August 25, 2016
 



      

ROANOKE VALLEY REALTOR®                          Online  

 

  Roanoke Valley  Associathion of REALTORS

   



You are receiving this online newsletter as a benefit of being a member of the Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®. 
Membership Update Logo



   

Member Type | Count

---------------------------

REALTOR@       1,164

Offices                     130

Affiliate                   226

      

Click here to see which RVAR members have switched firms, gone inactive, or joined recently.
IN THIS ISSUE
New Date - Affiliate REALTOR® Night
Openings on 2017 RVAR BOD
Dick Davis Retires
Advocacy at Work
CFPB Proposes New Rule
Wire Fraud Email Notice
2016 Golf Tournament
Speakers Forum
REALTOR® After Hours
Broken Lockbox
VAR Broker Day
Upcoming Education
Our RVAR Family
Save The NEW Date - Affiliate & REALTOR® Night 2016  
 
The Affiliates Committee is making plans for this year's Affiliate & REALTOR® Night at Hidden Valley Country Club on Tuesday, October 18th (Please note - this is a change from originally advertised).  This year's theme of "Passport to Partnerships" will focus on various European countries and landmarks.  

Mark your calendar now and plan to join the European journey with the many sights and culinary delights while talking to some of our fantastic Affiliate members! Tickets are just $15 If purchased by October 13th ($20 between October 14-18) and includes 2 drink tickets.

Click here to reserve your ticket!
Openings on 2017 RVAR BOD -- Two Candidates Already Verified

RVAR's Board of Directors has announced the following leadership openings for 2017: President-elect, Vice President and 4 Director positions. Based on Bylaws revisions approved at the July 14th Membership Meeting, the process for applying for a Director or Officer position has been streamlined.

The deadline for candidate applications is Monday, October 3rd. To date, two Director candidate applications have been verified by the Credentials Committee: Becky Fields of BHHS Premier, REALTORS® and Renee Wiggins of RE/MAX All Stars.

If you are interested or have questions about the requirements of serving on the Board of Directors, click here for a description of the duties for each position on the Board, as well as instructions to apply.
Dick Davis Retires
 
After 21 years as RVAR's Director of MLS and Member Services, Dick Davis has retired. RVAR salutes Dick for his many years of service. When Dick was hired in 1995, the MLS computer was large enough to fill an entire room and the primary focus of the MLS was on the bi-weekly MLS books. RVAR's Board of Directors honored Dick with a retirement party and gift.

RVAR plans to fill Dick's position. Specifics of the job opening will be announced soon. 
Advocacy at Work 
 
Advocacy @ Work is a regular article aimed at updating members on what is happening in our region regarding Economic Development and/or Governmental Affairs.

Each summer, members of the Governmental Affairs Committee arrange meetings with area legislators to help build important relationships and to get hints at what might be on the horizon for the General Assembly.  These informal meetings serve as an opportunity to connect with each legislator without the pressures of the General Assembly looming over the conversations.  Some of the topics discussed have focused on the upcoming budget and anticipated revenue shortfall, affordable housing, Go Virginia and its impact for the region, and area transportation needs.  So far, members have met with Delegates Terry Austin, Greg Habeeb, Chris Head, Charles Poindexter, and Sam Rasoul with other meetings being planned.
 
The Roanoke State of the City address is Thursday, September 1st from 7:30AM - 9:00AM at the Hotel Roanoke.  The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts this event annually. Mayor Sherman Lea and City Manager Chris Morrill will review the successes of 2016 and look at the initiatives for 2017.  If you would like to attend, please register with the Chamber by clicking here.

The REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is a vital aspect to our industry and to the future of your business.  RPAC focuses on supporting issues that are important to REALTORS®, private property rights and candidates who understand your business.  RPAC ensures that the interests of the REALTOR® Party are represented when laws, ordinances, and regulations are being enacted.  RPAC is insurance for the future of your business and the future of our industry.  Make your contribution to RPAC today to help us continue to make our voices heard at the local, state and federal levels.  Click here to login & contribute today! 
Article provided by Joe Sutliff, RVAR Director of Economic & Governmental Affairs.    
CFPB Proposes New Rule

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has proposed changes to the Know Before You Owe mortgage disclosure rule, also known as TRID, which went into effect on October 3, 2015. The CFPB is proposing that creditors and settlement agents be able to provide a closing disclosure to consumers, sellers and their real estate brokers or agents.

NAR President Tom Salomone stated, "This is a significant victory that will help REALTORS® continue to provide the expert service their clients have come to expect. We appreciate the CFPB's willingness to reconsider the TRID-related challenges our members face and will continue to monitor the progress on this important issue in the months ahead."

