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Webinar: The Next Chapter of Listing Stewardship

06/23/2026

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What You Will Learn:

  • The Cotality BLX vision: How BLX will help shape the future flow of listing data from brokerages to MLSs and beyond, while supporting collaboration across the industry.

  • Broker control and listing stewardship: Why brokerages are taking a more active role in curating, managing, and protecting their listing portfolios before distribution.

  • Predictive growth with CoreAI™: How to enrich CRM contacts with property, mortgage, and market analytics to identify high-intent buyers and sellers using propensity modeling.

  • Market Intelligence for agents: How the Araya intelligence platform uses CoreAI™ and Aly™ data to help agents become stronger local market advisors.

  • Data distribution control with Trestle: Why brokerages are adopting Trestle to gain more efficiency, security, visibility, and authority over listing syndication feeds.

  • Lifetime client engagement: How white-labeled OneHomeOwner ecosystems can help brokerages keep consumers connected to their brand and drive more repeat and referral business.

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Scam Alert: Agents Targeted with Zoom Links containing Malware

03/20/2026

Scammers have found a new way to target real estate professionals, according to recent reports.
So-called potential buyers are targeting agents with listings on ValleyMLS, Realtor.com and Zillow, showing an interest in a listed property. Before submitting an offer, the potential client insists on having a Zoom meeting to discuss the property with the agent.
The scammer sends a Zoom link, but when an agent clicks on it, malware is installed on their computer or phone.
HAAR has also heard reports another agent questioned the so-called potential client and asked to do a phone call and the scammer refused to speak on the phone.
HAAR & ValleyMLS are reminding Realtors® to be vigilant when working with clients whom they do not know.
  • Do not click on links sent by individuals you do not know or cannot verify.
  • Always create the Zoom link yourself and share it with your client.
This scam comes on the heels of previously reported several vacant land scams in the region, and the association has worked to raise awareness among its members about the issue.
However, scammers now appear to be reaching out to agents in surrounding counties, trying to get other agents outside the area to sell vacant land.
Scammers have been sending fake proofs of identity, so an identification isn’t enough anymore. It’s important to try to meet in person or to try to verify that they are the rightful owner of the property before agreeing to sell the property.
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NAR Candidate Training Academy in Huntsville

03/10/2026

From the Closing Table to City Council: Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® to Host Candidate Training Academy on April 29

The Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) announced today that it will host the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Candidate Training Academy on Wednesday, April 29th. This intensive, one-day workshop is designed to prepare community members to run for local office and is open to the public.
As local government decisions increasingly impact property rights, housing affordability, and community development, HAAR is opening its doors to ensure that any resident considering public service has access to professional-grade campaign strategies. Presenters from the National Association of REALTORS® will travel to Huntsville to lead the session, which runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

"Strong communities are built on effective local leadership. While we’re currently blessed with ambitious and responsible local leaders – we want to look ahead and build a deep bench of future community champions."

HAAR & ValleyMLS President Regina Mitchell
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The comprehensive curriculum is designed as an actionable roadmap rather than a standard lecture. Highlights of the training include:
  • Campaign Planning: Deciding to run and building a foundational strategy.
  • Messaging: Developing a winning message that resonates with voters.
  • Voter Targeting: Learning how to reach the right voters efficiently.
  • Fundraising: Best practices for effective and ethical campaign fundraising.
  • Communication: Mastering political communication in the modern era.
Event Details:
  • What: NAR Candidate Training Academy
  • When: April 29th | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Lunch provided)
  • Where: 535 Monroe St NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
  • Cost: FREE and open to the public.

"By hosting this training, we are providing the tools necessary for motivated citizens to move from the sidelines into public service. Whether it is a seat on the City Council, the School Board, or a County Commission, this academy demystifies the process of running a modern campaign."

HAAR & ValleyMLS President Regina Mitchell
The training will be held at HAAR & ValleyMLS offices at 535 Monroe St. in downtown Huntsville. While the event is open to the public, space is limited and pre-registration is required. Interested attendees can find more information and register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nar-candidate-training-academy-huntsville-al-tickets-1984579726385.
About the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® The Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) is the leading advocate for homeownership and private property rights in North Alabama. Serving the Greater Huntsville, Madison County, and Jackson County area, HAAR provides professional development, market data, and legislative advocacy for its members and the community at large.
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FinCEN Residential Real Estate Rule—FAQs for Real Estate Professionals

03/10/2026

The following questions will help real estate professionals better understand and navigate the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Residential Real Estate Rule (Rule). The Rule requires designated professionals involved in real estate closings and settlements to report information about certain non-financed transactions to FinCEN.
The Rule’s purpose is to increase transparency and prevent money laundering and other criminal activity in the residential real estate sector by capturing information regarding the true owners behind legal entities that are engaged in transacting in real estate where there is no financing involved.
Click below to access FAQs.
FINCEN FAQs
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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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How to Create a Real Estate Marketing Plan for the Off-Season

02/09/2026

Here's how to create a real estate marketing plan that turns the off-season into a season of opportunity

The off-season in real estate can feel like a slow slog, but with the right marketing plan, it can become an opportunity to stand out, build relationships, and prepare for the busy months ahead.
Instead of waiting for the market to heat up, why not use this time to refine your strategies, connect with potential clients, and position yourself as a top agent?
Here’s how to create a real estate marketing plan that turns the off-season into a season of opportunity.
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RE Technology: Future Proof Your Business in 2026

