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How each association serves Realtors®

06/04/2025

The power of our partnership—connecting local, state, and national associations through the three-way agreement—creates NAR’s unique and highly effective structure that delivers value at every level.
At the local and state levels, HAAR is your first call—providing hands-on support, grassroots advocacy and the connections that help build careers, bring targeted education, legal resources and issue-based advocacy that reflects local realities.
Statewide and nationally, AAR & NAR amplifies it all with unified lobbying power that protects and promotes the real estate industry and your ability to build your business, along with trusted research, actionable resources and a global network.
Together, we form a dynamic partnership that delivers unmatched value, protects the REALTOR® brand and powers member success.
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Free Business Development Seminars

06/03/2025

Alabama SBDC at ASU Entrepreneurship 101: How To Start A Business in Alabama and Write A Business Plan  Happening Today – Date:  Tuesday, […]

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Realtors in Action Service Week June 9th – 13th

06/03/2025

It’s that time of year again! REALTORS® in Action (RIA) is hosting its annual Service Week program from June 9th – 13th to connect REALTOR® and Affiliate members with public service opportunities at community organizations most in need.
There are more than 200 spots open, but they fill up FAST, so sign up today! Click below to learn more or sign up. 
CLICK HERE TO OPEN THE SIGN-UP FORM IN A NEW WINDOW
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U.S. House Unanimously Backs VA Home Loan Fix Championed by NAR

05/30/2025

Congress is taking steps to make permanent a provision that the Department of Veterans Affairs implemented on a temporary basis last year.
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1815, the VA Home Loan Reform Act, by a unanimous voice vote. The VA Home Loan Reform Act aims to codify the temporary policy, implemented in June 2024, that allows veterans to directly compensate their real estate agents. This will provide certainty and ensure that veterans can continue to participate in the housing market on equal footing with other home buyers. The bill would also create a partial claims program to assist veterans who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments.
Professional representation is crucial for veterans to navigate the specific requirements of VA loans while remaining competitive in today’s market. The National Association of REALTORS® strongly supported this legislation in a letter to House leadership,pdf emphasizing that real estate professionals guide veterans through the homebuying process and play an essential role in ensuring that home sellers see and consider a veteran’s offer.
“NAR is committed to ensuring veterans have continued access to the VA home loan and are supported with every opportunity to build on their service-earned skills and succeed in the workforce. Thank you for your leadership, and we look forward to working with you and the VA to find a permanent solution that benefits veterans,” the letter stated.
The VA Home Loan Guaranty is a unique government program that allows veterans to purchase a home without a down payment. In 2024, VA lenders provided financing for roughly 490,000 home purchases and refinances.
“The VA’s home loan guaranty is the only program that explicitly bans buyers from directly paying for professional real estate representation,” says Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer. “We are grateful to the House of Representatives for passing this measure and allowing veterans and active-duty service members the same advantages as other buyers in a competitive real estate market.” 
McGahn adds, “NAR remains committed to protecting the brave men and women who serve this country in the armed forces and ensuring they are given equal opportunities to achieve the American dream of homeownership.”
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2025 State Legislative Recap from AAR

05/28/2025

Alabama’s 2025 regular legislative session adjourned “Sine Die” — a Latin phrase meaning “without die” — last Wednesday as lawmakers worked until near midnight to pass last-minute bills and measures.
A light year in terms of major topics when compared to previous sessions, but several issues were addressed, nonetheless. Among the topics demanding attention and debate were fighting crime, combatting illegal immigration, supporting law enforcement, awarding tax cuts, addressing healthcare, promoting energy infrastructure for economic development, and adjusting the method of allocating public education funding.
This session saw several important successes for REALTORS® and private property rights, along with an impressive turnout for REALTOR® Day and the annual legislative breakfast to show our appreciation for legislators, state officers, and staff.

CLICK BELOW TO READ MORE FROM ALABAMA REALTORS.
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Sentrilock Fee Adjustment June 1st

