News
Recent news, business resources and press releases.New Real Estate Podcasts
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Have at-risk homeowners reaching out for help? NAR has a great resource for you!
A new resource from NAR gives associations and members a tool to help homeowners who are struggling to meet their loan obligations due to COVID-19. The Protect Your Investment brochure offers guidance on working with trusted professionals like REALTORS® and housing counselors at HUD-approved agencies. The brochure also provides information about payment options offered by lenders and tips for avoiding scams.
FAAR Endorses Mary Katherine Greenlaw for Mayor
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) announces its endorsement of Mary Katherine Greenlaw for Mayor of the City of Fredericksburg. The general election was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 and also includes seats for At-Large City Council members and School Board. Governor Northam has postponed the election until Tuesday, May 19, 2020. The City of Fredericksburg is encouraging all citizens to vote by mail. The last day to request an absentee ballot is May 12, 2020.
“As a City resident and an active REALTOR® downtown, I am personally very interested in this year’s election,” states FAAR Public Policy Committee Chairman Chip Taylor. “There is no question that the City of Fredericksburg has become a premier destination to live, work, and visit. After a comprehensive interview process, the FAAR Public Policy Committee sees great value in the continued leadership of Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw during this unprecedented time of upheaval caused by COVID-19. Mayor Greenlaw is a collaborative leader with a deep knowledge of the budget process and a commitment to bringing us back to where we were before the coronavirus.”
The FAAR Public Policy Committee conducted candidate interviews in early April in anticipation of a May election. The group interviewed both candidates running for Mayor and all three candidates running for the At-Large seats. More information regarding the election and requests for absentee ballots can be made at https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/534/Voter-Registrar.
Fair Housing Month is Here. So is Coronavirus.
April is upon us. This time of year is usually a flurry of spring market activity. It’s also a time when we reflect on the ways people are shut out of the housing market, and commit to expanding housing opportunity, with our annual observation of Fair Housing Month.
This year is different. Because of measures to slow the spread of coronavirus, activities outside our homes have slowed or stopped. But crises like these remind us that despite our differences, we are all very much the same. Viruses don’t discriminate. Many of us are in similar circumstances, trying to figure out how to work from home while also homeschooling our kids. Despite these challenges, we’re also finding new ways to strengthen our communities, by getting groceries for an elderly neighbor or buying a gift card to support a local restaurant and its employees.
This quiet time is an opportune one to reflect on how we are all bound together. Coronavirus threatens us all. But the virus will also hit certain members of our communities especially hard. Whether due to losing a job without savings to fall back on, increased unpaid caregiving work, the threat of evictions or foreclosures, xenophobic threats or violence, or difficulty accessing necessary services, communities of color, people with disabilities, and women face even greater burdens now. We must ensure that, as we confront the pandemic, and as we recover, that we all do so together.
As we stay home, REALTORS® can and must rise to the challenge. Fair Housing Month emphasizes education, reflection, and discussion—meaningful efforts we can still undertake while practicing social distancing. This year, NAR is presenting Fair Housing Month @ Home – curated lists of books, videos, podcasts and other resources for you to educate yourself throughout the month. Read, watch, listen, think, discuss – and strengthen your fair housing knowledge and leadership.
WAYS TO OBSERVE FAIR HOUSING MONTH @ HOME
1. Host a Fair Housing Book Club
The NAR ebook library has added a number of fair housing titles recommended by NAR’s new Director of Federal Fair Housing Policy, Bryan Greene. Read them on your own or host a book club on Zoom or another social meeting platform. A list of recommended fair housing titles, along with book reviews, videos, and discussion questions, here.
2. Watch a Fair Housing movie or documentary
Check out a list of recommended fair housing videos here. Or watch The Banker, featuring Samuel L. Jackson, on Apple TV+.
3. Listen to a Fair Housing Podcast
Check out Bryan Greene’s list of recommended fair housing podcasts here.
