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Recognizing Excellence: HAAR Award Nominations Now Open

03/04/2026

HAAR Award Nominations Are Open!

It’s time to shine a spotlight on the leaders, innovators, and helping hands that make our real estate community exceptional. We are officially accepting nominations for our prestigious annual awards!
Do you know a colleague who goes above and beyond? A broker who leads with integrity? Or a neighbor who transforms our community? Now is your chance to ensure their hard work is recognized.
Deadline: All surveys must be completed by July 1st to be considered.

🏅 The Awards 🏅

  • Realtor® of the Year: Honoring a member who demonstrates the highest level of professional standards and service to HAAR.
  • Broker Excellence Award: Celebrating a broker who leads by example, fostering a culture of mentorship and professionalism.
  • HAAR Good Neighbor Award: Highlighting a member who makes a significant impact through volunteer work and community service.
  • Affiliate of the Year: Recognizing an industry partner who has shown outstanding support and dedication to our association.

🏆 How to Nominate 🏆

Please use the links below to submit your nominations. Realtors are encouraged to self-nominate. After all, who knows you better than you? 
Pro Tip: If you’re nominating a colleague, we recommend reaching out to them directly. This ensures you have the most accurate and complete information to make their candidacy stand out!

Deadline: All surveys must be completed by July 1st to be considered.
REALTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
BROKER EXCELLENCE AWARD
GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD
AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR AWARD

🏆 How to Nominate 🏆

Please use the links below to submit your nominations. Realtors are encouraged to self-nominate. After all, who knows you better than you? 
Pro Tip: If you’re nominating a colleague, we recommend reaching out to them directly. This ensures you have the most accurate and complete information to make their candidacy stand out!

Deadline: All surveys must be completed by July 1st to be considered.
REALTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
BROKER EXCELLENCE AWARD
GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD
AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR AWARD

📆 Save the Date: August 6th 📆

We will celebrate the winners and our entire HAAR family at the usual stunning location, Burritt on the Mountain, on August 6th at 11:30am.
Register now through your dashboard, because seats are limited!
Thank you for your time, your input, and for helping us celebrate the best of the best in our industry!
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Introducing the ValleyMLS App!

03/02/2026

Faster Than a Speeding Search — Try the ValleyMLS App!​

Mobile App Highlights!

  • Intuitive search filters
  • Save and share listings
  • Calculate mortgage rates
  • Device notifications for listing changes

ValleyMLS App FAQ’s

What makes ValleyMLS different from Zillow or other national apps?

ValleyMLS is powered directly by our local MLS, meaning listings update in real time with the most accurate information on homes in North Alabama. Zillow and other national apps often experience delays, so a home that looks “available” there may already be under contract here.
Do I need to be a REALTOR® to use ValleyMLS?

No! ValleyMLS is free and available to anyone searching for homes. It’s the same trusted data REALTORS® use daily—now available at your fingertips.
Can buyers connect with REALTORS® through ValleyMLS?
 
Yes! ValleyMLS not only gives you the most accurate, real-time listing updates, but it also helps buyers easily find and connect with local REALTORS®—trusted experts who know North Alabama best.
Is the ValleyMLS app only for homebuyers?

 

No! While it’s great for buyers, renters and home sellers can benefit too. The app includes rental listings and tools like the valuation feature to help sellers understand their home’s market value.
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Anti-Money Laundering Rule Aimed at All-Cash Buyers Goes Into Effect March 1

