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Understanding your Greatest Tool in Real Estate: The Contract (3 CE)

05/01/2026

Understanding your Greatest Tool in Real Estate: The Contract (3 CE) Date: Friday, May 8th, […]

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NAR’s Code of Ethics

05/01/2026

NAR’s Code of Ethics (3CE) Date: Tuesday, May 5th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm  Location: […]

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FMLS, Chattanooga REALTORS, ValleyMLS Expand Regional MLS Network w/ New 3-Way Data Share

04/29/2026

Reciprocal access now spans most of Alabama, Georgia, and Eastern Tennessee - creating new opportunities for brokers, agents, buyers, and sellers.
ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, April 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS), Greater Chattanooga REALTORS®, and ValleyMLS today announced a new three-way MLS data share that connects their markets through an expanded regional partnership, giving brokers and agents broader access to listings and market data across key areas of Alabama, Georgia, and Eastern Tennessee.
This collaborative agreement strengthens ties among three forward-thinking MLS organizations committed to helping members better serve clients in an increasingly active regional marketplace. By combining reciprocal access across their systems, the partnership creates more efficient tools for real estate professionals while increasing exposure and opportunity for buyers and sellers.
Through this enhanced partnership, brokers and agents gain seamless access to a broader inventory of listings and market data directly within their native MLS platforms – eliminating the need for multiple logins while improving efficiency and client service. Sellers benefit from expanded exposure to a larger network of real estate professionals, while buyers gain greater visibility into available inventory across a wider regional footprint.
“This is exactly how MLS organizations should work together, by removing barriers and helping real estate professionals serve consumers wherever opportunity exists,” said Jeremy Crawford, FMLS President & CEO. “We have already seen the value these partnerships create, and expanding that success across parts of Tennessee and northern Alabama is a smart, strategic move for our members and their clients.”
“This expanded partnership gives our members more opportunities to serve clients, market listings, and access critical data across a broader regional footprint,” said Carol Seal, Greater Chattanooga REALTORS’ CEO. “Real estate does not stop at state lines, and neither should the tools our professionals rely on.”
“ValleyMLS is proud to be part of a collaboration that delivers practical value to our members every day,” said Cindi Peters-Tanner, ValleyMLS’ Chair. “This expanded regional network strengthens cooperation and gives brokers and agents the tools they need to better serve buyers and sellers throughout North Alabama and beyond.”
“FMLS is committed to expanding these types of partnerships with other like-minded MLS organizations throughout the Southeast and anywhere in the United States, Canada, and around the world,” added Jeremy Crawford. “When MLSs work together, we create more transparent, efficient marketplaces that ultimately benefit consumers, brokers, and agents alike.”
The enhanced agreement reflects a growing industry movement toward MLS cooperation, regional efficiency, and better consumer outcomes through broader access to accurate, timely listing data.
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Expo 2026

04/28/2026

Welcome to Rocket City Command Center 🚀 — where real estate meets mission control. Step […]

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Broker Forum (June)

04/28/2026

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Member Meeting – May

04/28/2026

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

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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.
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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.
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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

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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.
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