The General Assembly is in overtime! The regular 30-day session was extended with a special session and will likely conclude this Saturday, February 27th.  

 

While most of the Virginia REALTORS® legislative agenda is moving through fine, we will have to wait until a later time for the Virginia REALTORS®' Association Health Plan Legislation to pass. Last week, the Association Health Care Plan was referred to a Commission for further study, which affectively negates its passage for this session. 

 

Earlier in the session, the House version of this legislation, HB 2033 (Delegate Hurst - Patron) hit some significant snags and was "laid on the table" for the year. Senator Barker (Senate Patron) remained enthusiastic about pursuing and pushing the Senate version as the "middle" of the session approached. However, Virginia REALTORS® Public Policy team issued this update last week regarding the Senate version after it had gone to Committee in the House: 

 

"Virginia REALTORS®' Association Health Plan legislation, SB 1341, was referred to the Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care for further study and the opportunity to return next year with additional recommendations for successful passage and implementation under both the state and federal insurance laws and regulations.  We are disappointed that the Bill was not passed outright. So, this keeps the Bill in play and facilitates bringing it back next year." 

 

I will provide a more detailed update on other legislation that is passed that affects you and our industry after the session has concluded.    

 

 

The 2021 RVAR Spring Golf Tournament will be held at The Westlake Golf Club at Smith Mountain Lake on Friday, May 14th.
 
Registration will begin in March!      

It's Over When It's Over
March 3rd     9:00AM-1:00PM
Instructor:    Grimes Creasy

This course explores landlord, tenant and property management responsibilities when navigating a breach of lease or the process of lease termination. CE Approved = 1 hour RE Contracts / 3 hours Real Estate Related; PL Approved - 2 hours Current Industry Issues / Trends. Click here to register.

Mastering the Lease
March 24th   9:00AM-1:00PM
Instructor:    Barrie Bowers

Take an in-depth look at the residential lease form as well as addenda - to learn landlord responsibilities and mitigate risk. CE Approved = 1 hour Contracts / 3 hours Real Estate Related; No PL approved. Click here to register. 

Master the Basics: A 3-Part Series in March

Whether you are a new agent or a veteran, attending the Master the Basics series will improve your knowledge in three key areas of every transaction. Each class is taught by local specialists willing to share their knowledge. This series is offered via Zoom. Click on the links below to register for these FREE classes.

Part 1 - Lenders 101 - Wednesday, March 10th, 11:30AM - 1:00PM
Learn what every lender needs - credit, income, employment, down payment and documentation.

Part 2 - Comps 101 - Wednesday, March 17th, 11:30AM - 1:00PM
Learn how to create a CMA in FlexMLS and why comps are important in pricing a listing.

Part 3 - From Ratification to Closing 101 - Wednesday, March 24th, 11:30AM - 1:00PM
Learn how to coach your sellers and buyers on timing; the steps and players in the process; and scheduling the closing. 

Virtual GRI Classes: RVAR has partnered with Virginia REALTORS® to offer virtual GRI classes throughout 2021. Each class is offered in two half-day sessions. Below are the classes offered through the end of May. Click here for the complete 2021 GRI calendar. 

GRI 502 Sales Contracts
March 16th    8:30-11:30AM
March 17th    8:30-11:30AM
Instructor:     Michael Guthrie

Students will receive guidance and tactical skills for writing and presenting a variety of real estate agreements, such as disclosure forms and sales contracts, including contingencies. CE Approved = 6 hours Real Estate Contracts; PL Approved = 6 hours Contract Writing. Click here to register.  

 

GRI 508         Real Estate Law & Virginia Regulations
April 7th        9:00AM-1:00PM
April 8th        9:00AM-1:00PM
Instructor:     Michael Guthrie

This course offers the most up-to-date Virginia law changes and Virginia Real Estate Board regulations. CE Approved = 8 hours Legal Updates with Flood Content; PL Approved = 6 hours Real Estate Law & Board Regulations. Click here to register.

GRI 507 Ethics & Professional Responsibility
April 21st      8:30-11:30AM
April 22nd    8:30-11:30AM
Instructor:    Doug Wolfe

This course provides a hands-on opportunity for learning how to apply the Code of Ethics in business everyday. CE Approved = 4 hours Ethics / 2 hours Fair Housing; PL Approved = 3 hours Ethics & Standards of Conduct / 2 hours Fair Housing. Click here to register.

GRI 503 Business Planning
May 26th      9:00AM-12:30PM
May 27th      9:00AM-12:30PM
Instructor:    Larry Anderson

This course covers the foundational skills for establishing a successful business, including developing your personal brand and setting goals for the future. No CE approved; PL Approved = 2 hours Current Industry Trends. Click here to register.

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