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FAAR Members Partner with Habitat for Humanity for Community Garden Project

On July 6, a group of local Realtors® from the Fredericksburg Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) spent the day volunteering with Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity to support a neighborhood garden project.

Despite the warm July weather, the volunteer team completed two main tasks. In the morning, they worked on-site at Mayfield Meadows & Canterbury Trails to build and install raised garden beds. In the afternoon, the team moved to Habitat’s offsite facility to assemble storage sheds to help organize supplies for the garden.

For Realtors®, working in the community is about more than just business. It is about supporting the neighborhoods where our clients and neighbors live. By helping build this garden, FAAR members wanted to contribute to a shared space where residents can grow food and gather together.

“We love this community, and we wanted to do something hands-on to support the families who live here,” Matthew Rathbun, 2026 President of FAAR. “Partnering with Habitat for Humanity gave us a chance to show up, do some hard work, and help create a space that we hope the neighborhood will enjoy for a long time.”

To learn more about FAAR’s ongoing community volunteer initiatives, visit faarmembers.com/community.

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Kristina Sanders

The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® Member Spotlight feature allows members of the community to get to know each other before working with each other in a transaction. Each member answers a series of questions to reveal more about themselves as people.  It is FAAR’s hope that learning about an individual may spark connections that blossom via email, phone conversations or in-person meetings at events and classes.

Name
Kristina Sanders

Hometown
Spotsylvania

Current Location
King George

Title
Realtor® – Coldwell Banker Elite

Why do you love working in real estate?
One of the things I love most about working in real estate is getting to know my clients and becoming part of their story. Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and it’s an honor to help guide people through that journey.

I enjoy learning what my clients are looking for—the features they know they want, the ones they haven’t discovered yet, and the little details that truly make a house feel like home. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their excitement when we find the perfect place.

 

Kristina Sanders Realtor

For me, the relationship doesn’t end at the closing table. My clients become like family. I love checking in after they’ve moved in, hearing how they’re settling in, and getting invited back for home tours where they proudly share the stories and purpose behind each room. Watching a house become a home is one of the greatest joys of my career.

After spending 18 years in education, with June 2026 marking my final year, I made the exciting transition to real estate full-time. My years as an educator taught me patience, communication, and the importance of serving others—qualities I now bring to every client I work with. Being available full-time allows me to provide an even higher level of service, and one of the most meaningful parts of this new chapter is having the opportunity to help some of my former students achieve the dream of homeownership. Seeing them purchase their first home is incredibly rewarding and reminds me why I love what I do every day.

Favorite Work Story
One of my favorite work stories happened recently with one of the sweetest couples I’ve had the privilege of helping. We looked at many homes together before they finally found the one that felt just right.

The week of closing, after everything was set to move forward, we scheduled their final walkthrough. This time, though, they wanted their daughter to come along. She had absolutely no idea her parents were buying a home. She thought she was simply touring another house with them.

When we walked through the front door, her parents looked at her and said, “Honey… we’re home.”

The look of complete shock on her face quickly turned into excitement, hugs, and tears of joy. Being included in their surprise and witnessing such a heartfelt family moment is something I’ll never forget. It reminded me that real estate is about so much more than buying and selling houses—it’s about helping create memories that last a lifetime.

The story became even more special a few months later. I had the honor of helping the couple sell the home they had been living in, and the perfect buyer turned out to be their daughter. Now she lives just minutes away from her parents, and I was fortunate enough to help make that dream possible for their entire family.

Moments like these are exactly why I love what I do.

What are you most proud of in your career?
What I’m most proud of in my real estate career is helping first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership. There’s something incredibly rewarding about guiding someone through such an important milestone and watching them receive the keys to a place they can truly call home.

One of the most meaningful experiences was helping my daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law purchase their first home. Being able to guide them through the process, connect them with the right lender for their needs, and help them find a home that isn’t just their first home but one they can grow into for years to come was a moment I’ll always treasure.