4. Read Fair Housing Journalism
Investigative journalists have done incredible work uncovering housing discrimination and explaining the history of segregation in America. Later in April, NAR will add recommended fair housing journalism to the Fair Housing Month @ Home page.
5. Check out Fair Housing nonprofit organizations
Learn about local and national Fair Housing nonprofit organizations and the work they do to support equal access to housing. Later this month, NAR will add a list of leading fair housing organizations to the Fair Housing Month @ Home page.
6. Take an online Fair Housing Training
Later this month, NAR hopes to make available a practical, real-estate focused online training on how implicit bias may inadvertently influence your interactions with consumers. Using specific examples from a REALTOR’s day, the training will help you avoid thinking traps that can lead to unintentional discrimination.
Questions? Contact Bryan Greene.
The Fredericksburg Realtors Foundation Celebrates 30 Years of Service with the Launch of the $20 for 2020 Campaign
We hope our launch video filmed back in February brings you a moment of joy as we try to provide for the less fortunate this year. Thank you for your support.
A History of Giving
In the past 3 years, REALTORS® gave back over $50,000 to local housing-related organizations and charities through the Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation.
We could not do this without your support. There is no doubt, we are currently in a period of change that is affecting many. The need has always been great, but now it is even greater. That’s why the Foundation is launching the $20 for 2020 campaign now.
This Year is Different
Since January 1, the Foundation has granted out over $10,000 to local charities to help with the crushing demand they’ve experienced caused by COVID-19. That leaves us with just $5,000 left and grants coming in every week. Help us be able to say YES to these cries for help!
We know there are many worthy charities in our community, but why not join forces with 1,700 of your fellow Realtors® in support of the Foundation? We are the face of REALTOR® giving in the Fredericksburg region.
We encourage each of you to commit to donating $20 in 2020 so the Foundation can continue to meet the emergency grant requests coming in from local charities.
To make a donation or learn more about the Foundation visit www.faarmembers.com/foundation or follow the Foundation on Facebook for updates!
Happy Hour for a Good Cause – Thursday April 30th, 2020 from 4-5 PM
Join the Foundation Governors for a kickoff Happy Hour from your own living room! Join the meeting at bit.ly/happyhourforgood
Thank you from the Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation Governors
Anne Overington, Century 21 Redwood Realty | anneo@c21redwood.com
Debbie Irwin, BHHS Select Realty | debbie@debbieirwinrealtor.com
Carrie Danko, 1st Choice Better Homes and Land | carrieldanko@gmail.com
Shannon Mauro, United Real Estate Premier | themauroteam@gmail.com
Jennifer Doughty, CTI Real Estate | jdoughtvil@aol.com
Erin Witt, CMS Mortgage Solutions | erin@cmsmortgagesolutions.com
Randy Walther, Nest Realty | randywalther@fxbg.net
Abby Fitzsimmons, Coldwell Banker Elite | afitzsimmons@cbeva.com
Carol Sondrini, Coldwell Banker Elite | carolsondrini@gmail.com
David Cropper, Weichert Realtors | David@CropperHomeSales.com
Pam Godfrey, Universal Title | pgodfrey@universaltitle.com
Want to educate your kids (or yourself!) on budgeting and finances? NSWC has you covered!
Guest blog from FAAR Affiliate Marketing Partner NSWC Federal Credit Union, check out all the cool stuff they are doing these next two days!!!
We have a variety of financial education Zoom meetings available no matter what stage you are in. We’ll be going over savings and budgets for the school age groups, and scams that are going on now and how to avoid them and protect yourself. Please feel free to share to your co-workers, friends, family and more.
