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Alabama Property Protection Act Webinar

09/01/2026

The Alabama Property Protection Act of 2026 takes effect October 1 and introduces new responsibilities […]

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NAR Safety Webinar – AI, Scams & Cybersecurity

09/01/2026

REALTOR® Safety Month Webinar | AI, Scams & Cybersecurity September 9 | NAR Safety Webinar […]

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Fake, Fraudulent or AI? Outsmarting Wire Fraud, Deepfakes, Crypto Scams, and the New Real Estate Scam Playbook

09/01/2026

REALTOR® Safety Month Webinar | AI, Scams & Cybersecurity September 9 | NAR Safety Webinar […]

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Fulfilling the Promise of Fair Housing

08/27/2026

Fulfilling the Promise of Fair Housing (3 CE) Class Description: This 3-hour CE elective shows how […]

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Takeaways from Madison County Commission Meeting

08/26/2026

The Madison County Commission authorized several major transportation agreements, infrastructure maintenance actions, and environmental initiatives during its regular meeting. Knowing these updates keeps you informed on how regional growth impacts your upcoming listings and client consultations.

Stay up to date on Realtor news at HAAR.realtor/news

Download the Agenda

Major Road and Transportation Projects

Infrastructure investments directly influence market demand and commercial expansion. The commission approved key agreements that address some of the fastest-growing transit corridors in the county:

  • Blake Bottom Road Widening: Authorization was granted for a utility relocation agreement with the Harvest Monrovia Water Authority to move forward on the Blake Bottom Road widening project. This major multi-lane expansion between Jeff Road and SR-255 (Research Park Boulevard) aims to relieve severe commute congestion and increase safety in Northwest Madison County.

  • Wall Triana Highway & McKee Road Roundabout: The commission approved an agreement with Rogers Group, Inc. to construct a new roundabout at the intersection of Wall Triana Highway and McKee Road. Combined with authorized tree removal agreements along the corridor, this project will smooth traffic flow in the Harvest area.

  • FY 2027 Rebuild Alabama Transportation Plan: Commissioners passed the official resolution establishing local road improvement priorities for the upcoming fiscal year under the Rebuild Alabama framework.

Community Green Space and Local Development

Transit isn’t the only factor driving neighborhood appeal. Quality of life infrastructure received support with the commission authorizing funding execution for The Land Trust of North Alabama. Partnering with local conservation organizations ensures that rapid residential development balances with protected green spaces, trails, and preserved natural habitats.

County Facilities & Operational Upgrades

In addition to major roadwork, several municipal investments were finalized to support county administration:
  • Insulation encapsulation at the Probate Records Building
  • Audio-visual systems repairs for the Madison County Courthouse
  • Equipment installations for county fueling stations and public safety facilities
Understanding local Madison County infrastructure updates helps agents explain long-term community investments to buyers and price properties accurately based on upcoming roadway enhancements. You can review official agendas, public meeting minutes, and capital project timelines directly via the official Madison County Commission Portal.
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Madison City Council Recap: What REALTORS® Need to Know

08/25/2026

Staying informed on local government actions is crucial for guiding your clients, evaluating property values, and understanding market growth in North Alabama. The Madison City Council met on August 24 to address key residential zoning changes, municipal land offerings, and major infrastructure investments.
Here is a breakdown of the top developments and takeaways for local real estate professionals.
View the Agenda

Residential Annexations & Zoning Changes

The Council reviewed public hearings and proposed ordinances concerning new residential annexations into Madison City limits:
  • 11356 Cardinal Drive: Public hearing and ordinance assent (Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-236 & 2026-237) to annex 0.62 acres located north of Powell Road and zone it as R-1A (Low Density Residential).
  • 10569 Burgreen Road: Public hearing and ordinance assent (Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-249 & 2026-250) to annex 2.42 acres located west of Burgreen Road, north of Cedar Acres Drive, and assign it R-1A (Low Density Residential) zoning.
Realtor Takeaway: Keep these areas on your radar when consulting buyers looking for low-density single-family zoning in expanding Madison locations.

