News

GRI: Avoiding Setbacks, Fines & Lawsuits

01/21/2026

GRI: Avoiding Setbacks, Fines & Lawsuits (6 hr AL CE) IN-PERSON Date: Tuesday, March 31st […]

RE Technology: Future Proof Your Business in 2026

01/16/2026

The real estate industry is evolving faster than ever. New technology, powerful AI tools, and changing buyer expectations are rewriting how agents generate leads, communicate with clients, and close deals.

By 2026, today’s “nice-to-have” tech will be non-negotiable. Buyers and sellers expect instant responses, personalized experiences, and seamless digital communication. At the same time, competition is increasing and attention spans are shrinking.

To stay relevant and profitable, agents need to modernize how they work. Automation, AI, and smarter CRM strategies aren’t trends anymore, they’re the foundation of a future-proof real estate business.

Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve and build a business ready for 2026 and beyond.

Don't miss this upcoming FREE webinar from RE Technology and ValleyMLS:

April 2026 Fast Stats

01/15/2026

ValleyMLS has released the April 2026 Fast Stats, providing a comprehensive look at the residential real estate trends across North Alabama. The regional market continues to show resilience, with a notable increase in median sale prices across almost every county compared to the same time last year.

Whether you are looking to buy in the bustling Huntsville metro or seeking a quiet retreat in DeKalb, these latest figures help you stay ahead of the curve.

Regional Highlights at a Glance:

The combined stats report highlights a steady regional performance. Across the entire service area, we saw 1,300 homes sold this month, slightly outpacing the 1,294 sales from April 2025. The regional median sale price has risen to $309k, up from $295k last year.

COUNTY BY COUNTY BREAKDOWN

Huntsville & Madison County: The area remains active with 712 homes sold and a median sale price of $337k. With 1,350 pending sales currently in the pipeline, the momentum is set to continue.
Athens & Limestone County: This area is seeing a healthy median price growth, now sitting at $320k compared to $309k in 2025. Average days on market have dropped to 63 days.
Morgan & Lawrence Counties: Sales are up with 132 homes sold. The median price has climbed to $258k, a steady increase from the previous year’s $251k.
Marshall County: While the number of homes sold dipped slightly to 91, the median sale price saw a significant jump to $284k, up from $250k in April 2025.
Jackson County: Homes are moving fast here, with an average of just 48 days on market. The median sale price has reached $250k.
DeKalb County: This county saw a strong increase in volume with 56 homes sold (up from 40 in 2025), and a median price increase to $250k.
Etowah & Cherokee Counties: The median sale price has risen to $249k, while the inventory remains stable with 417 homes currently on the market.

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

December 2025 Fast Stats

01/15/2026

Please note! Beginning in 2025, ValleyMLS will highlight MEDIAN Sale Price instead of AVERAGE Sale Price to reflect a more accurate overview of the local market for media and consumers.

As the year winded down, North Alabama’s real estate market is showing a unique blend of seasonal cooling and long-term resilience. While the holidays often bring a slower pace, the December 2025 data reveals that our area counties remain some of the most stable regions in the Southeast.

Below is a breakdown of the December stats across our key service areas.

Huntsville & Madison County

While inventory rose slightly to 965 active listings, well-priced homes are still moving in just under six weeks. The 0.986 sale-to-list ratio proves that sellers are still getting near-asking price, though buyers now have more room to negotiate than they did two years ago.

Athens & Limestone County:

Limestone County remains a hotbed for new construction. Growth along the I-65 corridor is keeping demand high, even with the typical December dip in activity. It remains an excellent alternative for those seeking slightly more “bang for their buck” while staying close to Huntsville’s job centers.

Morgan, Marshall, Etowah, DeKalb, & Jackson:

Morgan County: Stable pricing makes this a favorite for first-time buyers.
Marshall & Jackson: We’re seeing a steady interest in recreation-adjacent properties near Guntersville Lake.
Etowah & DeKalb: Inventory remains the tightest here, keeping prices firm as we head into the new year.