Elementary School Age Students– 4/23 9am Lauren Polen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81473441125?pwd=M3Q5YWQzSHUrSzJsUUsrZDk0c3IyQT09
Meeting ID: 814 7344 1125
Password: 028682
Middle School Aged Students– 4/23 1pm Lauren Polen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87924733290?pwd=dGJSMkF2SUMvRlJOUmMyaFNQeENLUT09
Meeting ID: 879 2473 3290
Password: 002652
High School Aged Students – 4/24 11am Lauren Polen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82473540107?pwd=c1RsZWlJa3BBVUtWeUZNT2M4Tk55UT09
Meeting ID: 824 7354 0107
Password: 016777
Adults- 4/24 1pm Lauren Polen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83264220986?pwd=cnlRNmFqbWFhcUIzQkdUREkxSEFmQT09
Meeting ID: 832 6422 0986
Password: 001734
Senate Passes Deal to Replenish Coronavirus Relief Funding
Recent news from NAR…
The U.S. Senate passed legislation Tuesday to replenish funding for several coronavirus small-business relief programs championed by NAR and available to REALTORS®. The House is expected to take up the measure later this week.
Under the Senate agreement, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will receive $310 billion in new cash, while the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) fund will receive an additional $50 billion.
The bill sets aside $60 billion of PPP funding exclusively for small and medium-sized community banks.
“The PPP ran out of money in about two weeks and the EIDL was running on fumes,” says Shannon McGahn, NAR’s top federal advocate. “These are two of the most extensive rescue programs in our nation’s history. We are hearing from brokers around the country who were able to keep their employees on the payroll because of this help and from self-employed members who have been able to keep their businesses afloat.”
“Although the rollout was a bit rocky because of the programs’ sheer size and demand, more and more banks are coming in line,” McGahn says, “and we encourage all our members who qualify to check with their lender again and keep trying. It’s worth it.”
The Senate bill also contains $25 billion for coronavirus testing and $75 billion for hospitals.
Quick Guidance for REALTORS® on the PPP and EIDL:
- If you’ve already applied for an EIDL: The SBA is processing applications already in their system on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need to reapply.
- If you have not already applied for an EIDL: Check back at the SBA application page once the additional funding is signed into law. The SBA will re-open applications shortly afterwards.
- If you’ve already applied for a PPP loan through an SBA lender but have not been approved yet: Check with your lender to see if they are maintaining a queue of applications during the lapse or if you will need to reapply when the renewed funding comes through.
- If you have not applied yet for a PPP loan through an SBA lender: Have the application form filled out and your documentation ready to provide to your lender. (For businesses with employees, have payroll documentation; for independent contractors, have your 2019 Form 1040, Schedule C, and 1099-MISC.) If you have an existing relationship with an SBA lender, you should go to that lender first once the program reopens, but be prepared to try multiple lenders, which you can find on the SBA site.
Get the latest news and guidance on COVID-19 and real estate at nar.realtor/coronavirus.
Bio For Success
Have you wondered what goes in to writing a successful bio? Writing a bio can be hard, many of us have been putting it off “until we have time”. Well, here is the time! Covid-19 has many of us staying home and working on our marketing plans. What better place to start than with a strong bio? Last week FAAR Academy hosted a class called Bio for Success taught by Matthew Rathbun, check out these great tips or watch the recording of the webinar below!
Why
A strong bio is important because not only will it allow your potential clients to connect with you, it will help them find you. The majority of buyers will google real estate agents before they pick one and especially before they meet with them. Having a great bio and utilizing search engine optimization will help your name show up higher in searches across the internet.
You Attitude
Use “you” attitude when writing your bio. A great way to connect with clients is to show them the lengths you are willing to go to serve them and the experiences you have had that will help them. Keeping your buyer in mind, even when writing your bio is a great way to connect with future clients.
Write Different Versions
Making multiple drafts of your bio will save you time. One bio should be a full bio of a few paragraphs for your homepage. Your second bio should be about one paragraph so you can share it on multiple pages. Your third bio should be just a couple of sentences to share on social media. Saving all three of your bio drafts in one word document can save you time for each time you start a new account!
