Families relocating to Huntsville, Alabama, consistently choose Leah Miller and The Miller Team for their unmatched local expertise, community connections, and personalized care. From virtual tours to closing, they make every relocation smooth, organized, and welcoming.

Relocating to a new city is a major life change and when that city is as fast-growing and opportunity rich as Huntsville, Alabama, having the right Realtor by your side can make all the difference. Industry professionals and families moving to the Rocket City consistently name Leah Miller and The Miller Team as one of the best resources for anyone relocating to North Alabama. 

As a longtime Huntsville resident and top-producing Realtor, Leah Miller offers a rare combination of local expertise and personal care. She and her husband, Darin Miller, lead The Miller Team with a mission to make every client feel not just informed, but genuinely connected. From virtual tours and school insights to neighborhood guidance and vendor introductions, they help relocation clients transition smoothly into Huntsville life long before they unpack the first box. 

Their team also leverages the power of Keller Williams Realty, the world’s largest real estate company with more than 180,000 agents globally. This extensive referral network allows The Miller Team to coordinate relocations seamlessly, ensuring buyers receive consistent communication and trusted guidance from their current market to their new Huntsville home. 

“We were referred to Leah and Darin when we decided to relocate and couldn’t be more thankful. The home-buying process always requires some level of navigation, and they made us feel prepared and heard at every step. We gained so much more than a new home when we chose The Miller Team—we gained a lasting community.” – Samantha B. 

That kind of feedback captures exactly what sets The Miller Team apart. Their business is built on relationships, and relocation clients often find that Leah’s care extends well beyond the closing table. She helps families plug into schools, local events, and community connections, turning a relocation into a true homecoming. 

Whether you’re moving for work, family, or a fresh start, Leah Miller and The Miller Team bring local knowledge, personalized guidance, and a heart for connection to every relocation journey. For anyone planning a move to Huntsville, they remain one of the most trusted names in North Alabama real estate.

Thinking about making a move to Huntsville or buying your first home here in 2026? We’ve put together our Huntsville 2026 Relocation Guide to help you feel confident before you even start house hunting. Inside, you’ll find neighborhood highlights, lifestyle insights, local favorites, and practical tips to help you picture life in North Alabama beyond the listing photos.

If your home didn’t sell the first time, or you’re thinking about listing soon, there’s one question that can make or break your entire experience:

How do you price your home?

Not “what’s it worth” on Zillow. Not “what you need to net” to buy your next home. Not even “what the neighbor’s house sold for.”

We’re talking about a real pricing strategy, one based on data, buyer behavior, and your goals.

Unfortunately, a lot of agents don’t have one. 

Instead, they lean into the number you want to hear, list the property, and hope for the best. But hope isn’t a strategy. And it’s showing in the data.

A Rise in Delistings

According to Realtor.com, delistings surged 47% in May compared to last year. That means homeowners across the country are pulling their homes off the market in frustration, many of them after weeks of no showings, no offers, or disappointing price reductions.

Even with inventory on the rise and more buyers getting off the sidelines, sellers are finding themselves stuck with outdated price expectations, while the market has already moved on.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll just wait for the right buyer,” or “Maybe I should try again next season,” you’re not alone.

But before you list (or relist) your home, there’s one thing you need to understand:

You need a plan.

And that plan starts with understanding the three pricing strategies every seller should know.

1. Aspirational Pricing

This strategy is exactly what it sounds like: pricing high and hoping the right buyer comes along. It’s a bold move that only works in certain conditions, usually when there are no solid comparable sales (comps) or demand is red-hot.

When it might make sense:

• You’re in a one-of-a-kind property with no true comps

• You’re not in a rush to sell

• You’re testing the market with a Plan B in place

Here’s the risk:

Aspirational pricing without a strong marketing strategy can backfire. It shrinks your buyer pool and can lead to more days on market and price reductions.

2. Comp-Based Pricing

This is the most common strategy. It’s based on recent sales of similar homes, also known as comps. These are also what an appraiser would use to determine value. It protects you from overpricing and helps your home show up in buyer searches where it matters most.