Commercial Real Estate & Surplus Land

Municipal decisions regarding city-owned property can unlock new local development opportunities:
  • Kyser Boulevard Vacant Land: Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-295 was introduced to officially declare a 0.93-acre vacant tract of land on Kyser Boulevard as surplus.
  • Brokerage Agreement: Accompanying Resolution No. 2026-306-R authorizes a brokerage services agreement with Crunkleton & Associates, LLC to facilitate the sale of this surplus Kyser Boulevard property.
Realtor Takeaway: Expect potential new commercial or mixed-use activity on Kyser Boulevard in the coming months as the listing moves to market.

Infrastructure, Roads & Community Upgrades

Infrastructure improvements directly impact home values and neighborhood accessibility:

  • Gillespie Road Repaving: Accepted a $50,000 donation from Commissioner Steve Haraway specifically designated for repaving Gillespie Road.

  • Rebuild Alabama Act Annual Update: Engineering delivered the annual status update on gas-tax-funded local road and infrastructure projects.

  • Parks & Facilities: Resolution No. 2026-305-R approved $38,416.21 for new shade equipment at Sunshine Oaks benches through Struthers Recreation.

Leadership & Municipal Operations

  • Madison Utilities Board: Council President Maura Wroblewski was re-appointed to the Madison Utilities Board for a term through September 2032 (or the end of the current Council term).
  • Waste Management Agreement: Approved Resolution No. 2026-308-R for a monthly contract ($67,450) with Madison County for solid waste disposal, with no fee increases passed on to residents.

Stay Connected

As North Alabama grows, HAAR’s Advocacy Team remains committed to keeping you updated on local government decisions affecting housing, private property rights, and commercial development.
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Huntsville Real Estate Market Update

08/24/2026

Late-Summer Market Dynamics

The Huntsville housing market maintained a measured, steady pace through mid-August. While higher interest rates and elevated consumer price pressures continue to test buyer purchasing power, market fundamentals demonstrate strong resilience.
Pending sales for both single-family properties and townhouses/condos showed substantial year-over-year growth during the week ending August 15. At the same time, single-family inventory has expanded steadily, giving buyers more options while maintaining balanced pricing power for sellers.
Here is your detailed breakdown of the weekly and monthly market activity across Madison County.

Read more REALTOR news at haar.realtor/news

Read & Download the Report

Key Market Indicators at a Glance

Single-Family Residential Overview

  • New Listings (Week Ending Aug 15): 161 (Down 9.0% YoY)

  • Pending Sales (Week Ending Aug 15): 148 (Up 9.6% YoY)

  • Active Inventory (Week Ending Aug 15): 2,263 (Up 8.2% YoY)

  • Median Sales Price (July 2026): $345,750 (Up 1.7% YoY)

  • Days on Market (July 2026): 44 days (Up 4.8% YoY)

  • Percent of List Price Received (July 2026): 98.8% (Up 0.2% YoY)

  • Months Supply of Inventory (July 2026): 4.0 Months (Down 2.4% YoY)

Deep-Dive Analysis for HAAR Professionals

Supply vs. Buyer Demand Trends

Despite new listings falling 9.0% week-over-week, pending sales surged by +9.6% to 148 contracts. The 3-month average for pending sales remains up 12.0% compared to last year, showing strong underlying buyer demand.

Mortgage Rates & Macroeconomic Conditions

According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.67% as of August 13, 2026. While slightly down from the previous week’s 6.69%, this represents an increase from 6.58% recorded a year ago. Compounded by broader consumer inflation at the pump and retail stores, buyers face tightened purchasing constraints, reinforcing the need for strategic pricing and rate-buydown options.

