MEMBER TYPE / COUNT
REALTOR® 1383 
Offices 142
Affiliate 321
Click here to see which RVAR members have switched firms, gone inactive, or joined recently.
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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 2021: President-elect, Vice President and 4 Director positions. The process for applying for a Director or Officer position is simple:
- The application period begins Monday, August 3rd and ends on Thursday, 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 No Virginia Real Estate Board violation within the previous 2 years;
o No Code of Ethics violation within the previous 2 years.
To date, three Director candidate applications have been verified by the Credentials Committee: Dana Berenbaum (MKB, REALTORS®), Jay Kilby (RE/MAX All Stars Realty) and Julie Kingery (RE/MAX Mountain to Lake Realty).
The Credentials Committee has also verified the application filed by Meg Smith (MKB, REALTORS®) for a second term as Vice President. The RVAR Bylaws state that all Officers are eligible for re-election for one additional term.
The Board is a hardworking body of 12 REALTORS® who set policy for RVAR. The group meets 10 times each year to consider issues, set the direction and manage the funds of the Association. If you are interested or have any questions about the requirements and benefits of serving on the Board of Directors, please contact President Walter Grewe CEO or Laura Benjamin.
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Recap from August BOD
Click on President Walter Grewe's photo to watch the next installment of the video recap of RVAR's August 13th Board of Directors meeting.
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July Home Sales
The 638 homes sold during July represents an 11% increase over homes sold in July, 2019. The 787 homes placed under contract represents the highest such number in any single month in the history of the MLS! And a 29% increase over the homes placed under contract in July, 2019. 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 15 th of the following month.
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Supra LockBox Exchange Success
Thank you to the almost 800 REALTORS® who have exchanged their lockboxes to date. 6300 new BTLE iBox lockboxes have been issued. Thank you to Supra for working closely with RVAR staff to execute a seamless, safe exchange process.
RVAR will continue to exchange lockboxes through Friday, August 28th at the RVAR office.
* Monday - Friday 9AM-4PM
* No appointment needed
* Park at RVAR's front door - several parking spots will be reserved
* Call RVAR 772-0526
* Stay in your car - you will be served curbside (RVAR staff will collect your old boxes and bring your new boxes to your car)
Your cooperation is needed during the exchange period. Throughout the month of August, there may be listings without lockboxes. Please contact the listing agent before showing to ensure you have access.
Also, iPhone users should keep your Fob handy for access to listings as boxes are in the process of being exchanged.
If you have questions or need special accommodations, contact Susan Edwards, Joe Sutliff or Laura Benjamin.
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Supra LockBox Exchange - Frequent Q&A
Q: How do I open the new BTLE iBox with my eKey?
A: Open the eKey app on your phone and tap the Obtain Key icon on your device. Then
press up on the bottom of the lockbox to turn on its Bluetooth. A red-purple light on the lockbox lens will flash to show the Bluetooth is on and ready. After entering a 4-digit PIN, the eKey app will start communicating with the lockbox. When the eKey app displays "Success", press up on the bottom of the lockbox to release the key container.
Q: Will I be required to to exchange my Display Key?
A: Yes. Later this year (likely in November), Display Key users will need to change to the new XpressKey or to an eKey app on your smart phone.
Q: When will codes be available to provide access to my lockbox?
A: After completion of the lockbox exchange, RVAR will enable a new Supra feature that will allow listing agents to give access, limited to a specific time period, to out of area REALTORS®, home inspectors, contractors etc. RVAR expects to introduce this feature in September.
Q: Why did we have to go through a lockbox exchange?
A: RVAR's contract with Supra was nearing expiration. The batteries in the old iBox BT boxes were beginning to fail at a higher rate. Plus the new BTLE iBoxes have new technology, such as iPhone users will no longer need a Fob to open the new box.
Q: Am I required to exchange my lockboxes?