05/27/2025

Following our contract terms with SentriLock, a standard annual fee adjustment of 1.9% will be applied to your monthly subscription. This updated fee will be reflected on your June 1, 2025 invoice.
We appreciate your continued partnership and are committed to providing the tools and support you need for success.
If you have any questions about this adjustment, please don’t hesitate to contact the number listed below.
For users enrolled in Recurring Payments through the Payment Profile feature, your fee payment will be automatically initiated on the due date. To complete the payment manually, you have the following options:
  • Online Payment:
    • Visit our website www.sentrilock.com.
    • Click on your profile picture located in the top-right corner.
    • Navigate to “Billing and Payments” from the drop-down menu, then click the credit card button to securely process your payment online.
  • Phone Payment:
    • Call 513-618-5828. Please have your Sentrilock External ID ready, as you will need it for the phone-based payment.
Note: Your credit card statement will display the charge as “REALTOR Association/MLS” for your Monthly SentriLock fees.
Failure to Pay:
Unpaid accounts will be suspended, and a Late Fee of $5.43 will be added to the total amount due. Suspended accounts can be immediately reactivated upon payment.
For any questions or concerns, please contact our Tech Support at 513-618-5800.
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NEW Consumer Guides from NAR

05/27/2025

As the National Association of REALTORS® continues to roll out their “Consumer Guide” series, HAAR is pleased to share the latest resources on escrow and earnest money.
We encourage you to continue to distribute these useful resources to inquiring consumers so they are armed with the information they need as they begin working with their REALTOR®
All guides in this series are available for download below and at FACTS.realtor.
10 Qs TO ASK A SELLER'S AGENT
AGENCY & NON-AGENCY RELATIONSHIPS
ALTERNATIVE LISTING OPTIONS
APPRAISAL PROCESS
BUYER AGREEMENTS
BUYING LAND & BUILDING
BUYER VS SELLER MARKETS
DEEDS & TITLES
ESCROW & EARNEST MONEY
ESTATE PLANNING
FIRE DAMAGE POLICY COVERAGE
FLOOD INSURANCE
HOME INSPECTIONS
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE
LISTING AGREEMENTS
MORTGAGES & FINANCING
MORTGAGE INTEREST TAX DEDUCTION
MULTIPLE OFFERS
NEGOTIATING WRITTEN BUYER AGREEMENTS
OFFERS OF COMPENSATION
OPEN HOUSES & WRITTEN AGREEMENTS
PREPARING FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP
PREPARING TO SELL
PRICING YOUR HOME
PROPERTY TAXES
REALTOR® DUTY TO PUT CLIENT INTERESTS ABOVE THEIR OWN
SELLER CONCESSIONS
SELLER DISCLOSURES
STEPS BETWEEN SIGNING & CLOSING
TITLE FRAUD
WHAT VETERANS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING A HOME
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Tax Reform Bill Clears House With Key Real Estate Provisions

05/23/2025

REPORT FROM NAR: The House of Representatives early Thursday passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that delivers significant wins for the real estate sector, reinforcing tax provisions long championed by the National Association of REALTORS®. 
NAR’s advocacy team successfully secured its top five tax priorities in the bill, including an enhanced small business tax deduction, a strengthened state and local tax deduction, and protections for the mortgage interest deduction. The bill also makes the current lower individual tax rates permanent and increases the child tax credit, moves that could help increase homeownership access for more American families.
In addition to NAR’s top tax priorities, the bill includes a broad range of other NAR-supported provisions—such as enhancements to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, estate tax certainty, renewed Opportunity Zone incentives, and the creation of tax-advantaged child investment accounts that can be used for qualified expenses of the beneficiary such as first-time home purchases—all of which strengthen housing affordability, investment, and generational wealth. 
“We appreciate House leaders for taking this important step with a bill that supports hardworking families and strengthens the real estate economy. With lower tax rates, SALT relief, and new incentives for small businesses and community development, this proposal brings real benefits to everyday Americans,” says Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer.
“While significant changes are possible as this bill moves to the Senate, NAR will stay closely engaged with lawmakers to ensure real estate remains a central focus,” McGahn says. “We are committed to advocating for provisions that expand opportunity, support homeownership, strengthen communities nationwide, and put the American Dream within reach for more families.”
In a recent national survey commissioned by NAR, Americans expressed strong support for retaining provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act critical to the real estate economy and homeownership. Fully 76% of voters are aware of efforts to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Among those familiar with the law, support grows significantly when specific provisions are highlighted—86% back lower income tax rates for individuals and married couples, 83% support a new 20% deduction for independent contractors and small businesses earning under $400,000, and 80% favor tax incentives aimed at spurring investment in underserved communities. 
The national survey of 1,000 registered voters was commissioned by NAR and conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research April 3–6, 2025. It has a margin of error of 3.10%.
Below is a summary of the provisions included in the current bill:
 
