Is the Gulf Coast Real Estate Market Cooling Off This Fall?

Published by Gulf Coast Living

As we move into the fall season, many Gulf Coast homeowners, buyers, and investors are asking the same question: Is the market slowing down? While national headlines talk of price corrections and interest rate hikes, the story on the Alabama Gulf Coast is a bit more nuanced.

🏠 What the Numbers Say

• Median Home Prices: Down slightly 1-2% from summer peaks, but still 5-8% higher than last fall in coastal counties like Baldwin and Mobile.
• Days on Market: Homes are sitting a little longer—averaging 42 days in Baldwin County, compared to 33 in July.
• Mortgage Rates: As of this week, 30-year fixed rates hover around 6.75% to 7.00%, according to local lenders and Freddie Mac data.

📉 What’s Driving the Shift?

Fall often brings a natural seasonal slowdown, especially in vacation-heavy areas like Gulf Shores, Dauphin Island, and Orange Beach. Families settle in for the school year and fewer tourists are shopping for investment properties.

However, this slowdown doesn’t signal a crash. Local demand is still strong, particularly among:

• Retirees relocating from out of state
• Military and VA buyers
• Investors looking for long-term rental properties

💡 What It Means for You

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching the market, here’s how to stay ahead this fall:

• Sellers: Price realistically and be prepared for longer listing times. Curb appeal matters even more as the weather cools.
• Buyers: With less competition, this could be a good time to negotiate repairs or incentives, especially on properties that have lingered.
• Investors: Keep an eye on local rents—many areas are still cash flow positive even with higher interest rates.

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