A Special Message from

RVAR President Jay Kilby

Click here as RVAR President Jay Kilby addresses the proposed NAR Settlement Agreement.

For more information, RVAR recommends the following sites for accurate information:

• NAR’s site: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts (no login required)
• VAR’s site: https://virginiarealtors.org/nar-settlement-resources/ (login required using your NRDS #)

Homes Sales for February

2024 REALTOR®️ & Affiliate Night

The 2024 REALTOR®️ & Affiliate Night is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 from 5pm-7pm at the Roanoke Country Club! The Affiliate Committee is very excited about our ‘Black & White’ theme this year! How do you think our Affiliates will present their booths? All black, all white, black and white photos, use a black & white movie as a theme, the history of the Oreo cookie, or will they make it a formal affair? And, which REALTOR®️ will walk away with $500 cash? We can't wait to see!

Click here for tickets! Don't miss it!

A Pet Food (and supplies) Drive

Make a PAW-sitive Contribution

Join us on May 21st from 8am-5pm & May 22nd from 8am-3pm for A Pet Food (and supplies) Drive benefiting Angels of Assisi and the Roanoke Valley SPCA. This will be a drive up...drop off...drive away event held at the RVAR offices (back of the building) at 4358 Starkey Road. Click here for a list of needed items. Both charities request that food donated be Purina brand dog and cat food.

Our pets mean so much to us, so let's make sure that the pets that are waiting for their fur-ever home have all they need to stay healthy and safe.

MLS BOD Election Results

Congratulations to those who have been elected to serve on the 2024-2025 MLS Board of Directors:

• Representing Large Firms: Ed Smith, MKB, REALTORS®
• Representing Medium Firms: Rod Rowan, Lichtenstein Rowan, REALTORS®
• Representing Small Firms: Barry Bridges, Bridges & Co., REALTORS®

Since only one candidate applied for the large and medium firm seats, no online election was needed for those seats. MLS Brokers voted in the online election for the small firm seat.

Continuing their service on the 2024 MLS Board are: large firm representative Ashley Donahue; medium firm representative Vic Coffey; small firm representative Jack Frye and RVAR CEO Laura Benjamin. 

NAR REALTOR® Expo in DC

NAR’s Annual Trade Expo will be held May 6^th and 7^th (10AM-5PM) at the Walter Washington Convention Center in downtown Washington, DC. The Expo will feature the latest in real estate products and services from over 100 industry-leading companies. There will be tools and resources for every REALTOR®, such as lead generation systems, Internet prospecting solutions, virtual tour technology and more. Plan to stop by the show and walk away with profitable ideas to gain an edge in today’s market. Admission to the Expo is FREE for all REALTORS®.

Click here for more information or to register.

And NAR’s Annual Convention – which has been renamed NAR NXT, the REALTOR® Experience -- will be held in Boston November 8^th-10th. Why not plan to treat yourself after a successful year! NAR will open registration in mid-May.

NAR Committees for 2025

Would you like to help shape the direction of the National Association of REALTORS®? NAR welcomes applications for its 2025 Committees (there are over 90 different Committees.) Click here for the application form, including information on all NAR Committees. The deadline to submit your application is May 15^th. NAR will announce appointments in the fall. Questions? nargovernance@nar.realtor

NAR Offers Free ABR Class

NAR is offering the popular Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designation course, which typically costs $295, available to REALTORS® at no cost through the end of 2024. The ABR course is the first step toward earning the ABR designation and focuses on the key information and skills agents need today when working with buyers. This course will help you articulate and demonstrate your value to buyers.

This free course is available two ways: (1) via live interactive webinars scheduled through the end of the year or (2) via online course taken at your own pace.

Steps needed to earn the ABR Designation: (1) Be an NAR member; (2) Complete the ABR Designation Course; (3) Complete an ABR elective course; (4) Complete 5 transactions as a buyer's representative in your career; (5) Then submit your application to become an ABR through the online form. Annual ABR dues $110.



Click here to learn more or get started!

REALTOR® vs. Licensee: There’s a Difference

Every REALTOR® is a licensee, but not every licensee is a REALTOR®.

A REALTOR® is not only a licensee, but also a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. A REALTOR® is also required to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics.



In Virginia, as of February 29, 2024, DPOR had 51,000 active licensees. Virginia REALTORS® reflected 34,347 active REALTORS®. 

Upcoming Education

Burn Baby Burn: Instructor Ben Briscoe of Black Goose Chimney Service will address fireplace and chimney inspections, including wood burning v. gas log fireplaces and vented v. non-vented fireplaces. Wood stoves will also be covered. Jamie Bailey of Bailey Insurance Group will address insurance implications.

Click here to register for this class on Wednesday, April 24^th, 11:00AM-12:30PM. This class provides two options to attend (1) attend in person (limit of 40) or (2) attend via Zoom.

Toxins in the Home: Instructor Zac Sweeney of Green Home Solutions will address mold testing and removal, along with mold prevention advice for sellers and new homeowners. He will also address indoor odor removal and other indoor air quality concerns.

Click here to register for this class on Wednesday, May 15^th, 11:00AM-12:30PM. This class provides two options to attend (1) attend in person (limit of 40) or (2) attend via Zoom. 

The ABCs of Foreclosure: Instructor Bob Hartman of RealStar, REALTORS® will address everything from registering on the HUD foreclosure site, to submitting a bid and then the steps from an accepted bid to closing.

Click here to register for this class on Tuesday, June 18^th, 11:00AM – 12:30PM. This class provides two options to attend (1) attend in person (limit of 40) or (2) attend via Zoom. 

Virtual GRI Classes: RVAR is partnering again with Virginia REALTORS® to offer virtual GRI classes throughout 2024. Each class is offered in two half-day sessions. Below are the classes offered through April, 2024. Click here for more information about the GRI program and to register for GRI classes.

GRI 507 Ethics & Professional Responsibility

April 4th 9AM-12:30PM

April 5th 9AM-12:30PM

Instructor: Donna Austin

This course will clarify how the Code of Ethics helps your business and the reputation of all REALTORS®. Case studies will provide a hands-on opportunity for learning how to apply the Code in business every day. CE Approved = 4 hours Ethics and 2 hours Fair Housing; PL Approved = 3 hours Ethics & Standards of Conduct and 2 hours Fair Housing.

GRI 508 Real Estate Law & Virginia Regulations

May 1^st 9AM-12:30PM

May 2^nd 9AM-12:30PM

Instructor: Jeff Wu

This course offers the most up-to-date changes to Virginia law and Real Estate Board regulations. Case studies will help you understand how the laws apply to you and protect the interest of your clients. CE Approved = 8 hours Legal Updates with Flood Content; PL Approved = 6 hours Real Estate Law and Board Regulations.

GRI 503 Business Planning

May 21^st 9AM-12:30PM

May 22^nd 9AM-12:30PM

Instructor: Tim Vohar

Do you have a well-laid plan for business success? This course covers the foundational skills for establishing a successful business. Learn how to develop your personal brand, identify your market niche and set goals for the future. PL Approved = 2 hours Current Industry Issues / Trends.

GRI 501 Agency in Virginia

June 4^th 9AM-12:30PM

June 5^th 9AM-12:30PM

Instructor: Donna Austin

This course will provide a detailed guide on important issues dealing with agency. Topics include brokerage relationships, agency disclosure, confidentiality and Code of Ethics requirements. CE Approved = 3 hours Real Estate Agency; 3 hours Real Estate Related; PL Approved - 3 hours VA Agency Law. 

Upcoming Events

2024 Platinum Level Partner/Sponsor