2022 Annual Report: Breaking New Ground
A Note from 2022 HAAR President, Isaac Winkles
Every president at the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® has set the bar high for what they want to accomplish for members and the market in the short year they’re at the helm, and I was no different in 2022.
I am proud to report that we hit those high marks – largely because of HAAR’s entire Leadership Team, Board of Directors, committee chairs and members, and our engaging membership.
The theme for my presidency in HAAR’s 75th anniversary year was ‘Breaking New Ground’, and that’s exactly what we did. We broke new ground and we broke new records.
In this year’s annual report, you’ll see record-breaking stats in education, advocacy, volunteerism, and service to our members. You’ll see an association that refused to rest on its laurels and use its hunger for a higher level of excellence to achieve just that.
And we did it together.
Breaking New Ground represents a responsible but ambitious mindset that pushes us to never be satisfied with where we are. We can always do better for our members, for our market, and for our Madison County.
I am grateful for the partnership of our Leadership Team, Board of Directors, our CEO Josh McFall and staff, who took the best ideas and developed them to make them better.
In his duties as President-elect, Chris Hulser oversaw our advocacy and RPAC efforts in a historic year for both departments.
Vice President Lore Hislop guided education and outreach programs in 2022 that can serve as models of success for years to come.
Tamara Fox completed her final year as Treasurer, setting up both HAAR and ValleyMLS.com for continued financial success.
And serving a second time as MLS Chair, Zelda Friedman administered more technological advancements for subscribers while ensuring the biggest bang for their buck.
Thank you for the opportunity to work for you as the president at HAAR. I look forward to continuing my service as MLS Chair in 2023 – and in volunteer positions in the years to come.
The title of ‘President’ isn’t the top of the mountain. It’s another way for us to give back before our next project.
As with many past presidents at HAAR, just because our year is over it doesn’t mean we stop volunteering or investing in RPAC.
I intend to continue giving back to our members, our market, and our Madison County because that’s what we do – and that’s Who We R®.
The 7-5 Challenge
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of HAAR’s charter, we offered a $5,000 prize to one lucky member who completed seven tasks that move their career forward.
The grand prize was funded by an award HAAR won for leading the nation in C2EX completion rate – one of only three associations nationwide to receive such an honor.
Stevi Dixon was our BIG winner, having her name drawn at the HAARliday Party at Orion Amphitheater in December!
BREAKING NEW GROUND
In 2021, Realtors® sold nearly 10,000 houses in Madison County. As sales leveled out to pre-pandemic numbers, the value of owning a home in North Alabama remained as strong as ever.
For HAAR, our top priority remains safeguarding that value while ensuring all pricepoints have the inventory to offer the American Dream to income earners across the board.
As Realtors® and their association closed the books on 2021, we stood ready to Break New Ground in 2022.
New Leadership
HAAR officers took a hands-on approach to navigating members through a constantly-changing landscape and new policies created from NAR and governmental institutions alike. Meeting weekly, the Leadership Team ensured they and HAAR staff remained prepared and nimble to take on new challenges, no matter how short the timeline was presented in front of us.
Broker Excellence
Professionalism, Ethics and Education are cornerstones at the foundation of our industry and the Broker Excellence Award recognizes a HAAR Broker who not only defends these principles, but moves to strengthen them while leveraging their experience to ensure they remain strong for years to come.
At the 2022 Gala and Installation Banquet, Kathy Mann was chosen by her peers as this year’s Broker Excellence Award Winner
That's Who We R®: The Code of Ethics
At the 2019 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in San Francisco, the Board of Directors approved the recommendation to extend the Code of Ethics training cycles to three years, with Cycle 6 ending in December 2021.
We are proud to report that XX% of our members fulfilled their Code of Ethics continuing education requirements.
NAREB Hosts 'State of Black Housing in America' at HAAR
In January, the Alabama Association of Real Estate Brokers held its annual State of Housing in Black America event at HAAR. The summit also included NAREB Region VI President Marcus Brown and NAREB Alabama State President Therita Lawler.
HAAR looks forward to a continued partnership with NAREB to ensure Democracy in Housing and equitable opportunity for all.