The CFPB is accepting comments on the proposal until October 18, 2016, with a final ruling expected to be issued later this year.
Wire Fraud Email Notice
  
Wire fraud scams using email or texts have begun to crop up in the Roanoke Valley in the past few months. The National Association of REALTORS® has just provided the following example of a notice REALTORS® may wish to add to their email signature lines. NAR advises that this notice does not serve as a substitute for educating your clients and other participants in your real estate transactions about email wire fraud. For more information about best practices to avoid victimization by cyber criminals, check out NAR's resource Protecting your Business and Your Clients from Cyberfraud.

     IMPORTANT NOTICE: Never trust wiring instructions sent via email
     or text. Cyber criminals are hacking email accounts and sending emails
    and texts with fake wiring instructions. These emails and texts are     
    convincing and sophisticated. Always independently confirm wiring
    instructions in person or via a telephone call to a trusted and verified
    phone number. Never wire money without double-checking that the
    wiring instructions are correct. 
Let's Play Some Golf!
2016 RVAR Golf Tournament

The 2016 RVAR Golf Tournament will be held at Hidden Valley Country Club on Friday, September 9th with check-in and lunch at 11:00AM and shotgun start at 12:30PM. Hidden Valley is regarded as one of the best courses in the area and this should be a fantastic tournament. Plus, what better way to start your weekend!
 
The price is still just $60 per player / $240 per team which includes lunch, range balls, golf and a reception with some great door prizes (must be present to win.) The Community Service Committee will again be holding a 50/50 raffle to benefit some of the RVAR charities, so bring some extra cash.
 
Start putting your team together and come play for $1,000 in prizes (not including annual braggin' rights!) to the top two Net and Gross scoring teams and a Hole in One contest with a chance at $15,000.
 
We expect this Tournament to be sold out, so register early! Click here for more details and the registration form.
Speakers Forum Presents!...

The next Speaker's Forum will welcome a presentation by Dr. Robert Sandel, President of Virginia Western Community College. Dr. Sandel will give an update on the college and the important role VWCC plays in our region.  We have specifically seen the significant value of VWCC in retaining employers and attracting new companies to the region, such as El Dor, and preparing students for their next steps in life.
 
The Forum will be held on Tuesday, September 13th at the Natural Science Center on the VWCC Campus (located on the south campus between Chapman Hall and the Community Arboretum) starting at 8:45AM with coffee, juice and pastries provided.  From 9:00 - 9:45AM we will have a brief welcome followed by Dr. Sandel's presentation.  After Dr. Sandel's presentation, Dan Horine, Assistant Professor of Engineering will give a brief tour of the Mechatronics Lab in Webber Hall for anyone desiring to stay and see this notable aspect of VWCC's curriculum. Parking is available in lot 1 in any spaces marked with white lines OR those designated for student parking. Click here for Directions to the campus and parking locations.  There is NO CHARGE to attend this event, but seating is limited.

Click here to register or contact the RVAR office. The Speaker's Forum helps to provide local, informative presentations regarding topics that affect our businesses. The Forum welcomes all REALTOR® and Affiliate members and there is no charge to attend. 
REALTOR® After Hours at RVAR

Come and "Celebrate Fall" at REALTOR® After Hours on Thursday, September 29th from 5:00 until 7:00PM at the RVAR office! We will have great food from Baum's BBQ Food Truck, lively conversation, corn hole games, assorted beverages and ... prizes!
 
Bring a donation of pet food! The Community Service Committee will be collecting pet food to benefit the RV-SPCA and Angels of Assisi! The Committee Service Committee will also be holding a 50/50 drawing that evening to benefit our other charities. 

REALTORS® -- Bring a Business Card for a 
chance at 4 Cash Door Prizes 
$100 -- $50 -- $25 -- $25  
Gather your REALTOR® friends for a good time and join us at RVAR! Thanks to our fantastic 2016 Partner / Sponsors for making this event possible!  Click here to register.
Broken Lockbox?
 
Ever wondered "Where do I take a broken lockbox to have my key removed?" or "Who can I call to have a broken lockbox removed from a door?" RVAR has contracted with the following area locksmiths, who will remove the key or box and invoice RVAR for the service.