I’m equally proud of the clients who didn’t think homeownership was possible. I’ve worked with buyers who struggled to qualify for a mortgage due to credit challenges. Instead of giving up, I connected them with trusted lending partners who created a plan to improve their credit and prepare them for homeownership. Months later, I had the privilege of handing those same clients the keys to their new homes.

For me, success isn’t measured by the number of transactions I complete. It’s measured by the lives I help change, the dreams I help make possible, and the relationships I build along the way. Seeing the excitement, pride, and confidence on a first-time homeowner’s face is what makes this career so meaningful to me.

Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time? 
Giving back to my community has always been important to me. Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity at the Mayfield Meadows Canterbury Trails project, helping support affordable homeownership and stronger neighborhoods. It was a rewarding experience that reinforced my passion for building communities, not just selling homes.

As I transition into real estate full-time after an 18-year career in education, I look forward to dedicating even more of my time to volunteer work and community service. I believe that strong communities are built by people who invest in one another, and I want to be part of that effort.

With family members who have devoted their lives to careers in law enforcement and healthcare, I have a deep appreciation for those who serve others every day. I am actively seeking opportunities to give back to first responders, healthcare professionals, educators, veterans, and others who make our communities stronger. Whether through volunteer work, community partnerships, or helping families achieve homeownership, my goal is to make a positive impact both inside and outside of real estate.

Fun Fact
Before becoming a full-time Realtor®, I worked in Career & Technical Education and Work-Based Learning, helping students prepare for successful careers. Now, I have the privilege of helping many of those same young professionals purchase their first homes. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing their journey come full circle—from planning their future to finding a place they can truly call home.

Outside of real estate, I enjoy spending time with my family, volunteering in the community, and building lasting relationships with the people I serve.

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Janae Garnett

The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® Member Spotlight feature allows members of the community to get to know each other before working with each other in a transaction. Each member answers a series of questions to reveal more about themselves as people.  It is FAAR’s hope that learning about an individual may spark connections that blossom via email, phone conversations or in-person meetings at events and classes.

Name
Janae Garnett

Hometown
Fauquier County, VA

Current Location
Fredericksburg, VA

Title
REALTOR® & Medication Access Specialist 

Why do you love working in real estate?
Because real estate is so much more than buying or selling a home—it’s about serving people during one of the biggest transitions of their lives. As a faith-led realtor, I see this work as a calling. God has placed me here to guide, educate, and advocate—especially for single-income households, first-time buyers, and families who may feel overlooked or unsure where to start.

Coming from a background in pharmacy, I naturally approach real estate with care, education, and attention to detail—like helping someone understand a treatment plan, I help my clients understand their options, protect their future, and make confident decisions. I love breaking things down, improving credit, avoiding scams, and creating a clear path forward instead of fear or confusion.

Favorite Work Story 
My first buyer client came from an open house! She was a baker who was discussing her kitchen needs and as we started to carry on conversation we discovered I have been a fan of hers on social media for years! Best baker ever! If you only knew how much I love a good cake lol. It was such a God wink I’m in the right industry. 

What are you most proud of in your career?
I’m so proud to have started my career as a part time agent and have completed over 5 rentals and one buyer within the first 7 months of my career! All while raising 2 beautiful girls and maintaining my primary career as a medication access specialist. God has truly blessed me!

Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time? 
I volunteer in the children’s care center at my church, Strong Tower! 

Fun Fact
I was a majorette for over ten years and mama can still twirl 2 batons! 🥳

Janae Garnett, REALTOR

FAAR Releases June 2026 Housing Statistics

The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) is pleased to release the latest housing market statistics to keep our community informed on local trends in home sales, prices, and inventory.

