April 2026
The Power of Community, Care, and Culture
As we step into May, I want to take a moment to recognize two important observances: Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Both serve as meaningful reminders of the importance of supporting one another, both personally and professionally, and of honoring the diverse communities that make our association and our region so special.
Real estate can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding in ways that are not always visible. The pace, the pressure, and the emotional investment we carry for our clients can take a toll. This month is a great opportunity to check in with ourselves and with each other. Whether it’s taking a moment to step away, setting boundaries, or simply reaching out to a fellow member, those small actions matter more than we realize. We are stronger as an association when we support one another not just as professionals, but as people.
At the same time, Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month gives us the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the contributions, culture, and impact of our multicultural communities. Our industry is built on relationships, and those relationships are enriched by the diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds within our membership and the communities we serve. Taking time to learn, appreciate, and uplift one another only strengthens that foundation.
On a personal note, I’m honored to be Northern Arizona Assocation of REALTORS® first Asian American President. Serving this association is something I do not take lightly and I am incredibly grateful to be part of a community that is committed to professionalism, leadership, and supporting one another through every market and every season.
I encourage you to take care of yourselves, support your peers, and continue showing up with the integrity and heart that define NAAR.
With gratitude,
"Big Picture" Insights with AAR President, Lisa Paffrath
Lisa Paffrath, 2026 Arizona REALTORS® President and avid real estate investor, explains how her leadership roles have given her a unique perspective on the industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding the "big picture" of homeownership and property rights.
If you're loving this content, make sure to check out all our podcast episodes by clicking the button below and follow for more episodes each month.
NAAR's EDI Committee presenting at Coconino High School, sharing the many pathways into a career in real estate, from left to right: Michelle Linton, Merilee Arend, Brenden Sands, Lucy Laws, Melissa MacFerren, and Pat Rose.
Committed to Inclusion, Driven by Community
NAAR’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee is a group of members dedicated to ensuring real estate is a space where everyone feels seen, respected, and represented. This year, that mission has taken shape through meaningful conversations, community involvement, and a continued commitment to fostering belonging across Northern Arizona.
The committee recently sponsored the Mountain Film Fest, supporting storytelling that reflects diverse voices and perspectives. They’ve also attended housing fairs and career fairs (pictured above) on behalf of NAAR.
THANK YOU to our 2026 volunteers behind this work:
Brenden Sands, Committee Co-Chair
Lucy Hawkins, Committee Co-Chair
Pat Rose
Melissa MacFerren
Victoria Allen
Merilee Arend
Michelle Linton, Board Liaison
If you’re looking to get involved, reach out to one of the Committee Chairs or visit the NAAR booth at Pride in the Pines on June 20th at noon. We invite you to connect with the committee and show your support for a more inclusive future in real estate!
April New Member Orientation, front row: Kerry McCracken, Teri Lerew, President Kirstina Henson, Eric (Jon) Fergason, Tim Trzaska, Kelly Gibson, and back row: Susan Weitzman and Adam Bernot.
Welcome New NAAR Members
Becoming a REALTOR® is a commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards in real estate. REALTORS® follow the Code of Ethics and go beyond simply buying or selling a home. They bring expert guidance, local market knowledge, negotiation skills, and trusted resources to every transaction, helping clients make informed decisions with confidence.
NAAR is excited to welcome our new members from April’s New Member Orientation! Your commitment strengthens our association and the REALTOR® community in Northern Arizona, and we look forward to supporting your success.
NAAR Supports Habitat for Humanity through the Arizona Community Foundation
CEO Judy Jackson and NAAR Immediate Past President Michelle Linton were on hand to celebrate the presentation of grant funds from the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) of Flagstaff to Habitat for Humanity in support of its Timber Sky project. Thanks to the generosity of community partners and the Northern Arizona Housing Fund (NAHF), an additional $170,000 was raised, bring the total investment to $320,000.
The Northern Arizona Association of REALTORS® was instrumental in establishing the NAHF in 2015. Congratulation to Eric Wolverton and his team for creating affordable housing for families in Flagstaff.
NAAR Member Highlight: Congratulations Kristina Henson
Kristina Henson is a longtime Northern Arizona resident, NAU graduate, and REALTOR® serving Flagstaff and Williams. With a background in real estate, legal services, and business ownership, she brings a thoughtful, steady approach to both residential and commercial transactions, grounded in clear communication and strong local knowledge.
