August 22, 2019 


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®.
 
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MEMBER TYPE / COUNT
REALTOR®            1360 Membership Update Logo
Offices                    135
Affiliate                   302

Click here to see which RVAR members have switched firms, gone inactive, or joined recently.
Leadership Openings on the 2020 RVAR BODbod     
Interested in a leadership role in RVAR? Are you ready to give back to the REALTOR® community? Do you have fresh ideas for change?

RVAR's Board of Directors has announced the following leadership openings for 2019: President-elect, Vice President and 3 Director positions. The process for applying for a Director or Officer position is simple:
  • The application period began Thursday, August 1st and ends on Tuesday, October 1st.
  • A period of RVAR membership is required: 2 years for Directors, 3 years for Vice President and 4 years for President-elect.
  • No more than 2 members from the same firm may serve at the same time on the Board of Directors, with the exception of the Immediate Past President.
  • All applicants must meet the following objective criteria:
     o  Must have served on an RVAR Committee, Task Force etc. within the previous 10 years;
     o  Must not have had a Virginia Real Estate Board violation within the previous 2 years;
     o  Must not have had a Code of Ethics violation within the previous 2 years.

To date, two Officer candidate applications have been verified by the Credentials Committee: Ashley Donahue of Wainwright & Co., REALTORS® for the office of President-elect and Meg Smith of MKB, REALTORS® for the office of Vice President.

If you are interested or have any questions about the requirements and benefits of serving on the Board of Directors, please contact President Neil Conner or CEO Laura Benjamin. Click here for more information on the candidate application process, including the application form.

Continuing their service on the 2020 Board will be: President Walter Grewe (Wainwright & Co.); Immediate Past President Neil Conner (The Real Estate Group); and Directors Dana Berenbaum (MKB); Jay Kilby (RE/MAX All Stars); and Julie Kingery (RE/MAX Mountain to Lake).  
Recap from August BODrecap 
 
Click on the picture above to watch the next installment of the video recap of what RVAR's Board of Directors accomplished at its August 8th meeting, presented by President-Elect Walter Grewe.
 
Included in the video is the announcement that the Board accepted the resignation of Lori Shultz-Moore from the Board of Directors. President-elect Walter Grewe transferred to Wainwright & Co. in early August. His plans to transfer would have resulted in three members on the Board from Wainwright, which is prohibited in the Bylaws. In order to avoid a vacancy on the Leadership Team, Lori Shultz-Moore graciously offered to step down. The Board will consider appointing someone to fill Lori's seat, after the results of the upcoming election are known.   
REALTOR® and Affiliate Night affiliate  

The Affiliates Committee has your route mapped out for this year's REALTOR® & Affiliate Night at Hidden Valley Country Club on Tuesday, October 15th from 5pm-8pm.  We are proud to announce that this year's theme is The Great American Road Trip. Don't miss the excitement as we enjoy an evening of fun, 'American road trip' inspired culinary treats and the opportunity to support our fantastic crew of Affiliate members! Tickets are just $15 if purchased by October 8th ($20 between October 9-15) and includes 2 drink tickets. Make plans now to attend and be sure to bring lots of business cards for a chance to win some fantastic prizes!

So, pack the car, grab your partner and let's go road trippin'! Click here for all the details and to order your tickets now!
Take a Good Look at Yourself!pic  
   
"Thank You" RPAC Major Investors! major  
 
 
 
 
Advocacy @ Workadvocacy    
Advocacy @ Work is an article aimed at updating members on what is happening in our region regarding Economic Development and/or Governmental Affairs.
 
HUD-FHA Condo Rule Announcement
Good news for the condo market!
 
On August 14th, HUD finalized new FHA condominium loan policies. Specifically, the new guidance extends certifications from two years to three, allows for single-unit mortgage approvals, provides more flexibility with owner/occupancy ratios, and increases the allowable number of FHA loans in a single project. The new rules will go into effect October 15th.
As of this date, there are 92 condos listed for sale in the MLS and there have been 183 condos sold or placed under contract since 1/1/19.
 
National Flood Insurance Program Set to Expire
The current National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is scheduled to expire on September 30th. NAR supports extending the NFIP for 5 years, improving flood mapping, enhancing mitigation investments and removing the barriers for private flood insurance options.
 
We will continue to monitor this program and alert members if a Call for Action is needed. Please stay tuned!
 