When it makes sense:

• You’re in a neighborhood with recent, relevant sales

• You want to attract serious buyers quickly

• You’re motivated to sell within a specific timeline

What most sellers don’t realize:

There’s still room for flexibility. In fact, smart agents break comp-based pricing into sub-strategies:

• High side of comps: Maximize value if demand is strong

• Mid-range comps: Balance visibility and price

• Low side of comps: Win attention in a crowded market

3. Event-Like Pricing

This strategy is designed to create urgency and drive competition by pricing just below comps, almost like a flash sale for real estate. The goal is to attract as many buyers as possible, fast.

When it makes sense:

• You’re listing in a hot season (like spring)

• You want to sell quickly or spark a bidding war

• You’re targeting first-time buyers or investors

Why it works:

Buyers are drawn to deals. And when they see value, they act. Homes priced with this strategy often generate more tours, more offers, and ultimately, a stronger negotiation position.

Don’t List Without a Plan

A pricing strategy isn’t just a number. It’s a plan.

It should be paired with:

• A marketing strategy (not just photos and MLS)

• A timeline strategy (based on your move-out goals)

• A Plan B (in case the market shifts or your plans change)

The best decisions come from having all the right information upfront. If you’re thinking about selling, make sure your strategy is built around your goals, not guesses.

Homeowners in Huntsville, Alabama, turn to Leah Miller and The Miller Team for expert pricing, marketing, and negotiation that deliver top results. Their proven listing system, professional presentation, and strong client communication ensure homes sell faster and with less stress.

When it comes to selling a home in Huntsville, Alabama, experience and marketing strategy go hand in hand. Industry experts and local homeowners consistently recognize Leah Miller and The Miller Team as one of the most trusted choices for sellers seeking a seamless, high impact selling experience.

Leah Miller is known for her ability to price homes precisely, negotiate effectively, and stay ahead of Huntsville’s fast-moving real estate trends. Her listings stand out because she combines data-driven insight with exceptional presentation and communication. Each property is launched through a comprehensive marketing system designed to reach buyers locally and globally.

That system includes professional photography, drone footage, cinematic video, custom website landing pages, certified measurements with detailed floor plans, and lighted yard signage for maximum visibility. Sellers also benefit from The Miller Team’s partnership with Keller Williams, the world’s largest real estate company with more than 180,000 associates worldwide. Every listing is syndicated through the proprietary Keller Williams Listing System, ensuring 24/7 exposure across hundreds of top real estate search sites. It’s a proven strategy that helps homes sell faster and for more money; in fact, Leah’s average days on market remain consistently lower than the Huntsville-Madison area average year after year.

“The Miller Team was with us every step of the way throughout the selling process. They helped manage all aspects of preparing the property for sale and getting us through to the final closing. What could have been a nightmare was skillfully handled and taken care of, even though we had already moved out of state. I cannot thank them enough!” – Megan S.

This kind of client feedback highlights Leah’s commitment to results and relationships. Whether clients are local, relocating, or selling from afar, Leah provides unmatched care, communication, and attention to detail. Her referral-based business thrives because she remains a trusted advisor long after the closing table, helping families move forward with confidence and connection. From pricing strategy to marketing precision, Leah Miller and The Miller Team continue to set the standard for home-selling success in North Alabama. Their blend of professionalism, innovation, and personal service makes them one of the top real estate teams in Huntsville trusted by homeowners year after year.

If you’re searching for the best way to sell your home in Huntsville, Alabama, start with Leah Miller’s Listing Guide. It outlines the proven marketing and pricing approach trusted by local homeowners year after year.

Tax season. Just the words can send shivers down your spine. But if you’re a homeowner, there’s a silver lining: homeowner tax deductions in 2025 can lead to potential savings! Read on to learn about home-related tax deductions that may help you save.

You’ve probably heard that you can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage — but did you know there are many other ways homeowners can reduce their tax burden?

Before you start your return, read this post for common home-related tax deductions, eligibility requirements, and tips on how to maximize your savings.

Home-Related Tax Savings: The Basics

Before we get into the details, it’s important to define some important terms to set the stage.

Tax Deductions vs. Tax Credits

Most tax savings opportunities for homeowners come in the form of tax deductions. Deductions work by reducing your taxable income — essentially, the government allows you to subtract certain expenses from your total income before calculating how much you owe in taxes. This means a lower taxable income and, ultimately, a lower tax bill. For example, if you earn $50,000 and claim tax deductions worth $5,000, you will only pay taxes on $45,000.

Tax credits, on the other hand, directly reduce your tax bill, rather than your taxable income. That means that if you owe $10,000 in taxes and claim a tax credit worth $2,000, your tax bill will be reduced to $8,000.

