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Madison City Elections: What to Know

08/18/2025

🎉 Your Vote, Your City: Madison Municipal Election on August 26, 2025! 🗳️ Your local […]

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Homestead Exemption Now Available Online!

08/12/2025

Great news for homeowners in Madison County! Our very own Cliff Mann, former HAAR President and current Madison County Tax Assessor, has announced an exciting new way to file for your homestead exemption.
You can now claim your homestead exemption conveniently and easily through the Tax Assessor’s website!

Here's a step-by-step guide to get started:

  1. Visit the Madison County Tax Assessor’s website.
  2. Click on the “Appraisal and Assessment” tab.
  3. Search for your property. Important Note: If your name doesn’t appear, try changing the tax year to the most current one. Please remember, it can take 4-6 weeks for ownership updates to show online after a deed is recorded with the Probate Judge’s office.
  4. Once you’ve found your property and your name is correct, click “File Online Assessment.”
  5. Follow the prompts and be prepared to upload the following documents:
    • A set date letter or contract information from your Huntsville Utilities online account.
    • The declarations page of your homeowner’s insurance policy.
    • A driver’s license with the property address.
  6. If you are 65 years or older, or permanently and totally disabled, you will also be asked to upload income tax or disability information.
This new online process makes it simpler than ever to ensure you’re receiving the tax benefits you’re entitled to.
For any additional questions, please contact the Tax Assessor’s Office at 256-532-3350 or email assessor@madisoncountyal.gov.
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Honoring North Alabama Real Estate Leaders

08/08/2025

The Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) recently announced its annual award winners, celebrating outstanding professionalism, community service, and dedication within the local real estate industry. These awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond to support their colleagues and the community.

HAAR REALTOR® of the Year: Rod Schumann

This prestigious award celebrates a HAAR REALTOR® member who exemplifies outstanding professionalism, ethical conduct, and significant contributions to both their industry and community. This year’s recipient, Rod Schumann, has had an incredible 43-year career in real estate.
After earning his accounting degree from Auburn University, he found his true passion in real estate. He got his start in commercial real estate at just 23 but quickly found his niche in the residential market. Schumann was one of the first agents at Rise Real Estate, a pivotal role during the company’s early growth.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has consistently given back, serving on numerous committees and the Board of Directors, helping shape the future of real estate here in North Alabama.
His unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership make him more than deserving of this prestigious honor.

HAAR Broker Excellence Award: Bill Stewart

This award recognizes a broker who exemplifies professionalism, ethics, leadership, mentorship, and community involvement. For 25 years, this year’s winner, Bill Stewart, has been a cornerstone of the North Alabama real estate community, founding his own company in 2020. Throughout his journey, he has consistently prioritized his clients’ best interests, building a reputation for integrity and exceptional service.
His leadership extends beyond his own clients, as he is a passionate mentor who invests deeply in his team of agents. By staying up-to-date on local trends and industry changes, he provides continuous training on critical topics like pricing strategy and risk management. His open-door policy and willingness to strategize with agents at any time have made him a go-to resource and a true leader.

HAAR Good Neighbor Award: Tere Calloway

The Good Neighbor Award recognizes a HAAR member who has given back to the community in big and unique ways, often organizing their colleagues to do the same. This year’s recipient, Tere Calloway, embodies the spirit of this award.
His generosity has touched the lives of many, including providing 200 backpacks with school supplies to students in need and distributing 400 turkeys to families for Thanksgiving. His most remarkable act of kindness came when he quietly and selflessly paid a daunting utility bill for the local Rose of Sharon Kitchen, a vital resource for the homeless.
Beyond these significant contributions, Calloway also volunteers as a coach at Columbia High School, mentoring and teaching young men about discipline and teamwork, leveraging his invaluable experience from playing in the NFL.

