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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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Q1 Econ Report: Spring Market Shows Growing Inventory Amid Stable Prices

04/30/2025

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

  • Home sales increased 7% compared to Q1 2024, with 1,556 units sold
  • Available inventory surged 40% year-over-year, reaching 2,530 homes in March 2025
  • Median sales price held steady at $324,900, virtually unchanged from Q1 2024
  • Days on market climbed to 64, a 45% increase from the previous year
  • Months of supply rose to 4.7 months, indicating a shift toward a more balanced market
  • New construction remained strong, accounting for 37% of total sales
The market continues to return to pre-pandemic levels after years of tight inventory, with increased choices for buyers across all price ranges. Notably, homes priced below $150,000 saw a 61% increase in sales compared to Q1 2024, while luxury homes above $800,000 continued their upward sales trend.
Madison County’s strong economic foundations remain intact, with population growth reaching an estimated 423,355 residents, median household income rising to $83,523, and the county’s GDP growing to $30.9 billion in 2023.
With mortgage rates averaging around 6.7% in March and inflation easing to 2.4%, the market appears to be transitioning toward greater stability, offering more opportunities for both buyers and sellers in the coming quarters.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
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HAAR Staff Certified as Professional Standard Admins

04/21/2025

🎉 We’re thrilled and proud to announce Education & Events Coordinator Ashley Murata and Education Director Jay Jennings were both certified last week as Professional Standards Administrators!
📖 Having association staff certified as Professional Standards Administrators is absolutely critical to properly serving our REALTOR® members. These certified administrators bring specialized knowledge of the Code of Ethics enforcement process, ensuring complaints are handled with consistency, fairness, and in accordance with NAR guidelines.

⚖️ Professional Standards Administrators who have completed certification training understand the nuances of due process, proper documentation, and confidentiality requirements that protect both the complainant and respondent throughout ethics proceedings.
✔️ Certified administrators also serve as valuable resources for members navigating ethics concerns, providing guidance that helps resolve issues early and maintain professional relationships within the community.

Congratulations, Ashley and Jay!
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What’s new from Cubi Casa for ValleyMLS Subscribers?

03/06/2025

Take a look at what’s NEW and FREE at your fingertips from CubiCasa as a ValleyMLS Subscriber!

CubiCasa February Newsletter

DOWNLOAD THE PDF
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Redstone Golf Card Program Ending March 31st

03/06/2025

PLEASE NOTE! The Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® were recently notified that the Redstone Arsenal Department of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) has decided to no longer participate in the Tee 4 Troops program.
Please be advised that as of 31 March, 2025, the use of the program’s cards for free greens fee and the use of coupons obtained through the Tee 4 Troops website will no longer be accepted at the Links at Redstone.
Over the years, HAAR members helped to contribute in excess of $30,000 in support of active and retired military members within the Huntsville community. 
 
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NAR 2024 Year in Review: A New Era Begins

01/30/2025

The Sitzer-Burnett settlement was a focal point as national, state and local associations worked together to keep members and consumers informed—and association leaders laid the groundwork for the path ahead.
The National Association of REALTORS® released its 2024 Year in Review on Tuesday. The 33-page report is an assessment of the organization’s past year, highlighting member benefits across eight areas—and promising a new mission-driven era.
Last year brought significant milestones for the association, including settlement of the Sitzer-Burnett lawsuit, implementation of residential practice changes for members, and approval of Culture Transformation Commission recommendations to bring greater accountability and transparency. All this came as members worked to navigate a challenging market, with limited inventory, higher interest rates and shifting living and work patterns.
“The past year tested our resilience as an industry, as an association and as individuals,” NAR President Kevin Sears said in a letter that opened the report. “As we embark on 2025, I want to express my gratitude to you—our members, the broker community, the local and state associations, and our MLS and industry partners—for the incredible work you’ve done to push through these challenges and help set the stage for our industry’s future.”