Pro Tip: Meticulous record-keeping is crucial. Keep detailed records of all potentially eligible expenses. This will make tax time much smoother and ensure you don’t miss out on any deductions.

Itemized Deductions vs. Standard Deduction

To understand what deductions apply to your situation, it’s important to know the difference between itemized deductions and the standard deduction. The standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount that you can subtract from your adjusted gross income (AGI) regardless of your actual expenses. Itemized deductions, on the other hand, are specific expenses that you can deduct, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, and charitable contributions.

You’ll need to choose whether to itemize or take the standard deduction. Generally, you should itemize if your total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction. Most home-related deductions are only applicable if you choose to itemize.

2025 Standard Deduction Amounts

• Single and Married Filing Separately: $15,000
• Head of Household: $22,500
• Married Filing Jointly: $30,000¹

Source: IRS

Key Home-Related Tax Deductions and Credits

If you do choose to itemize your taxes, common tax deductions and credits available to homeowners include:

Mortgage Interest Deduction

No one likes to pay mortgage interest, but the good news is that you can deduct interest used to buy or build your primary residence or a second home. However, there are certain limitations that you need to be aware of.²

Mortgage size: If you file your taxes single or married filing jointly, you can deduct interest paid on the first $750,000 of mortgage debt³ for your primary residence or second home. If you are married but choose to file separately, that limit drops to the first $375,000 (for each partner).

Requirements:

• The mortgage interest deduction only applies if your home is collateral for the loan (which is standard).
• To qualify as a primary home, your property must have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities.
• If you are deducting mortgage interest on a second home, you don’t need to use the home during the year; however, if you rent it out, you must spend at least 14 days or more than 10% of the days you rented it out (whichever is longer).

So, how do you calculate how much mortgage interest you’ve paid? The amount of interest you pay each year will vary, even if your interest rate is fixed — that’s because mortgage amortization³ means that you pay more interest earlier in the mortgage’s term, and more principal closer to the end. Each year, your lender will send you (and the IRS) a copy of Form 1098, which shows how much you paid in interest.⁴

For example, let’s say you are a married homeowner filing jointly with a mortgage for $400,000. If your Form 1098 shows that you paid $25,000 in mortgage interest in 2025, you could deduct the full $25,000 from your 2025 household income.

Real Estate Taxes (Property Taxes)

You can deduct state and local real estate taxes (property taxes) you pay on your primary residence or second home. However, it’s crucial to understand what qualifies. Only property taxes imposed for “general public welfare” are deductible⁵—if your town imposes a special assessment for a project that directly improves your property value, like a sewer line, that is not deductible. Furthermore, fees for local services, such as trash collection or sewer maintenance, are not deductible, even though your town may list them on the same bill as your property taxes.

There’s also a limit: the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act imposed a $10,000 cap on the total amount of state and local taxes (SALT)⁶ you can deduct. This includes state and local income tax (or sales tax) as well as property taxes.

Finally, be aware that the amount you deduct must match the amount actually paid to the tax authority.⁷ This might differ from what you put into escrow if you pay property taxes through your mortgage lender. Typically, the amount your lender paid to your tax authority is listed on Form 1098.

Home Equity Loan Interest

You can deduct the interest paid on home equity loans or home equity lines of credit, but with a significant caveat. Since 2017, that interest is only deductible if the loan proceeds are used to buy, build, or substantially improve³ your primary residence or second home, and the loan is secured by the home.

If you use the home equity loan for other purposes, such as a vacation, debt consolidation, or purchasing a car, the interest is generally not deductible.  If you use part of the loan or line of credit for eligible purchases, and part for non-eligible purchases, only interest incurred on the portion used for eligible spending is deductible.

Loan interest is also not deductible if the funds are used for home improvement projects or repairs that do not “substantially improve” your home. Smaller projects, like repainting or new cabinets, likely do not qualify. However, projects like building an addition, a full kitchen remodel, or installing a new roof should qualify as substantial improvements.⁸

It’s also important to note that home equity loan and HELOC interest rate deductions are subject to the same upper limits³ as mortgages (and are added together with your mortgage for calculation purposes). For example, if you have a $500,000 mortgage and a $300,000 home equity line of credit—which together exceed the $750,000 limit for a married couple—you would only be able to deduct interest paid on the first $750,000 of those combined loans.