Breaking New Ground in Supporting the Community
ValleyMLS.com Raises $20,000 for Military Families
ValleyMLS.com is a proud sponsor of the U.S. Army’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program, and has partnered with the organization to provide unlimited cards that can be used for free rounds of golf at Links at Redstone. Each card generates revenue for the MWR program.
In 2022, ValleyMLS.com was a top sponsor at Redstone, generating more than $20,000 for military families in the community, bringing Realtors’ lifetime total to $33,000!
Scan the QR code to the left to view restrictions and book free rounds of golf. Free cards are available at HAAR!
New Hire at HAAR: Julie Klein
RPAC Hall of Fame
2022 was a year of milestones not only for our association, but for our members as well. Ginny Brandau and Betty Hughes – two past presidents who have served in just about every volunteer leadership position imaginable at HAAR – reached new levels of recognition in NAR’s RPAC Hall of Fame. Thank you to all of our RPAC investors who help us defend private property rights and the dream of owning a home!
February Happy Hour @ Fractal
HAAR kicked off its meetings calendar in a fun way for our members with the first Happy Hour of the year at Fractal Brewing Project! It was a rainy evening, but the storm couldn’t keep away our members from catching up and enjoying food from New Orleans Lunchbox and Fractal Brewing Project’s local selection of beverages.
'Hidden Figures No Longer' Event at HAAR
HAAR was proud to be chosen by the Huntsville Historical Foundation as the site for a special event, educating the public on the women who broke the color line and exercised their right to vote in 1920.
Promoting COVID Assistance
As the community cautiously emerged from the pandemic, HAAR was there every step of the way to promote COVID assistance programs to members and their clients alike from our local, county, state and federal governments.
New Hire at HAAR: Christina Hearne
RPAC in Action: First Time & Second Chance Homebuyer Savings Account Act
RPAC and Realtor® advocacy stepped up in a big way this year to ensure the Alabama legislature passed HB171, the First-time and Second Change Home Buyers Savings Account Act.
The state legislature operates in session only a few months out of the year and ensuring this legislation was placed on the calendar and passed – then signed into law by Governor Ivey in May – is just another example of RPAC in Action.
HAAR Speaker Series: Vaughn Poe
HAAR holds regular Broker Forums so that local brokers have a consistent way to meet, collaborate, and bring the toughest issues facing our industry to our attention. We routinely bring in speakers that provide a direct line to organizations like the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC). In February, HAAR brought AREC Executive Director Vaughn Poe to Huntsville to answer direct questions from brokers.
HAAR Speaker Series: Andrew Barbar
HAAR kicked off a year of big membership meetings with Florida REALTORS® Past President, Former Region 5 RVP and NAR RPAC Liaison Andrew Barbar! Andrew also joined us for our annual Major Investor event at Cotton Row in Huntsville – and of course sat down with CEO Josh McFall for HAAR Talks while he was in town.
RPAC in Action: Delaying Appraisal Requirement
The National Association of REALTORS® recently asked Fannie Mae and the Federal Housing Finance Agency to delay a recently-announced requirement for appraisers to use ANSI® Z765-2021 (American National Standards Institute®) for measuring, calculating, and reporting above-grade and below-grade square footage for appraisals requiring interior and exterior inspections with an effective date of April 1, 2022.
Member Benefit: Free Tickets to Home & Garden Shows
Through local partnerships with organizations like the Huntsville Madison County Builders Association, HAAR members have access to special benefits all year, including free admission to events like the Spring Home + Garden Show. Be on the lookout in The Weekly newlsetter and HAAR.realtor to see what’s to come in 2023!
RPAC in Action (Again): Pushing Congress to Expand AHPs
The National Association of REALTORS® responded to the Congressional Healthy Future Task Force Affordability Subcommittee’s request for input on how to make health care more affordable for a versatile and diverse American workforce. In its response, NAR advocated for a return to expanded Association Health Plans, making insurance options available to sole proprietors, along with addition innovative policy solutions.
The Competition.Realtor website serves as a hub of information about how REALTORS® and local MLS broker marketplaces create competitive, efficient, pro-consumer markets. The site is a resource for the likes of media, consumers and elected officials and is meant to empower members like you to serve as informed ambassadors. Take a look below
RPAC in Action (Again): Federal Budget
On March 15, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, a $1.5 trillion omnibus spending package that will keep the government running and funded through Sept. 30.