HAAR Affiliate of the Year Award: Adreanna Humphrey

This honor is bestowed upon an affiliate member who has provided exemplary expertise and knowledge to the real estate industry and their community. Adreanna Humphrey from Two Men and a Truck received this award for embodying these qualities and more.
As a truly community-minded individual, she leads the “Movers for Moms” program, an incredible initiative that collects essential items for mothers in need. Her commitment to making a positive impact shines brightly through her work. Beyond her community service, she is also deeply invested in the success of the association, serving diligently on the Gala Committee to ensure that upcoming events are successful and bring members together for a night of celebration and connection.

Local Nominees for Alabama REALTOR® Awards

HAAR also announced its nominees for several distinguished awards from the Alabama Association of REALTORS® (AAR).
David D. Roberts Award: Nominated for this award is Sha Jarboe, in recognition of her profound and sustained impact on a local, state, and national level over a period of at least 20 years.
Robert Jemison Award: Cindi Peters was nominated for her long and valued service of at least 15 years to AAR and HAAR. This award honors members who have never served on the Alabama REALTORS® Executive Committee.
Arthur B. Pope Education Achievement Award: Tammy Kleuger was nominated for her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth, as evidenced by her extensive designations, certifications, and active participation in industry meetings and courses.
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Q2 Real Estate Econ Report

08/04/2025

The first quarter of 2025 reveals a shifting landscape in Madison County’s residential real estate market, with growing inventory levels and steady sales despite higher days on market.

Key Highlights

  • Total 2041 homes sold in 2Q 2025.
  • Inventory of homes rose around 22% in June 2025 compared to June 2024.
  • Around 30% of sales were new construction.
  • Days on market increased to 48 days in 2Q 2025.
  • Average listings increased in all price bands.
  • Around 44% of this quarter’s sales were below the list price.
  • 17% of this quarter’s sales were above the list price.
  • Months of supply for all homes increased to 3.8 months in 2Q 2025.
In the second quarter of 2025, the housing market saw 2,041 homes sold, marking a 2.4% increase compared to the 1,994 homes sold in Q2 2024. While this total is 2.6% higher than the three-year average for Q2, it is 5.9% lower than the five-year Q2 average.
Among these sales, 17% closed above the list price, while 44% sold below list price. New construction homes made up 610 sales, representing about 30% of total transactions. Although there were slight declines in the $300K–$350K and over 800K price bands, most price ranges saw an increase in sales.
Looking at monthly sales trends, April and May 2025 saw higher sales than in both 2023 and 2024, as well as above the three-year average. However, in June 2025, sales were below the levels seen in June 2023, June 2024, and the three-year average.
On the supply side, inventory levels rose across all price categories. The most notable increase occurred in the less than $150K range, where inventory grew by a significant 81% compared to the same period in 2024. By June 2025, the total number of homes available for sale reached 2,734, up 22% from the 2,237 homes available in June 2024.
As of June 2025, the consumer inflation rate was recorded at 2.7%. During the second quarter of 2025, interest rates remained elevated, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.79%. According to Freddie Mac’s weekly data, the national 30-year mortgage rate stood at 6.77% by the end of June 2025.
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Apply for 2026 Officer or Director Positions

08/01/2025

The time for our annual election of Officers & Directors is here! Click below for more information, an election timeline, and links to apply for Officer or Director positions. 
All applications must be received via the online portal below before 5:00pm on Friday, August 15th.
Open 2026 positions are:
🏠 2026 President-Elect
🏠 2026 Vice President
🏠 2026 – 2028 HAAR Board of Directors (four seats)
🏠 2026 ValleyMLS Board of Directors (four seats)
TO APPLY FOR 2026 PRESIDENT-ELECT OR 2026 VICE PRESIDENT, CLICK HERE
TO APPLY FOR A BOARD OF DIRECTORS POSITION WITH HAAR OR VALLEYMLS, CLICK HERE

