APRIL SHOWERS BRING...

 
April 20, 2017 


Roanoke Valley Associathion of REALTORS  
    R OANOKE VALLEY REALTOR® ONLINE   

   You are receiving this online enewsletter as a benefit of being
                         a member of the Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®.
 

MEMBER TYPE / COUNT
REALTOR®           1,165 Membership Update Logo
Offices                     134
Affiliate                    237

Click here to see which RVAR members
have switched firms, gone inactive, or joined recently.
 
Several issues have emerged in the early stages of Congress that are of critical importance to REALTORS®. Click here for a short summary on each of these issues. 
  • Tax Reform, with a possible increase in the standard deduction which could reduce the relevance of the mortgage interest deduction. (President Trump recently announced that he plans to tackle health reform first, before addressing tax reform. NAR predicts this legislation coming into focus in late summer.)
  • National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization, since current program expires at the end of September (Legislation projected for late spring, 2017).
  • Government Sponsored Enterprises Reform, including restructuring of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (No projected legislation start date).
  • GSE Guarantee Fees, with goal of reducing high G-fees (Legislation has been introduced in the House; not sure whether similar legislation will be introduced in the Senate)

    Congress is in recess until April 21st. Stay tuned for more updates later this spring.
Get the REALTOR® Action Center Mobile App Today!rpac
 


We are stronger together!  Our voice is heard when REALTORS® work together in support of policies and regulations that promote homeownership and the real estate industry through the REALTOR® Party.  The REALTOR® Party is the only organization in America that fights exclusively for homeownership, real estate investment, strong communities and private property rights. Now you can support the REALTOR® Party easily from your iPhone or Droid mobile device.

This app is designed to help REALTOR® members stay informed about issues that affect your business and take quick action on important Call for Action notices while on the go.  This year, as Congress takes up many issues important to REALTORS®, we will be counting on you to act and send a message to your Congressional leaders.

The REALTOR® Action Center mobile app is now available for download for the iPhone and Droid. Simply search for NAR Action Center in their respective app markets, download the free app and log in.
NAR Email Scamscam 

If you see 'NAR: Urgent Update' in your inbox, hit delete! The email, entitled 'NAR: Urgent Update', comes from no-reply @nar.realtor, and asks that "all registered realtors are hereby advised to view the recent publication released." In order to view the release, users are asked to click a link and enter a password. The intent of the scam is not yet known, but NAR is asking all members to delete the email and warn others.

NAR Association Counsel Jessica Edgerton released published helpful tips on how REALTORS® can protect themselves:
  1. Trust your gut. If an email seems suspicious, delete it.
  2. Regularly clean out your email inbox. Edgerton says a "longstanding backlog" of emails could give scammers access to sensitive information.
  3.  If you absolutely have to send sensitive information via email, such as wire transfer number, make sure your email is encrypted.
  4. Change your usernames and passwords on a regular basis, and make sure your passwords aren't "easy to guess".
  5. Use the most up-to-date firewall and anti-virus technologies to protect your information.
  6. If you've been compromised, immediately change your username and password and notify anyone else whose information could have been exposed.

Consider notifying the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which is co-sponsored by the FBI. Complaints filed via this website are processed and may be referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement agencies.

The current real estate market is leading to more multiple offer scenarios. It's a good problem to have -- and a good time to refresh your memory as to your ethical obligations. According to the Code of Ethics, listing agents must have their sellers' approval to disclose the existence of offers.

   Standard of Practice 1-15: REALTORS®, in response to inquiries from buyers or cooperating
   brokers shall, with the sellers'
approval, disclose the existence of offers on the property. Where
   disclosure is authorized, REALTORS® shall also disclose, if asked, whether offers were
   obtained by the listing licensee,
another licensee in the listing firm or by a cooperating broker.

And when entering into buyer agreements, the Code of Ethics requires the following:

     Standard of Practice 1-13: When entering into buyer/tenant agreements, REALTORS®  
    must advise potential clients of . . .the possibility that sellers or sellers' representatives
    may not treat the existence, terms or conditions of offers as confidential unless
    confidentiality is required by law, regulation or by any confidentiality agreement between
    the parties.

April, 2017 marks the 49th anniversary of the 1968 landmark Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act prohibited housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap. Every April, REALTORS® celebrate Fair Housing Month to reaffirm their continuing commitment to fair and equitable treatment and a professional level of service for all in their search for real property.

