E

Er thomasvia Google

2 months ago

They’re doing it on purpose. Not some grand conspiracy with secret meetings, but coordinated plays that add up to the same thing: squeeze supply, hype demand, and let prices climb. Core tactics : 1. Artificial scarcity on supply — Developers and big builders land-bank: buy huge tracts, get approvals, then drip-feed new homes slow as hell. They don’t flood the market because more houses mean lower prices and slimmer margins. Zoning laws help — local rules block density, so inventory stays locked low. In places like Huntsville, new construction is up but still can’t keep pace because land gets held back. 2. All-cash overbids from investors — Institutional players (BlackRock, Invitation Homes, private equity) and flippers swoop in with cash offers 10-20% over asking, especially on starter homes. They outbid regular buyers, turn ‘em into rentals or quick flips. This sets new comps that appraisers use, pushing every nearby listing higher. In hot markets, investors grab 15-25% of sales in some neighborhoods, juicing prices without adding supply. 3. Pricing algorithms and collusion-lite — Rental software like RealPage/YieldStar lets landlords share data and optimize rents together. Same idea creeps into sales: agents anchor high listings, create bidding wars (real or staged), and pocket bigger commissions on inflated closes. 4. Marketing the frenzy — Realtors and media pump limited inventory and bidding wars coming narratives. FOMO drives multiples offers, waives inspections, escalates clauses. In Huntsville, rocket/tech influx (transplants with cash) gets hyped as endless growth, justifying 385k asks on homes worth 285k fundamentals. 5. Holding vacant or under-rented — Some investors sit on properties or short-term rental ‘em (Airbnb), pulling long-term stock off market. Creates even tighter feel, lets rents/prices ratchet up. Result: Prices detach from local wages (Huntsville median ~65k can’t touch 385k comfortably). It’s not a fluke — it’s profitable for builders, investors, agents, and funds. Regular buyers get milked first, then left holding overpriced bags when it cools. We’re opting out.They can keep the game.

T

Tanisha Maddoxvia Google

about 1 year ago

I had the pleasure of having the amazing Sheena Collier as my realtor! She made the process to easy and smooth. She found me what I was looking for in no time. To be honest, the process went way faster than I could even expect. She also made herself available when I needed her whether it was a question I had or meeting up to verify anything needing to be verified. She knows her stuff and I tell anyone looking for a home to reach out to Sheena Collier at Legend Realty and she will get you in what you want. Thank you so much Sheena!!

L

Lady Kithrenvia Google

over 1 year ago

TL;DR: I would highly recommend Logan Smith at Legend Realty! I don't write a lot of reviews, but when I meet a person or a company that I really feels goes above and beyond, I want to make sure other people know too. In this day and age, it can't be really hard to separate the the wheat from the chaff! I am a first time homebuyer. I was living in Seattle, but in late 2023 my partner and I decided to move to Huntsville to buy a house. My cousin recommended Logan Smith as a realtor and I am so glad she did! Logan was amazing with walking me through the process and worked with me months before my move even happened. He was great with making me feel comfortable with the home buying process which is scary when it's the single biggest purchase of my lifetime. In a world where sometimes it feels like true customer service has fallen by the wayside, Logan truly went above and beyond for my partner and me. I truly can't say enough good things about him and he made the whole experience easy and enjoyable. With Logan's help, we closed on a house within a month of moving to Huntsville, AL and we couldn't be happier with our purchase. If you are looking for a real estate agent who is friendly, has responsive communication (this was a must for me!), knowledgeable about the Huntsville market and neighborhoods, and operates with integrity, I would highly recommend Logan Smith at Legend Realty.

K

Katie Hartmanvia Google

about 2 years ago

I've used Tracy Bond to find my last two houses and will use her again next time I'm in the market. She is professional, dedicated, and very knowledgeable. I was a very picky buyer and she continuously listened to my needs and comments and sent me listings that matched what I wanted. She was very patient with me and made sure I was getting exactly what I wanted and didn't settle. She is very easy to get along with and a fantastic realtor!

C

Chelsea Deckervia Google

over 8 years ago

Truly caring people. Phyllis could see how nervous I was when I came to sign the papers for the house we bought, it was our FIRST house, so I had no clue what I was doing. She stopped the process and wanted me to go home to think it through. They are not worried about getting their money over getting you into a home you will enjoy and won't regret. Jim and her were a great help in assisting us get the house we love so much today. To top it off, they even sent us a Christmas ornament to celebrate our first Christmas in the new, wonderful home. Would most definitely recommend them.