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

FAQ: First Right of Refusal FROR & MLS Status Reporting

01/09/2026

A First Right of Refusal (FROR) — sometimes referred to as a “break clause” — is a contractual provision under which a seller accepts an offer that allows a buyer the right to submit an offer to include a “break clause” of the potential buyer first getting an offer on their current home with a “First Right of Refusal” to either void the contract or remove the contingency of the purchaser first getting their home under contract if the seller receives another offer.

For MLS reporting and compliance purposes, a First Right of Refusal and a break clause are treated identically. Once an offer is accepted—regardless of the terminology used—the property is considered under contract and must be reported accordingly in the MLS.

Does calling it a “break clause” change how the listing is reported in the MLS?

No.
Regardless of whether the contract uses the term First Right of Refusal or break clause, MLS reporting requirements remain the same.

Terminology does not override MLS status rules.

Does a listing with an FROR or break clause remain Active?

Yes, but once an offer is accepted or the FROR is exercised, the listing is no longer Active.

What status is required when there is an accepted offer with an FROR or break clause?

The listing must be updated to the appropriate status (Contingent or Pending) within three (3) working days of acceptance.

This requirement applies even if:

Contingencies remain
Inspections have not occurred

Why can’t the listing remain Active while waiting for contingencies or inspections?
An accepted offer places the seller under contract. Leaving the listing Active is misleading to:

Cooperating brokers
Buyers
The public

MLS data must reflect the property’s true contractual status, not marketing strategy.

How should an FROR or break clause be disclosed in the MLS?

MLS Participants must:

Use the MLS-designated field and remarks to disclose the FROR.
Ensure remarks accurately describe the situation
Keep information current as circumstances change

When does the three (3) working day requirement begin?
The three (3) working day period begins when the offer is accepted by all required parties, not when:

Earnest money is received
There are no contingencies
Waiting for mortgage approval

Working days exclude weekends and MLS-recognized holidays.

What happens when the FROR is exercised or waived?

The listing must be updated promptly to reflect the resulting contract status and any changes to remarks or contingencies.

What happens if I fail to update the status within three (3) working days?

Failure to comply may result in:

Compliance notices
Fines or other sanctions as outlined in MLS Rules

The MLS may request documentation to verify compliance.

Does ValleyMLS interpret contract language or provide legal advice?

No. ValleyMLS does not interpret contracts or provide legal advice. The MLS’s role is limited to enforcing accurate and timely MLS reporting, regardless of how contractual provisions are labeled.

Bottom Line

Different names. Same rule.

If an offer is accepted:

The listing is Under Contract
The status must be updated within three (3) working days

Beginning with the End in Mind: The ALTA Settlement Statement (3 CE)

01/09/2026

Beginning with the End in Mind: The ALTA Settlement Statement (3 CE) Date: Wednesday, February […]

NAR’s Code of Ethics

01/09/2026

NAR’s Code of Ethics (3CE) Date: Wednesday March 25th, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Location: […]

Contract to Table – Road Map of a Real Estate Closing (3 CE)

01/09/2026

Contract to Table – Road Map of a Real Estate Closing (3 CE) Date: Tuesday, […]

Environmental Issues within Legal Description Ownership (3 CE)

01/09/2026

Environmental Issues within Legal Description Ownership (3 CE) Date: Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 1:00 pm […]

In memory of Bill McEwen

01/07/2026

Bill McEwen, age 71, of Huntsville passed away on January 4, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Huntsville, Alabama and a graduate of Lee High School. He was a Realtor with Legend Realty and worked in real estate for the Huntsville metro area for over 48 years.