In honor of Fair Housing Month, take a moment to renew your commitment to the REALTOR® Fair Housing Declaration below:

I agree to:
 
  •  Provide equal professional service without regard to the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin or sexual orientation of any prospective client, customer or of the residents of any community.
  •  Keep informed about fair housing law and practices, improving my clients' and customers' opportunities and my business.
  • Develop advertising that indicates that everyone is welcome and no one is excluded, expanding my clients' and customers' opportunities to see, buy or lease property.
  • Inform my clients and customers about their rights and responsibilities under the fair housing laws by providing brochures and other information.
  • Document my efforts to provide professional service, which will assist me in becoming a more responsive and successful REALTOR®.
  • Refuse to tolerate non-compliance.
  • Learn about those who are different from me, and celebrate those differences.
  • Take a positive approach to fair housing practices and aspire to follow the spirit as well as the letter of the law.
  • Develop and implement fair housing practices for my firm to carry out the spirit of this declaration.
Additional fair housing resources are available from the National Association of REALTORS®.
REALTOR® After Hours @ the Lakeafter
 
Come & get your groove on - 70's style! Join us on Thursday, April 27th from 5:00 until 7:00PM at Bridgewater Bay Clubhouse in Moneta for our REALTOR® After Hours! There will be great food, music, door prizes, 50/50 cash raffle, lively conversation and... assorted beverages!  This free event is made possible by our fantastic 2017 Partner / Sponsors!

                          REALTORS® -- Bring a Business Card  
                          for a chance at 4 Cash Door Prizes                   
                          $100 -- $50 - (2) $25

Grab your favorite tie dye shirt and those fabulous bell bottom jeans and plan to join your REALTOR® & Affiliate friends for a fun evening... at the Lake! Click here to register and for details about this free event!
RVAR Community Service Day Project - Renovation AllianceCommunity

RVAR's next Community Service Day is being held on Saturday, April 29th as we support Renovation Alliance, for their Community Renovation Day, an effort dedicated to rebuilding the homes of low-income homeowners across the Roanoke Valley. These projects usually consist of both some interior and exterior repairs, doing some painting, carpentry work as well as general clean up, lawn and garden work.

Would you help make a difference in our community by donating just a few hours of your time to join your fellow REALTORS® & Affiliates for a worthwhile and rewarding day?  Your help is needed no matter your skill level! You can stay for part of the day or all day and lunch will be served for all volunteers. Sign up to help out by clicking here to complete the volunteer form. This charitable effort is organized by RVAR's Community Service Committee and sponsored by our 2017 Partner / Sponsors. Contact Joe Sutliff at the RVAR Office with any questions.


5 O'clock Hops in Vintonhops    

5 O'clock Hops will be in Vinton on Thursday May 11th at Twin Creeks Brewing Company, (111 S. Pollard Street, Vinton, VA 24179) from 5:00PM 'til 7:00PM.  You are welcome to bring your significant other or friends!
 
No Registration Required for 5 O'clock Hops - just show up! And bring a friend!

*    Appetizers Provided!
*    Enjoy Twin Creeks beer selection! Or something non-alcoholic, if you prefer.
*    Door Prizes for REALTORS® & Affiliates! Bring a business card!  
 
This event is sponsored by our outstanding 2017 Partner/Sponsors.

"My RVAR Commitment Matters": Cindy Fletchermy  

Cyndi Fletcher, with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier, REALTORS®, says "I was well into my real estate career before I finally volunteered for a position on the Grievance Committee.  Fifteen years later, I can't imagine not being involved in the RVAR."  

Cyndi's continued service adds to her real estate career.  "As well as knowing what is going on locally, it has kept me in the know on the state and national levels, too. The professional enrichment has been rewarding, but the friendships I've made have been the real bonus!"

Cyndi currently serves on the Grievance Committee.   
Roanoke Regional Housing Symposiumsymposium 

The Roanoke Regional Housing Network is sponsoring its annual Housing Symposium on May 4th, 8:30AM-2:00PM at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood. This year's Symposium, titled 'From the Cleavers to the Jetsons: New Perspectives on Housing' features guest speaker Mel Jones of the Center for Housing Research. Click here to register.
Leadership Roanoke Valleyleadership 

The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2018 class of Leadership Roanoke Valley. This interactive 10-month program helps participants better understand issues facing the Roanoke region, while building leadership skills. May 8th is the deadline for nominations. You may nominate yourself or someone else. Questions? Contact Cally Smith at the Chamber.
Upcoming Educationeducation

Boost Your Knowledge on Wells and Septic Systems: RVAR's Education Committee, in partnership with Virginia Tech, will be offering this class on Tuesday, April 25th,
10AM-Noon at the RVAR Office. This class will be taught by an instructor from Virginia Tech's Household Water Quality Program. This class will focus on testing, common problems, treatment options and maintenance. In order to register for this FREE class,   click here to register.

Landlord Tenant Training: The Virginia Housing Alliance is bringing Landlord Tenant training to Roanoke on Tuesday, April 25th, 9:30AM-Noon at The Dumas Center. Learn the laws governing when a landlord can legally refuse to rent to someone, when and how a landlord can lawfully evict someone and how a tenant can respond to a landlord's refusal to make necessary repairs. This training will be offered by representatives of the Virginia Poverty Law Center and Legal Aid Society of the Roanoke Valley. Cost to attend is $15. Click here to register.