Elections & Nominations Timeline

JULY
  • Monday, July 21st: Election Work Group meets to review and confirm elections timeline.
AUGUST
  • Friday, August 1st: Application period opens for two weeks. Application instructions are emailed to all members. 
  • Friday, August 15th: Application period closes at 5pm. 
  • Week of August 18th: DQC meets to review all submitted applications
SEPTEMBER
  • Monday, September 8th: Slate of Candidates is finalized
  • Friday, September 12th: Official Slate of Candidates announced
  • Friday, September 12th: Petitioning period opens for additional candidates
  • Friday, September 19th: Petitioning period closes for additional candidates. Candidates who have secured the required signatures added to slate.
OCTOBER
  • Friday, October 3rd: Voting begins at 9am, members emailed instructions
  • Monday, October 6th: Voting closes at 5pm
  • Tuesday, October 7th: Candidates notified of results
  • Wednesday, October 8th: 2026 Officers & Directors announced via email to members
NOTE: Members will be emailed three reminders each Friday leading up to the Election. 

2025 Election Work Group

  • Joshua Click
  • Tracy DeGraaff
  • Beth Heflin, Chair

2025 Director Qualifications Committee

  • Allison Click
  • Zelda Friedman
  • Lore Hislop
  • Regina Mitchell
  • Tina Terry
  • Bill Ward
  • Sharita Whitehead
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Join HAAR and support the search for Ronald Dumas, Jr.

07/29/2025

If you have any information about Ronald’s whereabouts, please contact the Huntsville Police Department at 256-427-5448 for Investigator Stephen Gibbs, or call 911.
This message is shared with deep respect for the Dumas family’s privacy and with hope for Ronald’s safe return. Our thoughts remain with his children, family, and all those affected by this tragedy. 

HAAR Members: Our Real Estate Community Needs Your Help

One of our own continues to be missing. Ronald Dumas Jr., a respected Huntsville realtor, has been missing since December 15, 2024, when he was abducted. While arrests have been made in connection to his abduction, Ronald has still not been found, and his family continues to search for answers and hope for his safe return.
LINK: WHNT April 2025 coverage on Ronald’s case

How You Can Help

GoFundMe for Ronald’s Children Private investigator James Andrews has organized a GoFundMe campaign seeking to raise $8,000 for Ronald’s three children. The campaign aims to provide support for the children amid their ongoing uncertainty and grief, as they have already been forced to celebrate Christmas and other family milestones without their father.
Click Here to Donate
GoFundMe for Investigative Efforts: There is also a separate GoFundMe campaign organized by Shakeria Samples to help bring Ronald home, which supports ongoing investigative efforts.
Click Here to Donate
PLEASE NOTE: Both of these GoFundMe drives have been vetted by the Alabama NAACP and HAAR. Please take the time to investigate any other donation drives before contributing. 
WAFF: GoFundMe launched for children of missing Huntsville realtor Ronald Dumas Jr.

A Father's Children Need Our Support

Ronald’s children have already endured months of uncertainty, celebrating holidays and birthdays without their father. As a real estate community that values family and looks out for one another, we have an opportunity to provide meaningful support during this incredibly difficult time.
AL.com: Family of missing Huntsville realtor Ronald Dumas ‘struggling to find answers,’ return to normalcy (June 2025)

Take Action Today

We encourage all HAAR members to consider making a contribution to support Ronald’s children. In times like these, our industry’s strength lies not just in the deals we close or the properties we sell, but in how we care for each other.
Let’s show the Dumas family what it means to be part of the Huntsville real estate community.
If you have any information about Ronald’s whereabouts, please contact the Huntsville Police Department at 256-427-5448 or call 911.
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Caravan is BACK August 1st

07/28/2025

What is Caravan?

A Caravan Tour is a local, organized event where real estate agents and brokers tour a group of active, resale listings—usually within a specific area or zip code—together, in person. Think of it as “speed dating for listings.”   
The first Caravan tour will be Friday, August 1st.

What does Caravan do for you?

  • Promote new listings to other agents quickly
  • Generate buzz before (or during) market time
  • Get feedback on pricing, staging, or condition
  • Build agent relationships and network

How do I submit my listing?

Once you submit your listing into Paragon and select the appropriate Tour Area, a Caravan Volunteer will contact you directly to confirm when your listing will be scheduled.
There are a total of six (6) designated Tour Areas, and the Caravan will rotate weekly to ensure each area is covered on a consistent basis.