A: While it is not 'mandatory' to participate in the exchange, lockboxes have some value and participating in the exchange will help you to retain that value. If you do not participate in the exchange, the majority of RVAR's keyholders (those using an eKey on an iPhone) will not be able to open an old iBox BT box after the exchange period. Also, if and when an old iBox BT box fails after the exchange period, the old box cannot be replaced. The warranty only covers the new BTLE iBoxes after the exchange.
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September Supra Charges
The Supra lockbox exchange marks the beginning of another six (6) year contract between RVAR and Supra. Supra users will notice a slight increase in the September charges:
eKey Basic $15.39 + tax (monthly charge)
eKey Professional $24.05 + tax (monthly charge)
Display Key $92.76 + tax (semi-annual charge)
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2020 RVAR Golf Classic
The 2020 RVAR Golf Classic returns to Roanoke Country Club on Friday, September 11th. 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 a fantastic job hosting our event and we're excited to return. We are working closely with RCC to make sure you have a fun and safe day. 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 great prizes. 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, sign up today! Click here for all the details and the registration form.
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REALTOR® and Affiliate Night Cancelled
With the input of the Affiliates Committee and RVAR leadership, the October 13th REALTOR® and Affiliates Night event has been cancelled. Based on the Governor's newest guidelines for businesses - trade shows are specifically discouraged - there is simply no way to pull off such a large event at Hidden Valley Country Club.
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Advocacy @ Work
Advocacy @ Work is an article aimed at updating members on what is happening in our region regarding Economic Development and/or Governmental Affairs.
Great American Outdoors Act - As you may recall, last fall parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) were closed just as peak leaf / tourism season was about to take place. It happened because the BRP (a National Park) did not have sufficient funds for maintenance and repairs. Several key parts of the BRP are currently closed in our region because of needed repairs.
Years of chronic underfunding had forced the National Park Service to defer maintenance and repairs on our National Parks - including the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Good news! Congress has now passed, and at the beginning of August, the President signed into law the Great American Outdoor Act. This bi-partisan bill, patroned by Senator Mark Warner, is a needed investment in our outdoor economy. This bill will not only provide funding relief to some of the many deferred maintenances issues, it will also support tourism and jobs in our state and region. Good news, indeed!
National Flood Insurance Program Update - The current NFIP extension is yet again scheduled to expire on September 30th. It is expected that NFIP will be extended for a short period until after the elections.
However, if you have closings scheduled for late September/ first of October on properties that require flood insurance, you should pay close attention to this issue. We will keep you updated on progress or delays to the program. If the National Association of REALTORS® feels the need to issue a Call for Action, please respond quickly to support an extension of the NFIP.
General Assembly Special Session - The Governor has reconvened the General Assembly to consider issues and state budget adjustments as a result of COVID-19. The GA reconvened on August 18th and will work, likely for the next few days. We will monitor progress and let members know if any action is needed.
Article provided by Joe Sutliff, RVAR Director of Economic & Governmental Affairs.
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Share Your (Legislative) Ideas
Throughout the year, the Governmental Affairs Committee considers thoughts, ideas or issues members face that might be corrected through a state legislative solution (similar process as Schoolhouse Rocks, just at the state level!). Proposals will be analyzed for appropriateness for a legislative solution. Appropriate proposals are reviewed by the Governmental Affairs Committee, Board of Directors and then sent to Virginia REALTORS® for consideration.
Over the years, RVAR has recommended several proposals that ultimately became state law. They all started with a member's suggestion.
If you have thoughts or ideas for proposals that might have a state legislative solution, please contact Joe Sutliff to discuss.
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The "Economic Update" presents updates on timely topics that have an impact on you and your business.
Tim Bradshaw, Executive Director of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, will be our guest presenter. Tim will provide an update on the airport and the economic impact the airport has on the region. Tim will provide updated information on air travel during COVID-19.
The "Economic Update" will be held on
Wednesday, September 16th via ZOOM. The presentation will begin at 9:00AM with a brief welcome followed by Tim Bradshaw's presentation and include time for questions & answers. We will conclude no later than 10:00AM.
