BE AWARE: Local Scam Compromises REALTOR Safety

04/28/2026

MEMBER ALERT: Safety and Security Warning

We have received a report from a local member regarding an encounter with an individual displaying highly suspicious behavior and using fraudulent financial documentation. We are sharing the details of this incident to help you remain vigilant and prioritize your personal safety during showings.

Incident Details

The individual, identifying himself as John, contacted an agent regarding a listing. While he provided a local phone number and had a social media profile that matched his appearance, several red flags emerged during and after the showing:

Behavioral Red Flags: The individual expressed surprise that the home was occupied rather than staged. During the tour, he insisted the agent lead him through the entire house while he remained positioned behind her at all times.
Inconsistent Narrative: He claimed his fiancée was currently in Ukraine due to a family emergency and would be part of the purchase process.
Vague Threats/Personal References: Following the tour, he sent text messages referencing the agent’s specific social media content, creating an unprofessional and uncomfortable dynamic.
Fraudulent Documentation: The individual provided highly irregular and “bizarre” documentation as proof of funds that did not meet any standard banking or financial criteria.
Criminal History: A subsequent background check via Forewarn revealed multiple convictions for Theft by Deception (over $2,500).

Safety Reminders for All Members

This incident serves as a critical reminder that while we strive to provide excellent service to potential clients, your safety is the top priority.

1) USE YOUR TOOLS: Utilize services like Forewarn to vet prospects before meeting them in person. If a name or number returns a history of financial crimes or violence, reconsider the meeting or ensure you are not alone.

2) STANDARDIZE YOUR SAFETY PROTOCOLS:

The “Buddy System”: Whenever possible, bring a colleague to a showing, especially if you have a “gut feeling” that something is off.
Lead from Behind: Never lead a prospect into a room (especially basements or small spaces). Gesture into the room and let the client enter first.
Park for an Exit: Always park on the street or in a position where your vehicle cannot be blocked in the driveway.

3) TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS: If a prospect’s behavior makes you uncomfortable, you have the right to terminate the tour or leave the premises. Discernment is one of your most valuable professional tools.

4) REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: If you encounter this individual or experience a similar situation, please notify the local authorities and report the incident to the Association. Keeping our community informed is the best way to keep our members safe.

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.

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

BHM26: A note from HAAR’s Diversity Committee Chair

02/02/2026

A note from HAAR Diversity Committee Chair Demberia Grandy:

As we kick off Black History Month, I find myself reflecting on more than just the dates and figures in our history books. To me, this month is a profound reminder of the resilience that is woven into the American fabric. It is a time to honor the ancestors who turned ‘no’ into ‘not yet’ and ‘impossible’ into ‘watch me.’

For us as REALTORS, Black History Month carries a unique weight. Our industry sits at the very heart of the American Dream: homeownership. We cannot ignore that for many Black families, the journey toward that dream was paved with systemic obstacles. But we also celebrate the victories—the trailblazing Black brokers and agents who fought for Fair Housing and the families who built generational wealth against all odds.

Determination shouldn’t have an expiration date. While February gives us a focused spotlight, the ideals of the struggle and the joy of the victory must be our North Star all year round. Inclusion isn’t a monthly theme; it is a daily commitment to ensuring every member of the Huntsville community feels seen, heard, and empowered to own a piece of the land they call home.

We have an incredible year planned, filled with education, advocacy, and community building. But we can’t do it alone. We need your voice, your energy, and your perspective.

If you are interested in joining the Diversity Committee or simply want to learn more about our upcoming initiatives, please reach out.

Chicago brokers share how to scale real estate teams and win in 2026

01/21/2026

At A and N Mortgage’s first Power Hour of the year Jan. 15, Matt Laricy, managing broker at Americorp Real Estate and team lead of The Laricy Team, and Jill Silverstein, president of the JS Group at Compass, pulled back the curtain on how top-producing teams can scale without losing their edge. The panel, titled “Scaling Smart: When to Hire, When to Outsource, When to Grind,” drew agents looking for concrete strategies to grow in the Chicagoland market.

Planning in Q4 for 2026

Laricy opened by stressing that success in January is built months earlier. He reviews every lost listing and client who chose another agent, saving their feedback and using it to rebuild his playbook for the coming year. “I’m planning January in September, October, November,” he said, explaining that weaknesses identified in the prior year become targets for improvement so they can turn into strengths in 2026.

Anticipating a surge in demand, Laricy has grown his team ahead of the curve, hiring and training agents and adding virtual assistants in the Philippines to handle late-night scheduling and logistics. That move, he said, protects his in-office staff from burnout while ensuring every opportunity is captured during peak season.

