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October 31, 2024

The Voice for Real Estate in

Virginia's Greater Roanoke Valley

Hello Louann,

You are receiving this online eNewsletter as a benefit of being a member of the Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®. 

What's in this month's issue


  • Home Sales Statistics
  • Renew your REALTOR®️ Membership: 2025 Dues
  • RVAR's 2025 Board of Directors
  • NEW - RVAR.com
  • Your Vote is Your Voice! Register to Vote!
  • Volunteer for a 2025 RVAR Committee
  • RVAR Forms Revisions
  • Legislative Breakfast
  • Save the Date - Installation & Awards
  • 2025 REALTOR®️ & Affiliate Night
  • Good Neighbor Award
  • REALTOR® of the Year Award
  • NEW - Did You Know?
  • FOREWARN - New Member Benefit from VAR
  • NAR Offers Free ABR Class
  • Upcoming Education
  • Sympathy/Congratulations
  • Upcoming Events
  • Our 2024 Partner/Sponsors

MEMBER TYPE / COUNT

REALTOR®    1488

Offices       169

Affiliate      277



Roanoke Valley MLS


MLS Firms     278

MLS Members  1883

Market Data for September

2025 RVAR Membership Dues

RVAR’s 2025 Board of Directors

 

Congratulations to the following who have been elected to serve on the 2025 Board of Directors. Because the number of applications received matched the number of openings on the 2025 Board, no electronic election is required this fall.

 

·        President-elect: Todd Wampler, Century 21 Wampler Realty

·        Vice President: Cathie Daniel, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate

·        Director: Carla Evans, Wainwright & Co., REALTORS®

·        Director: Thomas Fellers, MKB, REALTORS®

·        Director: Todd McKee, Lichtenstein Rowan, REALTORS®

·        Director: Stan Spiewak, BHHS Premier, REALTORS®

 

Congratulations also to Robert Lichtenstein (Lichtenstein Rowan, REALTORS®️) who has been appointed by the Broker Council to serve as the Broker representative on the 2025 BOD.


Continuing their service on the 2025 Board will be: President Julie Kingery (Mountain to Lake Realty); Immediate Past President Jay Kilby (RE/MAX All Stars Realty); and Directors Amber Mason (MKB, REALTORS®); Glenda Morris (Long & Foster, REALTORS®); and Mac Westland (Mac Westland Real Estate Group.) 

NEW RVAR.com - We're Live!!


The RVAR is excited to announce that the NEW RVAR.com is now LIVE!! Log on today and check it out!



Your Vote is Your Voice! Register to Vote!


Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th. Are you registered to vote? Have you moved and need to update your address? Do you have clients that have moved and might need help registering?


Every election is important. This year, elections range from U.S. President to U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to many local election races.


Early voting began on September 20th and will end November 2nd. To see who is on the ballot in your area, click here to view the list of candidates by localities.



Remember to VOTE by or on Tuesday, November 5th!

Volunteer for an RVAR Committee in 2025


RVAR needs you in 2025! When you volunteer to serve on one of RVAR’s 12 Committees, you will be better informed, better networked and better able to impact the decisions RVAR makes affecting your business. 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 Friday, December 6th

RVAR Forms Revisions



Minor forms revisions will “go live” on Tuesday, December 3rd. RVAR’s forms library will be updated in zipForms and SkySlope.


Megan’s Law Disclosure Paragraph – The website address referenced in this paragraph is being updated. This change will affect the following forms: Purchase Agreement, Exclusive Right to Represent Buyer Agreement and Non-Exclusive Right to Represent Buyer Agreement. The Megan’s Law Disclosure paragraph will be added to the Lot/Land Purchase Agreement.


Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form – This form is being updated to be in compliance with the EPA.

Legislative Breakfast


RVAR is pleased to partner with the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association and the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce to sponsor a Legislative Breakfast on Wednesday, November 13th, from 7:30-9:00AM in The Community Room at the Salem Civic Center. The program includes a hot breakfast followed by a panel style question and answer session with area State Legislators about the upcoming 2025 General Assembly Session.



This event, including breakfast, is FREE. Click here to register. Registration closes November 11th.

RVAR Installation and Awards Breakfast is scheduled for Friday, December 13, 8:30am-10:30am, at the Hotel Roanoke.


Registration begins on November 5th!

Good Neighbor Award  

 

Each year the RVAR, in association with its Community Service Committee, accepts applications for our Good Neighbor Award, presented to a REALTOR® and an Affiliate for their charitable work in our community. We are excited to offer these awards again for 2024!


The recipient will receive recognition for their efforts as well as $1,000 for their respective charity.


If you know someone that has made a difference in our community and you would like to nominate them for these awards, click here to download the Nomination Form, or contact Jim Sweetwood at jim@rvar.com or 540-772-0526 for more information on the nominating process.



Deadline for nominations is Friday, November 8th.  

REALTOR® of the Year Award


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 sending an email to RVAR’s CEO Laura Benjamin explaining who you want to nominate and why. RVAR will contact all nominees to obtain their resumes.



The nomination deadline is Friday, November 8th. The winner will be selected by the past five recipients of this award. 


Did you know that Flexmls offers online training resources?