Visitation
Thursday, January 8
10:00am – 12:00pm

First Baptist Church
600 Governor’s Drive
Huntsville, AL 35801

Funeral Service
Thursday, January 8
12:00pm

First Baptist Church
600 Governor’s Drive
Huntsville, AL 35801

He loved cruising in his vintage Ford Mustangs with the top down and spending weekends at car shows. A lifelong enthusiast, he had a passion for toys of all kinds and often turned the dining room table into a racetrack for his collection of toy race cars. Known for his quick wit and endless supply of dad jokes, he cherished making his kids laugh and embraced his role as “Big Daddy” to his grandkids—a source of comfort and joy, even for his beloved grand dog.

Survivors include his wife, Andra Massey McEwen; his daughters, Brandi McEwen, Ellyn Christian (husband, Kyle) and Britney McEwen; his grandchildren, Emma, Evelyn and KC Christian; sister, Charlynn Jackson (husband, Harold); and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Evalyn McEwen and his brother, Charlie McEwen.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at First Baptist Church Life Center, Huntsville, Alabama. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. John Lemons officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church Mission Fund in his memory.

Website Search:

GRI: Avoiding Setbacks, Fines & Lawsuits

RE Technology: Future Proof Your Business in 2026

The real estate industry is evolving faster than ever. New technology, powerful AI tools, and changing buyer expectations are rewriting how agents generate leads, communicate with clients, and close deals.

By 2026, today’s “nice-to-have” tech will be non-negotiable. Buyers and sellers expect instant responses, personalized experiences, and seamless digital communication. At the same time, competition is increasing and attention spans are shrinking.

To stay relevant and profitable, agents need to modernize how they work. Automation, AI, and smarter CRM strategies aren’t trends anymore, they’re the foundation of a future-proof real estate business.

Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve and build a business ready for 2026 and beyond.

Don't miss this upcoming FREE webinar from RE Technology and ValleyMLS:

April 2026 Fast Stats

Whether you are looking to buy in the bustling Huntsville metro or seeking a quiet retreat in DeKalb, these latest figures help you stay ahead of the curve.

Regional Highlights at a Glance:

COUNTY BY COUNTY BREAKDOWN

Huntsville & Madison County: The area remains active with 712 homes sold and a median sale price of $337k. With 1,350 pending sales currently in the pipeline, the momentum is set to continue.

Athens & Limestone County: This area is seeing a healthy median price growth, now sitting at $320k compared to $309k in 2025. Average days on market have dropped to 63 days.

Morgan & Lawrence Counties: Sales are up with 132 homes sold. The median price has climbed to $258k, a steady increase from the previous year’s $251k.

Marshall County: While the number of homes sold dipped slightly to 91, the median sale price saw a significant jump to $284k, up from $250k in April 2025.

Jackson County: Homes are moving fast here, with an average of just 48 days on market. The median sale price has reached $250k.

DeKalb County: This county saw a strong increase in volume with 56 homes sold (up from 40 in 2025), and a median price increase to $250k.

Etowah & Cherokee Counties: The median sale price has risen to $249k, while the inventory remains stable with 417 homes currently on the market.

December 2025 Fast Stats

Please note! Beginning in 2025, ValleyMLS will highlight MEDIAN Sale Price instead of AVERAGE Sale Price to reflect a more accurate overview of the local market for media and consumers.

As the year winded down, North Alabama’s real estate market is showing a unique blend of seasonal cooling and long-term resilience. While the holidays often bring a slower pace, the December 2025 data reveals that our area counties remain some of the most stable regions in the Southeast.

Below is a breakdown of the December stats across our key service areas.

Huntsville & Madison County

While inventory rose slightly to 965 active listings, well-priced homes are still moving in just under six weeks. The 0.986 sale-to-list ratio proves that sellers are still getting near-asking price, though buyers now have more room to negotiate than they did two years ago.

Athens & Limestone County:

Morgan, Marshall, Etowah, DeKalb, & Jackson:

Morgan County: Stable pricing makes this a favorite for first-time buyers.

Marshall & Jackson: We’re seeing a steady interest in recreation-adjacent properties near Guntersville Lake.

Etowah & DeKalb: Inventory remains the tightest here, keeping prices firm as we head into the new year.