02/27/2026

Closing and settlement agents will be responsible for submitting a new report to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
To help members under the rule and provide best practices, NAR is hosting a no-cost webinar featuring a FinCEN official at 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11. Members can register here. An FAQ page has just been published and a Window to the Law video will follow next week.
A new federal residential real estate rule aimed at cracking down on money laundering goes into effect Sunday.
Under the rule, when entities or trusts buy residential real property without financing, including all-cash sales and sales involving non-regulated lenders, a report listing the names of the entity or trusts’ individual beneficial owners, addresses, Social Security numbers and more, must be reported to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Exceptions are included herepdf.
In general, a closing or settlement agent is responsible for collecting the information and submitting the Real Estate Report to FinCEN by a date 30-60 days following the transaction’s closing. If a closing or settlement agent is not involved there’s a line of succession to whom the responsibility falls.
While real estate agents and brokers won’t be involved in the reporting process, it’s important they’re aware of the change to educate buyers so that their clients are prepared. Title companies and closing attorneys likely will not close one of these transactions unless all required information is collected prior to closing.
To help members under the rule and provide best practices, NAR is hosting a no-cost webinar featuring a FinCEN official at 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11. Members can register here. An FAQ page has just been published and a Window to the Law video will follow next week.
The reports, which the agency says will be maintained in a secure database and inaccessible to the public, are designed to deter bad actors from exploiting loopholes in the real estate settlement process.
“Although there are many legitimate reasons to use legal entities and trusts to own residential real property, illicit actors intent on laundering funds through residential real property often use legal entities and trusts to disguise their identities and make the proceeds of crime more difficult to identify,” FinCEN says. “Illicit actors often favor non-financed transfers (including ‘all-cash’ sales) of residential real estate to avoid scrutiny from financial institutions that have anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism program and Suspicious Activity Report filing requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act.”
It’s difficult to approximate how many transactions this rule will impact. The National Association of REALTORS® has estimates for residential all-cash buyers and residential purchases by entities (including trusts), but not both.
Last year, roughly 28% of buyers did not finance their home purchase, according to an average of the NAR’s monthly REALTORS® Confidence Indexes. In addition, nearly 22% of residential purchases were bought by an entity (including trusts), the association found.
In its notice of proposed rulemaking, FinCEN said about 800,000–850,000 transactions annually will need a report.
The rule got off to a bit of a bumpy start. It was originally slated to take effect back in December 2025, but FinCEN postponed it in September to “provide the industry with more time to comply.” Just last week, however, it withstood a challenge in court filed by a title insurance company. The judge found in favor of the U.S. government that the rule was within the authority of FinCEN and did not violate the Fourth Amendment.
For more information FinCEN published an extensive FAQ on its website: https://www.fincen.gov/rre-faqs
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Kathy Mann: A Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Excellence

02/26/2026

Broker | Instructor | Mentor | Past President

In the North Alabama real estate community, some names are synonymous with integrity and professional standard. Kathy Mann is one of them. With a career defined by a “service-above-self” mentality, Kathy has transitioned from serving her country and saving lives in healthcare to becoming one of the most influential leaders in Alabama real estate.

A Foundation of Service

Kathy’s journey began with a commitment to duty, serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves. This discipline followed her into her first civilian career as a pediatric oncology and neonatal intensive care nurse. After graduating cum laude from Prairie View A&M University, Kathy navigated the high-stakes environments of critical care—experiences that forged the empathy, patience, and resilience she brings to every real estate transaction today.

Breaking Barriers & Leading the Industry

Since entering real estate in 2005, Kathy hasn’t just participated in the industry; she has shaped it. Her uncompromised commitment to excellence led her to several historic milestones:
  • HAAR Past President: In 2016, Kathy served as the first Black Woman President of the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR).
  • REALTOR® of the Year: In 2018, Kathy was recognized by her peers for her professional standards and contributions to the industry.
  • Broker Excellence Award Winner: In 2022, Kathy was honored for her superior management, mentorship, and dedication to the craft of brokerage.
  • RPAC Major Investor: A dedicated advocate for property rights and the real estate profession.

A Mentor and Educator

Kathy believes that the “Promise of Fair Housing” isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a professional mission. As a regular instructor at HAAR, Kathy shares her deep institutional knowledge with the next generation of REALTORS®. Whether she is teaching her signature class, “Delivering the Promise of Fair Housing,” or acting as a guiding presence for association staff and colleagues, Kathy is a tireless mentor who elevates everyone around her.

Rooted in Huntsville

Despite her long list of accolades, Kathy remains most passionate about the people of North Alabama. She is a firm believer in the “friendly hometown atmosphere” of the Huntsville area and stays active in her local church and various charities.
When she isn’t advocating for her clients or leading a classroom, you’ll find Kathy enjoying the vibrant festivals and live concerts that make our region home, or spending well-deserved time with her family.
Kathy Mann remains a steadfast pillar of the North Alabama community—leading with heart, every step of the way.
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REtechnology: 10 Content Ideas You Should Be Posting Right Now

02/25/2026

If you’re in real estate and ever find yourself staring at a blank content calendar — or worse, ghosting your audience for weeks — you’re not alone. With a busy schedule of showings, contracts, and closings, it’s easy to push marketing to the back burner. But consistent, value-driven content is one of the most powerful tools you have to stay top-of-mind, build trust, and generate leads online.
To help you stay visible and relevant, here are 10 easy and effective content ideas every real estate agent should be posting right now — whether you’re building a brand or just want to boost engagement fast.