Click here to register or contact the RVAR office. Once you are registered, the ZOOM meeting link will be sent to you in a reminder email a few days prior to the meeting.
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.
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September Tech Lunch & Learn
 Plan to join RVAR's Technology Committee for its Wednesday, September 16th Lunch & Learn ( 11:30AM-1:00PM) - Explore the Benefits of RPR: Complete Data @ Your Fingertips. This session will be offered via Zoom. The REALTORS® Property Resource (RPR) is the nation's largest public records database, with complete MLS data, exclusively for REALTORS®. And it's a FREE benefit from NAR! Enjoy time saving access via its easy to use mobile app. Plus learn how to use RPR to create easy CMA's. Join us during your lunch break. Click here to register for this FREE event.
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Virginia REALTORS® Offer Free Benefits
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 [email protected]. ) 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 [email protected] or call 1-800-775-4662 and press 1 to reach Customer Service.
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Upcoming Education
Through the end of the year, some RVAR classes will be offered online via Zoom, other classes will be offered in-person at the RVAR office. The capacity for in-person classes may be limited due to COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing. Masks are required at the RVAR office.
Zoom Zoom - The Virtual Class: Whether you are attending an online class or holding a virtual meeting with your clients, learn how to use Zoom and make the most of its features. Click here to register for this FREE class, Wednesday, August 26th, 10:00-11:00AM, conducted by Kelly Soriano of Wainwright & Co., REALTORS®. This class will be offered via Zoom.
Radon in Virginia Real Estate Transactions: Radon is common in the Greater Roanoke Valley. Learn all about radon from Ryan Paris, Radiation Safety Specialist and Radon Coordinator for the VA Department of Health. This Thursday, September 17th class (10:00-Noon) will explain how to test for radon and how to mitigate the radon levels. Click here to register for this class. This class is FREE. This class will be offered via Zoom.
Code of Ethics Training: This Thursday, September 24th (1:00-4:00PM) 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 three years. Click here to register. This class will be held in-person at the RVAR office. Class attendance is limited due to social distancing requirements.
Legal Update: This annual session will be offered via Zoom on Wednesday, October 7th, 9-11AM. Virginia REALTORS® General Counsel Laura Farley will cover the following topics:
- 2020 New Laws: New laws passed by the 2020 General Assembly and how the new laws impact your business. 1 hour Legal CE / 1 hour Broker Management CE.
- Contracts - Back to Basics: This course provides the building blocks needed to understand how contracts work in the real estate business. It includes a breakdown of what elements are needed to create an enforceable contract, what happens if a contract is breached and how to get out of a contract without breaching it. 1 hour Real Estate Contracts CE.
Cost to attend this class is $10. Click here to register. Class attendance is limited to 95.
Environmental Hazards: Learn how to address common environmental hazards such as asbestos, lead paint, mold vs. mildew and buried oil tanks on residential properties. The presenters for this Wednesday, October 21st (10AM-Noon) class are ECS Limited and Top Hill Contractors. Click here to register for this FREE class. This class will be offered via Zoom.
GRI Classes: Virginia REALTORS® is developing options for GRI classes to be offered via Zoom. Stay tuned for details.
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Our RVAR Family
Congratulations
RVAR congratulates Mary Dykstra of MKB, REALTORS® upon her appointment to serve as 2021 Vice Chair of NAR's Leading Edge Advisory Board.
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Upcoming Events
August 26th
| Class: Zoom Zoom - The Virtual Class
| September 7th
| RVAR Office Closed for Labor Day
| September 11th
| 2020 RVAR Golf Classic
| September 16th
| Economic Update
| September 17th
| Class: Radon in Virginia
| September 24th
| Class: Code of Ethics
| October 7th
| Class: Legal Update
| October 21st
| Class: Environmental Hazards
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Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®
Proudly Recognizes Our 2020 Partner / Sponsors
Platinum Level Partner / Sponsor
Diamond Level Partner / Sponsor
Gold Level Partner / Sponsor
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