How does Caravan work?

  • Listings are submitted in the MLS for inclusion by a deadline.
  • A route is created, usually grouping 8–12 homes in a manageable driving circuit.
  • Agents tour the homes, typically during a morning or early afternoon.
  • Feedback is collected via forms or apps, then shared with the listing agent.
  • Some tours will include lender-sponsored snacks.

Bonus Benefits of Caravan

  •  Great for price reductions, or harder-to-show properties.
  • Keeps agents informed about local inventory.
  • Offers a lower-pressure way to showcase homes (vs. a public open house)

Tour Areas:

  • Madison North
  • North County Tour
  • Madison City
  • South Huntsville
  • North Huntsville
  • Downtown / Hampton Cove
Listings are scheduled in advance, and spaces are limited each week—so be sure to submit early!

Other Q&A:

Q: How do I sign up for a Tour?
A: When entering or editing a listing in Paragon, the agent will see a “Caravan Y/N” field located just below the City Limits field.
  • They should select “Y” for Yes.
  • This will trigger a second field labeled “Tour Area.”
  • They must click the magnifying glass icon next to the Tour Area field to view and select from the list of available caravan zones.
  • Once selected, they can save the listing, and it will be submitted for consideration.
 
Q: How will I know when my listing is scheduled for a Tour?
A: A Caravan Committee member will contact the listing agent on the Wednesday of the week their property is selected. Tours are held every Friday, and no more than 12 listings are selected each week.
 
Q: Is there a way to see what area the tour is visiting each week?
A: Yes. Agents can check the “CARAVAN” section on the MLS Dashboard.
There, they’ll find the weekly tour schedule showing which area will be visited and which listings have been selected.
 
Q: What happens if my home is selected as the “Home of the Week”?
A:
  • The agent may pick up the MLS “Home of the Week” sign from the HAAR reception area and place it in the yard.
  • The sign must be returned by the following Friday so it can be used for the next winning home.
  • A certificate will also be provided for the agent to present to the homeowner.
 
Q: How is the “Home of the Week” advertised?
A:
  • The winning listing will be featured on HAAR’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
  • It will also appear in the HAAR Weekly Newsletter, reaching a broad member audience.
 
If there are other questions not addressed, please reach out to the MLS department.
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Realtors® Endorse Candidates in August 26th Madison City Elections

07/28/2025

The Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) is pleased to announce endorsements for upcoming Madison City Elections on August 26th. These endorsements follow a comprehensive process that included numerous candidate interviews and thorough evaluation of completed questionnaires from candidates who chose to engage with Realtors® and our Government Affairs committee by HAAR. 
The HAAR Board of Directors approved the Government Affairs Committee’s endorsement recommendations on June 26th, 2025.
IMPORTANT LINKS: Madison District Map  |  Find Your Polling Place  |  iVoteMadison  |  Important Election Dates

For Mayor: Ranae Bartlett

WEBSITE
Bartlett’s commitment to responsible economic growth and fostering a business-friendly environment directly supports HAAR’s mission to inform, influence, and empower a thriving real estate market.
Her focus on investing in city infrastructure, including roads and sidewalks, is crucial for enhancing property values and overall quality of life, which directly benefits homeowners and potential buyers, aligning with HAAR’s emphasis on Housing and Community. 
Bartlett’s background in fiscal management and her stated intent to address sales tax challenges and gather consensus on growth demonstrates a practical approach to governance that can create a predictable and supportive environment for homeownership, a key priority for HAAR in fostering attainable housing.
Finally, Ranae Bartlett’s emphasis on collaborative work – whether it’s with other municipalities or other departments within the City of Madison – makes her the right person for the job, as decades of collaboration are to thank for the success our region has seen.