She began her career in cosmetology before transitioning into real estate, where she built her business on relationships, consistency, and trust. As a short-term rental owner in Williams, she also offers valuable firsthand insight into the local investment market.
In addition to real estate, Kristina serves as Chief Marketing Officer and a paralegal at a Flagstaff-based estate planning firm, supporting clients with estate planning and related services. She is a longtime Board Member, current President of Northern Arizona Association of REALTORS®, and is committed to serving both her clients and the broader community with integrity and care. Outside of work, she is a proud mom to two boys and two fur babies.
Reminder to VOTE in May's Special Election!
The Flagstaff City Council has called a special election on May 19, 2026 to submit to the qualified electors of the City the question of ratifying the adoption of the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 as the new general plan for the City of Flagstaff.
If voters choose YES on Question 492, the Regional Plan 2045 will take effect, replacing the current plan (Regional Plan 2030).
If voters choose NO on Question 492, the Regional Plan 2030 will remain in effect.
The plan is:
Used to evaluate certain land-use decisions, such as requests for a rezoning.
Applicable to private land and land owned by the City and County.
The plan does not:
Automatically change a property's zoning or act as a mandate for or against development.
Apply to federally-owned public land.
Fund any program or project.
Do Posts of Eating Tacos or Cuddling Cats Need Your Brokerage Name Prominently Displayed?
The definition of real estate advertising can be found in ARS §32-1101. In the Administrative Rules Advertising by a Licensee can be found in R4-28-502. Licensed real estate activity in advertisements must have the employing, brokerage, legal name or DBA prominently displayed, without the need to scroll.
Recently, the The Arizona Department of Real Estate has received calls and messages from confused or concerned licensees regarding prominently displaying their brokerage on electronic posts and when posting their brokerage is required. Commissioner Nicolson and Deputy Commissioner Neat recorded a podcast in hope of calming licensee concerns so that they may feel more confident in their online advertising. Listen to podcast by clicking the link below.
Key Findings from NAR's Exclusive Housing Survey Supports Housing Affordability
Affordability pressures affect inventory, transaction volume and agent productivity. It’s also influencing how Americans vote, driving political attention and policy debates as lawmakers pursue solutions to expand housing supply and address affordability.
Housing affordability ranks among the most important issues voters consider when deciding how to vote for Congress.
Only 17% of voters say now is a good time to buy a home, compared to 69% in 2013.
85% say homeownership is essential to the American Dream, and that belief cuts across political parties and demographics.
That’s why NAR has strongly supported the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, legislation designed to tackle the nation’s housing shortage by expanding housing supply and removing barriers that slow new construction.
NAR Secures Broader Protections in Newest Settlement
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has announced a proposed $52.25 million settlement to resolve antitrust claims related to buyer-agent commissions in the Tuccori case, pending court approval, would also help address similar claims in other lawsuits. The agreement requires no new practice changes beyond those already established in the Sitzer/Burnett settlement and offers broad protections to REALTORS®, associations, MLSs, and brokerages that meet certain criteria. NAR leadership says this outcome reduces legal uncertainty, limits potential liability, and supports the organization’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and stabilize the industry.
NAR Settlement: Get the Facts
Stress Self-Care Reminder for NAAR Members
Let's make mental health a priority not just this month but every day. By supporting each other and fostering a culture of well-being, we can create a healthier and happier workplace for everyone.
Identifying Workplace Stressors: Let's acknowledge and understand the various stressors that may affect us in our work environment, whether it's tight deadlines, heavy workloads, or challenges in communication.
Body-Mind Connection: Recognize that stress not only impacts our mental well-being but also our physical health. It's essential to take care of both aspects to maintain overall wellness.
Healthy Coping Strategies: We encourage each of you to explore healthy coping mechanisms during your workday. Whether it's taking short breaks, practicing mindfulness, or seeking support from colleagues, find what works best for you.
Building Supportive Work Environments: Let's foster a workplace culture that values open communication, empathy, and collaboration. By supporting each other, we can create an environment where stress is managed collectively.