Once logged into Flexmls you can follow the “Help” icon in the top right corner of the web page. From there you will find Flexmls Help, Flexmls Academy, Video Training, & Contact Support. Each of the tabs offers MLS users different references to better understand, use, and navigate Flexmls. Flexmls Help gives a comprehensive guide on all pages and features in Flexmls desktop and mobile. Flexmls Academy walks users through a curated collection of training videos, product news, upcoming webinars, and other resources for Flexmls features and functions.



Video Training offers a library of training videos for various Flexmls functions.  


Virginia REALTORS® is offering you a NEW complimentary member benefit. FOREWARN gives you the ability to gain instant insight on a prospective client (within seconds, without exposing any protected class information) using only a phone number. Click here for step by step instructions to set up your account.


If you already have a FOREWARN account, you are all set. Services will not be interrupted and Virginia REALTORS® will cover your account.



NOTE: Your FOREWARN searches must be limited to professional uses only. FOREWARN activity is actively monitored (search terms and volume) to ensure proper use by Subscribers.


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!

UPCOMING EDUCATION


Unchartered Waters: Join us to learn more about flood risks, flood maps and elevation certificates, plus other resources regarding flood plains. Marcus Aguilar with Roanoke City’s Stormwater Division will share information and answer your questions.

 

Click here to register for this class on Tuesday, November 19th, 11:00AM – 12:30PM at the RVAR office. This class provides two options to attend (1) attend in person (limit of 50) 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 December, 2024. Click here for more information about the GRI. NOTE: VAR will be ending it's virtual GRI Program at the end of 2024.

 


GRI 503 Business Planning

November 6th 9AM-12:30PM

November 7th 9AM-12:30PM

Instructor: Jeff Wu

 

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

December 3rd 9AM-12:30PM

December 4th 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 = 1 hours Real Estate Agency; 5 hours Real Estate Related; PL Approved - 3 hours VA Agency Law. 

Sympathy


RVAR offers sympathy to Melissa Saunders (MKB, REALTORS®) upon the death of her mother; to Violeta Page (MKB, REALTORS®) upon the death of her brother; to Penny Neil (MKB, REALTORS®) upon the death of her grandson; and to Tessa Rider (Freedom First Credit Union) upon the death of her father.


Congratulations

 

RVAR congratulates those who have been appointed to serve on NAR Committees and groups in 2025:


Dennis Cronk – Past Presidents’ Advisory Group

Mary Dykstra – Law & Policy Liaison

Kit Hale – Member Accountability Committee

Betty Kingery – RPAC Participation Council




RVAR congratulates those who have been appointed to serve on VAR Committees in 2025:


Vic Coffey – Standard Forms

Ashley Donahue – Risk Management

Carla Evans – DEI

Toni Gravely – DEI

Donna Marie Harris – Public Policy

Connie Hash – Professional Development

Anthony Jennings – Research Advisory

Betty Kingery – Research Advisory

Will Long – DEI

Adam Lynch – Public Policy

Robyn Smeltzer – Property Managers

Jim Sweetwood – Member Communications

Todd Wampler – RPAC Disbursement

 

RVAR congratulates those recently recognized by The Roanoke Times:


Best Real Estate Firm: 1 – Divine Fog Realty Co.; 2 – MKB, REALTORS®; 3 – BHHS Premier, REALTORS®


Best Real Estate Agent: 1 – Brandon Alterio (Greenway Group, REALTORS®); 2 – Brad Thomas (Mountain View Real Estate); 3 – Erik Olson (BHHS Premier, REALTORS®)


Best Auctioneer: 1 – Mountain City Realty & Auction; 2 – Farmer Auctions – Jarrod Hines


Best Insurance Agent: 1 – Bill Meador (Bill Meador Insurance Agency)


Best Bank: 1 – Bank of Botetourt; 3 – Freedom First Credit Union


Best Credit Union: 1 – Member One Federal Credit Union; 3 – Freedom First Credit Union


Best Customer Service – Finance: 1 – Bank of Botetourt; 2 – Member One Federal Credit Union

Share Your News with RVAR

Upcoming Events

November 1st

Deadline for $50 Discount Dues Payment

November 8th

Deadline - Good Neighbor Award Nominations

November 8th

Deadline - REALTORS® of the Year Nominations

November 11th

RVAR Office Closed for Veterans Day

November 13th

Legislative Breakfast

November 19th

Unchartered Waters: Flood Class

November 28th & 29th

RVAR Office Closed for Thanksgiving

December 6th

Deadline for 2025 Committee Applications

December 13th

Installation & Awards Breakfast

2024 Platinum Level Partner/Sponsor

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2024 Diamond Level

Colonial Title & Settlement Agency, LLC


Priority Title & Settlement, LLC

2024 Gold Level

Bank of the James  

Carter Bank & Trust

CRS Data

First Bank

First Choice Title & Settlement

First Citzens Bank

Henry Mortgage Group

Pillar to Post Home Inspectors

SWBC Mortgage

2024 Silver Level

Bailey Insurance Group  

CALVERT Home Inspection, LLC

Cinch Homes Services/HMS  

CrawlSpace Care

OVM Financial

Seal-Tite Basement Waterproofing Co. 

Virginia Housing 

Roanoke Valley

Association of REALTORS®

Get In Touch

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Contact:

Contactus@rvar.com

ROANOKE VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® | 540.772.0526

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