Summer Meetings with Legislators
Throughout the summer months, members of the Governmental Affairs Committee and the Board of Directors are meeting with area Legislators to discuss items of local interest and continue to build important relationships between Legislators and the RVAR. Some items typically discussed include real estate market updates, transportation and infrastructure issues, broadband expansion and issues they see on the horizon.
 
At this time, Committee members have met individually with:
  • Delegate Sam Rasoul
  • Delegate Terry Austin
  • Delegate Charles Poindexter
  • Delegate Chris Head
  • Senator John Edwards
Meetings with other Legislators are being scheduled over the next few weeks. These meetings are valuable in establishing rapport and providing opportunities to express issues of concern and interest to our elected leaders.  
 
Article provided by Joe Sutliff, RVAR Director of Economic & Governmental Affairs. 
July Home Salessales     
The 577 homes sold through the MLS during the month of July, 2019 is only one less home than sold in July, 2018. The 616 homes placed under contract in July is an 8% increase over June, 2019; a 20% increase over July, 2018; and the highest total of homes placed under contract during the month of July since 2005.

A link to the July   home sales statistics, including a 4-year comparison, is provided on the front page of RVAR.com. The MLS releases its monthly home sales statistics around the 15th of the following month. 
numbers 
REALTOR® After Hourshours  
 
Join us for some Brew and Q!
Kick off your Labor Day Weekend by joining us for REALTOR® After Hours, Thursday, August 29th - 5:00 'til 7:00 at the Olde Salem Brewing Company, 21 E Main St, Salem, VA 24153
 
Great Food * Beverages * Networking  
Be a WINNER .... CASH PRIZES!
Bring a business card for a chance to win! Drawings for REALTORS® ($100-$50-$25-$25) and Affiliates ($50-$25-$25)
50/50 Raffle for our Charities -Hosted by Community Service Committee

Click here to register or print out a fax-in registration form. For info contact: Jim@rvar.com.
2019 RVAR Golf Classic golf 
NEW NAME, NEW LOGO, SAME GREAT TOURNAMENT!

The 2019 RVAR Golf Classic returns to Roanoke Country Club on Friday, September 6th. Tournament Day will start with check-in and a box lunch at 11:00am and a shotgun start at 12 noon. Roanoke Country Club has done an outstanding job hosting our event and we're excited to return. Plus, it's a great way to start your weekend!

The price for this year's event will be $75.00 per player/$300.00 per team. The cost will include lunch, range balls, golf, a Mulligan package (including one (1) each of a Mulligan, Red Tee & Grenade Lob) and a post play reception with great prizes.

The Community Service Committee will again be holding a 50/50 raffle to assist in supporting RVAR charities, so bring some cash.

Start putting your team together today! Come and play for $1,000.00 in CASH prizes (plus some braggin' rights) to the top two Net and Gross scoring teams. We will also have a Hole In One contest for a chance to win $20,000.00!

Don't wait! We anticipate a sell out so sign up today! Click here for all the details and the registration form.
RVAR Community Service Day Projectservice 

The 2019 Community Service Committee would like you to join us as we kick off our third quarter Service Day Project.

Angels of Assisi's mission seeks to change the traditional definition of an animal shelter by offering services and programs to benefit the community, the people that live there, and the pets they love. The organization operates the largest private animal shelter in the Roanoke Valley, as well as a low cost Community Pet Clinic and farm animal sanctuary. Through the Community Pet Clinic and Adoption Center, Angels of Assisi is able to provide resources to pet owners to keep their pets happy and healthy. The adoption center puts emphasis on these services to help people be able to keep their pets over turning them in to the shelter. Angels of Assisi strives to be a resource to the community and also offers services to area and rural shelters to help end the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable pets.
 
RVAR will be volunteering with Angels of Assisi (415 Campbell Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016) on Friday, September 20. There are two opportunities to volunteer, 10:00am - 12:00pm or 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Choose one or, better yet, both!

If you would like to join us click here to sign up for the AM shift or click here for the PM shift.

You can also call the RVAR at 540-772-0526 to have us register you for the shift of your choice.

If you can't make it on September 20th, donations will be accepted. Click here for a list of items needed. Donations can be dropped off at Angels of Assisi or in the lobby of RVAR beginning Monday, August 26th through September 19th. If you have any questions please contact Jim Sweetwood at jim@rvar.com or call 540-772-0526. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Simply write your check to Angels of Assisi and drop it off at the RVAR office. Thank you in advance for your help!
economic
The " Economic Update" presents updates on timely topics that have an impact on you and your business.

