Broker Forum (June)

04/28/2026

Member Meeting – May

04/28/2026

Join Us for Our Upcoming Member Meeting All members — REALTORS®, affiliates, appraisers, and more […]

BE AWARE: Local Scam Compromises REALTOR Safety

04/28/2026

MEMBER ALERT: Safety and Security Warning

We have received a report from a local member regarding an encounter with an individual displaying highly suspicious behavior and using fraudulent financial documentation. We are sharing the details of this incident to help you remain vigilant and prioritize your personal safety during showings.

Incident Details

The individual, identifying himself as John, contacted an agent regarding a listing. While he provided a local phone number and had a social media profile that matched his appearance, several red flags emerged during and after the showing:

Behavioral Red Flags: The individual expressed surprise that the home was occupied rather than staged. During the tour, he insisted the agent lead him through the entire house while he remained positioned behind her at all times.
Inconsistent Narrative: He claimed his fiancée was currently in Ukraine due to a family emergency and would be part of the purchase process.
Vague Threats/Personal References: Following the tour, he sent text messages referencing the agent’s specific social media content, creating an unprofessional and uncomfortable dynamic.
Fraudulent Documentation: The individual provided highly irregular and “bizarre” documentation as proof of funds that did not meet any standard banking or financial criteria.
Criminal History: A subsequent background check via Forewarn revealed multiple convictions for Theft by Deception (over $2,500).

Safety Reminders for All Members

This incident serves as a critical reminder that while we strive to provide excellent service to potential clients, your safety is the top priority.

1) USE YOUR TOOLS: Utilize services like Forewarn to vet prospects before meeting them in person. If a name or number returns a history of financial crimes or violence, reconsider the meeting or ensure you are not alone.

2) STANDARDIZE YOUR SAFETY PROTOCOLS:

The “Buddy System”: Whenever possible, bring a colleague to a showing, especially if you have a “gut feeling” that something is off.
Lead from Behind: Never lead a prospect into a room (especially basements or small spaces). Gesture into the room and let the client enter first.
Park for an Exit: Always park on the street or in a position where your vehicle cannot be blocked in the driveway.

3) TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS: If a prospect’s behavior makes you uncomfortable, you have the right to terminate the tour or leave the premises. Discernment is one of your most valuable professional tools.

4) REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: If you encounter this individual or experience a similar situation, please notify the local authorities and report the incident to the Association. Keeping our community informed is the best way to keep our members safe.

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

04/28/2026

The first quarter of 2026 for the Madison County residential real estate market was characterized by modest growth in sales and pricing, suggesting a continued normalization and a move toward more balanced market conditions.

Market Performance Highlights

Home Sales: A total of 1,584 homes were sold in Q1 2026, a 1.8% increase compared to Q1 2025.
Pricing Trends: The median sales price reached $332,884, a 2.5% year-over-year increase and the highest first-quarter level on record for the region.
Inventory & Supply: While the 2,394 homes available for sale in March 2026 marked a high for the year, overall inventory was down 5.5% compared to March 2025. The market currently holds a 4.4-month supply, moving closer to a balanced state.
Days on Market (DOM): Homes averaged 64 days on the market, which is unchanged from Q1 2025 but represents a 21% increase from the previous quarter (Q4 2025).

Segment-Specific Insights

New Construction vs. Existing Homes: New construction continues to be a major market driver, accounting for 36% (569 units) of all Q1 sales.
Price Range Shifts: The most significant growth occurred in the $500K–$650K price range, where sales rose by approximately 26%. Conversely, the largest decline was seen in the $200K–$250K range, with sales falling by roughly 21%.
Sales vs. List Price: Only 13% of homes sold above their list price, while 48% closed below the initial asking price.

Broader Economic Context

Mortgage Rates & Inflation: The national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage was approximately 6.2% in March 2026. Regional price growth (2.5%) remained largely in line with the quarterly inflation rate of 2.7%.
Outlook: Based on current trends, sales are projected to potentially rise to around 2,000 units in Q2 2026, with ending inventory expected to reach approximately 2,500 listed homes.

March 2026 Fast Stats

04/22/2026

The spring market in North Alabama is officially in full bloom! March 2026 saw a steady climb in activity across the Valley, with 1,221 homes sold—outpacing last year’s performance.

Across our combined markets, the Median Sale Price has stabilized at $300k, showing a slight edge over March 2025. While inventory remains healthy with 5,251 homes on the market, buyers are moving quickly; the average home is staying on the market for 67 days.

Regional Highlights at a Glance:

Huntsville/Madison County: Continues to lead the charge in volume with 646 homes sold and a median price of $339k.
Athens-Limestone: Saw a significant jump in value, with the median sale price reaching $343k, up from $310k last year.
Morgan-Lawrence: Showed strong growth in sales volume, hitting 140 homes sold compared to 109 in 2025.
Pending Momentum: With 2,125 pending sales currently in the pipeline, we expect a busy April.

