Association News & Events: 

Professionalism: In recognition of Fair Housing Month in April, we’re offering the American Dream for All-Fair Housing in Today’s Market class in six locations across the state. Find a location near you here. See the AAR website here for all 2018 course offerings, including REBAC and GRI.

Legal: The Legal Helpdesk continues to be one of the most popular features on our website and in the weekly newsletter, Real Estate Alabama. Submit a question or read past articles here.

Disaster Relief Volunteer Response Training: AAR has partnered with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency to offer a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training course. Community-based preparedness planning allows us all to prepare for and respond to anticipated disruptions and potential hazards following a disaster. The CERT Program is designed to train individuals to help communities prepare for effective disaster response. The training course is free, but space is limited and filling up fast. For more information and to register, please click here.

AREC Nominations: The Senate has confirmed Governor Ivey’s nomination of REALTOR® Susan Hawkins of Fort Payne for the Alabama Real Estate Commission’s 4^th Congressional District seat and REALTOR® Joyce Harris of Selma for the African-American At-Large seat. We hope you will join us in congratulating them on their appointments. For more information on their appointments, please click here.

Public Policy:

2018 Legislative Session: The Alabama legislature adjourned sine die on March 29, ending the 2018 legislative session. It was an exceptional year for REALTOR® issues! All three of our legislative priorities passed in both legislative chambers and were signed into law by Governor Ivey – Right of Redemption clarification, the Alabama Assistance and Service Animal Integrity in Housing, and the First-Time Homebuyer and Second-Chance Savings Account Program.

2018 State Elections: Primary elections are on Tuesday, June 5. In 2018, all 140 Legislative House and Senate seats and constitutional offices are up for election.

ARPAC: In 2017, Alabama REALTORS® raised $802,147.05, exceeding our goal by 134%. It was a record-setting year for ARPAC, and 2018 is shaping up to be just as successful. Keep up the great work!

Association Governance: At the 2018 Board of Directors meeting, the Directors approved a motion to amend our Policies and Procedures Manual to require that all members of the Board undergo leadership training, as offered by AAR, on an annual basis. To see the motion, please click here. This training requirement will be effective January 1, 2019.

Association Financials and Assets: 

Finances: The General Fund surplus (unaudited) for 2017 is $643,776. State Association reserves are at 6.4 months of operating expenses. Total Association net assets are $6,176,937.

Building: Waterproofing on the building is nearly complete! What we hope will be the final roof repairs have begun and are estimated to be completed by the end of spring. Once completed, we’ll begin repairing and replacing interior finishes (sheetrock, paint, ceiling tiles, etc.).

AAR Capitol Conference: From a fun and successful Disaster Relief clay shoot fundraiser, to two nationally-known speakers on leadership, it was a great conference! We also announced the winners of several individual and local board awards, spotlighting individual contributions to our industry and local communities as well as financial contributions to and personal involvement in our Association’s advocacy mission. As usual, REALTOR® Day was a highlight event with more than 300 REALTORS® and dozens of state legislators participating.

2018 Dates to Keep in Mind:

• May 15-19 NAR Mid-Year Meeting in Washington
• June 13-14 AAR Disaster Relief Volunteer Response Training in Montgomery
• June 5 Alabama Primary Elections
• July 17 Alabama Primary Run-Off Elections
• August 6-7 NAR Leadership Summit in Chicago
• August 21-22 AAR Public Policy Forum in Montgomery
• October 14-16 AAR Annual Meeting in Montgomery
• November 1 AAR NAR Core Standards
• November 2-5 NAR Annual Convention in Boston
• November 6 Alabama General Election