1. Local Market Updates

Your audience wants to know what’s happening in their neighborhoods — and you’re the best person to tell them. Post monthly or seasonal updates that include key stats like average home prices, inventory levels, and time on market. Keep it simple and local: use a chart, infographic, or even a short video to explain what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers in your area.

2. Tips for Buyers and Sellers

This is evergreen content that remains timeless and never goes out of style. Share quick tips like “5 Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make” or “How to Prepare Your Home for a Summer Sale.” These types of posts position you as a knowledgeable guide and help demystify the process for your clients. Bonus: You can easily repurpose these into blog posts, reels, or email campaigns.

3. Local Business Spotlights

Want to boost your engagement and show you’re truly local? Highlight small businesses, restaurants, or service providers in the communities you serve. Whether it’s a new coffee shop, a long-standing family-run bakery, or your favorite dog groomer, this content is highly shareable and creates goodwill with other local entrepreneurs.

3. Local Business Spotlights

Want to boost your engagement and show you’re truly local? Highlight small businesses, restaurants, or service providers in the communities you serve. Whether it’s a new coffee shop, a long-standing family-run bakery, or your favorite dog groomer, this content is highly shareable and creates goodwill with other local entrepreneurs.

4. Community Events or Neighborhood Feature Promotions

Post about upcoming events, farmers markets, festivals, or even a hidden hiking trail in your area. Buyers aren’t just looking for a home — they’re looking for a lifestyle. Sharing content like this helps potential clients picture themselves living in your community, and gives you more reach with a wider local audience.

5. Client Testimonials and Success Stories

Nothing sells like social proof. Share testimonials from happy clients or tell the story of how you helped someone buy their dream home or sell it quickly for above the asking price. Include photos (with permission), a quote, or even a short video. These posts are powerful because they speak directly to your future clients’ hopes and fears.

6. A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Your Day

Your job might seem routine to you, but to the average person, real estate is a mystery. Sharing a “day in the life” post or a story of what goes into prepping a listing can help humanize your brand and show the work ethic behind the scenes. People want to work with someone they like and trust — this kind of transparency fosters both.

7. New Listings and Just Sold Properties

These are staple content pieces for a reason, but add a twist to make them stand out. Instead of just saying “Just Listed,” talk about what makes the home unique. For a “Just Sold” post, share how you marketed it or the results you achieved (e.g., “Sold in four days with six offers!”). Include high-quality images or a video walkthrough for maximum impact.

8. Before and After Transformations

If you’ve helped a seller prep their home or staged a vacant property, show the transformation. Before-and-after visuals are incredibly engaging and showcase your value as more than just a transaction facilitator — you’re a strategic partner in getting homes sold. This kind of content is perfect for Instagram and Pinterest.

9. Busted Real Estate Myths

Numerous misconceptions are circulating in the real estate industry, including “You need 20% down,” “Spring is the only good time to sell,” and “Agents just open doors.” Use short posts or videos to debunk these myths and educate your audience. It positions you as a trusted expert while giving people something to talk about or share.

10. Polls and Quizzes

Ask your audience on social media fun and easy questions, such as: “Would you rather have a chef’s kitchen or a spa bathroom?” or “Guess the listing price!” Interactive content increases engagement and helps you understand what your audience is interested in — whether that’s features, neighbourhoods, or price ranges.
Want help creating and posting content regularly? Delta Media Group helps real estate professionals transform great ideas into consistent, high-performing content across their websites, blogs, emails, and social media platforms. Learn more here.
To view the original article, visit the Delta Media Group blog.
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Buyers gaining bargaining power on price