Sheronica Thompson, FAAR Board Member, provides the following comments on the current market.
In June, I noticed buyers becoming much more intentional with their decisions. They understand their purchasing power and are negotiating more confidently, whether that’s asking for seller concessions or requesting repairs following home inspections. Buyers are no longer overlooking issues simply to secure a home.
On the seller side, I’m seeing a growing awareness that preparation matters. Homes that are clean, updated, priced appropriately, and marketed well from day one are still attracting multiple offers, while homes that need work or enter the market unprepared are taking longer to sell. As affordability continues to be a challenge, sellers are relying more on their REALTOR® to help them prioritize improvements and position their homes to stand out. Overall, June reinforced that success in today’s market comes from thoughtful preparation, realistic expectations, and strong guidance throughout the transaction.”
June 2026 Housing Stats

FAAR Advocates for Property Rights in Valley Link Transmission Project

Protecting private property rights and supporting responsible infrastructure planning remain top priorities for FAAR.

FAAR recently sent a letter on behalf of its more than 1,700 REALTOR® and Affiliate members to elected officials, Valley Link Transmission, Dominion Energy, PJM Interconnection, and the Virginia State Corporation Commission regarding the proposed Joshua Falls to Yeat Transmission Line Project. In the letter, FAAR recognizes the importance of maintaining a reliable electric grid while encouraging project leaders to carefully consider the impacts on landowners, farms, businesses, and rural communities.

The letter also urges decision-makers to fully evaluate routing options, engage affected property owners throughout the process, and use eminent domain only as a last resort after all reasonable alternatives have been explored.

As the voice of real estate in the Fredericksburg region, FAAR will continue advocating for policies that balance Virginia’s infrastructure needs with the protection of private property rights and the communities our members serve.

Federal Update: 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

ChatGPT Image Jun 25, 2026, 03 15 40 PM

Congress has approved the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, one of the most significant federal housing packages in decades. The legislation is designed to increase housing supply, improve affordability, expand financing options, support ADUs and manufactured housing, and place new limits on large institutional investors purchasing single-family homes.

For REALTORS®, the bill signals continued federal efforts to address inventory shortages and homeownership challenges. While many provisions could help increase housing opportunities over time, local zoning, permitting, and market conditions will continue to play a major role in determining how quickly buyers and sellers see an impact.

Although the bill passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support, President Trump has delayed signing it, saying he will not act on the legislation until Congress first passes the unrelated SAVE America Act, leaving the bill’s implementation temporarily on hold.

See links below for an NAR summary of the bill and a brief podcast discussing why it’s so important for Realtors® and the housing market. 

FAAR Releases May 2026 Housing Statistics

The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) is pleased to release the latest housing market statistics to keep our community informed on local trends in home sales, prices, and inventory.

Nate Ferguson, FAAR Director, provides the following comments on the current market.
“Right now, I would describe the market as active but much more balanced than it was a couple of years ago. Buyers are cautious and value-conscious because of interest rates, but serious buyers are still moving quickly when a well-priced home in good condition hits the market. Sellers are starting to realize that the days of throwing a home on the market at any price and getting multiple offers immediately are fading, so pricing and presentation matter much more now.
The pace of transactions is still steady, though deals require more strategy and negotiation than before. Inventory has improved, which gives buyers more breathing room, but supply is still somewhat constrained, especially for updated homes in desirable neighborhoods and affordable price points. Finding the right home is easier than it was during the peak frenzy, but buyers still need to stay prepared because the best properties do not sit long.”
May 2026 Housing Stats (1)
MEMBER ALERT: Local Safety Incident & Key Reminders

MEMBER ALERT: Local Safety Incident & Key Reminders

📢 What happened

The Incident

An agent received a call from someone claiming to own a property and wanting to sell quickly. The caller raised several red flags:

  • Claimed to be hospitalized and unable to meet in person.
  • Instructed the agent to enter the unlocked property alone and stay on the phone throughout.
  • Began asking personal questions unrelated to real estate.
The Outcome: The agent trusted her instincts, shared her location with family, and had a colleague meet her there. The caller immediately canceled once the second person arrived and ordered her to leave.

🛡️ Best practices

7 Essential Safety Practices

Office-First Rule

Meet new prospects at your office or a public place before any property visit.

Verify ID

Request a driver's license photo before showing. Predators avoid verification.

Leave a Digital Trail

Log every appointment — address, client name, phone, and expected return time.

Two-Person Rule

Never go alone to a vacant or remote property, or when something feels off.