The bipartisan bill funds the government through the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 and contains many NAR advocacy priorities, including flood insurance, affordable housing, and transportation
Q1 Real Estate Economic Report: 45% of Homes Selling Above List, <$200k Sales Continue 3-year Decline
The first quarter of 2022 brought major price increases in not only home prices but also in the overall cost of living. The number of homes sold remained at elevated levels compared to the level of inventory of listed homes. Homes priced above $300,000 accounted for 60% of all homes sold and 82% of all listed homes. The number of homes sold priced above $350,000 continued to grow.
The number of listed homes has remained below 1,000 in total for twenty consecutive months. In 2022, the inventory of homes priced below $300,000 fell while homes priced in the $200,000 to $300,000 fell for the first time in the quarter one.
April Happy Hour @ Beezr
HAAR members welcomed Spring with a Happy Hour on the square in downtown Huntsville at Beezr. We are thankful for our sponsors for making these events possible!
Fair Housing: A Top Priority for North Alabama and HAAR
Every April, HAAR marks Fair Housing month with classes, special events and more to ensure that the governing principle of Fair Housing is top-of-mind for Realtors all year.
HAAR was proud to once again partner with the Huntsville Housing Authority to answer questions, provide a progress report to Realtors and demonstrate how property owners can boost their bottom line while strengthening the community. Stay tuned in 2023 as HAAR partners with more local organizations to level-up its commitment to Fair Housing.
Working with Local Officials to Recognize Fair Housing Laws
We are grateful for our local elected officials and their staffs for making North Alabama the greatest place in the country to live. We are further thankful for our leaders’ recognition of how important Fair Housing and real estate professionals are to our local economy. In April, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley and Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong all signed proclamations again recognizing April as Fair Housing month in our community.
HAAR Speaker Series: Brian Boero
We continued to bring high-profile speakers to our members, this time welcoming 1000watt founder and CEO Brian Boero to our Broker Forum in April.
Before cofounding 1000watt, Brian served as President of Inman, real estate’s leading trade media company, and as CEO of VREO, where he created e-signature and document management software for tablet PCs. Brian has led dozens of companies through complex brand and marketing challenges and leads the 1000watt team daily.
Brian’s ‘What Consumers Are Telling Us’ Presentation was invaluable for area brokers interested in the latest consumer trends.
HAAR Successfully Urges AREC to Extend Virtual CE
The Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC) announced in April they would extend the option for REALTORS® to attend continuing education classes and earn CE hours through virtual platforms like Zoom.
AREC had previously indicated that the virtual option for classroom courses would expire on April 30, 2022. On March 1, HAAR President Isaac Winkles and Josh McFall wrote to the commission, urging them to reconsider extending the virtual classroom option until the continuing education deadline on September 30, 2022.
Click below to read HAAR’s March letter to AREC.
RPAC in Action (Again): Floor Plan Copyrights
In April, The National Association of REALTORS® led a large coalition of stakeholders in the real estate industry—property owners, real estate professionals, appraisers, portals, valuation, and public records companies, and others—that is urging the Supreme Court to review and overturn a federal appeals court threatening copyright liability for the use of floor plans in the sale of a home. Read more at HAAR.realtor.
BIG New Member Benefit: Unlimited Free Day Passes to Huntsville Botanical Garden
In April, the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors announced a new affiliation with the Huntsville Botanical Garden to enhance member benefits and provide more ways for you to connect with your clients. From complimentary passes to special event access and more, please join us in thanking HBG for this partnership!
Email Keisha Tibbs at keisha@valleymls.com to request up to ten passes to pick up at HAAR. Click below to read more.
HAAR Leadership Scholarships
This year, HAAR continued its Leadership Development Reimbursement Program, aimed at providing assistance to qualified REALTOR® applicants to further their leadership potential, which would accelerate them in their growth into a leadership role at the association.
RPAC in Action (Again): Madison County Primary Elections
In May’s Madison County Primary Elections, HAAR sent its candidate questionnaire to all declared candidates. Those who responded were invited to discuss their campaign with the REALTOR Party workgroup, which provided endorsement recommendations to our Board of Directors.
