With two decades of experience in the real estate industry, Donna Cox is serving as the 2026 President of the Montgomery Area Association of REALTORS®. An Associate Broker and long-time member of the association’s Executive Committee, Cox brings both industry expertise and a deep commitment to professional standards to the position. She shares how the organization works to support real estate professionals, uphold the ethical principles of the National Association of REALTORS® and advocate for property ownership while strengthening connections with the Alabama Association of REALTORS® and the broader real estate community.
What is the current state of the real estate market in the Montgomery Area?
Inventory is currently at a moderate level and slowly growing due to properties staying on the market longer than in previous years. This is good for buyers because they have more time to consider options rather than being pressured into making immediate decisions. Demand is steady and stable but not overheated. Prices continue to rise moderately, and affordability challenges remain an issue, but intense competition has lessened. Overall, it is a more balanced market versus a stronger seller-favored one, with conditions that lend to more negotiation and choice for buyers, while still supporting price stability for sellers.
What trends are you seeing in buyer behavior right now?
First-time homebuyers have more options and negotiation power, but they are cautiously entering the market due to lower interest rates that we have not seen in more than three years, helping with affordability. Relocation buyers love the River Region for the value and lifestyle it affords. Downsizers are benefiting from more inventory, and investors are active in affordable/rental housing.
Are particular neighborhoods or areas experiencing notable growth or increased interest?
Families, move-up buyers and commuters are looking toward East Montgomery and Pike Road for all the new construction in those areas. Professionals and historic home lovers are drawn to Old Cloverdale and the downtown Montgomery Area. Proximity to employment centers like military bases (Maxwell/Gunter AFB) tend to attract relocators and buyers seeking a small-town feel, like the areas of Prattville/Wetumpka/Millbrook.
How is new construction impacting the local market right now?
New construction accounts for roughly 14-20% of all residential sales, making new construction a viable option for buyers. Builders are offering buyer incentives to get them off the fence and help with affordability issues. Some of those incentives are a specific dollar amount that may be used toward approved options, including interest rate buydowns, design upgrades or other seller-approved costs. Check with your local builder to see if they are offering any buyer incentives. New construction is rising compared to recent years, which is helping to ease the supply issue.
How are today’s interest rates and financing conditions affecting buyers and sellers in our market?
Falling and stabilizing interest rates are encouraging buyers to jump back into the market. Mortgage lenders are seeing increased mortgage applications since the first of the year, which should result in a more balanced market condition in 2026.
What is your outlook for the Montgomery area real estate market over the next year?
Steady demand, gradual improvement regarding affordability due to lower rates and continued moderate growth with inventory that eases negotiation pressure for buyers. The area remains relatively affordable compared to metro cities throughout the country, and the housing market has settled into a more balanced market with moderate growth rather than large spikes in home prices over the past few years.
Sidebar: Advice from local REALTORS® to buyers about today’s market:
- Waiting for an ideal market window or interest rate might make you miss a good opportunity right now.
- A good rule of thumb is to watch the market consistently.
- Get pre-approved first because a local lender will help you to understand if you are qualified for a loan, what type of loan is best for you, your goals and your purchasing power. Sellers will know that you are a serious buyer.
- Homes are staying on the market longer than in previous years, and inventory is steadily building, so this gives the buyers more time to look at homes, less pressure to settle and more negotiating power.
- Watch the interest rates – rates have declined to their lowest level in three years, making affordability slightly better.
- Think long-term, not just the short-term, and work with a trusted Local REALTOR®.
Pull-quote: At the Montgomery Area Association of REALTORS®, we believe that real estate is more than a transaction; it’s personal. In today’s complex market, that means providing not just expertise, negotiation and strategy, but genuine advocacy and protection for every client that we serve.
Professional Development:
- Recommended Read: Shift: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times by Gary Keller and Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss.
- Just Listen: Real Estate Rockstars Podcast hosted by Pat Hiban and the Tom Ferry Podcast Experience.
- Industry Resources: The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has some amazing tools, data, advocacy and business support for REALTORS®. I also like Housing Wire for housing market data, policies and finance insights.
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Personal Matters:
- On the Queue: I love a musical duo from Canada called Music Travel Love, Teddy Swims, the Eagles and Bee Gees.
- Dinner Date:
My dad was in the Air Force for 24 years, and I have a passion for all things military. I guess it would be Alexander the Great because he was a genius when it came to military/battle strategy. He created one of history’s greatest empires by the age of 30.