He also pushes buyers to think strategically about timing, often advising January and February shoppers with spring leases to extend to late summer or fall so they can skip “waiting in line like a club to get into a property” and buy when competition eases.

Coaching buyers to compete

Silverstein focused on front-line execution with buyers, especially in multiple-offer situations. She coaches clients to treat every showing as an audition: dress well, introduce themselves to the listing agent, and come across as “warm, easy, rational, fair” so they stand out when offers pile up. In a market where most offers are over asking, “as is,” and accompanied by appraisal waivers, she said the difference is often in presentation and process, not just price.

Her team’s offers are packaged with a buyer profile, JS Group accolades, and a tailored cover letter that humanizes the deal while staying within fair housing guidelines. Strong terms on earnest money, timing and flexibility around the seller’s needs round out the strategy.

On the agent side, both Laricy and Silverstein criticized “text-only” negotiators; Silverstein tells her team, “Call the agent. Call the agent. Call the agent every time,” while Laricy admitted he’ll take a lower offer with a strong, responsive agent over a higher offer from someone who won’t pick up the phone.

Hire before you feel ready

On hiring and scaling, Silverstein said while it’s good to understand what you’re good at, it’s also to know what you’re bad at.

“I worked to be able to hire an assistant because I knew that was going to be the ticket to help me scale,” she said.

Silverstein hit $11 million in volume in her first year, largely from open houses and relentless networking, then hired an assistant just 10 months in so she could focus on prospecting and brand-building. A later hire — a dedicated transaction manager — was “pivotal,” allowing her to hand off contract-to-close and stay in growth mode.

Laricy, meanwhile, described his hiring filter as simple but strict: undying loyalty, work ethic and cultural fit. Candidates meet him, then existing team members, because “we’re like a family,” he said, and he refuses to carry agents who treat real estate as a part-time hobby.

For agents in Chicago, the message from both panelists was clear: plan early, hire before you feel ready, outsource the noise — and grind where your unique value is highest.

Reprinted from: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2026/01/15/chicago-brokers-team-growth-2026/

Advocacy Family Network: New Community Resource Center & Transitional Housing

01/21/2026

HAAR is passing along information from the Advocacy Family Network about two new resources now available in our community that may be helpful in your work with individuals and families.

Community Resource Center
The Community Resource Center offers support services and referrals designed to help individuals navigate next steps and access community-based assistance.

Domestic Violence Transitional Housing
This program provides transitional housing options for individuals seeking a safe and supportive environment while working toward longer-term stability.

Attached (or linked below) you’ll find flyers and contact information for both resources. Please feel free to share this information with your teams and include it in your resource materials as appropriate.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, don’t hesitate to reach out. As always, thank you for the work you do and for the collaboration that makes these connections possible.

NAHB Chief Economist: A rare opportunity for buyers?

01/21/2026

A Q&A with the chief economist at the National Association of Home Builders on construction trends, builder incentives and affordability.

For the first time in years, the price gap between newly built homes and existing homes is narrower than ever—and in some markets, the typical resale home is actually more expensive than a new build. A mix of builder price cuts, widespread incentives and smaller home sizes has brought new-home pricing more in line with resale values, creating a potentially unusual buying window for prospective home buyers.

But challenges persist in the new-home market. Overall, “2025 was a disappointing year for newly built single-family homes,” acknowledges Robert Dietz, the chief economist at the National Association of Home Builders. “We entered the year expecting relatively flat conditions, but with a mix of policy headwinds and economic opportunities, single-family home construction fell by about 7%. Builders consistently pointed to ongoing housing affordability challenges, along with supply side issues like a persistent skilled labor shortage.”

So, what lies ahead for the new-home market and for home buyers? Dietz shares his insights.

What’s your outlook for the new home market for 2026?

We are starting to see some modest improvements. One of the biggest tailwinds is the Federal Reserve’s easing [of its short-term interest rates] late in 2025. While the Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, its actions matter a lot on the supply side—particularly for builders’ financing costs. About two-thirds of home construction is done by smaller, private builders who rely on bank loans to purchase land, materials and pay workers. When the Fed lowers the federal funds rate, it directly reduces the interest rates on construction and development loans. That’s good news for builders, inventory and ultimately for home buyers and renters.

For 2026, we’re forecasting about a 1% increase in single-family home building and a similar 1% gain in new home sales. Existing home sales should rise more sharply as inventory improves, but many of the same challenges—policy uncertainty, lingering tariff effects and the broader housing deficit—will remain.

Builder incentives have been making headlines and are helping to lower the costs for home buyers. Tell us more about what type of incentives builders are offering.