FAQ: First Right of Refusal FROR & MLS Status Reporting

For MLS reporting and compliance purposes, a First Right of Refusal and a break clause are treated identically. Once an offer is accepted—regardless of the terminology used—the property is considered under contract and must be reported accordingly in the MLS.

Does calling it a “break clause” change how the listing is reported in the MLS?

No.Regardless of whether the contract uses the term First Right of Refusal or break clause, MLS reporting requirements remain the same.

Terminology does not override MLS status rules.

Does a listing with an FROR or break clause remain Active?

Yes, but once an offer is accepted or the FROR is exercised, the listing is no longer Active.

What status is required when there is an accepted offer with an FROR or break clause?

The listing must be updated to the appropriate status (Contingent or Pending) within three (3) working days of acceptance.

This requirement applies even if:

Contingencies remain

Inspections have not occurred

Why can’t the listing remain Active while waiting for contingencies or inspections?An accepted offer places the seller under contract. Leaving the listing Active is misleading to:

Cooperating brokers

Buyers

The public

MLS data must reflect the property’s true contractual status, not marketing strategy.How should an FROR or break clause be disclosed in the MLS?

MLS Participants must:

Use the MLS-designated field and remarks to disclose the FROR.

Ensure remarks accurately describe the situation

Keep information current as circumstances change

When does the three (3) working day requirement begin?The three (3) working day period begins when the offer is accepted by all required parties, not when:

Earnest money is received

There are no contingencies

Waiting for mortgage approval

Working days exclude weekends and MLS-recognized holidays.What happens when the FROR is exercised or waived?

The listing must be updated promptly to reflect the resulting contract status and any changes to remarks or contingencies.

What happens if I fail to update the status within three (3) working days?

Failure to comply may result in:

Compliance notices

Fines or other sanctions as outlined in MLS Rules

The MLS may request documentation to verify compliance.Does ValleyMLS interpret contract language or provide legal advice?

No. ValleyMLS does not interpret contracts or provide legal advice. The MLS’s role is limited to enforcing accurate and timely MLS reporting, regardless of how contractual provisions are labeled.

Bottom Line

Different names. Same rule.

If an offer is accepted:

The listing is Under Contract

The status must be updated within three (3) working days

Beginning with the End in Mind: The ALTA Settlement Statement (3 CE)

NAR’s Code of Ethics

Contract to Table – Road Map of a Real Estate Closing (3 CE)

Environmental Issues within Legal Description Ownership (3 CE)

In memory of Bill McEwen

Bill McEwen, age 71, of Huntsville passed away on January 4, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Huntsville, Alabama and a graduate of Lee High School. He was a Realtor with Legend Realty and worked in real estate for the Huntsville metro area for over 48 years.

VisitationThursday, January 810:00am – 12:00pm

First Baptist Church600 Governor’s DriveHuntsville, AL 35801

Funeral ServiceThursday, January 812:00pm

First Baptist Church600 Governor’s DriveHuntsville, AL 35801

No.
Regardless of whether the contract uses the term First Right of Refusal or break clause, MLS reporting requirements remain the same.

Why can’t the listing remain Active while waiting for contingencies or inspections?
An accepted offer places the seller under contract. Leaving the listing Active is misleading to:

MLS data must reflect the property’s true contractual status, not marketing strategy.

How should an FROR or break clause be disclosed in the MLS?

When does the three (3) working day requirement begin?
The three (3) working day period begins when the offer is accepted by all required parties, not when:

Working days exclude weekends and MLS-recognized holidays.

What happens when the FROR is exercised or waived?

The MLS may request documentation to verify compliance.

Does ValleyMLS interpret contract language or provide legal advice?

Visitation
Thursday, January 8
10:00am – 12:00pm

First Baptist Church
600 Governor’s Drive
Huntsville, AL 35801

Funeral Service
Thursday, January 8
12:00pm

First Baptist Church
600 Governor’s Drive
Huntsville, AL 35801