Inform | Influence | Empower

Website Search:

News

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:

REGISTER
Read More

December 2025 Fast Stats

01/15/2026

Please note! Beginning in 2025, ValleyMLS will highlight MEDIAN Sale Price instead of AVERAGE Sale Price to reflect a more accurate overview of the local market for media and consumers.
As the year winded down, North Alabama’s real estate market is showing a unique blend of seasonal cooling and long-term resilience. While the holidays often bring a slower pace, the December 2025 data reveals that our area counties remain some of the most stable regions in the Southeast.
Below is a breakdown of the December stats across our key service areas.
COMBINED
ATHENS
DEKALB
ETOWAH - CHEROKEE
HUNTSVILLE_Madison County Fast Stats
JACKSON
MARSHALL
MORGAN
Huntsville & Madison County
While inventory rose slightly to 965 active listings, well-priced homes are still moving in just under six weeks. The 0.986 sale-to-list ratio proves that sellers are still getting near-asking price, though buyers now have more room to negotiate than they did two years ago.
Athens & Limestone County:
Limestone County remains a hotbed for new construction. Growth along the I-65 corridor is keeping demand high, even with the typical December dip in activity. It remains an excellent alternative for those seeking slightly more “bang for their buck” while staying close to Huntsville’s job centers.
Morgan, Marshall, Etowah, DeKalb, & Jackson:
  • Morgan County: Stable pricing makes this a favorite for first-time buyers.
  • Marshall & Jackson: We’re seeing a steady interest in recreation-adjacent properties near Guntersville Lake.
  • Etowah & DeKalb: Inventory remains the tightest here, keeping prices firm as we head into the new year.

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

Read More

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
Read More

In memory of Bill McEwen

01/07/2026

Bill McEwen, age 71, of Huntsville passed away on January 4, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama.
Bill was a lifelong resident of Huntsville, Alabama and a graduate of Lee High School. He was a Realtor with Legend Realty and worked in real estate for the Huntsville metro area for over 48 years.
Visitation
Thursday, January 8
10:00am – 12:00pm
First Baptist Church
600 Governor’s Drive
Huntsville, AL 35801
Funeral Service
Thursday, January 8
12:00pm
First Baptist Church
600 Governor’s Drive
Huntsville, AL 35801
He loved cruising in his vintage Ford Mustangs with the top down and spending weekends at car shows. A lifelong enthusiast, he had a passion for toys of all kinds and often turned the dining room table into a racetrack for his collection of toy race cars. Known for his quick wit and endless supply of dad jokes, he cherished making his kids laugh and embraced his role as “Big Daddy” to his grandkids—a source of comfort and joy, even for his beloved grand dog.
Survivors include his wife, Andra Massey McEwen; his daughters, Brandi McEwen, Ellyn Christian (husband, Kyle) and Britney McEwen; his grandchildren, Emma, Evelyn and KC Christian; sister, Charlynn Jackson (husband, Harold); and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Evalyn McEwen and his brother, Charlie McEwen.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at First Baptist Church Life Center, Huntsville, Alabama. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. John Lemons officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church Mission Fund in his memory.
More information from Laughlin Funeral Service
Read More

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.
Read More

How Associations Help REALTORS® to Succeed

01/06/2026

Thank you for being a part of the REALTOR® community. As a REALTOR® member, HAAR, Alabama REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS® are here to support and assist your professional growth every day.
We’re deeply engaged in all facets of real estate, strengthening your business and the entire industry, to ensure your success and the opportunity for all Americans to achieve the dream of home ownership and enjoy the benefits of investing in real property.
Read More

Digital Domination: 5 Pillars to Build an Unstoppable Real Estate Brand

01/05/2026

The Agents who Dominate Tomorrow's Market are Building Their Digital Empires Today

The brutal truth? Experience alone won’t save you. While average agents scramble for scraps and watch leads slip to competitors, top producers are building digital machines that work 24/7 to attract premium clients, command higher commissions, and dominate their markets. 
The difference isn’t luck. It’s not market conditions. It’s a mastery of digital presence.
Join ValleyMLS partner’s REtechnology’s live webinar for the exact blueprint successful agents are using right now to build brands so powerful that clients seek them out, competitors can’t touch them, and their business grows whether they’re working or sleeping.
REGISTER

Master the 5 Pillars of Digital Domination with ValleyMLS partner REtechnology.

Pillar 1: Brand Authority That Commands Respect
  • Create a magnetic personal brand that instantly separates you from the competition
  • Position yourself as THE go-to expert clients seek out and refer
Pillar 2: Lead Generation Strategies To Fill Your Funnel
  • Build systems that attract qualified prospects automatically
  • Master the art of multi-channel lead capture that never misses an opportunity
Pillar 3: Conversion Campaigns That Close Deals
  • Design nurture sequences that turn cold prospects into hot buyers
  • Implement follow-up strategies that convert more leads into closings
Pillar 4: Platform Consistency That Builds Trust
  • Maintain powerful brand cohesion across every digital touchpoint
  • Create a seamless client experience from first click to closing table
Pillar 5: Brand Ownership & Portability
  • Build your foundation on tools that work anywhere your business takes you
  • Create a digital brand that never stops growing so you never start from scratch again
Secure your spot now and discover how to build the kind of digital presence that doesn’t just generate leads – it creates lasting market domination.
REGISTER
Read More

Introducing the ValleyMLS Photographer Marketplace

12/19/2025

Introducing the Valley MLS Photographer Marketplace

We’re excited to bring you a powerful new tool designed to save you time and help you secure the best media for your listings: the ValleyMLS Photographer Marketplace!
We know that quickly finding a reliable photographer is critical in our fast-moving market. That’s why we’ve partnered with CubiCasa to create a centralized marketplace where you can source local real estate photographers with complete confidence.
This new Photographer Marketplace is built specifically to address your biggest pain points when sourcing listing media:
  • Streamlined Discovery of Photographers: Stop wasting time searching through general results. The Marketplace gives you a streamlined way to discover all of your local real estate photographers in one place.
  • Access to a Massive, Vetted Network: You now have easy access to a huge pool of talent! We have close to 10,000 photographers who have already created detailed profiles—many of them serving your local market—ready to take on your next listing.
  • Find a Trusted Real Estate Photographer: We make vetting easy. The directory features detailed profiles with live, daily updates of recent listing shoots, clear specialties, verified service areas, and a direct contact form. This transparency makes it simple for you to find a trusted real estate photographer and ensure you’re getting the right service every time.
Ready to Find Your Next Photographer? 📷 Your new resource is live and ready to use now at https://www.cubi.casa/find/ValleyMLS.
The CubiCasa Photographer Marketplace is also available in your MLS Technology Toolbox on your dashboard!
Read More

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.
NAR's Letter of Support
NAR Testimony before the House
Read More

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:
  1. Further modernize MLS policies.
  2. Mitigate potential legal risks.
  3. Better serve MLSs, members, and the entire industry.
Read More

« Previous Page — Next Page »