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Celebrating Excellence: Congratulating Our New SRES® Designees!

07/17/2026

At HAAR, we are committed to providing our community with the highest level of expertise and specialized care. That is why we are incredibly proud to announce our newest group of REALTORS® who have officially earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation!
By completing this comprehensive course, these dedicated professionals have gained specialized knowledge to expertly guide homebuyers and sellers aged 50 and older through major financial and lifestyle transitions. From navigating relocating and refinancing to managing the emotional and financial complexities of downsizing, our new SRES® designees are uniquely equipped to serve the mature market with patience, understanding, and unmatched expertise.
Please join us in celebrating the hard work and dedication of these outstanding agents:

Our Newest SRES® Designees

Joshua Click

James Cooper

Kelsey Davis

Deborah Duclerc

Cindy Dufrene

Sallye Elliott

Lahoma Hendrix

Blake Landry

Kathy Mann

LePage Owens

Robert Owens

Belinda Reaves

Shannon Roscoe

Sara Runyans

Jennifer Savage

Lisa Simunaci

Richard VanValkenburgh

Carol West

Linda Williams

Pamela Wyatt

Thank you all for your commitment to elevating your education and better serving our community. We look forward to seeing the incredible impact you will continue to make!
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Huntsville approves creation of tax increment financing district

07/16/2026

originally posted at huntsvilleal.gov

The City of Huntsville approved the creation of a tax increment financing (TIF) district designed to fund a major expansion at the Von Braun Center (VBC) and other infrastructure projects in the downtown area.
Known as TIF 9, it does not create a new tax. TIF districts capture revenue stemming from future growth in property tax revenue generated by new development within the district. Property tax rates are not increased and funding for schools is not reduced.
TIF 9 will provide approximately $200 million for capital improvements at the VBC and $20 million for four other projects. By law, the infrastructure projects will be implemented within five years.
  • Von Braun Center: Construction of more than 100,000 square feet of new event and exhibit space similar in size to South Hall, along with new meeting rooms, conference and exhibit space, upgraded parking and other improvements
  • North Huntsville Beltline Greenway: Design and construction, including right-of-way acquisition along with amenities such as lighting, landscape, hardscape and safety equipment.
  • New Mill Creek Park (Choice Neighborhood Redevelopment): Design and construction of a new public park as part of the Mill Creek project, enclosing a drainage channel, installing park equipment and adding landscaping and lighting.
  • Lowe Avenue: Road and pedestrian upgrades to support increased traffic and the relocation of Huntsville Junior High School.
  • Renovations to former federal courthouse: Interior and ADA improvements to the historic Holmes Avenue building for future use by the Madison County Commission.
The TIF district covers almost 3,700 acres centered around the downtown area.
The City of Huntsville has used TIF districts since 2000 to help finance public infrastructure and redevelopment projects.
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Office Exclusive Listings & Pre-Marketing Guidance

07/16/2026

NAR has issued guidance on office exclusive listings and pre-marketing. Please review or download the guide below. 
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Reminder: SentriLock Access Credentials Must Not Be Shared

07/14/2026

ValleyMLS in conjunction with your local association, would like to remind all Participants and Subscribers that your SentriLock credentials—including your SentriKey® app access and PIN—are issued exclusively for your individual use and may not be shared with anyone, including another ValleyMLS member.
Each licensed agent is required to use their own SentriLock credentials to access listed properties. Sharing your access with another ValleyMLS subscriber, regardless of the reason, is a violation of the ValleyMLS Lockbox Rules and Policies.

Please remember:

Your SentriLock access is assigned specifically to you and is intended to provide a secure, auditable record of property access.
Do not provide your PIN, login credentials, or access to your SentriKey app to another individual.
Do not issue SentriConnect® access to another ValleyMLS subscriber. Subscribers must use their own SentriLock credentials to enter a property.
Never allow another person to enter a property using your credentials while representing that they are you.
Maintaining the integrity of the SentriLock system is essential for protecting property owners, cooperating brokers, and the security of listed properties.

As outlined in the ValleyMLS Lockbox Rules:

Agreement Holders shall not issue SentriConnect® to an agent who is a ValleyMLS subscriber. All agents must obtain and use their own key.
Electronic keys may not be loaned to other agents under any circumstances.
PINs and passwords must not be disclosed or shared with any third party.
Violations of the ValleyMLS Lockbox Rules may result in disciplinary action, including fines of up to $15,000 and/or termination of lockbox services.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain the security and integrity of the lockbox system. If you have questions regarding the proper use of SentriLock or SentriConnect®, please contact your local association or the ValleyMLS office.
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Member Guide: Managing Your Dues & Fees

07/13/2026

Keeping your business running smoothly shouldn’t involve guesswork. Whether you are an agent clearing your individual invoices or a broker managing an entire office, navigating your HAAR dashboard is simple.

Use this quick, step-by-step guide to easily process your payments and keep your account in good standing.

How to Pay your MLS dues

  • Log In: Go to the HAAR Dashboard and sign in using your MLS ID and password (remember, passwords are case-sensitive).

  • Locate Member Services: On the right side of the screen under the Member Services panel, click the “Pay MLS Dues / Invoices” icon.

  • Select Your Invoice: Find your open invoice and check the “Pay Now” box next to it.

  • Complete Payment: Scroll down to the bottom of the page, click “Choose Payment Options,” and follow the prompts to finalize your transaction.

