Alabama REALTORS®: Building Communities, One Home at a Time

The Alabama Association of REALTORS® (AAR) is made up of real estate pros who are all about serving homebuyers and sellers across the state. But it's more than just transactions – these REALTORS® are invested in the people and communities they serve, helping clients feel confident and informed when making perhaps the biggest decision of their lives: buying a home! Even in a wild housing market, Alabama REALTORS® are dedicated to strengthening our state and enriching the lives of Alabamians, no matter what.

Local REALTORS®: Community Champions

Alabama REALTOR® Karol Kirby is super committed to her community, seeing her job as a way to empower and support it.

"We want to help neighbors find housing, and we also want to see our community thrive," says Kirby.

REALTOR® Rusty Glines, who's been slinging real estate in Guntersville and Marshall County for over a decade, totally agrees.

"Guntersville is home. I grew up here, graduated here, and now I get to give back by helping others put down roots," Glines says. "That connection matters. You build trust when people know you're invested in the same place they are."

By The Numbers: Alabama's Housing Market

Last year brought its challenges to Alabama's real estate scene. However, residential sales still reached $14.5 billion, showing the housing market's strength. The median home sales price ticked up slightly by 0.4% to $216,744. Inventory expanded too, hitting an average of 16,959 active listings – the highest in five years! However, foreclosures did rise by 6.1%, reaching 5,524 filings.

Even with market uncertainty, Alabama's housing market showed resilience and long-term health. The state's economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter, beating the national average and adding almost 40,000 jobs, proving real estate's key role in statewide prosperity.

More Than Just Numbers: Real Estate's Real Impact

Behind the stats is the real story: real estate boosts community development and enriches lives. Each home sold in Alabama generates about $95,700 in economic impact, supporting everyone from builders and inspectors to furniture stores and local businesses. But the real magic is how it connects people to their community.

Karol Kirby sees this every day.

"Being an Auburn native, I have seen homeownership in our area creates a thriving community and school system," Kirby shares. "Part of our property taxes go directly to our schools, and it helps us have some of the best in the state. This revolving effect has created an area so desirable that we are outgrowing our city."

REALTORS®: More Than Just Agents

This community-first attitude is what drives REALTORS® across Alabama. They're not just advisors during the homebuying process – they're volunteers, mentors, and advocates.

"REALTORS® are advocates and servants at heart," Kirby says. "We connect with our communities by being present and looking for areas of need. We volunteer at our schools, our churches, and our local REALTOR® association to support community projects."

Rusty Glines emphasizes that it's about more than just the sale – it's about the people.

"Helping first-time buyers is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job," he says. "There’s nothing like seeing the joy on their faces at closing, knowing I helped them through the entire journey – from showings and offers to approval and signing that final piece of paper."

He adds, "I’ve been incredibly blessed over the past 10 years to help so many buyers and sellers – from excited first-time homeowners to seasoned investors. It’s rewarding to walk people through one of the biggest milestones of their lives.”

Guiding First-Time Homebuyers

This commitment is clear when guiding first-time homebuyers through what can be a daunting process.

"It is an honor and joy to help homebuyers with their first purchase," Kirby says. "This is one of life’s big events. First-time buyers are nervous and excited. We get to help calm them and be the steady ship, and we often become an extended member of the family because we become so personally involved in their life."

Real Estate: A Force for Good in Alabama

Real estate in Alabama is more than just an industry: it's a driving force for community growth and a testament to the strength and resilience of Alabamians, especially when times are tough. From boosting local economies to shaping education, REALTORS® play a vital role in helping Alabama residents not only find homes but build lives.