Buying or selling a house? Here’s why the government shutdown could make both harder

The federal government shutdown could slow down a Huntsville housing market that seemed to be picking up steam just a month ago.

According to ValleyMLS data put out by the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors , home sales surged above 2024 levels last month in Madison, Limestone, Marshall, Morgan and Lawrence counties. But the shutdown began on Oct. 1 and could present obstacles for area residents looking to purchase a home.

The impact is not limited to employees of the federal government, who make up a significant portion of residents in the Tennessee Valley and are not receiving paychecks.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the U.S. Department of Agriculture halts the issuance of new direct and guaranteed home loans, and any scheduled direct‑loan closings are post