Check out these great tips and more so you can write a successful bio:
How to Make Your Virtual Open House a Success
On Friday (4/10/20) Sherrie Shaw with Universal Title shared tips on how to hold a successful virtual open house. Check out these great tips from the FAAR webinar:
Setting Up Your Virtual Open House
- Select a good date and time for your virtual open house.
- 9 AM is about the time most people have started their day.
- 12 PM is when people are on their lunch break
- 5 PM and later is after work when people are winding down and checking out social media.
- Set up your open house as a Facebook event on your business page.
- Pro tip: Use hashtags in your event description. These can be things that are features of the home or area! #FrenchDoors #HistoricCommunity #FreshPaint
- Have an outline script to keep you on topic.
- Plan for your virtual open house to be about half an hour.
- Pro tip: Start your showing a little early to make sure all your equipment is working.
- Make a walkthrough video before you go live in case something with your live walkthrough goes wrong. This allows you to still have something to post.
During Your Open House
- Get people involved!
- Hide an object in the home and have people take a screenshot when they find it. Have participants email the screenshot to you to be entered in a drawing for a gift card or prize.
- For best recording results consider investing in a gimbal to stabilize your phone while you record.
- Present yourself as a professional.
- Dress like you would for a regular showing. You never know when you’ll run into a mirror.
- Make sure you smile throughout your showing. Even when the camera isn’t on you, people can hear a smile.
- For safety, ask someone else to come with you to the showing. You’ll be marketing this event and telling people exactly when and where you’ll be. Having an accompanying party will help keep you safe.
Right now, we are looking at adapting. As we adapt to our current situation, we’re designing the future of real estate. The normal we build today could be our next normal. Many of these technologies and techniques will be relevant long after this pandemic has passed. Good luck with your next virtual open house!
Watch the whole webinar here.
NAR Advocacy Wrap Up
NAR has a lot going on fighting for our Realtors®, check out what your association has been doing for you!
1. NAR letter to Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, and your member in the House and Senate.
The letter thanks Congressional leadership for their work to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis in the CARES Act. This law was written to provide broad, much-needed protections for small businesses and independent contractors, and I urge you to support the funding these programs will need to meet demand and ensure the legislation is implemented as intended.
2. NEW Federal Advocacy Resource—Quick Reference Guide to Recent Health Insurance Changes
The Guide provides a high- level overview organized by source and type of coverage (Employer, Medicare, ACA for testing, treatment, etc.), including numerous helpful links to federal, state and other official sites for those interested in learning more. It also prominently features the REALTOR Insurance Marketplace, including the new Member Telehealth benefit.
You can find the Guide among the Advocacy Group FAQs here:
www.nar.realtor/coronavirus#section-181292
Landing page:
www.nar.realtor/political-advocacy/…
3. NAR Calls for Servicing Relief as Banks Tighten Mortgages
The real estate industry is growing alarmed over recent moves to tighten credit standards for new loans to home buyers as banks try to fend off disruption and losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Association of REALTORS® warns that lending standards could grow even more stringent if federal regulators don’t step in soon to alleviate the servicer logjam in lending.
4. Banks will soon be able to postpone some appraisals until 120 days after a mortgage closes
Citing the need to “extend financing to creditworthy households and businesses quickly in the wake of the national emergency declared in connection with COVID-19,” a trio of federal banking regulators announced Tuesday evening that banks will soon be able to delay getting an appraisal on a property for as many as 120 days after a mortgage closes.
New Video Series Launches: “Locked In With Kim” Features Relevant Conversations for REALTORS
Locked in with Kim Episode 1
The Economy After Covid-19: A Local Perspective
Public Policy Director Kim McClellan interviews Curry Roberts with the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance.
Locked in with Kim Episode 2
Top Mortgage Questions to Keep Asking
Public Policy Director Kim McClellan interviews Tim Murphy with C&F Mortgage
Locked in with Kim Episode 3
Food Bank Services in Great Need
Public Policy Director Kim McClellan interviews Elizabeth Gilkey with the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank
Locked in with Kim Episode 4
Downtown Businesses Adapting to Covid-19 Difficulties
Public Policy Director Kim McClellan interviews April Peterson with Main Street and local business River Rock Outfitters.
