The Story Behind the Signs:
What Shelby County’s Buyer’s Market Means for Buyers and Sellers

Hi, friends. It’s Deb Long.

WOW, mind blown that it is already the middle of September 2025! I am fully realizing the old adage, Time Flies! As I prepare for fall by updating my household decor, I am excited about the season ahead: cooler weather, football, all things pumpkin, and our fall selling season.

Yesterday, I was driving home from work, and I was pondering the future (is anyone else guilty of dreaming about the future?). Upon entering my neighborhood, I was struck by the number of directional agent signs at the main stop sign in my community, Savannah Pointe. Why are there so many signs, and why are these houses still on the market? Hum...

Adding that thought to my subconscious, I moved on to consider my current buyer clients who are interested in taking advantage of the dropping interest rates. And then to the feeling I've had in various areas around town. For instance, the energy in Chelsea and Hoover is quite different from that here in Calera. So I decided to do some digging. During my research, I was pleased to find that in many areas, the real estate market has shifted and is now considered a Buyer's Market, which is good news for my clients.

If you’ve been watching the news, you may have seen some of the headlines: “The real estate market is shifting into a buyer’s market.” For sellers, those words can feel heavy. For buyers, they sound hopeful. But what’s really happening here in Shelby County isn’t doom-and-gloom—it’s actually a healthy reset. And when we look closer, there are some surprising bright spots.

What the Numbers Tell Us

Currently, Shelby County has approximately 1,360 active homes for sale—the most breathing room buyers have had in years. The average days on market sits at 84, but the median is just 54. That tells me some homes are flying off the market while others linger, and it almost always comes down to pricing and preparation.

Nearly one in three homes listed this year had a price reduction before selling. Buyers, this means you’ve got negotiating power. Sellers, it means overpricing from the start will slow you down.

The sweet spot in our market is clear: homes priced between $250K and $350K are moving the fastest. Cross into the $500K+ range, and you’ll likely face longer waits and the possibility of reducing your price to attract buyers.

What I See on the Ground

Numbers are one thing, but let me tell you what I’ve seen with my own eyes. When I’m showing homes in Chelsea (35043) or along the Helena/Bessemer corridor (35022), the energy is different. Buyers walk in knowing they need to move quickly—homes in these areas can go under contract in half the county average time. There’s still that buzz of competition.

On the other hand, in places like Calera (35040) and Columbiana (35051), I am seeing homes sit. They’re good homes, sometimes beautiful homes, but they hit the market too high and scare buyers off. Weeks later, after a price adjustment or two, those same homes get activity and sell. It’s not that the homes are bad—it’s that buyers in 2025 are better informed, with less pressure, not so rushed. They know when something is overpriced, and they’re not afraid to wait.

That’s the difference I see every day: two homes, two neighborhoods, two very different outcomes—not because of “the market,” but because of strategy.

Why I Believe This Shift Is Good

I’ll be honest: I see this change as a blessing.

For years, buyers felt like they had no choices. They rushed, they overpaid, and too often they ended up in a home that wasn’t truly the right fit. This market is giving buyers room to breathe, to pray about decisions, and to negotiate without panic.

For sellers, yes—it requires more thought. But I believe that’s a good thing too. It forces us to prepare well, to price wisely, and to focus on the real value of the home, not just a number we wish it could sell for. That’s healthier in the long run, for you and for our entire community.

And for me personally, I see God’s hand in this kind of shift. Proverbs 24:3-4 reminds us: “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Real estate isn’t just about buying or selling—it’s about the wisdom and peace that come with making the right move at the right time. Using wisdom on the front end solidifies your legacy in the long run.

What This Means for You

• If you’re selling: Don’t be discouraged. With the right pricing, staging, and marketing, your home can still sell quickly and for a strong price. The difference is in how we prepare and present it.
• If you’re buying: This is your moment. More choices, more negotiating power, and more time to choose wisely. You finally get to shop without being shoved into a rushed decision.

At Today’s Home, I see my role as your guide. I study the numbers, I walk the neighborhoods, and I watch how homes really move so you don’t have to wonder what’s going on. My job is to give you clarity where there’s confusion, and confidence where there’s doubt.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to make your move, this is it. Let’s talk about your plans, your needs, and how to make the most of this season of opportunity.

To My Savannah Pointe Neighbors

Please speak with your agent (or call me!), and take a closer look at what is really happening in Calera. Re-evaluate your position and timeline. If you need to make an adjustment, do it. Be the seller who moves on to your next chapter, not the one who ends up with an expired (rejected) listing.

Have questions? 📞 Call me today, and let’s start the conversation.

— Deb Long, Today’s Home

Your Home. Your Legacy. Our Commitment.