Roanoke City Fair Housing Classes: Roanoke City's Fair Housing Board is offering two free fair housing classes in April. Both classes will be held in Fitzpatrick Hall at the Jefferson Center. On Wednesday, April 26th, 9:00AM - 1:00PM, the City's Semi-Annual Fair Housing Seminar will be held, taught by Mally Dryden-Mason from DPOR. This class is open to all REALTORS® and will provide CE credits. (NOTE:  This class does NOT qualify for PL credit.)  Then on Thursday, April 27th, 9:00 - 4:00PM (with a break for lunch on your own), the City will host a Reasonable Accommodations / Reasonable Modifications Seminar. This NEW seminar, also taught by Mally Dryden-Mason, will focus on how to respond to requests from tenants for reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications based on disability. (This class does NOT qualify for CE or PL credit.)

To register, email Crystal Hypes with your name, which session you would like to attend (or both), plus your email address and real estate license number. Registration closes on Friday, April 21st or sooner, if the limit of 300 registrations are received.

Roanoke City - Show Me the Money: Learn how to leverage the City's funding options at this FREE class on Wednesday, May 10th, 9AM-Noon at the RVAR Office. Topics covered will include historic tax credits, the Enterprise Zone Program, the City Rehab Program, plus CDBG and HOME funding. Click here to register.

GRI 504: Working with Buyers: The New River Valley Association of REALTORS® is offering this class on Wednesday, May 10th with instructor LeRoy Houser. This class will share the tips and tricks that top producers use to gain new buyer clients, plus components of the home showing process and negotiation strategies. This class qualifies for 6 hours CE credit (real estate related) and 2 hours PL credit (issues / trends.) Click here for registration information.

Fair Housing -- RVAR's Education Committee presents this class in conjunction with the Moseley Dickinson Academy of Real Estate, Friday, May 12th, 10AM-Noon 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.
Click here to register.

Downpayment Assistance: Discover the programs available to assist your low to middle income buyers. This Wednesday, May 17th, 10AM-Noon class will cover VHDA grant funds, Federal home loan funds, 502/504 USDA funds plus City of Roanoke programs. Click here to register for this FREE class.

Blueprint for Agent Success: Learn 3 key shifts for EVERY agent at EVERY production level to take their business to the next level. RVAR's Education Committee and Roberta Ross, President of Six Figure Real Estate Coach, will offer this classs on Wednesday, May 24th, 10AM-Noon at the RVAR office. Click here for more information on speaker Roberta Ross. Click here to register for the FREE class.

GRI 508: Real Estate Laws / Virginia Regulations: This Tuesday, June 20th ( 9AM-4:30PM) class, taught by Donna Austin, will cover the most recent Virginia laws and Real Estate Board regulations. Learn how the laws apply to you and protect the interests of your clients. This class qualifies for 8 hours of CE credit (Legal Update and Flood) plus PL credit (8 hours real estate law and Board regulations). Click here to register.

Already have your GRI designation? Contact Louann@rvar.com to register for this class at a reduced rate of $45 (includes materials and filing of CE credit, but no exam required.)

Our RVAR Familyfamily

Sympathy

RVAR expresses sympathy to Cathie Daniel of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate upon the death of her mother.

Congratulations


RVAR welcomes Nancy Kelderhouse, the new Executive Officer of the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association.

Let RVAR know if you have news to share.
Upcoming EventsUpcoming 

April 25th
April 25th
April 26th
April 27th
April 27th
April 29th
May 10th
May 11th
May 12th
May 17th
May 24th  
Wells & Septic Systems: RVAR
Landlord Tenant Training
Roanoke City Fair Housing Class
Roanoke City Reasonable/Accommodations Class
REALTOR® After Hours @ SML
Community Service Day - Renovation Alliance
Roanoke City: Show Me the Money
5 O'clock Hops: Vinton
Fair Housing Class
Downpayment Assistance Class
Blueprint for Agent Success Class 


Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®
Proudly Recognizes Our 2017 Partner / Sponsors 
  
Platinum Level Partner / Sponsor 
 
    
Diamond Level Partner / Sponsor  
BB&T Home Mortgage  
The Roanoke Times  
Virginia Mountain Mortgage 

Gold Level Partner / Sponsor 
Acquisition Title & Settlement Agency, Inc.
Bill Meador Insurance Agency 
 Blue Eagle Credit Union 
Colonial Mortgage Company 
Consolidated Construction Services, Inc.  
Integrity Home Mortgage Corporation  
Southwest Virginia Moving & Storage  
Virginia Title Center, LLC  
Virginia's All-American Movers

Silver Partner / Sponsor
 
Bug Man Exterminating, Inc. 
Colonial Title & Settlement Agency, LLC
First American Home Buyers Protection  
First Citizens Bank
HMS National Home Warranty
HWA (Home Warranty of America)
Seal-Tite Basement Waterproofing Co.
VIA Insurance Agency, LLC 
Contact:
ROANOKE VALLEY
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
  |  540.772.0526