As you’ll see throughout the year, the REALTOR Party workgroup met several times and volunteered countless hours to ensure members – and the general public – know where candidates stand on homeownership and private property rights.
Fair Housing Never Stops: Trista Curzydlo Teaches @ HAAR
Realtor favorite instructor Trista Curzydlo joined HAAR in May to teach a fun and engaging Fair Housing course to members. The industry has changed significantly since the Fair Housing Act was adopted more than 50 years ago – and in this class, members followed the Act’s history, learned about enforcement, and the changes real estate professionals have and haven’t made to their practices.
Curzydlo is a sought-after speaker and instructor in the real estate world, and we look forward to bringing her back to Huntsville as soon as possible!
Cinco De Mayo Happy Hour @ HAAR
While many Realtors couldn’t make it to NAR Midyear Legislative Meetings in National Harbor, MD, members were still treated to HAAR’s next Happy Hour, celebrating Cinco de Mayo at the association office.
NAR Midyear Meetings in National Harbor, MD
In May, HAAR leaders attended HOME FRONT, the 2022 Realtors® Legislative Meetings conference at National Harbor, Maryland. Focusing on protecting rights, expanding access and building prosperity, members met with federal legislators, provided input on committees, and learned new ways to make the association work for you and your bottom line. Click below to read a recap of the week.
Breaking New Ground in Innovation
ValleyMLS.com Wins RESO Award
At the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) conference in Tucson, Arizona in May, ValleyMLS.com was recognized for its achievement in RESO’s most forward-thinking products and leadership in Web API adoption.
ValleyMLS.com was among the very first to completely move data vendors from RETS to API. Read more about RETS & API below.
Breaking New Ground in Advocacy
Realtors® Reach ARPAC Goal In Less Than Six Months
Realtors® rallied in 2022 to reach our ARPAC goal at the fastest rate in association history – investing a total of $107,435.89 in the most effective advocacy organization in North Alabama, Montgomery and the halls of Congress. HAAR’s blew past its annual goal of nearly $98,000.
HAAR members also invested in greater numbers. Seventy more members invested their fair share ($35) or more – and the association boasted 8 more major investors for a total of 37 who contributed $1,000 or more.
HAAR Speaker Series: The Bowtie Economist
Economic trends were made as lively and engaging as possible as Realtors® were treated to a presentation from Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, the Bowtie Economist, during our June membership meeting.
Dr. Eisenberg sends out 70 words on the economy every day through his newsletter. Sign up for graphs and laughs at econ70.com.
Breaking New Ground in Service & Staff Management
HAAR & ValleyMLS Named 'Best Places to Work'
HAAR & ValleyMLS.com were named a ‘Great Place to Work’, a ‘Best Place for Working Parents’, and a contender for ‘Best Places to Work’ locally by the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce.
2022 was the second year running both the association and MLS received the ‘Great Place to Work’ certification. The accolade places both organizations alongside some of the nation’s top employers like DHL, Hilton, Cisco, 3M and others.
Breaking New Ground in Community Service
Realtors® in Action Break Volunteer Records
Q2 Real Estate Economic Report: High Demand & Low Supply Continue, Some Price Points Balance
The inventory of homes listed for sale rose significantly in the second quarter of 2022 to 1,055 homes which was the first time since July 2020 to exceed 1,000 homes. This inventory increase included a 185% increase in newly constructed homes and an 81% increase in existing homes available at the end of the 2Q. Months of supply remained below one month for another quarter.
Sales growth occurred in all home price bands above $300,000 while unit sales fell in all price bands below $300,000 compared to Q2 2021. The largest percentage growth (82%) occurred in homes priced above $650,000. In absolute terms, the most homes (724) were sold in the $350,000-$500,000 range.
National Code of Ethics Day 2022
HAAR hosted a full house of members who knocked out their Cycle 7 Code of Ethics requirement as early as possible on National Code of Ethics Day in June. Still need to fulfill your requirement? Click below to register for the 2023 Livestream!