Building Trust, Collaboration

NAR CEO Nykia Wright said the association must evolve to meet the needs of members “today and tomorrow” while building on the momentum generated last year.
“In 2024, we cut costs and passed our first balanced budget in at least 10 years,” Wright said. “We also conducted in-depth research to begin laying the groundwork for a new member experience.”
She added: “The work to redefine our broker relationships; better leverage our relationships with state and local associations to optimize member value; build on our strategic partnerships with aligned Institutes, Societies and Councils; demonstrate our appreciation for the many volunteer leaders who are instrumental to driving our mission forward; and reposition our staff to meet the ever-growing needs of these stakeholder populations will shape our 2025 activities.”
Wright has engaged two new partners in the effort: In early January, NAR announced that Sherry Chris, former CEO of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate and ERA Real Estate, would join the association as a special advisor to help strengthen relationships, build trust and enhance collaboration with brokerage leaders. On Jan. 15, Jarrod Grasso was named senior vice president of industry relations for NAR, a role dedicated to enhancing the association’s relationship with state and local association leaders. Grasso joins NAR after serving the New Jersey REALTORS® for more than two decades, most recently as their CEO.

Supporting Member Success

In 2024, to assist members in preparing for practice changes outlined in the settlement, NAR launched facts.realtor to provide updates and guidance. The resource includes more than 120 FAQs, a legal video series that garnered more than 800,000 views, and more than a dozen consumer guides, in English and Spanish, for members to use while working with clients. The association also provided its Accredited Buyer’s Representation (ABR®) designation course at no cost to members; nearly 162,000 REALTORS® took advantage of that benefit.
More than 1,000 NAR members joined a grassroots effort—as surrogates—in 2024 to help educate consumers about the practice changes. Those interested in joining the program can email surrogates@nar.realtor.
In the advocacy arena, NAR scored significant wins: defending private property rights, securing the OK for VA buyers to compensate their brokers directly as the Department of Veterans Affairs studies the issue further, and supporting industry-friendly policies and candidates at all levels of government. The REALTORS® Political Action Committee—which backed 50% Democratic and 50% Republican federal candidates—achieved a 97% success rate in the 2024 election cycle.
Underpinning NAR’s advocacy success is a highly regarded research team that provides thought leadership and produces key housing market data and research reports. In 2024, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, Deputy Chief Economist Jessica Lautz and their team spoke at more than 400 in-person and virtual visits across our 1,100-plus local and state associations, brokerages and third-party organizations. NAR’s research content generated 1.9 million website visits, 240,000 report downloads and 100,000 social shares in 2024, signifying the appetite members and consumers have for reliable housing data and research reports.
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Sid Pugh named 2024 Broker Excellence Award Winner

01/09/2025

The Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) has awarded its prestigious 2024 Broker Excellence Award to Sid Pugh, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Alliance. The award recognizes outstanding leadership, professionalism, and contributions to the real estate industry.
With 45 years of industry experience, Pugh has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing professional standards in real estate. As Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Alliance, he has created a culture of excellence through comprehensive agent training programs, including weekly masterminds, technology education, and professional development opportunities.
“Sid Pugh exemplifies the highest standards of broker leadership,” said HAAR and ValleyMLS CEO Kurtis Krueger. “His dedication to agent development, community service, and industry advocacy has made a lasting impact on real estate in North Alabama and beyond.”
Pugh’s leadership extends well beyond his brokerage. He served as President of the Alabama Association of REALTORS® in 2018 and currently chairs the National Association of REALTORS® Business Issues Policy Committee. He also serves as Federal Political Coordinator for Alabama Senior United States Senator Tommy Tuberville, advocating for policies that strengthen property rights and homeownership.
Pugh’s leadership extends well beyond his brokerage. He served as President of the Alabama Association of REALTORS® in 2018 and currently chairs the National Association of REALTORS® Business Issues Policy Committee.
He also serves as Federal Political Coordinator for Alabama Senior United States Senator Tommy Tuberville, advocating for policies that strengthen property rights and homeownership.
His achievements include being named REALTOR® of the Year at both state and local levels in 2019, receiving the RE/MAX Circle of Legends award, and leading the #1 RE/MAX Team in Alabama multiple times. In 2020, he was inducted into the Huntsville/Madison County Builders Housing Hall of Fame.
Pugh’s community involvement includes founding the Mt. Carmel Recreation Center, supporting the Children’s Miracle Network, and participating in Habitat for Humanity projects. A retired U.S. Army serviceman, he continues to support veteran causes and various youth programs in the Huntsville area.
The Broker Excellence Award recognizes Pugh’s outstanding contributions to agent education, industry leadership, and community service over his distinguished career.
The Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® is a member-driven organization of nearly 4,000 real estate professionals. HAAR informs, influences, and empowers a thriving real estate market by focusing on education, advocacy, and connections.
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