What Ryan Serhant and Barbara Corcoran Want You to Know About Montgomery Alabama Real Estate

If you've been waiting for the Montgomery Alabama housing market to shift, Ryan Serhant and Barbara Corcoran have insights you need to hear. While the market isn’t crashing, it is changing, and that means both buyers and sellers need to adjust their strategies.

Buying or selling a home in Montgomery today looks very different than it did just a few years ago. But that doesn’t mean opportunities don’t exist—it just means knowing where to look.

Let’s break down what’s really happening in the housing market and how you can still make smart real estate moves in Montgomery Alabama.

It’s Not a Housing Crisis—It’s an Affordability Crisis

Ryan Serhant, CEO of SERHANT., dismisses the idea that the U.S. is in a housing crisis. Instead, he believes affordability is the real issue.

“I don’t think there actually is necessarily a housing crisis the way you see and you read about it. I think there’s an affordability crisis.” — Ryan Serhant

What does that mean for Montgomery homes for sale? Home prices aren’t dropping, but high mortgage rates and rising home values make it harder for buyers to afford properties.

Even though Montgomery Alabama real estate remains more affordable than larger metro areas, buyers are still feeling the pinch. Many homes hitting the market are not in the entry-level price range, making it challenging for first-time buyers to find affordable options.

At the same time, renters are also struggling.

“Over half of all renters are spending more than 30%, sometimes more than 40 or 50% of their paycheck just on their rent.” — Ryan Serhant

That’s money going toward housing costs rather than savings or future homeownership. This creates a cycle where many people want to buy, but affordability remains the biggest obstacle.

Why Sellers in Montgomery Aren’t Listing

If affordability is such a challenge, why aren’t home prices coming down? The short answer: sellers in Montgomery Alabama don’t have to sell.

Barbara Corcoran pointed out that even if mortgage rates drop slightly, it likely won’t be enough to encourage a wave of new listings.

“No one wants to move and [there are] fewer houses to choose from at higher rates. So it's difficult for homebuyers.” — Barbara Corcoran

Think about it—if you locked in a 3% mortgage rate in 2020, would you trade that in for 7% today? Most homeowners are holding onto their low rates, which means fewer homes are hitting the market.

And even when homes do get listed, sellers are reluctant to lower prices.

"I don't think it's in the nature of sellers to be realistic, honestly. Their house is always worth more… I don't think prices will shake out at all. I think they'll hold out hoping interest rates will go down again." — Barbara Corcoran

This has led to homes sitting on the market longer. According to a Redfin report, 54.5% of listings at the end of 2024 had been on the market for over 60 days.

For Montgomery real estate, this means the market is shifting toward balance—buyers have more time to make decisions instead of being forced into bidding wars.

The Bottom Line for Montgomery Alabama Real Estate

So, what does this mean for buyers, sellers, and renters in Montgomery Alabama?

• For buyers: Affordability is a challenge, but with fewer bidding wars, homes are staying on the market longer. This means more room to negotiate and less pressure to make rushed decisions.
• For sellers: Prices aren’t dropping, but buyers are becoming more selective. If you need to sell, pricing competitively and ensuring your home is move-in ready will attract the most interest.
• For renters: As more people delay homeownership, rental prices remain high. If you’re planning to buy in the next few years, now is the time to start building a strong financial plan.

No matter where the market stands, smart real estate moves are always possible. The key is staying informed, being strategic, and working with the right real estate professionals to navigate these shifts.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Montgomery Alabama, let’s discuss your best options. CLICK HERE to schedule a real estate consultation today.