squarely in the competitive range for first-time buyers and young families. Beyond price, the community has been designed with connection in mind. “They’re going to have playgrounds for kids, barbecue places. It’s got to be a community where people are going to want to get together and they’re going to know their neighbors.”
Events for Realtors at The Reserves have even included safety demonstrations led by Huntsville police officers, an example of how civic institutions and developers are working together to establish secure and connected neighborhoods from the start.
Why Local Transactions Matter
Coleman strongly advocates for keeping business local. She explained how an out-of-town listing agent opened a title order in Montgomery County rather than Walker County. “So this afternoon we’re going to closing, but we’re going to a title company in Montgomery. But then guess who’s getting the money? Montgomery County is getting the money.”
Her message is straightforward: when buyers and sellers use Walker County agents, lenders, and title companies, the economic impact stays at home. Those dollars support schools, infrastructure, and small businesses, multiplying benefits across the community.
Support for Veterans and First Responders
Another way Coleman contributes locally is through a personal give-back program. “If you’re either one, a veteran or a first responder, give me a call because I have an incentive for you. I give back 1% of my commission to them to help them with their home.”
In a market where even a few thousand dollars can make a difference in securing financing, covering closing costs, or furnishing a new house, that contribution becomes a meaningful advantage for the families who serve.
Recognition and Relationships in Real Estate
Coleman also believes that real estate remains rooted in personal connection. “If you just saw a sign that said Terri Coleman and that was all you saw, then you’re not going to relate. But if you see my face, then you see me sitting in the Café Texan, you’re gonna go, ‘Oh, that’s Terri Coleman.’”
With more than thirty years in the business, she has built a reputation on familiarity, trust, and accessibility. In communities like Huntsville, recognition can be just as important as advertising when it comes to winning a client’s confidence.
Looking Ahead
Huntsville’s current pricing compared to Conroe highlights the opportunity available for buyers. With average home values around $258,700, active new construction starting in the mid $200,000s, and interest rates trending lower, the market is positioned for steady appreciation. Coleman sums up the opportunity plainly: “It’s not just buying a house. It’s an investment. With appreciation, it won’t be long before property values continue to rise.”
About Terri Coleman
With more than 30 years of experience, Terri Coleman has built her reputation as a trusted real estate expert who knows the Huntsville and Walker County market inside and out. Her insight into local trends, subdivisions, and community needs makes her a go-to resource for buyers and sellers alike. For more information, visit https://myrealtorterri.com/.