How to Pay Your HAAR / Association Dues

  • Log In: Navigate to the HAAR Dashboard and enter your case-sensitive MLS ID and password.

  • Locate Member Services: On the right side of the screen under the Member Services panel, click the “Pay HAAR/Association Dues/Invoices” icon.

  • Select Your Invoice: Check the “Pay Now” box next to the outstanding dues line item.

  • Navigate to Payment: Scroll down to the bottom of the section and click “Choose Payment Options”.

  • Adjust Contributions (Optional): If you would like to adjust your ARPAC contribution before checking out, click “Modify”, enter your desired investment amount, and follow the remaining prompts to pay.

Broker Instructions: Tracking & Paying Office Fees

Brokers can quickly audit which agents have outstanding balances or easily settle office-wide ValleyMLS fees directly from the platform.

  • Log In: Access the HAAR Dashboard using your administrative credentials.

  • Enter the Invoicing Portal: Look to the right under Member Services and click the “Pay MLS Dues / Invoices” icon.

  • Open the Navigation Menu: Click the three-dash menu icon located on the blue header bar.

  • Select Personal Services: Choose “Personal Services” from the header options.

  • View Office Accounts: From the dropdown menu, select “Brokers: Pay Your Offices MLS Fees”.

  • Choose Your Roster: Click on your designated office name.

  • Review Unpaid Balances: The next screen opens a complete breakdown displaying the agent names, specific invoice numbers, and the total amounts currently owed.

  • Process Payments: If you are paying on behalf of an agent, check the box to the right of their name, scroll down to “Choose Payment Options,” and follow the on-screen prompts.

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WAV Group: ValleyMLS, others recognize the power of controlling their own Data Destiny

07/07/2026

Originally posted at wavgroup.com by | June 30th, 2026

For years, MLSs have been told that their data is their greatest asset. But in too many markets, MLSs do not have the level of direct control, visibility, flexibility, or monetization power they need to fully protect and leverage that asset.

That is beginning to change.

More MLSs are recognizing that if they want to drive a profitable, secure, and innovative future, they need to take greater control of their own data infrastructure. They need the ability to know exactly where their data is going, who is using it, whether it is being used appropriately, and how it can be licensed in ways that create new value for the organization and its customers. In WAV Group Strategic Planning sessions we talk about the need to control your own data destiny. We talk about this highly technical topics in plain English so that non-technical MLS volunteer leaders understand the key benefits delivered when the MLS controls its own destiny. 

ValleyMLS, serving nearly 5,000 real estate professionals across North Alabama, has become the latest MLS to recognize the strategic importance of controlling its own data destiny. Through its new partnership with SourceRE, ValleyMLS will implement SourceRE’s MLS Data Exchange framework and list its data in the SourceRE Data Marketplace, creating a stronger foundation for data sovereignty, governed distribution, and long-term operational independence.

This is not simply a technology upgrade. It is a strategic infrastructure decision.

By establishing an independent, RESO-aligned database that sits alongside its existing vendor systems, ValleyMLS is creating a centralized source of truth for its data. That gives the MLS more flexibility to support multiple vendor relationships, pursue data-sharing opportunities, and give brokers and agents access to MLS data through their preferred front-end systems.

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5 Questions Consumers Are Asking AI About Real Estate Agents

07/06/2026

Consumers have spent years using Google to research real estate agents. Increasingly, they’re turning to AI tools for answers as well.

Instead of visiting multiple websites, a buyer might ask ChatGPT which agents have strong reputations in a particular market. A seller might ask an AI assistant, Who specializes in luxury homes? or Which agents have the best reviews? While the technology is still evolving, it reflects a change in consumer behavior: people want answers faster, and they’re looking for tools that can summarize information for them.

For real estate agents, that brings up an important question: what information are these tools finding about you? To find out, see the top five questions consumers are asking AI about agents today.

If you’d like to learn more about how online reputation, Google visibility, reviews, and AI-driven search impact lead generation, register for ReTechnology’s upcoming free webinar, Certified Google Rated Agent.

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Nominating & Elections Committees Set

06/30/2026

The Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) is proud to announce the officially approved members of the 2026 Nominating Committee and 2026 Elections Committee.

These dedicated leaders play a vital role in shaping the future of our association, ensuring a fair, transparent, and robust leadership election process for the upcoming year. Please join us in thanking them for their commitment and service to our real estate community.

2026 Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is tasked with reviewing and selecting a qualified slate of candidates to lead HAAR into the future, representing a diverse cross-section of our membership, brokerage sizes, and experienced past leadership.
  • Opie BalchPast President
  • Betty HughesPast President
  • Robert SimonsPast President
  • Mike SandovalBroker Representative 
  • Walt HennesseeBroker Representative 
  • Brian DeanAt-Large Member 
  • Khrista DeesAt-Large Member 

2026 Elections Committee

The Elections Committee oversees the voting process, safeguarding the integrity and accuracy of our annual leadership elections.
  • Sharita Whitehead

  • Zach Bingham

  • Bill Ward

Stay Tuned: More information regarding the 2026 election timeline, candidate applications, and voting instructions will be shared in the coming weeks. Be sure to check back here or watch your inbox for updates!

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Recognizing Excellence: HAAR Award Nominations Now Open

05/24/2026

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.

🏆 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.

📆 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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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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