Vital Signs provides a visual representation of what's happening in the Alabama Gulf Coast real estate market. The color-coded numbers represent the absorption rate; the number of months it would take to sell every home on the market in a particular price range if no others were added. If the market is moving quickly, the absorption rate will fall below six months of supply, and if it's more of a buyer's market, it will jump above six months of supply. The rate is determined by dividing the number of units currently on the market by the number sold in the past month.

As we step into May, the Baldwin and Mobile County real estate markets continue to show shifting patterns between buyer-friendly and seller-driven conditions. Based on Bellator Real Estate's latest Vital Signs inventory-to-sales ratio report, here's what buyers and sellers need to know this month.

Baldwin County Snapshot: Still a Seller's Market… For Most

The majority of Baldwin County remains a seller's market, especially in the mid-range price points. Notably:

• Daphne: Inventory remains tight in the $200K–$400K range with supply levels between 2.7 and 3.1 months, well below the 6-month balanced mark.
• Fairhope & Spanish Fort: Market continues leaning toward sellers, but higher-end properties ($750K+) are approaching buyer territory with 5.5–6.0 months of supply.
• Gulf Shores (Condos): Inventory continues to rise, with months of supply as high as 25.0 in the $500K+ range—clear buyer's market.
• Orange Beach: Remains one of the strongest buyer's markets with inventory in most price ranges exceeding 12 months.

Takeaway: If you're a seller in Baldwin County's popular price ranges, conditions are still in your favor. Buyers, look to the higher end of the market or beach condos for better negotiating power. 

Mobile County Overview: Inventory Rising, Balance Shifting

In Mobile County, the picture is more mixed, with several areas tilting toward a buyer's market, particularly in higher price brackets:

• Midtown & West Mobile: Lower price ranges ($100K–$300K) remain competitive with 2.0–3.7 months of supply. However, anything above $300K is softening.
• Springhill & Theodore/Grand Bay: Inventory has climbed, especially in the $300K+ range, with up to 9.0–12.0 months of supply.
• Saraland & Semmes: Balanced to soft markets across most price points, giving buyers more leverage than earlier this year.
• Dauphin Island: Still slow-moving with 9.0–21.0 months of supply, depending on price point—plenty of inventory to choose from.

Takeaway: Mobile County is entering more balanced territory. Buyers have more breathing room and time to evaluate options, particularly in Springhill and Dauphin Island.

What This Means for You

For Sellers:

• Price competitively and lean into expert marketing—especially in areas like Orange Beach and Gulf Shores condos where inventory is high.
• Homes priced under $400K are still seeing strong absorption in Baldwin County.

For Buyers:

• Explore high-inventory pockets: beach condos, Mobile suburbs, and higher-end properties.
• More supply = more negotiating power and less urgency. 

For updated information for your specific neighborhood, as some are still experiencing low supply in certain price points, contact your Bellator agent today.