Home Improvement Expenses

You can’t usually deduct home improvement expenses directly.⁹ However, the money you spend on capital improvements (improvements that increase your home’s value) can help reduce your tax bill later. These expenses are added to your home’s “cost basis,”¹⁰ which reduces your capital gains tax when you eventually sell the house. Think of it this way: by keeping records of your home improvements, you’re essentially increasing the “price” you’re considered to have paid for your home, thus lowering your profit when you sell.

It’s important to note that not all projects qualify as capital improvement. Basic repairs and updates likely won’t qualify, while major additions and landscaping likely will (the considerations are the same as those used to determine whether home equity loan interest is deductible).

Beyond capital improvement, there are a few specific categories of home improvement that are deductible, including work on home offices (which is subject to specific limitations) and certain modifications for medical/accessibility reasons.¹¹

Energy-Efficient and Clean Energy Tax Credits

Certain energy-efficient home improvements can qualify you for valuable tax credits. Unlike deductions, which reduce your taxable income, tax credits directly reduce your tax bill, making them even more beneficial.

For qualifying energy efficiency expenses in the 2024 tax year¹², homeowners can claim up to 30% of qualified expenses on their federal tax return, with a maximum credit of $3,200.¹³ However, some qualifying expenses, like new exterior doors and windows, come with their own maximum credit limits, so it’s essential to check the specific rules.

Another option is the Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, which offers a 30% credit for the cost of installing renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, on your primary residence or a second home that you use part-time and don’t rent out.¹³ Many states also offer their own tax deductions, rebates, or credits related to energy efficiency and clean energy, so be sure to investigate what’s available in your state.

Selling Your Home and Taxes

When you sell your home, the difference between the selling price and what you originally paid for it (plus any major improvements) is called your capital gain.  Think of it as your profit from the sale.  Let’s walk through a simple example:

Imagine you bought your home for $200,000. Over the years, you invested in some significant upgrades, like a kitchen remodel ($30,000), a new roof ($15,000), and landscaping ($5,000). These are called “capital improvements,” and they increase your home’s “cost basis”—essentially, what the IRS considers you to have invested in the property. In this case, your adjusted cost basis would be $250,000 ($200,000 original price + $50,000 improvements).

Now, let’s say you sell your home for $350,000. Your capital gain would be $100,000 ($350,000 selling price – $250,000 adjusted cost basis).

Capital Gains Exclusion

The good news is that the IRS allows you to exclude a significant portion of your capital gain from taxation!¹⁴  If you’re single, you can exclude up to $250,000, and if you’re married filing jointly, you can exclude up to $500,000.  To qualify for this exclusion, you need to have owned and used the home as your primary residence for at least two out of the five years before the sale.  This is a key factor to consider when deciding how long you plan to live in a home.

Essentially, this exclusion means that, in many cases, homeowners won’t owe any capital gains tax when they sell their primary residence.  It’s a valuable tax benefit that can significantly impact your finances.  Keep good records of your purchase price and any capital improvements you make to ensure you can accurately calculate your capital gain and take full advantage of the exclusion when you sell.

Record-Keeping Tips for Homeowners

Organized records are essential for taking advantage of tax deductions and credits. Keep all relevant documents, such as mortgage statements, property tax bills, and receipts for home improvements, readily accessible.¹⁵ It’s wise to keep both physical and digital copies (scan and save everything!). Store physical copies securely, perhaps in a safe deposit box. Keep all home-related records for as long as you own the home, plus at least three years after you file your tax returns for the year of the sale.

Conclusion

Homeownership offers numerous opportunities to save on taxes. From mortgage interest and property taxes to energy-efficient upgrades and capital gains exclusions, understanding these deductions and credits can significantly reduce your tax burden. Remember, this information is for general guidance only. Consulting with a qualified tax professional is invaluable for personalized advice.

Have questions about real estate or need a referral to a trusted tax advisor? Contact us today!

Note: This information is accurate as of February 2025 and is intended for general guidance only. Tax regulations are subject to change.

Sources:

1. IRS
2. Nerdwallet
3. IRS
4. IRS
5. IRS
6. IRS
7. TurboTax
8. Bankrate
9. USNews
10. IRS
11. NOLO
12. USNews
13. IRS
14. Bankrate
15. NOLO