Breaking New Ground in Education
Members Earn More Than 3,300 CE Hours in 3 Days
Fun in the Sun at the Realtor® Carnival
RPAC in Action (Again): Huntsville City Elections
In August’s Huntsville City Elections, HAAR sent its candidate questionnaire to all declared candidates. Those who responded were invited to discuss their campaign with the REALTOR Party workgroup, which provided endorsement recommendations to our Board of Directors.
The workgroup volunteered countless hours to ensure members and the general public know where candidates stand on homeownership and private property rights.
HAAR Speaker Series: Maura Neill
Member favorite Maura Neill returned to Alabama this August for our Realtor® of the Year Luncheon at Burritt on the Mountain. Maura delivered a message that focused on a work-life balance that achieves success for members and their clients.
Maura actively represents clients on a day-to-day basis in the Atlanta area, and is an active international real estate speaker. The Atlanta Board of REALTORS 2015 REALTOR of the Year and Georgia CRS of the Year for 2014, she serves on numerous local, state and national REALTOR committees and is an RPAC Major Investor and President’s Circle.
Award Season: Realtor® of the Year
In August, we were thrilled to name Zelda Friedman as the 2022 HAAR Realtor® of the Year! Zelda served as 2021 President and 2022 ValleyMLS.com Chair – her second time in the latter position.
“If a rising tide lifts all boats, Zelda always has a hand in raising the sea level.” – Cindi Peters-Tanner, 2021 ROTY
Zelda has been instrumental in promoting education through programs like C2EX, securing national recognition for HAAR and encouraging countless Realtors to get involved. When Realtors in Action organizes a charity drive, she is among the first to sign up, leading by example.
Award Season: Affiliate of the Year
HAAR’s engaging and expert affiliate members support our events, special projects, educational programs and so much more behind the scenes. For the association to empower a thriving real estate market, we depend on affiliate members who know how to work together with their colleagues and lift up the entire industry. People like 2022 Affiliate of the Year Kristy Smith.
Kristy is known for squeezing 25 hours out of every day. Always among the first to participate, their record of support of HAAR is lengthy, helping the association to provide a higher level of service to all members. – 2021 AOTY Janice Gilbreath
Award Season: Good Neighbor Award
In only its second year, the HAAR Good Neighbor Award was gratefully given to Kathy Lawrence for her passion for helping some of our must vulnerable neighbors.
If I mentioned everything this year’s winner has done for people and animals in need, we’d be here for a while. – Award sponsor Christina Smith
Kathy has raised thousands of dollars for organizations like HAWS – Helping Animals Without Shelter – to get animals out of inhumane conditions and ready for a new home.
She also manages “Weichert Cares” for her office, recently organizing projects for our community’s homeless, students in need, exhausted health care providers, and more.
HAAR Members Nominated for State Awards
Two members were also honored for their nomination for state awards. Past President Sha Jarboe was nominated for the Robert Jemison Award, recognizing long and valued association service. Jenny Shaneyfelt was nominated for the Arthur B. Pope Education achievement award for her tireless work to advance Realtor® education programs. Thank you to our nominees for their selfless work on behalf of our market!
Realtor® Emeritus, Sid Pugh
Realtor® Emeritus status recognizes decades of consistent and effective service to the Realtor® brand at the local, state and national levels. HAAR Past President Sid Pugh has served in countless capacities on too many committees to count.
Sid is a Federal Political Coordinator for HAAR and a David D. Roberts Award winner with Alabama Realtors®. With a real estate career spanning 41 years, Pugh served as AAR president in 2018 and was Alabama REALTOR® of the Year in 2019.
His work on NAR’s Federal Financing and Housing Policy Committee improved the Veteran Home Loan Guaranty Program. We are grateful for the work Sid has done – and continues to do every day.
A Fond Farewell
In August, we bid a fond farewell to Mike Sandoval, who guided Realtor® education and professional development in North Alabama at HAAR for years.
A sports junkie and renaissance man, Mike has helped to build our industry since earning his license in 1996. He is a three-time Realtor® of the Year with the Morgan County Association of Realtors®, a two-time board president at MCAOR and served in some capacity at the association from 2000 until 2017 when he joined HAAR as Professional Development Manager.
Breaking New Ground in Placemaking
HAAR secured a grant through NAR earlier this year to work with Downtown Huntsville, Inc. on transforming a once-dimly lit and dangerous alley into something vibrant and engaging.