Pricing Stability & Seller Expectations

Single-family homes continue to demonstrate price stability. The July median sales price reached $345,750 (+1.7% YoY), and sellers are securing 98.8% of their original list price.

Read & Download the Report

Actionable Takeaways for REALTORS®

  1. Guide Single-Family Sellers on Pricing: With a 4.0-month supply and an average 44 days on market, single-family homes are in balanced territory. Emphasize accurate initial pricing to capture buyer interest within the first 30 days.
  2. Leverage Rate Concessions: With mortgage rates averaging 6.67%, discuss seller-funded temporary or permanent rate buydowns with your clients. This strategy often yields better buyer qualification than direct price cuts.
  3. Position Condo/Townhouse Listings Competitively: A 6.3-month supply indicates higher competition in the townhouse/condo space. Staging, competitive pricing, and buyer incentives are critical for listings taking an average of 69 days to sell.
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Domestic Violence Mini-Expo in Huntsville

08/21/2026

Real estate professionals play a unique role in the communities they serve, often standing on the front lines of neighborhood safety and support. To champion local well-being, the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) and the Women’s Council of REALTORS® North Alabama are teaming up to host an essential community event focused on safety, awareness, and advocacy.
The local community and industry professionals are invited to the annual Standing Against Domestic Violence Mini-Expo on Tuesday, September 15th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This free public event aims to equip REALTORS® and north Alabama residents with the knowledge to safely recognize, report, and prevent signs of domestic abuse with guidance from trusted local law enforcement resources.

What to Expect at the Mini-Expo

Presented by HAAR’s REALTORS® in Action committee in partnership with the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, the event features over ten local organizations dedicated to supporting domestic violence survivors, their children, and their pets. Attendees can connect with critical service providers, including regional advocacy networks like the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
  • Law Enforcement Insights: Attend a brief, high-impact safety presentation detailing proper protocols for intervention and reporting.
  • Organization Expo: Connect directly with local community advocacy groups and service providers delivering critical aid across north Alabama.
  • Community Giving: Support local non-profit partners by making direct financial donations during the event.
  • Complimentary Lunch & Giveaways: Enjoy a free lunch provided for pre-registered attendees, along with special event giveaways.

Event Details at a Glance

Vendor & Community Partner Opportunities

Are you a local community service organization? A limited number of complimentary vendor tables are available to showcase resources and support services.
To reserve a table for your organization, contact outreach@valleymls.com. Space is limited, so early RSVPs are strongly encouraged.
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Navigating the Alabama Property Protection Act of 2026: What REALTORS® Need to Know

08/21/2026

Real estate fraud prevention is taking a major leap forward in Alabama. Starting October 1, 2026, real estate licensees across the state will need to comply with new seller verification protocols following the passage of the Alabama Property Protection Act of 2026 (SB 292 / Act 2026-536).
Sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and Rep. Paul Lee (R-Dothan), this landmark legislation received strong backing from the Alabama Association of REALTORS®, the Alabama Bankers Association, the Southeast Land Title Association, and the Alabama Land Title Association.
Here is a breakdown of what the Act requires and how it affects your day-to-day real estate practice.

Mandatory Licensee Verification Requirements

Under the new law, proactive identity verification is mandatory under specific remote-transaction conditions. Real estate licensees cannot list a property for sale or lease until required verification is completed if the purported seller meets both of the following criteria

  • The seller is unknown to the licensee.

  • The seller is unable to meet in person with the licensee.

When both conditions apply, you must obtain and verify:
  • Government-issued identification from the seller.
  • Official proof of property ownership.
Note: If the seller is known to you OR if you meet them in person, these statutory steps are not strictly required by law—though implementing them remains a strong risk-management best practice for all transactions.

Recordkeeping Compliance

Licensees must securely store and maintain all documentation demonstrating compliance with these verification steps for five years.