***Please Note - This Economic Update will be held at the Franklin County Government Center.

Michael Burnette, Director of Economic Development for Franklin County, will be our presenter.  Michael will highlight the exciting economic development happenings in Franklin County, including an update on the new Summit View Business Park and the positive impact this has on your business.  

The next " Economic Update" will be held on Tuesday, September 24th at the Franklin County Government Center (1255 Franklin Street, Rocky Mount) at 8:45AM with coffee, juice and pastries provided.  The presentation will begin at 9:00AM with a brief welcome followed by Michael Burnette's presentation and include time for questions & answers.  We will conclude no later than 10:00AM. After the presentation we will have the opportunity to tour the Summit View Business Park weather permitting.

There is NO CHARGE to attend this event, but seating is limited.  Click here to register or contact the RVAR office.

The " Economic Update" has the goal of providing local, informative presentations regarding topics that affect you and your business. All REALTOR® and Affiliate members are encouraged to attend.
September Tech Lunch & Learntech 
Plan to join RVAR's Technology Committee for its Wednesday, September 25th Lunch & Learn (11:30AM-1:30PM) - The Video Edge. Learn how to create videos to promote yourself and/or your listings - including the equipment and apps to use and how to edit your videos.

Bring your lunch and phone or tablet - RVAR will provide drinks, chips and dessert! Click here to register for this FREE event. 
Accessing zipForm® Mobile Appapp  
Have you ever been out in the field with only your phone and needed to access a form in zipForms®? MLS users can access the zipForm® Mobile App at no cost! Click here for the step by step instructions to download and set up your app. Questions? Contact zipForm® tech support at 866-693-6767 (Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST; Saturday-Sunday 9AM-5PM EST.)
REALTOR® Conventions in the Fallconv 
The Virginia REALTORS® Annual Convention returns to Williamsburg, September 17th-19th. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore, discover and connect with fellow REALTORS®. Momentum 2019 will feature sessions on marketing your business, trends in business and sales, legal updates and housing forecasts. PLUS the Convention offers top quality CE and Broker Management classes.

NAR's Annual Convention will be held in San Francisco, November 8th-11th. Choose from more than 100 education sessions during the four days, plus the world's largest real estate trade show, featuring over 400 exhibitors with the latest innovations and products. Plenty of networking opportunities plus a celebrity concert featuring Pentatonix.
Virginia REALTORS® Offer Free Benefitsfree 
All Virginia REALTOR® members have access to two key member benefits. (For new REALTORS®, these benefits will be activated for you within the first month of your membership.)

A Tech Helpline is now available to all Virginia REALTOR® members. Simply call 1-800-276-4216 for FREE assistance with personal and professional devices, hardware and software. (Or send an email to support@techhelpline.com. ) The Helpline is available Monday - Friday 9AM - 8PM; Saturday 9AM - 5PM Eastern time. You will be asked to provide your First Name, Last Name and Email address. Click here for more information.

Complimentary access is now available for Inman Select. This FREE benefit will keep you in the know with leading edge information and resources. Simply log in at inman.com (top right corner) with your username (the email address associated with your NRDS number). Enter temporary password: welcome. That's it! Once you're in, you can change your password under Account Settings. If you need assistance, contact Inman Select directly at customerservice@inman.com or call 1-800-775-4662 and press 1 to reach Customer Service.