In the Roanoke area, Security Lock & Key
    343-7600, 3736 Franklin Rd., SW, Roanoke

In the Rocky Mount area, Virginia Shoe & Lock Services (ask for Kevin)
    483-5435, 143 Franklin St., Rocky Mount

In the SML area, Bill's Lock & Key
    297-2946, 2532 Radford Church Rd., Moneta

Return your broken lockbox to the RVAR office for replacement, at no charge.  
VAR Broker DAY

Brokers, Managers and those who aspire to be a Broker in the future -- plan to attend VAR's Fall Broker Day 2016 on Thursday, October 20th, 9AM - 4PM in Richmond VA. Sessions include a presentation by Steve Murray, President and Owner of REAL Trends, who will address Industry Trends and Best Broker Practices. VAR Deputy General Counsel Blake Hegeman will focus on Broker Supervision the Right Way. (These sessions will qualify for broker CE credits.) Cost to attend is $125 by September 22nd; then $145 until October 16th; then $160. Click here for more information or to register.
Upcoming Education

Code of Ethics -- This September 14th (9AM - Noon) class, taught by John Dickinson, not only provides 3 hours of CE credit for license renewal, but also meets NAR's ethics training requirement. NAR requires all REALTORS® to complete 3 hours of Code of Ethics training every four years. The current four-year cycle ends December 31, 2016. Click here to register.
 
GRI 505: Working with Sellers -- This Thursday, September 22nd (9AM - 4:30PM) class, taught by LeRoy Houser, will teach you proven strategies for lead generation for Sellers. The class will also provide tips for listing presentations and a 'how to' for pricing and marketing listings. This class qualifies for 2 hours of Current Industry Issues/Trends PL credit. Click here to register.
 
Already have your GRI designation? Contact [email protected] to register for this class at a reduced rate of $45. No test required!
   
Annual Legal Update -- VAR Deputy Counsel Blake Hegeman returns for this annual class, Wednesday, October 12th, 9AM - Noon. This event will be held at the South Roanoke County Library. The cost is $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
Topics covered this year will be:

Real Estate Laws YOU Need to Know - CE 2 hours - 2 hours Broker Management or 2 hours PL.
Scams: If It Seems Too Good To Be True - CE 1 Hour - No PL
Click here to register.

Roanoke City Fair Housing Seminar -- The City of Roanoke is sponsoring its semi-annual Fair Housing Seminar on Thursday, October 13th (10AM - 1PM) at the Jefferson Center, Fitzpatrick Hall. (2 hours CE credit; no PL credit). This class is FREE, though registration is required. To register, email [email protected] with your name, firm name and real estate license number. Registration closes on October 11th. 
 
Fair Housing -- RVAR's Education Committee presents this class in conjunction with the Moseley Dickinson Academy of Real Estate, Thursday, November 10th, 2-4PM at the RVAR Office.
            New members : This class is free -- earn 2 hours PL or CE credit.
            Existing members: Pay $10 at the door for 2 hours CE credit.
Mark your calendar -- online registration will open soon.
 
GRI 504: Working with Buyers -- This Thursday, November 17th (9AM - 4:30PM) class, taught by LeRoy Houser, will offer tips used by top agents to gain new clients and new sales. The class will cover categories of active buyers, techniques for lead generation, components of the home showing process and negotiation strategies. Plus teach you how to market to younger buyers. This class qualifies for 6 hours of Real Estate Related and 2 hours of Current Industry Issues/Trends PL credit. Click here to register.
Our RVAR Family

Sympathy
 
RVAR expresses sympathy to Betsy Bowman of Wainwright & Co.'s Lake office upon the death of her husband and former REALTOR® Lee Bowman.

Let RVAR know if you have news to share.  
Upcoming Events  & Deadlines

September 5th
RVAR Office Closed for Holiday
September 9th
Golf Tournament
September 14th
Code of Ethics Training
September 19th-21st
VAR Convention
September 22nd
GRI 505 - Working with Sellers
September 29th
REALTOR® After Hours at RVAR
October 3rd
Final date for BOD Candidate Applications
October 12th
Annual Legal Update
October 13th
City Fair Housing Class
October 18th
REALTOR® and Affiliate Expo
 
Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®
Proudly Recognizes Our 2016 Partner / Sponsors

Platinum Level Partner / Sponsor






  

Diamond Level Partner / Sponsor

Lawrence Companies
Member One Federal Credit Union
Union Mortgage Group

Gold Level Partner / Sponsor

Acquisition Title & Settlement Agency, Inc
Allied Termite & Pest Control
BB&T Home Mortgage
Bill Meador Insurance Agency
Blue Eagle Credit Union
Bug Man Exterminating, Inc
Colonial Mortgage Co.
Consolidated Construction Services, Inc
First Choice Title & Settlement
Integrity Home Mortgage Corporation
Virginia Mountain Mortgage
Virginia Title Center, LLC
Virginia's All-American Movers

Silver Level Partner / Sponsor

Bank of Floyd
First Citizens Bank
HMS Home Warranty
HomeTown Mortgage
Seal-Tite Basement Waterproofing Co.
The Roanoke Times

THANK YOU! 
 
 
Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS ® 
 www.RVAR.com |
(540) 772-0526 | Email