Enhanced Investigation, Legal Remedies, and Enforcement

The Alabama Property Protection Act introduces powerful new mechanisms to investigate fraudulent conveyances and protect property owners:

  • Alabama Securities Commission Oversight: Consumers who fall victim to property fraud can file direct complaints with the Alabama Securities Commission, which is now empowered to investigate claims, penalize offenders, and facilitate victim reimbursement.

  • Criminal Prosecution: Flagrant cases of fraudulent conveyance will be referred to local law enforcement agencies for criminal charges.

  • Expedited Quiet Title Process: The Act creates a streamlined legal pathway for fraud victims to quiet title, significantly accelerating the process of returning stolen property rights to true owners.

Preparing Your Real Estate Practice for October 1, 2026

To ensure seamless compliance before the deadline, agents and managing brokers should review their brokerage onboarding procedures and document retention policies.
For deeper analysis, regulatory guidance, and educational resources:
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UPDATE: Proposed AREC Rule Vote Postponed

08/21/2026

UPDATE FROM AAR: After six days of strong advocacy and outreach by members of the Alabama Association of REALTORS® (AAR), the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC) confirmed this morning that AREC’s proposed earnest money rule will not be voted on at tomorrow’s August 20 AREC meeting.

Your advocacy made a difference! Thank you to everyone who took time to contact a Commissioner and provide your perspective on AREC’s proposed earnest money rule.

We appreciate AREC’s written clarification and are pleased that no vote will take place tomorrow on AREC’s proposed earnest money rule. We look forward to continuing to work with AREC toward a fairer solution to a very real problem.

Thank you again for your advocacy and engagement on this issue. AAR will continue to keep you informed as this issue moves forward.

The Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC) is considering a significant rule change regarding how earnest money funds are handled when a real estate transaction fails to close.

The Alabama Association of REALTORS® (AAR) has expressed strong concerns over the proposed amendment to Rule 790-X-3-.03, submitting an official comment letter to the Commission detailing the risks this policy poses to brokers, agents, and consumers alike.
Here is a breakdown of what the proposed rule entails, why industry leaders are pushing back, and how you can take action before the upcoming vote.

Understanding the Proposed Earnest Money Rule

Under current practice, when a transaction falls through and a dispute arises, trust funds are held neutral until both parties sign a mutual release agreement or a court resolves the issue.
The proposed rule change would drastically alter this dynamic:
  • Automatic 90-Day Disbursement: Brokers holding disputed earnest money would be required to return the funds to the buyer after 90 days from the scheduled closing date, unless the parties reach a mutual agreement or court proceedings are officially initiated.
  • Mandatory Contract Disclaimers: Purchase agreements would need to include specific language notifying buyers and sellers of this automatic 90-day return policy.
  • Extended Timelines for Existing Contracts: For contracts executed before the rule takes effect, the timeframe for automatic buyer return extends to one year.

Why AAR and Brokers Oppose the Change

While a clear resolution process for earnest money disputes is needed, industry advocates argue this specific proposal creates severe legal and operational issues:
  1. Strips Broker Neutrality: Qualifying brokers are escrow agents, not legal arbitrators. Forcing brokers to release funds automatically overrides contractual terms agreed upon by the buyer and seller.
  2. Increases Legal Exposure: Forcing a broker to disburse funds without mutual consensus opens escrow holders up to direct legal claims from aggrieved sellers who believe the buyer breached the contract.
  3. Disregards Contract Terms: Purchase agreements frequently outline explicit remedies for default. A blanket administrative rule forcing a refund undermines private contract rights.

How to Take Action Before the Vote

AREC meets to vote on this proposed rule on Thursday, August 20th.
The Alabama Association of REALTORS® is urging all qualifying brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons to contact their district AREC Commissioner immediately. Request that they vote NO on the rule in its current form and collaborate with industry stakeholders on a balanced solution that protects consumer contracts and broker neutrality.
Reach out to your regional commissioner via the Alabama Real Estate Commission Contact Portal today to make your voice heard.
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