Incentives are very elevated right now, and that’s good news for buyers. About 40% of builders cut prices in December, with average reductions around 5%. Nearly two-thirds are also offering other incentives.

One of the most common tools—especially among larger builders—is mortgage rate buydowns. Builders are using their financial resources to lower buyers’ mortgage rates for the first two or three years, helping to ease monthly payment pressures. Other incentives include amenity upgrades and closing cost assistance, though there are limits to how much builders can offer. Still, it’s one of the industry’s main ways of responding to ongoing affordability challenges.

Historically, new homes have been more expensive than existing homes. But is that changing?

This is one of the real oddities in today’s data. Right now, the median resale home is actually more expensive than the median newly built home. That’s only happened a handful of times over the past few decades.

Typically, new homes carry a 10% to 15% price premium because they offer more amenities, lower maintenance costs and newer systems. But today’s builder incentives—combined with more construction happening in lower-cost areas—have flipped that dynamic.

It’s also a sign of the larger structural housing deficit. Even with inventory increasing in many markets, the housing stock simply hasn’t kept pace with population growth. That imbalance continues to show up in prices.

You’ve often said we need to “build our way out” of the affordability crisis. What does that look like?

The only long-term solution to housing affordability is more supply—more single-family homes, more multifamily units, more homes for sale and for rent. A clear indicator of the shortage is that nearly 20% of young adults now live with their parents. Historically, that figure was closer to 10%. That doubling is a direct reflection of the housing deficit we’re facing.

One area that’s seen growth on the construction side is townhomes. Why are they gaining traction?

Townhomes have been one of the bright spots in an otherwise challenging market. Today, about 18% of single-family construction consists of townhomes—up from less than 10% a decade ago.

They offer what we call “light-touch density”: a smaller lot, shared walls but still a front door and a path into homeownership. Demand is strong, particularly among younger buyers looking for walkable communities. The challenge is on the supply side—many zoning laws still limit this type of development.

We see real opportunity in redeveloping underused properties, like dying shopping malls, into mixed-use communities with apartments and townhomes. That kind of redevelopment could be a big part of the future.

Are builders also reducing costs by building smaller homes?

Absolutely. The median new-home size has been trending downward for about a decade. There was a brief post-COVID bump due to the “Zoom room” phenomenon, but overall, homes are getting smaller as builders respond to affordability pressures.

Between smaller lots, more townhomes and reduced square footage, builders are actively trying to right-size homes for today’s buyers and budgets—while also working with policymakers to bring costs down further.

Finally, what trends are you watching most closely in 2026 that could impact the new-home market?

Geography is a big one. Markets like Texas and Florida have cooled after years of rapid growth and some cyclical overbuilding. Meanwhile, we’re seeing pockets of strength in the Midwest—places like Columbus, Ohio, Indianapolis and Kansas City.

These markets remain more affordable, are close to major universities, and are well positioned for AI and tech investment, where managing energy and heat costs matters. In fact, single-family home construction in the Midwest was already up in 2025, even as it declined nationally. We expect that outperformance to continue into 2026.

U.S. House Passes “Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans” Act

12/19/2025

Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives approved, 216 to 211, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, a package aimed at expanding access to affordable health coverage. NAR sent a letter of support to House leadership backing provisions to expand Association Health Plans (AHPs) to include self-employed individuals, including real estate professionals. NAR worked with House leaders to include the AHP Act, which provides more affordable, high-quality health coverage options in addition to Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual market plans.

NAR has long championed AHPs to provide choice and competition for small businesses and independent contractors seeking affordable, high-quality coverage alongside ACA plans. When the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) allowed self-employed individuals to join AHPs in 2018, several state and local REALTOR® associations offered comprehensive, lower-cost options without harming ACA markets. A court later overturned that DOL rule due to a confusing patchwork of federal and state laws. This bill would codify AHP eligibility for all small businesses and the self-employed. Our testimony and recent letter of support underscored that expanding AHP access remains a top priority for NAR members.

The inclusion of AHP provisions in the House-passed bill is a major step forward. It significantly increases the likelihood that these reforms will be part of a final package if House and Senate leaders on both sides of the aisle can reach a broader health care compromise earlier next year. While the House-passed bill does not address the enhanced ACA premium subsidies, additional negotiations and legislation are expected as Congress continues to address broader health care affordability issues. NAR will continue working with lawmakers to ensure our members’ health care priorities are included in any comprehensive reform package.

Modernizing the MLS: Comprehensive Updates Approved

12/18/2025

This Week, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) announced the approval of comprehensive updates to modernize the MLS Handbook.

