News

Recent news, business resources and press releases.

New Real Estate Podcasts

Listen to hot topics in real estate whether you’re on the go or lounging at home!

Allowing Third-Party Cookies to Be Set in Your Browser

Having trouble logging in? It could be your cookies!

What We’ll Cover

  • Safari
  • Internet Explorer
  • Chrome
  • Firefox

Certain FAAR features, such as logging in and registering for classes, require your browser to accept third-party cookies.

Cookies are pieces of data stored by web browsers that websites and applications can use to remember a web browser from one request to the next. They allow features like shopping carts and user account logins to function.

Many web browsers make a distinction between first-party and third-party cookies. First-party cookies are created by the web server identified by the address shown the browser’s address bar. Third-party cookies can be created when content is loaded from domains other than the one shown in the address bar or in FAAR’s case, from the connected member database.

Some browsers allow users to decide whether or not the third-party cookies should be accepted. To configure your browser to allow third-party cookies, follow the instructions for your chosen browser.

 

Safari (Mac)

1. Click Safari in the menu bar.

2. Click Preferences…

3. Click the Privacy panel.

4. *For the option Cookies and website data, select Always allow.

5. Log in to your account at faarmembers.com/myaccount.

6. Once logged in, the FAAR cookie is stored and you may set the Cookies and website data setting back to its default setting

*In older versions of Safari, for the option Block cookies, select Never

 

SAFARI NOTICE: Because the FAAR website consists of two sites, the FAAR database and the faarmembers.com website shell, a setting in Safari related to cross-site tracking affects functionality of the FAAR website.

Choose Safari > Preferences, click Privacy, then unselect “Prevent cross-site tracking.” Close and reopen your browser to apply the settings.

 

Safari (Apple phone or tablet)

1. Click Settings app

2. Scroll down and click on Safari

3. *For the option Block all cookies, turn off setting

4. *For the option Prevent Cross-Site Tracking, turn off setting

5. Click on advanced and delete existing cookie data for faarmembers.com

6. Log in to your account at faarmembers.com/myaccount.

7. Once logged in, the FAAR cookie is stored and you may set the Cookies and website data setting back to its default setting

 

SAFARI NOTICE: Because the FAAR website consists of two sites, the FAAR database and the faarmembers.com website shell, a setting in Safari related to cross-site tracking affects functionality of the FAAR website.

Choose Safari > Preferences, click Privacy, then unselect “Prevent cross-site tracking.” Close and reopen your browser to apply the settings.

 

 

Internet Explorer

1. Click the cog/tools menu icon in the upper right of the window.

2. Click Internet Options.

3. Click the Privacy tab.

4. Click Sites

5. In the Address of website field enter [*].faarmembers.com. Be sure to include the square brackets before and after the asterisk.

6. Click Allow, then OK.

 

 

Chrome

1. Click the menu icon in the upper right side of the browser window.

2. Click Settings.

3. Scroll down and click “Cookies and other site data”

5. Ensure the option Block third-party cookies in incognito is selected.

6.Scroll down to “Sites that can always use Cookies”

7. Click Add

7. Enter [*.]faarmembers.comBe sure to include the square brackets before and after the asterisk.

8. Check “All Cookies, on this site only”

 

Firefox

1. Click the menu icon.

2. Open the Options window.

  • For Windows users, click Options.
  • For Mac OS users, click Preferences…

3. Click the Privacy panel.

4. In the History section, select Firefox will: Remember history.

NAR’s Data Security and Privacy Toolkit

This Data Security and Privacy Toolkit aims to educate real estate associations, brokers, agents, and multiple listing services about the need for data security and privacy and assist them in complying with legal responsibilities. The Toolkit provides:

  • Information about state laws and pending federal regulations regarding data security & privacy protection
  • Checklists of issues to consider when drafting a security program
  • References and sample policies created by government or other organizations
  • The FTC: 5 Key Principles to a Sound Data Security Program

Plan ahead and know the Data Security & Privacy laws that impact you and your real estate business.

Download the toolkit pdf here

Learn more about this topic at www.nar.realtor/data-privacy-security

Data Privacy and Security Toolkit

Data Privacy and Security Toolkit

#MemberMonday | Meet REALTOR® Clay Murray

Name
Clay Murray

Hometown
Botetourt County, Virginia

Current Location
Fredericksburg, VA

Title
REALTOR® at Coldwell Banker Elite Spotsylvania

Number of Years in the Industry
25.6 in dog years

Why do you love working in real estate?
There’s never, ever a dull moment. No two days are the same. An avid attention to detail in an ever-changing industry is a challenge that I embrace. The best part though is being there to celebrate successes with my clients and solidly being there for them to work through any challenges we face — together. I say it all the time and it may sound corny, but it always rings true…”We’ll get there together!”

What are you most proud of in your career?
Being able to continually help clients and friends solve their real estate challenges, find solutions, and ultimately achieve what they set out to do. Buying or selling a home is physically, mentally, and emotionally tough to do and if I can get them through the process with a smile on their face and as little stress as possible, then I’m a happy camper!

Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I do! I have a few avenues that I volunteer my time which are incredibly rewarding. I work in our Outreach Food Pantry at church, Fredericksburg United Methodist, to meet local folks in need and distribute food to help them make ends meet. I host a food drive every month to make sure we keep the food pantry stocked, ready to serve others.  With FAAR, I really enjoy helping out at the Thurman Brisben dinners we serve while building a gracious camaraderie amongst my fellow volunteers. I also volunteer as a class coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. It is inspiring to help guide folks of all ages through the powerful class and to share best practices about how to find peace in our finances.