Tactical Positioning

Always let clients walk ahead. Avoid basements, closets, and confined spaces.

Code Words

Pre-arrange a distress phrase with a contact who will call 911 if they hear it.

Arrive Early & Park Smart

Get there 15 min early. Always park on the street — never in the driveway.


🛠️ Resources

Tools to Keep You Safe

Screen Prospects with Forewarn

Virginia REALTORS® members can instantly verify identity, criminal history, and property records with just a phone number.

Learn about Forewarn ↗

NAR Safety Checklists & Webinars

Extensive safety protocols, office forms, and training from the National Association of REALTORS®.

NAR Safety Program ↗

Local Leaders Tackle the Future of Affordability

Leg Recep Sponsor Sign

The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS®, along with partner organizations the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and Virginia’s Innovation Crossroads Alliance, recently welcomed local elected officials, housing leaders, and community members to Richmond Recap: The Future of Affordability, a regional discussion focused on the policies shaping affordability across Virginia. The event provided valuable insight into housing supply, taxes, and other key issues impacting families and local business owners. 

The partnering organizations extend a sincere thank you to Delegate Margaret Franklin, Delegate Phil Scott, Delegate Stacey Carroll, Delegate Josh Cole, Delegate Nicole Cole, Senator Tara Durant, Senator Bryce Reeves and moderator Tom Scott from Virginia’s Innovation Crossroads Alliance, who took time to share their expertise and engage in meaningful conversation about the future of affordability across the Commonwealth. Special thanks to Fairway Home Mortgage for sponsoring the event and helping make this important community conversation possible.

Missed the event or want to revisit the highlights? Be sure to check out the event photo gallery below.

Summer Law Series: Stay Sharp this Summer

Summer Law SERIES (1)

Virginia real estate laws, regulations, and contracts keep changing — and busy agents do not have time to sort through hundreds of pages of updates alone. FAAR’s Summer Law Series is designed to give you the practical information you need to protect your business, reduce risk, and stay confident in your transactions.

This three-part series focuses on the real-world legal issues impacting REALTORS® right now, from new legislation to disclosure requirements and contract updates. Each class is short, focused, and built for agents who want clear answers they can use immediately with clients.

Upcoming Classes

June 24, 2026 — 2026 New Laws

Hear directly from the Virginia REALTORS® Legal Team about the latest laws passed by the General Assembly and how they impact your day-to-day business, compliance, and client conversations.

July 16, 2026 — Triple Play: Regulations, Laws & Contract Changes

State Delegate and attorney Marcus Simon returns to the FAAR Academy classroom to break down legislative updates, regulatory changes, and important NVAR contract revisions in one fast-paced session.

July 22, 2026 — Duties of Disclosure

Learn how disclosure requirements affect Virginia transactions, including material defects, environmental hazards, and common property condition issues that can create liability for agents and sellers.

Why attend?

  • Stay compliant and reduce risk
  • Build confidence in difficult transactions
  • Better explain changes to buyers and sellers
  • Protect your reputation and business
  • Earn CE/PL credit while sharpening practical skills

Strong agents stay informed. Five-star agents stay ahead.

Register for upcoming classes at faarmembers.com/calendar

6 24 2026 New Laws Real Estate Class
7 16 2026 Triple Play Regulations Laws Contract Changes Real Estate Class Flyer
7 22 2026 Duties of Disclosure Real Estate Class 1

Press Releases

FAAR Releases June 2026 Housing Statistics

The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) is pleased to release the latest housing market statistics to keep our community informed on local trends in home sales, prices, and inventory.Sheronica Thompson, FAAR Board Member, provides the following...

FAAR Releases May 2026 Housing Statistics

The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) is pleased to release the latest housing market statistics to keep our community informed on local trends in home sales, prices, and inventory.Nate Ferguson, FAAR Director, provides the following comments on the...

Local Leaders Tackle the Future of Affordability

The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS®, along with partner organizations the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and Virginia's Innovation Crossroads Alliance, recently welcomed local elected officials,...

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