Now called Chandelier Alley, the bright pedestrian corridor is closing out its first season of summer night markets featuring interactive activities from Huntsville’s community art and entertainment partners.
“Realtors are more than door openers, we’re community partners committed to move our area forward every day,” said HAAR President Isaac Winkles. “We were proud to organize our Realtor® community to support and help clean up the area. Projects like these are what makes Huntsville and Madison County the best place to live in the world.”
Breaking New Ground in Community Service
Realtors® in Action marked Realtor® Safety Month with a special event in September, raising awareness and funds for local domestic violence and crisis service organizations. Thank you to the National Childrens Advocacy Center, AshaKiran and Crisis Services of North Alabama.
Speaking of Realtor® Safety Month, HAAR recognized September in a big way, sharing resources, tips and assets for offices to create their own safety programs. The goal of the REALTOR® Safety Program is to reduce the number of safety incidents that occur in the industry, so every REALTOR® comes home safely to his or her family every night. We will accomplish this goal together with our members by improving the Safety Culture in the industry: Talk about safety; create a safety plan and follow it; and encourage your fellow REALTORS® to do the same.
RPAC in Action (Again): Huntsville City Runoff Elections
As HAAR’s Realtor® Party Workgroup continued their efforts to ensure defenders of private property rights and homeownership are supported in their campaigns, we were proud to announce endorsements in Huntsville runoff campaigns for City Council and School Board.
The Realtor® Advantage Has Never Been More Clear
As a REALTOR, you know the value you bring to your clients and communities every day. The difference is real when working with a REALTOR and it’s important for consumers to understand that distinction. In September, a report was released that showed the advantage of working with a Realtor®.
Recent stats show that FSBOs made up just 7% of home sales in 2021—the lowest share since 1981. Some 12% of sellers sold their house without the help of a real estate agent in 2006. FSBO listings sold at a median of $260,000 in 2021, almost $60,000 lower than agent-assisted homes
Put simply – more consumers are learning the value of working with a REALTOR than ever before thanks to your professionalism and effective marketing campaigns.
While NAR’s “That’s Who We R” ad campaign tells your story through paid advertising, consumers also learn it from you. That’s why NAR has developed language to help you and every member of the National Association of REALTORS® succinctly and consistently articulate the REALTOR® difference.
Inventory Significantly Increases, Prices Level Out in Q3
The inventory of homes listed for sale rose significantly for a sixth consecutive month to 1,496 listings at the end of September. The 3Q average number of listings was almost twice the 2021 level. The greatest increase and number of 3Q listings were both in the $350-$500,000 price band (green band in Figure 1) which aligns with the price range of the most homes sold this quarter. Twenty-eight percent of sales this quarter were newly constructed. Months of supply (1.1 mo.) remained the same as 3Q 2021.
Sales prices continue to be strong with a 3Q 2022 median price of $336,000. This levels is 14.9% above the 3Q 2021 median price and about 1% below the 2Q 2022 median price of $340,701. Homes sold at a price above listing accounted for 38% of total sales compared to 50% in 3Q 2021. The number of sales below asking price rose to 27% compared to 15% one year ago.
Breaking New Ground: Our Biggest Expo Yet
HAAR Affiliate members did it again! At the 2022 Realtor® Expo, affiliates showed up in a big way with booths under the PrimeTime TV theme, offering their latest innovative services and resources for Realtors® and their clients.
Attendees at the annual HAAR + ValleyMLS.com business meeting at Trash Pandas Stadium were treated to a lively presentation from internationally-renown speaker Matthew D. Jones. The 3-time cancer conquerer provided perspective on finding gratitude in our every day lives an, even if you’re not running a race, how to find ways to celebrate VICTORY each and every day.
Members Elected to AAR Exec Committee & Board
Congratulations to HAAR members who were elected to Alabama REALTORS® Executive Committee and Board of Directors positions! Thank you to all who threw their hat into the ring and volunteer their time and talents to lead at the state association!
New Hire at HAAR: Jay Jennings
HAAR Members Elected to NAR Committees
HAAR Volunteer Leaders Announced
The Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® depends on the enthusiastic engagement of its members to ensure the association moves to the next level. For 2023, we are excited to announce another great group of volunteer leaders to continue our responsible yet ambitious growth in the coming year.