02/25/2026

Are lower prices mixed with lower rates the winning combo? More builders and sellers are hoping a lower price will boost sales.
Home buyers are gaining more negotiating leverage—and many are zeroing in on the price of listings. They’re increasingly finding discounts, too.
As home sales remain sluggish this winter, more sellers are reducing their asking prices. In the new-home market, homebuilders are leaning heavily on price cuts and incentives—more than at any point in recent years—in trying to bring more buyers to the closing table.
In February, 36% of builders reported cutting prices, with the average price reduction at 6%, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Another 65% offered incentives such as closing cost assistance, mortgage rate buydowns or design upgrades.
Some builders are layering incentives. For example, builders like Highland Homespdf are offering up to 50% off design upgrades—up to $100,000—plus up to $10,000 toward closing costs on its select homes through March. David Weekley Homespdf has advertised mortgage rates as low as 4.99% on move-in homes financed through its preferred partner.
The new-home market’s growing concessions are putting pressure on sellers of existing homes to stay competitive. Nationally, about 18% of existing-home listings had a discount as of late 2025. What’s more, nearly 11% of active listings, as of January, had at least three price cuts, according to a new analysis from realtor.com® of homes listed at its site. In Austin, Texas, 22% of listings had multiple price cuts—double the national trend.

The Pressure to ‘Price It Right’ Is On

By the end of 2025, price reductions were becoming more common in some markets. “Your home is worth what someone else is willing to pay … but sometimes that doesn’t line up with what sellers think,” says Kourtney Pulitzer, a real estate pro with Sotheby’s International Realty in Palm Beach, Fla. “It’s caused some sellers to overprice.”
That’s a costly mistake, she recently told Real Estate Today, because pricing high with the hope of leaving room to negotiate usually “leaves you without anyone to negotiate with. If you’re not priced realistically, buyers assume you’re not being realistic—and they won’t even make an offer.”
Sellers who price unrealistically, especially those who have already bought another home or need to move quickly, may find themselves chasing the market down instead of positioning ahead of it.

Should Sellers Be Worried?

While price cuts are increasing, most homeowners are still sitting on significant equity gains over the past several years.
Since January 2020, the typical homeowner has accumulated $130,500 in housing wealth, according to National Association of REALTORS® research.
Austin, Texas, for example, has one of the highest shares of listings with price cuts in the country. But the average homeowner in that city has gained roughly $170,000 in housing wealth over the past five years, according to NAR’s Metro Market Dashboard. Austin also has one of the highest months’ supply levels among the 50 largest metros—second only to Miami—meaning sellers are facing more competition and may need to price more strategically.
Some sellers, rather than reducing their asking price this winter, are opting to temporarily delist their home and wait for the spring market, recent studies show.
Nationally, home values remain elevated. The median existing-home sales price reached $398,800 last month—an all-time high for the month of January, NAR recently reported. Also, about three quarters of U.S. metro areas posted year-over-year price gains in the final quarter of 2025. However, the association’s research shows the share of appreciating markets has narrowed, signaling moderation rather than a broad decline.
For buyers, “affordability conditions are improving,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. NAR’s Housing Affordability Index shows housing is at its most affordable level since March 2022, largely because wage growth has outpaced home price gains and mortgage rates are at the lowest level in three years.
Also, the housing market has not been showing signs of distress. NAR’s research shows that foreclosures and short sales remain at historical lows, accounting for just 2% of January sales, down from 3% a year earlier.
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Missed the Weekly? Catch up now!

02/25/2026

Missed the weekly? Take a look below at what lead REALTOR® news in north Alabama and at HAAR this week!
  • A Legacy of Service
  • Happy Hour: Rum, Rhythm & Real Estate
  • January Fast Stats
  • Off-Season Marketing Plans
  • Don’t Wait for Better Markets
  • We Need You! Sign Up for 2026 Committees
  • SentriConnect vs. Access Codes
  • Education: Fair Housing, Free Floor Plans, Classes Thru April
READ THE WEEKLY
The Weekly is sponsored by Hays Farm:
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Annual and Q4 Real Estate Economics Report

02/17/2026

Huntsville Real Estate: 2025 Year in Review & Q4 Insights

As we close the books on 2025, the Madison County housing market has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite a landscape of elevated mortgage rates, our local economy continues to drive steady demand, leading to a year of modest growth and market normalization.

2025: A Year of Steady Recovery

Total home sales for the year reached 7,284 units, a 1.8% increase over 2024. This upward trend signals a continued recovery from the market lows of 2023.