Utilize Therapy Benefits: Remember that you have access to therapy through BetterHelp. If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling with workplace stress, I encourage you to take advantage of this resource. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and it's essential to prioritize your mental well-being
Upcoming Events
Register for local NAAR events directly on our website using the button below. If you’re interested in volunteering with NAAR, contact Outreach Committee Co-Chairs Jessica Garard jessica@bestflagstaffhomes.com or Judy Jackson judyj@nazrealtor.com for more information.
5/5 – Cinco de Mayo Event (Affiliate Event)
5/7 – May Membership Luncheon
5/12 – First annual Spring Roll Bowling Event (WFG Event)
5/25 – NAAR OFFICE CLOSED: Memorial Day
5/26 & 27 – e-PRO / 2-Day Course (Continuing Education)
MLS Complaint Summary
March 27 - April 24
Click here for ADRE Disciplinary Actions
MLS Rules and Regulations Reminder
Northern Arizona MLS Rules and Regulations — Revised April 22, 2026
10.10 Advertising of Listings Filed with the Service
A listing shall not be advertised by any participant other than the listing broker without the prior consent of the listing broker.
For violation of this section, see Appendix A, Citable Infractions, 5.3, Advertising of Listing Filed with the MLS (Outside scope of IDX).
13.10 "Sold" Signs and Use of the Term "Sold"
Only Broker Participants or real estate Subscribers who participated in the transaction as the listing Broker or Co-operating broker may claim to have "sold" the property. Prior to closing, a cooperating broker may post a "sold" sign on a property only with the consent of the listing broker. This section does not, however, prohibit any broker from advertising the addresses and prices of properties that have sold in a neighborhood after the information regarding the properties has been published, as long as the advertisement does not imply the agent was involved in the transaction unless such is the case and as long as the advertisement otherwise presents a "true picture" as is meant under Article 12 of the NAR Code of Ethics, its Standards of Practice and its case interpretations.
13.11 Limitations on Use of Association or MLS Information in Advertising
Except as provided in Sections 13.9, 13.12, and 13.16, truthful use of information from the MLS compilation of current listing information, from the AOR's "statistical report," or from any "sold" or "comparable" report of the AOR or MLS for public mass media advertising by an MLS Participant or Subscriber or in other public representations for purposes of demonstrating market share is not prohibited. However, any print or non-print forms of advertising or other forms of public representations must clearly demonstrate the period of time over which such claims are based and must include the following, or substantially similar, notice: "Based on information from the Northern Arizona Association of REALTORS® (alternatively, from the NAAR MLS) for the period (date) through (date). Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS." For violation of this section, see Appendix A, Citable Infractions, 5.4, Failure to Provide Adequate Informational Notice on Print or Non-Print Forms of Advertising or Other Forms of Public Representations.
13.12 False or Misleading Advertising and Representations; True Picture Standard of Conduct Participants and Subscribers may not engage in false or misleading advertising, including, but not limited to, advertisements or representations regarding the Participant's or Subscriber's relationship to the service, about the service itself, or about any property listed with the service. MLS Participants and Subscribers shall present a true picture in their advertising and representations to the public, including the URLs and domain names they use, and Participants and Subscribers may not:
• Engage in deceptive or unauthorized framing of real estate brokerage websites.
• Manipulate listing content in any way that produces a deceptive or misleading result.
• Deceptively use metatags, keywords or other devices/methods to direct, drive, or divert Internet traffic, or to otherwise mislead consumers. For violation of this section, see Appendix A, Citable Infractions, 5.4.
Arizona Department of Real Estate Substantive Policy Statement
R4-28-502 (G) states that the designated broker shall supervise all advertising, for real estate, cemetery, or membership camping brokerage services.
R4-28-502 (E) requires that the (legal or dba) name of the EMPLOYING BROKER (the corporation, partnership, limited liability company or sole proprietor) appears in all advertising in “a clear and prominent manner.”
R4-28-502 also addresses other requirements for advertising not addressed in this Substantive Policy Statement.
Authority: A.R.S. § 32-2102 provides that the Department of Real Estate, under the direction of the Real Estate Commissioner, shall administer Title 32, Chapter 20. A.R.S. § 32-2153(A)(3) provides that violation of the Commissioner’s Rules is subject to disciplinary action.
Note: Violation fines collected by NAAR are used to fund community support activities. NAAR does not benefit from MLS fines and would like to see the number of fines reduced!
Northern Arizona MLS Rules and Regulations — Revised April 22, 2026