Top Five NAR Tax Priorities
  1. Qualified Business Income Deduction (Section 199A)
    • The bill permanently increases the QBI deduction from 20% to 23%.
    • This deduction benefits more than 90% of NAR members, who are classified as independent contractors or small business owners.
    • 83% of voters said they supported the 20% tax deduction for independent contractors and small businesses making less than $400,000 a year, according to NAR’s national poll.
  2. State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT)
    • The SALT deduction cap is quadrupled from $10,000 to $40,000 for households earning under $500,000. However, the bill does not eliminate the marriage penalty. Thus, whether taxpayers are single filers or married couples filing a joint return, they can deduct a maximum of $40,000 in state and local taxes. The income cap and deduction both grow 1% every year over a 10-year window.
  3. Individual Tax Rates
    • Current individual tax rates, lowered as part of the TCJA, are made permanent and indexed for inflation, aiding taxpayers and improving affordability for prospective homebuyers.
    • 86% of voters support the lowered income tax rates for individuals and married couples, according to NAR’s national poll.
  4. Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID)
    • The draft preserves and makes permanent the MID at its current level, maintaining a key tax benefit for homeowners and supporting housing market stability.
    • There had been concern MID might be reduced or eliminated as a budget offset
    • 91% of voters support maintaining tax incentives such as the mortgage interest deduction for homeowners, according to the NAR poll.
  5. Business SALT and 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges
    • The draft bill protects Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, which are often erroneously regarded as a tax loophole.
    • It also includes no changes for most businesses deducting state and local taxes (sometimes referred to as “Business SALT”).
    • While the bill does provide limits in state-level business SALT workarounds for certain high-income professionals (e.g., law firms, hedge funds, consulting businesses, and other services), the provisions do not appear to impact real estate professionals.
Additional Positive Tax Provisions for Real Estate Economy
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
    • Key provisions from the LIHTC Improvement Act will be included to support affordable housing development.
  • Child Tax Credit Increased to $2,500 (2025–2028)
    • Temporarily raises the child tax credit through 2028 and then indexes it for inflation starting in 2029.
    • The child tax credit supports families and could help with housing affordability.
  • Creation of Tax-Advantaged Child Investment Accounts
    • Can be used for qualified expenses of the beneficiary such as first-time home purchases.
  • Permanent Estate and Gift Tax Threshold Set at $15 Million (Inflation-Adjusted)
    • Prevents a significant drop in exemption levels and supports generational wealth transfer, aligning with NAR priorities.
  • No Top Tax-Rate Increase
    • The proposed 39.6% top rate was removed from the bill.
  • Restoration of “Big 3” Business Tax Provisions
    • Full expensing of research and development (R&D)
    • Bonus depreciation
    • Fixes to interest expense deduction limits
  • Immediate Expensing for Certain Industrial Structures
    • Applies to structures used in manufacturing, refining, agriculture and related industries.
  • No Change to Carried Interest Treatment
  • Opportunity Zones
    • Renewed with revised incentives to encourage targeted investment, including in rural areas.
80% of voters expressed support for tax incentives for investors to encourage economic growth and development in underserved and poorer communities, according to NAR’s recent national p
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Changes ahead for Alabama license law

05/20/2025

Alabama REALTORS® HB 382 and the Alabama Real Estate Commission’s HB 225 have both passed the Alabama Legislature and are heading to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk for signature into law! AAR’s government affairs team worked to pass both bills into law.

AAR’s HB 382 updates dual agency definitions, establishes guidelines for real estate teams, sets rules for co-brokerage agreements with out-of-state brokers, and allows greater flexibility for the use of branch offices. In addition, it increases the maximum fine amount for license law violations and streamlines the process for failed payments by allowing administrative handling instead of a full hearing. These improvements will enhance efficiency and provide clarity by streamlining real estate practices and addressing issues in current law. The law will go into effect on October 1, 2025.

AREC’s HB 225 strengthens education requirements for obtaining a salesperson, broker, or qualifying broker license, by requiring more hours and experience. The bill will allow for greater delivery of online education and one hour CE to increase education accessibility. The bill also increases accountability measures and fines for pre-license schools. These updates will boost professionalism and accountability in Alabama’s real estate industry. This law will go into effect in 2028.