Key Annual Highlights:

Total Sales Volume: The market saw nearly $2.8 billion in total dollar volume for the year.
Pricing Stability: The median sales price for 2025 settled at $332,129, showing almost no change from the previous year, suggesting a period of price leveling.
Inventory Expansion: Average total inventory rose by approximately 11%. Notably, existing home inventory surged by 28%, while new construction inventory saw an 8% decline.
Market Pace: Homes spent an average of 54 days on the market, a 23% increase from the 44-day average in 2024.

Q4 Snapshot: A Balanced Finish

The fourth quarter saw 1,726 homes sold, holding steady compared to Q4 2024. While the pace slowed slightly from the third quarter, the market remains 3.6% above the three-year average for Q4.

Quarterly Quick Stats:

Median Price: Rose slightly to $333,450 in Q4.
Buyer’s Opportunities: Market conditions leaned toward buyers, with 36% of homes selling below list price and only 17% closing above list.
New Construction: Accounted for 31% of total closings during the quarter.
Inventory Shift: Total active listings at the end of December stood at 2,270, a slight 3.3% decrease from the end of 2024.

Growth by Price Segment

Activity varied significantly across different price points. The most active segment remained homes priced between $350,000 and $500,000, accounting for 25% of all transactions in 2025. Interestingly, the high-end market (homes above $800,000) saw the strongest Q4 growth, with a 26% increase in units sold compared to the same period last year.

The Bottom Line

While the days of rapid price appreciation and record-low mortgage rates have transitioned, the Madison County market is finding its footing in a “new normal”. Strong local economic conditions and consistent demand continue to offset the impact of higher borrowing costs.
As we move into 2026, these trends toward increased inventory and stabilized pricing offer a more balanced environment for both buyers and sellers.
 
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Celebrating HAAR’s First Black President & a Legacy of Service

02/16/2026

Trailblazing Excellence: Celebrating Clifton “Clif” Miller

This Black History Month, the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) is proud to honor a true pioneer in our industry and community: Mr. Clifton “Clif” Miller.
When we speak of “Black History,” we aren’t just looking at the distant past—we are looking at the leaders among us who broke barriers and set a new standard for excellence. Clif Miller is a testament to that legacy.

From Defending Homes to Defending Homeownership

Born and raised in Hale County, Alabama, Clif’s journey to success in real estate was paved with discipline and bravery.
Before he was a REALTOR®, he was a soldier. Clif dedicated over 20 years of his life to the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of Major. His distinguished military career was marked by a Bronze Star, awarded for his outstanding service during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
In 1995, Clif transitioned from defending homes to defending homeownership. He brought that same military precision, integrity, and heart to his second career in real estate.

A Historic Presidency & A Record of Excellence

In 2008, Clif Miller made history as our first African American President in HAAR history. His leadership during that year wasn’t just symbolic—it was transformational.
His commitment to the industry continued after his presidency to earn Mr. Miller the 2013 HAAR REALTOR® of the Year award.
This honor, one of the highest a member can receive, recognized his professional achievements, his “REALTOR® Spirit,” and his tireless work in civic and community affairs.

Leadership Beyond the Sale

Clif’s impact stretches far beyond the closing table. A man of deep faith and community conviction, he has served on numerous boards and played a pivotal role at the state level as a Commissioner for the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC).
His life is a masterclass in “Service Above Self.” Whether it is through his leadership in the Madison Civitan Club, his lifelong brotherhood in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., or his active involvement in his church, Clif has spent decades building up the people around him.

A Legacy in Motion

Today, we salute Clif Miller not just for the history he made, but for the path he cleared for future generations of real estate professionals. He proved that excellence knows no color, and that leadership is defined by how much you give back to the community that sustains you.

Please join us in celebrating a veteran, a leader, and a true Alabama icon: Mr. Clifton Miller.

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January 2026 Fast Stats

02/16/2026

COMBINED
ATHENS
DEKALB
ETOWAH - CHEROKEE
HUNTSVILLE_Madison County Fast Stats
JACKSON
MARSHALL
MORGAN

ValleyMLS.com Market Stats include statistics from the following cities/counties: Athens, Limestone County, Dekalb County, Etowah County, Cherokee County, Huntsville, Madison County, Jackson County, Marshall County, Morgan County, Lawrence County

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