If your luxury home on the Eastern Shore—whether in Fairhope, Daphne, or Spanish Fort—was listed but didn’t sell, I want you to know something: the market hasn’t left you behind. In fact, the tides are shifting again, and with the right strategy, you could be perfectly positioned to take advantage of what’s ahead.
Here’s one powerful strategy: prepping your home to connect with buyers emotionally.
Let’s look at what’s really happening—and what it means for you.
The Big Picture: A Market in Transition
Over the last few years, we saw home values surge and bidding wars become the norm. But 2025 looks different. Interest rates remain higher than we’d all prefer, with 30-year mortgage rates hovering in the 6–7% range. Buyer urgency has cooled. Inventory has grown. And more listings are sitting longer on the market, especially those in the $600,000 to $1.5 million range.
These curb appeal tips can help your home stand out even before the first showing.
But here’s the twist: buyers are still out there. They’re just more selective. And the good ones? They’re looking for value, trust, and guidance.
Meanwhile, recent tax law changes under the new Opportunity to Buy Back the Block Act (OBBBA) have quietly opened new doors:
~ The federal estate tax exemption—set to shrink dramatically in 2026—was made permanent at a much higher level (about $15M per person). That’s a game-changer for high-net-worth households thinking about estate planning.
~ The mortgage interest deduction remains protected for homes with up to $750,000 in financing.
~ And for buyers from high-tax states (like California, New York, and Illinois), the expanded SALT deduction makes Alabama real estate even more attractive.
All of this matters because it changes the psychology of both sellers and buyers. And when people shift how they feel about real estate, it affects how they act.
If You’re Thinking About Selling (or You Tried to Before): What to Know Now
Here on the Eastern Shore, we’re not seeing a market crash—but we are seeing a more balanced playing field. Homes are sitting longer. Overpricing is being punished. And sellers who don’t adapt to the current conditions are often left wondering why no one’s calling.
But those who do adjust—those who price smart, market thoughtfully, and stage with intention—are still getting sold signs in their yard.
If your home didn’t sell before, it might not be because of the home itself. It might’ve been the timing, the pricing strategy, or a marketing plan that didn’t speak to today’s buyers. And you’re not alone.
Many luxury homeowners are just like you:
~ They locked in a low mortgage rate and are hesitant to trade up.
~ They’re unsure about what’s next in the economy.
~ They want an agent who can explain why their home didn’t sell—and what’s different now.
What This Means for Your Home’s Value
Truthfully, values are no longer climbing month after month. But in our market, they’ve held surprisingly steady. In fact, well-presented homes in Fairhope, Daphne, and Spanish Fort are still selling close to asking price—if they align with buyer expectations. That means:
✅ Updated or well-maintained properties tend to outperform.
✅ Homes that are priced realistically from day one attract stronger interest.
✅ Buyers are more educated than ever—and they’re seeking homes that feel like a sound investment.
If your home was once listed and didn’t sell, this could actually be the perfect time to bring it back to market—with a refreshed plan, a refined approach, and a results-driven strategy behind you.
A Season of Opportunity for the Prepared Seller
Here’s what I know after navigating multiple economic cycles in luxury real estate:
Markets reward the steady. They reward the strategic. And they always reward the sellers and agents who show up with clarity in uncertain times.
If you’ve been thinking, “I’m not sure if now is the right time”—I get it. But with fewer bidding wars and more discerning buyers, today’s market is less about luck and more about strategy.
And the good news? That’s where I come in.
I specialize in working with homeowners just like you—those who need a clear plan, trusted insights, and a seasoned advisor who knows this market deeply. Whether you’ve had your home listed before or are just starting to explore selling, I’d love to help you map out the smartest path forward.
Let’s sit down and take a look at what’s changed, what’s working now, and how to position your home to succeed.
Want more ways to prepare your home for success in today’s market?
Visit my Seller Resource Library for local, practical tips that really work.
I’m not an attorney or CPA, and none of the information shared here should be interpreted as financial or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or estate attorney before making any decisions regarding your property or personal finances.