Fun Fact
Hmm, I grew up on our family farm outside of Roanoke, Virginia where we made apple cider (Murray’s Cider Company, Inc. since 1938) and raised cattle. Growing up on a farm is fun and that’s a fact!

Popcorn & Politics | Annual Chamber Legislative Reception on 11/29

Please join sponsor Embrace Homes Loans for this year’s Politics and Popcorn put on the by Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce!  This event is your opportunity to meet and interact with the state delegation that represents our region.   The panel of Legislators will answer questions that members submit in advance as well as take questions from the audience.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

3:00pm to 5:00pm

Gari Melchers’ Belmont, Stafford County

$20 for Chamber Members

$30 for General Public

Register here:  http://members.fredericksburgchamber.org/events/details/popcorn-politics-6487

Council of Residential Specialists Announces Name Change to Residential Real Estate Council

Council of Residential Specialists Announces Name Change to Residential Real Estate Council

November 20, 2017, Chicago, IL—The Council of Residential Specialists announced today, effective immediately, that it is officially changing its name to the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC).  The name was changed in an effort to minimize the confusion between the organization’s name and the CRS Designation which is not changing.

“We’ve grown significantly and our new name reflects our commitment to deliver the highest level of knowledge and professionalism in the industry,” said Lana Vukovljak, CEO, Residential Real Estate Council. “As an organization, we are committed to providing premier education and fostering innovation to the brightest and most successful leaders in real estate.”

The Council also announced that the renowned CRS Designation symbol has been updated with a more contemporary look and feel.

“The CRS Designation is the most recognized and prestigious one in the industry,” said Leigh Brown, President, RRC. “The new look reflects our 41-year history of training and empowering ethical, efficient and successful real estate professionals within a more contemporary context to better represent the top REALTORS® that achieve the Designation.”

“We will be transitioning these changes over the coming weeks and months to make it as easy as possible for all CRS Designees to adopt the new branding,” said Vukovljak.

The Council implemented a number of groundbreaking changes this past year including offering a new education pathway leading to CRS Designation, and maintenance requirements for its CRS Designation. It also added 22 new classroom and eLearning courses to its education curriculum and is offering 80 webinars by the end of 2017.

“The Council is supported by innovative industry leaders who invest their time, energy and ideas to help it thrive and find solutions that keep our members at the top of the industry, while staying true to its mission,” said Vukovljak.

For further information, contact the Residential Real Estate Council at 800-462-8841.

 

About the Residential Real Estate Council, formerly the Council of Residential Specialists

Residential Real Estate Council, formerly the Council of Residential Specialists, is the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS® comprised of more than 33,000 members, supporting them with education, networking events, practitioner developed tools and mentoring. It awards the CRS Designation to experienced REALTORS who have completed advanced professional training and demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in residential real estate.

Confused by your ethics requirement? Read this!

Every two years, an agent is required to renew their license. Part of the requirement to renew includes 3 hours of ethics. DPOR, the state licensing board, does not require any specific ethics for an agent to renew their license. NAR and FAAR require the NAR code of ethics. It’s a specific ethics geared towards Realtors®. That is the difference when you are taking a class. Please check when selecting an ethics class that it includes the NAR code of ethics and when you get your certificate after completing the class, forward it to the association so that we can update our records.

Got more questions? Contact Membership Services Director, Lori Hillard-Wehr at lhillardwehr@faarmembers.com

Interested in serving as a FAAR Delegate to the state association?

FAAR is advertising for members to apply for the Delegate at-large position on the Virginia REALTORS® Delegate Body . The At- Large Delegate must attend the two meetings, the Virginia REALTORS® Legislative Conference in February in Richmond and the Convention in October in Norfolk. FAAR covers the event registration, hotel and mileage to each event. For more information contact Pat Breme, pbreme@faarmembers.com. Send Breme a brief resume and why you wish to represent FAAR at the state level by December 4.

Interested in serving on the NVAR Standard Forms Committee?

The position to serve as FAAR’s representative for 2018 is open for application. You must be a member of NVAR or agree to become a member. The term is one year and attendance at least 9 monthly meetings is mandatory. Application deadline- December 4. Please send a brief resume and why you want to serve to Pat Breme, pbreme@faarmembers.com.

Standard Forms Committee (Open to NVAR members and those who have been in the business for at least 5 years)
The Committee is responsible for creating, reviewing and revising the standard forms developed by NVAR for its members. The committee also ensures that forms remain in compliance with federal, state and local laws. The committee meets the second Wednesday of every month beginning at 10:00 at our Fairfax Headquarters. Committee members should be prepared to commit themselves to attending at least nine meetings a year.  Additionally, committee members are expected to complete subcommittee work in between meetings. For additional information on NVAR committee responsibilities contact Pat Breme, pbreme@faarmembers.com.

Going Global | Certified International Property Specialist Courses

FAAR member Sha Williams-Hinnant of 1st Choice Better Homes and Land, along with FAAR Professional Development Director Barbara Castillo, headed to NVAR October 23-27 to successfully complete the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) courses. The CIPS course curriculum offers you hands-on experience with international real estate transactions, as well as five full days of study focusing on the critical aspects of currency and exchange rate issues, cross-cultural relationships, regional market conditions, investment performance, tax issues and more!

The Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation is the exclusive global designation of NAR®. This premier designation is awarded by NAR’s Commercial and Global Services department to designees who complete over 40 hours of coursework and meet practical experience criteria that demonstrate knowledge and familiarity with global clients and programs. Only 3500 REALTORS® and REALTOR® Staff members have been awarded this prestigious designation.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This