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First Draft of Tax Reform Bill “Very Positive” for Real Estate

05/13/2025

Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee released the full draft text of their portion of tax reform legislation Monday afternoon—delivering significant wins for the real estate sector and reinforcing provisions long championed by the National Association of REALTORS®.
NAR’s advocacy team successfully secured its top five tax priorities in the draft bill, including an enhanced small business tax deduction, a strengthened state and local tax (SALT) deduction, and protections for the mortgage interest deduction (MID). The bill also makes the current lower individual tax rates permanent and increases the child tax credit, moves that could help increase homeownership access for more American families.
“This is a very strong opening bid for our advocacy priorities. This draft language preserves or strengthens a raft of provisions vital to housing affordability, including making the current lower income tax brackets permanent,” says NAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn. “These are all measures we have worked tirelessly to advocate for on behalf of our members.”
“The bill also triples current SALT deduction limits, although it is very possible the SALT deduction could become even more favorable during the amendment process. A national poll commissioned by NAR in April showed that 61% of voters support increasing or eliminating SALT caps, and 74% say double taxation fairness is a compelling reason to do so,” McGahn continues.
A partial draft of the legislation was released Friday night. The latest details come 24 hours before the committee is scheduled to begin the formal mark-up process on Tuesday.
“While the early details are overwhelmingly positive for the real estate economy and small businesses, I would caution that this is just the first draft. The bill will continue to evolve as it moves through the committee process and eventual passage in the House and Senate, with many amendment votes to come,” McGahn says. “We will continue to engage directly with congressional leadership, key committees, and other policymakers to ensure that housing affordability and support for small businesses remain top priorities in these negotiations. At a time when we face a historic shortage in housing supply, it is essential that this legislation does not worsen the affordability crisis. With real estate accounting for nearly one-fifth of the U.S. economy, a strong real estate sector is vital to the health of the broader economy.”
 
Below is a summary of the draft provisions released today:
 
Top Five NAR Tax Priorities
  1. Qualified Business Income Deduction (Section 199A)
    • The draft bill retains, makes permanent, and increases the QBI deduction from 20% to 23%.
    • This deduction benefits more than 90% of NAR members, who are classified as independent contractors or small business owners.
    • 83% of voters support the 20% tax deduction for independent contractors and small businesses making less than $400,000 a year, according to NAR’s recent national poll.
  2. State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT)
    • The SALT deduction cap is tripled from $10,000 to $30,000 for households earning under $400,000. However, the bill does not eliminate the current-law marriage penalty. Thus, single filers and married couples filing a joint return both can deduct a maximum of $30,000 in state and local taxes.
  3. Individual Tax Rates
    • The current lower individual tax rates are made permanent and indexed for inflation, aiding taxpayers and improving affordability for prospective homebuyers.
    • 86% of voters support the lowered income tax rates for individuals and married couples, according to NAR’s recent national poll.
  4. Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID)
    • The draft preserves and makes permanent the MID at its current level, maintaining a key tax benefit for homeowners and supporting housing market stability.
    • There had been concern MID might be reduced or eliminated as a budget offset.
    • 91% of voters support maintaining tax incentives such as the mortgage interest deduction for homeowners, according to NAR’s recent national poll.
  5. Business SALT and 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges
    • The draft bill protects Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, which are often erroneously regarded as a tax loophole.
    • It also includes no changes for most businesses deducting state and local taxes (sometimes referred to as “Business SALT”).
    • While the bill does provide limits in state-level business SALT workarounds for certain high-income professionals (e.g., law firms, hedge funds, consulting businesses, and other services), the provisions do not appear to impact real estate professionals.
Additional Positive Tax Provisions for Real Estate Economy
  • Child Tax Credit Increased to $2,500 (2025–2028)
    • Temporarily raises the child tax credit through 2028 and then indexes it for inflation starting in 2029.
    • The child tax credit supports families and could help with housing affordability.
  • Permanent Estate and Gift Tax Threshold Set at $15 Million (Inflation-Adjusted)
    • Prevents a significant drop in exemption levels and supports generational wealth transfer, aligning with NAR priorities.
  • No Top Tax-Rate Increase
    • The proposed 39.6% top rate was removed from the bill.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
    • Key provisions from the LIHTC Improvement Act will be included to support affordable housing development.
  • Restoration of “Big 3” Business Tax Provisions
    • Full expensing of research and development (R&D)
    • Bonus depreciation
    • Fixes to interest expense deduction limits
  • Immediate Expensing for Certain Industrial Structures
    • Applies to structures used in manufacturing, refining, agriculture and related industries.
  • No Change to Carried Interest Treatment
  • Opportunity Zones
    • Renewed with revised incentives to encourage targeted investment, including in rural areas.
    • 80% of voters expressed support for tax incentives for investors to encourage economic growth and development in underserved and poorer communities, according to NAR’s recent national poll.
NAR’s policy team continues to go through the bill and will provide updates as warranted.
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