Locked in with Kim Episode 5
Commercial Real Estate Chugging Along
Public Policy Director Kim McClellan interviews Ben Keddie, CCIM on the current state of the commercial market.
Locked in with Kim Episode 6
Sick of your 4 walls? Explore new possibilities for you and your clients with K Hovnanian Homes
Public Policy Director Kim McClellan interviews Jennifer Sloat of K. Hovnanian homes.
Locked in with Kim Episode 7
Phillip Blake of MBH Settlement Group shares top tips for your transactions!
Public Policy Director Kim McClellan interviews long time Affiliate Marketing Partner, Phillip Blake
Locked in with Kim Episode 8
David Cooper, CEO of Thurman Brisben Center shares how you can give back to fight homelessness in our region
Looking for a way to give back to the community? Give your $20 for 2020 to the Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation at faarmembers.com/foundation and help support groups like the Thurman Brisben Center! The needs are ever increasing and the Foundation has already given $3,000 in emergency funding—help us give even more!
Locked in with Kim Episode 9
NSWC Federal Credit Union shares tips for financial success
Get the top financial tips with Laura Gilchrist and Stephanie Lyles from long-time Sapphire Affiliate Marketing Partner NSWC Federal Credit Union.
Locked in with Kim Episode 10
Rene Daniels with Spotsylvania Schools
No Mom and Dad, you are NOT screwing up your kids with homeschooling. Hear the comforting words from straight from Spotsy schools!
Locked in with Kim Episode 11
Universal Title’s Dynamic Duo
Pam Godfrey of Universal Title Stafford and Sherrie Shaw of Universal Title Fredericksburg show the way to smooth settlements!
Locked in with Kim Episode 12
Bugs didn’t get the stay-at-home order?
PermaTreat has you covered! Mat Loveall shares how business continues.
Locked in with Kim Episode 13
Kim interviews Paddy Osborne with Regarday
Put your listing’s best foot forward with incredible footage from FAAR Affiliate Marketing Partner, Regarday!
Locked in with Kim Episode 14
Listing need some TLC?
Call Tim Liddy with Charden and get that home in tip top shape at NO COST to the seller until the home closes!
Locked in with Kim Episode 15
Featuring Fred Parent’s Megan Walsh
Need some tips on keeping the kids entertained? Get the scoop from the region’s premier family magazine, FredParent! View the Magazine at https://fredericksburgparent.net/
Locked in with Kim Episode 16
Featuring Chris Muldrow with Rambletype
Don’t fear the virtual new world! Embrace it with digital marketing services from our web expert and Affiliate Marketing Partner, Chris Muldrow with Rambletype
Locked in with Kim Episode 17
Featuring FAAR CEO, Pat Breme
Our exciting series comes to an end with an update from FAAR CEO Pat Breme on the reopening of FAAR.
Press Releases
January Real Estate Market Kicks 2018 Off with a Bang
January kicked off a good start to the year in the local real estate market posting significant gains in total sold dollar volume, median sold price, and units sold. Days on market, which has been continually declining compared to the prior year, decreased...
Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation Awards $1,200 Grant
The Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation provided a $1,200 emergency housing assistance grant to Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (MHA). The grant was used to repair the home of a client of the organization participating in their Senior Visitors Program. The...
December Closes Out a Strong 2017 for Local Real Estate Market
The 2017 real estate market posted a significant increase in total sold dollar volume and modest increases in both median sold price and units sold. The year closed out with a total sold dollar volume of $1,856,321,321 which represents an 11.5% increase over the...
November Posts Modest Gains in Local Real Estate Market
November posted modest gains for the local real estate market with slight increases in total sold dollar volume and median price and decreases in units sold and days on market. Total sold dollar volume increased nearly 3%, coming at $125,014,068. This increase was...