Homebuyers may have been pleasantly surprised when looking for a home during May in the Huntsville area.

Home prices were almost flat, and even a little lower in some areas than they were a year ago. And buyers are finding they have more time to negotiate with the seller, according to stats released by ValleyMLS.

“Our latest stats show a real estate market with strong foundations,” said Chris Hulser, president of the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors. “As homebuyers and their Realtors travel north Alabama neighborhoods, they’re seeing a market that allows for more time and negotiation. These numbers are great to see in any market, even considering the breakneck pace we saw in the last two years.”

In Huntsville and Madison County, the average home price in May was $387,000, up only $5,000 from a year ago at this time.

“This shows the resilience and demand of our market even with an unprecedented 10 straight rate hikes,” added Realtor Matt Curtis.