Member Happy Hour @ Stovehouse
HAAR Members closed out the year with our biggest and most well-attended Happy Hour of the year! Thank you to our sponsors who supported these events and of course our members who are the reason for everything we do! We were thrilled to partner with NALCOM on this event and provide the chance for residential real estate pros catch up with their commercial counterparts.
New Member Benefit: Huntsville Business Journal
We announced another BIG partnership with the Huntsville Business Journal in November, which brings a new benefit to members. Realtors® and Affiliate members now enjoy a complimentary subscription to the Huntsville Business Journal as well as free access to their subscriber newsletter.
200+ Realtors® Learn to Better Serve Veterans
Providing opportunity for Realtors® to advance their careers and better serve clients is a key principle in our strategic plan. Right before Veterans Day, two MRP classes at Trash Pandas Stadium and Gunter’s Landing sold out almost immediately. Taught by instructor Maura Neill, we are proud to report that 200+ Realtors® in North Alabama are now better equipped to serve those who fought to defend our nation.
HAAR Speaker Series: Leigh Brown
The return of the Leadership Summit was a BIG one this year, with Realtor® celebrity speaker Leigh Brown. Leigh provided a presentation to brokers and agents, inspiring more members to take the reins of leadership in their personal and professional lives.
RPAC in Action (Again): Saving Taxpayer Dollars
HAAR was proud to partner with Madison Forward to help the City of Madison move toward a City Manager model, which would boost efficiency, accountability, transparency, management, and continuity. Click below to read more.
Breaking New Ground in Partnerships
The association’s partnership with commercial real estate and NALCOM took a big step forward this year. In addition to welcoming NALCOM members to our November Happy Hour, CEO Josh McFall joined the panel at the 4th Annual NALCOM CRE Forum. We look forward to greater things to come as we work together to support a thriving real estate market in North Alabama.
NAR NXT: Rain or Shine - or Hurricane
NAR NXT is the largest annual event for the most successful real estate professionals. Education and networking sessions cover every aspect of the real estate industry with prime speakers from around the globe. And this year, nothing – not even a potential hurricane – could keep HAAR staff and members from this learning and growth opportunity.
Learning & Sharing Knowledge
HAAR Professional Development Manager Jay Jennings was appointed as Vice Chair of NAR’s Local Education Directors Committee at NAR NXT in Orlando, Florida.
The Local Education Director Committee develops high-quality education and professional development curriculum for REALTORS®, and helps association staff implement best practices across the country.
Jay’s work on NAR’s Local Education Director Committee as Vice Chair will continue to give HAAR – and REALTORS® in North Alabama – an influential and effective voice on the national scene.
Breaking New Ground: Transforming Neighborhoods
HAAR was one of only THREE associations in the country to receive a complimentary research study on an area in our community that could benefit from targeted development. Working with the City of Huntsville and The Counselors of Real Estate®, the study was completed in February and a preliminary presentation was provided to Mayor Battle, his team and the more than 20 local stakeholders who had input on the project.
The full project will be finalized in the first quarter of 2023. Thank you to the residents, pastors, developers, public sector leaders, elected officials, business owners and others who provided a diverse voice to our researchers.
Watch this space!
Breaking New Ground: Holiday Cheer
HAAR partnered with NALCOM to bring holiday cheer to our members in December at the Orion Amphitheater. Members enjoy music, food, drinks, ice skating and the opportunity to catch up with colleagues.
Realtors® in Action Give Back
Building off its record-breaking Service Week where Realtors® gave more than 450 hours of their time to local charities, Realtors® in Action marked giving week with a clothing drive in support of Downtown Rescue Mission. Thank you to all those who joined the clothing drive and provided more than 200 items to those in need in our community!
Breaking New Ground: New Tools for Your Business
STREAMLINING YOUR WORKFLOW. Get ready to work smarter, not harder! With the CONNECT DASHBOARD, you will access a modern and intuitive portal for all your tools, apps and services. This new tool is just one of the new innovative resources at the fingertips of HAAR members – and all ValleyMLS.com subscribers.