These updates represent the first major revision in 20 years and mark the start of NAR’s broader efforts to modernize MLS policies and mitigate potential legal risks across the industry.

Why Now? A Commitment to Modernization & Risk Mitigation

In 2025, NAR undertook its first comprehensive antitrust risk assessment of all MLS policies. This rigorous review was led by Sullivan & Cromwell, a nationally renowned law firm with preeminent antitrust experts.

To act on these findings, President Kevin Sears appointed an MLS Policy Risk Assessment Presidential Advisory Group (MLS PAG), a diverse assembly of brokers, association/MLS executives, and industry partners.

The MLS PAG met four times to thoroughly review the assessment and propose crucial policy changes.
These 18 recommended updates have been approved by the MLS Technology and Emerging Issues Advisory Board, the MLS and Executive Committees, and were shared with the Board of Directors.

Key Focus Areas of the 18 Updates

The modifications to the MLS Handbook policies are designed to ensure that the document accurately reflects how MLSs and agents operate today, minimizing legal risks for all parties.

The 18 recommendations primarily focus on three areas:

7 recommendations on Local Discretion, with the goal to reinforce the ability of local MLSs to make critical governance decisions.
6 recommendations on Administration and Operations, with the goal to modernize how MLSs manager their day-to-day functions.
5 recommendations on Enforcement and Outdated Practices, with the goal to streamline the rules enforcement process and eliminate legacy practices.

The Impact: Better Support for Members

These updates are critical to ensuring the MLS Handbook continues to:

Support Members: Ensure policies continue to support REALTOR® members in serving their clients’ best interests.
Minimize Risk: Mitigate and avoid potential legal risks for NAR, REALTOR® association MLSs, and members.
Reflect Reality: Accurately reflect the way MLSs and agents operate in the current real estate environment.

Moving Forward

These recommendations are the first outcome of NAR’s ongoing risk mitigation and modernization efforts. NAR will continue to pursue opportunities to:

Further modernize MLS policies.
Mitigate potential legal risks.
Better serve MLSs, members, and the entire industry.

📢 Important Announcement: Bylaw Revisions Approved!

12/05/2025

We are pleased to announce that the proposed revisions to the HAAR and ValleyMLS Bylaws were successfully approved by our membership yesterday, December 4th, 2025, at a Special Called Joint Meeting of the Association and MLS.

Thank you to those who were able to join and make their voices heard – and also to those who worked tirelessly to make our bylaws stronger in a constantly-changing industry.

What's Next?

The approved Bylaw revisions are effective immediately. We encourage all members and subscribers to familiarize themselves with the updated documents, which are available below and on the HAAR and ValleyMLS websites.

Thank you to everyone who attended and cast their vote. Your engagement is vital to the strength and future of our organization!

Website Search:

News

BE AWARE: Local Scam Compromises REALTOR Safety

MEMBER ALERT: Safety and Security Warning

We have received a report from a local member regarding an encounter with an individual displaying highly suspicious behavior and using fraudulent financial documentation. We are sharing the details of this incident to help you remain vigilant and prioritize your personal safety during showings.

Incident Details

The individual, identifying himself as John, contacted an agent regarding a listing. While he provided a local phone number and had a social media profile that matched his appearance, several red flags emerged during and after the showing:

Behavioral Red Flags: The individual expressed surprise that the home was occupied rather than staged. During the tour, he insisted the agent lead him through the entire house while he remained positioned behind her at all times.

Inconsistent Narrative: He claimed his fiancée was currently in Ukraine due to a family emergency and would be part of the purchase process.

Vague Threats/Personal References: Following the tour, he sent text messages referencing the agent’s specific social media content, creating an unprofessional and uncomfortable dynamic.

Fraudulent Documentation: The individual provided highly irregular and “bizarre” documentation as proof of funds that did not meet any standard banking or financial criteria.

Criminal History: A subsequent background check via Forewarn revealed multiple convictions for Theft by Deception (over $2,500).

Safety Reminders for All Members

The “Buddy System”: Whenever possible, bring a colleague to a showing, especially if you have a “gut feeling” that something is off.

Lead from Behind: Never lead a prospect into a room (especially basements or small spaces). Gesture into the room and let the client enter first.

Park for an Exit: Always park on the street or in a position where your vehicle cannot be blocked in the driveway.

Introducing the ValleyMLS App!

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.

Anti-Money Laundering Rule Aimed at All-Cash Buyers Goes Into Effect March 1

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.

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.

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.

