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October 24, 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®            1373 Membership Update Logo
Offices                    137
Affiliate                   316
 
Click here to see which RVAR members have switched firms, gone inactive, or joined recently.
Dues Discount Reminderdiscount 

Anyone who pays 2020 dues by Friday, November 1st (includes a November 1st postmark) can take advantage of a $50 discount. Simply go to www.RVAR.com and click on User Login (upper right hand corner). Follow the instructions to log in to access and pay your dues bill online. The final date to pay 2020 dues is Monday, January 13th.
 
Any member may contact Susan Edwards to request a dues bill via email or mail.  
Fall Election for RVAR Board of Directorsbod

RVAR's 2020-2021 Board of Directors has 3 open Director positions. Four candidates have applied for these 3 positions:
 
Barry Bridges, Weichert, REALTORS® Bridges & Co.
Shannon Hines, Long & Foster, REALTORS®
Rob Logan, The Real Estate Group
Scott Miller, Nest Realty
 
Electronic ballots will be used, delivered via email on Tuesday, October 29th. Voting will end at Midnight on Wednesday, November 13th.
 
Congratulations to Ashley Donahue of Wainwright & Co. who has been elected to serve as the 2020 President-elect and Meg Smith of MKB, REALTORS® who will serve as 2020 Vice President, since no additional candidate applications were received for these positions.

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). 
2019 Affiliate of the Year Awardsaward  

 
 
 
Patti Dickerson, with Virginia Title Center & Sara Lovern, with Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, received RVAR's 2019 Affiliate Individual of the Year awards.       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Movement Mortgage was honored with RVAR's 2019 Affiliate Company of the Year award.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Both awards were presented on October 15th at RVAR's REALTOR®& Affiliate Night and were given in recognition of outstanding support of RVAR, as exhibited by event attendance, sponsorships and volunteer efforts. 

RVAR will hold a Special Membership Meeting on Thursday, November 21st, 10:00-11:30AM at the South Roanoke County Library. The purpose of this Membership Meeting is to approve proposed Bylaws revisions intended to change the composition and authority of the MLS Board of Directors.
 
A special notice will be sent to all members on Monday, November 4th containing the substance of the proposed Bylaws revisions. Please mark your calendar for this special meeting.  
Recap from October 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 October 10th meeting, presented by President Neil Conner.
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.
 
Flood Insurance Update: There was another short-term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that will go until November 21st. While this marks the 13th extension in just 2 years, we are glad it did not lapse.  
 
Given the short legislative calendar remaining for this year, the priority on budget issues and the impeachment inquiry, it is doubtful that a compromise bill will move forward until next year. Thanks to NAR's efforts, Congressional leaders do plan to keep the NFIP as part of the Continuing Resolution which means there is little danger of a lapse.  
 
NAR is continuing to keep this issue in front of Congress, and we will continue to monitor the program and alert members if a Call for Action is needed in the future. Again, please stay tuned to this ongoing issue! 
 
Carilion Children Announcement: A few weeks ago, Carilion made another huge announcement about its plans to locate most of their pediatric services in the former JC Penny store at Tanglewood. This announcement along with the announced plans for improvements to the 419 corridor are the first major steps to a vast transformation of the Tanglewood property and implementing Roanoke County's Reimagine 419 plans. Carilion will be investing $30 million into the project and there is another nearly $30 million in transportation improvements scheduled to start in 2020 along the Rt. 419 corridor. We have been following these plans for the last few years and it is exciting to see these steps being taken.
 
Article provided by Joe Sutliff, RVAR Director of Economic & Governmental Affairs. 
"Your Vote is Your Voice!" voice
 
Election day is quickly approaching!

Every election is important. This year is no different.

This year all 140 General Assembly seats are up for election, plus many local election races.

When REALTORS® vote, our elected leaders notice. As a REALTOR® member, make certain your voice is heard before decisions are made that affect your business. Get out and VOTE! 
 
Remember to VOTE on Tuesday, November 5th!   
 
 
Economic Updateupdate 
   
 
 
 
 
 
The "Economic Update" presents updates on timely topics that have an impact on you and your business.

David Perry, Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, will be our presenter. David will explain what the Conservancy does and how they might help you in your business. David Hurt, with Wainwright will help with the presentation as well. David Hurt is the former Director of the Conservancy and can relate how you can best utilize the Conservancy in your business.

The "Economic Update" will be held on Tuesday, November 19th at the RVAR starting at 8:45AM with coffee, juice and pastries provided. The presentation will begin at 9:00AM with a brief welcome followed by David Perry's presentation and include time for questions & answers. We will conclude no later than 10:00AM.

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 .   
September Home Salessales     
 
The 484 homes sold through the MLS during the month of September, 2019 and the 506 homes placed under contract in September represent the highest September numbers since 2006. 

A link to the September 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.      
SAVE THE DATE - Installation and Awards Breakfastbfast   
 
Mark your calendar now and make plans to join us as we celebrate the many successes of 2019 and install our 2020 Officers and Directors including our 2020 RVAR President, Walter Grewe. Our Installation & Awards Breakfast is moving to The Hotel Roanoke and will be held on Friday, December 13th from 8:30am until 10:30am. The cost is $15 to attend which includes a deluxe breakfast. We will also be giving special recognition to our REALTOR® of the Year, and Distinguished Service Award recipients. We will also be presenting our Good Neighbor Award (previously Community Service Award) to a deserving REALTOR® and, for the first time, a deserving Affiliate. Don't miss it!!  
Lend a Hand to RVAR in 2020hand    
 
RVAR needs you in 2020! When you serve on one of RVAR's 12 Committees, you will be better informed, better networked and better able to impact the decisions made affecting your business. We need your time, talent and ideas!