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

Scam Alert: Agents Targeted with Zoom Links containing Malware

03/20/2026

Scammers have found a new way to target real estate professionals, according to recent reports.

So-called potential buyers are targeting agents with listings on ValleyMLS, Realtor.com and Zillow, showing an interest in a listed property. Before submitting an offer, the potential client insists on having a Zoom meeting to discuss the property with the agent.

The scammer sends a Zoom link, but when an agent clicks on it, malware is installed on their computer or phone.

HAAR has also heard reports another agent questioned the so-called potential client and asked to do a phone call and the scammer refused to speak on the phone.

HAAR & ValleyMLS are reminding Realtors® to be vigilant when working with clients whom they do not know.

Do not click on links sent by individuals you do not know or cannot verify.
Always create the Zoom link yourself and share it with your client.

This scam comes on the heels of previously reported several vacant land scams in the region, and the association has worked to raise awareness among its members about the issue.

However, scammers now appear to be reaching out to agents in surrounding counties, trying to get other agents outside the area to sell vacant land.

Scammers have been sending fake proofs of identity, so an identification isn’t enough anymore. It’s important to try to meet in person or to try to verify that they are the rightful owner of the property before agreeing to sell the property.

NAR Candidate Training Academy

03/20/2026

The Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) announced today that it will host the National […]

GRI: From Contract to Closing

03/17/2026

GRI: From Contract to Closing Date: Wednesday, April 29th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Location: […]

February 2026 Fast Stats

03/15/2026

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

Rum, Rhythm, & Real Estate: HAAR Happy Hour Recap

03/13/2026

Rum, Rhythm & Real Estate: A Night to Remember

Our first Happy Hour of 2026 set the tone for a fantastic year ahead! Members gathered for Rum, Rhythm & Real Estate, bringing great energy, conversation, and community together for an evening full of connection and fun.

From the Distillery tours to the lively rhythms, the atmosphere made it easy to unwind, reconnect with colleagues, and meet new faces across our REALTOR® and affiliate community. Events like these are a reminder that some of the best business connections start with great conversations.

📸 Browse photos and video highlights from the evening below.

We’d also love to hear from you! Your feedback helps us make each event even better.

👉 Share your feedback here: Submit Today!

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We’re already looking forward to the next chance to gather with our amazing HAAR community.

A special thank you to Guajana Rum for hosting us and sharing their incredible space, and to Tamarind Island Grille for the fantastic island-inspired catering that kept everyone fueled throughout the evening. Known locally for their flavorful Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken, curry chicken, plantains, and other island favorites, Tamarind Island Grille brings a taste of the islands right here to Huntsville.

Events like these are even more meaningful when we partner with outstanding local businesses that help bring our REALTOR® community together. Supporting venues, restaurants, and service providers across North Alabama strengthens our local economy and creates new opportunities for collaboration within our network.

If you’re planning a client appreciation event, team gathering, or celebration, we encourage you to support local and consider visiting Guajana Rum or Tamarind Island Grille for your next event or meal.

We also love supporting businesses within our community. If you’re a member or affiliate who would like to collaborate on a future HAAR or ValleyMLS event, showcase your venue, or partner with us in another way, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know how we can work together to support and spotlight our local business community.

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News

Broker Forum (June)

Member Meeting – May

BE AWARE: Local Scam Compromises REALTOR Safety

MEMBER ALERT: Safety and Security Warning

We have received a report from a local member regarding an encounter with an individual displaying highly suspicious behavior and using fraudulent financial documentation. We are sharing the details of this incident to help you remain vigilant and prioritize your personal safety during showings.

Incident Details

The individual, identifying himself as John, contacted an agent regarding a listing. While he provided a local phone number and had a social media profile that matched his appearance, several red flags emerged during and after the showing:

Behavioral Red Flags: The individual expressed surprise that the home was occupied rather than staged. During the tour, he insisted the agent lead him through the entire house while he remained positioned behind her at all times.

Inconsistent Narrative: He claimed his fiancée was currently in Ukraine due to a family emergency and would be part of the purchase process.

Vague Threats/Personal References: Following the tour, he sent text messages referencing the agent’s specific social media content, creating an unprofessional and uncomfortable dynamic.

Fraudulent Documentation: The individual provided highly irregular and “bizarre” documentation as proof of funds that did not meet any standard banking or financial criteria.

Criminal History: A subsequent background check via Forewarn revealed multiple convictions for Theft by Deception (over $2,500).

Safety Reminders for All Members

The “Buddy System”: Whenever possible, bring a colleague to a showing, especially if you have a “gut feeling” that something is off.

Lead from Behind: Never lead a prospect into a room (especially basements or small spaces). Gesture into the room and let the client enter first.