For more information FinCEN published an extensive FAQ on its website: https://www.fincen.gov/rre-faqs

BHM26: A note from HAAR’s Diversity Committee Chair

A note from HAAR Diversity Committee Chair Demberia Grandy:

We have an incredible year planned, filled with education, advocacy, and community building. But we can’t do it alone. We need your voice, your energy, and your perspective.

If you are interested in joining the Diversity Committee or simply want to learn more about our upcoming initiatives, please reach out.

Chicago brokers share how to scale real estate teams and win in 2026

Planning in Q4 for 2026

He also pushes buyers to think strategically about timing, often advising January and February shoppers with spring leases to extend to late summer or fall so they can skip “waiting in line like a club to get into a property” and buy when competition eases.

Coaching buyers to compete

Her team’s offers are packaged with a buyer profile, JS Group accolades, and a tailored cover letter that humanizes the deal while staying within fair housing guidelines. Strong terms on earnest money, timing and flexibility around the seller’s needs round out the strategy.

Hire before you feel ready

On hiring and scaling, Silverstein said while it’s good to understand what you’re good at, it’s also to know what you’re bad at.

“I worked to be able to hire an assistant because I knew that was going to be the ticket to help me scale,” she said.

Laricy, meanwhile, described his hiring filter as simple but strict: undying loyalty, work ethic and cultural fit. Candidates meet him, then existing team members, because “we’re like a family,” he said, and he refuses to carry agents who treat real estate as a part-time hobby.

For agents in Chicago, the message from both panelists was clear: plan early, hire before you feel ready, outsource the noise — and grind where your unique value is highest.

Advocacy Family Network: New Community Resource Center & Transitional Housing

HAAR is passing along information from the Advocacy Family Network about two new resources now available in our community that may be helpful in your work with individuals and families.

Community Resource CenterThe Community Resource Center offers support services and referrals designed to help individuals navigate next steps and access community-based assistance.

Domestic Violence Transitional HousingThis program provides transitional housing options for individuals seeking a safe and supportive environment while working toward longer-term stability.

Attached (or linked below) you’ll find flyers and contact information for both resources. Please feel free to share this information with your teams and include it in your resource materials as appropriate.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, don’t hesitate to reach out. As always, thank you for the work you do and for the collaboration that makes these connections possible.

NAHB Chief Economist: A rare opportunity for buyers?

A Q&A with the chief economist at the National Association of Home Builders on construction trends, builder incentives and affordability.

So, what lies ahead for the new-home market and for home buyers? Dietz shares his insights.

What’s your outlook for the new home market for 2026?

Builder incentives have been making headlines and are helping to lower the costs for home buyers. Tell us more about what type of incentives builders are offering.

Incentives are very elevated right now, and that’s good news for buyers. About 40% of builders cut prices in December, with average reductions around 5%. Nearly two-thirds are also offering other incentives.

Historically, new homes have been more expensive than existing homes. But is that changing?

This is one of the real oddities in today’s data. Right now, the median resale home is actually more expensive than the median newly built home. That’s only happened a handful of times over the past few decades.

Typically, new homes carry a 10% to 15% price premium because they offer more amenities, lower maintenance costs and newer systems. But today’s builder incentives—combined with more construction happening in lower-cost areas—have flipped that dynamic.

It’s also a sign of the larger structural housing deficit. Even with inventory increasing in many markets, the housing stock simply hasn’t kept pace with population growth. That imbalance continues to show up in prices.

You’ve often said we need to “build our way out” of the affordability crisis. What does that look like?

One area that’s seen growth on the construction side is townhomes. Why are they gaining traction?

Townhomes have been one of the bright spots in an otherwise challenging market. Today, about 18% of single-family construction consists of townhomes—up from less than 10% a decade ago.

We see real opportunity in redeveloping underused properties, like dying shopping malls, into mixed-use communities with apartments and townhomes. That kind of redevelopment could be a big part of the future.

Are builders also reducing costs by building smaller homes?

Absolutely. The median new-home size has been trending downward for about a decade. There was a brief post-COVID bump due to the “Zoom room” phenomenon, but overall, homes are getting smaller as builders respond to affordability pressures.

Between smaller lots, more townhomes and reduced square footage, builders are actively trying to right-size homes for today’s buyers and budgets—while also working with policymakers to bring costs down further.

Finally, what trends are you watching most closely in 2026 that could impact the new-home market?

Faster Than a Speeding Search — Try the ValleyMLS App!

Community Resource Center
The Community Resource Center offers support services and referrals designed to help individuals navigate next steps and access community-based assistance.

Domestic Violence Transitional Housing
This program provides transitional housing options for individuals seeking a safe and supportive environment while working toward longer-term stability.