The National Association of REALTORS reports existing-home sales eased but prices stabilized as inventories tightened in December, while 2006 was the third-highest sales year on record.

Total existing-home sales – Total existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – eased 0.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate1 of 6.22 million units in December from a level of 6.27 million in November.  Sales were 7.9 percent lower than a 6.75 million-unit pace in December 2005.

There were 6,480,000 existing-home sales in all of 2006, down 8.4 percent from a record 7,075,000 in 2005.  The second highest total was 6,779,000 in 2004; NAR began tracking home sales in 1968.

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Sgt. Randal “Jackson” Franks knows what it’s like to hang out in a dangerous neighborhood.

He spent time on plenty of threatening streets during his deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, with the 690th Chemical Co., Alabama Army National Guard.

Read Sgt. Franks story and learn why he says, “I would like to go back.”

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The Huntsville Times has reported Alabama’s jobless rate increased in December to 3.6 percent, with Madison County’s rates to be 2.4 percent. This is up from a 2 month low of 3.2 percent, but still well below the national average of 4.5 percent. Read the full story…

A low jobless rate is positive for Huntsville real estate. Are you thinking of buying a home? Search all Huntsville homes for sale.

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The average sales price increased in December 2006 by approximately $13,538 or 9 percent from December 2005 to $164,800. The number of homes sold increased during this time period by 9 percent or 80 homes and the active listings increased by 20 percent. Market times dropped by 4 percent.

Year end figures for Huntsivlle real estate are excellent, especially when compared to other parts of the country experiencing declines in sales and prices. The number of homes sold in 2006 increased 14 percent compared to 2005, while market times remained stready.

The average sales price increased last year from $147,592 in 2005 to $158,326 in 2006, representing a 7 percent increase.

Interesting in knowing what prices are doing in your neighborhood? Visit HuntsvilleHouseValue.com. Your market valuation will be emailed to you.

Statistics are based on information for the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce and are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.  

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During the dog days of summer, your favorite pooch may perfer to stay home in an air-conditioned house, but the Dog Days of Winter are different. Starting tomorrow, January 13 through February 28, the Huntsville Botanical Garden is inviting all dogs and their owners to enjoy running, fetching, playing ball, catching frisbees or meandering along trails. Clean up bags and treats (for the dogs) will be provided.

On February 3, special events will include the Bow-Wow Bone-anza featuring the “Canine Couture” Fashion Show and “Doggleganger” contest. You and your dog won’t want to miss it!

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CareerBuilder.com has ranked Huntsville among the ’15 Great Cities for Job Seekers.’ The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 2.5 percent, well below the national average of 4.5 percent in November 2006.

The Huntsville industry with the largest percentage of the work force – at 19.7 percent – is educational, health and social services, according to the list. The predominant occupation – with 44.3 percent of workers – is in management, professional and related occupations.

Being a great place to work coincides with being a great place to live. Thinking about  making a move to Huntsvilleand buying Huntsville real estate? You can enroll in a FREE email home search by visiting HuntsvilleHomeHunter.com. You will receive a daily list of new homes as they hit the market. It’s fast, easy and no-obligation.

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The internationally acclaimed equine ballet of Lipizzaner Stallions will perform it’s 3tth Anniversary tour at the Von Braun Center Arena this Sunday. This unique, family oriented program includes a segment called the “Airs Above the Ground.” These are spectacular leaps and maneuvers once used by riders in the saddle to protect and defend themselves on the battlefield. It’s been called “one of the greatest equine ballets in history.”  Performance details…

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The Consumer Confidence Index improved in December. The index increased 3.7 points to 109.0 in December compared to 105.7 in November.  The index is compiled monthly from a survey of 5,000 U.S. households. A rebound in consumer outlook may be a sign that the national housing slump is rebounding also.

For information on Huntesville real estate, visit www.MoveToHuntsville.com. Search all Huntsville real estate for sale.

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