For City Council, District 1: Maura Wroblewski

WEBSITE
HAAR is proud to endorse Maura Wroblewski for Madison City Council. Maura has consistently demonstrated a strong record of partnership with HAAR, working collaboratively on issues vital to homeowners, those potentially entering the real estate market, and the Madison community at large. We’ve seen firsthand her dedication to ensuring that all voices are heard on major decisions affecting Madison. Her commitment to open dialogue and inclusive problem-solving makes her an invaluable asset to the City Council. 

For City Council, District 2: David Bier

WEBSITE
David Bier’s questionnaire responses focused on Madison’s growth and quality of life. Bier strongly advocates for private property rights, viewing them as essential for individual prosperity and business growth. He emphasizes the importance of homeownership, seeing it as creating long-term stability and opportunity for families.
His priorities as a candidate align with key community concerns, including the renewal of the 1/2 cent sales tax to support Madison’s schools, which he identifies as a primary driver of property value and quality of life.
Bier also stresses fiscal discipline, strategic planning, and sound financial management to support economic development opportunities. Furthermore, for District 2, he highlights the need for thoughtful planning regarding commercial and residential growth that aligns with “Madison on Track 2045”.
Bier’s extensive background in business and non-profit leadership, coupled with his commitment to service and intentional leadership, suggests a candidate well-prepared to navigate Madison’s growth while preserving its character and ensuring a high quality of life

For City Council, District 3: Billie Goodson

FACEBOOK
Goodson stresses a strong commitment to core tenets vital for the Madison community and the real estate market. He emphasizes the importance of homeownership as a key component of the American Dream and a way for people to invest in an area.
Goodson also plans to strengthen fair housing policies and practices to ensure all citizens have access to fair housing. Priorities include managed growth, maintaining excellent school systems, and practicing good stewardship of land and capital investment projects.
Goodson’s belief in open discussions and government transparency further indicates a leadership style conducive to collaborative community development.

For City Council, District 4: Michael McKay

WEBSITE
Michael McKay is well-suited to address the concerns of the Madison community, particularly those relevant to a homeownership. McKay emphasizes that private property rights are fundamental principles that should always be protected. He also expresses hope for more affordable housing options in Madison to both attract new residents and retain current ones.
McKay’s platform prioritizes improving the city’s quality of life through enhancements to parks, community facilities, and ballfields, as well as making Madison more visually attractive, walkable, and bikeable. His commitment to maintaining Madison’s stellar education system by supporting the Madison City Schools Board of Education is crucial, as strong schools are a significant draw for homebuyers and contribute to property values.
Furthermore, McKay advocates “smart economic growth” that boosts city revenues, while also scrutinizing every dollar as a Certified Fraud Examiner to eliminate wasteful spending and reallocate funds to high-priority areas.
His active participation in the Madison on Track 2045 committee and the Civic Awareness Academy demonstrates a proactive engagement with the city’s future planning. McKay’s emphasis on fiscal responsibility, quality of life, and supporting growth while protecting foundational property rights aligns well with the interests of a real estate community.

For City Council, District 5: Alice Lessmann

WEBSITE
Alice Lessmann’s background and experience is beyond impressive. She demonstrates a clear understanding of the factors that contribute to a strong community and a healthy real estate market in Madison. Lessmann emphasizes that private property rights are a core principle and that striking a thoughtful balance between development and the rights of existing property owners is crucial as Madison grows. She also recognizes that homeownership signifies strong, stable communities.
Her platform focuses on key areas that directly impact quality of life and property values. Lessmann is committed to supporting safe neighborhoods, maintaining strong infrastructure, and promoting responsible growth. A significant priority for her is continuing to ensure the excellence of Madison City Schools, recognizing their role in attracting families and businesses and thus supporting community growth and infrastructure.
Furthermore, Lessmann pledges fiscal responsibility to reduce city debt and manage public funds wisely for long-term financial health and investment in infrastructure like roads. Her commitment to supporting policies that promote transparency and inclusive development, along with her experience on the Madison City Board of Education, positions her as a candidate who can foster a fair and welcoming housing environment for all residents of Madison.