Broken Lockboxbroken 
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. 
Upcoming Educationeducation 
Safety for REALTORS® - Staying Alive - September is national REALTOR® safety month! Join us on Tuesday, September 17th (10AM-Noon) to learn how to recognize and avoid danger signs, plus practical defense techniques. Plan to dress casually so you can participate in demonstrations of defense techniques. Instructor Bob Chandler (MKB, REALTORS®) will share his experience based on 25+ years on the Roanoke City Police force. Click here to register for this FREE course.
Legal Update -- Join us on Thursday, September 26th, 9AM-Noon for this annual educational session at the South Roanoke County Library. The cost is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Topics to be covered this year by Virginia REALTORS® General Counsel Laura Farley will be:
  • Real Estate Laws You Need to Know
  • Common Legal Hotline Questions & Answers
The Legal Update counts for 3 Hours Legal Updates with Flood CE; 2 Hours Broker Management; 2 Hours Current Industry Issues / Trends PL. Click here to register.
Don't Sabotage Yourself - Why is it that many agents fail to create thriving businesses? Those nagging Gremlin voices of doubt and self-criticism that haunt each of us. Join Business Coach Sarah B. Rawz on Tuesday, October 8th, 10:00-11:30AM to learn how to identify and manage your Gremlin voices to clear your professional path toward easier lead generation, greater productivity and increased sales. Click here to register for this FREE class.
Broker 8 Hour CE Class -  RVAR's Broker Council and Education Committee present this 8-hour course required for anyone renewing a broker's license. (This course is in addition to the 16 hours of continuing education required for all licensees.) Instructor John Dickinson, Moseley Dickinson Academy of Real Estate, will conduct this class on Friday, October 11th, 8:30AM-4:30PM at the RVAR office. Click here to register.
More Than Likes: A Blueprint for Online Success - Nationally known speaker Marki Lemons will share a blueprint for maximizing your ROI and tips on how to target your clients. With so many platforms and so little time, where should you focus your online efforts? Marki will demostrate how to produce a Facebook Live video, plus create Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories. Join Marki on Tuesday, October 22nd, 9AM-Noon at the South County Library.  Early bird registration fee of $40 through September 30th; $50 beginning October 1st.  Click here to register.
GRI 505 Working with Sellers: Well-known instructor LeRoy Houser returns to conduct this class on Wednesday, October 23rd (9:00AM-4:30PM) at the RVAR office. Learn proven strategies for lead generation for Sellers. Learn tips for listing presentations and a 'how to' for marketing listings in your local area. Strengthen your communication skills with sellers. PL credits = 2 hours Current Industry Issues / Trends. Click here to register.
To Improve or Not to Improve - Help your clients evaluate possible renovations. Whether it is your buyer asking how much it would cost to renovate the bathroom? Or your seller asking whether he should renovate his kitchen before listing his house? Learn how to evaluate cost vs. value, as well as the options for renovation financing. Instructors will be Jamie Bailey (Alcova Mortgage); Appraiser Brad Elkins (Smith Mountain Lake Appraisals); and Contractor Justin Enquist (Enquist Enterprises). Click here to register for this FREE class on Thursday, October 24th (10AM-Noon).
Fair Housing - RVAR's Education Committee presents this class in conjunction with the Moseley Dickinson Academy of Real Estate, Friday, October 25th  2:00-4:00PM 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.
GRI 504 Working with Buyers: Instructor Michael Guthrie returns to conduct this class on Tuesday, October 29th (9:00AM - 4:30PM) at the RVAR office. Learn about different generational buying habits. Learn the latest marketing tips for Generation Y first-time buyers. Plus learn the latest techniques for lead generation and negotiation strategies. CE credits = 6 hours Real Estate Related; PL credits = 2 hours Current Industry Issues / Trends. Click here to register.

Already have your GRI designation
? Contact Louann Pagans to register for either GRI class at the reduced rate of $45, includes materials and CE credits, but no exam.
 
Our RVAR Family family
 
Congratulations 
RVAR congratulates FBS (the provider of FlexMLS) for being named a 'Small Giant' by Forbes Magazine. Annually, Forbes acknowledges 25 companies that best demonstrate the core values of a Small Giant: purpose, culture, leadership, community, relationships and finances. FBS is the only company in the real estate industry to ever receive this prestigious recognition from Forbes. 
 
Sympathy
RVAR offers condolences to Susan Bailey of Long & Foster, REALTORS® upon the death of her mother. 

Let RVAR know if you have news to share. 
Upcoming Events & Deadlines Upcoming
                                                  
August 22nd & 23rd
Headshots for RPAC
August 29th
REALTOR® After Hours in Salem
September 2nd
RVAR Office Closed for Labor Day
September 6th
2019 RVAR Golf Classic
September 17th
Class: Safety for REALTORS®: Staying Alive 
September 20th
Community Service Day @ Angels of Assisi
September 24th
Economic Update
September 25th
Tech Lunch & Learn: The Video Edge
September 26th
Class: Legal Update
October 1st
Deadline for BOD Applications
October 8th
Class: Don't Sabotage Yourself
October 11th
Class: Broker 8 Hour CE Class
October 15th
REALTOR® & Affiliate Night
October 22nd
Class: More Than Likes: A Blueprint for Online Success
October 23rd
Class: GRI 505 Working with Sellers
October 24th
Class: Renovations: To Improve or Not to Improve
October 25th
Class: Fair Housing
October 29th
Class: GRI 504 Working with Buyers
  
 
Contact:

ROANOKE VALLEY
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
  |  540.772.0526