Both REALTORS® and Affiliate members are welcome to serve. Click here to volunteer for a Committee, plus review a description of each Committee's purpose and how often it meets. Please submit your request by Wednesday, November 20th.  
Good Neighbor Award good 
 
Each year the RVAR, in association with its Community Service Committee, accepts applications for our Community Service Award, presented to a REALTOR® for their charitable work in our community. RVAR is excited to announce two changes to our annual Community Service Award.  
 
First, we have changed the name to the Good Neighbor Award to truly represent our members and the work that they do in our community. Secondly, and most exciting, is that upon the recommendation of the Community Service Committee, the Board of Directors has added a second Good Neighbor Award to be presented to an Affiliate member. Each award winner will receive $1,000.00 for their charity of choice. Winners will be announced at the Installation Breakfast on Friday, December 13 at the Hotel Roanoke.  
 
If you know someone that you would like to nominate for this award please contact Jim Sweetwood at [email protected] or 540-772-0526 for more information on the nominating process. Deadline for nominations is Friday, November 15.  
REALTOR® of the Year Awardroty  

Do you know a REALTOR® who is well respected, known for professionalism, and volunteers time to RVAR and / or the community? If you do, then you should take a moment to nominate that deserving REALTOR® for RVAR's most prestigious award. The nomination process is as simple as writing a letter to RVAR's CEO Laura Benjamin explaining whom you want to nominate and why. RVAR will contact all nominees to obtain their resumes. The nomination deadline is Friday, November 15th. The winner will be selected by the past five recipients of this award. This award will be presented at the December 13th Installation and Awards Breakfast. Click here to see who has already won this prestigious award. 
Brokers: Distinguished Service Awardsbrokers  
 
The Distinguished Service Award is presented each year by RVAR to those firms whose agents have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Association through Committee service and attendance at RVAR classes and events. The deadline for Brokers to submit an award application is Friday, November 22nd, for the award period November 1, 2018 through October 31, 2019. Click here for the application form. RVAR will be able to provide firm attendance / Committee service / RPAC records during the award period by Monday, November 4th. These awards will be presented at the December 13th Installation and Awards Breakfast. Contact Laura Benjamin with any questions about this award. 
numbers 
November Tech Lunch & Learnnov 
 
Plan to join RVAR's Technology Committee for its Tuesday, November 5th Lunch & Learn (11:30AM-1:30PM) - zipForms: Work Smarter not Harder. Learn how to integrate zipForms and CRS with FlexMLS.  Three members of the Technology Committee will share their tips for making the most of zipForms and its integration with FlexMLS.

Bring your lunch and phone or tablet - RVAR will provide drinks, chips and dessert!  Click here to register for this FREE event. 
MLS Classes: Integrated Property Tax Recordsmls  
 
Last June, integrated property tax records became available in our FlexMLS system for the following municipalities: 
 
RVAR contracted with CRS Data to provide this new MLS feature. In addition to tax assessor data, foreclosure data, census and school reports and FEMA flood maps are available. Prospecting features, including exports and mailing labels, are also included with this new MLS feature.

Five training classes are being offered in November. Whether you missed the classes offered in June or you want to become more proficient, these classes are worth your time. Click below to register online or for a registration flyer):

Monday, November 18th 9:00-10:45AM  RVAR office
  Tuesday, November 19th  10:00-11:30AM  The Franklin Center, Rocky Mount
Upcoming Educationeducation 
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 Tim Vohar 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 this class at the reduced rate of $45, includes materials and CE credits, but no exam.
Code of Ethics Training - This Wednesday, November 20th (1-4PM) 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 two years. Click here to register.
 
Our RVAR Family family
 
Congratulations 
RVAR congratulates Kit Hale of MKB, REALTORS® upon being reappointed to serve on NAR's Executive Committee through 2021. RVAR also congratulates Mary Dykstra of MKB, REALTORS® upon being appointed to serve on NAR's 2020 Leading Edge Advisory Board and Strategic Thinking Advisory Committee.
 
Sympathy
RVAR offers condolences to Larry 'Jack' Doyle of MKB, REALTORS® at the Lake upon the death of his wife; to Paulette Ferguson Lawson of Lawson Associates upon the death of her brother; to Robin Dent of MKB, REALTORS® upon the death of his mother; to Aggie Romero-Sirrine of EXP Realty LLC - DGA Salem upon the death of her brother; to Tom Lusk of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group upon the death of his wife and to Susan Robertson of EXP Realty LLC - DGA Salem upon the death of her husband.
 
Let RVAR know if you have news to share. 
Upcoming Events & Deadlines Upcoming
                                                  
October 25th
Class: Fair Housing
October 29th
Class: GRI 504 Working with Buyers
November 1st
Deadline to pay 2020 dues with discount
November 5th
Tech Lunch & Learn: Work Smarter with zipForms®
November 11th
RVAR Office Closed for Veterans Day
November 20th
Class:  Code of Ethics Training
November 21st
Membership Meeting
November 28th - 29th
RVAR Office Closed for Thanksgiving
December 13th
Installation & Awards Breakfast, Hotel Roanoke
  
 
Contact:

ROANOKE VALLEY
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
  |  540.772.0526