For City Council, District 6: Scott Harbour

WEBSITE
Harbour demonstrates an extensive knowledge of Madison and our challenges, and stressed the importance of Smart Growth. He strongly believes homeownership is “a cornerstone of the American Dream” and essential for building thriving communities, fostering stability, pride, and investment. Harbour asserts that protecting private property rights is crucial for empowering residents and enabling wealth creation. As a candidate for City Council, he supports “smart growth to increase housing inventory across all income levels” and emphasizes creating diverse neighborhoods that offer opportunities for homeownership.
His commitment to preserving and enhancing Madison’s quality of life includes strengthening community collaboration , supporting top-tier schools , preserving downtown charm through sustainable development , and enhancing infrastructure and services to ensure public safety and green spaces. Harbour’s experience on the Madison City Zoning Board of Adjustment and his extensive executive background in finance and strategy further position him as a candidate who can effectively contribute to Madison’s growth while maintaining its desirable character.

For City Council, District 7: John Seifert

WEBSITE
John Seifert has served three effective terms in the City Council and has always been a massively responsive leader to both HAAR, Realtor® members, and his constituents at large.
As the current President of the Madison City Council and a Planning Commission member, Seifert brings a track record of accomplishments, including improving the commercial business base, fostering revenue growth, enhancing infrastructure and community connectivity, and developing parks and recreational facilities. He strongly advocates for robust private property rights, recognizing their role in protecting individual investment and fostering economic development, while also supporting thoughtful development within existing zoning and master plans.
Seifert views homeownership as a key investment and essential for quality of life, and he is a strong proponent of fair housing and non-discrimination. His priorities for the city include maintaining great schools, improving quality of life, focusing on infrastructure enhancements, and ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic planning. Seifert emphasizes collaborative leadership, working as a team with the mayor and council for the benefit of all citizens, demonstrating his commitment to a common-sense approach to governance.
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Staff Spotlight: Alan Reese

07/23/2025

As Director of Finance at Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS®, Alan Reese is the go-to for all things money—handling everything from day-to-day financial operations to quarterly MLS billing cycles and periodic account reconciliations. With a background in accounting and an evolving appreciation for the field, Alan finds satisfaction in the order, structure, and small victories that come with keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Since joining HAAR, Alan has found ways to bring more efficiency and organization to the daily workflow. Whether it’s simplifying a process or tidying up a system, he appreciates the feeling of a well-run operation. His favorite days are the unpredictable ones: events, interesting conversations, or just unexpected moments that break up the routine.
Originally from Huntsville and a proud University of North Alabama graduate, Alan enjoys weekend trips to Florence and follows sports with more passion than he cares to admit. When he’s not crunching numbers, you might find him digging through crates at local record shops. He recently dove into the world of vinyl collecting—a money-pit of a hobby, but one that hits all the right notes. Add in a quiet cup of coffee and the occasional graham cracker and you’ve got his ideal kind of downtime.
Alan’s goal is to continue sharpening his accounting skills and building consistency in his role—while keeping a sense of humor and a balanced perspective along the way. 
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Scam Alert: Don’t Get Ghosted

07/18/2025

We recently had an experience that serves as a valuable reminder to always verify “proof of funds” and be wary of elaborate stories.
An agent was working with a buyer who claimed to have a $2 million inheritance and wanted to surprise her mother with a new home. The buyer even showed what appeared to be proof of funds on her phone, which, in hindsight, was easily faked.
A contract was written and accepted, but the buyer never provided the required proof of funds or earnest money deposit. Despite numerous excuses, the buyer ultimately vanished, completely ghosting the agent.
Later, the agent remembered the buyer mentioning another builder. A quick call to that builder revealed the exact same scenario: the buyer had signed an offer and contract but never submitted the earnest money.
This experience highlights the importance of:
  • Always independently verifying proof of funds. Don’t rely solely on screenshots or verbal assurances.
  • Being cautious of overly complex or emotional stories. While some situations are genuine, these can sometimes be a tactic to distract from a lack of legitimate funds.
  • Trusting your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
Have you encountered similar situations? Share your experiences and tips in the comments to help us all stay vigilant!
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