Park for an Exit: Always park on the street or in a position where your vehicle cannot be blocked in the driveway.

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

The first quarter of 2026 for the Madison County residential real estate market was characterized by modest growth in sales and pricing, suggesting a continued normalization and a move toward more balanced market conditions.

Market Performance Highlights

Home Sales: A total of 1,584 homes were sold in Q1 2026, a 1.8% increase compared to Q1 2025.

Pricing Trends: The median sales price reached $332,884, a 2.5% year-over-year increase and the highest first-quarter level on record for the region.

Inventory & Supply: While the 2,394 homes available for sale in March 2026 marked a high for the year, overall inventory was down 5.5% compared to March 2025. The market currently holds a 4.4-month supply, moving closer to a balanced state.

Days on Market (DOM): Homes averaged 64 days on the market, which is unchanged from Q1 2025 but represents a 21% increase from the previous quarter (Q4 2025).

Segment-Specific Insights

New Construction vs. Existing Homes: New construction continues to be a major market driver, accounting for 36% (569 units) of all Q1 sales.

Price Range Shifts: The most significant growth occurred in the $500K–$650K price range, where sales rose by approximately 26%. Conversely, the largest decline was seen in the $200K–$250K range, with sales falling by roughly 21%.

Sales vs. List Price: Only 13% of homes sold above their list price, while 48% closed below the initial asking price.

Broader Economic Context

Mortgage Rates & Inflation: The national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage was approximately 6.2% in March 2026. Regional price growth (2.5%) remained largely in line with the quarterly inflation rate of 2.7%.

Outlook: Based on current trends, sales are projected to potentially rise to around 2,000 units in Q2 2026, with ending inventory expected to reach approximately 2,500 listed homes.

March 2026 Fast Stats

The spring market in North Alabama is officially in full bloom! March 2026 saw a steady climb in activity across the Valley, with 1,221 homes sold—outpacing last year’s performance.

Across our combined markets, the Median Sale Price has stabilized at $300k, showing a slight edge over March 2025. While inventory remains healthy with 5,251 homes on the market, buyers are moving quickly; the average home is staying on the market for 67 days.

Regional Highlights at a Glance:

Huntsville/Madison County: Continues to lead the charge in volume with 646 homes sold and a median price of $339k.

Athens-Limestone: Saw a significant jump in value, with the median sale price reaching $343k, up from $310k last year.

Morgan-Lawrence: Showed strong growth in sales volume, hitting 140 homes sold compared to 109 in 2025.

Pending Momentum: With 2,125 pending sales currently in the pipeline, we expect a busy April.

Scam Alert: Agents Targeted with Zoom Links containing Malware

Scammers have found a new way to target real estate professionals, according to recent reports.

So-called potential buyers are targeting agents with listings on ValleyMLS, Realtor.com and Zillow, showing an interest in a listed property. Before submitting an offer, the potential client insists on having a Zoom meeting to discuss the property with the agent.

The scammer sends a Zoom link, but when an agent clicks on it, malware is installed on their computer or phone.

HAAR has also heard reports another agent questioned the so-called potential client and asked to do a phone call and the scammer refused to speak on the phone.

HAAR & ValleyMLS are reminding Realtors® to be vigilant when working with clients whom they do not know.

Do not click on links sent by individuals you do not know or cannot verify.

Always create the Zoom link yourself and share it with your client.

This scam comes on the heels of previously reported several vacant land scams in the region, and the association has worked to raise awareness among its members about the issue.

However, scammers now appear to be reaching out to agents in surrounding counties, trying to get other agents outside the area to sell vacant land.

Scammers have been sending fake proofs of identity, so an identification isn’t enough anymore. It’s important to try to meet in person or to try to verify that they are the rightful owner of the property before agreeing to sell the property.

NAR Candidate Training Academy

GRI: From Contract to Closing

February 2026 Fast Stats

Rum, Rhythm, & Real Estate: HAAR Happy Hour Recap

Rum, Rhythm & Real Estate: A Night to Remember

Our first Happy Hour of 2026 set the tone for a fantastic year ahead! Members gathered for Rum, Rhythm & Real Estate, bringing great energy, conversation, and community together for an evening full of connection and fun.

From the Distillery tours to the lively rhythms, the atmosphere made it easy to unwind, reconnect with colleagues, and meet new faces across our REALTOR® and affiliate community. Events like these are a reminder that some of the best business connections start with great conversations.

📸 Browse photos and video highlights from the evening below.

We’d also love to hear from you! Your feedback helps us make each event even better.

👉 Share your feedback here: Submit Today!

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We’re already looking forward to the next chance to gather with our amazing HAAR community.

If you’re planning a client appreciation event, team gathering, or celebration, we encourage you to support local and consider visiting Guajana Rum or Tamarind Island Grille for your next event or meal.

Realtor Resources

Additional Resources

Community Links