01/16/2026

The real estate industry is evolving faster than ever. New technology, powerful AI tools, and changing buyer expectations are rewriting how agents generate leads, communicate with clients, and close deals.
By 2026, today’s “nice-to-have” tech will be non-negotiable. Buyers and sellers expect instant responses, personalized experiences, and seamless digital communication. At the same time, competition is increasing and attention spans are shrinking.
To stay relevant and profitable, agents need to modernize how they work. Automation, AI, and smarter CRM strategies aren’t trends anymore, they’re the foundation of a future-proof real estate business.
Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve and build a business ready for 2026 and beyond.
Read more from RE Technology

Don't miss this upcoming FREE webinar from RE Technology and ValleyMLS:

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FAQ: First Right of Refusal FROR & MLS Status Reporting

01/09/2026

A First Right of Refusal (FROR) — sometimes referred to as a “break clause” — is a contractual provision under which a seller accepts an offer that allows a buyer the right to submit an offer to include a  “break clause” of the potential buyer first getting an offer on their current home with a “First Right of Refusal” to either void the contract or remove the contingency of the purchaser first getting their home under contract if the seller receives another offer.
For MLS reporting and compliance purposes, a First Right of Refusal and a break clause are treated identically. Once an offer is accepted—regardless of the terminology used—the property is considered under contract and must be reported accordingly in the MLS.
Does calling it a “break clause” change how the listing is reported in the MLS?
No.
Regardless of whether the contract uses the term First Right of Refusal or break clause, MLS reporting requirements remain the same.
Terminology does not override MLS status rules.
 
Does a listing with an FROR or break clause remain Active?
Yes, but once an offer is accepted or the FROR is exercised, the listing is no longer Active.
 
What status is required when there is an accepted offer with an FROR or break clause?
The listing must be updated to the appropriate status (Contingent or Pending) within three (3) working days of acceptance.
This requirement applies even if:
  • Contingencies remain
  • Inspections have not occurred

Why can’t the listing remain Active while waiting for contingencies or inspections?
An accepted offer places the seller under contract. Leaving the listing Active is misleading to:
  • Cooperating brokers
  • Buyers
  • The public
MLS data must reflect the property’s true contractual status, not marketing strategy.


How should an FROR or break clause be disclosed in the MLS?
MLS Participants must:
  • Use the MLS-designated field and remarks to disclose the FROR.
  • Ensure remarks accurately describe the situation
  • Keep information current as circumstances change

When does the three (3) working day requirement begin?
The three (3) working day period begins when the offer is accepted by all required parties, not when:
  • Earnest money is received
  • There are no contingencies
  • Waiting for mortgage approval
Working days exclude weekends and MLS-recognized holidays.


What happens when the FROR is exercised or waived?
The listing must be updated promptly to reflect the resulting contract status and any changes to remarks or contingencies.



What happens if I fail to update the status within three (3) working days?
Failure to comply may result in:
  • Compliance notices
  • Fines or other sanctions as outlined in MLS Rules
The MLS may request documentation to verify compliance.


Does ValleyMLS interpret contract language or provide legal advice?
No. ValleyMLS does not interpret contracts or provide legal advice. The MLS’s role is limited to enforcing accurate and timely MLS reporting, regardless of how contractual provisions are labeled.


Bottom Line
Different names. Same rule.
If an offer is accepted:
  • The listing is Under Contract
  • The status must be updated within three (3) working days
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Free RPR Webinars in January

01/06/2026

As a REALTOR®, you already have access to the industry’s most powerful property data platform at no extra cost. This January, join the RPR training team for a series of live, one-hour webinars designed to help you work smarter, impress clients, and close more deals.
From “Next Gen” reporting to AI-driven CMAs, choose the sessions that fit your goals and register today!
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

🗓️ January Webinar Highlights:

  • Prep, Present, Prevail! How to Win Listings Using RPR January 8 | 12:00 PM ET Learn how to stand out from the competition with customized reports, equity calculators, and deep-dive property histories that prove your expertise.
  • Become the “Go-To” Expert: Share Local Market Insights January 14 | 12:00 PM ET Stop wondering “How’s the market?” and start showing it. Master RPR’s Market Trends data to provide value that keeps clients coming back.
  • Transform Local Data Into Social Media Success with RPR ScriptWriter January 15 | 2:00 PM ET Struggling with what to post? Use RPR’s AI ScriptWriter to turn complex data into engaging video scripts and social posts in seconds.
  • The RPR Mobile™ AI CMA: Where Data Drives Decisions January 22 | 12:00 PM ET Pricing conversations happen everywhere—be ready. Learn how to create an accurate, AI-powered CMA right from your phone while you’re in the field.
  • Unlocking RPR Commercial: Prospecting Power & Beyond January 27 | 2:00 PM ET Whether you’re a full-time commercial pro or a dual practitioner, discover how to find off-market gems and analyze trade areas like a veteran.
  • Introducing RPR’s Next Gen Reports January 29 | 2:00 PM ET Be among the first to master the brand-new reporting interface. Faster, more flexible, and more beautiful than ever.
Why Attend?
  • 100% Free: Part of your NAR member benefits.
  • Zero Sales Pitches: Purely educational—no upsells, no “premium” versions.
  • Live Q&A: Get your specific questions answered by RPR experts.
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